SHS Starlight Monthly E-Newsletter Vol. XXXIV, Issue 1

BACK ON TRACK. In their uniforms and backpacks, Grade 12 students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos

Senior High School finally had their in-person classes for the School Year 2022-2023 after more than two years of distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last August 22, more than two hundred students from the set A of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM)

Strand and Accountancy & Business Management - Technical, Vocational &, Livelihood (ABM-TVL) Strand pioneered the first week of face-toface classes of the SHS department.

It was then followed by set B students of STEM strand and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)

strand for week two.

“I felt excitement and at the same time exhausting, but it was all worth it since we could understand the lessons easily [now], not like in online classes where we’re having a hard time understanding most of them due to internet problems or power interruptions,” expressed Trishia May Gaborro of Grade 12 TVL St. Magdalene of Nagasaki01.

TheSHS department adopted the Blended Flipped Learning modality for this school year which combines limited F2F and online classes and has already implemented protocols needed for the new learning modality as presented in the Student’s Virtual Orientation last August 11.

UNO-R SHS finally back to F2F classes

UNO-R SHS enters

SY ‘22-’23

READY FOR TAKEOFF!

Nearly a thousand Senior High School students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School were present at the official opening of classes for the School Year 20222023 today, August 15. Students coming from Science Technology Mathematics

JOHN PATRICK SERUT & JOCHELLE FRANCINNE ARLOS & Engineering (STEM) Strand, Humanities & Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand, and Accountancy & Business Management - Technical Vocational & Livelihood (ABMTVL) Strand attended the Integrated School (Grades 11 & 12) Assembly at 8:00 in the morning via Zoom that kicked start the school year.

entertainment

SELWYN JACO

“I firmly believe that when you chose UNO-R to become your alma mater, you become our chosen ones” Mr. Harry S. Magluyan, the IS Grades 11 & 12 Principal, stated as he gave his welcoming address.

Mr. Glenn Mark Madon, the Student Discipline Prefect, then announced that disciplinary guidelines and policies will further be discussed by each class’ respective advisers.

Additionally, the Student Affairs Prefect, Mr. Marc Alex R. Caballes, announced the Club Enlistment activity coming this August 17 and introduced the UNO-R Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman, Crispino Cepida III, who then presented the COMELEC members that will spearhead the 2022 SHS Student Affairs Organization Elections (SHSSAO).

After the

assembly, the students met with their respective virtual classes to know their classmates and adviser for this school year and were then oriented about class rules and policies, introduced them to the University, and discussed the preparations for the upcoming Blended Flipped Learning Modality.

“I look forward

UNO-R SHS initiates Club Day, continues albeit interruptions

ELIXY KHIEL TURLA & CHASMIRE BANTIGUE

to having a good reputation in academics with the help of our teachers and professors, exciting activities are very anticipated by the new students, like me [...]. I expect to be more productive this school year, hearing that the university has a lot to offer,” stated Julie Anne Doromal, a transfer student from Grade 11

I tried joining the club. [...] but this year I wanna try something new, like, to test myself in a new environment,” stated Andrei Benedict Eusebio, a Grade 12 student and a former member of Euclidean 360° that shifted to Polaris, he also added the Performing Arts Club on his roster of clubs as he wants to showcase his talents in dancing.

STEM St. Joseph - 02. A continuing Grade 12 student, Regine Guibelondo, from St. Ezekiel Moreno - 07, said that although she expects the year to be tiring, she is excited as face-to-face classes will be held giving students the opportunity to meet their teachers as well as their classmates.

President of Inizio Dell Arte.

Moreover, with almost 600 applicants, Marian Kristel Banquisio, a Grade 12 student and the President of UNO-R Senior Plus Red Cross Youth, said she was overwhelmed by the number of students willing to join the organization and serve the community.

KEPT THE BALL ROLLING. Despite constant power interruptions, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior High School Department went on with their annual Club Enlistment activity last August 17, 2022.

On the third day of the UNO-R SHS Rekoleto Week, students from varying strands flooded the Zoom meeting rooms

of multiple Academic Clubs, Special Interest Clubs, and Religious and Affiliated Organizations from 1:00 to 4:30 PM.

Clubs and organizations welcomed both old and new members and the election of club and organization officers was also held in conjunction with the enlistment.

“Last year, I was really intrigued with Euclidean 360° that’s why

This year, a new Special Interest club was added named Inizio Dell Arte.

“This club gives students the platform to explore and to start walking on paths that go beyond acting and production of films and plays. [...] Their power to start the beginning of art, in themselves, and in their community,” explained Zoe Clarisse Limson, a Grade 12 student and the

On the other hand, the constant power interruptions hindered the registration of some of the students to their desired club but then immediately catered with their concerns with the assistance of club officers and their class advisers.

The Club

Enlistment day ended successfully and today, August 18, marks the last day of the UNO-R SHS Rekoleto Week.

Strand Virtual Meet-up wraps Rekoleto Week

JAZMINE TRAFIERO

JUNIORS MEET SENIORS. Jampacked with students from Grades 11 & 12, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior High School strands initiated its annual Strand Virtual Meet-up via Zoom, August 18, 2022.

The virtual meeting served as the concluding activity for the SHS Department’s Virtual Rekoleto Week, where Grade 12 students from their respective strands warmly welcomed their juniors through brief presentations, video teasers, games, and inspirational messages.

Roaring Jaguars: the ABM-TVL Strand

Stories from former students filled the virtual meetup of the Accountancy & Business Management - Technical Vocational Livelihood strand.

“There were guest speakers invited to give testimonials, which widened our knowledge and know our strand

better, like how we could make this academic year memorable despite the stress it would bring. Their words enlightened our minds, which offers us a clearer view of the journey we’ll take in the future. And of course, the most fun part of the event was the games since the students were able to showcase the jaguar’s spirit with their competitiveness to win the games.” said Joize Villaluna of Grade 12 ABM St. Nicholas of Tolentine 01.

Furthermore, inspirational messages from teachers were delivered to students.

ABM-TVL students were also entertained with countless intermission numbers and games prepared by the 12th graders.

Doe what they can Doe: the HUMSS Strand

Humanities and Social Sciences students got to be reminded of their role in the community in a

short talk titled “The Role of HUMANISTAS in the Community Today & Tomorrow” with Kit Martin de Paula as their guest speaker.

Teachers within the HUMSS strand were introduced and a video presentation about HUMSS then followed.

“My primary takeaway from yesterday’s virtual meetup is that it enabled me to better understand why I decided to pursue HUMSS. Given the fact that HUMSS encourages students to improve their communication and understanding skills, I suppose that pursuing this strand will be challenging especially since we are one with the society.” Kate Pauleen Sta Ana, a Grade 11 HUMSS student from St. Thomas of Villanova-01, stated.

HUMSS strand then ceased the event with games prepared by the St. Augustine 01 class.

Watchful Eyes, Fiery Trails: the STEM Strand

The strand

with the most student population, the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics strand commenced its virtual meet-up with a performance of an original song from STEM students.

Introduction of teachers in the STEM strand then followed.

Moreover, students took a glimpse of the two clusters within the strand, namely the STEM - Engineering and Information Technology (STEM-EIT) and STEM - Allied Medical Health (STEM-AMH), with a short talk and video presentations.

Seniors got the chance to bond with their juniors in the breakout rooms session, where 12th graders shared their experiences and advices to the 11th graders.

The strand then concluded the event through games relating to STEM with cash prizes given to winners.

The Strand Virtual Meet-up concluded successfully wrapping up the Rekoleto Week.

SHSSAO candidates appeal to students

ELIXY KHIEL TURLA & JERI MAE TERRY

DESIRE TO SERVE. Eight days before the elections, the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (UNO-R SHSSAO) candidates stood tall behind screens during this year’s SHSSAO Grand Rally and Debate, August 18,2022, via Zoom.

Organized by the UNO-R SHS Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the event aims to give candidates a platform to

showcase each of their capabilities as potential leaders of the student body.

“In your hands depends the new cycle of new Recollect student leaders. Be mindful to choose exemplary UNORian leaders. [...] The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” said Mr. Marc Alex Caballes, the Student Affairs Prefect, as he welcomed the students after singing the

Miting de Avance concludes SHSSAO campaign

ARABELLA FAYE ROJO

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN. For the last day of the campaign period, the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School Student Affairs Organization candidates appealed to the students for the last time via Zoom, today, August 24.

The UNO-R SHS Commission on Elections (COMELEC) organized a Miting de Avance participated by the aspiring SHSSAO officers. Both parties were given time limits for the

introductory segment, sharing of advocacies, and open forum that followed.

HANDUM party, led by Marjoe Toquillo, showcased their candidate roster albeit running out of time, and answered questions from the student body during the open forum.

Moreover, SINAG party with RJ Salvarino as their presidential bet, followed suit with their self-introductions and answered a new set of queries from the

song “Kapangyarihan” by Ben & Ben featuring SB19 to encourage them.

After the introduction of candidates from the two parties, HANDUM and SINAG, COMELEC Chairman Crispino Cepida III explained the general rules and guidelines of the debate. The debate was participated by the Presidential, Vice Presidential, Strand Gubernatorial, and Vice Gubernatorial candidates.

The first segment of the debate was a presentation of pictures relating to their strands and societal issues and they were given a short period of time to think and then explain the picture presented in less than three words.

Candidates then answered questions asked by former SHSSAO officers for the second segment.

“Formulating the way of conveying my message to the electorate was the main thing that made my

preparation challenging. As student leaders, we must be able to communicate with our people and let them know that their welfare is our utmost priority,” explained Marjoe Toquillo from Grade 12 HUMSS St. Augustine 01 and a Presidential candidate from HANDUM Party. The program concluded with the Presidential speeches of both parties.

“Running for presidency was not my initial plan. But due to a chain of events, I decided to and said to myself, ‘Why not try?’. [...] I want to spend the remainder of my high school life making an impact on others. I know I have the capabilities of a leader, which is why I want to share them with everyone,” stated RJ Salvarino of Grade 12 STEM St. Ezekiel Moreno 01 and SINAG’s presidential bet. The campaign period started today, August 18 up until August 25 and the elections will be held on August 26.

students. They also presented their plans for the student body including a “Project Kamustahan” and “My Body Belongs To Me”, a program intended for sex education.

Some candidates were not able to partake in the Miting De Avance due to power interruptions and connectivity issues. The program ended with closing remarks from both parties.

SHSSAO 2022 Elections results unveils, HANDUM dominates seats

SELWYN JACO with 670 votes, Kyle David Ebro as Treasurer with 621 votes, Casey Jann Baterna as Auditor with 574 votes, Andre Louis Gaviola as Public Infomation Officer with 569 votes, and Grechelle Faye Haro and Ileana Marie Tolentino as Business Managers with 615 and 522 votes, respectively.

FLOODS BLUE. HANDUM Party dominates the seats of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (UNO-R SHSSAO) as the results of the SHSSAO 2022 Elections on August 30. With a total of 554 votes, Marjoe Toquillo, a student from Grade 12 HUMSS St. Augustine01 and spearheading the HANDUM Party, bags the Presidential seat, and Leiryn Khate Magalona, a student from Grade 12 STEM St. Ezekiel Moreno - 06, secured the VicePresidential seat with 561 votes.

“It feels great. [...]. They trusted me with this because they saw something in me and I think I must not waste this opportunity,” expressed Toquillo, he also said that alongside his VP, they “have planned to implement policies and activities that promote socialization, camaraderie, and friendship.”

Completing the SHSSAO National Officers are Ma. Beatriz Arabella Dianongco as Secretary

Additionally, Angellica Uy (24 votes) and Justine Laza (36 votes) claims the ABM Strand Representative position while Trishia Gaborro takes the TVL Strand Representative seat.

William Joe Jaleco (81 votes) and Angel Kaye Miayo (77 votes) assumes the HUMSS Strand Representative position.

Hannah Angelica Dela Cruz (343 votes), Eshey Reign Embon (408 votes), Joli Gaile Alcosaba (324 votes), and Mary Joy Salise (326 votes) were elected as STEM Strand Representatives.

Moreover, Strand Organization Local Officers are listed below: ABM-TVL Locals: Governor: Marchade Decena

Vice Governor: Kyreen Pearl Santillan Secretary: Joize Villaluna Treasurer: Mareilla Louise Sedonio Auditor: Jerricah Lyn Alaman P.I.O.: Elaiza Mae Camacho Business Managers: Lianne Marie Reynes Novie Santocildes

HUMSS Locals:

Governor: Zoe Clarisse Limson

Vice Governor: Katherine Dela Cruz Secretary: Eanna Krystel Aragon

Treasurer: Cassandra Ba-ad Auditor: Daniela

and

from SINAG Party who managed to secure seats in the SHSSAO.

A total of 880 students casted their votes last August 25 during the voting day. After careful verification of votes by

(COMELEC) for 3 days, 29 votes were considered invalid bringing a total of 851 valid votes, and results of the

were then confirmed by the

An Induction Ceremony will be held soon to

the position of the

elected

and assuming office thereafter.

Birtwal na Araw ng Lahi ipinagdiriwang,

talino’t talento ng estudyanteng SHS ipinamalas

JERI MAE TERRY

TALINO’T TALENTONG

REKOLETO. Ipinimalas ng mga estudyanteng Sinyor Hayskul ng Unibersidad ng Negros OccidentalRekoletos ang kanilang inaangking talino at talento sa iginanap na mga patimpalak para sa kulminasyon ng Araw ng Lahi na may temang “Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Kasangkapan sa Paglikha at Pagtuklas,” nitong ika-30 ng Agosto sa pamamagitan ng Zoom.

Suot-suot ang kanilang mga pambansa at katutubong kasuotan, dinaluhan ng higit sa pitong-daan na estudyante mula sa iba’t ibang i-strand ang nasabing kaganapan na inorganisa ng ALPAS, isang kapisanan sa departamento na kinabibilangan ng mga estudyante at gurong

dalubhasa sa wikang Filipino.

“Magsisilbing tulay ang ating wika upang isulong ang karunungan at kakayahan nito. Magiging bahagi ang wikang katutubo upang paunlarin ang ating wikang Filipino patungo sa mayamang Pilipinas,” pahayag ni Ginoong Harry Magluyan, Punong Guro ng UNO-R Integreyted Skul ika-11 at ika-12 na mga baitang, sa kaniyang pambungad na talumpati na nagsilbing panimula sa birtwal na kulminasyon.

Sinundan ito ng pag-presenta ng mga kalahok sa patimpalak sa Pagbuo ng Digital na Paskil (Digital Poster Making), Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Pagsulat ng Tula, at Pagsulat ng Editoryal.

Nagwagi si Cemer Daniel Miranda ng ika-

11 baitang ng St. Joseph - 04 bilang kampyon ng Pagbuo ng Digital na Paskil, na sinundan ni Denniree Mojeno ng ika11 baitang ng St. Joseph06 sa unang gantimpala, at Charlagne Solomon ng ika-11 baitang ng St. Joseph - 08 sa pangalawa.

Nasungkit naman ni Adrian Bacay ng ika-12 baitang ng St. Ezekiel Moreno - 08 ang kampyonato sa Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, kung saan sinundan siya nina Deceree Baylin ng ika12 baitang ng St. Ezekiel Moreno - 07 at Aleah Ann Torres ng St. Ezekiel Moreno - 06. Itinanghal bilang kampyon para sa larangan ng Pagsulat ng Editoryal si Joize Villaluna ng ika-12 baitang ng St. Nicholas of Tolentine - 01, kasunod nina Cares Gamlanga at Nicole Marie Apacible ng St. Magdalene of

Nagasaki - 01.

Ipinagkaloob ang gawad ng pagkikilala bilang kampyon kay Marjoe Toquillo ng St. Augustine - 01 sa Pagsulat ng Tula, samantalang sina Charles John Flores at Threcia Fe Barrientos ng St. Augustine02 ay nagwagi sa una at pangalawang gantimpala.

Ipinamalas naman ng iba’t-ibang baitang ang kanilang mga talento sa patimpalak na Abilidad Rekoleto 2022 na kung saan nanalo ang ika-12 baitang ng St. Ezekiel Moreno08 bilang kampyon at sinundan ito ng ika-11 na baitang St. Joseph 03 at St. Joseph 02.

Nagtapos ang programa nang idineklara bilang Lakan at Lakambini ng Kasuotan sina G. Miles Benedict Vargas at Bb. Charesse Moral para sa mga magaaral, at sina G. Joseph Karl Tatlonghari at Bb. Patricia Luz Salvador para sa mga guro.

3 UNO-Rian women bags YLEA

GIRL POWER. Three female students from the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos were recognized as awardees for the Youth Leadership Excellence Award 2019-2022 last August 20.

The three UNORians were Geamaika Marisse Manderico, 20192020 JHSSAO President; Cate Louie Ogapong, 2020-2021 JHSSAO President; and Ileana Marie Tolentino, 20212022 JHSSAO President.

“[...] I felt like my hard work has paid off the past years of being in the SAO of the JHS Department. As well as it made me realize how much I want to serve more, and lead my fellow students to what road we may take in the future.” expressed Tolentino when asked how she feels receiving the award.

Together with them were YLEA awardees from other schools here in Bacolod

City that filled the event center in Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

The awarding ceremony was organized by the Junior Chamber International - Bacolod, Inc. and the event aims to recognize and motivate young leaders here in Bacolod City for their academic excellence, service to the student body, and the community.

“In this journey, be open in the thought that you still have lessons to learn, skills to develop, and dreams that give realization” reminded Ritzey Robles Malooy, the YLEA keynote speaker, to the awardees.

Conferment of medals and certificates to the awardees concluded the said event.

Mrs. Czarina Grace Pacigado, a UNO-R IS K-10 teacher, accompanied the awardees as they received their awards.

UNO-R Psych Society alumni turns RGCs

ARABELLA FAYE ROJO

VERIFIED BEACONS.

The Senior High School Student Development and Placement Center of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos commended two guidance counselors for passing the August 2022 Licensure Exam for Guidance Counselors.

Last August 1718, 611 examinees took the licensure exam to become Registered Guidance Counselors.

Among the exam takers are Ms. Leni Rose G. Julag-ay, MAGC, RGC, and Ms. Brendly Ann C. Mateo, MAGC, RGC, who both graduated from the UNO-R Psychology Program and continued to serve the school in the SHS SDPC office.

“Yes, it was really hard to balance since we are working 5 days a week. Our time to study will only be during our vacant time in the office, at night, and on weekends. However, we, together with Ms. Brendz, are happy to have a great support system that encourages and motivates us despite of pressures felt along the way,” Ms. Julag-ay, MAGC, RGC, responded when asked about managing

her time in school and in preparation for the exam.

“To those who aspire to become a guidance counselor, go for it. We are wounded healers that create hope and illuminate their [counselees] way to self-understanding,” she added.

They handled the admission interviews of transfer students and the counseling of SHS students who are in need of help.

Board of Guidance and Counseling Chairman Dr. Luzviminda S. Guzman, and members: Dr. Elena V. Morada and Dr. Carmelita P. Pabiton, administered the examination.

Results were announced on August 23 by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), who claimed that 405 of 611 examinees passed the exams.

Mr. Jirec A. Bacongco, MAEd-GC, RPm, RGC, another alumnus of the University’s Psychology Program, also passed the licensure exam.

One graduate of another school in Bacolod City ranked 10 out of 405.

ELIXY KHIEL TURLA

Courtesy: Gearla G. Manderico

Militarization over Education

With the worsening educational crisis in the country, one of the government’s priorities was the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program. However, this will clearly never be the solution to the worsening educational crisis in the country, will not promote nationalism nor discipline, and will probably once again be a nest of violence and impunity.

President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the congress to pass a bill that will make ROTC mandatory for Grades 11, 12, and Tertiary level, for both public and private institutions, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 25. Prior to this, Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte also mentioned last January to make military service mandatory to all 18-year-old Filipinos and urged the President to make it one of his legislative priorities. Former President and the father of current VP, Rodrigo Duterte, also encouraged the congress to revive the program during his administration.

All these were for a similar goal— to instill nationalism and discipline to the Filipino

youth.

With this being their priority, it seems that they are brushing aside the educational crisis the country is currently facing. Over the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, only a small percentage of students was able to continue their education amidst health crisis.

According to World Bank’s report on March 2021 titled “Remote Learning During COVID-19: Lessons from Today, Principles for Tomorrow”, only 20% of households with learners were able to avail distance learning, the lowest rate alongside Ethiopia. Prior to the pandemic, the country is already facing an educational dilemma. The Philippines ranked lowest among 79 countries in reading comprehension and second lowest in both mathematical and scientific literacy in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It would make much more sense if they would prioritize addressing the educational dilemma, of which needs extensive and well-allotted budgeting, rather than prioritizing mandatory ROTC that also needs huge budgeting that might or might not further decrease the allocation for education that has been experiencing constant budget cuts these past few years.

Marching back and forth under the scorching heat of the sun and learning how to hold a rifle, while handy for warfare, does not necessarily equate to nationalism, one of the expressed goals of

mandating ROTC again. Additionally, it’s a waste of time for students already busy with their education for the betterment of the country. It’s also mindboggling how government sees students mastering the utilization of guns as nationalistic, but sees students standing for their rights and rights of others and immersing themselves to the populace as a misuse of tax.

Lastly, given the fact that the justice system in the Philippines does not go by justice in its name, reviving the program would probably be once again a den of violence and impunity. The reason behind why mandatory ROTC before was halted was due to the murder of Mark Welson Chua, a student of the University of Santo Tomas who exposed the corruption in the ROTC program in their school publication, The Vasitarian. He went missing after the story regarding corruption, bribery, and extortion in the UST ROTC unit was published. Chua’s decomposing body was eventually found floating in the Pasig River— body wrapped in carpet, face covered in duct tape, and arms and legs tied. It was later revealed that ROTC Cadet Arnufo Aparri Jr. was guilty of killing Chua. Cases of hazing, red-tagging, assaults, and sexual harassment also prevailed in the ROTC programs from other schools since then.

From the worsening education crisis to being a den of violence and impunity, prioritizing ROTC to be once again mandatory should be thought of countless times. In the issue of nationalism, there are other proven effective ways to promote such, not only ROTC. Making this program mandatory would only be a waste of time and taxpayer’s money and will certainly make the Filipino youth as dummies for a rich man’s war.

Scroll. Pause. HAHA react. Share. Repeat.

Mainpop Girls Stanposting, Meme$ Out, Tarantadong Kalbo, or Cartoonist Zach. If you’re a Gen Z or a Millennial fond of using Facebook or Twitter, these names would probably pop up on your feed every now and then. Under these names were a plethora of bizarre pictures containing texts, called memes, with the aim to give us giggles. Surprisingly, this has become such an effective tool for countering disinformation.

In this digital age, information that are primarily false or manipulated were making rounds on the internet with the goal of revising history or to fragrance rotten people. This propaganda has already resulted in the poisoning of the minds of the Filipinos and most of them were now disregarding facts. Rotten people were also able to run away with their wrongdoings and not hold accountability as an effect of this phenomenon.

However, Filipino Gen Zs, or people born from 1997 to 2012, with their oh-so-heroic attitude and with the hopes of having a better world to live in, were creating measures to counter disinformation. They have been utilizing memes to do such which, in fact, was very strategic and effective. Memes being a type of short-form content and easily digestible for people was really an advantage in opposing the rampant disinformation. Contents of these memes were mostly accurate as it was mostly based from news or proper researches. Memes being humorous also hooks a lot of audiences in contrast to the factchecking campaign of news outlets and organizations that are more serious-sounding. It also spreads rapidly effectively countering the fast-spreading nature of disinformation.

“Meme$ out 4 du30: news horizons” and “Meme$ out 4 diktajunior: united front” were the two of the most famous Facebooks groups containing memes of political nature. With more than 500 thousand members, mostly young Filipino people, and consistently garnering reactions, comments, and shares not lower than a thousand, the group highlights the atrocities and wrongdoings of the Dutertes and Marcoses under their regimes. From the violent events during the Martial Law era and repressive authority of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to the bloody Drug War and human rights violations under Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, the contents of the group oppose the glorification of such atrocities fueled by the disinformation campaign.

While being mainly a meme group for female

pop artists like Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift, “Main Pop Girls Stanposting” actively debunked false information, especially during the peak of the disinformation campaign during the election campaign season. They have been utilizing female pop artists for memes and making them as if they were citizens of the country experiencing its dilemmas. They also advocated for good governance and poked fun at people with a history of corruption.

Another meme group against the disinformation campaign was the “House of Representa-thieves: Butasang Pambulsa” which pokes fun and calling out politicians stealing millions from the Filipinos. Moreover, the “Filipino Squatterposting” meme group highlights the poverty in the country opposing the “Golden Era” that is oftentimes mentioned in the disinformation campaign.

Popular Facebook Pages whose posts had gone viral includes Tarantadong Kalbo and Cartoonists Zach. One of Tarantado Kalbo’s works, which is also revolutionary, was his artwork “Tumindig,” a graphics art of a fist standing firmly as others surrounding it bowed. It hooked the interest of several artists and even normal people on social media and personalized their own fists standing up. The message they sent became clear— to stand up even if it feels like you’re the only one doing it. Some of Tarantadong Kalbo’s works also include short funny comics highlighting the social realities of the country. On the other hand, Cartoonists Zach stirred the netizens with some of his satirical cartoons which also give light on sociopolitical dilemmas of the country.

Another popular meme maker is We the Pvblic— a media/news company with over 604 thousand followers on Facebook. Besides news, their captivating memes hinted at the rust in our system, and the public was quick to criticize their works. Nevertheless, the organization continued its daily uploads, painting the lives of the populace where plenty sees them as relatable.

Whilst memes can be an effective way of countering disinformation, this still does not change the fact that the most reliable information can be gathered from proper research. Additionally, despite memes being funny most of the time, it can spark healthy discourses toward other people. This type of unconventional way of fighting false information is one way to promote socio-political awareness amongst the masses. In a shadowed nation, memes are one of the keys to unlocking the lurking colors strangled by the state; it has become the voice of veracity among the sea of deceit.

SELWYN JACO, JOHN PATRICK SERUT, & JAZMINE TRAFIERO

“All my bags are packed I’m ready to go I’m standin’ here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.”

Amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual corners of the screen became the ground for learning. However, after two years of battling educational dilemmas, backpacks are now filled with hope with the hunger for knowledge with the reopening of academic institutions.

For most of us, school is a venue for the fight for success. Although, reaching it is not a walk in the park. It needs a lot of hard work, sacrifices, and dedication. The shift from the original onsite learning to online and modular learning has taken a toll on students’ well-being. Now, students gear up for another voyage- the route to re-opening of face-to-face classes.

Amidst the gloomy weather on August 22, 2022, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos opened its gates to its Grade 12 Senior High School students for the 1st day of limited faceto-face classes. Following the social health protocols, the classes successfully started with subject orientations and fun-filled activities that promoted a love for knowledge.

For a STEM-AMH SEM06 student, Shanley Sara, this marks the start of the journey that will enable her to gain lifelong skills and lessons that she can apply in maneuvering her future. According to her, being in an online learning set-up impacted her individuality to make her appreciate the beauty of face-to-face

classes.

Moreover, from the perspective of a STEM-EIT student under SEM02, Alwyn Roi Guerrero, the limited faceto-face classes is another process of adjustment and adaptation to changes. However, it is an opportunity with a great responsibility for actual learning since the strand requires onsite activities. Also, he is very enthusiastic about meeting the people behind the virtual faces and voices in the online world of education.

Meanwhile, Yleona Jann Demontaño from HUMSS- SA01 would describe face-to-face classes as having both advantageous and disadvantageous effects on students because everyone is not privileged enough to sustain school and fare expenses when going to school. However, as she scrutinizes the implementation of limited face-toface classes, she believes that students need good quality education to become more effective, efficient, proficient, and competent.

Change is the only constant thing that remains in this vast universe. It can bring irreversible phenomena. However, with the changes in the educational system, the constant need for flexibility in adapting is highlighted. From the burden of virtual education, students are now carrying the weight of their backpacks. As the bags are packed, students are now ready to go to unravel the quests that await.

ALEAH ANN TORRES

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: CHRISTY SOFIA ABIOL & SELWYN JACO

Former UNO-R president steps down, Rev. Fr. Alve takes charge

JERI MAE TERRY & ELIXY KHIEL TURLA

DepEd plans to eliminate ECAs, students oppose

CHASMIRE BANTIGUE

BURDEN OR BENEFIT?

The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to declare a ban on Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) for this School Year 2022-2023. This was mentioned in the speech of the Vice President and DepEd Secretary, Sara Duterte, on her visit to Don Pedro Vasquez Memorial School in Jordan, Guimaras, last August 25.

sentiments from students flooded social media platforms, swearing that the removal of ECA does not make sense for DepEd’s aim for students’ holistic development.

DepEd’s spokesperson Atty. Micheal Poa said that they have planned to offer psychosocial support to students when asked to enumerate the activities proposed by the department to combat the students becoming “burnt out” if school is purely academic, last September 1 during a press briefing.

Representing the Senior High School Department, the newlyelected officers of the Students Affair Organization Senior High School (SHSSAO), spearheaded by Marjoe Toquillo, the SHSSAO President, attended the said turnover.

The event commenced with the Mass of the Holy Spirit that started through a procession with the marching of the Knights of the Columbus, followed by the UNO-R

priests, Recoletos School Presidents, and the Lay Administrators.

VP Duterte said that the reason behind this was for students to catch up on what they lost during the years that they were not in classrooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that academics should be the priority this year.

He also added that DepEd is yet to issue a memorandum concerning the removal of extracurricular activities.

The Institutional Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Bernard Amparado, OAR, the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, Philippines.

Preceding the Eucharistic Celebration, the Investiture Rites for the Installation of the 18th President happened as Rev. Fr. Don Besana, OAR stepped down from the position and humbly gave the responsibilities to his successor.

Furthermore, a Message of Acceptance by Rev. Fr. Alve as the official 18th President took place, along with the Closing Message by Rev. Fr. Rafael Pecson, OAR, the REAP President.

The occasion concluded with an academic recessional.

Youth envi groups, RE advocates oppose LNG project

SELWYN JACO

Varying AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECT LEADERSHIP. Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR officially took on leadership as the 18th President of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos during the Investiture Rites last August 31, at the University Gym.

FOSSIL FUEL AGAIN!? Youth environmental groups stood in solidarity in the fight against the planned construction of a 300-Megawatt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Combined Cycle Powerplant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Youth for Climate Hope (Y4CH) was one of the envi groups opposing the construction of the LNG plant led by Reliance Energy Development Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation for reasons that it will harm the ecozone and community in the area.

San Carlos Bishop Gerry Alminaza, convenor of broad clean energy consortium REpower Negros, asked why they seek to add a fossil fuelpowered plant to the renewable energy capital of the Philippines.

Despite having “natural” in its name, LNG is no less dangerous from its coal counterpart as they are both fossil fuels, the main culprit of the global warming and climate change.

Construction of the project is expected to start by the third quarter of this year.

Nationwide pricehikes troubles students

ARABELLA FAYE ROJO

NO CHANGE LEFT TO SPARE. Along with the Philippines’ transition into in-person classes, most of the students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos

struggles in the financial aspect as transportation fares and prices of goods have spiked these past few months.

“Commuting is not difficult, but paying

No UPCAT for 3rd consecutive year

JOCHELLE FRANCINNE ARLOS

STUCK IN TIME. The University of the Philippines (UP) once again forgoes the conduction of the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) for the Academic Year 20232024.

In a commentary column published for Inquirer last September 2, UP Office of Admissions Director Francisco De los Reyes wrote that due to the persistent health risks and difficulties of in-person exams, UP has settled to forgo UPCAT for the third consecutive year.

“Given the continuing health risks and operational

hurdles posed by inperson exams due to the pandemic, [UP] has resolved to forego the nationwide [UPCAT] for academic year (AY) 20232024,” De los Reyes wrote. The choice was brought to light after colleges and universities, like the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), announced the resumption of their college entrance exams for AY 2023-2024.

According to De los Reyes, the decision was “unanimously adopted” with the “safety and welfare” of the studentapplicants and staff in mind by the University

for the jeepney fare is. It is another thing that students have to take into consideration when budgeting [...]” Kayesha Mana-ay, from ABM St. Nicholas of Tolentine - 01, on how hard commuting became due to the price hikes.

“Before, I could do buy a lot of things with 100 pesos, but now it’s shocking that sometimes you still fall short with the amount,” ABM-TVL Governor Marchade Decena expressed.

Decena also shared that the price hike urged her to be more practical and wiser when it came to budgeting and spending her money, like buying what she needs and saving money for important matters.

The University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School began its limited face-to-face classes for selected levels last August 22, wherein over

two hundred Grade 12 students participated. On June 29, 2022, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the minimum fare of P11 for jeepneys, which took effect on July 1, about a month before face-toface classes resumed. The increase did not only distress the commuters seeing that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved numerous price hikes for consumer goods this month.

In a statement by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, he addressed that inflation is expected to remain at a high level for the rest of the year; during the third quarter, the inflation will reach its peak.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the inflation rate has eased down to 6.3% this August.

Councils (UC) of the 8 member institutions of the UP System.

With this, UP has decided to retain the UC-approved admission score model UP College Applications (UPCA) in assessing student applicants, which was developed by the university’s data scientists and vetted by experts.

The same year when UPCAT was put on hold because of

the pandemic’s health restrictions in 2020, UPCA was first utilized.

In the meantime, UP will continue to use the iterative appeals system it introduced last year, which gives candidates who didn’t cut admission in the regular release of results a chance to enroll in a degree program, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements and there are slots available.

Courtesy: CNN Philippines

Courtesy: Philippine Primer

10:04 p.m. and it’s Saturday night. Your left thumb dances a similar routine above that bright rectangular device, as you sat lazily beside your night light.

Nothingness engulfs your thoughts as silence envelops the room. Nothing new, you presume. It’s the same thing every weekday and end, Just another lonely evening for you to spend.

Heaving a sigh, you turned to your left.

“Ten more swipes then I’ll give up,” you said.

Left. Swipe Left. Swipe left. Swipe—, Wait! Your thumb froze.

An oh-so-familiar, fine, young man, sporting an all-white garment, lay before your very eyes. It’s him! It’s actually him!

Looking at the bio, you read a quote from one of Bob Marley’s songs.

A huge grin appeared on your face unconsciously, you know where your heart belongs. It’s been years yet he still has that effect on you.

A glimpse at those admirable eyes that you see in your dreams, and that charming smile that blinds you even with your eyes closed.

10:10 p.m.

In mere seconds, all those buried feelings came back to life!

After staring at his profile for an illegally long period of time, You recalled all those cringeworthy, proofread letters that resided in your notes, Sent emails, and dm’s that are all labeled “anonymous”,

Anonymous. You frowned. He never knew, no one did.

10:28 p.m.

A surprisingly huge amount of determination surged through your veins.

With new-found confidence, you fix your posture.

The sound of your cracking knuckles is audible next door. Placing both your hands on your chest, you can feel your heart roar. “I’ll do it right this time!” A chant went on for an hour.

12:11 a.m. and it’s Saturday night. Your duvets are still green, your walls are still white.

The heart-shaped lamp on your drawer still continues to give you light. Everything is still the same, except, You made a match tonight.

GRAPHICS BY: KRYZELL MUGEMULTA

MARIZ CALMERIN

KATE DINGLASAN

GRAPHICS BY: AMELIA LIMSIACO

JEANNE GARDOSE

COURTESY: “CLAY” GRACE VANDERWAAL

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

She is wearing a white shirt, Yet, all she can see is a dirt. Her eyes were dazzling, But all she could see is someone who was mourning. A girl who always tried her best,

To see good things on herself.

In front of her is a fancy, beautiful mirror, Giving her insecurities and more.

But, who are you?

Telling every people how pretty I am in every view. I felt ugly, Yet all you see is the goodness in me.

A handsome man, plastering a smile on his face, Made my heart’s race. You brought me to your favorite place, Chanting every second how beautiful is my face.

You slowly getting me out from the darkness I used to be,

A stranger who came and set me free.

The reflection of an ugly girl Turns into a beautiful swan and gleaming flower.

The

Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades

VERITATI.

ALTHEA THERESE NARAZO

ALYSSA MAE DELES

ALTHEA THERESE NARAZO

AMELIA LIMSIACO

AMELIA LIMSIACO

AMELIA LIMSIACO