SHS Starlight Monthly E-Newsletter Vol. XXXIV, Issue 3

UNO-R SPRCY joins EFA-BLS training

ALWAYS READY. Despite power interruptions, Red Cross Youth Volunteers of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos geared themselves during the Mass Emergency First Aid - Basic Life Support Training held by the RCY Negros Occidental Chapter last October 15.

Seven (7) UNORian Senior Plus Red Cross Youth (SPRCY), together with other RCY Councils, took part in learning basic bandaging, carrying, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation spearheaded by Mr. Rizaldy Alunan, focal

person of RCY Negros Occidental Chapter.

“It targets individuals to respond in emergency situations. It provides an in-depth yet concise lecture on responding to cardiovascular emergencies and choking for adults, children, and babies depending on the level of CPR chosen”, explained, Marian Kristel Banquisio, UNO-R SPRCY Council President.

The UNO-R SPRCY Council will also hold its own EFA-BLS training on November 12 to prepare for University Week deployment.

UNO-R SHS back to F2F exams

RETURN OF THE BLUE BOOK. After 2 years of taking exams online, Senior High School Students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos finally had their in-person exams last October 3 to 4. Six hundred

sixteen (616) Grade 11 students took their exams in the morning while four hundred seventy seven (477) Grade 12 students took theirs in the afternoon, sections of both grades occupied classrooms according to their sets

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

LOQUI TUI VERITATI.

CHASMIRE BANTIGUE & JEANNE GARDOSE

ELNIE ANJELIE FLORES & JOCHELLE FRANCINNE ARLOS

to follow the minimum safety health protocols.

The face-to-face periodical assessment covered all core subjects of Accountancy Business and ManagementTechnical Vocational Livelihood (ABMTVL), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strands.

“If I can describe my experience during the face-to-face examination in one word, that word

would be “difficult” because due to the lack of sufficient time to study all the topics discussed in the first grading [...] I think these problems occur because I’m having a difficult time adapting to face-to-face regulations [...] because I’m really new to this kind of environment,” stated Ma. Lourdes Gonzaga of Grade 11 - St. Joseph 03. Subjects not included in the inperson examination were held virtually from October 5 to 6.

UNO-R SHS salutes teachers, honors St. Thomas of Villanova

UNO-Rian researchers ace Concept Hearing

CHAPTER ONE.

Innovative minds of UNO-Rian researchers were put in to show as they accomplished the first phase of their research journey during the Concept Hearing last October 11.

Dressed in their formal attires, Grade 12 students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos presented their three proposed topics to the panelists for the research study they will be conducting for the semester.

The first batch

of presenters was mainly from the Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics strand, both from the Allied Medical Health and Engineering and Information Technology cluster.

The Humanities and Social Sciences and Accountancy & Business Management - Technical Vocational Livelihood strands then had their concept hearing in the following days.

The concept hearing ran until Friday, October 14.

GOLDEN COMPASS.

Students of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School Department showed appreciation for their teachers in the virtual Teachers’ Day Celebration organized by the SHS Student Affairs Organization and SHS Strand Organization with the theme, “Thomas of Villanova: A Herald of Education and Learning, an Epitome of a Great Mentor”, via Zoom, October 10.

Pre-recorded video greetings of each student from each strand were presented following the messages from Marchade Decena, Accountancy and Business Management - Technical Vocational and Livelihood Strand Governor, Zoe Clarisse Limson, Humanities, and Social Sciences Strand Governor, and Cate Louie Ogapong, Science, Technology, Engineering,

& Mathematics Strand Governor.

Intermission numbers from SHSSAO Nationals followed, where Andre Louis Gaviola, SHSSAO Public Information Officer, and Kyle David Ebro, SHSSAO Treasurer, recited a poem.

“There’s no greater gift that students can give to the teachers than achieving their dreams,” Faculty Club President Mr. John Lloyd C. Belbar, LPT, expressed his response to the event on behalf of the teachers of the UNO-R SHS.

He highlighted his experience of being a teacher in the school and shared the hardships that the teachers felt during the surge of the pandemic and in the current online learning set-up.

Lastly, students were told to be ready for the impending full in-person classes for the next month.

SELWYN JACO

AZRINAZ AZIL DE LA CRUZ

UNO-R SPRCY completes YVOM

CALMERIN & RHYZA SION

ALWAYS FIRST. More than hundreds of UNO-Rian Red Cross Youth Volunteers have completed their Youth Volunteer Orientation Module in the Mass Online YVOM held last October 8.

The event organized by the Red Cross Youth Negros Occidental Chapter was attended by more than 300 RCY Volunteers from LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION. Talent in filmmaking & acting of the Senior High School students of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos was showcased in the two film entries under the Intercollegiate Category for the SineNegrense: Negros Island Film Festival 2022.

different RCY Councils in the province, including the UNO-R Senior Plus Red Cross Youth Council.

Mr. Rizaldy Alunan spearheaded the said training where he tackled the History of the Red Cross Movement, the Red Cross, Red Cross Philippines, services offered by the organization, and volunteerism among the youth.

Youth Volunteer Orientation Module is an introductory training in RCY intended to provide orientation and pertinent information about the Red Cross movement. The said event is conducted in line with this year’s RCY Month celebration committed to reconnecting the youth to the ideals of voluntary service and effective leadership.

UNO-Rian filmmakers joins NIFF

SELWYN JACO

Lima, a Grade 12 St. Augustine - 01 student.

The entries were titled “PUGONG” from PATDAN Productions spearheaded by Cate Louie Ogapong, a Grade 12 St. Ezekiel Moreno - 06 student, and “Sa Halalban” by RCine Films led by Reutsche Colle

“PUGONG” tells a story of a 22-year old probinsyana named Bibit, played by Eshey Reign Embon of Grade 12SEM06, from the town of Pulupandan that was given a job opportunity in Manila, but hesitant to do so because of her past sentiments.

“Sa Halalban”, meanwhile, tells a story of a burned out filmmaker, played by Gary Dequito of Grade 12 - SEM01, who strives to recover from the adrift of his passion after the pandemic.

Both films will be shown on November 22 to 26 at Cinematheque Negros with tickets costing 100 pesos.

SineNegrense: NIFF is an annual film festival here in Negros that “hopes to provide a viable outlet of expression and aims to bring out a new generation of filmmakers and enthusiast, as well as cultivate an informed public on the importance of Cinema and Storytelling in the context of National Identity, Culture and Heritage.”

UNO-Rian bags Bronze in PhIMO

WIZARD OF ODDS. A UNO-Rian Math Wizard was awarded bronze in the Philippine International Mathematical Olympiad (PhIMO) 2022 Final Round Virtual Awarding Ceremony, October 15.

Jhon Daived Castillo, a Grade 12 St. Ezekiel Moreno - 01 student of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos, was one of the delegates representing the Philippines in the said competition held last September 25.

“Considering that the scope of this competition is international, winning a bronze award is excellent fulfillment and satisfaction, especially since this is my first international competition. Although the competition was really nerve-wracking and brain-teasing, I still finished and survived,” said Mr. Castillo.

“The event already provided some test simulations and review questionnaires every week to grasp the scope of the final round a month before the competition. Aside from studying those materials, I’m also studying and reviewing my past lessons [...],” he added when asked how he prepared for the competition.

Before the Final Round, participants of the PhIMO first took part in the Heat Round that held last April 10, where Castillo bagged the Silver Award.

PhIMO is an international math competition spearheaded by the Math Olympiads Training League Philippines, Inc. (MOTLI).

MARIZ

SELWYN JACO

EDITORIAL BOARD

Romanticized Resiliency

The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable regions to strong typhoons dealing with approximately twenty (20) typhoons annually, which poses threat to the population’s life and safety, livelihood, agriculture, and economy. The various dilemmas that the country and we Filipinos are currently struggling to strive against will continue to threaten the course of our lives if the climate crisis continues to be overlooked, there is no improvement in the country’s disaster risk reduction and management, and the continuous romanticism of the Filipinos’ resilience amidst disasters.

Typhoon Paeng hit land last October 29 and lasted for at least 3 days, affecting an estimated 3 million people. In numerous regions of the Philippines, flooding, landslides, and displacement are being caused by strong winds and heavy rain, with 72 casualties. Government data indicate that at least 863,000 individuals are residing temporarily with friends and family or in 2,801 evacuation centers. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 101 persons died (73 confirmed deaths and 28 pending validation), 70 were wounded, and 66 remain unaccounted for. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 4,863 houses were mutilated and 758 have suffered total destruction thus far, all numbers are probably going to rise. While, The Department of Agriculture has recorded an agricultural loss of 66,963 metric tons, or $22.34 million (PHP 1.3 billion). The rice industry and high-value crops accounted for the majority of losses. Along the path of Super Typhoon Noru, which made landfall in late September, some of the damaged areas were impacted.

Despite being a country at the most risk of calamities, there is a lack of urgency present in handling such situations. The normalization of an untroubled demeanor when presented with these events has led to a majority of disorganized communities and incompetent organizations that are scarce in materials such as equipment and supplies. Oftentimes, the inadequacy towards climate

attentiveness is brought by the consequences resulting from a lack of support in budgeting, expenses, and resolving within this aspect. As a result, this leads to a dire implorement of rushed assistance, causing numerous devastations with the deficiency of relief and aid services available. With how frequently the Philippines experiences a number of calamities in the span of a year, there is yet to be a largely structured institution that aims for nationwide assistance in these set of circumstances. Among many obstructions, this domestic issue is often overlooked and disregarded as a bottom priority by many officials when it comes to preparation. In correspondence, this potentially influences the citizens which follow, being unable to comprehend the gravity of each disaster. As calamities destroy infrastructures and ruin the livelihoods of the citizens, the help said on campaign speeches seems to have been rubbed off by friction. Families who were victims of natural disasters rely on relief goods, used clothes, and tiny spaces in schools or gymnasiums. It seems that innovations do not take place in managing disasters brought by typhoons, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. There is little manpower to handle the people asking for help after being placed in a dilemma by a natural catastrophe. Plenty of fields in DRRM lack the organization to keep the management intact, and many of those unaffected turn their backs and cover their ears with trendy tunes on social media. While politicians and officials are comfortable under their roofs, the wooden walls of families’ houses at the lower end of the pyramid are devoured by raging typhoons and strong winds. Advancements in technology should be put into place to efficiently handle these natural disasters and give assistance to the people affected by these catastrophes. Research on effective plans to keep the population safe when there are calamities should be an interest to the government, and funds should be distributed for the materials which could be useful in disasters. Filipinos, albeit their grins, should have government officials who can manage to help their fellow citizens in

these catastrophes.

The idea of Filipinos with the expected deaths and injuries that natural disasters caused by natural disasters for the past decades are disheartening knowing that they anticipate it as something that would naturally happen. Natural disasters are naturally unstoppable– igniting the fire within the population’s thoughts that it is an example of an ‘it-is-what-it-is’ scene that is expected to damage the whole country despite all the preparations plotted against it. Filipinos are usually linked to resiliency despite the death toll reported by various media outlets due to numerous natural catastrophic events. The world envisions them trying to be stable and standing tall despite the massive number and intensity of waves sent to their location. With more than a hundred confirmed deaths from the recent severe Tropical Storm Paeng, it is disturbing that these kinds of reports are seen as normal for most Filipinos. Adding to the list of severely affected, this problem is not only limited to Filipinos, but also to millions of businesses and homes that are destroyed due to incompetence. The ferocious wounds that are planted by natural disasters in the country are expected to inflict on its people for it is seen as normal despite the fact that a concrete plan can minimize its environmental and economic outturns.

Standing firm and sturdy despite the uncountable deaths, wind-blown roofs, and chest-high flood is the default characteristics the nation wants the people to embody when facing natural disasters. Resiliency is a positive attribute always associated with Filipinos, smiling and showing joy even if problems come to slam their peaceful ways. Regardless of the positivity, this trait could emit to the world, it should never be romanticized. Idealizing resilience to counterattack the ‘expected’ and ‘natural’ drifts rooted in natural catastrophes is never the best response. Those ruthless causes crash millions of Filipinos from many perspectives, but with apt preparations for these events, the government could have lessened the struggles of the population. The world should hear a Filipino’s shout for the government’s accountability, rather than being glorified for them being resilient.

JOSEPH KARL C. TATLONGHARI,

HARRY S. MAGLUYAN,

REV. FR. ROMEO BEN POTENCIO JR., OAR

Ningning ng Hindi Bituin KABATAAN: Pag-asa

Life undoubtedly puts individuals to various challenges, filtering every conceivable version of themselves until it reaches the best version possible. However, a person wouldn’t be able to shine if they aren’t given the same opportunities as those already basking in the limelight.

Opportunity is unquestionably not a concept, and no specific gender, race, or age is the owner of it. Opportunity is one of our unalienable human rights prized by every country’s society. Opportunity refers to the idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to realize their full potential as an individual. It denotes equity, stability, and mobility. Everyone in an opportunity society has a say in decisions that impact them, the chance to start over after mistakes or bad luck, and a sense of obligation to their fellow citizens.

People have been divided for so long by race, color, and status, placing individuals into numerous types of social hierarchies. While others continue to shine, the rest are hidden away behind their shadows. Those who are already well-known in the industry are given more opportunities, while those who are new and are yet to be discovered are stuck in one place due to the fear of society

to take a risk and try out new things. Almost all the time, they clung to one perspective, afraid of breaking the routine people are used to.

Creativity and innovation are necessary for the world to advance in its battle against the many problems we face. Only a few privileged individuals have the opportunity to contribute to this crucial work, despite the fact that many brilliant and creative people can. Because of this, everyone around the globe is missing out on the creativity and ideas that might improve people’s way of living. Brilliant thinkers frequently have the ability to generate a solid income from their thoughts. Significant insights and discoveries, however, go beyond their personal gains to benefit society as a whole. Through them, the best inventions that have helped everyone on earth became attainable.

The capacity of the human intellect, their talent, not oil, gold, or coal, is the most scarce resource in the world. There is a huge need for fresh ideas that would benefit us all, yet there aren’t many possibilities to come up with. That is why as a society, we should ensure that all talented people have the opportunity to develop new ideas for the gain of everyone.

nga ba ng Bayan

Ang mga kabataan ngayon ay madalas na punain ng mga matatanda at may awtoridad sa pagiging matinig sa pananaw nila sa mga isyung sosyo-politikal, online man o sa lansangan— kapag sumasali sa kilos protesta. Ngunit ang aktibismo ay higit pa sa kung ano ang nakikita ng karamihan, lalo na ng mga nakakatanda. Sa pagiging bahagi ng kilusang ito, mapapagtanto mo na ang pagkatuto ay lagpas pa sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan. Ang katotohanan sa kalagayan ng ating lipunan ay makikita lamang sa labas ng paaralan. Kaya dapat makibahagi tayo sa mga diskusyon at pagaaral na nauugnay sa ating lipunan. Tumindig kasama ng mga naaapi sa kanilang mga panawagan. Ang edukasyon ay dapat na higit pa sa mga marka at gantimpala, lalo na kapag ang mga taong dapat siyang dapat nating paglingkuran ay nilulunod at nagdudusa. Ang pagpuna ng mga matatanda sa kabataan sa pakikibahagi sa isyung sosyopolitikal, kesyo daw “bata pa at wala pang alam,” ay sumisira sa papel ng kabataan ang pagpapabuti ng lipunan. Dagdag pa diyan, ito ay labag sa konstitusyon

dahil ayon sa nakasaad sa Seksyon 13, Artikulo 2, Konstitusyon ng 1987, binanggit na dapat hikayatin ng Estado ang paglahok ng kabataan sa mga gawaing pampubliko at sibiko. Walang sinuman ang “bata pa” para makialam at makibahagi sa isyung sosyo-politikal dahil sila rin ay naapektuhan ng mga nangyayari sa lipunang kanilang ginagalawan na kanila ring mamanahin.

Marami nang nakamit ang aktibismo, katulad ng libreng kolehiyo na siyang ipinaglaban ng mga hanay nating kabataan sa lansangan at parlyamentaryo. Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi nakamit ng iisang tao sa simpleng pagsasalita at pagkatuto. Matatanto na ang sama-samang pagkilos ay napakahalaga sa kilusang ito.

Ang mga bagay na ito ay nagpapakita na ang aktibismo ay higit pa sa pagmartsa sa lansangan na taas kamao. Isa itong plataporma upang maisulong kung ano ang nararapat, hindi lamang para sa sarili kundi pati na rin sa nakakarami. Kaya bilang kabataan dapat tayong tumindig, makialam, pag-aralan ang lipunan, at paglingkuran ang sambayanan anuman sabihin ng nakakarami, basta alam mo ang ipinaglalaban mo.

SELWYN JACO

JOCHELLE FRANCINNE ARLOS

as they take in the scene of the moment. October, one of the most promising months of the year to visit and jaunt around the streets of Bacolod City. Annually, in the “City of Smiles”, one of the most colorful festivals in the country, takes place and invades every corner of the city as the people join to celebrate. Boasted as a magnificent sight to see, a festival that everyone should give themselves a chance to experience at some point. Touted as the longest festival of a month where the event includes various ventures in honor of the theme, one would be surprised to learn the history behind this culture of festivity. Bacolod City is studded with countless parties and contests far and wide, people bearing smiling masks, festivals, parades, and floats; where people enjoy themselves during the holding of the city’s most anticipated celebration throughout the year: the Masskara Festival. The festival of smiles, otherwise known as the Masskara Festival, is a rich and colorful annual event filled with highlights held during the fourth quarter of every year in Bacolod City. The festival is swarmed with locals and visitors, very much well-known for its

vibrant decorations and distinct qualities. Smiling masks, spectacularly colorful costumes, enticing dance performances, beauty pageants, food festivals, and float parades dye the city streets in rainbow hues all throughout the festival. Thousands of people gather within Bacolod to witness what is known as among the most thrilling festivals worldwide, many parts of the city being flooded with street dances, live music, and all else that defines entertainment and fun.

Masskara is a portmanteau of the Spanish word ‘mass’, meaning a multitude of people, while the word ‘kara’ meaning faces, thus instituting Masskara as the festival of many faces. The festival was first conceived in 1980 during the waning days of the Marcos dictatorship, following sequences of crises and tragedy which dulled the province in gray. Negros used to be responsible for over half of the country’s sugar production, yet this all led to its downfall with the contribution of the declining market and other factors. During these times in the history of Negros Occidental, the sugar prices, being the primary livelihood source of the locals in the area, reached a record low after sugar alternatives surfaced in the local market. The loss was passed onto the planters, blundering them with hundreds of millions of debt. A large number of these workers were in turn, unable to pay loans. Leading

island— leaving millions to suffer in hunger.

Succeeding this, on April 22 of the same year, a tragic ferry incident occurred after the sinking of the famous MV Don Juan. This swept the entire province in grief and mourning, ultimately symbolizing the day when the City of Smiles wept. The MV Don Juan was a passenger liner traveling from Manila to Bacolod City. When the vessel was cruising Tablas Strait, the oil tanker M/T Tacloban City of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) rammed the ship hard on its portside while it was making its way to Bacolod city during the night. A sizable gaping hole formed from its lower deck bunks to the decks of the Admiral Class Cabins. The impact of the collision barred cabin doors from closing, which sealed the fate of its occupants and led to the deaths of Negrenses boarding the liner home. This tragedy struck at an unfortunate time for the province, which was already reeling from the decline in global sugar prices that signified the demise of the province’s sugar industry.

The fall of the sugar industry, followed by the ill-timed tragedy of the sinking of the Don Juan in 1980, birthed the creation of the Masskara Festival. Former Bacolod City Mayor, Jose Montalvo, suggested holding a celebration using smiling masks to bring back smiles on the sorrowful faces of the locals and uplift their spirits during those times of tragedy. The smiling masks dramatized the Negrenses’ effort to become optimistic despite periodic economic downturns within the Negros island. These masks hid the tears and sorrows caused by the MV Don Juan sea mishap and the sugar crisis. The locals regarded this as a means to demonstrate the city’s fortitude and resilience to endure under the most adverse circumstances. Decades later, this celebration continues to be observed and has come to be known all over the globe as the Masskara festival.

The smiling masks in the festival express the Bacolod locals’ resilience when facing a sea of challenges and tragedy, prompting the city to be known as the ‘City of Smiles’. Since the inception of the Masskara festival, the smiling masks have become a symbol of the exciting extravaganza people will continue to uphold for the many years to come. As the festival gained popularity over the years and grew in size, more people joined in the celebration, and today, about 3 million people from all over the world attend it, instituting it as one of the most well-known festivals in the world. The Masskara Festival is a wonderful, symbolic expression of the kind of resiliency the Bacolod people possess. The celebration promotes happiness despite life’s tragedies, tribulations, and difficulties. Though tragedies may bring forth a wave of affliction to these entailed, these traditions hold as the symbols to tackle times of difficulty with a positive frame of mind.

A Comeback You Don’t Want to Miss

Hustling streets, colorful stalls, and crowd gatherings–a scene the Bacolodnons haven’t witnessed in a while after being captives of COVID-19 for two whole years. However, with a flash of hope, the City of Smiles regained its title as the medical face masks are now replaced by colorful beaming masks. What used to be a three-day event turned into a whole month of various merrymaking celebrations. Beginning its journey back in 2019, Miss Teen Masskara made its way back into the spotlight this 2022.

Mary Kate Carmona, a former student of University of Negros Occidental Recoletos and Starlight editor, is one of the candidates from the said pageant. She bagged several awards after the competition, some of them being: Miss Teen Masskara Tourism, Miss Photogenic, and Best in Festival Costume. In an interview done through Facebook Messenger, she happily shared her journey and insights with us. When asked about how she prepared for the pageant, Carmona talked about engaging in practices that focused on developing her communication skills, her pageant walk, and the techniques that she must adhere to. She also believes that her UNO-Rian roots have greatly contributed to this journey, saying, “...it has instilled a great privilege in my journey as a candidate for me to contribute my potential as a learner living through the passion for excellence as I strive to bring quality performance and having the grounds.”

Through a Facebook post, Carmona relayed her deepest gratitude with an ending statement: “Through this grounds of pageantry, it made me raise my beliefs and the causes of my stand, as I am an Empowered Woman!” It is clearly evident how an event such as this heavily impacts its candidates as well as the people around them. Mr. and Ms. Teen Masskara is truly an excellent platform for teens to use in order to share their advocacies with the world, and now that it returned, we are hoping to witness more exceptional teenagers like Carmona, showcasing their wits and ideas, while confidently staring at the crowd with an equally burning passion in the future.

KATE NICOLE DINGLASAN & JAMEA KHEY

Courtesy: Mary Kate Carmona

TORCH OFCINEMATOGRAPHY

Creativity comes from within, but in UNO-R we have it embedded in our culture. As the seniors hand over the torch to the cultivators of cinema in our institution, Patdan Productions and RCine Films, both a collection of UNO-R Senior High School learners, shone in SineNegrense’s Negros Island Film Festival. With exploding colors of emotions, what our representatives showcased brought out a film of the people by narrating stories of life through modern cinematography. With the theme, “Negros Wave - Resurgence,” participants flocked to compete in NIFF to put their blazing talents to the centerstage and ignite their passion through a glimpse of the film industry.

“...To generally give you the basis, our film wants to make our viewers contemplate about their decisions in life,” said Cate Louie Ogapong.

Providing antique scenery in a traditional Filipino home in the rural area, Patdan Productions narrated a film entitled, “Pugong,” unmasking a superstition taught by many older generations. Eerie sound effects and catchy background music stormed their production, as the actors mirrored emotions through their facial expressions. Behind the scenes, the production team encountered hurdles high as those met by the protagonist in their film. “Super challenging gid ang pag gather sang equipment since we have limited gadgets lang, we needed to find people nga ma hulman or ma rentahan sang gamit,”

said Cate Louie Ogapong, director of Pugong, when asked of their pre-production and filming experiences. It was not a mere mix and match of concepts, set-ups, and scripts, but overcoming challenges for an ideal blend of cinema.

From the ashes rose a filmmaker to rekindle a flame in his heart and follow a pavement towards his passion. “Sa Halalban” of RCine Films is a story

Courtesy: “Sa Halalban” by RCine Films

Courtesy: “PUGONG” by PATDAN Productions

JOHN PATRICK A. SERUT & ELIXY KHIEL TURLA

of a burned out man redirected to find a torch of talent he left that was blown by the wind. Despite not wanting to partake in the film festival, Reutsche Cole Lima, director of Sa Halalban, was inspired to put on her mittens and create a documentary-narrative film after watching one in her filming workshop. Steering away from her usual melodrama, romance, and other narrative films, Lima chose an unfamiliar genre for their entry. As filming is her passion, she wanted to explore the film industry by expanding her knowledge and experiences in the field. Desiring greatness in the quality of their film, the production team juggled their academics and filmmaking as they battled the unpredictability of the weather. “...But luckily, my crew was diligent and cooperative enough to troubleshoot and organize the filming, and we filmed the sequences the day after and it turned out great,” narrated Lima on the production of their film. Their entry is a story of two worlds: one on-screen, and another behind, and as they explored through the woods of the film industry, they were able to establish cinema from their hearts.

“The main message of our film is that all of us experienced the feeling of being burned out even when it comes to our passion and the things we love to do,” said Reutsche Cole Lima.

Raised in the world of filmmaking, these students aspire to build something from their passions. While others perceive themselves in an office collaborating with their colleagues as they accomplish their tasks, these young filmmakers are carpenters of the industry who bring inspiration to the population through cinematography. NIFF is a medium for these students to keep their talents on fire; a resurgence amidst the socio-political dilemmas around the globe. In UNO-R, creativity is not a mere part of the culture, but a skill fostered by many students to showcase to the world.

Mel Gabriel Benecio, SJ - 02

In my experience as a newcomer to the system, I find it both interesting and challenging to adapt to the PT Week system of the UNO-R. Since, now as a UNOR-ian, I’ve already faced many obstacles, challenges, and struggles that have helped me grow as a person. Simply put, I am very excited and intrigued to experience the UNO-R’s PT Week system today, especially with the upcoming return of face-to-face classes.

Miles Jolyn Laguna, SJ - 03

I am a transferee and I am very new to the PT week of UNO-R. The experience I had was shocking and very hard at first since I had never felt such pressure from my past school [...]. I’m not gonna lie the PT week is both mentally and physically tiring but it was all worth it in the end, and finishing those performance tasks was very relieving. Furthermore, I believe that we learners evolve most of what we know through experience. [...] It is natural to be open to new experiences in order to gain more expertise and align our actions and thoughts with the right things in life, thereby becoming better individuals.

Alliana Joy Barcase, SA - 01

Since the subjects are no longer divided into two cycles compared to the previous academic year, the lessons we must study are less demanding and the teacher’s discussions are longer. When there were cycles that divided the subjects, despite the fact that we met with our teachers twice a week, there were times when they rushed through discussions of their lessons because there was only so little time available. In contrast, now that the subjects are no longer divided into two cycles, teachers can go into greater detail about their lessons even though we only meet once a week. I appreciate as a student that there are no longer any cycles because it takes a lot of time to complete our tasks.

Joyce Villaluna, SNT - 01

For two years of online classes, the UNO-R has divided its subjects into two cycles, which has made it less burdensome for us students since we are still all adjusting and facing different struggles in coping with the pandemic. Now that we have transitioned to a blended flipped learning modality, it feels like we’re back to the adjusting stage again due to the doubled workload since we’re already covering all the assigned subjects. It is, indeed, a never-ending cycle of adjustments. I just conditioned my mind, thinking that what we are experiencing right now is the everyday scenario of our school life before the pandemic, and I’ll find ways to get back on track faster.

Are you new to the PT Week system of UNO-R? If so, how was your experience being new to the system?

How was your experience now that the subjects are no longer divided into two cycles?

Productions

Transpo crisis in Bacolod troubles studes

ALYSSA GABRIELLE PALALON & ARABELLA FAYE ROJO

INSUFFICIENT WHEELS. With the swell in oil prices that affected small drivers and operators and fewer jeepneys to combat the rise of passengers, student commuters face struggles as the transportation crisis looms over Bacolod during the return of faceto-face classes.

Timothy John B. Jingco of Grade 11 St. Rita of Cascia - 01, shared his take on the transportation system of the city that it is imperfect but enough to fulfill his need for daily transportation.

“The only major concern I have is traffic delay, which significantly comprises my morning routine to school, perhaps also the costly fares from time to time. [...] I can not consider it a hassle, because little effort or budget is required for me to arrive at school on commute, it’s only a matter of getting there in time,” he added.

“Our current transportation situation is hard for both the drivers and students since gasoline prices are expensive which affects both commuters and drivers because they both have to pay more for things,” Lady Marianne M. Lamela from Grade 11 St. Joseph - 03, residing in Bago City, expressed.

In a streetside rally, the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC) Vice Chairperson Dominador Linogon claimed that they are not against the modernization of jeepneys but on its effect of isolating small drivers and operators.

There are at least 45 additional modernized jeepneys in the streets of Bacolod that loop the same routes as traditional jeepneys and charge P13 for the first kilometer, only P1 more than the fare in traditional jeepneys.

Masskara Festival back after 2-year

GASTON & JERI MAE TERRY

BALIK YUHUM. After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the City of Bacolod rejoiced as they painted the streets with colorful crafted masks and smiles during the 43rd MassKara festival which lasted for three weeks, from September 30 to October 23, 2022.

The Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) was crowded with an estimated 20,000 people during the MassKara Kick-off Salubong last September 30, 2022, as they witness performances from Rico Blanco of the Rivermaya rock band and other local performers prior to an 8-minute firework display at midnight.

The festivities were held in 6 different sites, namely in Plaza, BCGC, Upper East, Old Airport, Panaad, and Baywalk — each with a variety of events with different categories to offer to festival enjoyers,

which was the first time in the history of Bacolod. Various artists, influencers, and prominent politicians including Congressman Sandro Marcos, who visited on October 23, along with First Lady Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos, Brownman Revival, Bini, Korina Sanchez — one of the judges for the Streetdance and Arena Competition, Javi Benitez, Vicky Belo, and Hayden Kho attended the MassKarade Ball.

Kara Villarosa took home the crown as she was declared Miss Bacolod MassKara - Universe and bagged awards such as Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown during the Coronation Night of Miss MassKara Bacolod 2022 beauty pageant held on October 19, 2022, at the University of St. La SalleBacolod Coliseum.

Eirine Granada was crowned First

STEPHANIE

Courtesy: Suns Star Bacolod

Festival 2-year hiatus

Runner-up followed by Sandale Magsancay as Second Runner-up, while Jan Marie Bordon will be representing the city in Miss International and Janine Galera for Miss World.

Pageant winners and mentors, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez, Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, Mr. National Universe Philippines 2022 Michael Ver Comaling, Ginoong Pilipinas 2019 Grand Winner, Erik Lennart Visser, Aces & Queens Make-up mentor Jim Ryan Ros, and Cary Santiago, national costume designer for Miss Universe were invited as judges for the said tilt.

Kyle Echarri, a rising heartthrob, and OPM sensation Zack Tabudlo were invited to entertain and

serenade the stunning 15 candidates, the production also featured local artists—Nimrod Villamarzo, Hannah Puller, the Kagayon Dance Troupe, the MassKara Dancers, and the Artians. Bested 14 other Barangays and took home the P300,000 cash prize in Electric MassKara Float and Dance-off competition at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) in October. 22 was Barangay 17, also receiving P20,000 for winning the best float during the parade at Megaworld’s The Upper East including the Most Disciplined and Best in Mask and Costume awards—Barangay 25 was declared as the first runner-up, awarded 200,000 pesos in cash while 150,000 pesos goes to Barangay 32 announced as second runner-up—judges in the competition were

prominent personalities Tim Yap, Hayden Kho, Dr. Vicky Belo, Alodia Gosiengfiao, and Maricris Zobel.

Brgy. Granada bagged multiple awards including Best in Music and Most Disciplined Contingent, and received a cash reward of PHP 1 million in the Streetdance and Arena Competition, the biggest in the history of the city’s MassKara Festival, which took place at the Paglaum Sports Complex Stadium on October 23, concluding this year’s festivities.

The following Barangays made their community proud as they brought home the bacon in Streetdance and Arena Competition with hefty cash prizes. Brgy. Sumag, first runner up and awarded as Best in Mask and Costume pocketed 500,000 pesos in cash,— 2019 grand champion, Brgy. Estefania received

300,000 pesos being the second runner up, third runner up is Brgy. 35 with 250,000 pesos while Brgy. SingcangAirport received 150,000 pesos as the fourth runner-up, acquiring the spot as fifth, sixth, and seventh runner-ups are Brgy. Tangub (P50,000), Brgy. 31 (P30,000), Brgy. Alangilan (P20,000), in order respectively.

In addition, Barangays with special awards received 25,000 pesos each—all 17 participating barangays received P10,000 medical assistance from STI-West Negros University which was the official tabulator of the competition.

“Mr. Yuhum,” Darren Espanto, sang the official theme song of MassKara 2022, entitled Balik Yuhum (Smile Again), and performed alongside Sue Ramirez at the Paglaum Sports Complex during the Streetdance and Arena Competition and Closing Concert last October 23, 2022, concluding this year’s festivities.

Courtesy: Philippine News Agency

A Song of Gratitude

ARIANNA MAE MENESES, ALEAH ANN TORRES, & AIZELLE MAKILAN

Another day has come, and new learning opportunities await. That thought continuously runs through every teacher’s mind, for it is their passionto teach and help students grow through learning.

However, throughout the 31-daylong month of October, each day runs not the usual. It is a moment of thanksgiving filled with surprises, love, and appreciation as students honor their teachers for World Teacher’s Month.

As the sun touched the morning faces in the school’s field, a teacher was finalizing her lesson plan on one of the monoblocks when one of her students came to her, handing her a folded sticky note. Shyly, the student said, “Happy Teacher’s Day, Miss.” Suddenly another student approached her while she was already holding a handful of hand-written thank you cards and crumpled Santan, gasping for air and uttering these words, “Miss, two of our classmates are fighting. There is a big commotion in the classroom.” The teacher responded with confusion, leaving her speechless. As she passed through the hallways, the words she heard from one of her students kept bugging her mind. However, as she set foot in the classroom, bouquets of her favorite red roses, colorful presents, and music serenaded her.

Ang awiting ito’y para sayo

At kung maubos ang tinig, di magsisisi Dahil iyong narinig mula sa labi ko Salamat, salamat

These short yet meaningful lyrics were enough to melt her heart and make a tear drop. This simple gesture and their song of gratitude made her feel a hundred feelings stringed into uncontained happiness. A Happy Teacher’s Month, indeed.

II, Chapter 3

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

Volume

By: Kloey Apondar, Alyssa Mae Deles, Kryzell Mugemulta