tWS 2022-2023 3rd Issue

119 years

| VOL. XCIV NO. 3 | FRI 28 OCTOBER 2022

SUSG c o m m i t s t o t a k e a c t i o n on recent harassment incidents

Mugshot of Basilio Reboton | Photo credits PNP Dumaguete

According to Hazel (not her real name), one of the victims, she FOLLOWING VARIOUS reports and her friends could not get out of and testimonies of Sillimanians their car because Reboton prevented harassed by Basilio Reboton, them by guarding the doors. a person with mental illness, “We panicked. He was nearing the Silliman University Student our car, pretending to be a parking Government (SUSG) committed boy. We were all girls at that to taking necessary actions to help time and he peeped through our the victims and prevent future window. He stared at one of my incidents in and out of the campus. friend’s legs while making licking

N AT H A N I E L E . C A R A M PATA N A

Last Sept. 8, various accusers filed complaints against Reboton following an incident where a student filmed him harassing her. On Oct. 17, he was filmed again harassing Sillimanians along Katada St., Dumaguete City.

gestures at the window,” she recalled.

Hazel said that they wanted to get out of their car and fight back but were too afraid to do so. They tried to cover the windows with a cloth but Reboton would still find a way to peep.

VP AA disapproves proposed VPAA mental health break N I N A I S A B E L L E J. A LO LO D A RESOLUTION authored by representatives from the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ICLS) and co-authored by 16 representatives of the 32nd Student Assembly requesting the Silliman University Administration to include a semestral mental health break after midterms was disapproved

“I was already crying and my friends were literally shaking.

Minutes after the incident, we called the police but no one came to address the issue,” she added.

In an interview with the Weekly Sillimanian, Margaret Tangon, SUSG Advocacy Committee Chairperson, explained that the SUSG released the statement after developing a plan to ensure Meanwhile, the Silliman the safety of the Sillimanians.

University Student Government “With these plans involving (SUSG) through its Advocacy the university administration, Committee, released a statement SUSG, and LGUs, we are within accompanied by a Google Form the capacity to make certain this link where the accusers could man will be off the streets - and the submit signed statements about university will do whatever it takes their experiences and help to remove this threat,” she said. bring the defendant to justice.

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Hazel said that they reported the incident the day after but the complaint failed since it must be done on the same day.

STRAW) posted a survey on their Facebook page last Oct. 13 to strengthen said resolution in the deliberation of the Office of despite it being passed by the assembly the Vice President of Academic with no objections and abstentions. Affairs but was still disapproved.

Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope rejected the proposal since, “We are already on a F2F mode and besides there is also a long break from Oct. 28- Nov. 2.”

Full Speed Ahead

“We, the principal authors, could not get what went wrong,” he said.

According to STRAW, the proposed date of the mental health break would be on Nov. 3-5 since Oct. 29 is the last day of exams with Nov. 1 and 2 are holidays. “A threeICLS representative Jay Jacutin day break is all that Sillimanians shared that they garnered 1256 want,” added Nicole Anne Gatilao, responses through the SUSG Vice chairperson of STRAW. STRAW survey and consulted Chairperson of STRAW, Bianca the League of Governors and the Joyce Flores, said that the goal of the 32nd Student assembly. Moreover, mental health break is to provide they also got the resolution students with time to attend

The Silliman University Student Government Student’s Rights and Welfare Committee (SUSG endorsed by the Dean of Students.

p 02

The statement instructed Sillimanians to report any sightings of Reboton near the campus and move to drive him away from campus grounds.

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p 03

Navigating Through Midterms Week

Sillimanian advo c a t e t o represent PH in international p a g e a n t

ALLIANAH JUNNICE F. BOLOTAULO ADVOCATE JOSHUA DURAN from the Silliman University College of Arts and Sciences is set to represent and compete as Mister Philippines in the third edition of Mister Glam International this coming November.

The pageant promotes ecotourism and diversity through its three objectives. It is a Philippinesbased male pageant that applies masculinity and diversity in its goal of promoting an eco-friendly environment. It took part in many environmental causes such as Earth Day and Save the Sierra Madre Day. Duran said that he feels strongly about the pageant’s objectives and aims to apply them to his own community.

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p 03

The Future of Choral Music in Dumaguete

2 | tWSopinion

the Weekly Sillimanian 28 October 2022

Full Speed Ahead

The Equilibrium Concept KEISIAH DAWN T. TIAOSON | Writer, tWS There’ll be deprivation and uneven distribution ratio between variables, yet doing nothing won’t correct the data. Those who came before you aren’t lucky, they mastered the art of enthusiastically pushing themselves to their own bright star. No matter what the weather might be, all feet In the gale of this season, a lot must remain on the ground as days of people are seen vividly wrestling pass by and each mind must focus with themselves regarding “what is” on arranging its own thoughts. and “what could have been.” In the pursuit of happiness and life-long Though humanity possesses purpose, stumbling upon a rock of kindness, no one is your extension. questions and hardship is inevitable. No one likes to redo a level, restart, There’ll be times when your bed or reread a chapter for a friend who will envelop you with melancholic charged him guilty of being two thoughts on rainy Monday mornings. thousand steps ahead. Help may In the stride, there’ll be a compass come, and will surely come, but not that is not made of laughter but at the high price of compromise. tears. In the search for significance, Those who finished the race earlier discomfort will always present itself. can cheer, can encourage, and can coach, but there are boundaries The question remains, can two in between – and that includes different angles have the same leaving the wheels on your hands. polarity? The world does not owe The windows must not be tainted anyone anything. It doesn’t have by pride however must be cleansed an obligation to wait for those who with correction and acceptance. mourn over uncontrollable things.

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Can strength be a threat to those we thought are our allies? Can competence be seen as something to despise? Is your struggle of coping with your chosen career path an excuse to loathe those who do just fine?

Students were hopeful when the Silliman University Student Government Student’s Rights and Welfare Committee (SUSG STRAW) released a survey to support the resolution authored by representatives from the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ICLS) to have a mental health break after midterms.

Despite the resolution only requesting a three-day break, the SU Administration rejected it.

Before the resolution was presented to the administration, the principal authors garnered 1,256 responses from the student body through SUSG STRAW, consulted the League of Governors, the 32nd Student Assembly, and even had it endorsed by the Dean of Students. All to no avail.

The resolution requested that the proposed mental health break be Nov. 3-5, matching the responses from STRAW’s survey. Students preferred to have the break after midterm exams and to have the rest of the long weekend off. This threeday break would substitute the one week ‘screen break’ that was given to students during online classes.

The justification for the proposed break’s disapproval is that the university is no longer operating solely online and that there will already be a long weekend from Oct. 28-Nov. 2.

Safer Silliman: Should students be scared?

Now that students are back on campus, a break would allow them to go back to hometowns or rest from constant back and forth travel.

Do students have room left to attend to their mental health? Their This begs the question: Do physical health? Is extending the long students no longer deserve to have weekend for three more days to manage a break because in-person classes their stress really too much to ask? have resumed? Are the stressors and With the support of the pressures from F2F classes trivial administration and campus stress compared to those of online classes? management resources, many In addition to the course students would be able to keep their stress levels under control and workloads students need to keep even thrive in the college setting. up with, the return of F2F classes We from the Weekly Sillimanian call means commuting to campus, going to different classrooms or buildings for the administration to recognize how for classes, and dealing with their important it is to consider mental health initiatives proposed by students and organizations or committees on to create avenues for them to alleviate active physical operations. These academic pressures, most especially are just a few of the factors that during this period of adjustment are to be taken into consideration from online to full-on F2F classes. now that F2F classes are back.

Republic Act 11036 or the It is worth noting that although Mental Health Act states that, “The the screen break’s intent was to get state affirms the basic right of all students off their screens for a week, it Filipinos to mental health as well as the fundamental rights of people was still a chance for them to take some who require mental health services.” time off to decompress and recuperate.

Shall we further demean the Additionally, students importance of this act and prove the were in the comforts of their own criticism of its performative existence homes during online classes. by setting this request aside so easily? tWS

NICOLE ANNE T. GATILAO | Student With the recent incidents of sexual harassment and unjust vexation toward Sillimanians, everyone seems to feel anxious about their safety thus, we become scared. Scared of the things that might happen to us when we leave class. But that does not always have a negative implication, it is good that we are scared.

Being scared allows us to better prepare for any possible scenarios.

With the information given to us on the harasser’s whereabouts, we can be prepared if we are in those places.

Being scared for those students that are incapable to protect themselves will empower the students and put pressure on the authorities to act. The emotional capacity varies for each person because of dependency. Some might be able to overcome their fear for a short time period, and some might take longer.

Students that experienced harassment and unjust vexation might be traumatized, and it will take time for them to overcome the experience.

We are aware of the after-effects of the act. Hence, we should be scared for students that do not have a firm emotional capacity to handle it.

Being scared will put pressure on authorities to address the incidents with urgency. Fear is one of the drivers of social unrest whereas in this case, the students are the factor. Students are capable of speaking up using various platforms protected by their freedom of speech and entitlement as one of the stakeholders in the university.

Students being scared should be acknowledged. We applaud the administration for addressing the concerns on harassment and unjust vexation to Sillimanians.

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sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Anna Avery Zapanta | tWS Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief Anna Avery T. Zapanta Associate Editor Ranjie Mae C. Nocete News Editor Mary Reyshel P. Repe Feature Editor Ivan Anthony A. Adaro Web Manager Sheikha A. Encabo Business Manager Klodia Reese M. Gabaya News Writers Nathaniel E. Carampatana Nina Isabelle J. Alolod Stefan R. Saldon Allianah Junnice F. Bolotaulo Feature Writers Keisiah Dawn T. Tiaoson Lea Katrina P. Canizares Paul Ray G. Donaire Yuan Ceagor K. Raquel Photographer Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Cartoonist Lady Lynn W. Aplicano Social Media Manager Rainne C. Nocete

"What's a good way to destress after midterms?"

Graphic Artist Rainne C. Nocete Julianne Rissa P. Gabriel Layout Artist Jarixa E. Balbuena Adviser Winona Jane C. Agir The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines, SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 422-6002 loc. 243. www.facebook.com/tWSillimanian weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity.

“Playing games and just hanging out with friends, roaming around the campus, chilling after a very long time of just studying is a great way to unwind.”

Jairus B. Kirit | SHS - STEAM “My coping mechanism after midterms is to cry. Muhilak, mao na [To cry, just that.]”

Beulah N. Pinili | BSPT I “After midterms, kalag kalag naman jud ang nawong so mu uli jud ko, tapos mu kaon ug biko para mawala ang stress, dayon magpahuway - that’s all.” [After terms, I’m already a mess so I will really go home then eat biko so that the stress is gone, and then rest - that’s all] Liezl Jane S. Rejuso | BS Psychology III

“You can go to the beach, or maybe you can watch Kdramas or movies!”

Beatrice Gwenneth Hinolan | COE - BECED III “My way to destress after midterms is just, you know: relax, sleep, and expose myself to nature because I love nature and it gives me a cool head, and rest after all the stress.”

Benny Ruth B. Capote | BS Psychology IV “Just based on what I think personally, what I normally do to destress normally either I just go out with my friends - hang out, or just watch movies and sleep at home. It gets helps get rid of the stress.”

Stephen A. Rweyemamu | BSMT III “What is destress?”

Duane Augustine G. Guevarra | Physics III

Next Issue's Question: "What is your scariest experience on SU campus?"

For your answers, just text Anna Avery Zapanta (09998024421).

Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

tWSfeatures | 3

the Weekly Sillimanian 28 October 2022

Navigating Through Midterms Week L E A K AT R I N A P. C A N I Z A R E S

The dreaded phrase, “Midterm Exams”, is one that college students are all too familiar with. Midterm season is here, and it is by far one of the most stressful experiences a college student undergoes. With assignments and tasks piling up, as well as revisions for upcoming lengthy exams, students may find themselves in nerve-wracking and mentally-draining situations.

Every second week of October, National Mental Health Week is being celebrated in the Philippines to promote the importance of mental health and well-being. It is a great reminder for students to take into account and look after their mental well-being as they navigate through the midterm season. That is why finding ways to manage one’s mental health as the week gets underway is key to surviving the Midterms season.

Halfway through the term, students try to stay afloat as they prepare and condition themselves to face midterms week. Many dread this period and get anxious just at the thought of it. This stressful stage in the semester brings a whole multitude of assignments, projects, exams, and events that occur at various dates and times.

With the shift from distance learning to face-to-face classes, Alyssa Glorydale Algo shared, “Midterms exams are nervewracking for me because, after two years of online distance learning, we are finally conducting it in person. The change of setting is something we need to adjust to”.

As a new student in the university, Kate Julianne Bacang expressed that while she is in the midst of adjustment, she still aims to ace her exams. “It gets overwhelming at times, especially when bombarded with lessons to study and tasks to complete, pero kayanon gihapon [but I’ll still push through]”, she said.

This time in the semester is without a doubt, challenging.

Studying, preparing, and doing revisions are definitely things that students must allocate a big portion of their time to. However, going overboard and neglecting one’s mental well-being can do more harm than good. Self-care and looking after our mental health should not simply be disregarded nor overlooked.

Although passing and getting good grades are among the main goals that most students set, putting mental health first can help them ensure that these goals can be achieved.

Though it may seem like staying up late to study and skipping meals to save time will produce the finest outcomes, this is not always the case.

Students often find themselves caught up worrying about exams, papers, and assigned work—and these are normal feelings and experiences students have. The problem is that it is easy for many students to neglect their own mental health in an effort to keep up with ‘the grind’, which can unfortunately lead to burnout.

Excessive cups of coffee, anxiety episodes prior to tests, prominent eye bags, and an abundance of stressrelated memes are things college students know all too well. A lot of people have come to glorify “hustle culture” and collectively consider being ‘stressed out’ as a badge of honor.

Ultimately, this becomes mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing and outright counterproductive.

Although “the grind should never stop” sounds great in theory, it is unrealistic in practice. These kinds of statements, which are intended to motivate someone to keep ‘hustling’ nonstop without genuinely paying attention to life, are downright detrimental.

An Ecofeminist Approach

What is ecofeminism? Ecofeminism is a movement that draws a link between women’s concerns and environmental issues. It is a movement that seeks to liberate all that has life.

As Earth’s stewards, it is important to gain familiarity with the varying principles of ecofeminism–such as perception of nature, connection between health and environment, and opportunities for life. Understanding and embodying ecofeminist perspectives and positions can pave a way towards making humans better stewards of living things.

Karen Warren, a former author and scholar dedicated to studying and voicing out environmental ethics, published an article in an Environmental Ethics Journal that states: “Vision of female liberation, social inequalities and, ultimately, social justice associates with the affirmation of degraded areas and subordinate non-human nature.

Thereupon, the promotion of eco-feminist ethics, which is basically a partnership, is promotion of freedom from the dualisms intellectual thought and malegender bias about women and nature”. These statements of hers are enough justification that there is an interconnected relationship between women and nature.

Still, it is not surprising to see women’s voices being left unheard due to stigmas attached in gender perspectives. In fact, the relationship between women and nature is something that many overlook, she added. And according to Warren, failure to realize this relationship is simply “inadequate” – here’s why: Understanding and awareness on environmental issues forms the basis for commitment and meaningful action towards sustainable development for the environment. Ecofeminists generally believe that humans correlate with each other and also interact with non-human objects such as nature.

Unfortunately, only few people are aware of this relationship.

The Future of Choral Music in Dumaguete I VA N A N T H O N Y A . A DA R O

“Music is competitive to begin with,

She expressed that she does not want a competition; but rather, a sharing of talent where one can be

and sometimes, competition brings

able to grow and find meaning of

out low self-esteem,” Dr. Elizabeth

their inner selves with and through

Susan “Sue” Vista-Suarez, the current

music. With Silliman’s rich culture,

Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts (COPVA) and a full-time professor at Silliman University, shared in an interview with

the

Weekly

Sillimanian.

Literary

Stress is a double-edged sword. It can be both good and bad. However, it is a perfectly normal response in many circumstances of student life. With rigorous demands, high expectations, and the lack of support and consideration, these can all take a toll on a student’s mental health. Not everyone is on the same boat, and it is important to acknowledge that everyone’s feelings are all equally valid.

As students face midterm week, it is integral that they also prioritize their mental health by integrating even small- scale self-care practices and face whatever hurdles they encounter along the way with their head held high. tWS

I Have a Part: K E I S I A H DAW N T. T I AO S O N

Students in the library preparing for midterm examinations | Photo credits Alyssa Joy Laquinon

elevating the choral music of Dumaguete – a haven filled with budding artists – is a way to pave

Bugso ng Damdamin PAU L R AY G . D O N A I R E

Ang matinding laban ay ilang hakbang na lang.

Bagama’t, kahit ako’y isang maamong punla lamang, nais ko pa ring sungkitin ang pinakamataas na pamantayan!

Ngunit sa halip na harapin ang laban sa kasalukuyan, heto ako, nanghihila ng mga tinik na nakaharang sa ‘king daan.

Mukhang tinuturok ko lang ang palaso sa maling direksyon, Tila inaksayan lang ang gintong pagkakataon.

Isang kabiguan—paikot ikot ang paroroonan.

Gayunpaman, ang sarili ko lang ang aking mapanindigan Nawa’y magbunga ang aking pinaghirapan.

Because people tend to prioritize their ego and self-esteem, they often resort to violence against others and nature. The outcome manifests itself in numerous human tragedies and ecological crises.

Efforts to mitigate today’s environmental crisis are put into effect when the role of women is recognized and tapped into. Mother Earth’s figurine as a female symbol that gives life suggests that nature conservation can be fully cultivated by the touch of a woman’s hand. Ecofeminism challenges women and men to reimagine the world in a non-hierarchical way. In it, the feminist movement and the environmental movement are to collaborate (Barkasay, 2019).

Gender-blind and un-environmentally friendly development practices lead to the collapse of such ecosystems when patterns of dominance over the environment and women emerge.

Stereotypes are harmful when they limit a woman or man’s ability to develop personal skills, pursue a career, and make decisions about life and life plans. These stereotypes also limit choices and opportunities.

Ecofeminism says women are naturally closer to nature than men. Barkasy (2019) claims that this intimacy makes women more caring about their environment, while some cite female biology or cultural and historical factors as the reason for intimacy.

Feminism and the ecological movement go hand in hand, especially when confronted with the logic of capitalist patriarchy.

Ultimately, it is because of an ecofeminist perspective – which acknowledges the human oppression of nature – that the need to protect, nurture, and preserve nature is at last recognized. tWS

Amidst the bustle surrounding

The event stemmed from a simple,

Silliman University’s 121st Founders

yet genuine idea – one that is built

Week celebration, the Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez (ESVS) International Choral Festival – or the ESVS, for short – was formally launched at the Claire Isabel Luce Auditorium last Aug. 25, 2022. The ESVS is a project of the Silliman University Culture and Arts Council (SUCAC), directed

by Asst. Prof. Diomar Abrio, with the ultimate goal to make the ESVS an important avenue for choral

from the pure intention of honing one’s commitment, craft, dedication, and gratefulness for the love of choral music. According to Dr. Sue, a group of her students wanted to do something to be in touch with the world outside of Dumaguete and Silliman – to be in line with development in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. But most importantly, her students wanted to

music in Asia and the world, as well

do something in honor of Dr. Sue’s

the path towards international

as provide a venue where singing in

life and musical talent. “At first, I was

excellence and recognition in the

harmony becomes an instrument

really shocked when I heard their idea.

field of choral music performance.

in

fostering

unity

and

peace.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4...

the Weekly Sillimanian 28 October 2022

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from page 1 | SUSG commits to...

Since the statement’s release, the SUSG Advocacy Committee has contacted PNP Dumaguete, Rodolfo Jull B. Locsin Jr., Silliman University Public Assistance and Safety Office Head (PASO), and Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, Silliman University President.

PASO immediately mobilized the security personnel through their memorandum. The University President acknowledged the SUSG’s call for action and appointed the necessary offices to aid them with their initiative.

from page 1 | Sillimanian advocate...

When asked about his plans for the environment if he were to bring home the crown, he shared that he would start by addressing the trash segregation problem in his hometown, Dumaguete City.

“One of my new advocacies is to segregate unwanted trash and to make sure that it is utilized well, not only kept in barangay halls and plastic centers where they’ll serve no purpose,” he said.

Duran was crowned Datu Makatao 2021 in the Hari ng Pilipinas National pageant where he joined as Mister Dumaguete. This victory made him the country’s representative for the international stage.

from page 2 | The Equilibrium...

Shivering about what tomorrow has in store is universal, yet it does not guarantee success and positive results. Anxiety weighs down the heart and thus delays progress.

Loathing those who equipped themselves with an arranged sonata won’t help fix the cacophony inside your heart. It is just by acknowledging deficits that you may grow and bloom into the individual you aspire. Since when did the equilibrium favor the stronger side?

from page 3 | The Future of...

However, I was really touched when they said that they wanted to do it because I felt that I was able to reach into their inner selves through my music and that through it, they are able to, in turn, express it”, she shared.

ESVS is named after Dr. Sue who is an internationally renowned choral conductor, scholar, and performer.

Her philosophy in creating choral music – “timpla” – has influenced a great number of choral groups in the Philippines and led them to many national and international tours, stages, and performances.

Since then, Abe Cadeliña, SU Student Organizations and Activities Division head, has forwarded copies of the victims’ signed statements which will be presented to the University Legal Counsel.

The victims and the counsel are currently still in the works of creating statements that can be upheld in a court of law.

Tangon stated that once they reach the goal they hoped the initiative would accomplish, the SUSG would already have a plan of action to ensure the victims’ welfare.

“My advocacy in Hari ng Pilipinas was spreading love and joy to the homeless people of Dumaguete City which was to be a part of something greater and making my voice heard” He added, “I want to be remembered as the person who sticks to his advocacy by slowly giving back to the community.”

Prior to leaving for the national pageant last year, Duran conducted a feeding program around the city as a way of applying his advocacy. He shared that even before he became a pageant king, he has always been really genuine about his advocacy.

She also thanked the victims who spoke up, the concerned Sillimanians who helped in the process, and the university administration who reinforced the student body’s call for action.

She then added that the university should use its center for guidance counseling to help students deal with their emotional and mental states after experiencing difficult times.

To further aid in the process, Tangon proposed that Silliman University be more in touch with its student body and not wait for a call for action written by the SUSG when incidents happen.

In the future, if there are threats to the safety of Dumaguete City’s citizens, we expect immediate action from the City Police. We have enough information now to believe that there are threats to our safety due to inaction,” she concluded.

“We at the SUSG Advocacy Committee like to keep it real.

Sexual assault happens because sexual assailants exist.

There are no preludes to when sexual assault happens, and no one ever expects it to happen,” she said.

As of writing, SUSG informed tWS that they are waiting for the official statement from the University Legal Counsel and PNP. tWS

from page 1 | VPAA disapproves... holiday celebrations, spend time with family, and manage their mental well-being after academic pressures.

“It is important that we should have our mental health breaks to help us further recover from the physical and mental exhaustion that we students experience. In addition, students won’t get to experience burnout more often,” Alyssa Marie Lorayna, co-chairperson of STRAW added.

Despite initial rejection, the resolution is currently being processed for reconsideration. tWS

For the aspiring young men who want to join pageants, he advises, “Raise your voice and be part of the advocacy you stand for.”

The Mister Glam International 2022 pageant will be on Nov. 21-27 at Manila. He will be up against models, influencers, actors, and talents representing their own countries.

In his call for support, Duran said, “I’ll be representing our country for pride, it’s not just for me, but it’s for all of us here, so hopefully you will support me during my journey and cheer for me as it would give me more confidence knowing that you guys are there.” tWS

In the gale of this season, it is vividly seen that a lot of people persevere to respond appropriately to the peril and the dismal. In the search for contentment and meaningful life, optimism is a friend that helps in lifting a thriving heart. There’ll be times that you defy gravity the very moment you hop from your bed wearing a sunny Sunday sock.

In the journey, there are compasses made of determined hearts and chuckling souls even amid the storm.

In the search for significance, a blooming spirit will always manifest.

The question remains, can two contrasting angles have the same polarity? If emulsifiers mix oil and water, then acknowledging weakness and acceptance of temporary destitute help the behind run alongside the lead. The open-air guides those who yearn to do better. Leave the worries and start working responsibly, making yourself accountable for each failure and each victory.

“Timpla”, which in English is translated to “Seasoning”, is a term that best describes Dr. Sue’s philosophy in creating, conducting, and performing music. Her music has always been known to be different and unique in a way that the sound created is distinctive from others. “Just like cooking, it is all about making sure that the seasoning is well balanced and lami [tasty] – and the same goes in my music. It is all about balancing the tone, the diction, the articulation, and making sure that the music really shines through”, she shared. Because of this, her music has come to be known as “lami og timpla” across the locality and throughout the years.

The ESVS is a culmination and celebration to recognize the rich culture of music here in the island – a type of music that accentuates and defines why Dumaguete is indeed a haven filled with budding artists. It seeks to inspire recognition and appreciation for choral music, hone unique talents and encourage participation in world-class choral performances, and help individuals reach their full potential through wholesome practice and performance.

The festival is set to commence next year, 2023, around late July or early August in Dumaguete wherein the city will be filled with workshops, seminars, concerts, and performances.

Choirs and international musical

did the

After all, since when the equilibrium leave reaction unbalanced?

Joshua Duran from SU College of Arts and Sciences, Mr. Glam International Philippines | Photo credits Justin Ray

from page 2 | Safer Silliman...

But with the upcoming midterms examination students cannot afford to be distracted, hence the sooner the harasser is detained, the better. In this case, it would be favorable to respect and follow the due process with urgency.

With this, continue to be scared. The making of a safer Silliman is still ongoing, do not expect it to be done in an instant.

groups from around the globe will also take part in the festival’s events.

All of which to bring beauty and light to the celebration of choral music.

Currently, SUCAC are funding for preparations, making invitations for international musical groups, and creating events that can help hone the potential of its participants.

“Music is an art. Life is not literal.

The musical score that you see is not the one that you have to necessarily follow. You have to put life into it and find a way to really express the music and let it reach the inner selves of the listeners”, Dr. Sue expressed.

It will be a heavy semester for all of us since we are dealing with academic requirements and external threats The public place is not safe anymore, bring pepper spray or a taser to protect yourself. As much as we want to demand accountability from the harasser, there are laws that need to be followed. Hopefully, the trust we give to the due process of law will provide us with the accountability we want. Always be vigilant and stay safe!

She encourages her students, budding artists, and everyone out there to believe in themselves and to recognize their talents – to see a greater purpose beyond oneself. She also added that great attitude and pure dedication are two most important values artists should carry within themselves in order to shine. Most importantly, she shared that music is all about coming together in harmony, as well as sharing and enjoying what you have to the world.tWS