tWS 2022-2023 6th Issue

UN negotiators urge Sillimanians to combat climate change

Nathaniel

UNITED NATIONS Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP) negotiators urged Sillimanians to aid in combating climate change during the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Environmental Committee’s second Climate Talks on Nov. 5.

Marinel Ubaldo, climate activist and COP25 negotiator, emphasized that students joining events and conferences that address climate change can be the foundation to help the planet deal with its environmental problems.

“Not everyone has the privilege and time to join and train in these events. Take advantage of it and use

what you have learned to help our country and our planet,” she said.

Ubalde also instructed Sillimanians to make leaders accountable for their promises to improve the environment’s condition and continue fighting for a safer future.

Moreover, Atty. Josine Alexandra Gamboa, former deputy chief of the Legal Services Division of the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines, gave practical ways for Sillimanians to help deal with climate change using their academic products.

“Use your thesis as an opportunity to propose methods to the government on how to deal with climate change,” she said.

Gamboa recommended picking a topic that could help the environment and presenting that to the government.

As of writing, Marinel Ubaldo is attending COP27 in Sharm elSheikh, Egypt, where they will discuss and negotiate on topics such as Loss and Damage, the Glasgow Pact, Implementation of the Paris Rulebook, and Just Transition.

The Conference of Parties (COP) is an annual conference where world leaders discuss and negotiate programs and initiatives to combat climate change.

COP27 will end on Nov.18. tWS

SU Library celebrates National Book Week, hails CMC & CBA contest victors

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY (SU) Library celebrated the 88th National Book Week from Nov. 17-23, with the theme “Basa, Bayan, Bukas.”

The SU Library staff organized various contests and activities, including the Balak Binisaya and Mobile Photography Contest.

Grylle Adrian Malala from the College of Mass Communication and Yuan Ceagor Raquel from the College of Business Administration won first place in the Mobile Photography Contest and Balak Binisaya, respectively.

Malala shared that his entry entitled “Corridor of Knowledge,” was mainly inspired by his experience of moments when he would go to the library and walk through the corridors filled with books.

“I don’t read, but as I witnessed how other photographs captured a genuine second on a click, I realized how books and reading are able to make someone more knowledgeable, a knowledge they’ll carry as time flies,” he said.

On the importance of celebrating National Book Week, he shared, “With how we are slowly being consumed by advancements, it makes us remember our classic ways of accumulating information and submit ourselves back to tradition.”

SURCY conducts community services, honors Red Cross Youth Month

a bloodletting activity was conducted last Oct. 19 at the SU Oriental Hall.

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY Red Cross Youth (SURCY) hosted four community service events last October in celebration of Red Cross Youth Month in hopes of aiding the community post-pandemic.

The organization held a bloodletting activity, health-hygiene outreach, first-aid stationing, and mental health webinar.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Negros Oriental Chapter, together with the Student Organization and Activities Division headed by Abe Cadeliña,

Forty-two individuals from the university attended the event to donate blood. The amount of collected blood units is high compared to the mobile blood drives conducted by the PRC Negros Oriental Chapter.

According to SURCY President Reign Gacasan, around 15-20 patients in need of blood may be assisted with this.

“The Philippine Red Cross, together with the help of SURCY, are trying their best to increase the blood collection so that we

can serve all patients who are in need of blood,” said Gacasan. He added, “Most of the requests are from patients who will undergo emergency operations, pregnant women who will give birth via cesarean section procedure, and other medical operations.”

ACT4KIDS: Activity for the Kids was a health-hygiene outreach activity conducted last Oct. 15 in connection to Global Handwashing Day.

Volunteers were sent to the Brgy. Looc Health Center where they taught 4-7-year-olds the importance of proper handwashing.

SAVING LIVES. SURCY conducts bloodletting activity last October 19 at the Oriental Hall Photo courtesy ZymonetteVillafrancaBuenaflor

Dan Angello Rafael Degamo

Nick Terrence Gantalao

E. Carampatana

Allianah Junnice F. Bolotaulo

Allianah Junnice F. Bolotaulo

Actions Speak Loud er

The Silliman University Board of Trustees recently adopted a Declaration of Climate Emergency during its special meeting on Nov. 11 following a proposal from the Silliman University Student Government Environment Committee (SUSG EnviroComm), making SU the first university in the Philippines to do so.

This prompted Silliman to further commit to continue utilizing 100 percent renewable energy as a source of electricity, identify pathways to become a carbon-neutral university by 2030 or sooner, and mobilize more resources for action-oriented climate change education and service learning.

Additionally, this also prompted SU in continuing their support for research on climate change mitigation and adaptation, creating a University Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Committee, and supporting and collaborating with various stakeholders in their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

It is not uncommon for efforts and declarations intended to push for climate action to turn out as “all bark and no bite.” Sometimes, no concrete action or initiative is taken any further, and environmental activism becomes performative. However, we from the Weekly Sillimanian challenge Silliman to uphold these commitments and to continue to push for successful efforts and effective changes – becoming champions of environmental protection.

We further commend SU President Betty McCann for pledging her support and the rest of the Board of Trustees for adopting the proposal to declare a Climate Emergency proposed by the SUSG EnviroComm amid the global climate crisis.

Oftentimes, local and national efforts fall short, and there is usually a disconnect between people – be it in terms of age, culture, social and economic class, gender, etcetera – but this is a call for

The Hallyu Effect

DAN ANGELLO RAFAEL DEGAMO | Student, AB Political Science I

According to data released by Twitter this year, the Philippines ranked as the third country across the globe with the highest number of K-pop fans in 2021. Other countries that topped the charts were Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea which came first, second, and fourth respectively. We are no strangers to Korean culture. Every day we consume Korean food, movies, dramas, and music.

The Filipino nation has caught the ‘fever’ of Korean pop culture. We have been accustomed to Korean dramas,

Delusions

music, and local television, radio, and publications, jumping into the Hallyu Trend. Although still existent, the stigma towards Korean culture has subsided, and we as a nation have welcomed them into our hearts and homes. Korea quickly became the talk of the town. What can we learn from this ‘big wave’ of new content and media? How are they dominating the world? In an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency, former Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines Director Lee Jincheol said that Korean Culture’s distinct candidness is what sets it apart from the others. This element is present

NICK TERRENCE GANTALAO | Student, Grade 12 STEAM - H

Growing up, I didn’t feel my mother’s presence much. Being part of a broken family, she wasn’t there for a large chunk of my life. As a child, I was raised to be happy with what I had and the people I had. Despite not having a mother, I had “substitute mothers” such as my aunts and grandmother. I even had “substitute fathers” in the form of uncles and grandfathers since my father was often busy with his school and work. It was a simple and happy life when I didn’t feel that gaping hole, the dark abyss of longing for people who should be there but aren’t. I was content.

Yet, as I grew up and moved from place to place, slowly losing contact with the family that once filled the abysmal longing I have in me, I started to dream of a life with a family – a life with my mother and father. I knew this was impossible – especially given that my father already has a daughter with another woman – but, deep down, I was still imagining the feeling of having a complete family. Visualizing this image of me, my father, and my mother smiling in those family day events in school; wishing that despite any problems, I’d have people to turn to no matter what.

It is no mystery that family plays a crucial role in the development of individuals. And according to “Magazine Desk,” it is the state of a family, whether or not it is broken or intact that severely affects a child’s emotional, social, educational, and even family dynamics development.

Sillimanians to come together as a community and fight for our planet.

Environmental protection efforts do not need to be perfect, but consistency, teamwork, dedication, and determination are surefire ways to spark awareness and passion. Thus, subsequently instigating change and action.

We hope to see even more efforts and changes made concrete now and in the near future. The fight against climate change is as crucial as ever, and the successful mitigation of further irreversible damage does not require the efforts of a perfect few, but the continuous efforts of an imperfect majority.

This declaration needs to be the catalyst for serious action to be taken at both local and international levels to confront the impacts and threats of the climate crisis – not only for Silliman University and its constituents but also for the Filipino people. tWS

especially in K-dramas. Lee also pointed out K-pop is unique because it is “non-exclusive” and embraces cultures from other countries.

Is this “Hallyu” effect affecting our pop and traditional culture? Since the rise of K-pop in the Philippines, several opinions and criticism have arisen. The biggest among them all is the issue of Filipinos no longer patronizing our own Original Pinoy Music (OPM), dramas, and movies. We Filipinos are apparently turning our backs on our local creations. Recent talks about banning Korean dramas in the Senate took the nation by storm. This backlash came right after Senator Jose Pimentel “Jinggoy” Ejercito Jr. suggested during the budget hearing of the Film Development Council of the

I mean look at me, my mind is all over the place – terribly awkward in social interactions and often depressed without the proper knowledge of how to properly deal with these emotions.

A layer of envy always enveloped me as I went to my friends’ houses and saw their family pictures. Often I would wonder what I have done to deserve my situation. Thoughts such as, “If only I had not happened to these people, then

Philippines that Filipinos idolizing Koreans affect Filipino artists, leading them to lose jobs and income.

In all honesty, some aspects of our “Original Pinoy” content have become stale, repetitive, or borderline boring and disengaging. And no one could blame a person for listening to K-pop or watching K-dramas instead of patronizing their country’s content. We should step up our game and tweak the formula a bit to engage the audiences. I’m all for supporting Filipino content and hardworking artists, but we don’t have to shut down the entire Korean culture.

Why won’t the government fund and boost the industry? What is there to praise when the industry receives little to no support from

maybe, just maybe, they’d have a better relationship, and I’d be born in a better family setting,” have crossed my mind countless times.

Yet even after all that, I must learn to let go of these delusional hopes and learn to embrace the reality that I can never attain; that I will never experience one of the most basic things that others take for granted.

the government? We don’t close down a store when a customer complains or stop patronizing. We improve our services and products to reel the customers back in.

In my opinion, Hallyu hasn’t overshadowed or dominated our artists, culture, and media. Our local pride still stands with new OPM artists hitting global charts and movies applauded by international awarding bodies and audiences. We don’t have to change who we are to become regarded in this everchanging global industry. It’s not a matter of changing but adapting.

Planning for my own family in the future, I vow not to make the same mistakes my parents did. At the end of the day, it is my experiences that have molded me to be the person I am today.

Reality is often not what we desire, but in the end, we all just have to live with it and try to do better by writing a new script that our predecessors might follow.

sillimaniansspeak

“GE

Lauris David T. Dela Pena | CBA IV

“For me, I think GE 5. Because na-learn naman siiya sa Senior High, especially sa qualitative research.”

Arlie Jun L. Normandy | CBA IV

“For now, I think that would be the Life of Rizal.” Because though gateach siya sa culture of our Filipino history, it doesn’t necessarily directly reaach us any skill that we can use for the years to come.”

Erica Mei N. Sysing | BSMT Almuni

Next Issue's Question: How do you feel about Silliman being the first Philippine university to declare a state of climate emergency? For your answers, just text Rainne Nocete (0998-555-7391). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

Jose Jay A. Malijan | BSBA FM IV

Compiled by Rainne Nocete | tWS Social Media Manager/Graphic Artist

"What is the most unnecessary GE subject for now?"

“All the GE subjects. Na-take na namo siya in Senior High and gibalik siya sa college.”

Graphic Artist

Midnights Album Review:

Taylor's Bejeweling Return to Pop

4/5 stars.

There is no denying that midnights always get the best of us. At this time, we are held captive by thoughts that we try to ignore during the day—brazen truths and shady lies that we allow ourselves to accept as we fall asleep. It is a universal reality that as the clock strikes twelve, we give up trying to be perfect, mourn our losses, and long for the life we do not have. We are humbled by the realization that perhaps, just perhaps, we don’t have control after all, whether we are by ourselves or with warm bodies that provide us with a sense of security.

Multi-awarded singersongwriter and master storyteller Taylor Swift is no exception to this. She is back in the spotlight after the release of her Midnights album, which then became the most-streamed album in a single day all throughout Spotify history. With 70s-inspired sepia-toned visuals, Midnights is Taylor’s 10th original studio album that scours into “13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life.” It is reminiscent of her own musical influences, Joni Mitchell and Carole King.

Taylor Swift’s repertoire contains a wide range of genres and sounds that few musicians can match between well-executed experimentation and amusing musical left turns. All the various musical elements are brought together to create one enthralling mantle owing to her particular lyrical approach, which has never fallen short of greatness during her whole career. With experience comes wisdom, and Taylor is living proof of this as

her most recent album, Midnights, is largely introspective, if not wholly retrospective. In her new album, she decides to take us on a tour through her restless nights with a little amusement and melancholy. This is the first album that this artist, who frequently includes lyrics about staying up late, has based specifically on her inclinations toward sleeplessness, expressing in the album’s description her desire that “when the clock strikes twelve... we’ll meet ourselves.”

Taylor asks us to “meet [her] at midnight” in the appropriately titled first track, “Lavender Haze,” and it is in this song that she introduces the album’s primary sonic identity: “Midnights” fuses the slower, more even-tempered cadence we first heard in “Folklore” and “Evermore,” with heavy use of synths and vocal effects, a reappropriation of techniques codified in “1989”.

Starting with “Lavender Haze,” Taylor gives us an album that stands apart from the rest of her discography in terms of both style and subject. She previously cited a phrase she originally heard on Mad Men as the inspiration for the moniker “Lavender Haze.” In a video she shared on Instagram, she explained, “It turns out that it’s a common phrase used in the Fifties where they would just describe being in love,”

The next song, “Anti-Hero”, which is my personal favorite, is another outstanding pop gem that is both upbeat and depressing, and it continues the theme of living a life that is always scrutinized by others.

Taylor describes her concerns and worries on a positive and catchy song, making fun of herself and her detractors in a typical Swiftian fashion with lines like “Sometimes I

Greenwashing at COP27?

Paul Ray G. Donaire

Climate change is a real-deal environmental issue proven by science, with empirical results debunking opposition. Take for instance the phenomenon of global warming. If it continues, massive blocks of ice in Antarctica will gradually melt, causing other continents to sink due to the rising sea levels. What will then happen to Earth, our only home?

This is a question that has been asked repeatedly, and the gravity of it has brought attention to a jarring decades-old issue that continues to intensify with each passing minute. Over time, answers to this pressing question have been formulated, which ultimately brought about numerous pleas calling out for help in the spirit of reforms made over the last 27 years.

“I’m not going to COP27 for manyreasons,butthespaceforcivil societythisyearisextremelylimited,” Greta Thunberg said when asked about going to the climate summit.

“The COPs are mainly used as an opportunity for leaders and people in power to get attention, using many different kinds of greenwashing,” she added.

Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who skipped this year’s 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP)—an annual event that brings leaders together from all over the world who have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)— which took place on Nov. 6-18 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. She is well-known for her unapologetic

feel like everybody is a sexy baby / and I am a monster on a hill “ and “Too big to hang out / Slowly lurching toward your favorite city / Pierced through the heart but never killed.”

The delicate, spirited song permeated by a surreal rhythm “Snow on the Beach”—in collaboration with the Queen of Indie Pop, Lana del Rey— is the fourth track on Taylor Swift’s new album.. As Taylor described it, the lyrics in “Snow on the Beach” expresses and talks about what it’s like to fall in love with someone at the same time they are falling in love. In essence, the song encapsulates what it means to experience genuine love when you least expect it.

The songs on the Midnights album are thoughts and reflections that the artist has when trying to fall asleep. Some of them have her reflecting on previous relationships and why they didn’t work out. Taylor attributes the split on an unidentified, unsolved issue in “Maroon”, whereas in “Bejeweled”, she accuses her boyfriend of taking advantage of her. Taylor, though, acknowledges accountability on “Midnight Rain” where lost love is hinted at in the lyrics. “Midnight Rain,” which includes a low-pitched rendition of her own voice, is about letting go of the security of a fulfilling relationship in order to avoid settling down for good. The song’s opening line, “He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain / He wanted a bride, I was making my own name / Chasing that fame, he stayed the same / All of me changed like midnight,” sets the tone for the words that follow.

Taylor Swift’s latest album, Midnights, is indisputably the result of both her excursions searching through her back catalog to record old songs again and her ongoing artistic development as a

songwriter and musician. Although it also touches on themes of love and life from her early years, it demonstrates development and maturity. Returning to her old shoes unleashed something new in her and her art—it was evident.

This is a far more sophisticated and synth-based approach to the genre than her previous pop albums, exploring different nuances of similar sounds. Since all of the songs are played within the same soundscape, they may even initially appear to be similar to one another, but they do so in such different ways that Taylor unquestionably merits the moniker of “Mastermind.”

Midnights does not approach its lyrics in such a conventional manner. A more lighthearted,

play-on-words-heavy approach to the narration has taken the place of the previous, flowery, ornate style.

Before, the words’ intensity and emotions were so palpable, but this record cloaks them in the glitz and sheen of its music. However, given the rambling lyrics’ exploration of common anxieties, insecurities, and the complexity of gender, it would be naive to dismiss the song based only on its more jovial sound and words.

Midnights is Taylor Swift’s selfaware album that expertly portrays both her fragile and magnificent meditations. For those whose lives have already become entwined with Taylor Swift, Midnights may easily be ranked as the finest album in her discography. tWS

Miabot na usab ang panahon sa kasub-anan, mga luha nga hinayhinay mikablit sa mahuyang nga dughan.

Daw sakit pamalandungon ang kabliton sa kamingaw, diin padayon ang timaan sa pagsalop sa adlaw. Usahay damguhon sa pagbati nga giputos sa kangitngit, sama sa itom nga alibambang nga mipatong sa aping ug kalit.

Samtang ang ulan sa kabuntagon miduyong sa masulob-ong kasingkasing, midahilig ang kasuko og mibanlas ang kasakit nga naglagiting.

Kaanugon sa nanglabay nga katuigan.

Larag na kini kon balikan.

Dahon nga laya, kapakyasan ingon nila mawagtang sa pagpangaliya. Lipaya intawon ang kangutngot nga nadilaab sa hunahuna.

Defying Female Limits: A Movie Review on Enola Holmes II

Keisiah Dawn T. Tiaoson

Women are not shadows of men. They are their own person, conquering any obstacles that come their way and winning their silent battles in life. They abide to no standard. Lend them a phrase, and they’ll pay with a book. Give them fuel, and they will take you to space. If Enola triumphed over the limitations they see on women, today’s girls can too.

“Enola Holmes II”, the sequel of the movie “Enola Holmes”—which focuses on Mr. Sherlock’s sister, Enola herself—is one of the movies that are sure to remind you of genuine

friendship, romance, adventure, and above all, the courage to defy limitations established by society.

Enola Holmes II attempts to mix today’s circumstances with history, physics, and creativity. The movie revolves around Enola yet again, who unravels the mysteries associated with the sudden disappearance of Sarah Chapman—a girl who works at a match factory. The case she handles is surprisingly connected with that of Sherlock’s and the dream of seeing these two minds work together is finally served on a sleuthing platter.

Enola, however, is struggling to go beyond the dimensions built for

women with the hope to establish a name for herself, and not just become Sherlock’s shadow. From here on, the way women are regarded as inferior compared to men is clearly visible in the spectra. Sherlock can easily wave his banner high, while Enola—despite being her brother’s equal in terms of analytical ability to solve mysteries—needs to try harder. This holds especially true in today’s society where women are often victims of gender inequality and discrimination, as reflected in many events that trace back to historical times.

It is safe to say that even though Enola became so overly self-

dependent to the point of denying the need for a comrade, she still is capable of determining end points and triumphing in her own battles. Enola made herself an example of how liberty unlocks equality. She fueled her days flying away from societal standards of women and stuck to her calling of being a lady of wit and sufficient courage.

These illustrations from the movie are reminders of how women’s role in society has changed. Throughout time, women are able to gradually make major life decisions, become independent, and lead

Paypayi ang kahadlok sa kapalaran nga wala pa mahiluna.

Kon buot mo ihunghong ang tambal sa kamatngon, haron dili sa kaguol maulipon.

Daw ingon kasayon ug kataphaw lang ang kahimtang, kumpara sa naaguman sa uban nga wala napakgang.

Apan si kinsa sila haron hukman, ang pungpong sa kahadlok nga gipas-an.

Pastilan, nganong nabuhi man niing kalibutan, nga sa alimpatakan ug hunahuna nagsubay ang tanan!

Taliwala sa tanang hagit ug bun-og sa kinabuhi, pagsubang sa adlaw, ikaw ug ikaw lang gihapon ang mubayaw sa kaugalingon haron magpakabuhi.

Hilo sa hunahuna

Lea Katrina P. Canizares

Larry Villarin

from page 1 | SU Library...

Meanwhile, on his winning piece Balandro, Raquel aimed to deliver the piece as a representation of systemic reform, history, and national destiny.

“I also wanted my piece to serve as a sternly worded critique of the socio-political ills that have actively compounded the country’s educational crises,” he further explained.

Raquel stated that the Visayan style of spoken word poetry is an important channel for introducing and re-emphasizing certain social, economic, political, and cultural discussion points to promote reform and accountability.

Moreover, University Librarian Asst. Prof. Sarah Angiela Ragay explained that “Basa, Bayan, Bukas” shows the importance of how reading can direct the nation to a

more sustainable future both for the libraries and the book industry.

“The objective of Book Week is to inculcate in the minds of our students the love of reading and how it impacts their future,” she said.

Other contests and activities of the university’s celebration included the book buffet, freedom wall, library trivia, mobile photography contest, Balak Binisaya contest, and an outreach program done by the staff. tWS

Sands and Coral contest winners take their spots in second Pandemonium issue

Sands and Coral (S&C), one of the oldest literary journals in the country, announced the winners for their essay and fiction writing contest last Nov. 5 as part of the second chapter of their Pandemonium issue.

This issue centered on hope, transformation, and rebuilding after the pandemic.

Pia Villareal, co-editor of S&C said, “With this new chapter, the works take a more optimistic turn as entries focus on rebuilding and pushing forward despite the pain of the past years,”

The winners of the essay writing contest include Paul Ray Donaire who placed first, Job Paculba in second, and Zarelle Villanzana in third place.

“When I read the theme of the issue, I remembered the social research I conducted before that somehow relates to the theme.

So, I wrote an essay about it,” Donaire said on why he joined the competition.

For fiction writing, Job Paculba placed first, Arn Malto placed second, and Maria Calunod placed third.

Paculba said that the challenging conditions he had to go through during online classes were a source of inspiration for his participation.

He said that he wrote his piece ‘Facing Life, Mask On’ to get away from all his troubles. “I felt that if I had an outlet to express my frustrations, I would feel a bit better – and I did,” Paculba said.

For future participants of S&C, Donaire advised, “Make sure that you have a captivating essay title that actually represents your write-up – a title that instantly grabs the attention of the readers.”

He added that in essay

competitions that do not ask for references, “personal narrative is always the go-to theme!”

Dr. Andrea Soluta, chairperson of the English and Literature Department and adviser of S&C said that the literary journal has helped contribute to Silliman University’s legacy.

“If you look at the list of editors of S&C since its first issue in 1948, many of the names are now a part of the ‘Who’s Who’ in the Philippine literary scene,” Dr. Soluta said.

The contest commenced on Oct. 6 and the winners were later announced on the S&C Facebook page on Nov. 5.

The first-place winners were awarded Php 1,500, followed by Php 1,000 and Php 500 for the second and third-place winners respectively. tWS

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY HALLS

frompage3| Greenwashing in... speeches against corporations and world leaders about the environmental crisis. With her presence unseen at the summit, it has raised many questions about COP’s quality, which the organization has resiliently built since 1995.

It is worth noting that this year’s venue was surprisingly weird to many activists—a country under full dictatorship that has local climate activists imprisoned, according to Naomi Klien, a Climate Justice professor at the University of British Columbia.

With the intent to understand what action has to be taken in developing countries, the commitments shared and agreed upon during the COP26 meeting in Glasgow fell short, according to Prof. Dave Reay, a chair in Carbon Management & Education and director of the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute. For this reason, Thunberg aims to bring awareness to the unfulfilled pledge to reduce carbon emissions in the pursuit of 100% renewable energy.

This time, COP27 presented itself as more words and less action. Hany Mostafa, an Egyptian climate activist from the Environment and Climate Changes Research Institute, raised concerns about the delay in conducting research due to a lack of resources.

“My colleagues are attending COP27 and delivering a presentation ... But we’re only doing research—we cannot change policies. We have heard enough promises in previous COP meetings,” Mostafa expressed.

On the other hand, another Egyptian climate activist, Mohamed Salem Nashwam from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, Cairo, said that hosting COP27 in Egypt could shed light on the environmental

frompage3|

issues that his country is facing. In addition to that, he also shared that this would provide national awareness on climate issues, which would mean a lot to their research projects and make them more valuable. However, the only thing he is concerned about is that everything will go back to its depressing state by the end of COP27—that this annual event will just become another stunt for the sake of the public.

Despite the apparent irony of flying around the world while addressing climate change, COP exists for a reason and has relatively well served its purpose of fostering collective action in combating climate change. However, is COP27 really the way to go, or has it just become another “show-off” that climate activists, such as Greta Thunberg herself, condemn?

So, what else can we do?

“In order to change things, we need everyone—we need billions of activists,” as Thunberg claimed. But activists, as seen around the world, could only do so much. This global issue must be addressed not only at the grassroots level of social structure but also at the institutional level, particularly in the high-emitting industries. Words of affirmation won’t change anything when “these” collective efforts we seek are not shared by those who hold political power and authority. That is why it is high time that we step up to the challenge and push everyone—our leaders, our fellow citizens, and ourselves—to take part in addressing the climate crisis and carry out collective actions that will save planet Earth, our only home capable of sustaining life. tWS

Defying Female...

their own lives—so long as they are able to find their voice, break gender barriers, and fight for their rights. And this is a powerful message that the movie has shown to its audience.

Enola’s adventure, which is focused on building resistance to capitalism, finding Sarah, and being worthy of the Holmes’ name, also provided an unexpected glitter of transitioning

frompage1| SURCY celebrates...

On the importance of the event, Nika Duran, SURCY vice president, said, “It’s the most basic rule in defending yourself from diseases, especially now that we are in a post-pandemic era.”

Last Oct. 30, youth volunteers were mobilized to set up a firstaid station and welfare desk at the Dumaguete Port for their Undas Operations which initially started as part of the PRC and RCY Negros Oriental Chapters’ Typhoon Paeng response.

The volunteers offered free services such as blood pressure tests and blood sugar monitoring.

Hot meals and hygiene kits containing face masks, soap,

friendship into romance.

Ultimately, this is not just a movie of entertainment filled with captivating scenes and delightful twists that were given justice by the characters’ acting—but of curiosity, determination, and a reminder of the significance of women in social and political aspects. This movie reminds people that gigantic moral courage is a major constituent to bring out the will to finish strong. tWS

paracetamol, and vitamin D were also provided by the organization to aid the stranded passengers.

SURCY also held a mental health webinar titled “Mind Your Mind: How You Feel Inside” in relation to World Mental Health Day.

Two speakers, PRC volunteer Richel Buncalan-Amada and former SURCY deputy director Keenan Brown were invited to discuss mental health issues, coping mechanisms, and the importance of psychological first aid.

According to Gacasan, “It has always been our goal that in every activity or event that we conduct, we will make sure to stick to the university’s vision of total human development in strengthening one’s character, competence, and faith.” tWS

Nina Isabelle J. Alolod