The Bud Volume 31 Issue No. 01

theBUD

The Official Student Publication of the University of Northern Philippines-Laboratory High School Volume 31, Issue No. 1 ◦ August-December 2017

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YOUNG & SIXTEEN PEARLS ON TOP. Catherine Bautista of the HUMSS strand snatches the crown during the coronation of Mr. & Ms. UNP 2017.

Photo ◦ MARY ANGELINE PONCE

Bautista is Miss UNP 2017 NICOLE VERZOSA & LENNOX QUIÑOLA

Experience and age did not hinder Catherine Ibay Bautista as she stood highly against her contenders and ended the decade thirst of the Laboratory Schools making her the youngest reigning queen during the Mr. and Ms. UNP Pageant at the Vigan City Convention Center, October 12.

Bautista is 16 years old and a current senior high school student from the Humanities and Social Sciences strand. She also grabbed three minor awards namely Best in 1920’s attire, Best in 1980’s Swimwear, and Best in Avant-Garde.

“The LS Family have been very supportive from day one. It is an honor to be able to represent them. That’s what I valued most,” Bautista stressed.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really in the volunteering mode at the time. My teachers and my classmates encouraged me to try as I learned how significant this is for them… And now, here I am,” Bautista added.

“I’m honestly left speechless… although I am their youngest, there was never a time that I felt underestimated.

Behind the stage is a genuine bond not between competitors but between friends. We support each other and I love all of them. They’re amazing people,” Bautista emphasized.

She was paired with Theo Daskeo, a senior high school student who represented Laboratory Schools in the said pageant. With the theme, “Metamorphosis: Evolution of Fashion,” Bautista proved to everyone that being a high school student can have an equal or greater capability competing with different colleges.

“I can definitely say that this whole process changed a lot in me; physically and emotionally. Change is inevitable when you experience things like these,” Bautista said.

Page 3 ► MISS UNP

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news I N TH E U N P E LECTIONS 2017,

UNP elects new leaders LENNOX QUIÑOLA The University of Northern Philippines elected new set of officers for different accredited and mandated organizations during the 2017 UNP Election last May 4, 2017 and a special election last, September 11, 2017.

SABERS UP! The Laboratory Schools’ senior high school students raise their DIY lightsabers during the non-motorized parade. ● Photo ◦ UNP PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

UNP celebrates 52nd anniversary NICOLE VERZOSA Fifty-two stepping milestones summed up the celebration of the UNP Foundation Week headed by Dr. Gilbert Arce, UNP president as they celebrated another fruitful year with the theme, UNP at 52: Responsive to the Challenges of the New World Order, October 6-19, 2017.

The festivity started with the opening of the Student’s Fair featuring the theme, “Legacy of the Past, Armor of Tomorrow,” wherein different colleges and accredited organizations set up their booths exhibiting various iconic figures. The University of Northern Philippines Student Council with Dr. Gilbert Arce facilitated the ribbon cutting of the fair in the afternoon of October 15. The Laboratory Schools Organization garnered 2nd runner up during the Search of the Best Students Amusement Cinematic House 2017. They were also awarded as the Best Cinematic Booth. The Laro ng Lahi Festival last October 20, was

participated by students from primary, secondary and tertiary level.

Last October 16, an Academic Competition spearheaded by the Office of Students Affairs was also joined by the different schools. General Information Quiz Bee, Ilocano Culture Quiz Bee, Dagliang Talumpati and Extemporaneous Speaking are the different competing events battled by the participating schools wherein the winners received certificates of recognition and cash prizes—P1,500 for the first placers, P1,200 for the 2nd placers and P900 for third placers respectively.

The Bud editor nips medals in eco writing tilt ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO Lennox P. Quiñola, the external managing editor of The Bud, bagged 3rd places in Essay Writing Contest and Filipino Poem Writing Contest on the 12th National Kampo Kalikasan by the SAVE ME Movement held at Heritage Resort, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, September 28 – October 1, 2017.

“It’s an honor to win on a national contest. That’s already a national contest, I mean, you are competing with different students with different intellectual capabilities around the Philippines, and you nailed it. That’s overwhelming,” Quiñola said.

Quiñola competed against 46 contenders from different schools. He was also a part of the different group contests, namely: Sabayang Pagbigkas, Banner Making Contest, Interpretative Dance, Extra Challenge, Project Action Plan Making, Jingle Writing and Intrepretation Contest. Three first places,

With the theme “Metamorphosis: Evolution of Fashion” for this year’s pageant, The Search for Mr. And Ms. UNP highlighted the Foundation week last October 12. Ms. Catherine Bautista from the Senior High School Department and Mr. Prince Levi Agbisit from the College of Teacher Education coped the title.

Furthermore, students, faculty members and UNP non-teaching personnel showed their colors and banners during the Non-Motorized Parade last October 14. The finest and greatest employees of the university were also recognized during the CSC Awards-Length Service Awards, Outstanding faculty, Employee and Middle-Level Administrator and Outstanding Ilocano Educators Awards on the same day.

The weeklong celebration officially ended with a mass and floral offering in honor of the late Cong.

Floro S. Crisologo, the founder of the academe followed by Memorial Lecture Series at the Tadena Hall. ●

one third place, and one fourth place respetively.

The competition was part of the 12th National Kampo Kalikasan with the theme “Peace and Development Imperative: Towards a Sustainable Physical and Social Environments.

Four-day camp included different trainings, workshops, academic competitions, socialization which focused on Ecological and Community Immersion.

The movers were divided into five groups namely Team Haribon, Overall Champion; Team Thunderbolts, 1st Runner Up; Team Blazing Dragons, 2nd Runner-up; Team Sharks, 3rd runner-up and Team Land Army, 4th runner-up. ●

The Laboratory Schools Organization (LSO) welcomed its set of new officers. Leigh Aubrey Caliboso (Grade 12-STEM A) who won the first election failed to pass the Certificate of Candidacy making Marie Terese Quirapas (Grade 12-HUMSS A) sit on the senatorial spot. John Ray Barcena (Grade 12-HUMSS A) won as the Governor, Aaron Balino as the Vice Governor; Carla Rioteta (Grade 12-ABM A) as the Secretary-General; Sophia Andrea Andallo (Grade 11ABM B) as Treasurer; Ash Lee Verzosa (Grade 11-HUMSS B) as Business Manager; Carlo Barbaro Reyes (Grade 12-HUMSS A) as Press Relations Officer; Marc Hanson Camacam (Grade 11-HUMSS B) as Auditor; Earl Rean Solivet (Grade 8-Jade) as Grade 8 Representative; Julienne Marie Rafal (Grade 9-Amethyst) as Grade 9 Representative; John Bernabe Quiocho (Grade 10-Diamond) as Grade 10 Representative; Lanz Thirdy Aquino (Grade 11-ABM A) as Grade 11 Representative; and Christian Dominique Divina (Grade 12-ABM C) as Grade 12 Representative.

The highlight of the UNP Election was the Student Council in which Tessie Ann Reyes, LEADS Party; Ace Danielle Avero, RIGHTS Party; and Rommel Molina, Independent Party, vie for the position of Presidency. Reyes won the first election against Avero and Molina but due to a violation against the code of election, a special election was conducted wherein Reyes once again took the presidential position.

Francheska Obrero, the new Vice President of LEADS Party, won against Marion Jenel Chan; Jaylord Agrisola, RIGHTS Party remained as the Secretary-General; Gerone Vince Gazmen after making a big switch from being a Vice President to Secretary on Finance and from LEADS Party to RIGHTS Party, won against John Paolo Arce; Norizza Ventura, RIGHTS Party won as the Secretary on Audit against Jerald Montgomery; and Russell Quidolit, LEADS Party won as the Secretary on Communications against Aries Dioayan. ●

LHS population rate hikes up to 11.5% NICOLE VERZOSA Accepting this year’s 2nd batch of Grade 11 students, the University of Northern Philippines-Laboratory High School reached 26.18% increase in enrolment tally as of August 2016.

Having the total population of 1,417 students this year, there are additional enrolees of 294 from last year’s population of 1,123.

A total percentage of 3.92% was added to the enrollment rate of Junior High School students with a total population of 371 from the previous year’s population of 357. However, Senior High School students escalated up to 36.55% rate of their population.

It has an increase of 280 enrollees from their last year’s population of 766.

Here are the total breakdown of enrollment rate in the different grade levels and tracks: Grade 7112 (15.46% increase), Grade 8—96 (7.87% increase), Grade 9—85

G12-ACADE M IC (429)

(10.39% increase), Grade 10—78 (17.02% decrease) This year, 285 (38.44% decrease) Grade 11 students were enrolled under the Academic Track, 71 (73.8% decrease) in Technical-Vocational and 10 (68.75% decrease) in Arts and Design. In Grade 12, 429 are under the Academic Track, 220 in Technical-Vocational and 31 in Arts and Design.

The students are currently occupying the Antonio Luna Hall but due to lack of classrooms, some students are distinguished to other classrooms in the different colleges namely the College of Business Administration & Accountancy, College of Law, and the Science Complex Building. ●

G11-ACAD (285)

G7 (112)

G8 (96)

G12-TECH-VOC (220)

G11-TV (71)

G9 (85)

G10 (78)

SIDEBAR 1. Population of Students in the University of Northern Philippines-Laboratory High School School Year 2017-2018 sorted by Level and Track.

Infographics ◦ CWYLLE ALCAIN

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Front Page ◄ MISS UNP Prince Levi Agbisit from the College of Teacher Education was crowned as Mr. UNP 2017. Runnersup were Jhan Jay Artates from the College of Health and Sciences and Roselle Gayad of the College of Social Works (1st runners-up); Naisarg Gandhi from the College of Medicine and Richelle Anne Presto from the College of Teacher Education were the 2nd runners-up; Jerome PJ Celis from the College of Engineering and Ma. Glaizel Ragasa from the College of Arts and Sciences were the 3rd runners-up; and Andi Nicole Lopena from the College of Arts and Sciences and Krina Desai from the College of Medicine were the 4th runners-up.

“My advocacy is to promote feminism in the school not only for women but for men as well. I am well aware of our institution’s friendly hand with the LGBT Community but I believe that every gender, whether they are man, woman, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, etc., deserves equal opportunities,” Bautista added. ●

LS celebrates Buwan ng Wika CHAREENA FELIZE ROJAS A series of academic contests for Junior and Senior High School students ignited the Buwan ng Wika Celebration of the Laboratory Schools with the theme “Filipino: Wikang Mapagbago” on August 29-31, 2017.

Sponsored by the Laboratory Schools Organization, the activities focused on valuing the Filipino language to inculcate and appreciate Filipino culture among the students.

The competitions were divided into two categories-for junior high and senior high school students.

“Masining Silong Pinoy,” a make-the-umbrella-your-canvas art contest was bagged by 12 ABM A who landed 1st while 12 Cookery A garnered 2nd and 11 ABM B settled 3rd. The Junior High School category was dominated by 10 Gold, 10 Diamond, and 7 Ivory. HUMSS C , 12 ABM A and 12 ABM C reigned in the Baybayin Art, a calligraphy comtest using the traditional Baybayin syllabary. Jansen

A. Tacata (1st Place), Mark Ariel Paiste (2nd Place) and Cwylle Alcain (3rd Place) showcased their artistic skills in Poster Making Contest.

Vingel Vee Bautista (1st Place), Gemma Ayson (2nd Place) and John Ezekiel Tabios (3rd Place) snatched the titles in Pagsulat ng Sanaysay while in Pagsulat ng Tula, Greigson Leysan, Vanessa Faye Oandasan and Khyle Brenjano Frando grabbed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd spot respectively. 10 Gold (1st Place), 12 ABM A (2nd Place) and 11 ABM A (3rd Place) took the spots in Tagisan ng Talino.

“Larong Pinoy”, Bandahan and the Awarding of winners wrapped up the activity. ●

Page 9 ◄ ACCEPTANCE If people would know, they are also administers of values of respect, economic justice, equality, diversity, fairness, and also they empower processes at all levels of their work in charity programs such as GALANG, through a healthy relationship with other people not considering of their sexualities, and of their status in the society. It is very pitiful for people to not know this movement of the LGBT, because it’s a shame that they who were harassed, mistreated, and abused were still the ones willing to accept the people who didn’t accept them at first. ●

But at the same time I didn’t want to let my section down. Kaya binigay at inapply ko yung knowledge ko throughout the quiz. And ‘yong pagkapanalo ko, it motivated me to continue learning lalo na sa field of Science,” Taay stated.

Cash prizes of P500.00, P300.00, and P200.00 were given to the 1st placer, 2nd placer and 3rd placer respectively last October 8. Mrs. Elmarie Rin and Mrs. Jenny Grace Almazan served as their coaches. ●

Isa itong karangalan hindi lamang para sa akin kung hindi pati na rin sa buong Laboratory SchoolSenior High School dahil sa kabila ng aking edad na siyang pinakabata, kumpara sa ibang kalahok, ay nagawa kong ipakita ang aking kakayahan.

- Dianne Wanagen Lakambini ng Wika 2017

HALLWAY FOR ART. Senior high school students ready their materials for the “Baybayin Art” making during the Buwan ng Wika celebration.

Photo ◦ NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO

LS mentors undergo Classroom Management Confab ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO For the continuous pursuit of professional development, the Faculty of the Pre-school, Grade School, and Junior High School Department of the Laboratory Schools convened for the Seminar-Workshop on Classroom Management at the Antonio Luna Hall, Audio-visual room on December 20.

Page 5 ◄ SCIENCE QUIZ BOWL “It was definitely unexpected.

I joined without high hopes knowing that it’s a uni-wide competition.

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POISE IN POSE. Dianne Wanagen shows her brightest smile as she flaunts her Filipiniana attire during the Search for Lakan and Lakambini 2017.

Photo ◦ NEW TANDEM

SHS lass cops Lakambini ng Wika 2017

With it’s theme, “Searching the Equation between Conduct, Instruction, and Relationship ,” Dr. Eva Marie C. Avila, the head of Guidance and Counseling Office served as the resource speaker where she shared her expert knowledge on how to deal with the different classroom and student conflicts, how to instil discipline to the students, how to handle unruly students, and how to establish your authority as the teacher. She also provided an activity where the teachers had given the chance to give their messages and express their gratitude to their fellow teachers.

“The first thing you need to do is to establish yourself as a teacher. Show to your students that you are a teacher. You are equipped with skills and knowledge because you are a teacher. You are a role model because you are a teacher, these are the things I learned today,” quipped Marielle Ann Verzosa, one of the participants.

The event ended with the presentation of outputs by the faculty members. ●

Rafal retains nat’l post in cartooning NICOLE VERZOSA

LENNOX QUIÑOLA Poise, patience, and perseverance made Dianne Wanagen of Grade 12 ABM-C snatched the Lakambini crown during the Search for Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika 2017 in line with the Buwan ng Wika Celebration of the University of Northern Philippines held at the university founder’s plaza, August 28, 2017.

“Sa paggabay rin ng mga guro, napaghandaan ko ang pagsagot sa mga katanungan. Inisip ko na lang na kailangan kong gawin ang mga dati kong ginagawa sa mga paligsahang tulad nito,” Wanagen said. “Isa itong karangalan hindi lamang para sa akin kung hindi pati na rin sa buong Laboratory SchoolSenior High School dahil sa kabila ng aking edad na siyang pinakabata, kumpara sa ibang kalahok, ay nagawa kong ipakita ang aking kakayahan.”

Out of 13 pairs of candidates from different colleges and departments, Wanagen, together with Marco Joshua Cabildo from the College of Social Works were crowned as the Lakandula at Lakambing ng Wika 2017.

Geoffrey Brix Tejero from the College of Business Administration in Accountancy and Percianne Princess Pamlas from the College of Engineering

Possessing the gift of art, Jan Dexter A. Rafal, 12-STEM D, triumphed with second places in both Editorial Cartooning English and Graphics Story English for High School Level during the 11th Annual National Media Conference with the theme: “Advocating Ethical Campus Journalism Amidst Social Challenges” at La Carmela de Boracay Hotel, Boracay Island, Aklan on September 13-15.

landed 5th; Jerald Tarinay from the College of Criminal Justice Education and Mayolin Bersalona from the College of Arts and Sciences notched the 4th spot; Rio Nico Costales from the College of Engineering and Christine Joy Quintal from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management baged 3rd place; and Robin Pora and Hazel Jularbal, both from the College of Nursing were crowned as 2nd runner up respectively.

Prof. Maximo B. Borje Jr., head of student publications and technical adviser of the New Tandem, coached Rafal and two other college students namely Kenneth Raposas, a 4th year student from College of Communication and Information Technology and Mark Christian Raquel, also a 4th year Engineering student from the College of Engineering.

The pageant was organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Magiging Gurong Filipino of the College of Teacher Education and the Student Council aiming to preserve and promote Filipino culture through the presentation of festival attires. It is also a celebration of the Filipino language as the different contenders battled using the Filipino language during the Hash tag question and answer portion. ●

More than five hundred participants from different Colleges and State Universities, including Secondary and Elementary Schools, all over the country battled in the Media Conference. It was organized by the School Press Adviser’s Movement (SPAM), Inc. Rafal is the Editorial Cartoonist of The Bud, the official student

publication of UNP Laboratory High School and an artist of New Tandem, the official publication of University of Northern Philippines.

“I was really pressured knowing the fact that I’ve won two gold medals during the last media conference. Having the opportunity to be in the conference was already such a blessing. I’ve made it once again and I am grateful with the people who inspired me to be better in doing my craft. And I am glad to make UNP proud again. It was a great experience,” he said.

Furthermore, LAYAP, the official literary folio of UNP New Tandem garnered 2nd place in the Search for the Most Outstanding Variety of Literary Works (Tertiary Category). ●

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LS journalists grab awards in DSPC MARY NATHALIE TABANGCURA Twenty-four budding journalists from The Bud, the official publication of University of Northern Philippines, Laboratory High School victor in their different contested fields during the Division Schools Press Conference 2017 held at Burgos Memorial School West, October 4-5, 11 and 15, 2017.

RAISE YOUR BANNERS. The delegates from the University of Northern Philippines parade with their yellow shirts during the opening of PASUC 2017, October 25-27. ● Photo ◦ LENNOX QUIÑOLA

UNP hosts Regional PASUC 2017 MARIANNE FAYE RAFANAN Culture, creativity, and camaraderie kindled the 2017 Regional Philippine Association of State Colleges and Universities (PASUC) Culture and Arts Festival as the University of Northern Philippines bagged the 2nd runner up overall on October 25-27.

The University of Northern Philippines was the host university of the event. With the theme “PASUC @ 50: At the Forefront of the Global Dynamics of Public Higher Education,” the participants were gaged in different academic and cultural competitions to showcase and share their talents and creativity which strengthen the promoting culture for the region.

Mariano Marcos State University landed on the first spot with a total point of 180, followed by Don Mariano Marcos State University who garnered 143 points, University of Northern Philippines landed 3rd with 132 points, Pangasinan State University earned 130 points making them reach the 4th spot, Ilocos Sur Polythecnic State College won 71 points and Northern

It was a great experience for me.

I learned lots of things especially in the field of leadership. This encampment strengthened my passion in scouting.

I am also thankful because I gained lots of friends through the funfilled activities. It made me realize the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. I will surely apply all of these in real life.

- Vianca Viloria Senior Girl Scout, GSP-LHS Chapter

Luzon Polytechnic State College got 53 points respectively.

The points of UNP where earned from their different spots in the competition. They garnered 3rd place in Radio Drama, 1st place in On The Spot Poster Making, 2nd place in Pencil Drawing, 3rd place in Charcoal Rendering, 2nd place in Photography, 2nd place in Indigenous Dance, 1st place in Extemporaneous Speaking, 1st place in Dagliang Talumpati, 1st place in Short and Sweet Play, 3rd place in Live Band, 3rd place in Pop Solo 1st place in Essay Writing as well as Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, and the UNP Mr. PASUC-1 representative as 1st runner-up in the Mr. and Ms. PASUC-1. The selected participants had undergone elimination during the

uniwide celebration.

The annual Regional PASUC Culture and Arts Festival aimed to strengthen the culture shared by the region as a preparation for the national level. It also gave chance to the different universities in the region to learn from each other’s strengths and practices as they go through different contests. It’s also a venue where students who have potentials were given the chance to prove as well as enhance their skills.

The winners will represent the region for the National PASUC. The awarding of winners concluded the activity. The national competition will be held at Dumaguete City. ●

Senior girl scouts go camping NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO The Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Laboratory High School chapter successfully conducted the Senior and Junior Troop Encampment last October 17-19 held at the open grounds of Le Vita Hotel, MacArthur highway, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur. Several activities were laid to 66 campers which includes the mountain trekking at Lao-Ingen, Sto. Domingo wherein the campers were able to see a part of the falls and experience the beauty of nature, Amazing Race wherein the campers was tasked to finish 5 stations to test their unity as a team,

Miss Q & A which is divided into five parts: the production number, showing of talents, rampage of formal wear, and the question and answer portion, a wide game (or treasure hunt), Miss Popularity and the Wide game or also called the treasure hunt wherein each patrol need to finish the activities written in order to

CAPTURE NATURE. Senior girl scouts snap a photo of the scenery during the mountain trekking at Lao-Dingen, Sto. Domingo.

Jim Claude Joven garnered 1st place in Science and Technology Writing, Jan Dexter Rafal; 2nd place Editorial Cartooning Filipino, Alliana Reigne Rapisura; 2nd place Editorial Writing, Christine Marie Andallo; 2nd place Copy Reading and Headline Writing, Mariko Paolo Martinez; 2nd place Feature Writing, Jade Norielle Go; 2nd place News Writing (Filipino), Khyle Brenjano Frando; 2nd place Sports Writing (Filipino), Frederick Ambida; 3rd place Editorial Cartooning Filipino, John Louie Suyat; 5th place Sports Writing, Marianne Faye Rafanan; 6th place News Writing, Darian Keith Andia; 6th place Pagsulat ng Lathalain, Vianca Viloria; 6th place Photojournalism, Mc Justine Realgo; 6th place Science and Technology Writing, Hannah Daygo; 6th place Pagsulat ng Editoryal, Marianne Faye Rafanan; 6th place News Writing, Nicole Verzosa; 7th place Pagsulat ng Editoryal, John Ezekiel Tabios; 7th place Pagsulat ng Balitang Isports.

They were coached by Ms. Marielle Ann Verzosa, Mr. Frederick Pablico, Mr. Alain Ramos, Mr. Lester Aaron, Mr. Jake Garnace.

The UNP Collaborative Publishing Team also bagged 1st place in Filipino category and 2nd place in English category. The Filipino team was composed by Rona Togupen, Elaine Angelie Organo, Christian Jehro Ulita, Vianca Viloria, Hannah Daygo, Darian Keith Andi and John Ezekiel Tabios while the English team was composed by Nicole Verzosa, Cwylle Alcain, Marie Terese Quirapas, Dahlia Camacam, Nadeen Dominique Valenciano, Marianne Faye Rafanan and Mc Justine Realgo. Ms. Jenniou Pigao and Ms. Marielle Ann Verzosa served as their coaches.

Moreover, Menard Marion teamed up with Edel Chris Jun Sotelo, Mica Soriano, Frances Nicole Tolentino, Frederick Ambida, Gemma Ayson and Angelica Adoc landed on the 1st spot in TV Broadcasting bagging minor awards namely Best in Technical Application, Best in Script, Best Male Anchor and Best Field Reporter.

Top five winners will be advancing on the Regional Schools Press Conference at San Carlos City, Pangasinan on December 12-14. ●

JOIN THE BUD. For i nqui r i es, cont act : 0926 860 6991, or t al k t o us: t hebudoff i ci al @gm ai l .com

find the ingredients for the dishes (pig in a blanket, baked tuna, and sunny sideup) that they will cook.

The winners of the activities are as follows: Amazing Race - Panda Patrol, Cadets; Miss Q & A - Romelyn Torralba, winner, Erl Gieanne Cabotaje, 1st runner up, and Nadeen Dominique Valenciano, 2nd runner up; Miss Popularity—Jolysa Corpuz, winner, Frances Soliven, 1st runner up, Sharina Cabotaje, 2nd runner up. The senior and junior girl scouts were accompanied by Mrs. Maribel Yasay, Mrs. Juanita Fontejon, Mrs. Novelyn Fuller, Mrs.Abelina Tabios, Ms. Shane Amano and Ms. Rosejane Advincula.

“It was a great experience for me.

I learned lots of things especially in the field of leadership. This encampment strengthened my passion in scouting. I am also thankful because I gained lots of friends through the fun-filled activities.

It made me realize the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. I will surely apply all of these in real life,” quoted Vianca Viloria, a senior girl scout.

This year’s encampment aimed to help the junior and senior girl scouts in their development as human being, to grow socially and promote the values of self-reliance and independence. ●

RIGHT OVER LEFT. Titas, Senior and Cadet girl scouts hold hands while in the Friendship circle during the last day of encampment.

Photos ◦ NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO

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UNP-LSians seize awards The Bud’s pen in Solidarity Week

I N TH E R EG IONAL SCHOOLS PR ESS CON FE R E NCE 2017,

PRINCESS JAIZELLE VALER Students from the University of Northern Philippines Laboratory High School and Senior High School Department bagged awards from the different competitions during the 2017 Vigan Heritage Solidarity Cultural Festival, September 2017.

Marie Terese Quirapas, a grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences student amassed 1st place in Fotografias Y Recuerdos, He was coached by Mr. Lester Aaron. Edel Cris Jun Sotelo, a Grade 12 student Arts and Design also garnered 1st place in Poster Making. He was accompanied by Rosette Aguinir.

Joshua Mari Gutierrez also a Grade 12 student of Science-TechnologyEngineering and Mathematics strand notched 3rd place in Instrumental Solo. Ms. Carmela Vee Ferrer served as her coach.

The participants in Sabayang Pagbigkas from the Junior High School Department showed the power and harmony of words and arts as they nip the 2nd spot. Mr. Aaron

served as their trainer. The UNPSenior High School Affairs dance troupe also landed as 2nd place in the Folk Dance Competition under the tutelage of Mr. Mark Christian Palo together with Ms. Ferrer.

Johanna Charmaine, Aaron Balino and Mary January Chan from Junior HS Department won 3rd place as a group in the Vigan Quiz Bowl.

Ms. Marielle Ann Verzosa and Mrs. Juanita Fontejon served as their coaches. In the teachers category, Rosette Aguinir and Jake Garnase won 1st place in Kinnantaran.

The University of Northern Philippines, Cluster 5 was declared as the Overall Champion among the five clusters. ●

and paper reap labors ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO Pens have been united once again.

Out of 141 competing schools from 15 divisions all over the region, The Bud, the official student publication of University of Northern Philippines Laboratory High School emerged as they hooked 1st place in Features Page and 4th place in News Page for the Group Contest Category during the Regional Schools Press Conference 2017 held at St. Charles Academy, San Carlos City, Pangasinan on December 12-14.

Third spot was also notched by Elaine Angelie Organo, the Associate Editor; Rona Alysza Togupen, Layout

YOUNG CREATIVES. The Collaborative Desktop Publishing Filipino team and Ms. Jennielou Pigao pose with their medals and certificates together with Hon. Juan Carlo Medina, Vigan City Mayor, Vigan City Division Supervisors, and other participants during the Mayor’s courtesy call on December 18 at Vigan City Municipal Hall.

Photo ◦ VIGAN CITY PH

Artist; Darian Keith Andia, Features Editor; Vianca Viloria, Personal Development Editor together with Christian Jehro Ulita, Hannah Daygo and John Ezekiel Tabios, the Collaborative Desktop Publishing Filipino team which was composed of. They were under tutelage of Ms. Jennielou Pigao.

The other coaches were Ms. Marielle Ann Verzosa, Mr. Frederick Pablico, Mr. Alain Ramos, Mr. Lester Aaron, Mr. Jake Garnace and Mr. Michael Faraday Visaya. The 2017 Regional Schools Press Conference highlights the role of campus journalists in advancing inclusive education. ●

Juniors, Seniors welcome Science Month PEARL ANTONETTE ALMERO Series of activities ignited the Science Month celebration of University of Northern Philippines-Laboratory High School and Senior High School.

ALL THINGS SCIENCE. Grade 12 STEM students rejoice after winning the major awards in the different competing fields during the university-wide Science Month Celebration.

(From left: Dr. Christopher Bueno, Andrea Taay, Rona Alysza Togupen, Ma. Acztyne Gayle Pablico, Jan Dexter Rafal, Mrs. Jenny Grace Almazan) ● Photo ◦ NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO

Senior High School Affairs, particularly the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM students from grades 11 and 12 participated in the celebration of science month with the theme “Earthbeat: Excavating the Abyss, Pulsing the Currents, and Steering the Youth as Stewards for Sustainable Development,” on September 20 at the University of Northern Philippines.

Three competing activities namely, STEM-wide quiz bowl, science and technology classroom transformation contest and science and technology

campaign (a search for student who is best dressed like scientist) was conducted to test the unity, creativity, and intelligence of 8 opposing sections of STEM (5 from grade 12 and 3 from grade 11) and aimed to enhance students’ potentials and capabilities along science and technology as it provided an avenue for learners to develop their skills, personality and to empower scientific literacy among the students. The competitions were concluded on the same day of celebration.

Three grade 12 students notched the awards in Science Quiz Bee topped

The three-year founded science organization, Team Chem headed

by Rachelle Alaibilla, the president, initiated various activities in the Junior High School Department held at the 2nd floor Academic Building, September 2829.

MARY NATHALIE TABANGCURA Four grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics students bagged awards in their different competing fields during the universitywide celebration of Science month spearheaded by the University of Northern Philippines Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the UNP Science Complex Building, September 28.

Obtaining 16 points, with just one point lead from the second placer, Togupen was able to defend her place.

She was again last year’s winner of the same event. “I’m not really anticipating to win again this year, because unlike last year this year’s contest has more college participants. Knowing that, it challenged me to try harder so I could win again in the contest,” Togupen quoted. “I am very grateful because my efforts paid off.

And again, I am grateful for the fact that I could still recall the other concepts I’ve learned in Chemistry in the past years.

But winning isn’t always everything.

Win or lose, the most important lesson

here is that I’ve tried, I’ve given my best and I’ve gained something from the experience,” she added.

“Since the contest was on the spot, I just did my best out to recall the past lessons I learned. I am happy with the result because it was unexpected come to think of it the other contestants were college students and have the greater edge,” Rafal stated.

SMILES AND SCRUBS. Allundra Gonzales (3rd from left) and Timothy Vergara (4th from left) win the ‘Most Scientific Costume Male and Female category during the SHS Celebration of Science Month. (From left: Ms. Christa Jesusa Saniatan, Mrs. Norlyn Santos, Allundra Gonzales, Timothy Vergara, Mr. Joseph Acena, and Mr. Christian Domondon)

“It was unexpected because at first I didn’t have the courage to join such competition but then I tried, and started to rely on my knowledge about the subject. What I learned is that it’s okay to get out to your comfort zone and try new things for there’s nothing to be afraid of, just trust yourself and of course ask guidance from the Lord,” Pablico said.

Page 3 ► SCIENCE QUIZ BOWL

Grade 11- STEM B was hailed as the overall champion for the Science and Technology Classroom Transformation Contest followed by Grade 12 – STEM D and Grade 12 – STEM C (2nd placers) and Grade 11 – STEM A (3rd placer).

The winners received certificates of recognition while the winning section was credited with tarpaulin as their prize for being the most scientific classroom during the said celebration.

STEM studes victor in Science quiz bowl

Rona Alysza Togupen, STEM-A, defended her rank as 1st place while Jan Dexter Rafal, STEM-E, secured the 3rd spot. Ma. Acztyne Gayle Pablico also notched 1st place in Biology Quiz Bee followed by Andrea Taay of STEM A. The contest was participated by the colleges in the whole university.

by Jefferson Tugas of STEM C followed

by Christopher Dayag of STEM A and Joshua Christian Anagaran of STEM B. The Science and Technology Campaign Best in Scienctific Costume were garnered by Timothy Vergara and Allundra Gonzales of Grade 11 – STEM A on the male and female category and Kyle Cabanglan, of Grade-11 representing LGBT.

To awaken the scientist in them, the competitions also aimed to instil values of curiosity, rationality, and creativity as students preserved and took good care of the advantages of science including nature. 10-Gold, 9-Sapphire, and 10-Diamond grabbed the spots in Poster making, 10-Gold, 8-Jade, and 10-Diamond notched awards in MathSciAka while 10-Diamond, 9-Sapphire and 10-Gold won the SciQuiz.

An exhibit was also conducted showcasing the inventions of the different sections from Junior High School. Grade 7’s table displayed their devised vacuum cleaner. Grade 8 unveiled their miniature Ferris wheel.

Grade 9 devised a Stethoscope. Grade 10 constructed an Earthquake Engineering, a building made from card boards.

SMILE FOR VICTORY. Grade 11 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - B students flash their smiles after they won ‘Most Scientific Classroom’ during the Science Month Celebration.

Photos ◦ NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO

Reading of random messages from the Dear Scientists booth ended the activity. ●

6

news

UNP notches awards in academic competition ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO Six grade 12 students from UNP Laboratory Schools Senior High School secured 2 victorious spots during the Academic Competition in line with the 52nd University of Northern Philippines Foundation Anniversary Celebration so earheaded by the Office of Student Affairs held at the UNP Guestel, October last October 16.

RANIAG IN THE DARK. UNP Senior High School students shine while dancing on the streets of Vigan during the street dancing competition of the Raniag Twilight Festival 2017. ● Photos ◦ RONA ALYSZA TOGUPEN

SHS dancetroop lights up Raniag Festival ‘17 ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO With the blazing spirit in dancing, the University of Northern Philippines Senior High School dance troupe conquered the streets of Vigan City as they landed 1st runner up with a total score of 89.17 during the Raniag Twilight Festival: Street Dancing Competition on the 28th day of October.

The dancers flooded the streets of Vigan with their under-the-water theme costume and props. The contest was divided into two parts- the showdown competition which was held at Plaza Burgos and the Street Dancing Competition. With a total score of 92.17, the Dance Project of Vigan City snatched the title and hailed as the Champion during the Raniag Twilight Festival: Street Dancing Competition. The Ylocos Fire Dancers of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte also

grabbed a spot on being 2nd runner up with a score of 87.83.

Raniag Twilight Festival of Vigan City is a week-long celebration which enliven and depicts the culture of Ilocanos during Halloween wherein families are reunited to remember the beautiful memories they shared with their departed loved ones. One of the highlights of the festival was the Raniag Street Dancing, a Halloween-themed and not the usual street dancing because

it happens at night. The street dancers carried with them materials that produce light in different hues thereby adding appeal to the event as they blended well with the relaxing ambiance of the city.

It was an open category where dance troupes from different barrios can join. Forty-two students of University of Northern Philippines Senior High School composed the group. Ms. Shayne Amano, Ms. Carmela Ferrer and Mr. Mark Christian Palo served as their

coaches. They received a trophy and a cash prize worth seventy thousand pesos as their prizes.

“It was indeed a great experience.

It’s such an honor to be part of this. To everyone who were there to help us and took part in this competition, we owe you our victory,” expressed Marc Hanson Camacam, one of the UNP-SHS Dancers. ●

Nicole Verzosa, John Ezekiel Tabios, and Rona Togupen, Grade 12 students from the Science and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics garnered 1st place in Ilocano Quiz Bee while John Ray Barcena of Humanities and Social Sciences, teamed up with Mc Justine Realgo and Pearl Antonette Almero from STEM landed on the 3rd spot in General Information Quiz Bee. Mr. Randolfo Lopez served as their coaches.

The contest was participated

by Lyceum De Ylocos, Philippine Science High School, Mabilbila National High School, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, and Ilocos Sur National High School.

The winners received certificates of recognition and cash prices: P3,000 for the first placers, P2,250 for the 2nd placers, and P1,500 for third placers respectively. ●

Juniors coup 2nd runner up in sirib and saririt contest NICOLE VERZOSA Students proved that Laboratory Schools is a melting pot of talents and excellence as 12 students landed spots on the different competitions during the UP Namnama Sirib and Saririt Quiz Show 2018 Provincial level held at the Philippine Science High School Region I Campus, San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur, December 18, 2017.

The following winners include Andrea Betinna Tactay, 1st place Vocal Solo; Mary January Chan, 1st place Short Story Writing (Filipino); Nadeen Dominique Valenciano, 2nd place Story Writing English; Lycia Joyce Marinas 2nd place, Oration English; Corrine Arce, 3rd place, Oration Ilocano; Alexis Concordia, 2nd place Extemporaneous Speaking (Filipino), Jienne Cryzzle

Alegre 3rd place Essay Writing (English), Chareena Felize Rojas 3rd place Essay Writing (Filipino); and John Bernabe Qiuochio, Rachel Alaibilia, Nate Lois Emilio, 2nd place Quiz Bee. They ranked 2nd runner up overall.

Different competing schools include Philippine Science High School, Ilocos Sur National High School and Banayoyo National High School.

With the Theme “In the Threats of Anxiety and Disorder: Cultivating Critical Involvement to Mold a Humane Society,” the contest is an annual quiz and talents showcase organized by the Ilocano students of the University of the Philippines which aims to bring out and cultivate the skills of the students in singing, writing, speaking and others. ●

VICTORIOUS SMILE. Dr. Aurelia Vitamog, the principal of the Laboratory Schools receives the 2nd runner up over all trophy during the closing program of the UP Namnama Sirib and Saririt 2018 at PSHS-RGC. Photo ◦ NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO

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Page 8 ◄ PRESSTITUTES This isn’t just a battle of contents and authors. It is also the readers’ responsibility to have a deep understanding on everything within the lines and in the end, we must know where to stand and where to put our faith in. Let us not just depend on the outlets that give us stories.

RYLA 2017 boosts 40 potential leaders CHAREENA FELIZE ROJAS Forty aspiring junior high school student-leaders from UNP Laboratory Schools participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards last October 2729, 2017 held at Don Leopoldo Sisin Convention Center, Alaminos Pangasinan.

The said event aimed to provide effective training experience for selected young potential leaders, to encourage leadership of youth by the youth, and to prepare the future leaders of the nation by providing sets of activities that will strengthen their potentials. It started with an opening ceremony, grand parade and the introduction of the interact and rotaract officers as a welcoming activity for the participants. A Fellowship entitled “Knowing Oneself and others”

was also conducted as a springboard for their future activities. On the second day, a reflection and sharing, made the participants understand the real points of leadership. A workshop entitled “A Journey of Self-Discovery”, brought new insights and fun-filled experiences to the participants. Candle lighting, talent show, and an awarding wrapped up the event. A mass, mangrove planting, and island hoping were held on the last day.

The UNP delegates are the elected officers of the different clubs and organization. They were accompanied

by Mrs. Novelyn Fuller, Mrs. Alejandria Joy Rivad, and Mrs. Juanita Fontejon. ●

LEADERSHIP. LS-JHS students attend the opening ceremony during the first day of RYLA 2017.

Photo ◦ NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO

As young journalists, we also have to take part on the rise of this issue. We know how this society works. We have to remind ourselves that we are standing against the spread of fallacy, we have to see the world that will speak the truth. In this maze of uncertainties, we must end up with what we deserve—truths. Fervent orisons are with those who are behind the shadows of lies. ●

editorial

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theBUD

E D I T O R I A L B O A R D & S TA F F School Year 2017-2018 Editor-in- Chief NICOLE VERZOSA Senior Associate Editor ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO Junior Associate Editor NADEEN DOMINIQUE VALENCIANO External Managing Editor LENNOX QUIÑOLA Internal Managing Editor ALLIANA REIGNE RAPISURA News Editor MARY NATHALIE TABANGCURA Features Editor DARIAN KEITH ANDIA Personal Development Editor VIANCA VILORIA Literary Editor MC JUSTINE REALGO Science Editor PEARL ANTONETTE ALMERO Sports Editor KHYLE BRENJANO FRANDO Staff Writers CHAREENA ROJAS, SHEINA PAULA CARDENAS, JADE NORIELLE GO, PRINCESS JAIZELLE VALER, CHRISTINE MARIE ANDALLO, JIENNE CRYZELLE ALEGRE, EZRA BERSAMIN, CRESSA MARIE ROJO, MARK JULIUS DONATO, HANNAH DAYGO, MARIKO PAOLO MARTINEZ, MARIANNE FAYE RAFANAN, MELODIA GANDEZA, ZAIRA ALYSSE PERLAS, TRIXIE ANNE SEGISMUNDO, CHRISTIAN VENEZUELA, JIM CLAUDE JOVEN, BRANDON RAFANAN, JOHN LOWIE SUYAT, JOHN EZEKIEL TABIOS, DAHLIA MARIE CAMACAM, and YANSEN REMSYA CABALCE Cartoonists JAN DEXTER RAFAL, EDEL CRIS JUN SOTELO, CHRISTIAN JEHRO ULITA, DONNA FAE JARAMILLO, and MARISH ANNE QUIRAPAS Photojournalists YANNAH REOTOTAR, KATE BIGORNIA, and JULIENNE LAZARO Layout Artists CWYLLE ALCAIN, RONA ALYSZA TOGUPEN, and ANDREA ZYRELLE BENZON Circulations Manager KAZZLE SHEEN MINIANO Advisers MARIELLE ANN VERZOSA, and FREDERICK PABLICO Consultants AURELIA VITAMOG, Ed. D., and CHRISTOPHER BUENO, Ph. D.

© COPYRIGHT 2017 THE BUD Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited. The Bud Editorial Board and Staff reserves the right to edit, publish, or not publish contents for reasons of libel, space, and ethics.

DISCLAIMER. Some contents in this issue are not

owned by The Bud, hence copyright belongs to their respective owners. thebudofficial@gmail.com unplsthebud

THREATS OR TREATS? BRANDED TO HAVE MORE POTENTIALS, the first one to embark on the country’s biggest educational leap will be graduating this school year, thus plotting a threat to probe the evident faults and downside of our 10-year basic education program.

And by 10-year basic education program, we refer to the present college students, the last batch who savoured the features of the considered insufficient, illgotten curriculum. A recent online brawl boiled comparison between the beneficiaries of the old and new one—degrading and belittling the former for unlike senior high school students, they were said to be less competent—thus, less ready as based on the international demands of education.

As a consequence of the immensity and complexities of the task of integrating the desired ends and procedures, the addition of two years falls between burden and privilege for the senior high school students who had both indulged and suffered from it. Designed to extract all possible learning avenues to discover and enhance skills and competencies, the students are divided into tracks and strands to provide an immersionlike training ground for their future courses.

They were also burdened with workload of tasks—performance-based activities, on-job-training and subjects anchored on

their specializations which made their learning work heavier than the usual high school student. The program promises huge possibilities for these preparations weigh like a college student’s responsibility allowing and allotting more rooms for growth, discovery, and learning for the students.

While the present college students are considered well-equipped with needed skills, their observed shortcomings validate that the old one has its flaws and constraints which delimit the breaks for growth among the students. Quality in the global standards does not match their level of competencies qualifying the fact that their 10-year preparation is short and insufficient. Though, this does not make them less competent, the country is aiming for a standard where students could not just be well-immersed within the content of the lesson but become someone whose skills can be marketed in the international arena.

The potentials of senior high school students are very evident. Students have started to be exposed to research subjects and on-the-job experiences. Career and lifelong skills are highlighted as the edge of the curriculum and these are creating hopeful assurances that our students will have a future to look forward to as they may take the higher ladder of education or not.

That’s why this edge should not born intellectual rivalry among the students.

Being the first one to experience the features of K-12, the senior high school students are still the specimens in our considered education experiment which will determine rooms for improvement in the present curriculum. Their level of competency do not necessarily tell that they are smarter or more skilled. They are just given the chance to explore the limits of their skills and abilities, not only for them to become more competent individuals, but for the country to have more efficient citizens which will create the advantage of our future.

We have set foot on global ladder— raising the banner of our definition of quality by uplifting our traditional education system.

Senior high school students will soon be reaping the fruits of these treats and this is not to threat anyone. For the said threat is not the end but the beginning and continuing of a brand new challenge for the current educational status of the country not a stigma where we become each other’s opponent.

This is, if they followed what the curriculum really plotted. ●

Cartoon ◦ JAN DEXTER RAFAL

8

opinion

LOVE AMIDST N AT I O N A L IRONIES QUILLS AND PARCHMENTS Nicole Verzosa nicoleverzosa_

I HAVE BREWED THIS ANTIPATHY WITH MY silence long before I realized this cup of courage spill in my system. As much as I want to just nip my frustrations to paper or brush them off like nightmares, I slowly become the antagonist of what I thought I had always been part of. I barely express my sentiments about it and this is a story told in my very own point of view with unfabricated reality.

Once, I breathed in a homeland known for great men’s heroism. Now, I am trying to live with a present and future tugged with terror and uncertainty—an administration who “kills” then flaunts it out like a national pride. And this is just a portion of the whole serving.

Thousands of renowned journalists have voiced directly and indirectly the cry of the nation in all forms and probably, you have yawned over those tales. You might find them monotonuous, twisted, and quite manipulating but their purposes had been served and sadly defeated. Yet here I am, allowing the Patricia-Evangelista-nerve in me to put my pen to work even though there’s a chance that I might fail to give justice to this serious and sensitive topic especially, it requires analytical depth of thinking. I might not gain your sympathy here and romanticizing it won’t give any difference, but I need to tell this story.

It all started when the power of pen and paper—that is journalism, disturbed me when I was in my most comfortable state. Through

A three-word melancholy.

Fiction overshadows truth.

TRUTH BECOMES INDISTINCT, LIKE A PILE of blurry lines. But I am rooting for one thing— the vows of journalism. Our world is suffocating, where everything about the country is in the full glare of publicity. It triggered voices to speak out, where media echoed their own different leads, making us in a labyrinth of confusions to what is really happening. We have heard a lot coming from their pusses. Is credibility being instilled with them? Are we getting the‘truths’ that we deserve?

Their intention of echoing words isn’t about credibility anymore but protecting one’s name.

These days, the battle no longer seems to be about the best type of news platform but rather truth versus fiction. Everyone seems cautious in all forms of media, and rightfully so, because “fake news” is unhampered and everyone has fallen victim to some form of fake news at one time or another. It makes me sad, the fact that what is true, or legal, is no longer important as long as the majority supports it.

I find this eminently blue. Today, it doesn’t seem to be about mistakes or misunderstandings but literally as a ploy to deceive people and

my involvement with school publications, I appreciated the power of the media in the movement for social change. I learned the importance of journalism in the society. As Abaraham Lincoln once said, “Let the people know the facts and the people will be safe,”—that I think is journalism in its purest sense. It was only much later when I realized that journalism does not only require excellent writing skills or creativity. It’s a talent of deep comprehension— of having the sensitivity and the sensibility to present issues that matter. The substance of the article, that can only be produced if a journalist knows how to analyze, if he or she knows how to make sense of the social reality holds a deeper gist for a story.

Knowing what to write, how to write and why you are writing lift a diffferent sense of fulfillment. It feels good to bleed ink with angst and purpose—to serve as the voice for the underprivileged and help raise the level of discourse to shape public opinion. But this passion I have grown to love and the curiosity I have in my hands, grown to be fearless and critical, it brought me to unlikeliest places I never thought existed. I must say, journalism slayed my innocence and directly served me a good platter of eroticized viewpoint of society. I became blind for hope as I was fed with the everyday realities of cruelty. I’ve never realized how much I hated this country as I continued to write.

This I will tell with burning passion and intensity: I hated this country. I hate the system but most of all, the people in it. It doesn’t feel good to wake up with a news about suspects dropped dead in the streets last night with only a cardboard sign to justify their sudden nonexistence. It’s scary how women tighten their belts and grips even in broad daylight in fear of being touched in places that are sacred.

I hate most of them—how they turn a blind eye and a deaf ear and the way they still continue to shrug the smell of foul coming from the number of killed criminals and suspects everyday.

I hate the sound of mothers who plead, fathers who scream and the weep of children who spend Christmas beside their parents’ coffin.

I hate us—for being holed into the loop of third world countries and how we keep on repeating the glorious history where presidents

condition them to think a certain way. News is no longer used a tool to inform but rather as a means to spread misinformation, direct a narrative and influence as many people as possible into a certain way of thinking.

Hearing the word “presstitutes” being thrown to journalists feels like being stabbed with a dagger right in the heart. I know that journalism in the Philippines is long-drawn away from flawlessness. Sad to say, the accusation of being ‘biased’ has been long thrown to the media.

Many of its practitioners allow themselves to be manipulated by their vested interests and personal motives. Their intention of echoing words isn’t about credibility anymore but protecting one’s name. And yes, this raised confusions and uncertainties to people. But generalizing them as “presstitutes” is definitely unjust to those who truly live by their passion and for those who work hard to hand people accuracy and best accounting of the truth as much as they can without biases and without frills.

We are becoming so naïve as these ‘truthful lies’ mostly from the rise of the technology with the use of the internet, slowly entice us in taking a sip with their potions. I don’t think it’s fair to compare mainstream media to the “state-of-theart media” of bloggers because it is like comparing moon to ocean. It’s like putting together a square peg in a round hole and a round peg in a square hole and then complain about how different they are. They are totally unlike from the start. It’s not as if they came from the same dawns and branched out from there.

become convicted criminals after their reigns. I hate how we choose to laugh on certain issues in hopes of easing their damages—rape being treated as a joke and murder as a hashtag. I hate how words are taken for granted and thrown without caution, as if they mean less in contemporary society. I hate Mocha Uson. I hate Duterte. I hate that I carry in my system all of these as they beccome scars of my own identity.

Our progress slowly lies on how we gradually desintigrate as a nation. We have our enemies in our parameters. We gambled our morals for we have mistaken brutality as an act of kindness, murder as a solution, death as the light that will bring as back to the greener pasture of freedom and progress. And I hated myself, too, for I am one of the many holes in the system.

We are becoming the incurable cancer Rizal had premonitioned in his novel.

I will write, not because writing defines me but because it somehow eases a part of me that wants to turn back.

And these continue to burn within me, so much that I realize: Mourning for these issues would be an inconvenience. But the very fact that it is happening, and there are real people who are hurting, itches the pit at the bottom of my heart every night. I guess because, despite of the many setbacks, my affection towards this nation fueled this advocacy. I love this hurting nation, that sharing its pain feels more of a purgation than an act of betrayal. It came in the silence of my mind. It burned my skin with the advocacies that I could no longer tame. And it washed over me in the form of people—alive, like me.

I learned to love the Philippines, when I met it on its own as I grew, wandered and became fully aware of the stories of countless others. I love the people who struggle yet survive poverty on a day to day basis. I love the streets were beggars plead and strangers manifest acts of kindness. I love the impatient traffic and how it motivates people to wake up early and become more patient. I love the 7 AM flag-raising

What I am trying to say is that journalism and blogging aren’t the same. I don’t want to sound vague but some bloggers are constantly churning out watery contents. I have one here, it’s a hands-down for Mocha Uson. If there’s one thing she always tries to make clear, that she doesn’t like mainstream media. She’s even got the courage to call the press “presstitutes” and post the company logos of popular television and newspaper companies in the country that have been coming out with stories critical of Duterte’s war on drugs as if she’s not at the center of disinformation campaigns for writing one-sided articles on her blog.

They could not hide their intolerance and incapacity to hear any kind of criticism of their icon, and vent their rage on media outlets. But then, those who are criticizing legitimate media for being biased are those who deliberately tailor news to portray their icon in a positive light even when he was doing the contrary.

ceremonies where I see countless Filipino youth starting their days, singing our beloved anthem, looking forward for brighter days ahead of them.

I love those professionals and workers who can still strive with passion and dedication just to render public service even if they are not properly compensated. I love the growing millennials, the younger generation—who learned to unfilter their identities as they cultivated a voice of freedom and bravery. I love the rebels and the intellectuals, who hold flashcards of principles and dignity, as they protest for their thirst for rights. And most of all—I love how we end our days—where we get to be fed with bad news on tv for dinner but still determined and encouraged to fight and go on with what’s happening. Despite the hamartia of a faulty government, we still go through everything—that I think is the silver-lining of all these.

And this love continues to linger on me as I write, not just to document the horrors of the government and be branded as the antagonist of my own land. I will write with the sole purpose of providing the “truth” the people deserve—use words to comfort what is disturbed and to disturb what is comfortable. I will write, not because writing defines me but because it somehow eases a part of me that wants to turn back. I will write, even if it means revealing the dirtiest flaws of this country where my words will etch how rotten our history is. Our country deserves this kind of noise—a voice cultivated by the monster of an advocacy to fight, to demand change, and most of all, to awaken my co-Filipinos from the slumber of naivity and submissiveness to the present administration.

I have learned to carry the weight of our burden and this brings me back to the years where Dr. Jose Rizal nursed his frustrations for our country. For I always believe that the good will overcome the bad. I refuse to burn my silence and talent. I hope passion, compassion and the simple acts of miracles I witness every day will continue to fuel my obligation as a journalist. I hope to maintain these eyes and ears for stories, for the Filipino people etch wonderful versions of reality that deserve to written and to be told.

After all, the antipathy I brewed for the longest time will all boil down to this: you can’t hate something you never loved, can you? ●

PRESSTITUTES: A MIRE ON THE FA B R I C O F SOCIETY

HERE LIES INK Elaine Angelie Organo elaineogn

Their jeering should be better addressed to their icon who could not control his foul mouth from playing with curses, as well as their fellow extremist followers who twist the news on purpose. Some of them even have the guts to fabricate news in questionable websites probably to please their icon.

is no magic wand that can be waved and instantly filter the fake from the real one.

Legitimate journalists are living their vows.

They pledged to speak the whole truth and to be fair. They are working hard to prove themselves that they are worthy to be called one. But these biased social media “trolls” raze their credibility as journalists. Despite dizzying advances in information and communication technology, there

Possibly, the split between the mainstream and social media should give reasons to new organizations to purge their ranks and to get rid of those who sell their souls to corrupt politicians.

And businessmen.

But what technology cannot kill is old-fashioned journalism. Regardless of the medium, news still have to be based on what we were taught: fairness, informed perspective and nuance. Only credible news can survive.

Page 6 ► PRESSTITUTES

opinion Free. The war has been declared liberated.

Done. The battle has died down.

Freedom. The conflict has ended. The taste of being free has been savored.

WE WATCHED MARAWI CRUMBLE. SOON, we will be witnessing the revival of the place that once was called a ghost town. Marawi will be rising up from the dead, slowly and painfully.

Ruins and remants were left, the only thing that brings memories of the dreadful battle; every properties and belongings that was there before, gone. After five long months of battling out to save the Filipinos and the Philippines, they are free, once again.

We have been in different timelines where we as Filipinos fought for our freedom.

The next phase will be the tortuous road to recovery. With much of the city razed by war, and with the lingering threats posed by those who

GOOD IN THE CONTEXT OF BEING A STUDENT BLIGHT LIGHT Trixie Anne Segismundo We can neither quantify nor qualify the measures of a good student.

LET’S GET TO THE POINT. IN OUR generation, most students that are titled as good students aren’t really good students. They’re just plain honors. This is the sad truth, for the basis of “good” in school is perceived on the things that you achieved. Of course, academic achievements

DIGNITY. THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE case for many—people at the edge of their walls gripping the tiny space they have, just to ‘fit’ in the society. But unfortunately, people are more judgmental of others’ looks, and status as of today’s society. They also put emphasis on how disgusting others’ sexuality and the ‘immorality’ they bring to the society.

Students across the Philippines experience bullying and discrimination in school because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) students in the Philippines are often the targets of ridicule and even violence; And in many instances, teachers and administrators are participating in this mistreatment instead of speaking out against discrimination. Where is the basis of morality that people are founded on if the people in authority themselves do not take part in a moralized system? What happened to the implemented laws in securing protection over the mistreated LGBT? Over a multitude of people in the Philippines, the Human Rights Watch conducted an in-depth interviews and discussion with 98 students and 46 parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, service providers, and experts on on education in ten cities in Luzon and Visayas. With such encounter, LGBT students said that existing protections are irregularly or incompletely implemented, and that secondary school policies

staged the siege, the task can prove to be more challenging. Where will they begin? What hopes awaits them? Here I am, trying in my own fashion to decipher what the five-month Marawi conflict has clarified—so that our country can understand and learn from the reality of real scenario. It is indeed a battle where in not only the Lumads have experienced and suffered but it involves us all— Filipinos.

I am on the other side of the country. And it’s hard to judge an experience not felt first hand.

I could not picture the real scenario, that is the truth. I have not heard gunshots in the middle of the nights. I did not experience the pain of hiding as my stomach crumble. I felt no trauma from any of the events. I cannot be scared as much as them for I am in my safe spot—watching news about them, watching them suffer. But I am glad, the end is here.

household, patiently and impatiently waiting for some good news. For peace. I couldn’t bear the hungry children, both with food and freedom. I couldn’t imagine mothers trying to find away to ease the nights when they have to stay awake. I couldn’t imagine fathers, who cannot keep calm and would like to fight for their freedom but they couldn’t do so, because staying safe is more important than heroism. And I could not stand the thought of those who foughtwho shed both blood and life but ended up defeated. Their agony is just too painful to imagine.

9

THE END BEGINS

THE VOYAGER Nadeen Dominique Valenciano

The war in Marawi is no different in the past. We have been in different timelines where we as Filipinos fought for our freedom. We were doomed before, suffered in the hands of colonizers. But we stood up. We learned to fight.

We have savored this liberty for years. Now, we are our own monsters. We are our own demons.

We are destroying one another.

base in the Philippines, and the terror group from spreading outside of Marawi City. Others claimed, it became a venue for abused.

I wasn’t born yet during the reign of Ferdinand Marcos but looking through the specs of Marawi tragedy—I could not clearly say that this action had really helped the people. Malacañang said that the martial law in Mindanao is a success for it has prevented ISIS from establishing a

I could just hope for the best. Now that the siege in Marawi ended, I started to fill myself with hopes. People are now starting to get back to their feet and building the life that was once destroyed. We have overcome another battle. For now, let just hope the end is really here. ●

validate us. At some point but other matters of consideration should also be taken to give justice to what really is. Here, I have listed some tips on how to be one and as cliché as they may sound, this could help us.

times of distress, most students find the comfort of clubs for these served as their home were they are with the people who they can mirror their own struggles with.

yours. So next time, hold your mouth when you heard somebody blurt out grammatically wrong sentence, for you do not know how this will affect them. Use your advantage instead to extend help.

Lend some of your time for your studies and school works. This might be the most common yet the most disregard tip. We, students, usually like to have requirements marathon, two days before examinations and deadlines for we enjoy the adrenaline rush of rushing thing. The real game is to allot a time for requirements every day. Two hours might not be enough to finish one but starting them will lead to finishing them gradually.

‘Good’ is just an adjective that cannot really summarize your abilities...

I have been fully aware of the fact that the five month suffering is too much for everyonethe children, mothers, fathers, business centers, schools, and other institution. Their lives have totally stopped. They became prisoners waiting for their uncertain paroles. The only safe thing to do is to remain safe—locked in their own

Pass your requirements even if it’s late.

Teachers might be very strict when it comes to passing requirements, but there’s a guarantee that they wait for you to pass it, even after deadlines.

Not because, they are kind and patient enough, but it is also their responsibility to at least give little considerations to students. Though, don’t make them wait too long. They also have their own deadlines to pass grades.

Be active even if you’re introverted.

Surround yourself with people that will let you realize your potentials. It has been proven that in

and practices often facilitate discrimination and fail to provide LGBT students with information and support.

Does this mean that the government is just there to temporarily lessen the pain of the LG BT? Members of the LGBT are painfully struggling for acceptance in spite of the mistreatments, harassments, bullying, and discrimination within their surrounding society. It is really ironic that the government is imposing such laws, and disciplines in accord to such and yet not strictly observing what the multitude is showing them. Does this mean that the government is just there to temporarily lessen the pain of the LGBT? It’s very shameful if the government is revolving on such endeavor, because the LGBT themselves solely depend on what the government has to give them just for them to be accepted and also to not be counted as a ‘nobody’ in the society.

Lawmakers in the Philippines have already recognized that bullying in secondary schools

Respect your school and your teachers.

Though others befriend and cling to them just to capture their hearts and later on gain favouritism, I am telling you now that this doesn’t contribute to the word respect. Show your respect by giving importance to what they say. Be it an instruction for the activity or a discussion in the lesson— letting them know that you care about the things they say will take you miles. Teachers can trust you more if you show that you respect them genuinely.

Do not belittle anyone. Even if you’re the smartass geek who can memorize all scientific and mathematical formulas, you have no right to make your classmates feel that they are less competent than you are. Pointing out their flaws won’t hide

is a problem and have taken important steps to address it. Knowing that in 2013, the Philippine Congress have passed an anti-bullying law and the Department of Education issued regulations prohibiting bullying on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. During the 2016 presidential campaign, too, Rodrigo Duterte vocally condemned bullying and discrimination against LGBT people; and this we believe is the shining hope for acceptance of the LGBT for them to be illuminated once more.

However, if we are to look at the other angle, not all LGBT are immoral; and let’s just consider that this is one of the reasons why people keep on condemning them despite of their ‘sly’ status in the society. People at this point should not generalize the known issues in the Philippine society, because not all of the persons, particularly the LGBT, in our surroundings are to be pointed out as the immoral figures of the society. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’, sounds familiar?

Moreover, the LGBT, to whom we refer to as the ‘nobodies’ in the society, are not mere citizens of this country , but likely to be benefactors to those of the people who compose a lot of our society- the poor. Imagine, out of around 88 million Filipinos, 27 million are poor, surviving on less than US $1 per day—hardly enough for basic needs such as food and shelter.

Be who you are. School is supposed to be the place for growth in all aspects—where you discover not only your potentials but most of all who you are as a person. There are times that as a student, we try to fit in to get accepted and appreciated by our classmates and teachers, but this honestly kills a part of us- our self-esteem.

It’s hard to be who we are, but if we try to establish ourselves properly without degrading and belittling anyone, we will gain our place in the school.

I do not even qualify nor quantify myself as a good student. The school’s definition of “good” is far behind my abilities for like everyone else, I am also a student who tends to underestimate what responsibility means. But at the end of the day, what matters is, we realize the things we need to realize—we are learning and growing as we struggle with the daily setbacks of school. “Good” is just an adjective that cannot really summarize your abilities and most of all your drive to learn and strive more. ●

THE ‘NOBODY’ STRUGGLING FOR A C C E P TA N C E

THE CANARY Alliana Reigne Rapisura llianaey_

These numbers are consistent with their observation that while some Filipino LGBT are financially stable or gainfully employed, the predominant face of local LGBT is of those of them who are poor, uneducated, and unemployed or underemployed—the same segment of the sector that is often most prone to becoming victims of employment discrimination or violence.

Page 3 ► ACCEPTANCE

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features

by Catherine Bautista

A PEARL IS SAID TO SYMBOLIZE PURITY, beauty and new beginnings. It is a jewel that can light itself up in a room with only its simplicity and total elegance. It also symbolizes integrity and loyalty, the essence of Miss UNP. It’s hard for me to recall the number of times that I would shrug off people’s comments about me competing for Mr. and Ms. UNP. At first, I had literally no interest in joining the pageant. On the day of the screening for Mr. and Ms. Laboratory Schools I intended to miss the time upon which we would have been called. Although I was already an hour late from the time the screening was supposed to start, I was still excused from my General Mathematics class. It was at this moment I told myself that I should at least try, not because I had no other option, but because I want to get a glimpse of experience from it. At that time, I wasn’t thinking about anything further from the screening itself. I wasn’t even really betting on myself because I saw how good the other contestants were. I lacked essential factors that they already had. But after many series of walks in the hallway, I was chosen to be the one who will represent Laboratory Schools in The Search for Mr. and Ms. UNP. This is where it starts.

Winning was not part of my agenda, making all those people whom have administered amazing efforts to support and encourage me proud was.

Poise. Beauty. Intelligence. These are the factors in pageantry that a lot of people consider with great relevance. The elements in which are graded to a lesser or greater degree.

You see, majority of people think that pageants are extremely literal, what you see is what you get. They will only perceive a contestant in a standardized form. But did you notice that one crucial similarity between the three factors is that they can all be practiced, they can all be learned.

You just have to devote an enormous part of your time and perseverance.

I remember my mom asking me “Are you willing to join?”

I replied experience.”

“I’m

willing

to

know

the

And it was definitely an experience I will never forget. I would be lying if I’d say that I didn’t feel any pressure at all, times when I went through break downs, times when I felt both physically and emotionally drained. I learned that the whole process was about looking straight into

Photos ◦ MARY ANGELINE PONCE

your flaws, finding them and enhancing them, not for the benefit of meeting a certain standard but for the enrichment of self-confidence. Because this is what you’ll be bringing in the whole show, and for me, this is what I portrayed myself to be, the youngest and yet the fiercest.

We never felt outcasted among the candidates. They are actually one of the people whom have served as foundations in overcoming my insecurities. We aren’t competitors, we are a family. We practice a relationship wherein we uplift each other and support one another. I adamantly respect every single one of them. I have met a lot of beautiful and kind hearted people and I saw how genuinely proud they are of me. These people are my inspiration, my pride.

Winning was not part of my agenda, making all those people whom have administered amazing efforts to support and encourage me proud was. It was merely a thought, and yet at the end of that night, overwhelmed and utterly shook. I wore the crown, The Crown of Luminous Pearls. ●

A lot of people think that beauty pageants like this are made to objectify both men and women. Now, for millenials like me, I think the importance of this search—Mr. and Ms. U N P—is to empower both men and women to love themselves and always accept their flaws.

- C AT H E R I N E B A U T I S TA

A CROWN OF LUMINOUS PEARLS

features

college of architecture

college of arts & sciences

Here’s to sailing the seas! Here’s to Moana’s island and the adventure she is about to unravel.

Moana’s story was engraved on the walls of the College of Architecture’s booth—making the students know her story even without watching the movie.

Tale as old as time. The College of Arts and Sciences offered a photo booth, allowing the students to be both Belle and Adam and experience how it feels to live in a fairytale, even for a while.

college of criminal justice education This booth offers a mini-training to those who will join the hunger games, it serves a capitol for the spectators—but it’s just all about how people bring competitions over little things, and how glorious it is to win over victories and accept defeat over losing.

college of health sciences K-Drama fans can’t help but feel giddy inside the College of Health Sciences booth as the pictures of their favorite ‘oppa’s’ are being posted in every wall.

college of business administration & accountancy No need for a flying car to travel at Hogwarts because the College of Business Administration and Accoutancy have made their own 9 3/4 platorm for those who want to submerge themselves in the wizarding world.

We BOOTH KNOw whAT TheSE aRe MARIKO PAOLO MARTINEZ

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college of communication & information technology The classic doll-inspired booth brought all things pink and girly to the university. Their “Barbie” exudes the aura of feminity and beauty with her glamour. Anyone is allowed to take a photo with her, and this amused the students—both girls and boys.

college of engineering James Cameron’s blockbuster filmserves as the inspiration of this booth. It gave life to the movie and shows parallelism towards the creatures and the appearance of the geography and landscape within a world where human changes into avatars and are tested to achieve a certain goal.

college of hospitality & tourism management If you are a die-hard fan of the villains in the DC universe, then you should visit the booth of CHTM. With the offers of puddings from Harley Quinn and the Gotham-like atmosphere, DC fans can reminisce their childhood up until now.

laboratory schools (shs)

college of law

college of medicine

college of nursing

Can’t wait for Season 8? Laboratory Schools and Senior High School provides an ambiance of the Kings Landing wherein students can take pictures on the Iron Throne and become the Queen or King of the Seven Kingdoms for a minute.

Tender, submissive and weak has no room inside their booth. The College of Law with their theme “Wonderwoman” is all about being a warrior which promotes strength and is very fitting to them as future lawyers.

At first glance, you might be wondering where Bilbo Baggins is. This is his home, anyway.

CMed captured the tiny door of his home but you will be surprised once you enter for they offer medical services like checking your Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and the likes. Their goal is to keep you healthy.

Beware of the Bergens as you enter the booth of College of Nursing with it’s theme Trolls, a 2016 American 3D computer-animated musical comedy film-based on the Troll dolls created by Thomas Dam.

college of social work X-Men were known as heroic mutants individual borns who have sworn to use their gifts to protect humas—very much like a social worker would do. The College of Social Work had such a brilliant idea to showcase their booth with an X-Men theme.

college of teacher education

college of technology

If you have dreams of being an empress or emperor, the booth of College of Teacher Education with an Egyptian Theme from the movie, Gods of Egypt, is the go-to place. The artistic interior design inside their booth will surely leave you in awe.

It’s amazing how the College of Technology which is known as the college where mostly boys can be seen have pulled the “fairy” theme inside their booths. Different activities and games were for students to enjoy.

YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING AND wandering where these creatures came from. You have met them in books, probably. You have seen them in movies.

And they are here—right in front of you, amusing you with their new versions of their own stories. This year’s student’s fair themed on Cinema House where mandated and accredited organization impressed the crowd with their creativity as they depict stories from books and movies. Let’s take a tour and test your knowledge on how well you know these movies and series, shall we? ●

Photos ◦ ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO

He designed transformative, visionary and authoritative as the three qualities of a good leader.

From Grade 7 to Grade 12, supporting students’ engagement shows up to be his greatest contribution to the Laboratory Schools. Through involvement to student organization and personal experiences that includes the conflicts of academic schedule and organizational activities, and facing his own dark clouds that come above him, he himself became an exceptional leader.

No nonsense. No bullsh*t. Just genius, pen strokes, and pure passion.

AT FIRST GLANCE ON HER, YOU WOULD eventually come up with the idea that she is a journalist.

The intimidation on the way she talks will vanish as you start decoding her articles, and the whole The Bud publication. Nicole A. Verzosa, the person behind the success of the words scribbled on the Official Publication of the Laboratory Schools which leads.

At the age of fifteen, she’s still a juvenile when she was appointed for the position of the Editor-InChief. But her age never defined her as a journalist. She encountered various struggles, and workloads. She led an army, older and younger than her, carrying the voices of the student body and wielding it with such finesse.

It’s just fascinating to witness how her hardships never came to a waste. It’s also inspiring how she proved nobody wrong with her capabilities as a writer and a journalist, and as student as whole.

The world of journalism is embodied to her. She always secures her place during the Division Schools press conference. In RSPC 2012, she won first place in Sports writing (Filipino) while during the NSPC of the same year, she and her team bagged third place in Collaborative Publishing. She also competes in several writing contest and she never fails the Laboratory Schools to be proud of her after she brought home 1st place in UP Namnama Regional 2016. She’s even a recipient of the Romualdo V. Tadena Award for Outstanding Journalist.

“As a leader, I am tough on myself and I raise the standard for everybody; however, I am very caring because I want people to excel at what they are doing so that can aspire to be me in the future.” - Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of Pepsi Co. HER MERE EXISTENCE CAN REMIND YOU of the word “courage”. Pearl Rose Queppet is undoubtedly dauntless in striving for success in whatever aspect of life. Her mindset is totally permanent and there’s no possible way it could still be taken back. She’s been engaged with great responsibilities and that remarkably includes being the president of the first accredited Science Club of the Laboratory School – the Team Chem.

Frustrations, stress and anxiety—these are some of the factors that she dealt with as a consistent honor student, but the way she overcame those things has strengthened her mind and widened her capability as a student. She first stepped her feet on the Official Student Publication of Laboratory Schools on her freshman year as a staff writer and eventually became the Managing Editor of The Bud on the following year.

In her ninth grade, she entered the world of student service wherein she was elected as the Vice Governor of Laboratory Schools Organization, but on her last year in Junior High School, she focused on the Science Club for she found out that it has a potential to be one of the accredited clubs in the University.

The journey towards the accreditation of the club was never easy. Her abilities as club president were tested as they needed to establish the Constitution and By Laws and conduct significant activities that would lead to the betterment of the students. Queppet

His desire to serve as a student is a great beginning point to his success in life. He knows well how to sacrifice which he defined to as student leadership context, “The Story of Prioritizing” and “Concept of a Risk-taker”. Prestige for him is a building character which can be the basis of fellow students and he claimed that service is thinking the welfare of others, especially students hoping something in return. John Ray Barcena has the hands of a leader that could hold even larger organizations and his enthusiasm and bravery to lead will pull him in the right place where he deserves to be. ●

OF LEADERS AMONG FOLLOWERS

Barcena is currently a Grade 12 HUMSS students whose interests lie with current events, politics and arts—and for him, “leadership is defined when the power and authority vested by the people is utilized for the attainment of positive development.” Tough times always come on his way but he still managed to become a consistent honor student. He received several awards. In 2015, he was recognized as the Outstanding Non-Graduating Student Leader, and Outstanding Graduating Student Leader in 2016. He is also one of the drafters of the Student Government Constitution and the youngest Chairperson of the Supreme Order of the University Legislators. He was never left of the people who motivate and challenge him as a leader.

First, his parents, second, Mrs. Maribel B. Yasay who is known to be the Laboratory Schools Organization adviser, and third are the students.

You cannot separate her words from her. She explores both the critical and the romantic side of the coin. The sharp conviction in it reflects her courage, her advocacy to stand with her wills. Her voice is loud enough as she can tackle issues in her columns with brevity and certainty. Yet at the same time, she writes prose and poems about love as she acknowledges the romance in life. Although, we have no idea if she got any muse, her writing clearly justifies that she uses her words to define her at the same time hide her- thus, owning the very power that lies in them.

The Bud served as her home, it helped her nurture the talent that she has and her capabilities as a journalist.

From one of the staff writers during her seventh grade and the Sports editor in the following year, she is now handling the position of Editor-in-chief of The Bud for four years. Verzosa is a Grade-12 student who aspires to become a successful doctor. No matter how busy she was in fulfilling her responsibilities as the editor-inchief, she always gives her best to appear on the honor roll.

She has made a prestige parchment out of the Laboratory School’s publication, The Bud, and her quills be her character. Like the books she have read, her term will eventually end like a chapter of a novel, turning the next page to a new chapter. But like a writer she has etched her own words on parchments with the finest of quills. ●

wouldn’t deny that she doubted herself and she felt nervous about the accreditation. She experienced sufferings—failures are getting through her way, being drowned with tears, swallowed by self-doubt, she always have thoughts of giving up but she didn’t, because for her, giving up means that she’s failing the students, thus, failing herself.

The success of the accreditation of Team Chem is the fruit of all their sacrifices and hardships. Team Chem is as precious as her family who serves as her inspiration in everything she does in her life. Team Chem served as her home who taught her how to be firm and strong. She will always and forever be grateful for having Team Chem especially their supportive adviser, “tatay” Joey-Nell Marzan. Despite of her busy schedule for academics and responsibilities, she exactly knew the way on how to escape reality by immersing herself with books and movies, and indulging with coffee, ice cream, sweets and matcha.

No one is not surprised on how she manages her time too well. And in accordance with this, “Knowing your priorities is the key in dealing with time management,” she stated.

She is now keeping herself concentrated on the path that will lead her to become a Certified Public Accountant. It was never in her choices, but it was her father’s dream for her, and even though he passed away, she decided to go with the flow amidst all the pain and sadness. She is braver than her fears. Her hopes are bigger than her doubts. She’s been through a lot in life and she had already learned enough to keep her track the right way. She built her own mountain and now she’s busy moving it towards the highest peak of success. ●

PIONEER

Being a student alone requires us to be strenuous in order to finish all the school works and meet the deadline, but Barcena did not want to end with that, he searched for something that is parallel with his interests. For four years, he has been elected as the Governor of the Laboratory Schools Organization since his ninth grade. The student continuously entrusting him the position because it is assured that all he does is for the wellness of the students and the department. He opens his door for everyone who is in need of help. He proposes platforms and activities that would response to the needs of the students of the Laboratory Schools.

BEHIND QUILLS AND PARCHMENTS

The Laboratory Schools is composed of five people worthy to be called as leaders. They did not intend to write history, or leave footprints for people to follow but they have passion, patience, and experience. Here, they have shared their personal testimonies on leadership- how it opened their perspectives in taking actions that are worth emulating, seeing not only themselves in the picture but also the people that made them worthy of becoming leaders. ●

EADING THROUGH FROM DIFFERENT ENSES

A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN LEAVE GOOD MARKS BY establishing footprints as legacies for the next generation.

But it’s not that easy to leave a mark. It takes time to build a name. It takes tedious work to get a job well done. It’s takes a lot of courage to prove to people that you’re actions are worth emulating, for we are a dichotomy of both talents and failures, assets and liabilities, both grand and doomed capabilities. The world views us in different perspectives.

features

IT’S BEEN FOUR YEARS SINCE THE KEY has been passed to John Ray Barcena as the governor of the Laboratory School. Four years under the stride of a visionary eye. Four years of the genuine service of the governor that have mold the school to what it is today.

AV: Leadership is a responsibility. First, it starts within you. You should have discipline.

Second, it’s not about being followed by people.

It is establishing oneself as a role model so other teachers and students could see you as someone worthy of actions. Lastly, it means genuine service.

There should be sincerity in your actions and this will later reflect on how you treat your constituentsthe students and the teachers.

BUD: How do you perceive Junior High School Students?

AV: Juniors are still on the process of finding out who and what they are as individuals. This is the stage where they are first exposed outside their comforts. Some of them are still trying to come out of their shells. Some have already come out. I would like to believe that students have the abilities and skills already. That is why they are giving us a bigger challenge- and that is to tap these skills and abilities so they could develop and to keep them striving hard in bringing out the best of themselves.

BUD: Being in different institution, how do you collaborate with each other in improving the whole High School Department of the University of Northern Philippines?

HE, WHO TALKS ABOUT EXCELLENCE

AV: I focused on training the students. Preparation for me is the key. I make sure that the Junior High School Students are well-prepared before they

DR. CHRISTOPHER F. BUENO, the current dean of the College of Teacher Education, took over the administration of the Senior High School Department last April 2017. His headship, so far, brought lots of changes- assigning different coordinators to the different tracks and strands to better facilitate the students. He views senior high school students as the challenge of the teaching profession for they are equipped with more complex thinking and study habits making teachers be more fearless and innovative in terms of teaching.

BUD: What is your personal definition of leadership?

CB: My personal definition of leadership is how you are going to serve your constituents and at the same time influence them on how to make good decisions. That decision means seeking for their consultation. Cooperation matters. That, I think is the most important.

BUD: How do you perceive senior high school students?

CB: Senior High School students are the considered 21st century learners. So they are posting a bigger challenge not only to the teachers but to us as well for we need to explore ways so they could channel the best of their abilities.

BUD: Being in different constitutions how do you collaborate with each other in improving the whole high school department of the University of Northern Philippines?

BUD: You’ve been serving the Laboratory Schools for years and surely you are imparting lots of lessons to the students as well as to the teachers, what experiences have you learned from it?

AV: I consider myself as a very patient person but Laboratory Schools extended this patience. It’s not easy to lead a growing institution. There were many instances where the teachers as well as the students tested this patience but in the end, I have learned to understand things, to look on a bigger perspectiveand not only focus on an aspect of things. That helped me a lot, not only as a principal but also as a person.

BUD: Do you prefer to be a teacher or an administrator?

AV: Being an administrator gives me the power to teach more people not only inside the classroom. As the leader, I am tasked to instill and tap not only the intellectual capabilities, but I also focus on values especially discipline. Greater things are learned outside the classroom, I believe. So my job as a teacher didn’t stop when I was assigned to be the principal of the Laboratory Schools.

As the leader, I am tasked to instill and tap not only the intellectual capabilities, but I also focus on values especially discipline.

BUD: How do you envision the Laboratory Schools in the future?

AV: I like to see Laboratory Schools as an institution not only known for intellectually capable students but also someone who have reach their potentials as individuals and are worthy of becoming leaders of the community. I have seen students grow and

CB: We need to partner with Department of Education and higher education institutions to come up with innovations and creativity in teaching and learning styles. However, we should see to it that the linkages and collaborations will co-exist so they could complement each other to attain excellence in academic performance. We are also trying to expose our students to national competitions-in science, mathematics as well as in the field of journalism. These are the things that we are doing in the Laboratory Schools and College of Teacher Education to train students to be more competent, not only in the classroom.

you are an administrator, you are also a teacher. It’s part of our profession to teach what is good, what is right, to focus more on intellectual integrity and dignity. You must try to do your best in supporting your constituents and your intelligence should open door for innovations and creativity. As a teacher, I am also training the young ones to be good teachers.

I can already say I am experienced in this profession and the best way to teach students as well as the teachers is by giving them more freedom, more freewill to take risks for learning. You must always care for the people around you as you encourage them to grow with you.

BUD: As the new leader of the Senior High School department what are your goals for the students as well as the teachers?

BUD: How do you envision Laboratory Schools in the future?

CB: In senior high school, I have discussed with them excellence in relation to student’s academic performance. Senior High School students embody excellence already. Once they pursue higher education program, they will be experiencing less struggles for we trained them in an environment which speaks of excellence. I am also aim for competent faculty members. I am trying to give them more faculty welfare program and benefits.

And you don’t just train your faculty--you give them support, you care for them, that would be cascaded to how they treat our students with compassion.

BUD: What would you refer, to be a teacher or to be an administrator?

CB: I am both an administrator and a teacher. If

I firmly believed that intellectual capabilities and competence should come with humility.

explore the world after staying in the Laboratory Schools. It makes me happy to see them successful for we have imparted something which made them who they are. Furthermore, I would like to see the institution reach higher goals in terms of student and faculty development so all of us become capable in working hand in hand for the betterment of the institution. ●

CB: I envision the Laboratory Schools, specifically students meeting national and international standards encored with the value of humility. I firmly believe that intellectual capabilities and competence should come with humility. We are at the highest level of the pedestal. We have reached some goals and I think this is because of the support coming from the faculty and the administration.

When I started working as the coordinator of the Senior High department, I have began picturing it as the center of excellence and development, and I think this is the vision of Laboratory Schools. We are at a fast pace of fulfilling our vision and mission.

Next year we will have more infrastructures, and in academic programs we are going up. We are getting good feedback, academic wise and skill wise. ●

Words ◦ DARIAN KEITH ANDIA & MARIKO PAOLO MARTINEZ

SHE, WHO TALKS ABOUT DISCIPLINE

BUD: What is your personal definition on leadership?

enter Senior High School. It’s not much considered as a collaboration but the goal we have shared is the same. And that is to produce a student who is well—holistically developed.

Photos ◦ ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO ● Design ◦ CWYLLE ALCAIN

DR. AURELIA T. VITAMOG has been serving the Laboratory Schools for about six years. As the principal, she keeps her goals as her guiding principles in leading the students as well as the faculty members.

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features

HIS UNENCUMBERED NUMBERED WORDS SUFFERED from creative crisis when a very public success coincided with a very private failure. Yes, he did fail, too. He’s John Green and human. And we’re all left with dog-eared copies of The Fault in Our Stars--asking and waiting for more novels, but of course, the world is not a wish granting factory. His five-year hiatus prompted millions of readers in the brink of doubting and hoping if he could write and publish again, until an announcement about turtles took place. Yes, turtles. But of course, this is John Green getting his shit back to writing and it’s clearly not just about turtles.

“I was beginning to learn that your life is a story told about you, not one that you tell.”

Turtles All The Way Down is a contemporary young adult story about a sixteen-year old girl named Aza, who suffers from severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that mostly manifests internally through “thought spirals” which she calls “invasives.”

The story begins when Aza and her best friend Daisy decided to investigate the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, whose son Aza’s considered childhood friend. As they begin to investigate the disappearance, Aza reconnects with the billionaire’s son, Davis, Aza and Daisy’s friendship is put to the test, and Aza faces the tightening spiral of her own thoughts. Themes of the book include mental illness, friendship, love, loss, and the idea of “self”—all of which were hidden in potent metaphors and created an arresting portrait of existential teenage scream where characters navigated back and forth from the ups and downs of the coming of age.

“I wanted to tell her that I was getting better because that was supposed to be the narrative of illness: It was a hurdle you jumped over or a battle you won. Illness is a story told in the past tense.”

The focus of the book centered on mental illness- something that John Green lives with, too. His writing tended to be descriptive, relatable, and almost graphic, that by just reading about Aza’s thought processes—we were brought to an experience of the complications and dangers of having a disorder that affects the way we act and think. In general, John does an excellent job in depicting the ugly, un-romanticized reality of mental illness, questioning the simplified linear narrative from “worse” to “better” that we often see in fiction- and this provided the readers a more concrete background to what mental illness is.

“In fact, I liked listening to him. He was so excited, his eyes wide, like he genuinely loved his work. You don’t meet a lot of grown-ups like that.”

The novel also put emphasis on Davis, Aza’s lover—as he was described in the book as “in the vast boy middle.” He’s not the Augustus or Pudge kind of ideal guy but he holds a great depth to the whole picture. He’s a low-key writer who keeps his blogs with literary referents and artistry. He’s poetic-metaphorical and smart-and it’s always refreshing to read about intelligent and wise boy characters which broke the convention of the mainstream. Their romance, however, will not leave you in tears (spoiler alert) but it has this certain honesty that tugs to the heart of readers. Their romantic ride will bring you to a trail of gradual sadness—both exploring the conflicts of the mind and emotions that puzzled and tested the definitions of young love.

“The problem with happy endings is that they’re either not really happy, or not really endings, you know? In real life, some things get better and some things get worse. And then eventually you die.”

As a whole, it captures the reality of being a teenager, which is that no one of these things happens in isolation. Someone could be having the greatest adventure of their life or they can be falling in love, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be suffering, or struggling with something else too.

John’s writing, as always, is filled with emotional intensity and philosophical depth. The effects of sophisticated one-liners and intricate metaphors, as the story goes on, hit a hard punch to the gut. It is also surfaced with literary reference as an allusion to William Butler Yeat’s The Second Coming which carried the book’s main literary riddle. He mentioned J.D. Salinger, too! Like his previous novels, this story is an emotional rollercoaster that leaves the readers reeling in the aftermath, long after the very much unexpected but realistic ending in the final pages.

Its main difference from his past works, however, lies at the heart of the story, and it justifies the metamorphosis John had undergone as an author in the long five years he wasted to finish this novel. Though a lot of readers shared their disappointment over the plot and characters (especially Aza), Turtles All the Way Down remains as a crafted work of art that highlights the hardships of the living, and the tragedy in not being able to control how we live, which is arguably an even more difficult and nuanced concept to translate into words. This is a deeply resonant story–might not be worthy enough for Nobel at present, but it’s a contemporary classic, a well written literature that will stand with the test of standards, trends and time. ●

TURNING AND TURNING IN THE TIGHTENING GYRE OF TURTLES MC JUSTINE REALGO & NICOLE VERZOSA

Photo ◦ ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO

THE TRILOGY OF ARTISTRY

to crafting other skilled poets and writers. At his nativity of a brilliant young mind rose to the rank of an excellent teacher and instructor. As a way of bringing poetry and fiction closer to the people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to develop their creative talent, Bautista has been holding regular funded and unfunded workshops throughout the country, planting and sowing the seeds of literature by the use of his God given talent. A sensei of his craft and an exemplar to his students, he is the moving spirit of the contribution of the development of Philippine literature.

MARIKO PAOLO MARTINEZ

“I knew the footnotes, all the text, my words were precise and correct.”

He is acknowledged by his fellow critics and peers as the nation’s foremost writer of his generation. Through the four decade spanning of his career, he solidified a reputation as being a profound artist at his art; his poetry, lectures, and stories continue to influence the rows of generations of young writers. Cirilo, with a childhood sprinkled in honorary awards and recognitions induces in his career as a writer with national accolades and international credits, carrying the figure of literature of our motherland.

“The sea cannot touch me now nor the sky.”

“The flesh made Word, The Poem. Through printing presses, executions and revolutions— the poem as history, history as the poem.”

THE RED CARPET LINE THAT WELCOMES YOU ABOVE IS A sentence taken from a book written by Cirilo F. Bautista entitled Words and Battlefields. It voices that media invokes rebellions and uprising and that history impacts poems and poems as windows of history.

Bautista sits down to write as he reveals his brilliance. Like a master, strong and intense, no contest against him as he presents.

His works are orchestral as they reverberate along the shores and mountains of the archipelago, and as symphonic like the spreading of the rays of sunlight— radiant and still fresh of the fissures of caves in Philippine literature.

“I walked towards the falling woods to teach the trees all that I could.”

Poet. Essayist. Critic. Fictionist. Artist.

Image ◦ INQUIRER LIFESTYLE

Born to be the writer that he is — a master poet and a proficient fictionist, Bautista spanned in creating poem and stories

His awards extents from valedictorians to National Book Awards; from Magna Cum Laude to Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards. In the National Centennial Commission’s Literary Contest, the first prize is given to Bautista’s Sunlight on Broken Stones, the last volume in his The Trilogy of St. Lazarus an epic containing 3,050 lines as the final bulk concludes his monumental work on Philippine history, and this is an example of his excellence of his expertise. His works vast from prejudices and the societal state of the country’s generation; from the internal emotions of an individual to the cries of the nation, Bautista expresses what other people cannot express through his written literature. At a time in 2014, Cirilo F. Bautista was labelled as a National Artist for Literature, a glorious moment was endowed to him. It seemed no one was ahead of him.

With his name and works springing in the inspiration of writers and the development of the country’s literary arts, no one look away on his monuments as it bask open in Summer Suns (1963); as it fills up the spaces on Charts (1973); as it echoes across the Archipelago (1970); from the keys of a Telex Moon (1981); minds of the young generation will remember him in history and through his works as a— poet, essayist, critic, fictionist, artist. ●

features

15

Letter from the Editor To my first love,

THE CATCHER IN THE CORRIDOR

Six years ago, I met you. And that’s the first moment you terrified me. Because I knew in my spirit that you could make me happy. And you know being happy here is a risk. Once you’ve had it, it can be taken away from you.

I am writing this to compensate for all the years I have suppressed myself the chance to tell how I am in awe of all that is you. I have never attempted to write about you until now because it scares me, that even just the mere thought of you tells me it will hurt so badly when you’ll finally leave.

It has been 6 years but it feels like yesterday when I was in my 7th grade and saw you standing behind those walls. You seem intimidating at first. I wasn’t looking for love, I have to confess. And you scare me, the same way you interest me. I started hearing gossips about who you are from the people who I share the same interest with. My guts kept telling me to know you more.

And it turned out, you are not just a name.

This, I can testify. You do not embody reputation or popularity. You have a heart for people. And people rarely have a heart for people. I gladly watched you listen to them, but I must say I fell on your traps when I heard you talk and stand for them especially those who were unheard.

Looking back, it all started when I gained the courage to share my mind—my and ideas with you. I never thought that I would be this committed and indebted to you thereafter.

NOT TO SOUND LIKE HOLDEN CAULFIELD, BUT I am writing this down because I know, you know me. And that I don’t talk to strangers; and I know that I can trust you—about everything.

I mean, I knew everything.

The moment I laid my eyes on everyone, the footsteps that overwhelmed me. Things will happen sooner or later. I know, for a fact, that this won’t be an easy watch. You see, I’m all eyes and ears. I know your secrets. I know your intentions. I heard things I shouldn’t have. I heard echoes fading in, I heard echoes fading out.

I have witnessed people come and go.

For a moment, I thought of my existence. There should be a reason why I’m still here. I was here since history. But, I’m too fed up to talk. I hold these countless memories, weighing down my shoulders, filling up my head—I can’t seem to contain these unexplained phenomena anymore.

Without introducing myself, I can tell by your eyes and your grin that it’s obvious. That won’t make you any smarter though. This place taught me that I am not safe in this world of misery; this world of cruelty. That life goes on. That life stinks. I mean, you hate your teachers for giving you a tight deadline and a heavy project; you hate the one you admire for not giving their hands to yours – let’s face it, you hate school.

The old odor lingering in our atmosphere, I will never forget that. From afar, I can see formula-filled blackboards, teachers deriving equations, teachers talking about social media, some talked about sex, the students didn’t bother—some laughed. I’ve witness good teachers preaching someone who deserves it, I’ve heard foul language every time someone’s late or someone cracked a lame joke, or an unfunny joke—it’s just the same.

I am a simple functioning being. Look, I had fun within these years. I’ve witnessed you getting ready for your promenade—dashing, wearing butterflies, ribbons, roses, kissing—and, then you’ve been so happy. Not the typical happy. The “happy” happy. And then, here comes graduation. Your pictorials were just as beaming. I mean, your smiles were genuine. I can hear your triumph as you climb up into the stage to accept your diploma. All those nights of serendipity and I learned that leaving isn’t the problem—forgetting is.

How could I not forget your Christmas parties?

I remembered being a wreck when all your gift wraps were meticulously pleasant within my view. You were chanting names and gratitude and Christmas songs. At some point, I’ve even wondered why the music stops.

A broken music player I thought. There were even newspapers. God, how can I forget your clothing and accessories lying on the floor in a linear manner? Some of you are even half-naked. Although, you seem to be contended. Of what is happening and what you are doing. You’ve been all became immature.

On Teacher’s Days, you’ve surprised your advisers. Gave them a present or two. On first day of classes, you’ll see me again and I know you are tired of seeing my face. We’ve known each other for years, we’ve bid farewells and greetings. But things do change, don’t they?

You used to tell me to change. You also hated me.

You despised me and my physicality. My wrinkled body.

My defects. This is because of who I am; because of what you are. Unlike you, I can’t voice out everything I want to say. I am stuck in between your cries and screaming. I’m stuck in between the rush hour during lunch break. I’m stuck in between the announcements from the principal’s office. Did I ever complain?

Did I ever complain when you trashed me around?

Did I ever complain how outrageous you people were?

Did I ever complain how you walked on my limbs? I have endured your weight and the rage you are into. Did I ever complain how you scarred my body? How you write filthy letters of how you hated that girl and that teacher? Stained with different graffiti. My skin became a canvass for tattoos. I never had privacy to begin with.

Did I ever complain how you fucked me over—again, and again, and again? I never complained. It’s just sad how those who can talk, abuse their mouth to vomit nonsensical indecencies. It’s too late now for me to hear compliments. I am becoming a worn-out tragedy.

Here’s fact: I’ll be leaving sooner, or later.

Here’s a fact: I’ll be leaving sooner, or later.

I will never know if you’re going to long for what we had. I’m dropping every hint I could just to tell you, that my days are counted. And you won’t probably see me again. And that I know I am just nothing to you. And that you are grateful that I’ll be gone. And that when I vanish, the world will just continue to turn. But, that’s how life works isn’t it? No matter how hard you try, we won’t be able to escape the event horizon. But here’s the thing: I don’t want to leave.

Our journey, however, was never easy.

Like all stories of love, it comes with all sorts of struggles. We became star-crossed lovers, almost shipwrecked in the middle of high school. We were growing. We struggled between deadlines and academics, between class hours and sleepless nights, between requirements and other responsibilities. But our common love for words kept us. I guess they call this passion.

It took me years to realize this. I can’t count in one hand, the number of storms we have braved, both in the literal and figurative sense.

We carry the world and the responsibilities in our shoulders. We listened to people. We talked with people. We write for people. But in the end— all kinds of pain were thrown at us that we both endured—all of these made us grow.

I couldn’t forget how we were belittled back then despite our good intentions. It pains me to see people misread us, when what we always try to do is to listen to them. It pains me to see you pick your pieces of dignity in the corridor. I have seen you once-alone—in a vacant room—filling up the void of the wordless space.

You tell me it’s okay. I have never seen you cry. Instead, you were there, smiling, cheering me up- reminding me that people are still worth writing about.

And when we have established ourselves– our passion borne the recognition we didn’t aim at first. People started seeing us- as if our existence now matter, putting overwhelming praises in our abilities. That didn’t last long.

It’s sad, for people took advantage with your awards as if they share the sweat of hard work and were part of the process. They did turn their backs—pointing out our flaws once more as if we embody them more than the plaques they have also enjoyed.

I have to apologize for you deserve more than these. But just in case you still don’t know, I love everything about you, not just because you also do the same to me. You taught me a lot of things—about words, love, and life. You taught me to be romantic and at the same time to be critical in writing. You have immersed in my system the core values of a true journalist. And more than that, you have opened my perspective— for growth, for my flaws, for people.

I am forever grateful for our second family.

They (including you) became the home I always go to every time I need a little saving from the excruciating semesters. Thanks to you, for opening my eyes to things that matter. We have gone this far and thanks for all the places we visited, for dragging me out from my comfort zone and for disturbing me in the most beautiful way possible.

Good things don’t last long, this we both know. We have reached the moment we have both denied and anticipated. I am for growth and I need to see the world soon. But I wrote not for good-byes. I wrote for more than anything else, you also deserve this letter.

And I forgive you. It’s an inevitability. On how everything goes. I’m not desperate of not leaving. I am writing this down because I know, you know me. And that I don’t talk to strangers; and I know that I can trust you—about everything.

The Bud, thank you. Thank you for fanning the ember inside me and setting it to a fire. You were the reason why my passion in writing keeps on burning all these years. Thanks to you, for waking up the sleeping spirit in me to voice out and stand for the underprivileged. You gave my craft a direction when I thought I’ve lost it.

You’ll promise me a proper good—by, won’t you not? ●

It takes to be human to fall in love. I have never imagined myself walk with this courage burning with passion to fight and stood firm to what I really love. I may have a lot of shortcomings in our years together. I may not be the best Editor-in-Chief you have met. But, you’ve given me definitions of love most humans cannot testify. That stood beyond the power of words and responsibilities.

Words ◦ MC JUSTINE REALGO Photo ◦ ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO

Thank you for being one of the few good decisions I have made in the past. Take good care of the future members of our family.

All yours,

Nicole

personal development

I N E V I TA B L E D E AT H : CONQUERED A N D P R E VA I L E D STRANGER Vianca Vilora viancatoot

I HAVE ASKED MYSELF IF DYING WAS A million worth same as my mother’s sacrifice when she carried me. Staring at the unending darkness of the night every now and then makes me want to leave and just travel to that other side of the world; death, you have given so many people including me enough reason to make my curiosity a widerspread than just a spoonful cravings of a numb feeling whenever I think of it. I have drowned my innocent-loving-child-like personality while growing up because of the exposure of social media and innovating technology and tons of family problems that none of you can’t even sense that I have one.

SUICIDE. A seven-letter-word, a profound one to begin with, many have witnessed different personalities who took their lives in various ways, but one could only bound their diverse practice; suicide. A lot of people think that this can just be treated over a single talk on a couch with a cup of coffee on both hands of the counselor and the counselee. Actually, this is the third most leading cause of death in today’s time.

I have given up my will to live but someone out there always try to reach out to me.

Today, millennials have been open to many mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and many more that leads to suicide. There are even places that is famous for having so many suicide takers on it. One is the most notorious Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California and also Aokigahar Forest in Mount Fuji, Japan.

Through countless nights of having insomnia and 3 AM battles, over the years, my mind, everytime, I always ask if I can give up my life. For atleast one second, I always say no, cause’ more of than what sadness brings me is the aesthetics of new journeys and lessons that life has more to offer.

If someone out there is lost in the way of finding what reality means. I have given up my will to live but someone out there always try to reach out to me. Because if I do, my story will be a cliffhanger and I will not witness its happy ending.

I am the girl who thinks that this world is not for me to show up. I am the lady that tries to battles the inner demon inside me. I am the woman for which lately doubt at things that haven’t been done by me. I am the daughter of a loving man that tries to swim even if I’m drowning in an ocean of thorns.

I’m sorry mom and dad, for thinking that life is not worth living for. ●

YOU MAY KNOW SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO end it all, someone who is drowning in the pool of his thoughts, his fears, and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness but still tries to get out of his bed in the morning and keeping a smile on his face because it feels like no one in this world will save him from the darkness even his self.

It gets worse as if there is a battle of hidden demons inside them. Sometimes, people who suffer depression may seem fine but the truth is, it is more than being in the dumps, that it is not about being sad but it is more of feeling empty.

Today, you must be sensitive of someone who is suffering depression. You never know, a loved one is already living with miseries and the worst thing you can do is to just ignore them. Empathize with them, make them feel that there is hope, that being hit by depression like a truckload of bricks will come to an end.

Depression, a familiar but never an adequate word to tell and be vulgar when talking about how it is. This is a medical condition in which a person is feeling very sad with extreme loneliness; often they feel unimportant. You might want to be one of those who will give them hope, you’ll never know unless you try doing these: Hear them out. If they are not saying anything, that doesn’t mean that they are not telling something. It’s easy to ask but the hardest part is being unable to get an answer even though you feel that they have something to say. They have a voice, let them use it on their own, you just have to give them some time to find it. Just know when it is a good time to talk and if they feel like talking, ask them what you can do and they think it might be helpful for them.

Let them be alone, sometimes. When you feel that they don’t want to voice out, all you can do from time to time is to set them free for a little while. Let them hang-out on their little nest, birds do need it anyway until they learn how to fly; catch them if they’ll do, cause’ that will be the time for you to dig in. For some time, all they need is to be alone, for them to figure out they need help. Isolating one’s own self is never the easy way out, one day soon you’ll understand why they do that. From now, let them be.

Reach out. For some reasons, you would want to know why do they like or do certain things. People with depression has their own way to chill them, as for you, being out of their league because that’s what they thought or feel about you, has to know what’s going on about them. Sit for a while, have some coffee if you do and ask them what would they want to do to wind things up. If they like to watch movies just to free them

from their wildest thoughts, join them, or go on an outdoor hike and let them scream all the words at the top of the mountain just for them to ease the pain. You’re getting closer to helping them, at least from far away. You wouldn’t want to tell them that you want to help them, that fast, because some of them just don’t like the idea of other people pitying them, you know depressive thoughts.

Inform. If someone you know has a depression, tell them to seek for help, a guidance counselor at school or just a counselor at a clinic, psychologist either and if they are afraid or worried, you can offer to go with them. If they are that uncomfortable about talking to someone we have a suicide prevention hotline by the Department of Health together with the World Health Organization and Natasha Goulborn Foundation called Hopeline which may be reached at 9020 804-4673; 0917-5584673; and 2919 for Globe and TM subscribers.

Learn to appreciate. Darling, learning to appreciate the beauty of a dazzling lost bird amidst the weary wilderness. Just because they are annoying and sometimes grumpy because depression can hit anytime and anywhere that doesn’t mean it makes them a bad person, nevertheless you could and can learn to appreciate what the small light inside of them due to the covering darkness of their raged soul. It’s not everyday that you let them see that you let them see that you care for them, it’s the way on how you value a precious soul that can make them warm instead of a hug, well sometimes warm tight hug can make everything better for once in a while. Show them what they need to see, cause that’s what it’s supposed to be.

Dealing with a person who has depression was never a choice but an acceptance of the reality that there is a depression in all other way is the key to helping that person who is suffering. We can’t be the good one at all times but we can be better one in helping a friend or a love one. That person who started at you the other day, he’s not weird, he’s just spacing out, letting the sadness cover him.

If we can only live with the truth of not having sadness within us, life could have better, reality hits us everytime and that the only thing we can do in our lifetime is to accept and be prepared for what will happen. ●

Words ◦ VIANCA VILORIA

; END THE STIGMA

16

TWEET ENGINE*

” *This segment is not associated with @FTTMph.

alyana lea carmela @_teenagegranny

Thoughts @LifelnWords

Everything becomes

People can be so

a problem when you

quiet about their

feel everything too

pain, that you forget

deeply, but then

they are hurting.

everything also

That is why it is so

becomes beautiful

important to always

and that’s not a

be kind.

problem at all

personal development

CEASE THE KILLING MARK JULIUS DONATO

IT IS UNDENIABLE THAT THE HOPE OF our nation or the youth suddenly becomes delicate. They are susceptible to earthquakes of change, and continuously marching on the wrong way. Nowadays, some are also included in different crimes as well as in the possession of illegal drugs. Sad to say that few of them are now burried six feet under.

In the case of Kian Loyd delos Santos, he couldn’t withstand the way he was killed and so helpless. Those who made it to him are such savage. They already forgot the 6th commandment of God which is thou shalt not kill. We should love our countrymen the same way as we love ourselves, because we are all humans and we all want to live in peace not in chaos.

How can we stop this if the officials of our Government themselves who are responsible for it are the ones who promotes the “bloody war on drugs?” They should think of a solution to

permanently end this cancer of our nation. It was a solemn matter and so, it needs mature immersion.

The woeful death of minors right from the start of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “bloody war on drugs” are indeed frightening. This can be a basis of police brutalization. As much as possible in the soonest time it will stop, because it already abuses some of our human rights. Forget the notion that it will function and good in the end or else more and more people especially youth will due sustain killed people’s circumstances.

As the youth of this generation, we should not only say that we can beat this unwanted happenings for action is more powerful and speaks louder than words. Stand up straight even if we are in the middle of different issues. As what Jose Rizal quoted we are the hope of our motherland.

Thus, we must do good things for our country and also for our own good sake.

BE VIGILANT. One must be careful in noticing problems or signs of danger. Young people must be vigilant anytime not only against drug abuse but youth must lead also in the fight against any issues that our country may face. With this trait, we can correct our wrong choice of getting involved in any awful situations so that our life together with our family will be safe from any danger.

LEARN HOW TO DECIPHER LEGIT NEWS FROM FAKE. Fake news might lead us to danger most especially that we are now in the age of digital media. We should learn on how to decipher or find facts behind fake news. One good action in order to dig out the reality is to be literate in media. Take a look on the news and try noticing if it is true or not by seeing the page itself where it came from or the author because sometimes people try to mimic the name of a reliable source but of course it is different from the original. If anyone encounters people sharing fake news feel free to comment down on how he/she arrives at a conclusion that it is fake so that it will stop from spreading and would not be shared.

BE CURIOUS. Sometimes being curious is not bad as long as what we wanted to know is good. Attend seminars which raise the awareness of everyone and have a good education about what may drugs give.

Everyone now is vulnerable to the danger of drug addiction. Recieve the proper information and have a close look on the ways which can protect us from this abuse. Have an open communication also among our family, peers, and even professionals.

Seek good information from them so that we will able to realize and prioritize things which are supposed to be done in the first place.

TAKE IT AS A CHALLENGE. Take the controversial issues of our country as a challenge for us youth and make it as a motivation in studying hard and fulfilling our dreams so that we will be successful in the near future. Start making difference now. Let us show what we have and prove that we are not weak individuals. Show them that we have the courage to stand up, face everything, and we have best version of ourselves amidst these issues which can only ruin our life if we let ourselves affected from it.

How can we stop this if the officials of our Government themselves who are responsible for it are the ones who promotes the ‘bloody war on drugs?’

“Life is just a matter of choice not a matter of chance.” One shouldn’t waste his or her life. Time is indeed inevitable that’s why we need to use our time wisely. All must live their life to the fullest not to the dullest because of course no one likes to experience the taste of a life like being burn up in hell. Life is also a very precious gift from God that nothing can compensate the value of it and no one can take it back once it was lost. Stop now the killing and start making difference for everybody deserves to live in a peaceful country not in a helllike society. ●

Art ◦ CWYLLE ALCAIN

17

18

literary

O N L I T E R AT U R E A N D O T H E R PA R A D O X E S

Oh God, can’t you remember?

Yesterday, when we were wanted and loved?

I know the indecencies. I witnessed them and made them myself – But I know you too. And we had fun.

And we’re strangers now.

CLOCKWORK THINKER Mc Justine Realgo

*

*

*

GRealgo

I AM PERFORMING THIS OBSCENE stimulus to generate a rapid succession of thoughts about something I will be writing the night after. I’m thinking of making poetry inspired by the last argument I had with my mom.

It occurred to me that one thing that triggers the rather complicated mind of a person are those moments and experiences that are too heavy and precious to contain. It doesn’t matter if it’s something worth remembering, or something worth forgetting. The thing about writing these ideas down is that, when the flow of words started to run down your mind – you become a carpenter, constructing something out of letters and imageries that mirror any humane experiences. You childishly play with the grammar and you hide what you really want to pertain.

I am not looking for a grand scheme of experience but for something that carries the morbidity of what it is to be human–feeling everything, even the most simple, most forgettable experience.

You are recording down history.

But as far as I know, history and literature are two different concepts.

History is all about the fall of Berlin Wall, the World Wars, the first satellite launch and the accidental discovery of penicillin. While literature magnifies every little thing that happened to a person’s life – it’s all the cup of coffee, the dancing, the screaming, the laughter, the heartbreaks and cocktails.

Hence, you are recording down your personal history.

As a writer, it has always been a struggle to determine what I am going to write about. I’m not an illusionist who can easily conjure something up from a blank space. It will take time before I grab my pen and start formulating these abstract thoughts wandering in my head. I am not looking for a grand scheme of experience but for something that carries the morbidity of what it is to be human–feeling everything, even the most simple, most forgettable experience.

The last argument I had with my mom scarred me. I remembered the raising of voices, the uncomfortable dinner for two within the weakened lights in our dining room enveloped by the uncertain shrills of cicadas. A cathartic trance was stuck inside of me.

There came a cannonade of unpreceded locomotion flooding my stream of consciousness.

I therefore came up with a hypothesis: a person writes because he or she felt things unexplainable by the limited vocabulary of words and the lack of bravery from the tongue.

Now, staring at the computer screen – I started to reminisce the works of famous authors, from Robert Frost to John Green- it’s a relief that their names won’t be forgotten. I can easily imagine the young minds digesting the atypical thoughts and peculiar experiences that these writers have been through, and have been thinking. They’ve recreated the world that’s about to unfold, and can you imagine how these kind of woven ideas and words can amplify a person’s motivation to unravel what’s going on inside a writer’s head? And on how it can change a person’s life?

Under the utile function of literature, is recognition. The literary piece speaks to you, as if it identifies the things you’ve been going through your life – it touches the most sensitive parts of yourself, in a way that you won’t feel violated. I, myself, have shown my nakedness towards the intangible eyes of authors and their words. I have never felt ashamed in showing my vulnerability to someone who can understand me, with all my flaws and all the ghosts haunting me.

After performing this obscene stimulus, I’ve decided to apologize to mom; I’ve decided to show my gratitude to everything that made me realize that I am a writer – fully aware of my own capabilities and vulnerabilities. I tried to write poetry inspired by the last argument I had with my mom; I tried to make something that will unravel my personal history. It might not matter to you. It might not make sense to you.

But I am not creating an impression here. I just want to write. ●

All I ever do now is to stare at the gray horizon. Or is it really that sunny? I don’t know. My skin being numb for months, but it felt like for years of unlived laughter. It has always been this cloudy, and rainy, and stormy – just that. Everyday. Everyday terrible day of my life. Every time I wake up, with high hopes of greeting the playful dawn.

*

*

*

“Lady B ird alway s say s t hat she liv e s in on t he wrong side of t he t racks, but I alway s t hought t hat was like a me t aphor, but t he re are act ual t rain t racks.” – L A D Y B I R D , 2 0 1 7

“The best lack all conviction, while the worst / Are full of passionate intensity.” – WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Society is very much a hypocrite.

Standing in the center of disgust, both held hands to never let go. Instead of falling apart because of this despair, they stood firm than any other. Such a pure love. On the top of the building no one can see; in the drizzle and the wind, two shared a kiss.

“Te mporary jubilat ion can only re sult in long-last ing dist re ss.”

– 2 C O O L 2 B E 4 G OT T E N , 2 0 1 6

Both stared at each other in melancholy. And smiled.

“I don’t really understand what the world wants.”

*

*

*

“What made you numb? The pain of listening to how tragic my past was?”

“You.”

*

*

*

i have convinced myself long before you have convinced me and i never believed myself i never trusted my mind i poured too much hope, too much of it to the future to where we could finally find ourselves embracing reality. these spaces that separated and kept us dissolve into piece and i am no control of this i have to leave soon but how do i mend these wounds which i have denied for years?

“You know, we all use d t o be so happy.

I don’t know...

M ay be we just f orgot .”

– A N G N AW AW A L A , 2 0 1 2

literary “When far away an interrupted cry / Came over houses from another street, / But not to call me back or say good–bye.” – ROBERT FROST It was not a good night when I flushed a bottle of beer down my throat.

2:00 AM and I’m starting to shake.

The moon was misplaced along the mending sea; the stars created existence over a dull canvass of darkness. Wet sand grazing my bare feet as my consciousness wandered lost through the cacophonies of raging waves and the thought of us, unremembered.

“ Patawari n ak o n g D i y o s d ah i l h i n an g ad k o n g m ag i n g k as i n g k ari n i wan n g i b a.”

“One morning, as George Samsa was waking up from anxious dreams, he discovered that in bed he had been changed into a monstrous verminous bug.” – FRANZ

– A N G L A R AW A N , 2 0 1 7

KAFKA

I never wanted change.

But it’s a fool’s move not to get estranged with the fact that everything else will be altered from the reality that you are used to with; it is a fool’s move to feel the unwanted suffering of the inevitable; it’s a fool’s move to stay who you [are you] thought you were.

I wanted to phone you so badly.

So badly, it hurts.

*

*

Maybe it’s a fool’s errand to hold your hand.

*

*

Behind our mask, Is the untold story of us; The unrevealed truth In between the horizon; The unnoticed rainbow On the far side.

“ O n e o f th e s carie st t hings about co m i n g o u t i s f inding out if t he o n es y o u l ove are st ill around after. S h e’ s the one I couldn’t ri s k l o s i n g .” – B A K A B U K A S , 2 0 1 6

Behind our mask Is you and me; With thousands of unasked questions, And thousands of unuttered answers.

*

*

*

*

*

*

I just want you to know that I’m not who you wanted me to be. And that I told mom everything about it— and she’s still not talking to me—and that I know, you’ll not talk to me after reading this.

And that, I just wanted to know if I dissapointed you.

And that, I just wanted to say that I love you.

And that—I love him.

“ I’ ve g rown accu s to m ed to a g reat d i vi d e b et ween wh at p eo p l e b el i eve an d wh at I k n ow to b e real .” – J A C K I E , 2 0 1 6

*

“ N o t even o n ce d i d I e nt e r t ain t he th o u g h t o f ab an d oning y ou while I was th i n k i n g o f how t o build my w o r ld around y ou.”

– C H A N G I N G PA R T N E R S , 2 0 1 7

*

*

*

someday, you will run across all of these– these poems i engrave for permanence. though we are meant for different paths, to drift apart like solidarity wishes so we could hope again and eventually forget. but i wish i burned the bridges when i had the chance claim that cowardice is an act of courage so i could save myself so i could save my words. but this– i will keep this– this very corner of my brain which will always think, which will always write for you.

My mother doesn’t like you. I mean, she’s not comfortable. Which includes me of course. I told her everything yesterday. Then the kitchen became a mess. There were untouched silverwares and broken plates everywhere (fragile as they were). We even got our hearts broken (fragile as we are). I tried to hug her. She resisted.

She kept on wailing. She hated me for loving you. I wonder, where’s the harm in that?

She never talked to me again.

I thought she never cared.

*

*

Dad,

“But O’ heart! heart! heart! / O’ the bleeding drops of red, / Where on the deck my Captain lies, / Fallen cold and dead.” – WALT WHITMAN

*

*

You lit your cigarette– blowed each fuming disgrace across my hair while i tried to wither my voice over a cup of vodka straining my throat– and you managed to destroy me by not talking at all.

*

I used to like the idea of rain.

Of watching the clouds cry. Of being vulnerable in times with cold flustered minds, begging for warmth and other anomalies I could ever prayed for. I woke up with the sun rising. Unseen, I cursed the weather. I could use a pint of sunshine. To stay; to continue; to live.

*

*

Life isn’t the worst thing that ever happened to me.

Life isn’t the best thing that ever happened to me, either.

“ Peo p l e d i e everyd ay. S o we h ave h o p e everyd ay.”

– D I E TO M O R R OW, 2 0 1 7

**Screenshots and quotes used belong to the films that have been acknowledged.

19

20

science & technology

ON BECOMING A STEWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GLAIZA MARIE ANGELINE DE LUNA

ILLNESS IN 21ST CENTURY ILLITERACY MIRAGE Pearl Antonette Almero eyempearl

AS I CHECK MY SOCIAL MEDIA accounts, countless news updates and fresh stories fill up the screen of my phone, and as I constantly scroll and read every article and story. I noticed that most of them have common grounds but there are variations among these stories. Articles differ from one author to another, and by reading the first and last similar articles, their contents connote altered details. This 21st century illness makes internet a painful place for information.

Fake news is a disease and no one can cure this but us–the users of the Internet when we know how to validate and kill them.

To survive in this highlytechnological era, one must attain the core capabilities of being 21st century literate-that is to become information, media and technology educated. As a millennial, we are expected to possessed this ability. We have to be well aware of this—to blend into this continuously changing world of trends—to be able to gauge this realm of “petmalu lodi.”

Hottest issues over the Internet this time around are revolves around falsity which unwraps another ground for debates and petty catfights-one main reason for people to be feed their egos. A single click from the mouse or an effortless touch to screens can open myriad of doors that may lead to either alarming situations or reassuring circumstances to netizens as they become the victim who are easily get swayed by the number of likes, comments, and shares over a certain post which eventually became their basis on how true and reliable the post is. People nowadays tend to depend on social media where they get updatesthey merely trust posts without further confirming its details, the similarity of standpoint become their basis. Then they share them. Glorify them. Until another netizen will become a victim.The plague will be spread like airborn internet disease.

To use a highly-technological information dissemination tool like the internet is a massive improvement for the human race. It advances not only communication but our life as well.

However, one must bear in mind that we should always be responsible in using it, hence let us be critical in what we see and post online. Fake news is a disease and no one can cure this but us- the users of the Internet when we know how to validate and kill them. ●

I CANNOT DEFINE SCIENCE AS A CHILD. THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD—THIS LIFE—IS SOMETHING THAT I try not to find out, for I think we are made of more than atoms. But joining the Science Summit 2017 for the second time and being part of the Team Chem, made me savor the sudden realities that we can uncover and learn from “mystery”. Concepts are as relevant as stories—for the world can be measured with the experiences and discoveries that somehow give a wider and clearer definition to what life is. And this is what science is.

The Regional Science Summit 2017 is a two-day camp for the young science enthusiasts like me where we are provided the chance to explore the specific sub-fields of science through series of activities, lectures, and competition. This was held at Sinait National High School, Sinait, Ilocos Sur on September 8th and 9th of 2017. With its theme, “Excavating the Abyss, Pulsing the Current, Steering the Youth as Stewards of Sustainable Development,” it aims to provide an overview of the current challenges that needed to be addressed for a sustainable future in line with the celebration of the National Science Club Month.

of the Laboratory Schools for science enthusiasts—we were given the chance to bring out the scientists in us through these activities We were then divided into different sub-camps which served as our team all throughout the the different activities.

The lectures articulated were provided by PSYSC aiming to encourage the youth to find innovative ways in increasing productivity and ultimately feeding the growing world population while protecting the environment. The two-day event saw the members of different science clubs in Region I and nearby provinces coming together to discover and explore the wonders of science via series of lectures, workshops and teambuilding activities.

The first strike of the iron was a lecture on Geoscience. Geography is not something that interests me but the lecture opened my eyes to what the combination of Geography and Science is. Geoscience, as defined in the lecture, gives us an understanding of the evolution of our planet and its interacting global systems. The lecture provided explanation on the tools that can help us learn to live sustainably with our environment, and how to appreciate our place within the vastness of Earth history. The wonders of our planet Earth were also presented- the mountain ranges and ocean basins, wind, water and ice- all things that give shape to the surface of the Earth, making and changing the landscapes around us. Geosciences helps student like me understand and appreciate these complex Earth systems. Workshops were also given after the lecture.

Together with the UNP Team Chem—the first and only organization

The night became extra special because of the Pledge Night and the

MYTH

VS

Social Night. We, the particiapants lit candles as symbol of our camaraderie.

MathScieaka, marked the highlight of the second day. This is a simultaneous hosting of Mathematics, Science and Kapaligiran (MathSciAka) interactive and Engineering/Science challenge workshops. MathSciAKa geared on promoting ways of learning science, technology, and the environment through fun-filled experiments and workshops. This tested the students’ translation and application of different science concepts. And I must say, I learned a lot from this experience.

I could not be more grateful for those long two days of both learning and enjoying the activities had to offer. My co-members and I went home with a bag pack of knowledge and a realization of the obligation a science enthusiast must possessed.

We do not only aim to discover and learn. We accept challenges as part of our cultivation in promoting the value of our treasures without exploiting the limits of nature. Science summit is indeed an avenue that rendered this possibility. ●

FACT

IF THERE IS ONE THING ABOUT US FILIPINOS, IT’S THAT WE ARE VERY SUPERSTITIOUS. AS CHILDREN, WE WERE TAUGHT TO believe all the pamahiin our nanay and lola have told us even though we knew how absurd these things are. So here are five pamahiin that we grew up with as Filipinos.

MYTH: Menstrual blood fights acne.

There is a superstition that if you took the blood from your first menstrual blood and washed your face with it, it will ensure that you will be spared from the pain of having acne during your puberty and adult life. There is no scientific research to support this claim. Acne is caused by hormones and genetics, and no one-time application of menarche will make it go away.

MYTH: The 5-second rule Any food that you have dropped on the floor will be bacteria-free and is still consumable if you retrieve it within five seconds. Studies have said that whatever food may be and whichever type of surface the food has been dropped, bacteria still contaminate your food in less than five seconds. The majority of bacteria transfer to the food immediately on impact.

MYTH: Paglilihi or Pregnancy Cravings Totally, a myth. Many Filipinos believed that what you eat and crave for during pregnancy has a direct influence on the physical attributes of the baby. Scientific studies prove that, there is no link between paglilihi and the unborn babies’ physical attributes. For Genetics goes physical attributes are inherited from our parents and grandparents set of genes and not from food cravings.

MYTH: If the flame of a candle turns blue a spirit is in the room.

An old creepy myth, often misunderstood by most of us. Usually a flame of a candle is yellow and orange or red, but it has nothing to do with colors. Some factors affect the color of the flame such as the content of the candle.

MYTH: Stepping over a sleeping child causes stunted growth.

And most of us believe that the only way to reverse this pamahiin is to step over the child again. Even though this has been passed by our elders, this has no known scientific basis. A child’s growth and development will depend and will always depend on a number of factors related to nutrition and genetics.

Culture has a great influence and has a massive role in today’s generation, especially to people’s rational and social being. But Science debunks some of the myths and superstitions with the most accurate claims. In this manner, we must not be chained to a system of cultural misconceptions. Live life as if you are not bound with something that will not allow you to do so. Yes, Science doesn’t prove but Science will always provide us with the most comprehensive explanations to things we fear to unravel. ● Words ◦ RONA ALYSZA TOGUPEN & JIM CLAUDE JOVEN

science & technology

21

ACROSS PORTALS AND OTHER DIMENSIONS MC JUSTINE REALGO ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING WORLDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO UNRAVEL IS THE NEAR-EXISTENT PLANE of science fiction. Through the years, as special effects flourished and evolved with technology, and as ideas became more complex and sophisticated, we can now perceive the impossible. This is a friendly list of television series and movie recommendations that’ll leave your curious science hungry mind gratified. ●

BLACK MIRROR

RATING 9.5/10

An anthology of stories that are told from the near future, Black Mirror is a satirical take on how technology can affect our lives if we gave it too much power.

Episodes are standalone, usually set in an alternative future, often with a dark tone, though some are more experimental and lighter. If this makes the series sound bleak and downbeat, that’s because it is – but in the best way possible. While most series exist to reassure people, Black Mirror actively sets out to unsettle its viewers.

This animated science – fiction sitcom follows the misadventures of a cynical mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his fretful, easily influenced grandson Morty Smith, who spilt their time between domestic and interdimensional adventures. Not does only it play around with what’s possible in animation, the show consistently bends and breaks the rules of sci – fi, often featuring riffs on very scientific theories and their consequences and this includes simulation theories, parallel dimensions, the possibility of elevating the intelligence of household pets and more.

This series focuses on how complicated scientific concepts how. With a touch of nihilism (thanks to Rick), you’ll be completely immersed to this show’s universe. They also explained how time-travel so complicated and why this show prefers dimensional travelling with the help of Rick’s portal gun.

There are also tons of sci-fi references, from historic figures to video games, from movie scenes and lines. Although, viewers may crack and roll on the floor laughing, this series can take dark turns and disturbing imageries. This series choses its viewers, for those who have the faintest of heart may be triggered and left wounded. It may just be a cartoon but, being a cartoon is only its façade. ●

INCEPTION

THE MATRIX

RATING 8.7/10

Set in the future a hundred year after 1999, a computer programmer with a sideline as a hacker, believes that the most dangerous man existing in their time is the only one who can answer his question – what is the Matrix? Wanting the answer lead him to fight brutal battles against viciously intelligent secret agents and putting his life at stake. This film is heavy on special effects, and brooding paranoia, light on plot, dialogue, character, and even coherence. The Matrix challenges what’s real and what’s part of an elaborate, fake cyber – reality, so it can be confusing for both the audience and the characters in the movie.

Truth is worth more than life itself for the freedom fighters. Reality, regardless of how dreary, is better for man than the mindless exercise of comfort and luxury easily provided by the Matrix. This movie also tackles mysticism and prophesies, as it plays a large role in the freedom fighters’ worldview. With the help of early special effects, unbearably drawn-out sequences feature slow-motion gun battles and hand-tohand combat including kung-fu fighting that helps to set tension while the viewers are immersing themselves throughout the film. ●

RATING 8.8/10

Invading dreams to steal information and plant ideas isn’t an easy job if you’re risking your life to be trapped at someone else’s subconscious and in this movie, a team that is assembled to do – but what they didn’t know is that the one they are about to invade his subconscious is already anticipating their next move. Inception is an intense, complex story, but it’s always coherent, imaginative, and entertaining.

Though, it doesn’t really represent any current fears or desires, save for a vague fear of technology. It’s really just a very intelligent, slam-bang popcorn movie. And that’s absolutely fine.

A fiendishly accomplished and clever film about the nature of dreams, ideas, wishes, and reality. It is a gigantic special effects movie, featuring some dazzling chaseand-shoot sequences, a stupendous fist fight in a zero-gravity environment, and CGI cities and landscapes that look as real as the movie theatre in which you’re beholding them. But it’s a story awash in obsession, doubt, moral ambivalence, intellectual uncertainty, and the continuous haunting sensation that things are not what they seem, regardless of whether they seem solid and concrete or vaporous and dreamy. ●

films that have been acknowledged.

RATING 9.0/10

***Screenshots and quotes used belong to the

RICK AND MORTY

These are gripping cautionary tales about how technology makes people less human. There’s a smart satire of American Idol and a thriller that involves unmentionable acts with a pig – have inspired heated “What would you do?” debates among fan. It can be harder to take in Black Mirror, but in those moments of genuine, human emotion amid the bleakness – a woman singing beautifully on a reality show, a husband remembering bittersweet moments with his wife, a message from the dead that prompts tears – the show underlines its true mission statement: Let’s not forget that because the modern world makes it easy. ●

22

development communication

OUTSPOKEN “I only see tolerance of a certain amount of the ‘gay culture.’ So what kind of gayness do Pinoys tolerate? Filipinos like gay folks who live by their established stereotypes. Vice Ganda-esque sort of gayness, that’s what people like. If you are gay, you have to be funny and you should work as a makeup artist or a fashion designer. If you work in the military or play with a sports team, you’re going to create a lot of fuss, so just stay in the closet if you do,” a quote from Ron De Vera published in Outrage Magazine during the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

ON SEPTEMBER 2017, THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES PASSED THE HOUSE BILL No. 4982, also known as Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, on the final reading. The law prohibits any act of prejudice, harassment, and abuse against all sexes and gender preferences, including the members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, most of us Filipinos do not fully understand the “foreign” concept that ironically existed from the past.

OUR ROOTS

SEX & GENDER

Long before the conquistadores came, sex and gender were not an issue. Homosexual and heterosexual natives share the same rights in the community as both can have leadership and spiritual roles. Considering the fact that one of the important roles in a community is the Babaylan.

One’s sexuality is not only limited as lesbian, gay, bisex, trans, or straight. SOGIE is a diversified concept originated from the Western countries dated back from the 20th century. Each one of us has a sexual orientation, and a gender identity. Everyone can identify themselves as a being and a part of nature. It is a complex term, yet it is easier to understand as we explore everything inside the one giant bubble.

According to the records, the Babaylan serves as a warrior-priestess of the people. It was an exceptional class only for women, and is second only to the highest-ranking Datu. They have a vast knowledge on spiritual and mortal views that keeps order and wisdom to its people.

Until, the matriarchal rule in our nation has shifted by the influence of foreign invaders. The concept of ‘machismo’ introduced as culture since then, wherein males dominate more significant roles than females. In fact, they were also male Babaylans in certain areas of the archipelago.

In the Visayas, they refer the male Babaylans as asog or bayog. Jesuit historian Fray Francisco Alcina defined them as “impotent men deficient in the practice of matrimony who considered themselves more like women than men in their manner of living.” Men do similar rituals as what female Babaylans do, such as dressing like a woman and worshipping the gods for a good harvest or other supernatural powers. Nowadays, the term asog in Aklan refers to a woman who acts like a male. Meanwhile, the term bayot refers someone queer in an offensive way.

Soon when the Catholic missionaries sailed to the Philippine islands, they indoctrinated the natives’ beliefs as the works of the Devil. They forbid the primitive rituals of the people, as well as punished the Babaylans to death. The horror from the conquistadores made the Filipinos in defeat and claim Philippines as a colony.

Sexual orientation, or simply sex, refers to whom a person is attracted to. The following are the kinds of sexual orientation with their own distinction from each other.

...most of us Filipinos do not fully understand the ‘foreign’ concept that ironically existed from the past.

Asexual refers to a person who has no attraction and/or desire to show attraction to anyone.

Bisexual refers to a person who is attracted to both male and female genders. Common misconceptions about bisexual people are: (1) attracted to everyone and anyone, or (2) just have not decided yet.

Homosexual refers to a person who is attracted to people of the similar sex.

Pansexual refers to a person who is attracted to people regardless of gender.

Questioning refers to a person who may be unsure of, reconsidering, or chooses to hold off identifying their sexual identity, or gender expression or identity.

Traditionally, the term queer was used as an offensive term from heterosexuals. It is an umbrella term who embraces all sexual preferences, gender expressions, and habits that are not acts of heterosexual, or other genderbinary majority.

Lastly, heterosexual refers to a person who is attracted to people of the opposite sex, and is societally normative.

Unlike sex, gender pertains to one’s internal sense of self. It does not always represent its sexual orientation because attraction is different from human expression. Gender expression, on the other hand, is how one behave its gender attributes, roles, and etc. Some of the following genders are listed below.

Androgyny is a combination for masculine and feminine gender expression. They have no specific gender, for some people they are genderless.

Cisgender is an identity that considers to match the biological sex assigned at birth.

Genderqueer is a person who identifies as being between and/or other than male or female. They may feel restricted by gender labels, or at least at most points.

Intersex is a person who was born with a reproductive anatomy that does not seem to fit the typical definitions of male or female. It has colloquially known as “hermaphrodite.”

Transgender, on the other hand, refers to a person who has no desire for surgery or hormonal changes unlike transsexuals.

Diversity on sex and gender, like in other regions of the world, has connections in our past.

There are records, and stories that hold views yet linked to what we see today. For instance, the Philippines is one of the friendliest countries in Asia for LGBTQ+ despite its high regard on religious views. There may still have stories of discrimination between sexes and all genders, but impunity cannot be driven by fear to rectify the conundrums of the past and present. The future depends on equality that we are genuinely achieving and being outspoken. ●

Words ◦ CWYLLE ALCAIN Images ◦ D5 STUDIO

sports

23

sports editorial

SPORTS: BREAKING BARRIERS, TRANSFORMING LIVES SPORTS BUG Dahlia Marie Elysse Camacam

“Sports creates transform athletes’ lives”

goes through a lot of red tape. The official said the agency is pushing for several changes in the way the benefits are disbursed.

SPORTS, EVER SINCE its inception in the very first Olympics in Berlin, Germany, has aimed to bridge the distance among nations and designed to transform athletes into icons promoting speed, strength and superiority. Indeed, the sports event has created a spectacular quadrennial meet. It produced the likes of the great Muhammad Ali, Martina Navratillova and recent sports heroes like Kobe bryant, Stan Smith and other sports legends.

A simple ID card certifying one as a national athlete should be enough for him or her to qualify for perks and discounts provided for by the law. The agency is still awaiting approval of these changes.

“Sport can create

NEGLECTED PH SPORTS OUR ATHLETES ARE HARDLY A government priority. How many State of the Nation Addresses have mentioned sports as a priority program? That’s why some of our national athletes, heroes in their moment of glory, fall into neglect as time passes by. They are often only brought back into the spotlight when their plight helps sell a sports official’s PR narrative. Sadly, while glory never fades over time, the memory of a glorious achievement can slip into oblivion.

Once their career ends, where they are no longer needed for international duty, they are set adrift on a crippling reality: They do not know what to do next. Without a structured support system, those incentives can easily dry up.

RA 9064 does provide retirement benefits for national athletes, but even an official from the Philippine Sports Commission, which disburses these benefits, said the process of claiming these privileges

To our politicians, these benefits may be a drop in their money-deep bucket. But to our national athletes these could mean the difference between a life mired in poverty and one lived out decently and comfortably.

Perhaps there lies the root of the problem.

hope where once there was only despair.”

One disregarded athlete is one too many. ●

Cartoon ◦ EDEL CRIS JUN SOTELO

#WHEREISTEACHER

The Filipino athlete is one of the most neglected citizens in the country: this truth exposes a very sad reality. Recently, a sports broadcaster, lamenting the fact that the centenary of the first Philippine delegation assembled for the purpose of competing internationally was passing by without anyone noticing, launched an event honoring sports heroes of the past. The event was supposed to be a celebration of glory, a

commemoration of the kind of national pride only athletes are able to bring home. Instead, it yanked the curtains off the sad state of some of our forgotten heroes. Remember that the successful competitors from our pool of national athletes, the ones who notch victories deserving of cash incentives, spend their whole lives sharpening a specific skill set.

bridges,

Engaging in competitive sports may have its ups and downs.

It transforms young people’s lives from mediocre to superstardom. It creates friendship, a lasting one, that can withstand the negative effect of distance and may enhance cultures thru intermingling and constant exchange of views, practices and various way of life.

WHEN IN ESDA

FEW AND EASY

Sports illuminate and transform a society. Sports change lives, affect politics, fuel our economy, and shape our culture. The American Dream is personified in our champions, in the records they set and the barriers they break. The dynamic interaction of athletes, fans, and the media produces inexplicable loyalties, lasting legends, and revered heroes. The greatest champions stand for more than the records they break. They stand for the barriers they shatter—physical, social, psychological, racial, cultural—and change the way we think about our world.

Stories ◦ EDEL CRIS JUN SOTELO ● Colors ◦ RONA ALYSZA TOGUPEN

Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire.

It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.

Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination. ●

SPORTS

THE ANGST OF TOROS. (Photo on the left) Cheerleader gives all the energy it takes for the cheerdance competition. (Photo on the right) Spiker smashes the ball to gain their winning points during the volleyball game.

Photos ◦ NICOLE VERZOSA & LENNOX QUIÑOLA

I N TH E U N P I NTRAM U RALS 2017,

Toros coup 3rd DAHLIA MARIE ELYSSE CAMACAM, JOHN EZEKIEL TABIOS, & JOHN LOWIE SUYAT Determination and endurance bore 228 points for the College of Teacher Education and the Laboratory Schools, giving them a quick 2nd runner up spot during the Intramurals 2017 held at UNP Oval, October 15-19.

College of Communication and Information Technology, College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Sciences, College of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, and College of Technology.

The CTE-LS brought home five championship titles in chess (men and women), footsal, lawn tennis (women), and table tennis (women). Not least in the other sporting events, the CTELS yielded runner-ups in lawn tennis men (1st), taekwondo men and women (1st), table tennis men (1st), badminton women (1st), dance sports latin and standard (1st) beach volleyball men (1st), beach volleyball women (2nd), football (2nd), badminton men (2nd), swimming women (3rd), and cheerdance (3rd).

Qualifiers from the school based games will advance to the City Meet to prepare them for the upcoming R1AA. Wham’s and oh’s filled the air as President Gilbert Arce marked the goals on fire during the opening program, the athletes from different colleges had come face to face to bring honor and pride to their respective colleges where a parade took place in the vicinity of the school.

College of Engineering amassed 241 points shifting its way to the top while the College of Criminal Justice and Social Work landed on the 2nd place with 231 points. The colleges of Business Administration Accountancy and Communication Information Technology secured a place of 4th and 5th places.

SNATCHING THE SPOTLIGHT. Toros team’s pairs of dancers give their best shot during the 2017 UNP Intramurals Dancesports Competition held at the UNP Grandstand.

Photos ◦ ELAINE ANGELIE ORGANO

All competing colleges included the College of Criminal Justice Education and Social Work, College of Engineering, College of Business Administration and Accountancy,

“Do not forget the fundamentality of sportsmanship, of fair play or other good values. May all of these be gateways towards the development of wholesome individuals,” President Arce during the opening program.

CTE-LS BAGS 4TH IN CHEERDANCE A crowd of students and all participating units gathered at the UNP Grandstand last October 16 to witness and cheer for their respective units at this year’s UNP Intramurals Cheerdance Competition.

CHAMPIONS ATH LETICS College of Criminal Justice Education & Social Work BADM I NTON College of Engineering BASE BALL College of Technology BASKETBALL College of Technology College of Engineering

The one-day event saw the CTE-LS Toros clinching its way to fourth place, on top of them were CBAA Eagles who takes home title, the CHTM Flamingos who coups 1st runner up, the CCJESW Phoenix who captured 2nd runner up.

The CTE-LS did its best with the help of their coaches and the audience who cheered and supported them despite the powerhouse of other colleges in the said event.

CTE-LS TWIST DOUBLE On a dimly lit theater, they sweat their hearts out to different beats. Toros transform into passionate dancers articulating every pose, twist and turn with their youthful spirit. The College of Teacher Education and Laboratory Schools put its best foot forward clinching double 1st runner-up in the Dance Sports Latin and Standard competition of UNP 2017 Intrams at UNP Grandstand, Oct. 19.

The dance floor heated with their foot works , facial expressions , routines and highlights as couples battled it out for top spot. The Toros dancers in Latin category were Reymart John Ablog of CTE and Joyce Punzalan of SHS 12-ABM-A, while on the standard category, Andrea Taay of SHS 12-STEM A was partnered with Christian Dominic Divina of SHS 12-ABM-C. Mr. Christian Palo served as their instructor.

It ended with a closing program wherein the winners of both the intramurals and the foundation week celebration were awarded with trophies and certificates. ●

Infographics ◦ CWYLLE ALCAIN

B EACH VOLLEYBALL College of Engineering CH E E R DANCE College of Business Administration & Accountancy CH ESS College of Teacher Education FUTSAL College of Teacher Education

FOOTBALL College of Health Sciences College of Nursing College of Medicine LAWN TE N N IS

SOFTBALL College of Communication & Information Technology SWI M M I NG

College of Engineering

College of Criminal Justice Education & Social Work

College of Teacher EducationLaboratory Schools

College of Fine Arts

SE PAK TAKRAW College of Criminal Justice Education & Social Work

TAB LE TE N N IS College of Engineering College of Teacher EducationLaboratory Schools

TAE KWON DO College of Engineering College of Criminal Justice Education & Social Work VOLLEYBALL College of Business Administration & Accountancy College of Technology

Men

CATEG ORY: Women Team