E-Newsletter Special Edition (June-October 2019)

VOLUME XXXI NO.1 JUNE-OCTOBER 2019

The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School (Grades 11 & 12)

EDITORIAL #HandsOff Skimmers Read on page 5

FEATURE “You have stolen my dreams.”

Read on page 9

/unorstarlight

SPORTS The life of a student-athlete Read on page 14

FIRST. Twenty-three participants of the Integrated School (Grades 11&12) display their medals and certificates from the 2019 Division Scilympics. | Photo by Lester Garche

UNO-R debuts at Scilympics; 4 studs qualify for Regionals

by Noah Cambal

In spite of being the first and only private school to join the competition in Bacolod City, the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Integrated School (Grades 11&12)’s Science Investigatory Project (SIP) entries excelled in this year’s Division Scilympics, held at Domingo Lacson National High School, October 14 to 16.

Twelve of 13 research studies placed in the Top 5 and four students will advance to the regionals at Ramon Torres National High School, Bago City on November 6 to 8.

Rodan Valenzuela of 12SEM09, Joshua Steven Calvo of 12-SEM08, and Joellan Chris Arlos and Isaiah Miguel Villanueva of 12-SEM01 will represent the Division of Bacolod to the Regional

UNO-R suspends membership in NOPSSCEA for one year

Scilympics as they seized the top two spots of their respective categories.

“Joining such a challenging competition such as this really got me looking forward to it. The preparation for this competition was the most challenging part of it considering how the competition date was moved twice, and for the final competition date landing on

exam week made it more difficult for us to prepare for.

The results of the competition gave us participants from UNO-R a bittersweet feeling.

Nonetheless I hope that as the first ever private school to participate in the Divisions Scilympics we are able to build a foundation for the future participants of UNOR,” Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela won the

Robotics and Intelligent Machines Individual Category as Champion, followed by Calvo who bagged 2nd place, and the Best Presenter and Best Poster awards.

Arlos and Villanueva also garnered 2nd Place, Best Presenter, and Best Poster in the Robotics and Intelligent Machines Team Category.

Trisha Cabanillas from 12SA01 seized 3rd Place, Best SCILYMPICS | page 4

Photo by Mark Lecciones

by Danell Jumayao

The University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (UNO-R) will not join any sports, cultural and educational activities of the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) for school year 2019-2020 after concerns from the university brought to the NOPSSCEA board were not adequately addressed.

UNO-R pointed out NOPSSCEA’s lapses in schedules, updating their sports manual, policy on catering to outside games, eligibility requirements, standard rules of using playing uniforms, financial support for coaches for next-level competitions, and proper procedures in handling cultural events at

the PRISAA level.

“We hope that the NOPSSCEA Board will look into the issues and address them strategically for the good of all member schools,” UNO-R President Fr. Don Besana said in a statement.

UNO-R Sports Moderator Ms. Elma Lina Tejida said that the university’s suspension of membership from NOPSSCEA will not affect its participation to other sports events such as University Games and the Augustinian Schools Athletic Meet.

Qualified athletes from the Integrated School also participated in this year’s Association of Negros Occidental Private Schools and School Administrators Inc. (ANOPSSAI).

NOPSSCEA fees were not NOPSSCEA | page 2

CAMPUS JOURN. DSPC participants from I.S Grades 11&12 rejoice after the three-day contest.

UNO-R SHS nabs tickets to Regional Schools Press Conference University of Negros Occidental Recoletos (Grades 11-12) siezed numerous awards in different categories during the 2019 Division Schools Press Conference held at Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, October 8 to 10.

Twenty-two senior high school students in eight

by Danell Jumayao

individual and two group competitions will represent the Division of Bacolod to the Regional Schools Press Conference at Iloilo City.

"This is a humbling experience after the successes achieved over three years of SHS participation to DSPC. Our department will now represent the largest

contingent of junior or senior high schoool from Bacolod to RSPC," said Head Coach Mr. Jude Xerxes Herbolario.

Therese Mae Dedoroy and Noah Cambal grabbed 1st place in English and Filipino Copy Reading, respectively.

Melody Lumauag placed 2nd in Feature Writing English, while Khezia Paula DSPC | page 4

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NEWS Photo by Therese Dedoroy

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

NEWS BITS 1521 students commence A.Y 2019-2020

by Noah Cambal

1521 Senior High School (SHS) students filled the University Gymnasium as the Integrated School (Grades 11-12) Department held this year’s welcoming rites spearheaded by Non-academic Coordinator Mrs. Rowena Mider, June 17.

The event included performances from chosen students and the orientation of Academic, Disciplinary, and Student Development and Placement Center (SDPC) policies.

“Thank you for your dreams. Thank you for choosing UNO-R, the Cradle of Excellence. The only promise we have for you is that we make you all ready for your future endeavors,” Academic Coordinator Ms. Venus Blancia said in her opening remarks.* YOUTH’S FIGHT. Y4CH leads protest in Lacson Streets for Coal-Free Negros.

Lacson assures youth: EO on Coal-Free Negros stays

In response to the youth's call for a coal-free province, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio "Bong" Lacson clarified in his statement in the Inaugural Protest led

by Youth for Climate Hope (Y4CH) that he will not repeal former Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.'s Executive Order 19-08, June 29 at Lacson street.

Y4CH rejoiced in front of the Provincial Capitol Lagoon along with other activists as Lacson emphasized that all related discussions on the establishment of a coal-fired powerplant will be on hold and they will focus on maximizing the renewable energy sources in the province.

"As we inaugurate this incoming administration, NOPSSCEA from page 1

collected from students this year as a result of the University’s decision to suspend its membership, however, scholarships provided to college varsity and selected senior high school students were not affected.

NOPSSCEA Committee on Sports Chairman Dr. Carlitos Orola expressed his sadness from the taking leave of one of the founding member school of the NOPSSCEA. “We, in the NOPSSCEA Board, need to address this. It is disheartening to see the varsity athletes not being able to participation in sports, cultural, and educational exchanges that the NOPSSCEA provides,” Dr. Orola told the Visayan Daily Star.*

by Danell Jumayao

let us celebrate this victory.

And with hope, we shall continue to create a future that is clean-energy dependent and clean-energy resilient.

Let us celebrate the start of something beautiful," youth groups responded in a statement read by Coleen Awit of the Coal Free Negros Network (CFNN).

CFNN, the three Roman Catholic Dioceses in Negros Occidental, Negrosanon youth, and people from Guihulngan and Dumaguete also participated in the activity.

Lacson's Chief of Staff Jonathan Lobaton expressed Lacson's support for the activists. "[If the youth succeeded],

we must be vigilant also for the next days. That's why I am here to wish all of you the best from our Governor," Lobaton said.

Y4CH gave Lacson a painting of himself with a windmill to represent his openness to listen to their cause.

"It was overwhelming, for the Chief of Staff to go here despite of [Lacson's] inauguration.

We hope that this is a good sign of the bridges that we are not burning, this is a good sign of citizen participation, in the Lacson administration," Krishna Ariola, lead convenor of Y4CH, said.*

STEM-MAH, HUMSS clinch RF 2019 tilt

by Abbey Gale Cordero

STEM-MAH and HUMSS were hailed victorious among the various studies of Grade 12 students showcased and presented during the UNO-R Reasearch Fair 2019, October 21-22.

12-SEM08’s Natasha Sun, Beatriz Caballero, Alyssa May Javier and Gel Ann Sepe bagged 1st place in the STEM Research Showcase with their study entitled "Anticoagulant Activity of Carabao Grass Extracts and Its Effects on Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell Counts.”

Following suit are Robert Guanzon’s group of 12SEM01 with their study "The Influences of Fish Wastes Biochar on the growth and development of Tomato Plant" and Therese Dedoroy’s group of 12-SEM08 with their study "Broad Spectrum Inhibitory Activity of Family Myrtaceae Plants in the Philippines,” garnering 2nd and 3rd place in STEM showcase, respectively.

12-SA01’s Noah Cambal,

Aouie De La Peña, Trisha Labrado, Roshie Racaña, Sergs Samson, and Earl Tanaman stood out in the non-STEM showcase with their study entitled "Impact of Homophobia to the Perception of UNO-R Senior High School Students to the Developing Culture of Homosexuality."

Garnering 2nd place in non-STEM are 12-SNT01’s Joshua John Noble’s group with the study "Transcendence of the Marketability of Technopreneurial Business in a Rural Institution" followed by 12-SNT01’s Alojipan’s group with their study entitled "Patronization of Shoppers Toward Secondhand Clothing 'Ukay-Ukay' Shops in Bacolod City.”

"We are overwhelmed that we won because we don't expect this. We worked as a team that is why we conquered this challenge and together we gained the success," Labrado said.

ACT-Bayan and USWAG air voices

by Jan Marianne Trinidad

Photo by Kyle Jobe De Guzman

SPORTMANSHIP. Kit Martin de Paula of USWAG and Khezia Paula Dumala-os of ACT-Bayan shake hands after the debate.

Cheers of excitement and support filled the University’s gymnasium as SHSSAO 2019’s Grand Rally and Electoral Forum ensued with parties of ACT-BAYAN and USWAG battling for positions in the Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (SHSSAO), July 19.

Both parties presented their respective platforms. The electoral forum highlighted the event, with the presidential and vice presidential candidates participating in the debate.

“You shall embody the idea and principles of Augustinian Recollect Core Values to promote welfare of our students and the academic standards of our fellow faculty,” said Mrs. Rowena Mider, non-academic coordinator.

The 2019 General Election was conducted last July 24, with ACT-Bayan candidates sweeping positions in the SHSSAO national offices headed by Dumala-os who won the presidency.

SHS celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit

by Joshua Steven Calvo

With this academic year's motto "One soul and one heart directed towards God," Rev. Fr. William Villaflor, OAR, Vice President of Finance and House Prior of Recoletos de Bacolod, led this year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit with concelebrating OAR priests, focusing on the theme "Holy Spirit: the Gift of God's Love, Empowering Us to Love,” June 26.

"Building a foundation and knowledge for personal and spiritual life as well as basis for personal success is our personal aspiration as you, our students, open your doors to the recollect education," Rev. Fr. Persiuz Joseph Decena, OAR, Basic Education Director, said.*

Annual Walk for Healing held for cancer patients

by Jan Marianne Trinidad

UNO-R commemorated the Feast of St. Ezekiel Moreno, Patron of Cancer Patients, with the annual Walk for Healing and a concelebrated mass last August 28.

The walk started at the South Capitol Road and ended at the UNO-R Gymnasium, followed by a mass at the Gymnasium.

Religious organizations, lay administrators, university personnel, READS, Integrated School faculty, Senior High School grade 12 students, and the college departments joined the said event.

“A man without prayer is like a tree without roots, we have to be rooted in mind in order to bear fruit,” Rev. Fr. Don H. Besana, OAR highlighted in his homily.*

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NEWS

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

SHS holds Mass of the Holy spirit

Grade 11 students show off excellence, highlights 2nd Celebration of Learning

NEWS BITS

UNORians ace Essay Writing

by John Lester Trafiero, Hazel Lorraine Herida and Esther Limbana

by Danell Jumayao

UNO-R SHS students again excelled in the field of writing as Hazel Herida of 11-SRC01 claimed the championship in the Regional and Provincial Level and April Joy Ditchella of 11-SJ01 placed 1st runner-up in the Provincial Level of the 85th National Book Week Essay Writing Contest hosted by the Philippine Librarians Association Inc., September 3 and 6 at the Bacolod Public Library.

"I always had the passion to write but I lost my confidence in myself. I didn’t expect to win at all but it made me realize that I need to maximize God’s gift to me as a writer," said Herida.

Herida will represent Region 6 in the upcoming National Level of the said writing competition.*

Starlight seizes four awards in PIA

by Danell Jumayao

Starlight SHS garnered four awards in the 45th Basic Journalism Seminar-Workshop hosted by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 6 at Bacolod Business IN Hotel, September 11 and 12.

Josh Aldrich Diola and Jane Sarmiento were awarded Most Promising Writer in Science and Technology Writing - English and Feature Writing - Filipino, respectively, while Jan Faith Ramos won Promising Editorial Writing - English. The publication won the Promising Page Design and Layout award.

This year’s seminar-workshop was held in collaboration with Negros Weekly Inc.* Photo by AZ Rivera

MUSICAL. Strings Authority showcase a captivating performance.

SCAPAA spearheads reflective concert

by Natasha Sun

In support to the Augustanian Recollect Missionaries stationed in Sierra Leone, Africa, the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines Alumni Association (SCAPAA) co-organized a two day reflective concert entitled “one Heart, One Voice” in partnership with the Integrated School, Religious Education Department, and Campus Ministry Office at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, September 5 and 6.

The concert featured Jubilate Deo Chorale, local duo musicians Strings Authority, Java Loca band, religious song under Musical Director Michael Tambasen, and original compisitions by Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR.*

Grade 11 students of Accountancy and Business Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) showcased their different outputs during the 2019 Celebration of Learning at the Little Theater, October 17 and 18.

Grade 11 students from ABM presented their business outputs where FrostBite of SRC01, Food Finds of SRC02, and Jakks Call of SRC03 won the Best Business award in their respective sections.

SRC01’s Dodong’s Balls, SRC02’S LuhMeh BBYko, and SRC03’s Jakks Call were awarded as Best Presenter, while SRC01’s Rainbow Pot, SRC02’s LuhMeh BBYko, and SRC03’s J2M2 NS Food Company claimed the Best Group award.

Humanities and Social Sciences showcased current social issues driven by society with a film themed “A Journey to New Perspectives.”

STV03’s “Bugay” claimed the championship and the Best Picture Award while Janelle Betio, Renier Estrada, and Joey Roven Vicera

Photo by Clint Elbe De Guzman

INQUISITIVE. Benz Minanga of 11-SJ09 presents Brilliant Beavers’ proposed application for COL.

garnered Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director along respectively.

“Nanari-sari nga Yuhom” of STV01 nabbed the 2nd Place and Best in Cinematography, with John Art Legasin as Best Actor.

STV02’s “Speak” garnered 3rd place and BEst Screenplay with Gillian Misuara as Best Supporting Actress.

On the other hand, “The Ethereal Dragons” of SJ03 prevailed out of the eleven sections of the Grade 11 STEM through their Capstone proposal application entitled “Nature’s Defense,” bagging four out of the six major awards given, namely Best

Wikang Katutubo, namayagpag sa Araw ng Lahi 2019

by Natasha Sun

Photo by Clint Elbe De Guzman

Teatro Lingganay hosts theaterical play

by Noah Cambal

In response to Pope Francis’ call for the examination of the situation of families in today’s world, the Sacred Heart Seminary - Bacolod’s Teatro Lingganay, in partnership with Student Catholic Action of the Philippines, led a fund-raising theatrical play entitled Iyas at the St. John Paul II Diocesan Cultural Center, September 20.

"Iyas is rooted in the hiligaynon term for a seed that is not an ordinary seed but the kind which has the potential to grow bigger," said floor director and seminarian Jose Miguel E. Gardoce.*

Grand Living Rosary caps Month of the Holy Rosary by Natasha Sun & Therese Dedoroy In line with the culmination of the Month of the Holy Rosary, the Integrated School (Grades 11 & 12) held the Grand Living Rosary celebration, at the University Gymnasium, October 23.

Selected sections from the department presented tableau performances of the five Sorrowful Mysteries. Afterwards, students gave honor to Mary through their offering of flowers, bouquets, and candles. The celebration ended with the Crowning of Mother Mary and a community song.*

Product Packaging, Best in Advertisement, Best Poster, and Best Paper.

“Synco” of SJ02 claimed the award for Best Webpage, and Benz Christian Minanga of the “Brilliant Beavers” of SJ09 was Best Presenter.

“It was really tough but we managed to finish everything.

The most important thing here are the lessons that we learned,” Ellio Grecco Haro of “Frostbite” from SRC01 said.

The Celebration of Learning of Grade 11 students culminated the first semester of the academic year with performance task outputs from SHS academic strands.*

BOSES NG KABATAAN. Ipinamalas ng TVL SMN 01 ang kanilang orihinal na komposong nagkamit ng kampyeonato.

Sa temang "Wikang Katutubo: Tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino," nanaig ang pagkamakabayan ng Senior High School (SHS) sa kanilang pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Lahi 2019 sa University Gymnasium, Agosto 15.

Ipinamalas ng mga estudyante ng SHS ang kanilang mga talento sa iba't ibang larangan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga presentasyon.

"Ipapakita natin na ang mga Pilipino, lalong-lalo na ang mga magaaral ng

Senior High School ng Unibersidad ng Negros Occidental Recoletos, ay may likas na talino, malikhain, mapagmahal, maparaan, at higit sa lahat, may kagandahan sa loob," ani ni G. Harry Magluyan, Tagapamahala ng SHS. Nakuha ni Royce Amar ng SJ03 ang unang gantimpala sa Digital Poster Making, na sinundan naman nina Mark Anthony Principe ng SEM01 at Zawrence Malunes ng SA01, na nasungkit ang pangalawa ang pangatlong puwesto.

Sa Patimpalak sa Akdang Pampanitikan ng ika-12 na baitang, napanalunan nina Thea Ebon ng SA02, Phebe Tanguan ng SEM01, at Kit Martin De Paula ng SA01 ang una, pangalawa, at pangatlong gantimpala, ayon sa pagkasunod-sunod.

Namayagpag naman sina Jenn Nicole Sasota ng STV01, Shanna Marie Dolino ng SJ10, at Benny Diestro ng STV02 sa Pagsasatao ng mga Pinoy Superheroes ng ikalabing-isang baitang.

Sa Komposo, napasakamay ng TVL na nirepresenta ng SMN01 ang kampeonato, na sinundan ng HUMSS SA01 sa ikalawang gantimpala, at STEM-MAH SEM10 sa ikatlong gantimpala.

Nasungkit naman ng STEM-MAH SEM09 ang ginto sa Pinoy Hiphop, na sinundan ng STEM-EIT SEM01 at ABM SNT03, ayon sa pagkakasunod sunod.

Matapos ang salo-salo ng bawat seksyon, ginanap ang Larong Pinoy 2019 na pinamunuan ng SHSSAO. Naglaro ang mga estudyante ng kadang-kadang, patintero, at habulan ng biik.*

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NEWS

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1 Photo by Mark Lecciones

AXES HELD HIGH. HUMSS celebrate onstage as the Kingdom of Ascia is proclaimed as LitMus 2019 champion.

Ascia conquers LitMus 2019 The Kingdom of Ascia were overjoyed as they conquered other kingdoms in this year’s Senior High School Literary Musical competition on the third day of the University Week 2019 at the University Gymnasium, September 11.

“We had so little amount of time to prepare for all the events, however it was the passion and dedication of

by Jan Marianne Trinidad

students and teachers that really made this championship possible”, said Ms. Ernestine Lavilla, head adviser of Ascia.

Ascia nailed the championships in the Impromptu Speaking Declamation Filipino, and MTV live. Trisha Cabanillas represented Ascia in Impromptu Speaking, and Kit Martin de Paula in Filipino Declamation.

“The secret for declamation is always in the eye. Another secret is to enjoy and feel the portrayals of characters, and understand the flow of story as if you are the teller of the story”, de Paula said after being asked on what are his preparations for the competition.

Ascia garnered second place in Oration represented

by Noah Cambal and English

Declamation represented by Thea Angela Ebon. They also grabbed third place in Vocal Solo Pop and fourth in Biglaang Pananalita and Hiphop.

The Kingdom of Mons followed after Ascia, posting over-all first runner-up.

Ignis and Coronam placed second and third runners-up, respectively.*

SHSSAO holds 1st Handuraw

DSPC from page 1

Dumala-os and Josh Aldrich Diola bagged 3rd place in Scitech Writing English and Editorial Cartooning English, consecutively.

Hazel Lorraine Herida and John Lester Trafiero rested 6th and 8th in Editorial Writing Filipino and Sports Writing English.

On the other hand, TV Newscasting Filipino Team and Radio Broadcasting English Team secured a spot in the regionals by acing the said categories, and placing 1st in the Division.

Joellan Chris Arlos, Thea Angela Ebon, Azriel Martin Padernal, Sean Olvido, Althea Barin, Bianca Grometes, and John Leigh Defante completed the TV Newscasting Filipino Team while Ellio Haro, Mary rea Gulmatico, Mary Grace Navales, Briela Mariquit, Richel Corpes, Ivan Caminian and John Ray Pahamutang, composed the Radio Broadcasting English Team. * Ms. Methozela Iligan and Ms. Andre Louise Dayap coached the TV Newscasting teams while Ms. Therese Amor Panzo and Mr. Joseph Karl Tatlonghari coached the Radio Broadcasting teams.* Photo by Mark Lecciones

by Danell Jumayao

As a way to culminate the first semester, the Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (SHSSAO) hosted their first worship night entitled Handuraw, filling the university gymnasium with solemnity and solace through praising God, October 24.

With a theme “Finding Solace in His Presence,” the event was held in-partnership with Youth For Christ - Gawad Kalinga, whose members led the worship with a full band.

“It was definately an overwhelming experience, because not only was it the first ever worship jam hosted by [SHSSAO], but it was an undeniably soulful experience allthroughout. This event aimed to fortify the spiritual growth of the department, and I’m sure that similar events such as Handuraw will be implemented throughout the school year,” SHSSAO vice president Joshua John Noble said.*

SCILYMPICS from page 1

Presenter, and Best Poster in the Life Sciences Individual Category, while Jiru Gratuito from 12-SEM01 grabbed 3rd Place in the Physical Science Individual Category.

Ma. Ella Bagaforo, Dane Claudelle Abalayan, and Francis Raymund Garcia of 12-SEM08 won 3rd Place in the Life Sciences Team Category, and Kimberly Germia, Hiede Lotayco, and Angel Nina Hechanova of 12-SEM09 bagged Best Presenter and Best Poster in the Physical Science Team Category.

12-SEM08’s Rica Sophia Villacanas was also awarded as Best Presenter, Best Poster, and 4th Place in the

Life Sciences Individual Category, with Jerrylle T. Siasat placing 5th in the same category.

Xynnel Vann Datorin, Patricia Nicole Barazan, and Lorenz Ann Guanzon from 12-SEM08, and Eliana Sustento and Kezia Bayona from 12-SEM03 placed fourth in the in the Life Sciences Team Category and Robotics and Intelligent Machines Team Category, respectively.

Mr. Jude Xerxes Herbolario, Ms. Joy Borcelas, Ms. Andre Louise Dayap, Ms. Therese Amor Panzo, and Mr. Randy Catague coached the participants.*

ASCENSION. Singh and Sasota flash smiles as 1st UYAs.

Singh, Sasota rise as 1st UNO-Rian Youth Ambassadors

Sharn Preet Singh of Mons (SMN01) and Jenn Nicole Sasota of Ascia (STV01) reigned as the 1st UNORian Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress after they battled with other kingdoms in the Search for the UNORian Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress (UYA) 2019, at the University Gymnasium, September 12.

Mons bet Singh garnered the Mr. Photogenic, Mr. Interiority and People’s Choice special awards, while Ascia bet Sasota grabbed the Miss Photogenic, Miss Professionalism and Miss Interiority special awards.

“Challenges are everywhere, not everything is easy. You have to do hard

by Natasha Sun

work and if you have the will to win, you could win,” Singh said.

Sean Andrei Miag-ao of Ignis and Sharry Sultan of Mons were 1st runnersup, Carl David Patos of Coronman and Dylan Chreole Alova of Ignis were 2nd runners-up, and Rone Buslay of Ascia and Althea Lim of Coronam were 3rd runners-up.

Ignis rep Miag-ao grabbed the Mr. Professionalism, Ambassador of Service and Community Life, and Ambassador of Marian Discipleship special awards, while Alova was awarded as the Ambassadress of Marian Discipleship special award.

Lim of Coronam nabbed

the People’s Choice Award and Sultan of Mons seized the Ambassadress of Service and Community Life.

Organized by the Senior High School Student Affaris Organization (SHSSAO), the event was a highlight of the Integrated School Senior High School U-Week celebration.

“We wanted to show the relevance of how a student can actually be a direct representation of the youth, especially in UNO-R SHS. This was about why should students involve themselves and grab opportunities to echo their advocacy towards issues close to their heart,” SHSSAO Vice President Joshua John Noble said.*

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OPINION

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

EDITORIAL

For the Truth, We Rise

Opposing those in power comes with a price. No matter how much reality is sugarcoated, there are always brave souls who choose to take a stand, even with all the rocks thrown at them.

The heart-pounding performance of Skimmers from the University of the Philippines - Visayas shook the country. The team was attacked for using chants that condemn the administration. “Let’s kill this President.... charot!” became the highlight of the performance, even though the group also focused on other important national issues, such as mandatory ROTC and the struggle of today’s Filipino farmers. Their “cheer” earned backlash, especially on the internet, from “DDS netizens” and those who actively support the Duterte administration. The gist of their argument is that taxes are wasted on scholars who don’t know anything but to rally and attack the government and its policies.

However, it seems more like taxes allotted for the Iskos and Iskas are worth it: they know what needs to be voiced out for the sake of our country, and are fi ghting for it.

The current president has long been known for his unstoppable mouth. A day before Skimmer’s performance trended, he ordered controversial police officer Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido to “go start killing” in Bacolod. How come a clip of Skimmer’s performance mentioning the President went viral even faster than the killing spree statement? Contrary to what the president announced in his speeches, all the killings should be stopped. These blunt and inhumane statements from our chief executive was somehow put to side in exchange for one line in the cheer of our nation’s scholars. Indeed, his speeches are often accompanied by curse words and sentiments, immediately follwed by ‘clarifications’ that these were mere ‘jokes.’ This has become common to those who witness his manner of addressing the nation - and this should never be normalized.

The fight for truth is now taken to the streets.

Filipino youth have a massive participation in protests nowadays. It was a youth group (Youth For Climate Change) who led the inaugural protest to keep Negros coal-free. Ateneo de Manila students together with other protesters took part in the Global Climate Strike. In August this year, UP students rallied for academic freedom to protest against police and military intervention in schools stemming from Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s claim of schools having been infiltrated by leftist rebels. These people, these young students, speak out because they understand what is happening, and they understand what needs to be done.

The truth is not easy to deal with. It could make people uncomfortable, yet it is the reality. We are lucky today to have brave souls who speak out even with the price it pays amidst the tyranny. These people do not deserve the hatred they receive. We fight for what we know is right, and we speak for we know what needs to be voiced out. With the Skimmers, the countless opinion pages of newspapers, and people who march regardless of the ‘killing spree orders,’ we shall always rise for truth against oppression in all of its forms.*

The official student publication of the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Integrated School Senior High School Department

/unorstarlight | unorstarlight@gmail.com Volume 31 Number 1 | June - October 2019 Danell L. Jumayao Editor-in-Chief

Trisha G. Cabanillas Managing Editor

News and Sports Editor Noah T. Cambal Feature Editor Hazel Lorraine G. Herida Literary Editor Wynzel L. Desuyo Multimedia Editor Therese Mae J. Dedoroy Graphics Editor

John Lester T. Trafiero

LLS

TRO

column

Keep Your Focus Version 2.0 Danell L. Jumayao danelljumayao0708@gmail.com

How would it feel if all the ‘gossip’ we see are about the current events that are happening to our nation? ossiping has become G a culture in the Philippines. There’s the image

of typical Filipina titas talking about what happened to whom, as if they’re involved in the lives of everybody around them. Hot issues are tackled on diff erent social media sites. Famous and relevant people are always on the spotlight. Gossiping has become entertainment. Little do we know, as we monitor others’ live, we unconciously give attention to them more than we should.

With the passing of their father, the feud between the Baretto family had been the most talked-about issue this October 2019. There’s #TeamGreta with Gretchen Baretto, who always opposes the statements of her sister Marjorie. There’s #TeamTruth with Marjorie Baretto. She’s trying to show the good daughter image.

Marjorie’s daughter, the famous Julia, also couldn’t keep out of the feud. They catch us up with their lives as if we’re involved. With too much focus on showbiz updates, people fail to notice NEWS AND OPINION WRITERS Jasper John Barcenal Joshua Steven Calvo Abbey Gale Cordero Natasha Eve Sun Jan Marianne Trinidad LITERARY WRITERS Gio Patrick Baliwag Princess Aries Domingo Sergs Nino Samson

the truly important issues around us that needs to be addressed.

The results of the Duterte administration’s lapses are slowly dragging the country down – there’s the on-going war on drugs that continues extrajudicial killings, Filipino farmers’ suffering with the low cost of rice, and fishermen struggling because of China’s uncontrollable take over in the West Philippine Sea. Mocha Uson was, again, appointed in the government, now as Deputy Executive Director of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. The DENR approved the heavily opposed China-funded New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam project in Rizal and Quezon. The transport crisis in the country is worsening as time passes by, and there are still people like Panelo Salvador that refuse to address these issues as if these problems do not exists.

When the DOH decleared dengue as a national epidemic and the Amazon rainforest was burning at record levels, celebrity issues like the love triangle between Julia,

FEATURE WRITERS Josh Aldrich Diola Esther Jane Limbana MelodyJoy Lumauag Jane Marie Sarmiento PHOTOJOURNALISTS Nina Gabrido Lester Garche Clint Elbe De Guzman Kyle Jobe De Guzman Mark Daniel Lecciones AZ Rivera

Gerald, and Bea dominated the internet.

With all these toxic gossips spreading and taking over, most fail to be aware of other relevant issues that truly involve us. Some are aware, but chose to ignore and easily brushed these issues off. Something is easier to remember for an individual if one is always reminded of the topic. How can our national issues be remembered if the toxic gossips circulate around excessively as if it’s more important?

Filipinos are fond of entertaining stories. Maybe that’s why teleseryes are such a hit in our country. What’s not acceptable is seeing my fellowmen lose their focus on things that truly matter.

As a nation, we face struggles and conflicts every day.

What happens to our country will reflect in our way of living. We are a democratic nation; we will always have a say. Even in small things, like being literate about what is happening, helps.

The things we consider as ‘entertainment’ shouldn’t mask or overpower the issues that needs our attention.

Besides, how would it feel if all the ‘gossips’ we see are about the current events that are happening to our nation?

These events involve us anyways. Enough with this toxic gossip culture.*

GRAPHIC ARTISTS Abrielle Kaye Barayoga Denise Aira De la Fuente

VIDEOGRAPHERS Francis Matthew Vaflor Jan Faith Ramos

CARTOONISTS Breia Ysabel Lizada Sean Olvido

LAYOUT ARTIST Jennel Marie Rontale

Jude Xerxes P. Herbolario, RMT, LPT Adviser

Starlight is the official student publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School (Grades 11 & 12). No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the expressed written consent of the Editorial Board. All contributions to this publication become property of Starlight. The Editorial reflects the opinion of the whole publication. The Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit and revise all submitted articles before published. Loqui tui veritati.

6

OPINION column

Fields of Gehenna: A Drastic Harvest of Oppression

YOU DO NOTE! Noah T. Cambal noahtejadacambal@gmail.com

The dignity of our farmers is being abused by irresponsible leaders and citizens without care for their welfare. he Philippines is a T highly agricultural country with 25.67%

of the total population being farmers and land workers. The country ranks 8th globally in total rice production, accounting to producing 2.8%.

Moreover, the country became selfsuffi cient in rice in the 1970s and was a rice exporter to neighboring countries such as Indonesia, China, and Myanmar. However, with the rapid increase in population and limited land resources to produce the total rice requirement, the country slowly turned into a net rice importer. The Philippines is the second largest rice importer in the world next to China.

The increasing demands of rice in the local markets already reached its peak as it overpowered the supplies from the local farmers.

Not surprisingly, rice farmers consistently rank among the poorest in the country, and they are likely to get even poorer because of the downward spiral in palay prices — a backlash from the deluge of imported rice ushered in by the “game-changing” of the Rice Tariffi cation Act (R.A. 11203) signed

by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, opened the country’s doors to the swift importation of rice. The impact of the shift in import policy to rice farmers has been devastating to the farmer’s economic web.

To isolate the supposedly “golden

HALT!

spoon” above the table’s surface, is a manifestation of demarcation which limits the privileges and opportunities of the local farmers to keep their wings of survival stable in an environment fi lled with vulture-like predators.

Firstly, it is perverse to compare an orange to an apple. To compare the farmer’s socioeconomic growth to their agricultural inputs diminishes their market share. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that palay prices have been falling consistently since the law took eff ect. In the second week of August, the national average farmgate price of palay dropped to P17.62 a kilogram, a 20.9-percent slide from P22.28/kg in the same week last year. The farmers’ profi t margin has thus been cut by around half, forcing them to earn just P5 for every kilo of the staple sold, from P10 last year; it costs about P12 to produce a kilo of palay, compared to just P6 a kilo in Thailand and Vietnam.

Secondly, it is impossible to fi t a square peg in a round hole. The eff ect of this law is barely enough for survival. The common understanding of how far would this law bring the palay farmers on the gatepost of economic haven is blurry. Economic managers and technocrats have touted the rice tariffi cation law as something of a magic bullet that would make quality rice more affordable and accessible to

Filipino families, however, prices of palay have gone down dramatically, retail prices of well-milled rice have not budged as much.

Retail prices in the second week of August are down just 7.3 percent to P42.71/ kg from P46.06/kg last year. Week on week, retail prices even baffl ingly went up from P42.59/kg.

What was supposed to fi t on the needs of the farmers and local land workers seemed derogate the fact of survival both in the local markets and daily living.

Lastly, hasty generalization has distorted the truth. Our lawmakers still doubt the data showing the grave economic losses of these farmers. Sen. Cynthia Villar, says that farmers hoping to sell their grain at a price of P21 per kilo is an exaggeration. This is “too much,” according to the senator that pushed for the implementation of the rice tariffi cation law.

However, according to the group Batas Bigas, even the price of P21 is too much for the senator, the farmers will only be making a profi t of P5,564 every cropping season, which is quite low compared to the supposed income of a family with fi ve members so as not to be considered poor.

The current struggle of the farmers is a direct result of the lack of attention given by the government on their concerns. This is where the dignity of our farmers takes root— dignity that is being abused by irresponsible leaders and citizens without care for these farmers’ welfare.

At this point, the farmers need immediate aid. They face horrendous hunger, displacement and loss of livelihood. They cannot aff ord to wait for the law’s silver lining, when they are on the threshold of obliteration today.*

Watching discreetly around the corners you couldn’t see, Adarna’s back for the latest talks around.

FOR THE GLORY AND GOLD

They are just HALT who HALTS their way to success! To be HALT! with a shortcut? Maybe these HALT!s are too intimidated, getting a HALT! just to win over HALT! who did everything by themselves. How does these HALT!s have the audacity to be even proud? Recognition may be precious, but behind those are sheer shadows of what you HALT! from within. One must remember, HALT!s will always be HALT!s no matter what they seem to uncover or try to prove. These HALTS! even dragged HALT! in the name of HALT! Have fun with your ill-gotten HALT!, and be remembered with that.

ONE TIME BIG TIME

HALT! thinks that it is time to HALT! such festivities for they are deemed to be taken out of context. The true value of HALT! is no longer expressed through forced HALT! and HALT! process of HALT!ing the wisdom and knowledge acquired by the HALT! HALT! distastes the subjectivity of HALTs! in HALT!ing. If HALT! wants them to HALT!, then why not channel them through different mediums instead of such HALT!ing?

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

column

The Integration Femme Inis Trisha G. Cabanillas treesyacabanillas@gmail.com

Change will always be inevitable, true, but you still get to do something.

ith the new W academic year, the Integrated School of

the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos moved its K-10 students to the new building right across the university field, otherwise known as the IS Building. While all the events run good and remain with the same purposes and end goals, something just doesn’t seem right.

Now, the halls feel more barren, the noise seems less cluttered, and most of all, the entire predicament just feels less. Well, if you go through all the sugarcoating, and cut down all analogies, it goes directly to students. The school just seems emptier.

This has become more apparent to me during the University Week 2019.

When the expectations of crowds and activities organized by the various clubs of UNO-R should have been filling the hallways with all types of shenanigans; Vendors should have had bustling orders; tile halls should have been smudged with countless footprints of students running back and forth. Yet as I trudge the quiet halls, it was as if U-Week was nowhere to be found in UNO-R. Most of whom I talked to voiced out their observations that could be summed up in one word, lack. Lack of participants for events, audience, interaction, the normal hype, and lack of students. What’s worse is how they pointed out the proximity of everything that should be going on.

The demographical aspect of this integration has become aloof as the higher levels stay in the hallways of the high school area while the rest occupy the distant figure that towers the flats of the fields, becoming the antagonist of the story.

This separation has taken a distinct toll on how the Integrated School Department works.

Relations have become harder, not only in terms of social interaction but also in academic and nonacademic transactions such as practices and the likes that concern

the extra-co which both sides actively partake in.

Yes, these may seem like minor inconveniences that can be fixed with one simple walk across the field or one phone call, but invalidation of the observations made by the students themselves is certainly not the key to resolve this somehow feeling of incompleteness.

All things considered, no one is truly the culprit of this subtle conflict inside the campus. The establishment of the new building aims for inculcation of teachings of this cradle of excellence.

The relocation was essential for adjustments of the consistent gradual development of this academic institution. And most of all, we simply cannot argue with what is already there.

This noticeable blankness that loiter the hallways should not be a hindrance to the bond that we share with each other, no matter the reason. The distance that now requires a bit of a lengthy walk or a rerouting for car parking should not instill a pessimistic thought in our minds. The hassles of transactions and the now missing overwhelming skimpiness of walkways during events and the likes should not shape our minds into believing in the thought that we are truly separated. Perhaps it will become more difficult, or become normal as time goes by, but this alternate route to student interaction should not define our relationships as UNORians and as learners of this institution.

Earning one point for the cliché sugarcoating of the predicament which unfolds in front of me, I make no other choice but to do what I can, as should anyone else too.

Walk that distance, cope with that inconvenience, and acknowledge the sensation of missing that group of friends or a specific thing that would only occur if there was no separation. Know that this silence that you notice is valid, but it shouldn’t stop us. Change will always be inevitable, true, but you still get to do something. *

7

OPINION

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

column

S

taying woke has been a main-stay for this generation.

It has been so relevant and rampant in social media that it almost seems impossible to not see a post without a “woke” demeanor or connotation every few minutes of scrolling down one’s newsfeed. This has become toxic and has promoted a culture of intellectual elitism.

The irony of the matter is that those who merely possess the aesthetic of intellectualism circulate this toxic “pa-woke” behavior. Stemming from the increasing ease of access to the internet, woke culture won’t be going away anytime soon.

After all, it’s an easy way to flex without actually having to work for it.

Early internet culture (specifically the early 2000s) was filled with 90’s era pop culture posts and aesthetics as the internet

Woke or Pa-Woke?

at the time was still young and in its diapers.

Conspiracy theorists flooded these early lands of the wonderful web and brought with them, this socalled “tinfoil hat” culture, that bleeds paranoia and hysteria to the point of humor.

Flash forward to the early 2010s where the internet has become a semi-solid structure of itself, nearly as complex as it is now, the internet culture has diversifi ed to the accompany the various users that now inhabit it due to easier access.

The hysteric behaviors of those early “tinfoil hat” users have now bled into one of the internet’s most common sense of humor: Satire.

Today, woke culture is present to give those who are fond of it a sense of having a high seat in society. In its most innocent sense, it is used for spreading information

the fastest possible way.

However, some misuse wokeness, and resort to using it as a way to establish a selfcontained and self-believed version of superiority. Since it is most commonly used as a bragging right to show an intellect, where there is a lack thereof, it becomes easy to pinpoint people who are actually woke versus those who are “pawoke.”

Some people are quick to jump towards a certain stand due to convenience and lack of information.

Some of them just like being woke for the feeling of “having a diff erent view” of society, when in fact they themselves have forgotten to verify their facts. Actual woke people spread information to inform in the most subtle yet eff ective ways. This merely shows that there are still those who are truly woke; yearning to educate.

But the masses often

no x rebirth Gio Patrick Baliwag giobaliwag@ymail.com

An aesthetic of intellect is nothing compared to the real thing. believe “pa-woke” people right away, perhaps due to laziness or comfortability, doing so just propagates the “pa-woke” culture.

The core of woke culture is that it is ingrained with the truth. In its purest sense, it is for spreading information of the people, in a humorous sense it is used for satire, and lastly in its foolish sense, it is used for self-gain. An aesthetic of intellect is nothing compared to the real thing; in order to truly be woke, one must be humble and compare the facts before spreading what one believes to be an opinion worth noting.

Never should a fad be

one that promotes toxic behavior. All posts have the possibility to go viral.

Each one can infl uence others in ways I can’t imagine. Little do we know, what we read also contains fallacies.

“Pa-woke” culture can be summed in two words: critical thinking.

Being aware of what you are reading, knowing the entirety of its context, as well as the verifying its legitimacy is the key to being actually woke.

Opinions are always there but when they clash against the undeniable truth- the truth always sets you free. Stay woke.*

column

f you want to make I a country to be successfully developed,

you should start with their human rights.

The Senate Bill No. 1271, an act prohibiting discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE), otherwise known as the “Anti-Discrimination Act” authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, instantly sparked controversies which rattled netizens and the common folk.

Contrary to conspiracies circulating around the internet, this bill is more than a superfi cial notion, if we just allow ourselves to delve deeper as to what this bill really is and discern the truth rather investing our opinions rooted on misconceptions.

At the height of this issue, the arrest of Gretchen Diez became the new face of the Philippine LGBTQ+ movement, a transwoman who is shamed and denied of the right to use the toilet, instantly sparked the call for the passage of the SOGIE bill. While detained, Gretchen went live on Facebook, allowing thousands to watch as she was insulted by a janitress who dragged her across the mall, saying “This wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t go

#SOGIEEqualityNow

to the women’s bathroom.

You are not a woman.”

Gretchen knew she was being kept against her will and illegally held. After which, she was fl ocked by a bunch of interviews and hearings, where she voiced out that there is no real equality. She also pointed out the need for a separate bathroom for people like her, and if needed, she will run for a position to assail the LGBTQ+ community.

We cannot undermine the feelings and those who are regularly discriminated in voicing out their concerns. But to impose one’s belief on others is far-reaching. If a transwoman believes she is a woman, let her. But if society believes he is male due to his biological makeup, should that individual assert his/her beliefs on others? Moreover, we all have the right to urinate.

But to ask for a separate CR, or to be allowed in the girl’s CR is not an exercise of a right but rather a plea for a special privilege.

It can be granted, but it cannot be imposed.

Each one of us has SOGIE; being “straight” or heterosexual is a sexual orientation (SO), cisgender means having a gender identity (GI) that matches the sex assigned to us at birth, and we all have diff erent expressions

Unscathed hallows Therese Mae Dedoroy dedoroy.therese@gmail.com

Equal rights for others doesn’t mean less rights for you. based on who we are.

Opposing lawmakers say that the SOGIE bill gives “special rights” to the LGBTQ+ community, but SOGIE applies to everyone and aims to protect everyone from SOGIE-based discrimination. The law is for all of us. This law doesn’t take anything from anyone, and it does not also imply that this is against the laws of God or the church. Dr. Tesa Casal De Vela, Executive Director, Women and Gender Institute of Miriam College said during the SOGIE Equality Bill Hearing said, “Academic freedom does not include freedom to discriminate.

Religious freedom does not include freedom to hate speech.”

What is clear here is that even major Catholic educational institutions support the bill during the SOGIE Equality Bill Hearing last September 4. “This SOGIE Equality Bill does not give any special rights or any privilege to these people.

As a religious woman, I believe in respect and compassion,” Sister Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Executive Director of St. Scholastica’s College stated. Mina Tenorio, Likhaan Center for Women’s Health also pointed out that eliminating discrimination is a not a zerosum game.

Nobody will suff er if others gain equality. Now what’s your excuse?

Attesting to this bill just means that we Christians continue to solidify bigotry and homophobia against the vulnerable, rather than accepting the fact that they are a big part of the community that we live in.

Moreover, the law would provide equal opportunities to employment, education and social services. It will also promote programs for nondiscrimination and diversity in schools and workplaces. It also extends to schools, where kids are educated of SOGIE through programs.

As what Lance Dela

Cruz, President of De La Salle University Student Government voiced out during the hearing, “I am not afraid of the [LGBT]. What’s more scary is that my kids, and the kids of our kids will just be okay that they can’t have jobs, could not go to school or harassed in streets just because they are part of the LGBT.” If we are all for safe workspaces, this bill is just one step in eradicating prejudice and the norms.

“We believe that diversity is God’s gift.

We choose to celebrate diversity,” Pastor Kakay Pamaran of the Union Theological Seminary pointed out during the SOGIE Equality Bill hearing pointed out. As one community, we all heed for equality. It is our natural nature to gain equal rights, and fight for what is right. It all boils down to the concept of common good, where we become a society who doesn’t leave anyone behind, rather becoming one in solidarity to achieve what is good for everybody. If it is equality we are looking for, then we should not identify ourselves as male, female or LGBTQ+, because at the end of the day, we are all human beings. Equal rights for others doesn’t mean less rights for you. It is not like a pie.*

8

OPINION

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

OF CROSSES AND HIJABS

DIVERSITY OF RELIGION IN THE CRADLE OF EXCELENCE

by Esther Joyce Limbaña

Differences in perspective of existence, variety of religions throughout the world, and faith that upholds a being. University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos continues to evaluate itself as the Cradle of Excellence and with it comes the education of values to be upheld by each member of the said institution. The diversity of beliefs in this educational institution is a mixture of insights – students that have various evaluations regarding their perspective of faith, and also an outmost knowledge of interiority. Religion has long been established as a system or creed that envelopes faith and worship of an individual. With that in thought, manifestations of every single student regulates the mind, soul, and spirit giving way to what we now have as the diversity of beliefs.

University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos though known to be a Catholic Institution welcomes students of all kinds, regardless of their religion.

Differences of ideas and essence of spiritual state in this generation is rich and evolved including beliefs and worship which is a necessity to an individual.

In short terms, every single person that walked through the campus upholds a faith that withstand oneself. Indeed, individual beliefs become an imperative aspect in learning but what perspective does the mandatory ordinances that come every now and then provide for these young learners?

Indeed, the conventions of having dissimilar religious beliefs in UNO-R bring in various reactions. Take Sittie Merhannah Barodi, from Sta. Rita of Cascia – 01 for instance; a grade 11 Islam student who narrates that “UNO-R is still a school which is an institution that has a goal to guide the students to have a better future into whoever they want to be. It's just that it is administered by the Order of Augustinian Recollects who wanted to form and develop young people into Christian youth. But, it is good to see that UNO-R doesn't limit students that want to study in the university where they consider service to non-Catholic students.

For me, the school precisely gives more chance and opportunities to the catholic students to socialize and collaborate with other noncatholic students.”

Truly, there are a lot more to this world than

the surfaces of arguments that intend the acts of being unprejudiced to people and seeing the good in everything. As what Barodi clarified, it is a reflection of journey of being spiritual and objective, not just for the same religion but for everybody. It is a manifestation of worship and unity, where UNO-R develops a knowledge and wisdom of understanding not just for the Catholics but for every single one in the institution. Moreover, students assert awareness about the diversity of beliefs that inhabit in their perspective and learn to deeply know what is true and right in their hearts regardless of religious stances Alvin John Murallo from St. Joseph – 01, a grade 11 Born – Again Christian student during a brief interview regarding the topic at hand said that he “chose UNO R not for being a ‘Catholic Institution’ but I want to study in UNO-R because of its good quality of education that offers me to become a successful student someday on the near future. Honestly, I don’t even mind about the same schools that offers the same religion that I have because it doesn’t matter what religion you belong as long as we serve our Almighty God Jesus Christ.”

It is not then new to every UNO-Rian that mandatory masses become a part of the school’s plans for students but as what Jireh Rebalde expressed, “I usually attend mandatory mass in UNO-R even though I am a Born – Again Christian for that reason it's not about the religion itself but the important thing is we serve and worship our one true God. Attending this mandatory mass keeps my relationship to God even stronger. It also strengthens my faith in him. And help me to stay positive at all times. It's good to be surrounded with those people that fear the Lord.”

In the end, differences don’t matter.

Students, despite having various beliefs are more than open to an expansion of perspective that they are thinking. UNO-R continues to be a place of heart and truest souls of love, grace, and peace. The positive effect of unity and understanding that builds inside a person is boundless and can’t be shattered. And as school day passes, each UNO-Rian walks to continue the legacy of excellence, not just in academic but definitely in spiritual development.* Illustrated by Aira Dela Fuente

A FOUR-CORNERED DEPARTURE Time flies by again in the form of remaining tests, requirement checks, clearance signings and every other possible form of finalization. The halls bustle with multitudes of agendas necessary enough to bring back the students in their dusty blue jumpers and brown khakis back to school for another couple of hours, another day, another week.

Situations like these carry a certain air of familiarity for those who witness it; a repetition of annual back and forths tinged with a subtle desperation to finish what could be finished only to come back the next few days for what's left of the responsibilities that just seem to become more endless everytime a UNO-Rian checks a compliance task off the checklist. A never ending end, if you may.

With the synonymous routines, weary eye-bag adorned faces of students who crowd the school cafeteria for breakfast, almost every one can't refrain from a quick sigh wishfully daydreaming of a refrain from performance tasks, demands of presence at school and heaps of paperworks.

But most of all, with the hype of social media tips that surface their dark-mode timelines with every refresh, ecstatic questions from relatives and their occasional encounters, “Why don't you go to so-and-so's school? I heard it's really good?” the mental battle to leave or stay in the wings of the

University they have grown to be familiar with. Just like that, the word “final” entangles everything a grade 12 student does each day before graduation.

With all the fuss of the graduating batch of 2020 from the struggles of finding an attire for the yearbook photoshoot, to verifications of tasks to be submitted in all shades of colored folders except the shade of rest, the idea of becoming a college student becomes even more realistic now that the supposedly two years of the K-12 ebbs away in counted down days. Indirectly, a quick epiphany of the nearness of another four years in college has backed up all grade 12 seniors into corners of predicaments; a four-cornered, decisiondemanding, time-lacking, area that leaves no room for anything but the conviction of hesitations.

The school year starts with the sweet thought of it ending preferrably with caps and gowns and ambitiously, medals dangling around our necks. UNO-Rians backed up in this predicament entice themselves with the processing of every requirement feasible for their aquisition, the brown envelope filled with paper from one registrar to another becoming their assurance when the days seem to creep on much longer than usual.

However, cries for those who wait for it will be heard during the graduation day. The

by Trisha Cabanillas

bittersweet thought of being a graduating member of the academic institution becomes almost purely bitter for them as they affliate the marching hymns and last minute finalizations with the possibility of letting go whatever it is that makes them look back down the corners of the campus. In short, set aside the risk of being behind or losing their educational progress, they do not want to graduate. It could be due to their own afflictions of departure from the University, its familiar go-to spots, atmosphere, and personal curricular activities or it could be due to the fact that their farewells would become even more difficult; good-byes dolloped with nostalgia.

In the skimpy corners of the Senior High crowd, hides the one with the least context of their situation. These types of students do their utmost ability to avoid talks of college plans.There are those who simply don’t have any clue. Just like the cliche crickets that play in an awkward situation, questions about future plans would be better off asked to the buzzing air-conditioning of the school library; there, the curious interviewer would at least get a cold rush of air and closed pores.

Despite the cluelessness that finishes off the unbothered UNO-Rians with no entire bullet point organized plan for their preceding years in education, the last common type is the most

conflicted of all. These students are not just unsure of their location in college, or the course that they would take. These group of young adolescents are entirely unsure if college has attended their orientation of arrival for the next academic year. Reasons for that weight of uncertain plausible outcomes may originate to heavy personal reasons they hide behind humor and absences that create a huge white space besides their name on the teacher's attendance sheets.

And so, the struggle to curate the symphony of juggling responsibilities and social interaction resume, only this time, the word final comes before every action. Final few days of exams, final accomplishments of contests, final touches for the performance tasks, final opportunities. Little do we know that the four corners do not just hold on in singularity to create a stereotypical categorization for the upcoming graduates.

Some days we are out in the field of the uncertain, some days we conquer in absolute certainty, an

art of collaborative confusion that creates an exciting final experience. And as we walk with the resonating stomps of our black shoes around the oh so familiar paths of UNO-R, we too leave a remnant essential for the memories of those who follow us. One shared sentiment about the experiences in a certain subject, one published article. All of our talks, leaps, triumphs serve as additional bricks that build the tower of the cradle we now call our second home.

Regardless of who you are, where you'll go, what you were before and after graduation, we all leave a part of us. When all the finalizations are done and become absolute, establish a part to leave off; a part you'll be proud to come back to - when you have the time.*

Illustrated by Abrielle Barayoga

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

FEATURE NO VOICE IS TOO SMALL

9

By Hazel Lorraine G. Herida

She believes in us. She believes in our capacity to make a difference. “You are failing us. But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal.

The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say: We will never forgive you.” These words from her speech have so much power. Greta is our modern hero who wears her braided pigtails as her cape and uses her voice as her special weapon. She is an embodiment of someone who is simple as a person and simple as a whole. She holds more courage than those in power. She takes more steps towards change than those we expect to do.

To think that we, as Senior High Students, are about the same age, it is fascinating to see the movement Greta has done to save the world. She serves as an inspiration to everyone that even if it seems impossible, an individual can create a great impact to the whole world.

Greta Thunberg represents the youth. We are already slowly waking up. Little by little, we are seeing the missing pieces covered by beautiful lies. The youth should be feared. It is not enough to talk, to promise, and to preach. She wants us to know that we have to do something. One day, she no longer has to fight. One day, we will live in harmony and move as one to save the world. Climate change is not the true enemy, but we can be our own heroes. Regardless the age, we all are capable of doing something bigger. No voice is too small once everyone becomes the voice.

“We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like i t or not.”*

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I’m one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”

Bold is an understatement to describe the words that Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist, uttered challenging the world to do something against climate change.

As a young girl, Greta had already felt a burning passion to fight for nature. When everyone else thought of childish things after seeing a documentary about the dying world inside the school, this teenager was saddened imagining what the world has turned into. This young voice chose to live a life influencing everyone to protect our environment.

Truly, she is a living example that no voice is too small.

Last August 20, 2018, Greta decided not to attend her classes. It was not because she was lazy or because she wanted to intentionally skip them. She was out there sitting outside the Swedish Parliament. At 15 years old, she stepped outside of what the society thinks she must do as a child. Every time she goes to other places to speak, Greta never made riding a plane as an option. She would either use trains or ride a boat. She would spend days travelling because she knew how a plane could largely contribute to pollution.

In her TED talk, Greta revealed that she has autism which garnered a lot of cruel comments from people older than her. Everyone turned against Greta as if she was doing something she doesn’t know because of her illness. Her mental illness, her age, and her situation never stopped her from pursuing what she wants—to open up the eyes of the people. Not everyone believes in her, but she believes in us.

Illustrated by Aira Dela Fuente Illustrated and words by Therese Dedoroy

What is your opinion on the No-Homework Policy?

“I disagree with the no homework policy it is because the teacher/s is/are giving assignment in accordance for the students to study and remember the lessons. Assignments help the students to recall and to be responsible for the assignment that given was to them. If they are saying that assignments makes the students have the lack of time for their family, then it is wrong. They can have family bonding through asking and seeking help about their assignments.”

Renheart Lascano 11 - SJ03 “For me as a student, the no homework policy is not good especially for those pupils under preparatory level because sometimes assignments serve as their bonding time with their parents the assignment should be given to the pupils or students but I believe that during Fridays there should be no assignments given to students.”

Jonalene Claur 11 - SJ04

“For me, I agree pero there are parts that I disagree sa no homework policy.

Like for example, we as students, we don’t learn sa pagpamati lamang but also sa pag share sang mga thoughts ta and isa na da ang homeworks nga makabulig sa aton. But when the homework is given on weekends for example, then very disadvantageous na ina for us students. So, I somehow agree but there are points for that I don’t agree with.”

Jubil Reign Villaruel 12 - SEM02 “No homework policy is very beneficial for us students. Having no assignments at home makes our mind free from stress at school. So I can say that I am in favor of the no homework policy.”

Aldrea Kysha Gonzaga 12 - SNT02

“Personally, I agree to the no homework policy, because we are not only students but we also have obligations as sons/daughters in our home. We have responsibilities to fulfill and if we are given homeworks, it will still feel like we are at school when we do the assignments given to us.”

Carla June Benitez 11- SJ05

10

FEATURE

Jowable: More Than Its Trailer

REVIEWS

Lover: Tiptoeing Daydream

by John Lester Trafiero

by Jane Marie Sarmiento

While everybody else is in the arms of their loved ones, enjoying the sweetness of love, there are some left out all by themselves without the company of a signifi cant other.

Elsa, played by Kim Molina, is a hopeless romantic who can no longer bear the feeling of being just the witness of love rather than the portrayer herself. Amidst the loneliness and hopelessness, the people around Elsa assured her that she is a keeper. The story revolves around her singleblessedness, a poor girl who wants nothing but a certain someone who would not give up on her, tell her important details of his life, and love her with all that she is. Star comedians Cai Cortez, Kakai Bautista, Chad Kinis, along with Kedebon Colim, Jobelyn Manuel, Fabio Ide, Candy Pangilinan, and Molina’s real-life boyfriend Jerald Napoles complete the main cast of the movie “Jowable” produced

by Viva Films. Successfully written and directed by Darryl Yap, the movie originated from a series of short films started in 2018 by Vincent Asis on the VinCentiments Facebook and YouTube pages, together with Yap’s SAWAKAS Shorts, leading lady Jobelyn Marie Manuel, and other online cast members. Despite being Rated R-13, this movie is recommended for everyone with an open mind. Jowable is so much more than what is shown in the teasers and trailer for the good stuff could be found in the movie itself that if seen in the former, it could have driven more viewers.

Love of all kinds are showcased in the entire movie: love for family, specifi cally between a single parent and child; love for signifi cant others, the short term and the long term which evolved from high school sweethearts to married couple; love for friends who are always there for each other; love for God through devotion and commitment. All kinds of emotions could be felt, may it be wrath for the situations the characters are in, gloom over the sad facts, or bliss through the laughter given besides the drama. Above it all, messages sent are awe-inspiring, making it worth the watch. As a glimpse, the nun’s thoughts on a love that has not yet come could either be God’s way of protection, making you wait for the right guy, or God’s form of love, a love that has already come but in a diff erent packaging that you might have missed. Curious of how this amazing story goes? Find out now!*

Proliferated in a world unknown, Lives to live or lives to scorn.

The story you’ll lead – stone-set before you, A destiny either to be broken or followed through.

Sets of privilege long since bestowed, Yet an unknown debt owed.

The chains of poverty or allegiance, Ones that shall hold you ever at circumstance.

We never got to decide our own fate, Merely living through it is its greatest escape – Memento Mori

The first break of daylight after the storm of 2017’s Reputation left - a shine of hope amidst personal battles - Taylor Swift’s latest album Lover tiptoes us to a daydream up above the clouds. She sings to everyone with rhythmic songs that not only talk of love but also for the justice that everyone deserves.

It was something she could call her own. Taylor, for the first time, was the master to her album, Lover, meaning she possesses the rights that follow concerning the songs listed in the album.

This is a huge achievement for her since she currently does not own the copyright for every album she made before Lover.

Swift also stays strong on her stand on social issue regarding social prejudice in the LGBTQ community, double standards, and sexism. “You Need to Calm Down” is more than just a catchy and entertaining song, its music video served as an advertising campaign for her Equality Act Petition to the US Senate which shouts protection of the LGBTQ people from discrimination in their places of work, homes, schools, and other public accommodations.

The banner is standing strong for Taylor and her fans, the said petition has garnered a total of 559,614 signatures as of September 24th. She also adds spice to her dreamy songs by channeling it through her song “The Man” where she speaks about work prejudice, sexism, or the double standard that she experienced f i r s t h a n d working in the music industry.

“I’m so sick of running as fast as I can. Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man.”

This speaks a lot about the struggles that a musician can experience in their career and the bravery that Taylor had to speak up about the dark side of the music industry.

This album struck a diff erent sound, this one from her heart.

Where once sang a melody full of heartaches and heartbreaks has now transcended into a form of something so mature yet pure.

Her songs are untainted by the pains and tragedies that she speaks about, instead, it plays a tone that clears the darkest skies to open a pathway to hope. Overall, the album captivated the hearts through a story of struggle, love and hope.*

lit

Born

Your dice was cast for you; Hand decided before you existed.

A mere pawn of the whims of fate, No way for one to have resisted.

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

Artwork by John Lester Trafiero

Uneasy Your branded neck Gave me chills down a fire, Had left my windows awake Yet your voice never wandered down my spire Only echoes of silence And the whispers of cats Hid me from the sins That promised me of hellfire.

As gray was my hands, To the confine I made you Tears drifting from my ceiling was blood drowning your wooden floor Screams from my attic Were only visions of heaven Damned was my soul kneeling To an empty altar where I called you God. – Droops

Jovian Lull-a-bye

Come to me and be my morning star, So that I, beyond the midnight, shall lie awake.

Let me see Jupiter’s swirling lines In your hair as I drift away.

Were it only right, I would hold you nearer To let go of words that I meant to keep.

Were there only time for staying still, I would stay with you and have my heart Be unsealed.

– Caduceus

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY in coal, we do not trust

Trail of Smoke

by Melody Joy Lumauag

by Josh Aldrich Diola

Illustrated by Breia Lizada

Sumatra and Borneo, monsoon winds carry its by-product to the expanse of the Southeastern sphere rendering those unfortunate enough to catch the ashen remains, helpless."I was really surprised when the sky went red," exclaimed a concerned resident. " It was dark and the wind was blowing strong, the feeling that is was another world."

In the past years, Indonesia, has been having a hard time controlling the fire outbreaks since the rural areas of Sumatra and Kalimantan are vast and therefore hard to monitor the daily activities. The habit of slash-and-burn in clearing the area for a new plantation to flourish is actually a major catalyst in the burning of the forests. Malaysia also emerged with a handful of fire alerts but it pales in comparison to the hazeharbringer, Indonesian ones.

As of now fumes covered the sky enabling the people to distinguish night and day."

If I am inside the house, I have to turn on the lights.

It's so dark!" With the haze epidemic going rampant citizens have been strongly against in exposing their families to haze. "I haven't opened the windows and doors for two weeks."

Acres and acres of land eaten by flames turned into burnt wastelands. Habitats destroyed. Wildlife suffering.

A single spark rekindles into a mass of red havoc, devouring everything it crosses its path with. Everything we do have consequences, and sometimes the price to pay exceeds what we own.The environment's conditions reflects the actions of its inhabitants and at the same time the consequences of the said actions wether positive or negative, influences the doer. To take immediate action is not only the responsibility of those on top of the social hierarchy or those in the position of power. Humans in general are the cause of the errors therefore all must take part in correcting it. Time is limited, but it is not yet too late to make progress. However if not recovered quickly, it will just be a matter of time until everything is reduced into a trail of smoke.*

Thick billowing plumes of sootblack smoke erupt from the distance, eclipsing the gaunt paleness of the skies. The crisp fresh breezes that bring soothing coolness from time gone have disappeared, only to be replaced by their present counterparts that smell faintly of some fuel and contain flecks of dust. An island in a nation on one side of a suffering planet, people choose their daily battles, but the Earth's state is no single battle, it is an escalating war with many facets varying among the different corners of the planet.

The world has recently been plunged into an intolerable environmental dilemma, which was quite predictable as we surge into technological and economic advancement. Here, in our native island of Negros and our province of Negros Occidental, we face the dangers of the effects of utilizing coal-fired power plants to supply energy to homes, industries, and institutions at an inexpensive price, but the question lies, at what other cost?

The entire situation can be likened to the natural phenomenon of a devastating volcanic eruption similar to that of Mount Pinatubo decades back, especially the disastrous column of smoke wafting through the surrounding lands and the air, resulting in a gash in the planet's armor of ozone shielding us from ultraviolet radiation, and the difference is that humans, on their own volition, will utilize the combustion of coal in power plants to generate electricity. Giant wisps of smoke will result from such processes, although much more minuscule compared to that of a volcanic eruption, the fact that power plants must undergo the process everyday is equivalent to air pollution overtime like poison seeping through water which will slowly kill everything in it.

The main reason why coal is such a big no-no when it comes to fuels is the fact that the amount of harmful gases it produces through combustion, as it is almost entirely composed of carbon, which will produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which are both hazardous to humans and animals, plus the residual chemicals such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. The gaseous chemicals are greenhouse gases, culprits for destroying the ozone layer causing tremendous changes in the Earth's climate and acid rain.

Our island of Negros is undergoing a rapid process of urbanization and industrialization, as electricity is the life-blood of a functional modern society. With a drastic national economic shift and the state of the agricultural sector in terms of finance especially the rice and sugarcane industry, money determines what mode of power generation the island will use. If we should resort to coal, we must prepare to receive the brunt of salvo after salvo of choking gases ejected into the atmosphere, only for the sake of saving some funds from the coffers.

In this contemporary world, we face the risks of losing what the environment used to be, and what will happen if we lose it, as we are experiencing only the beginning of the destruction of our only sanctuary. We do not want a future of hazy dark skies of smoke, we do not want to burn in the sweltering heat of the sun, and we do not want to perish by the choking grasp of carbon monoxide in our windpipes. We must resist, we must fight this war we waged upon ourselves in our own legion here in our native island of Negros, because in coal, we do not trust.

Illustrated by Aira Dela Fuente

It was hell on Earth, literally.

As the ash- clad smoke ascends the heavens encasing the sky in a turmoil of combustion and unadulterated chaos , the fumes of destruction leaves a lingering scar in it's wake.

Skies turned red and smoke that hurts the lungs, the effects of the Indonesian Haze caused by acres of forest fires made its way into the terrains of Malaysia, Singapore and even in the parts of Central Cebu, Siquijor and Palawan, Philippines. A national state of emergency has been declared in response to the ongoing effects of the hazardous fumes brought by the said cataclysm. Classes have been postponed, the residents were told to stay indoors and homes were advised to be shut lest the aftermath enters the vicinity.

In not less than two months ago, the burning of the Amazon Rainforest shocked the media, rendering the call for help by the residents within the affected area.

The large scale forest fires threatened the ecosystem and wildlife. Responsible for the absorption and conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen, a rainforest plays a huge role in stabilizing climatic conditions. With it's densely packed trees and tropical atmosphere, it accommodates a vast variety of wildlife. And with its wide area, it is popular amongst cattle breeders and farmers who use fire to clear the land which on not so rare occasions, lead to spreading wildfires killing animals and damaging the biodiversity in the process.

E n c o m p a s s i n g approximately forty percent of the South American continent, the Amazon Rainforest is widely known as " the largest rainforest in the world". Being so, it provides approximately twenty percent of the Earth's oxygen. Recently, reports showing a huge smoke covering the Brazil area to the eastern Atlantic coast can be seen from space. Copernicus, a satellite program by the European Union also stated that neighboring countries such as Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay are gradually being affected by the smoke.

Citizens across the world are also alarmed and begin to discuss the issue sharing posts for awareness and the people nearby the raging inferno posted pictures and videos of the smoky wasteland.

Currently, a newer adversary threatens the health and safety of the masses, as it stretches it's claws of respiratory constrictions, and skin diseases. The Indonesian Haze is a catastrophe needed to be extinguished "as soon as possible". While the red flames continue to burn the terrestrial layer of

11

Source of data: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

DOH announces epidemic and emergencies Department of Health (DOH) declared epidemics and emergencies as the cases of Dengue, Diptheria, Measles, and Polio continue to rise nationwide.

DOH declared a national dengue epidemic after recording almost 361,000 cases and 1,373 deaths, as Western Visayas tops regional cases at 23,330, followed by Regions IV-A, IX, and X. From January 1 to October

by Hazel Lorraine Herida

5, Diptheria also caused alarm as 197 cases and 47 deaths were reported, 47% higher compared to the same time last year.

On the other hand, DOH declared an outbreak for Measles after 42,400 cases were reported leading to severe complications for 560 of the patients.

After being polio-free for 19 years, DOH also warned the public after conďŹ rming 3 polio cases, two of which

are from a 3-year-old girl in Lanao del Sur and a 5-year-old boy from Laguna province.

DOH claimed that these outbreaks were caused by the lack of vaccination and immunization of the Filipinos but they reassured the public that they will ďŹ nd proper medical solutions for the safety of the country.*

12

FILIPINO

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

SENTI KUNG SENTI: opm edition

column

Masasamang Mga Words

ni Therese Mae Dedoroy

Isang senaryo sa jeep: may estudyanteng pasahero na may pang-tengang hatinig at nakabukas ang isang streaming application, niraramdam ang pagkasenti habang linilipad ng hangin ang kanyang mukhang nakatanaw sa walang hanggan. May hula ka ba kung ano ang pinakikinggan niya? Kung sa tingin mo ay OPM, may tama ka! Kapag ang musika ang ritmo ng kultura ng Pilipino, Original Pilipino Music ang instrumento nito.

Kasama ang mga bagong mukha ng Original Pilipino Music o OPM sa kasalukuyang henerasyon, hindi maipagkakailala ang pagyabong nito sa panahon ngayon. Ang genre na ito ay hindi lamang ikinararangya ng lokal na kultura at musika nating mga Pilipino, ngunit isa rin ito sa matutunog at sikat na pinakikinggan at tinatangkilik ngayon sa bansa. Ang kasalukuyang trend ng musikang Pilipino ay ninanais na mahawakan at maantig ang mga puso ng mga tao nang may masinsinang liriko na nakaakibat sa iba’t-ibang sitwasyon na kinakaharap natin sa ating buhay. Ang OPM timeline noon ay hindi pa masyadong nalimbag at umapela sa madla, hindi kagaya ngayon na ito ay mas pinayabong at mas nakakabuo ng ugnayan sa mga mas batang henerasyon na tumutulay sa ating kasalukuyan na nagdala ng mas malalim na kahulugan at barayti ng sentimental na mga ritmo na ikinamamangha ng ating mga kaloob-looban kahit sa simpleng paraan.

Masakit isipin na ang mga OPM na mga artista at banda noon ay lubos na underrated at hindi pa napapahalagahan, pero isang malaking pasalamat rito ang technological shift na kung saan ang mga malalaking grupo ng musika at record labels ay hindi na umaayon sa pagbebenta ng pisikal na album. Sila rin ay nakiayon sa daloy ng pagbabago at pinalawak ang kanilang sakop sa mga platforms gaya na lamang ng Soundcloud, Spotify at Bandcamp, na kung saan ang paggawa ng musika ay mas pinasimple na kung saan imbes na mga record deals, crowdfunding ang naging paraan nila para malagay sa mga naturang platforms ang kanilang musika, at kung saan ang streaming ang digital na form ng mga CDs, at sa isang iglap, ang OPM ay naging mas popular sa mga millennials at Gen Z. Kaya kahit nasaan ka man, ma-eenjoy mo na ang mga klasikong OPM na pinagtibay ng panahon, gaya na lamang ng Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar, Callalily, Silent Sanctuary at marami pang iba. Marahil ikaw rin ay pamilyar sa mga umuusbong na bagong banda at mga artista, gaya lamang ng This Band sa kanta nilang “Kahit Ayaw mo Na” na para bang pinupulupot ang puso mo habang pinapakinggan mo ito, habang iniisip ang pagsasamahan niyo ng kasintahan mo noon. Sigurado ring tila hindi mo kakayaning bumitaw at hindi maiiwasang mapaiyak sa kanilang kantang “Hindi na Nga” na para bang pinapaalala sa iyo kung gaano kasakit ang nararamdaman mo.

At sino nga ba ang hindi maiiwasang maging sentimental kung marinig ang mga kanta ng December Avenue, gaya na lamang ng “Huling Sandali” na para bang gusto mo muling humingi ng huling pagkakataon upang iparamdam sa minamahal mo na sa iyo lang siya. O di kaya’y ang kanta nilang “Kun ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw”, kasama ng isa ring premyadong artista na nagpalago sa OPM ngayon, na si Moira De la Torre, na magpaparamdam sa iyo na pinagtagpo nga kayo, pero hindi itinadhana. Wag magwari, dahil ang kanta naman nila na “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig” ay tiyak na magpapatanto sa iyo na lahat ay iyong susuungin sa ngalan ng pag-ibig.

Tiyak na hindi ka rin mabibigo ng Ben&Ben, na pinagsanib ng kalmado, nostalhik at maginhawang simoy ang kanilang musika na sumasabay sa hanging iyong nilalanghap at hinihila ka papunta sa iyong tahanan. Marami kang maramramdamang emosyon na bumubuhos sa kanilang mga kanta na magpapaiyak o magpapasaya sayo ng sabay. pouring in their songs which can either make you feel happy or sad at the same time. Ang kanilang kantang “Pagtingin” ay magpapahinuha sa iyo na kahit marami kang gusting sambitin sa kung sino pa man ang nagpapasayo sa iyo ngayon, huwag mo munang ilahad ang iyong mga damdamin, dahil baka nga magbago lang ang kanyang pagtingin. Pero dahil nga sa pagtingin, aaminin mo na ang iyong mga lihim, dagat ay iyong susuungin, kahit na wala kang mapapala, kahit hindi niya maibabalik ang nararamdaman mo sa kanya. At kung sa linya pa nga ng kanta, “Umibig ka lang kapag handa na, hindi na lang kung trip-trip lang naman”.

Iba pa sa mga sikat nilang kanta ay “Kathang Isip”, na dahil sa mga pinag-iisip mo sa kanya ay kung anu-ano ang nabubuo mong mga senaryo sa isip mo, dala ng pagmamahal mo sa kanya. Mairerekomanda rin ang kanta nilang “Leaves”, “Maybe the Night”, “Sunrise” at “Ride Home” na magpaparamdam sa inyo nga kasiyahan, at magpapaiyak rin sa inyo dahil sa mga liriko nito.

Marami pang lokal na banda at artista na pwede mong marinig, gaya na lamang nina IV of Spades, Juan Karlos, Keiko Necessario, I Belong to the Zoo, Leanne & Naara, Clara Benin, Reese Lansangan, Never the Stranger at Over October, The Juans kung mahilig ka sa Indie Music.

Naryan naman sina Arvey, Skusta Clee, OC Dawgs, ALLMO$T, kung hilig mo naman ay mga nakakilig na kanta na mapapasayaw ka rin sa indak.

Kahit sa isang paraan man o sa iba pa, hindi patay ang OPM, panigurado na ito’y mananatiling buhay, at patuloy na lumalawak sa pang-internasyonal na plataporma, na hinahatak tayong lahat sa iisang dimension. Walang nakakalam kung ano nga ba ang kahahantungan ng OPM, pero ito’y mananatiling nakaukit sa konteksto ng kulturang Pilipino at mas uusbong pa sa hinaharap. Marahil ay may magaganap rin na dinamikong pagbabalik, ito man ay halo ng tunog ng disco ng nakaraan, o ang mga melodikong tunog na dala ng kasalukuyan. Ang OPM ay patuloy na magpapasiklab sa ating mga puso at kahit ano mang hamon sa buhay ang ating haharapin, laging may OPM na kanta upang kumalma sa nababagabag mong kaluluwa at nag-aalala mong mga emosyon.*

Illustrated by Danell Jumayao

Makulimlim na Langit John Lester T. Trafiero lestertrafieroo@gmail.com

Sa kalagitnaan ng biruan at kasayahan, nawa’y hindi makalimutan ang paggalang sa isa’t-isa.

“Sana

ol,” ang bukambibig ng kabataan ngayon.

Ano ba ang mararamdaman mo kapag sa kalagitnaan ng isang matimtim na salitaan, biglang may sumulpot at para basagin ang usapan gamit ang expresyong ito?

Ang wikang Filipino at ang pagpapahayag nito ay tila nag babago sa paglipas ng panahon. Likas sa ating mga Pilipino ang pagbibigay kulay sa mga ordinaryong mga bagay upang ito ay maging kawili-wili. Mahilig tayong magpauso ng iba’tibang ekspresyon. Ngunit lahat naman ng sobra ay hindi na kaaya-aya.

Ang pagiging sensitibo sa damdamin ng mga taong kinakausap ay isa sa mga gawain na dapat tandaan, dala narin sa mga asal na pinapahalagahan ng mga Pilipino.

Bilang isang kabataang Pilipino, ano ang papel mo sa paggamit ng mga ekspresyong ito?

“Share mo lang?” tatlong salita lamang ngunit ito ay nag-iiwan ng bakas ng inis, galit, at katatawanan—tila isang malubhang sakit na malalang nakakahawa.

Ang tunog na ito ay wari nagdudulot ng poot dahil sa likas na pagkapilosopo nito.

Talaga namang nakakabahala ang ‘di angkop ng pagamit nito dahil, una, posibilidad na mali ang pagkaunawa ng ibang mga tao sa binitiwang salita; pangawala, maari itong maghudyat ng pagwawalang bahala sa anumang sinasabi ng kinakausap na talaga namang nakakawalang galang na; at pangatlo, ito rin ay senyales ng pagiging manhid natin sa ating kapaligiran. Dapat nating malaman ang tamang oras para sa pagbibiro at oras na dapat tayong maging seryoso sa maseselang topiko.

Napakalakas ng impluwensyang naidudulot ng social media sa pagkabuhay at pagkabantog ng fads na ito. Sa isang simpleng click ay libo-libo na ang maaabot ng mga balbal na salita, isa rin sa

mga dahilan na umambag sa katanyagan ng mga salitang balbal. Kasalungat sa isang kasabihan sa Ingles na “If you can't beat them, you might as well join them,” dapat ay iwasan ang pagtangkilik sa mga masasamang kagawian bagaman laganap ang paggamit nito. Mahalaga ang pag-isipan muna kung ano mang salita ang bibitiwan. Hindi ko lubos maintindihan at masikmura ang mga taong may oras pang magloko sa kalagitnaan ng isang napakaseryosong pagpupulong. Dahil ba ito sa kagustuhan nilang gumaan ang pag-uusap o sa kadahilanang gusto nilang maangkin nila ang atensyon ng madla—mga taong maitatawag nating “pabibo” sa konteksto ng mga kabataan ngayon. Ang pagkalimot sa ano man sa nasaad ay maaring ikasira ng relasyon natin sa ibang mg tao. Hindi lahat na mga tao ay pare-pareho ang reaksyon sa mga ganitong bagay. Mayroong mga taong sensitibo sa nangyayari sa kanilang kapaligiran.

Talaga namang mapapaedi wow ka sa katalinohan ng mga Pinoy sa pagiisip ng mga paraan na makakapagpasaya sa arawaraw nating pamumuhay. Sa bawat segundo ay makikita mo ang mga masayahing disposisyon ng mga Pilipino.

Sa kalagitnaan ng biruan at kasayahan, nawa’y hindi makalimutan ang paggalang sa isa’t-isa at pagkakaroon ng malay tungkol sa mga nadarama ng ating mga kapwa. Maging responsible sa mga salitang binibitawan natin sa kadahilanan na puwede itong magbunga ng isang problema o ‘di kaya ay makaabala sa iba. Ang lahat ng magaganda o mabubuti sa mundo ay pwede pa ring maging masama kapag ito ay inaabuso. Ang isang kabataang Pilipino ay ang magdadala ng kinabukasan ng ating bansa, dapat nating pag-isipan ang mga gawain sa buhay at dapat tayo maging kritikal sa mga isyu ng lipunan. Handa kana ba sa mga suliranin at pagsubok na tatahakin?

Anung ginagawamue?*

VOL. XXX1 NO . 1

ENTERTAINMENT

AN OMEGLE-SERYE Mermaid by Breia Lizada

COMICS

13

Savings by Abrielle Kaye Barayoga

Si Ram - Season 1 by Sean Olvido

FIND YOUR WAY OUT!

OUT

Disclaimer: The conversation did not happen in real life.

Words by Danell Jumayao | Illustration by Therese Dedoroy

IN Illustrated by John Lester Trafiero

VOLUME XXXI NO.1

LOQUI TUI VERITATI.

JUNE-OCTOBER 2019

/unorstarlight

Photo courtesy of ASEAN Football Federation

SPORTS

PERSEVERANCE. Luis Clauor attempts to snatch the ball from Indonesia.

ABM student joins PH Nat’l Football Team Grade 12 ABM student Luis Clauor took part in the Philippine Under-18 National Football Team for this year's ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U18 Championship 2019, held at Ho Chi Minh

City, Vietnam, August 6-19.

Clauor, also the Best Midfielder of 2019 Palarong Pambansa and WVPRISAA, was selected along with twenty-two other under-18 football players around the

by Danell Jumayao

country for the competition.

The Philippine Under-18 National Football Team faced Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Timor-Leste, and Brunei.

Philippines failed to make it to the Semis, having 1 game

won out of 5.

The team had undergone a training camp at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Training Center in Cavite last July for AFF. They are supported

Lady Rams notch 2nd in 1st WNC Bball Tournament University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Basketball Girls Team landed in the first runner-up podium finish as they were dominated

by Negros Youth Basketball Club (NYBC) with the score of 77-44 in the 1st WNC Lady Mustangs Foundation Open Basketball Tournament Finals held in STI-WNU Gym, September 29, Sunday.

"The best lesson we got in this game despite the loss is that our bond as a team became much tighter," said by Carmona, one of the player in UNO-R Basketball Girls Team.

NYBC Started out strong as they ended the 1st quarter with a lead and blew the gap in the 2nd quarter, 38-17.

UNO-R tried to stop NYBC and downsized the gap

by Jasper John Barcenal

Fball Girls claim bronze in DFL

by Natasha Sun

University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Football Girls clinched bronze in the Dynamic Football League after battling contenders since August 8 up to last October 5, at Sta. Clara, Talisay.

Divided into two teams, Team A, under the Girls Born 2002 category faced off Trinity Christian School(7-0), NOHS(60), Bata National High School(4-2), USLS(4-0), Canlaon(3-0) and proceeded PROTECT. UNO-R keeps pace with NYBC as they fight for the ball. to the semifinals.

Team B, with players by 2 points ending the 3rd without with a final score of Awarding of winners and quarter with a score of 36-55 44-77, having NYBC as the special awards was then held under the age of 17 got eliminated against SSA, in favor still of NYBC. Champion and UNO-R as the after the game.* Pontevedra, LES warriors of UNO-R ended the game first runner-up.

Bago city and NOHS. The semis held at September 8 ended with a

by John Lester Trafiero loss against Canlaon with while the basketball girls also triumphed as first runner 1 lose record while the the scores 1-2. Whereas in snatched the championship up as they claimed victory volleyball boys took fourth the battle for third place, the title in their games held in 3 out of 4 games held at place after winning 4 out of team was determined third place overall with the win at Barangay Enclaro, Carlos Hilado Memorial State their 7 matches.

SSA, scoring 4-1.

Binalbagan.

College.

Ram’s football girls is yet against “Tomorrow is another UNO-R’s football boys Bryle Kendrick Aguilar to face their challenge in this day to motivate yourself to will charge straight to the also bagged gold in hot put season of ANOPSSAI as they be better than yesterday.”provincial meet and represent and silver in discus throw for wait for their matches set in Jerika Brigette Yap, a grade team ANOPSSAI, being ANOPSSAI. November.* 12 student and Football player, stayed positive the only contender in their Volleyball girls also despite placing second in the bracket. grabbed second after their League.* Table tennis boys 6-win streak in their 6 wins

UNO-R seizes awards ANOPSSAI 2019 UNO-R Rams conquered Association of Negros Occidental Private Schools and School Administrators Inc. (ANOPSSAI) during their first year of participation after 4 teams bagged the spot for provincial meet qualifiers 16-under category.

Rams was hailed champion in basketball boys after hurdling a 7-streak sweep

by Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation.

Australia nabbed the AFF Champion title after they posted a 1-0 score against Malaysia in the Finals.*