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2 | News SPOTLIGHT First Batch of Adamson University - Senior High School to Graduate Virtually

Graphic Art by Ella Faye Velasco

ven with the pandemic still going on, the Senior High School (SHS) Department of Adamson University (AdU) had found its way to fulfill the 3rd Commencement Exercises for Batch Kinaadman of 2020. Through digital platforms like Facebook and YouTube,

the ceremony was carried out smoothly on the 27th day of February 2021. The event started with a video produced by the media team of Spotlight Publication about a recap of everything in the last academic year, presented to reminisce the good memories

inside the campus. Before the virtual graduation officially started, Dr. Lorna Espeso, the SHS Principal, passed on her congratulations to all the graduating students. Soon afterward, a mass celebrating the Holy Eucharist was led by Fr. William Azul D. Encelan, CM. To begin with the commencement exercises, Mr. Daniel Day Aguillon, the Master of Ceremonies, introduced the administrators and the top officials for the academic procession. Then was presented by Dr. Espeso all of the 1,210 SHS candidates for the graduation, which comprised of 188 students from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand, 296 students from the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand, and 726 students from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand. From that, Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM, the President of the university, did the honors by confirming the graduates. After a while, Ms. Nea Sualog, the SHS Academic Head, gave a warm welcome to this year’s commencement speaker, Engr. Pablito Veloria, from batch 1984,

Guidance Virtual Meet with the Students

ast March 23, 2021, The Guidance Center conducted a webinar for Senior High School (SHS) students with the theme “Digital Life: How to Make It Work For You” facilitated by Ms. Pernella Drio and Dr. Lourdes Sibonga, RGC, RPm - Head of the Guidance of the Basic Education Department (BED). The event was designed to help the students understand the purpose of technology and social media, so that they become aware of the advantages as well as dangers of various platforms,

to develop ways on how to achieve balance, and to be more responsible and productive. Headed by Ms. Analyn Comaling, RGC and Ms. Valentine Morales, RGC, they discussed how technology and media impact the different aspects of life and shared some tips on how to be responsible and literate users of the internet. “Further, from the webinar, students will learn on how online life can be advantageous in the sense that we can easily connect with the things we need, from gathering

information, online interactions to our personal necessities. However, on the extreme it can be disastrous to our health and may cause poor mental health when used excessively or when online activity is being used to deliberately inflict pain to others”, Ms. Sibonga stated. The hour-long webinar was attended by hundreds of SHS students and ended with their active participation as they conversed with the speakers by sharing their insights and comments about the discussion. Alvinia Lopez

who was awarded as the Feature Alumnus last November 2019. Engr. Veloria shared his journey on how he became an Adamsonian and how he achieved his goals in life. He ended his address by congratulating and giving words of encouragement to all the graduating. When diplomas and awards are finally distributed, Ms. Carla Mae Fernandez, the Most Oustanding Student, delivered a speech to express her gratitude towards everyone who has been a part of their journey as a student, especially to AdU for being a place where they could strive for excellence while living up to the ideals of a true Vincentian. Ms. Fernandez wrapped up her words by reminding everyone, “Be courageous and kind. Having courage does not mean the absence of fear, but fear is a prerequisite of becoming brave. Have the courage to face all obstacles with goodness you have within your heart.” The program was then concluded by Engr. Hubert Temprosa, the President of Adamson University Alumni Association Incorporated, with the pledge of loyalty. Hannah Leonardo

Innovative Researching: AdU Students Competes in DLSU-SHS Research Congress

o apply their learnings in the subject area of Research, a group of students from Adamson University (AdU) showcased their knowledge at the 3rd De La Salle University - Senior High School (DLSU-SHS) Research Congress, from April 29 - 30, 2021. With the theme of the event, “Reframing Possibilities through Research and Innovation Continued on Page 3

VOL. IV - ISS. 1 Program COVID: The Adamson University’s Aid Amidst the Pandemic

AdU initiates food donation drive to people around the campus vicinity since the start of the pandemic. Photo from Adamson University's Facebook Page Caption by Xyryll Anne de Juan

damson University (AdU) continues to hold its daily charity programs amid the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

outbreak. Program COVID aims to help those who are in need and socially disadvantaged, especially in this time of the pandemic.

3 | News Innovative Researching: AdU Students Competes in DLSU-SHS Research Congress Continuation...

Under Program COVID, daily feeding programs for street dwellers are held at the Falcon Walkway. The university also distributes simple health necessities like hand sanitizers, along with its feeding program. The following activities of AdU are sponsored by different individuals, groups, and organizations that have the same goal as the University — helping those in need. Adamsonian volunteers facilitated and ensured that the program runs smoothly and safely according to plan. Through the charity programs held, the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and the core values of the University was clearly shown. AdU ensures that the Program COVID follows the COVID-19 guidelines given by the government to ensure the safety of the community.

for Better Normal,” a group of students from 12 SENG 06 namely, Rhod Clark Almedina, Tricia Faith Junio, Jannah Reilynz C. Nitcha, Liv Joshua Ramos, Glen Suetos, Paula Nicka Torio, and Youell Szyregnce Velasco, together with Mr. Daniel Day Aguillon as their Research Adviser, presented their paper. Their study was titled “The Correlation of Geothermal Energy Supply and Electricity Demand in Luzon.” It was one of the accepted entries for the paper presentation under the theme of Sustainability, Environment, and Energy. According to them, their motivation came from the lockdown in Luzon, where it was under yellow alert that made its power supply limited. “So, we tried to look for an alternative source of energy that can possibly reduce the cost of electricity pricing in Manila, and we came across with geothermal energy,” they added.

Amiel Fronda

Janine Nebril

Keeping the Ball Rolling

Spotlight Publication Recruits New Publication Staff

s the pandemic continues to affect the student’s school activities, the Senior High School Spotlight Publication continues to accept new members and appoint new editorial board members. Last August 20, 2020, the new editorial board members were appointed. This was then followed by an oath taking ceremony for the new members on January 14, 2021. On the 20th day of August, 2020, the former editorial board bid goodbye and said some reminders to the newly elected editorial board members. It was led

by Mr. Ronn Michael Rodriguez, the Spotlight Publication Adviser, Ms. Xyryll Anne De Juan, the new Chief Editor, and Mr. Ellyry Raniel Juan, the new Media and Arts Coordinator. The event formally started when Mr. Rodriguez gave his welcome remarks and introduced the former Chief Editor, Ms. Shenna Mae Iyog and Ms. Nicole Erlano, the former Media and Arts coordinator. Then it was followed by reciting the preamble of the publication by the new members, which also served as the oath taking of the newly elected editorial board members. Afterwards, Ms. Erlano talked

about her publication journey and gave some inspiring words to the members. Since it is now online learning, new agendas were discussed by Ms. De Juan and Mr. Juan for the publication to be influential in this new type of learning. After a while, Mr. Rodriguez discussed the publication bylaws, both in newsletter and media and arts. The former Chief Editor also gave her speech, congratulated everyone, and shared her fruitful journey in the publication. Afterwards, an open forum was held to formally end the ceremony.

As the Spotlight Publication welcomed its new members last January 14, 2021, they also had their oath-taking led by the publication adviser. Meanwhile, the publication’s bylaws were discussed, followed by the introduction of the new publication staff. Thus, it was ended by reciting the preamble of the publication. To formally end the program, Mr. Rodriguez gave a thought to ponder on, “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon,” a quote by Tom Stoppard. Janine Nebril

4 | News It’s an E-Election for A.Y. 2020-2021

ow that a new school year has begun, a new set of Adamson University - Senior High School Supreme Student Government (AdU SHS-SSG) officers is needed. Thereupon, an online election was held for two consecutive days, on August 17-18, 2020. After the AdU SHSSSG opened seven positions for Grade 12 students of the Senior High School Department, a total of four party-lists (METANOIA, S.A.U.S.A.G.E, QuaranTEAM, and KINAIYA), and one independent candidate, Alamina Solaiman from 12 SSCI-02 was formed. To promote their platforms further, an online campaign was organized on each class’ group chat. On August 19, 2020, the previous batch of AdU SHS-SSG released the official results for the AdU SHS-SSG E-Elections of the new school year. Sixty percent (60%) of the votes are from the students

of Grade 12, while forty percent (40%) of votes are from the former officers of the said student government. The following students are the newly elected officers of AdU SHS-SSG: Mike Angelo Espayos, AdU SHS-SSG President; Alamina Solaiman, Vice President (VP) for Academic Affairs; Zairah Ahmad, VP for External Affairs; Hannah Reasha Eusebio, Secretary; Kyla Angela Liberato, Treasurer; Nicole Kate Bayogos, Auditor; and Frances Isabel Macatangay, Public Relations Officer (PRO). One of the many goals of the new set of AdU SHS-SSG is to create a disciplined and organized school year through the virtual set up. They highlighted the importance of upholding netiquette, as well as the rules and regulations of the school. In addition to this, they also aim to assist and aid students during online classes, serving as their voice and their helping hand. Hannah Leonardo

SPOTLIGHT Manila’s 33rd Archbishop: Cardinal Advincula

fter more than a year of vacancy for the seat, Cardinal Jose F. Advincula is assigned as the new Archbishop of Manila by Pope Francis on March 25, 2021. When Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, left as he was appointed as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (CEP) in the Vatican in December 2019, Bishop Broderick Pabillo stood as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila. The position was unoccupied since then. The new Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Advincula, was born in Dumalag, Capiz on March 30, 1952. He was then ordained as a priest in April 1976 and later slowly completed all his pastoral responsibilities that spanned 45 years. He studied Theology at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), at the same time he took Canon Law at Pontifical University of San Tommaso d’Aquino-

Angelicum in Rome, Italy. When he finished his studies in Rome, he spent his time in four seminaries as a professor. And a rector in two institutes at St. Pius X Seminary and Sancta Maria Mater et Regina Seminarium, which is both in Capiz. Later in July 2000, he was designated in Capiz as an Archbishop by the former Pope Benedict XVI. Wherein he served up until November 2020, when Pope Francis announced his part of the consistory. He is known for his pastoral programs involving some of the inaccessible dioceses in the country. In an interview with the Vatican News, he stated that “I always thought that the Church has to be closer to the people, especially those that are in the peripheries.” The appointment of Cardinal Advincula could be a real challenge as Manila is the most populous archdiocese in the Philippines, with three million Catholics and over eighty churches. Hannah Leonardo

Spotlight Publication Holds its First 3-Day Online Workshop

potlight Publication organized their very own 1st 3-Day Online Workshop for their official staff members of Newsletter and Media and Arts Team via Zoom Cloud Meetings. The 3-day online workshop of each team was held on separate days; January 26-28, 2021, for the Media and Arts, while for the Newsletter, February 4-6 in the same year. Their senior staff members facilitated each meeting to ensure that the online workshop will run smoothly as planned. Each team discussed the

different fields and fundamentals of each department to expand the knowledge and enhance the skills of all members and to be flexible not only in their area of expertise, but also as a campus journalist. On the first day of the online workshop of Media and Arts, the team discussed Photography presented by Ellyry Raniel Juan, the Media Coordinator. On the second day, Videography was presented by Lyndon Kyle Asuncion, the Head of Video Editing. And on the last day of their workshop, Graphic Design Editing was presented by Ella Faye Velasco, the Head of Graphics.

On the first day of the online workshop of Newsletter, the team discussed Feature Writing by Feature Editors Nhyl Kristeen Gallawan, Ashley Jan Nicole Legaspi, and Alyanna Mallari. Feature Writing was followed by Basic Caption Writing from Francheska Hilario, a Literary Editor, and Basic Layouting also by Alyanna Mallari. On the second day, the fields discussed were Literary Writing by Sophia Erin Ragudo, the Literary Editor, Editorial Writing by Xyryll Anne De Juan, the Chief Editor, and lastly, Editorial Cartooning by Voughn

Luber, the Chief Cartoonist. On the last day of the 3-day workshop of the Newsletter team, the areas of News Writing and Sports Writing were discussed. News Writing was presented by Hannah Althea Leonardo and Janine Nebril, the News Editors. The News Writing was followed by Sports Writing, presented by Sports Editors, Mikaela Anne Vallesteros and Mykha Lianne Maravilles. After the workshop has ended, the Spotlight Publication members are expected to hone their crafts and have a better contribution to the campus paper. Amiel Fronda

5 | News

VOL. IV - ISS. 1

Spotlight Publication Joins Myriad 2021

o further deepen their knowledge in writing, 38 members along with the publication adviser, attended the nationwide virtual seminar of the University of Santo Tomas’ official publication of Junior High School, The Aquinian, on the 27th day of March 2021. Although the online experience is a first, Myriad has already been on its third year of illuminating young journalists from different parts of the Philippines with the words of notable speakers from the field. “Empowering Freedom of Information and Expression through Campus Journalism in the Digital Age” is the theme of this year’s event. Most of the topics are related to the advanced and fast-evolving environment of writing. The discussion was divided into four: feature writing, editorial writing, news writing, and sports writing. Before diving into the said sessions, the

keynote speaker, Dr. Severino R. Sarmenta, Ph.D., who has been a sportswriter for the last three decades, addressed some reminders for better writing to all the participants, wherein he mentioned that journalism is lifelong learning. To begin with, the first speaker, Mr. Aries Oliveros, is currently working as the Executive Secretary of the Executive Director in the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System in Diliman, Quezon City. He discussed different knowledge about feature writing. The second speaker, Dr. Joselito De Los Reyes, a poet, fictionist, and translator, believes that the editorial is objectively biased. After a short break, Ms. Tarra Quismundo, one of the top digital editors at ABS-CBN News, continued sharing her knowledge about news writing. Last but not least, Mr. Eduardo Catacutan Jr., the Editor-in-Chief of Sports

SSG Practices Virtual Leadership

s Adamson University Senior High School (AdU-SHS) welcomes the new learning model, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) continues its responsibilities by holding a leadership webinar last March 13, 2021, through Zoom Cloud Meeting and Facebook Live. It was open to all SHS students, with the first 70 registrants led by the SSG officers. “A Dare to Lead: The purpose and meaning of authentic leadership.” was the theme of the webinar. The said event tackled the true meaning of leadership and of being a leader. To welcome the

participants, Mike Angelo Espayos, SSG President, gave his welcome address. It was then followed by a trivia quiz involving questions about different leaders. The school invited Ms. Rose Carmen Sustiguer, certified John Maxwell Leadership Awardee, wherein she shared her leadership talks about authentic leadership and showed different clips about the topic. After a hearty discussion, a question and answers portion was led by Ms. Sustiguer. The webinar ended with Ms. Camille Joyce Arquiza, SSG adviser’s closing remarks which left words of wisdom regarding being a good leader. Janine Nebril

Photo from Myriad's Facebook Page

Interactive Network Philippines (SPIN.PH), shared his sports news world experiences and mentioned

some sports news tips. Hannah Leonardo & Janine Nebril

Webinar and Career Talk: Work Immersion at its New Normal

he Senior High School (SHS) Department of Adamson University (AdU) prepared an exclusive webinar to help the students amidst the pandemic as part of Work Immersion. Moreover, the said department also gave career talks modified to different strands of all the graduating students from Grade 12 level. The event was held via Zoom Cloud Meetings and ran for four consecutive days, from March 1 to 4, 2021. All discussion per strand varies as each strand is different from the other. But overall, it shares the same objective, which is to benefit all students with new

information. The school invited experts to give knowledge to students. Soon after, the virtual webinar ended with the issuance of certificates to all speakers. After that, the conversation for numerous careers began. Its purpose is to enlighten all the candidates for graduation about the possible paths for their college life. For the students to gain a better perspective on each college course, the chairpersons of every college department explained the gist of what are things to expect in their departments and concluded by entertaining the queries of the Leonardo curious minds Hannah of the students.

6 | News SPOTLIGHT In Hopes of Commemorating Teacher’s Day AdU-SHS presents “Kwentong Guro”

damson University's Spotlight Publication and Supreme Student Government (AdU SHS-SSG) collaborated and produced a special presentation to celebrate the Teachers’ Day, titled ‘Kwentong Guro,’ during the pandemic after the two-hour discussion held via Zoom Cloud Meeting last September 19, 2020. “The officers have decided to offer the Spotlight Publication a collaborative project… I personally sent an invitation letter to the Spotlight Adviser, Mr. Ronn Michael Rodriguez,” Mr. Mike Angelo Espayos, the President of AdU SHS-SSG, said. The project in question is a five-part series aired for five days that follows the story of Adamson University - Senior High School Department's chosen educators which features different personalities in each video. “Different ideas were thrown on the table at first until both Spotlight Publication and SSG came up with a joint concept that consists of a five-day video post via the former’s Facebook page, which was later given the name ‘Kwentong Guro’,” said Ms. Xyryll Anne De Juan, the Spotlight

Publication’s Chief Editor. Both parties appeared to have their own roles in the development of the aforementioned series. SSG was in charge of designing the questions and performing the interview, while the Spotlight Publication was the sole responsible for editing. Mike Angelo Espayos, President; Alamina Solaiman, Vice President for Academic Affairs

(VPAA); Zairah Ahmad, VP for External Affairs (VPEA); Hannah Reasha Eusebio, Secretary; Kyla Angela Liberato, Treasurer; Nicole Kate Bayogos, Auditor; and Frances Isabel Macatangay, Public Relations Officer (PRO), were among those involved for AdU SHS-SSG. As for the Spotlight’s side, the participants were the heads of the different departments of the publication. They were:

Xyryll Anne De Juan, Chief Editor; Ellyry Raniel Juan, Media and Arts Coordinator; Ella Faye Velasco, Head of Graphics; Ma. Cristina Padilla, Head of Videography; Lyndon Kyle Asuncion, Head of Video Editing; and Jonnah Mae Leoberas, Head of Photography. Videos are still available for viewing on the Spotlight Publication's Facebook page for those who are interested. Trisha Kate Tizon

AdU-SHS Students Participate in the CAMAF 2021

damson University Senior High School (AdU-SHS) students participated in the very first installation of the Camilo Osias Arts Festival 2021 (CAMAF) hosted by The National, the official school publication of National University-Manila (NU) with the theme, “Amplifying the Role of Campus Journalists towards Press Liberty Amidst

Pandemic” starting February to March 2021. Camilo Osias Arts Festival (CAMAF) is a national competition open for all bona fide Senior High School (SHS) and College students all across the country. The contest was composed of two journalismrelated events: the main event and other events. The main event, also known as Camilo Osias Search For

Ten Outstanding Student Journalists (CSTOSJ), was composed of three battery tests on the fields of News, Sports, and Editorial Writing. On the other hand, the other event consists of Photojournalism, Editorial Cartooning, and Flash Report. Unlike the Main event that is only available to participating SHS students, the other events were open to all interested SHS and College students.

The students of AdU-SHS that participated in the CAMAF 2021 main event are the Newsletter Spotlight members: Xyryll Anne De Juan, a Grade 12 student, and Amiel Fronda, a Grade 11 student. Katrisha Resurreccion and Arleth Isabel Lomotan, Grade 11 students, also participated in the main event. In the other events, the Newsletter Spotlight members that Continued on Page 7

7 | News

VOL. IV - ISS. 1 AdU-SHS Students Participate in the CAMAF 2021

Photo from The Nationalian's Facebook Page Continuation...

participated are Voughn Luber, a Grade 12 student, and Gerrelyn Mae Biasura and Jiwani Lou Gulinao, Grade 11 students. In the Media and

Arts, the members that participated are the Grade 12 students Ellyry Raniel Juan, Nikki Gabrielle Delfin, and Husser Catingcoy, and Grade 11 student, Jerica Isabel Masculino.

On April 12, 2021, the winners of CAMAF 2021 were announced. Among the students of AdU-SHS that participated in the contest, two students managed to bag an award. Masculino won the People’s Choice Award for Photojournalism with her entry - “Pantasya sa Reyalidad,” and Lomotan won a spot in the Top 10 News Writers. The registration period for the CAMAF 2021 was open from February 22 until March 22, 2021. The contest proper for the main event was held last March 27 via Zoom Meetings. The participants were required to submit three entries, which consist of one article per field. The following entries are judged under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) guidelines. While for the other events, the deadline for the submission of entries was March 26, 2021. Like the main event, the following entries for the Photojournalism and Editorial Cartooning are assessed under the DepEd’s NSPC guidelines. The entries for the Flash Report event are judged through separate criteria provided by the organizers. A People’s Choice Award was awarded to the entry that has the most number

of reactions on Photojournalism and Editorial Cartooning in the online voting on the official Facebook Page starting March 29 until April 4 before midnight. Notable writers and editors coming from famous publications were invited to judge the entries of each participant based on the guidelines and criteria given to the specific field. The top ten on each field in the main event received an e-certificate, and only the overall top three received an SM gift cheque. The 1st placer received a gift cheque worth ₱5,000, the 2nd placer received ₱3,000, and the 3rd placer received ₱1,000. Like the main event, the top ten on each field in the other events received an e-certificate, and only the top three per field received the SM gift cheque. The 1st placer received a gift cheque worth ₱3,000, the 2nd placer received ₱2,000, and the 3rd placer received ₱1,000. The list of the CAMAF 2021 winners can still be viewed on the official CAMAF Facebook page, Rappler’s website, The Philippine Online Student Tambayan’s Website, and through the regional radio station partners of the school publication, The National. Amiel Fronda

Amid Pandemic: Adamson University Takes the Time to Breathe

ith the continuous amount of activities accompanied by the new mode of learning brought on by the pandemic, the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Catherine Castañeda, together with the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA), Fr. Andrew Bayal, decided to give the students a mental health break last October 30, 2020, up until November 2, 2020. Originally, the memorandum which was released on October 27, 2020 stated that only synchronous classes would be suspended.

Though asynchronous classes were still to be observed, teachers were advised to give minimal activities only if necessary. However, this decision was not welcomed warmly by many students. Many students appealed through social media to suspend both synchronous and asynchronous activities as some activities that may be given may not be minimal at all. Fortunately, their voices were heard. The following day, October 28, 2020, the two Vice Presidents released a revised memorandum that suspends both synchronous and asynchronous activities from October 30, 2020,

up to November 2. 2020. The message of the memorandum is as follows: “Recognizing the need of our students for a mental health break to sustain their well-being, no synchronous and asynchronous classes or activities in all levels will be held starting this October 30 to November 2 as their breathing space. Classes will resume on November 3, 2020. This memorandum supersedes the prior released memo dated October 27, 2020.” On November 2, 2020, the Adamson University Senior High School Supreme Student

Government (AdU SHSSSG) requested an extension for the break which will last from November 3, 2020, until November 7, 2020, due to the devastating aftermath of the Super Typhoon Rolly. This request, however, was shunned off for an academic break that could not be afforded at the time. Nevertheless, classes continued on November 3, 2020, as the mental health break ends with the students and teachers being more compassionate and understanding with each other due to the situation. Benido Viana III

8 | Editorial

SPOTLIGHT

AdU SHS-SSG Proposes Academic Ease Amidst the Rise of COVID-19 Cases in the Country

s Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continuously hovers around the world, the cases in the Philippines are rapidly increasing. To help both the students and the school faculty cope amidst the pandemic, the Adamson University - Senior High School Supreme Student Government (AdU SHS-SSG) recommended academic ease on the 8th day of April 2021. Looking out for their school community, the AdU SHS-SSG decided to pursue their idea to Dr. Lorna A. Espeso, the Principal of the Senior High School (SHS) Department. The appeal aimed to benefit the students and the faculty members by easing activities and giving maximum consideration when it comes to school requirements. One of the reasons behind their suggestion is that some faculty members, if not someone in their family, were on 14 days of isolation, while some tested positive for the virus. Therefore, it is somehow a challenge to maximize the academic activities such as synchronous classes that are supposed to give to the students. They also believed that the current situation has its impacts that could be a hindrance when achieving various academic demands, which are compliance, commitment, and excellence, as the students’ mental and physical health could be affected by the happenings. “We always made sure that no student nor teachers should be left behind in this challenging situation, for we aspire to the values and

teachings of St. Vincent de Paul. Compassion is what we need, especially in this time of unforeseen circumstances,” AdU SHS-SSG stated in their official proposal letter. To have supporting data with their appeal, AdU SHS-SSG conducted a survey amongst the SHS students’ respective group chats to have a gist of the COVID-19 cases within their circle. In the results, they have come up with a total of 294 students who have tested positive, along with those who had close contact with people who tested positive. A total of 258 individuals within the students’ household have tested positive from February to April 2021. Lastly, a total of 781 relatives and neighbors of the students tested positive for the virus. According to Ms. Hannah Eusebio, Secretary of AdU SHS-SSG, in an interview, they did not encounter any issues while formulating the said request and even after submitting it to the higher-up. Dr. Espeso approved the idea the same day it was submitted and expected to be effective immediately. In line with the recommendation, she gave some alternatives that should be able to help ease academic activities. Despite the approval of the academic ease, Ms. Eusebio stated that the AdU SHS-SSG received complaints from the students concerning the deadlines of school requirements given by their instructors. Hannah Leonardo

Spotlight Publication Growth Session with Komunikator

he Campus Journalists of Komunikator had collaborative webinar training with the Senior High School Staff of Spotlight Publication last April 10, 2021, through a Zoom meeting. This year's collaboration is a first. Though, Komunikator has already been guiding the Spotlight members the whole year. The webinar was divided into two discussions, which include newsletter and photojournalism. Before the first part started, the Adviser of Komunikator, Mr. Argyll Cyrus Geducos, gave his advice to the young writers. That

journalism should have passion and knowledge. To start with, Ms. Maureen Kate Basa, Chief Editor of Komunikator, discussed different knowledge journalism. She also gave comments and advice in the articles that the Spotlight Newsletter members have submitted. After a short break, Ms. Ria Mae Baniqued, the Chief Photojournalist of Komunikator, talked about her expertise, which would be Photojournalism. She also gave her comments and advice in the photos that have been submitted. Janine Nebril

Bayanihan Para sa Bayan: St. Vincent de Paul Parish Community Pantry

t. Vincent de Paul Parish Community Pantry flooded with people, donating and taking grocery items after it was launched Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in front of the Parish Church gate along the San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila. The community pantry launched by the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Church aims to help those who are in need amid the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by giving what you can and taking what you need. After the Maginhawa Community Pantry in Quezon City, initiated by 26-year-old Ana Patricia Non, became famous, multiple organizers from different places launched their community pantries to help fellow citizens with the pandemic. Standing by the tagline of the first community pantry, “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan,” in coordination with the Basic Ecclesial Community, St Vincent de Paul Parish Priest, Fr. Joel L. Rescober,

CM also organized a community pantry inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry as well. “Hindi mali, masama ang tumulad lalo na kung ang gagayahin ay mabuti at maganda,” Rev. Fr. Joel L. Rescober, CM, said, courtesy of San Vicente de Paul Parish Facebook Page. Along with the Program COVID organized by the Adamsonian volunteers, the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Community Pantry continues to serve the people daily, reaching out to those in need. The St. Vincent de Paul Parish Community Pantry is open for donations, and it can be dropped off at the SV Gate. For cash donations, you can send it via BDO under the BDO Account name: St. Vincent de Paul Parish and its savings account number: 0001-0008-6179. For further information and queries, kindly visit the Facebook page of Adamson University and San Vicente de Paul Parish. Amiel Fronda

9 | Editorial

VOL. IV - ISS. 1 EDITORIAL

OVID - 19 has been around longer than anyone has expected it to. We’ve been through a year of wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and fighting different battles from the inside of our homes. This pandemic has not treated us all fairly, but there are thousands of people all over the world who were treated far worse. Loss of jobs and livelihood, lack of supplies in both the medical and non-medical field, and overworked frontliners, are only some of the problems we have faced. Not to mention the social issues that have been around longer than we know but are only being brought to the spotlight now like racism, police brutality, social injustice, and many others. Before the pandemic hit its one year mark, a vaccine was

WHO GETS IT FIRST?

Editorial Cartoon by Jiwani Lou Gulinao

developed. According to the World Health Organization, at least seven different vaccines have been rolled out in countries as of February 18, 2021. More than 200 additional vaccine candidates are also in development. This good news made the whole world breathe a sigh of relief for there is hope that this crisis is nearing its end. However, issues about vaccine availability became another talk of the town as there is only limited supply. Questions such as “Who will be given the vaccine first?” and “Why would they go first?” arised. Of course, there are deciding factors in determining who will be vaccinated first but is this the smartest tactic in giving out the vaccines? In an article by CNN, it was reported that an actor named Mark Anthony Fernandez was put to the list of the first

to be vaccinated in Parañaque City despite not being a medical frontliner. The city mayor then defended the actor by saying that he was put on the list because he had a comorbidity. Many were appalled as they learnt of the news. One of these people was Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing who said, “Kapikon-pikon ang ginawa kasi any vaccine na you use outside the priority list is a vaccine that you are taking away from frontliners. I’m sure there are more people that are the priority than the actor.. Bakit artista ang pinayagan gawing substitute sa bakuna na yan?” Undeniably, equality is the main goal in the pandemic. To give each individual the same amount or privilege as is given to others. But what about those who need it more? Those who need it urgently? Would they be given

the vaccine earlier because of immediate reasons or because of the deciding factors, they have to wait until it’s their turn? As it turns out, maybe equality is not the main goal, rather it should be equity. The vaccines shall be provided first to those who need it more and urgently. The list of who gets it first shall not be dependent on factors such as status and wealth. With the limited supply of the vaccine, it can be concluded that the supply could run out even before it is handed to the individuals who are at more risk than others. Therefore, thorough analyzation and weighing the factors must be put to consideration before handing out the vaccines. It will be more efficient and humane if those who need it most will receive it first. Yes, everyone needs the vaccine as soon as possible so that we can bring back our normal lives instead of staying in the “new normal”. True as it may be that each must receive the same privilege that others do, now is not the time to only think about ourselves, especially when we are healthy and are not infected yet because we have the ability to protect ourselves from acquiring it. We need to remember that there are people who need it more and faster than we do. The list of who will be given the vaccine should prioritize those at most danger and then provide for the rest of the population. Vaccine equity will be achieved eventually. To advocate for this, is to advocate for empathy and the better safety of all. We must remember that in times like these, only we can help each other. Through unity, cooperation, charity, and selflessness, we can aid our fellow individuals who are suffering because of the virus. As well as aid ourselves to prevent it from happening again. May this be the key to finally putting an end to the pandemic and developing a better world for the future generations to come.

10 | Editorial OPINYON

FILIPINO RESILIENCE KAPAGOD

SPOTLIGHT HUWAG TUMIGIL SA PAG-AARAL ISANG PANAWAGAN… ISANG HAMON! Mr. Joseph Duyan

sang kilalang katangian ng mga Pilipino ang pagiging resilient. Bilang bansa na napasailalim sa koloniyalismo sa halos kalahati ng kasaysayan nito, hindi na maikakailang talagang matatag ang mga Pilipino. Dagdag pa rito, 20 bagyo ang bumibisita sa ating bansa taon-taon. Lima dito ay maituturing na sobrang nakakapinsala ayon sa Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC). ‘Wag rin nating kalimutan ang mga isyung panlipunan gaya ng kahirapan, kagutuman, kakulangan sa mga trabaho, at marami pang iba. Kung tutuusin ay wala namang choice ang mga Pilipino kundi ang maging matatag at huwag mawalan ng pagasa. Maraming balita ang kalat tungkol sa mga kwentong pag-asa sa gitna ng kahirapan. Gaya ng araw-araw na pagtitiyaga ng mga bata na maglakbay ng pagkalayo-layo para lamang matunton ang kanilang paaralan. Mayroon ring mga kuwento ng papuri tungkol sa mga taong nasa kalaliman ng kahirapan ngunit nakangiti pa rin. Oo, hindi masama ang pagkakaroon ng pag-asa at pagngiti sa gitna ng pighati at paghihirap. Ngunit sapat ba ito para masolusyunan ang problemang kinahaharap ng sambayang Pilipino? Ngingitian na lamang ba natin ang lahat ng hindi magandang napagdadaanan natin? Ngayong nasa kalagitnaan tayo ng isang pandemya, marami ang nawalan ng trabaho at kabuhayan. Ang mga negosyo Continued on Page 12

mawalan ng gana ang bawat kabataan sa kanilang pagaaral? Paano na ang kanilang kinabukasan? Simula sa mga magulang guro kasama ang mga magaaral pagsumikapan nating itaguyod ang pagpapahalag sa Edukasyon. "Ang edukasyon ay ang pinakamakapangyarihang sandata na maaari mong gamitin upang mabago ang mundo." - Nelson Mandela Editorial Cartoon by Mr. Joseph Duyan

“I am still learning.”-Michelangelo

a edad na walongpu’t pito sinabi ni Michaelangelo na may maaari pa siyang matutunan. Ilang taong ka na ba ngayon? Gusto mo pa bang magaral tulad ni Michaelangelo? Marami sa atin lalo na sa mga kabataan ang ayaw ng mag-aral at matuto. Gusto nang tumigil sa pag-aaral. Lalo na ngayong online class na ang sistema ng Edukasyon. Dapat hindi mahinto ang daloy ng edukasyon sa bawat herenasyon. Sabi nga ni John Dewey “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Mga mahalagang elemento ng edukasyon na hindi dapat mawala kahit magbago ang sistema nito. Una ang pagtuturo, kailangan pa rin ang isang guro upang mabigyang buhay ang bawat kalaaman, teorya o prinsipyo sa bawat agham o leksyon. Ang pag-aaral ay hindi lamang natuon sa pagkakaroon ng kaalaman. Ito ay nakaugat sa bawat karunungan, inspirasyong at karasanan bunga ng pagkatuto.

Sa pamamagitan ng malalim na pagkaunawa dito yumayabong ang kalaaman. Pangalawa ang atensyon. Simula sa mga larawan o video, atensyon sa pakikinig at pagsusuri higit na nagiging mainam ang daloy ng pagkatuto. Malaking bagay ang epekto ng bawat larawan tinig at papapaliwanag nito sa mga mag-aaral. Anumang uri ng pagtuklas iminumulat ng guro ang diwa ng mag-aaral tungo sa bagong kaalaman at pagkatuto. Pangatlo ang karanasan. Ito ang mag-uudyok sa magaaral na ibahagi at maaaring ituro sa iba ang naging epekto ng pag-aaaral sa iba. Hindi natatapos ang daloy na ito ng edukasyon. Marami pa ang mga bagay na maaring matuklasan ng isang mag-aaral kung siya ay aayon sa pag-usad ng bawat kaalaman sa bawat panahon. Hindi nakasalalay ang pagaaral sa sistema bagkus sa takbo ng pagbabago at pagunlad ng bawat isa tungo sa pag-unlad ng lipunan. Paano na lang kung hahayaan na nating

Hanggang sa tayo ay tumanda at lumisan sa mundong ito. Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na ating nararanasa ngayon paano natin haharapin ang mga ito? Nasasa atin na ang pagtugon sa hamon ng edukasyon sa bawat isa sa atin. Nais mo bang makibahagi ng pagbabago ng mundo sa pamamagitan ng iyong kaaalaman at talento? “In the multitude of my thoughts within me your comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19 Please subscribe to my youtube channel. Kuy@Joseph Goodlife Inspiration Channel. Para sa mga nagnanais magbahagi ng kanilang mga reflection, inspiration at insight, sa mga naghahanagad na magkaroon ng seminars on Values Formation Youth Leadership Seminar and Recollection sa inyong school, church ministry and organization PM lang po sa fb o kaya txt or call sa aking cp number 09237303388 o email n’yo lang ako sa josephduyan16@gmail. com Maraming Salamat po sa mga patuloy na sumusubaybay at sumusuporta sa BAGONG KABATAAN NGAYON… God bless po! Always search within.

VOL. IV - ISS. 1

Iba Naman ang Sabi sa Module Namin E!

a hindi maiiwasang pagsasagawa ng online classes para sa akademikong taon 20212022, maraming isyung may kinalaman sa edukasyon ang napansin ng mga Pilipino. Isa na rito ang pagkakaroon ng mga pagkakamali at gender stereotyping sa nilalaman ng mga modyul na ginawa ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd). Ayon sa isang artikulo mula sa Rappler, nakasaad na nakahanap ang DepEd ng 30 mali sa kanilang mga modyul. 20 sa mga ito ay factual errors at 7 naman ay mathematical errors. Sa isang text mula kay Diosdado San Antonio, ang Education Undersecretary, ikinumpirma niya na ang mga modyul na mayroong mali ay nagmula sa DepEd. Sa isa namang artikulo mula sa Philstar, sinabing nakakita ng gender stereotypes sa mga

11 | Editorial

nilalaman ng DepEd modules. Ayon sa isang social media post, nakalagay na ang gawain sa modyul ay mag-classify ng “roles” na para lamang sa babae at para lamang sa lalaki. Halimbawa ay ang paghuhugas ng pinggan, paglilinis ng bahay, pagkumpuni ng sasakyan, pagsayaw, at iba pa. Sinabi ni Joan Salvador, ang deputy secretary general ng Gabriela, “In many of DepEd’s modules, they describe men to be ‘strong, logical, brave,’ and in the same breath call women ‘weak, dependent, fragile." Are these the values we want to teach our children? That women are weak, feeble, and voiceless?" Maliban pa sa balitang ito, marami pang mga katulad ang napuna sa kabuuan ng unang taon ng online classes. Mahalagang bagay ang edukasyon sa ating bansa bagama’t hindi lahat ay nabibigyan

ng pagkakataong makapag-aral. Kaya nama’y maraming nagalit at bumatikos sa mga pagkakamaling ito ng DepEd. Tinawag ng iilan na ‘incompetent’ at ‘unprofessional’ ang DepEd dahil sa pangyayaring ito. Incompetent, dahil hindi naging mabusisi ang pagsusuri sa mga modyul na binibigay sa mga paaralan. At unprofessional dahil trabaho nilang siguraduhin na tama ang impormasyon at nilalaman ng mga modyul na ito ngunit hindi nila nagawa ang mga iyon. Hindi naman maiiwasan ang pagkakamali sa paggawa ng mga modyul. Mayroong mga hindi mapapansing mali sa pagkakaprint o sa mga larawan. Maaaring may mga mali sa gramatika o matematika na hindi makikita sa unang tingin. Subalit mayroon rin namang proseso ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon para maicheck ang mga modyul na ito. Dumadaan ito sa isang marahan at maingat

na pagsusuri kaya naman hindi katanggap-tanggap na mayroon paring mali ang libo-libong modyul na ipinapamahagi sa mga paaralan. Ang mga maling ito, kahit gaano kaliit, ay magdudulot ng maling kuro-kuro sa mga estudyanteng makakakita nito. Pwedeng magdulot ito ng pagkalito, o kaya nama’y madala ng mga mag-aaral ang maling impormasyon sa hinaharap. Dala rin nito ang mentalidad na mas angat ang isang gender kumpara sa isa pagdating sa mga bagay-bagay, at may “nakatakdang” gender lang ang pwedeng gumawa ng isang bagay kahit hindi naman. Ang maliliit na pagkakamali ngayon na nababasa o nakikita ay maaaring magbunga sa mas malalaking pagkakamali sa hinaharap. Ang mga maling ito ba ang nais nating matutunan ng kabataan? Xyryll Anne De Juan

Paalam, Edukasyon

irap na ba kayo sa online classes? Pagod? Istres? Kuba na at malabo na ang paningin? Habang tayo’y abala sa pag-iisip kung paano maiaangkop ang ating mga sarili sa panibagong paraan ng edukasyon sa gitna ng pandemya, mayroong mga guro at estudyanteng pinagkakaitan ng pagkakataon na makapagturo’t makapag- aral. Ang layunin ng mga paaralang Lumad ay makapagpreserba ng pagkakakilanlan sa kanilang kultura kung kaya’t iba ang kanilang kurikulum kumpara sa ginagamit natin. Iniaangkop ng mga guro ang kanilang aralin at mga asignatura sa kanilang kultura at mga pangangailangan dahil mas naiintindihan ito ng mga mag-aaral. Sa kabila ng

lahat ng ito, patuloy pa rin sa pagsisikap ang mga guro dahil hindi nila gustong makita ang kanilang mga kababayang Lumad, lalo na ang mga bata, na matanggalan ng kanilang kultura at pagkakakilanlan. Taong 2017 nang magbanta si Pangulong Duterte na kaniyang bobombahin ang mga paaralang Lumad dahil inaakalang sila’y nagtuturo ng kaisipang pabagsakin ang gobyerno. Dalawang taon ang lumipas nang sapilitang ipinasara ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ang 55 sa mga paaralang Lumad noong Oktubre 8, 2019. Dagdag pa rito ang pag-atake sa 32 paaralan noong 2020. Ang dahilan sa pagkaubos ng mga paaralang Lumad, ayon kay Chad Booc, isang boluntaryong guro sa Alternative Learning Center

for Agricultural Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) Lumad Schools, ay sapilitan itong ipinasara, nagsagawa ng ilegal na pag-aresto sa mga mag-aaral at ‘aerial bombings.’ 5,500 na estudyante ang natanggalan ng karapatang makapag-aral. Mayroon ring mga nagkalat na mga poster sa Davao City kung saa’y na-’red tag’ ang karamihan ng mga guro na nagtuturo sa mga paaralang Lumad at tinawag silang terorista. Bagamat sinabi ni Leonor Briones, ang sekretarya ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, na magpapatayo ang pamahalaan ng panibagong paaralan bago magwakas ang rehimeng Duterte sa taong 2022, hanggang ngayo’y wala paring aksyon ang gobyerno upang maibalik ang karapatang

pang-edukasyon ng mga lumad na ito. Hindi makatarungan ang pagtrato sa mga guro at mag-aaral ng Lumad schools. Ipinagkakait sa kanila ang matutuhan ang mga bagay na dapat ay alam ng nakararami. Hindi na nabibigyan ng pondo at tulong mula sa gobyerno ang mga Lumad, sila pa ay inaatake at pinagbibintangan. Talagang wala silang ibang magagawa kundi tanggapin ang mapait na kinahantungan ng kanilang mga paaralan. Ang pagbomba, sapilitang pagpapasara, at pag-‘red tag’ sa mga Lumad at sa kanilang mga eskwelahan ay nagpapasawalangbahala sa mga karapatang pantao. Ating pakinggan ang haing ng mga Lumad. #SaveLumadSchools Xyryll Anne De Juan

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SPOTLIGHT

FILIPINO RESILIENCE KAPAGOD Continuation...

at transportasyon ay sapilitang itinigil muna upang makapagdamage control sa pagkalat ng coronavirus. Sa panahon ng krisis na ito, walang ibang daing ang taumbayan kundi ang matulungan ng gobyerno. Noong Agosto ng taong 2020, naglabas ng survey ang Social Weather Stations na nagpakitang 27 milyong tao o 45.5% ang nawalan ng trabaho sa mga unang buwan ng pagiimplementa ng lockdown. Nagsalita si Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque ukol dito, “Ako po ay nagagalak na hindi tayo 100 percent na nawalan ng trabaho kasi sa tagal po na naka-lockdown tayo, talagang I’m still surprised at our resilience at 45 percent pa lang po ang nawawalan ng trabaho,” Sinundan pa niya ito ng “It could have been worse.” Sa komentong ito ni Harry Roque, maraming netizens ang umalma. Tila ba’y isinasawalang bahala ng administrasyong Duterte ang 27 milyong katao na nawalan ng trabaho at ngayo’y hindi mapakain ng kanilang mga pamilya. Ang komento niya ay tinawag na insensitibo at isang patunay na walang sense of urgency ang ating gobyerno. Ngunit mayroon ring mga netizens na kaagad naming dinepensahan ang pahayag ni Roque at tinawag na “misleading” ang mga balita at artikulo rito. “For me, he sounds as just being positive over this crisis in which ALL OF US needs to be”, pahayag ng isang netizen. Bagamat tama na kailangan nating maging positibo sa mga hindi

magagandang pangyayari, hindi masosolusyonan ng resiliency at toxic positivity ang mga problemang nararanasan natin. Hindi kagalak-galak ang kawalan ng trabaho ng milyonmilyong Pilipino. Ayon sa isang artikulo sa Manila Times, ang resiliency ay ginagamit na katwiran to “excuse accountability and liability from people supposedly tasked with preventing such disasters from happening in the first place.” Ang pagpupuri natin sa pagiging matatag sa gitna ng hindi magagandang kalagayan ay nagdudulot lamang ng kapabayaan at kawalan ng aksiyon ng ating gobyerno. Walang masama sa pagpupuri sa pagiging matatag ng mga Pilipino sa mga panahon ng krisis. Tunay namang kahangahanga ang kakayahan nating ito. Ngunit tatanggapin na lang ba natin ang mga pagsubok na sa una pa lang ay kaya na nating pigilan? Tatanggapin na lang ba natin na kakayanin nating lagpasan ang kahirapan, kagutuman, at kawalan ng trabaho? Tayo ba ang may kasalanan sa mga paghihirap na nararanasan natin o ang kawalan ng pananagutan ng mga taong ang trabaho ay solusyunan ang mga problemang ito? Nawa’y magawa rin nating punahin ang pagkukulang ng ating gobyerno katulad ng ating pagpuri sa kanilang mga magagandang ginawa. Nawa’y hindi natin ngitian na lamang at tanggapin ang mga pagkukulang nila. Pagod na ang sambayanang Pilipino maging resilient. Let us demand accountability. Xyryll Anne De Juan

Editorial Cartoon by Vough Luber

LET TER TO THE

EDITOR Dear Editor,

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind? Charot! I write this letter to you because I am at a loss. I do not know how to keep going with my life during this pandemic. My mental health is declining, I have no motivation to attend online class or to do school work, and I feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind. I want to start again, but how? I know that I am fortunate enough to still attend online classes, relax with a roof over my head and food to eat. And I am indeed grateful for it. But how do you find the strength to live everyday exactly the same way?

Dear Writer,

I do feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind sometimes. All charot aside. I think we've all gone through that path at least once in our life, especially now. It's good that you recognize your privilege and you're grateful for it, as you should. My piece of advice to you is to be as optimistic as you can be every single day. The way you think will influence your actions. I cannot pretend to understand how you feel because it's different for everyone. But coming from a not-so-different situation, looking to the brighter side of things could help increase your strength to go on, even with the same routine over and over. Find new things to do every day so you'll have something to look forward to. But if you can't, then there's always the option of improving your mundane activities to something more exciting and fun as much as it could be. Living every day the exact same way is tiring and demotivating, but then again it's our life and we have the power to do with it as we please. So, klasmeyt, you just gotta ignite the light, let it shine, and seize the day!

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VOL. IV - ISS. 1 Yes, Vincentian values are still being upheld in the online classroom setting because before and after the class starts, we always pray the Adamsonian Prayer and the Vincentian’s mission and vision are being embodied by teachers and students. Some don’t apply the values specifically with this setup and sometimes those values are being forgotten not only by the students but also the staff and teachers. The teachers are still implementing the Vincentian values through their considerations, hard work in teaching and it is seen even in their lessons.

Vincentian values are still observed even in the online class setting. Despite the crisis that we are currently facing, the traits of being compassionate and charitable still prevails between students and teachers.

Honestly, I cannot say whether or not the Vincentian values are being practiced during this online setting since often times than not the admins take full priority in following the academic calendar rather than prioritizing the well-being of their students and employees. There have also been a few occasions already of the SSG asking for an academic break however, to no avail it has always been denied. I understand that the admins are placed in a tough situation, but I think that if they indeed want the best for their students, they would at least consider the situation of the majority of the Adamsonian community. Isn’t it part of the Vincentian Values to be compassionate?

Values can be instilled. It could also be innate. As a teacher. I just have to constantly remind my students of those values.

Students and profs still practice Vincentian values inside our classroom. I can see that part of our discussion. Everyone still respects and applies the Vincentian values even if it’s online.

Compassion isn’t seen in some of the online classes we have experienced. Especially when times like these where students and teachers are in need of a break to this exhausting set-up. Some teachers aren’t considerate in terms of submissions and deadlines. Some would give loads of requirements and the deadline would be the same day or the next. While I don’t blame the other teachers who are kind and considerate, I blame the system of the University instead.

VINCENTIAN VALUES, ARE YOU STILL THERE?

DISCUSSION BOARD Do you think the Vincentian values are still being upheld in the online classroom setting? The Spotlight Publication’s Newsletter team conducted a survey regarding the question: “Do you think the Vincentian values are still being upheld in the online classroom setting?” The team gathered teachers and students from the department to participate in this survey, and a total of 115 responses were accumulated. After the data collection and analysis, results showed that 74 respondents from the students and teachers answered yes, whilst the remaining 41 respondents from the students and teachers answered no.

Vincentian values are not only applied within the institution but it must be embodied as an individual. We are knowledgeable of our actions to which we must always show empathy to everyone even in the online setting. We should not be held up by social pressure from being a person with good morals.

I think the fact that we have to comply all of our requirements like literally ALL (remaining summatives, PeTas, Quizzes and class activities) in just a span of 1 week or so just because we have already about 2 weeks left for this school year doesn’t mean it will be a beneficial decision for the admin to just randomly hand out to the students and teachers.

Special attention to the poor and marginalized ay isa sa mga values ng isang Vincentian, ngunit hindi ito isasagawa ngayong online setting. Oo, nakikita natin sa mismong page ng Adamson University na tumutulong sila ngunit kailangan pa ba ng litrato para maipakita na mayroong naitulong? Ang hindi alam ng iba, kami mismong mga estudyante kasama ang mga guro ay naghihirap, ngunit kami ay sinasawalang bahala lamang dahil nagbibingi-bingihan ang nasa itaas. Alam natin na hindi lahat na mahirap ang buhay ngayon ngunit mas lalo pa itong pinapahirapan ng Adamson, bakit meron pang lab at iba pang fee kung hindi naman ito magagamit? Bakit meron pang libro kung meron namang modules? Mismong pang data nga lang ay hirap na kami paano pa ang mga ito? Hindi lamang sa pera kami naghihirap, maging na rin sa aming kalusugan, pisikal man o mental. Pero ano may ginawa ba ang Adamson para dito, wala na naman, nagbingibingihan na naman. Marami ring mga guro ang todo magbiga ng activities pero ang mas masaklap hindi naman sila nagtuturo. Napakaraming gawain lalo na ngayon na ilang linggo na lamang tayo, halos benteng requirements ang kinakailangan ipasa sa loob ng dalawang linggo at lahat ng iyon ay hindi pa madaling gawin. Paano na, paano na kami?

As a teacher, I ensure that I apply the mission and vision of the school in the teaching and learning process, and the values of the Vincentian spirit towards academic excellence of my students since at this time of crisis it is necessary to affirm and give emphasis on empathy, charity and compassion as we face real-world experience.

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SPOTLIGHT

HUWAG MATAKOT MAGKAMALI

“

HINDI PA HULI ANG LAHAT...

Kapatawaran – matuto tayong patawarin una an gating sarili. Paano natin mapapatawad ang ibang tao kung hindi natin matanggap mismo ang ating mga pagkakamali?

Mr. Joseph Duyan

I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan Magiging magaan o madali para sa atin tanggapin ang pagkakamali kung tayo ay naturuan nang maayos na bilang tao lahat tayo ay nagkakamali. Hindi masama ang pagkakamali kung hindi mo naman ito sinasadya, hindi intensyon o hindi binalak. Simula pa nang tayo’y bata pa lagi tayong napapagalitan, nasisigawan, namumura at minsan na sasaktan kapag mayroon tayong nagawang mali. Takot ang bunga nito sa atin. Ayaw nating magkamali dahil ayaw nating mapagalitang muli. Ayaw nating masabihan na tayo ay mahina palpak at hindi dapat pagkatiwalaan. Kaya may mga taong pinanghihinaan ng loob. May mga taong masyadong dinidibdib ang pagkamali. May mga taong nawawalan ng tiwala sa sarili. Ang matindi may mga taong galit sa mundo dahil napapahiya sila ng iba. Ang totoo mali ang husgahan natin ang mga taong nagkakamali. Kaysa sisihin pagalitan mainam na sila ay ating tulungan. “Humiliating others for their mistakes is not productive." Bagkus tulungan natin ang isa’t isang makita ang magandang maidudulot ng pagkakamali. “One of the disconcerting and delightful teaching of the master was: "God is closer to sinners than to saints." Ernest Kurtz Maging sa banal na aklat ang Diyos ay nahahabag sa mga makasalanan. Kahit kailan ang mali ay mali ngunit maaari natin itong itama. Hindi pa huli ang lahat. Mahalaga na matuto tayo sa ating mga nagagawang mali. Mula

sa masakit na karanasan tungo sa bagong pananaw sa buhay. Huwag tayong matakot sa sasabihin ng iba. Sa panlalait na hindi tayo ang nararapat sa gaawaing iniatas sa atin. Huwag nating maliitin ang ating sarili gaya ng ginagawa ng iba sa atin. Lagi nating alalahanin na bahagi na ating pagkatao ang pagkakamali. Kababaan ng loobsimulan nating maging mapagpakumbaba sa oras na tayo ay nagkakamali. Aminin natin at akuin ang pananagutan natin sa mga ito kahit na ito’y hindi natin sinasadya. Sa papamgitan nito mawawala ang takot na kung ano ang maaaring mangyari sa atin pagkatapos na tayo ay magkamali. Pinagpapala ang tayong mapagpakumbaba. Kapayapaan - hayaan nating manatili tayo sa kapayapaan ng ating puso at isip sa panahong tayo’y nagkakamali dahil sa ating pagkakamali tayo nagkakaroon ng lakas at inspirasyon sa buhay. “One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.”― Shannon L. Alder Kasiyahan - huwag nating hayaang maghari sa ating at kalungkutan at mawala ang kagalakan sa ating puso dahil sa ating mga maling nagagawa. Marami pang pagkakataong maituwid natin ang mga ito. Ang buhay ay hindi tungkol sa kung sino ang mabuti at masama, ang banal o hindi ang tama o mali. Ang buhay isang pagdiriwang ng kaganapan ng buhay kasama an gating pamilya at mga taong nasa ating paligid. “Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy.”- Roy T. Bennett

Proverbs 26:11-12 Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool does the same foolish things again and again. People who think they are wise when they are not are worse than fools.

Flight for the Youth Ashley Jan Nicole Legaspi

he pandemic has struck the Philippines like lightning and has caught Filipinos off-guard. For over months of lockdown, the Department of Education (DepEd) has decided to continue the school year and proposed the new mode of learning: the modular and online set up. Challenged by the pandemic, students’ Vincentian values have not wavered. Instead, it proliferated and manifested into concrete movements that aimed to assist our co-Adamsonians that are heavily affected by the pandemic. As a catholic institution, Adamson University has raised its students to uphold the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul. The students have not failed to do so as in difficult times, Klasmeyts have extended their aid not just to fellow students but also for those in need. Like the falcon, students Freida Mari Jumalon and Zairah Ahmad did not hesitate to spread their wings, dive, and take initiative to assist students who have financial difficulty in the current mode of learning, thus, opening a fund-raising project for the said purpose. The Laban Kabataan Project started its initiative in August when they heard and listened to the voices of the students who are to face the online set up unarmed and disadvantaged. To provide hope and to encourage these scholars to move forward and unhindered.

This project has been made possible due to extended help by Ms. Robina B. Balandra, a Director for Partnership and Collaboration of Balud Philippines, and Mr. Juan Miguel De Veyra who is a student council officer of Leyte Normal University. Both are like our very own, inspired, and dedicated youths that aim for the betterment of their co-students. They went from high to low and into yonder searching for ambassadors and for people willing to donate for their cause. Despite these difficulties faced, the foundation has successfully raised thousands of money for their aspiration to assist students and have concluded in the month of November. In return, their hard work had paid off and assisted their chosen five scholars who will each receive 20,000 pesos as financial assistance distributed until the end of the school year. Through joined forces of their effort, they have decided to link partnership with BiyayaNiJuan in their Project TALA: Tuition Assistance and Learning Advantage to make the project a reality where students are able to access the raised funds. Spread your wings, baby Falcons! Take or be taken under your wings, raise each other to soar heights. Do not forget to look down and meet with the Earth for as many views you see above are an equivalent in the ground. Your flight is the adventure of your youth, the adventure of your life!

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VOL. IV - ISS. 1

Ineffable Home

The Sound of

Hopeful Feet

Alyanna Mallari

Typing… Backspace, backspace, backspace… clear Typi— nope, clear. For over ten minutes, the scenery before her repeated monotonously. Over and over, again she contemplated whether or not she would hit the send button when she finished a paragraph . And if she did, would they give her a piece of their time? Would they understand? Maybe they would… after all, she always tried to understand. But then, maybe they would find her too dramatic, too soft, or too… sensitive. The possibilities are always endless. “Does anyone appreciate us the way I appreciate them? Of all the people I risked my time for, would any of them be willing to risk theirs for me?” More often than normal, she finds herself asking that particular question as she clutches her phone on her hand and types a paragraph. Sometimes, send one, only to remove the message as quickly as she could. Loneliness never was a new sensation… it was just there. Always there. To feel alone, to feel isolated, or too feel like there is not anyone who sees her worth is her best friend. It was never easy to have someone that would do the same for her. To find someone who would is a quest with a three-star difficulty categorization. Of all the people we know, there is always someone who we can go to whenever we have conflicts. Regardless whether it concerns our personal lives, conflicts with other people, or even academics. It is comfortable and easy, because we know that whenever we need them, they would do their best to listen and help us out. They would be there to give us practical answers, make us smile, laugh, or even give life-changing advises; they

knew exactly what we needed. However, we sometimes lose the capacity to appreciate or show our appreciation to those people who sees our worth. And though as cliché as it is, we tend to only realize how present they always are for us once we lose them. To the times we question ourselves if someone sees us worthy; we forget that someone out there is ready to risk everything they have without any doubt; make us feel worthy. But, have we ever taken a moment to remind them that they too, are worthy? We always favor to look at the large, visible things that make up our lives that we forget to look at the small, finer details that make it. We forget to notice the beautiful factors that makes everything so easier. We forget to give back. To be present in the moments when it is no longer about us. We forget that there are times when I cannot be all about us; that it’s our time to be in the shoes of the listener instead. It cannot be only us who should be attended to and be understood. It is not right that it is only us who can ask for someone. We forget that they are a part of the beautiful reasons why we are able to conquer this soul-eating world. Remember, nobody ever asked nor obliged them to be there for us whenever we need them, yet still, they pour everything they have, risk what they have to risk, and provide us with the comfort that we seek and hand them on a silver platter; all voluntarily. A single utter of a “thank you” and making them know that you are someone who can be there for them would transcend every inch of self-doubt and mean the whole world. Interaction is a two-way street. Pick up your phone, scroll through your messages, and thank that person; you will never know how many times that person stood on the same shoes as that girl did.

Nhyl Kristeen Gallawan

it-A-Pat… Pit-A-Pat… as the playful footsteps rush through the walkway, hopeful Adamsonians are expecting that their day will be filled with laughter and joy. Heading towards the St. Vincent de Paul Parish to pray that they may pass all the quizzes and exams and may God grant them protection. A determined man full of dreams enters the university gate. After conquering challenges inside campus’ four corners, a joy after an exhausting and weary day awaits on each klasmeyt. WHOOOOOOOOSH… A cold and lonely gust of wind passed by the walkway that used to be overflowed with laughter and excitement. Silenced street, hushed murmurs and a missing footstep is what a place of joy has turned into, a gloomy place where silence became a hurtful noise. As on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic. On the following day, President Rodrigo Duterte places Metro Manila under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) over COVID-19. Sorrow and hopelessness are invading a site that used to be filled with delight and euphoria. The worsening condition of the pandemic plagued people’s hearts with fear and sorrow as they stood against the wrath of the fast-spreading virus. Stomachs are growling, backs are aching. A voiceless man that is often ignored by the world is now screaming for help. Everyone is in poverty, people became hopeless and jobless, and pockets are empty. When will it end? How long suffering will last? Thud… Thud… As the gate of the walkway opens again,

footsteps finally heard again; a new hope arises as the people with golden hearts come together to reach out their hands to bring aid and send love through filling the empty stomach of unfortunate people who live in the street. Together with alumni, employees, parishioners, and friends of Congregation of the Mission (CM), the whole community was able to raise a fund that feeds the hunger of street dwellers and bystanders along San Marcelino. The #ProgramCOVID was established last year, March 12 to help fellow brothers and sisters in surviving the hunger that the pandemic brought. Hot meals are being served in the Adamson walkway that can cater a hundred individuals daily. This kind of devotion showed how generous and compassion our community is. Sharing every grace received brings everlasting joy in the heart of those who helped and carries happiness filled to an empty stomach. Thomp… Thomp… a place that has been covered by a silent noise is now delivering happiness to those who are greatly affected by the unseen battle. Life is tough so are we. Circumstances may put us in despair, there will always be a person coming into your life to lift you up. The Almighty one on high will always give hope to our helpless hearts. Continually, the institution will consistently help people who are in need, just like what St. Vincent de Paul taught us to be. Be one, help one. Pit-A-Pat…Pit-A-Pat… As each person takes steps leaving the walkway, a joyous heart laid behind four corners of a quiet walkway’s aisle and a cheerful smile are what hopefuls wear during this time.

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SPOTLIGHT

Salamat, K

Amidst the pandemic, many other unfortunate circumstances were experienced by m raisings targeted to help those in greater need. They have exemplified charity in their

Kami Rin.

UNIKAHIJA

minimum fare para kay tsuper

PROPONENTS

Princess Ivon Gozos, Heart Quintela, and Gail Bosque

Jozelle Kaye Sardenia

Alyanna Mallari, Allyssa Anne Mallari, and Nori Garcia

BENEFICIARIES

The victims of Typhoon Ulysses, particularly the homeless

Elementary school in Pangasinan & Typhoon Ulysses victims

Jeepney drivers in Malabon

PURPOSE

Their mission is to support those affected by Typhoons Ulysses in Cagayan and Isabella, especially the vulnerable.

“Alone we can don so little, together we can do so much.” Unikahija Ph started out by giving school supplies every school year to an adopted elementary school in Pangasinan, but when Bagyong Ulysses happened, a donation drive was started in behalf of the victims of the typhoon. They were able to gather donations to help 500+ families.

Jeepney drivers in Malabon had to resort to asking for alms in the streets to meet the days end since they were not permitted to make trips. Minimum Fare para kay Tsuper is an initiative wherein the minimum donation was 9 pesos, the minimum fare, to donate relief goods to suffice even for a day, especially that a lot for them were already senior citizens. They were able to do two waves of the donation drive and donate over 350 packs.

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VOL. IV - ISS. 1

Klasmeyts!

many. Some of our Klasmeyts were able to start their own donation drives and fund own ways and have aided our fellow Filipinos. Salamat, Klasmeyts, mabuhay kayo!

LABAN KABATAAN PROJECT

para kay TEACHER

tulong kay cabayan

PROPONENTS

Mike Angelo Espayos

Trisha Kate Tizon and Chenelle Ashely Palileo

Freida Mari Jumalon and Zairah Ahmad

BENEFICIARIES

Elementary public school teachers

Typhoon Ulysses victims

PURPOSE

Many public school teachers sacrifice money from their own pockets to provide enough resources for their students which is not enough since they also have families to feed. The purpose of the initiative is to help the teachers provide adequate resources such as modules to their students without compromising their own money.

The initiative started because our kababayans in Cagayan Valley were in desperate need of assistance due to Typhoon Ulysses. A former Saint Jude College teacher assisted them in transporting the donations from Manila to the designated location.

A donation drive to raise funds to provide a PHP 300 monthly load allowance to fifty (50) Senior High School Students — somehow lessening their burdens as to where they may acquire the budget to support their online learning. However, at the end of the fundraising drive, the team decided to take it one step further and partner with BiyayaNiJuan in their project entitled “Project TALA: Tuition Assistance and Learning Advantage”. Through this project, selected students will receive financial assistance and stipends every quarter of an academic year. They currently have 5 scholars for this academic year with a stipend of Php 20,000 each as financial assistance.

Senior High School Students

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SPOTLIGHT

VOL. IV - ISS. 1

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SPOTLIGHT

Paano nga ba magpasalamat?

arami ka bang natanggap na regalo nitong Pasko at sa buong isang taon? Mainam na magpasalamat tayo sa lahat ng ating natanggap na biyaya. Marami ang nakakalimot na magpasalamat. Tulad na lang ng sampung ketungin na pinagaling ni Hesus, ngunit isa lang ang bumalik sa kanya para magpasalamat. Ito ay isang patunay na kapag nakatanggap na tayo ng biyaya …naatuon na tayo sa ibinigay sa atin kaysa sa taong nagkaloob o nagmagandang loob sa atin. Ang regalo o handog sa atin ay isa lamang simbolo ng kabutihang loob ng taong nakakaalala sa atin. Lalo na ngayong pasko. Hindi mahalaga kung malaki o maliit…marami o kaunti ang regalong ating natanggap, ang mahalaga ay naalala ka ng taong nagmamahal sa iyo. It’s the thought that counts… ika nga. Paano nga ba ang magpasalamat?

Mr. Joseph Duyan

naman sa tayo ay nagmamalaki bagkus pirarating natin sa taong nagbigay sa atin ng halaga ang ating lubos na kagalakan. PRACTICE THE PRESENT MOMENT OF GRATITUDE Mainam ang magpasalamat agad sa kanilang nagawang bigay na biyaya o kabutihan. ACT OF KINDNESS Hindi ibig sabihin na nararapat lang na mabigay ka ng sukli sa kanilang ginawa ng direkta. Bagkus maaaring sa ibang paraan tulad ng kusang loob na pagawa ng kabutihan sa kanila. Pwedeng sa materyal o sa espiritwal. Tulad ng panalangin na alay natin sa kanila.

Sabi nga sa librong The Little Prince…“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” COUNT YOUR BLESSING Huwag nating ikiumpara kung makano o ilan ang ating natanggap na biyaya bagkus pasamalamat tayo sa kanilang tiwala sa atin. MAKE IT A HABIT Ugalin natin ang magpasalamat. Bilang pagkilala at pagtanggap ng bukal sa puso ang ibinigay na biyaya sa atin. Higit sa lahat,

magpasalamat tayo sa Diyos na siyang tunay na dahilan ng ating kagalakan. Hindi pa man tayo huminigi inihanda na niya ang lahat para sa atin. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ( Jeremiah 29:11) May magandang plano ang Diyos para sa atin arawaraw. Maging sa darating bagong taon. Pasalamat tayo sa kanya at atin siyang papurihan sa ating buhay. Be grateful and be a blessing to others. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2.

JOURNAL LIST Maaari nating isulat ang mga pangalan ng taong ating nais pasalamat hindi lang nitong pasko kundi sa buong buong buhay natin. Ang ating mga magulang , kapamilya, kapuso, kapatid at kaibigan, silang mga nagmamahal sa atin. Mainam ito para wala tayong makaligtaan. USE THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY Maaaring i-shout out natin sa social media sa Fb o sa Youtube live, twitter at Instagram. Hindi

Cartoon by Mr. Joseph Duyan

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VOL. IV - ISS. 1 A Double Ended

here are moments in our lives when we lose the notion of why life is a great gift to have. We fail to acknowledge its worth up until the time that we are in the brink of a downfall or almost at hand-in-hand with death. With the restrictions brought upon the situation we are in, we are unable to live our life the way we designed it to be. Instead, we became confided in the safety of our homes along with the never-ending hopes to finally break free and once again taste the way of life we have always perceived as normal. Everything was sudden, but for one of our Klasmeyts, a moment came a bit too sudden to swallow. And he found himself standing on a very thin line between life and death. “Griffin”, a Grade 12 student from the HUMSS strand, was infected with the COVID-19 virus after contracting it from his sister who had shown symptoms. Griffin is the type of person who tries to maintain perfect attendance, even when the set-up was still face-to-face, until the day came when for the whole day of classes, he was nowhere to be found. In the first few days of his absence, the reason he provided was it was due to the frequent visits to the doctor; he showed no signs of illnesses to his teachers nor his classmates and proceeded to attend classes as he had always done while trying to participate as much as he could muster. Little did anyone know, Griffin already was in the initials of his suffering. As students, we are all so keen in performing well in our classes and trying to get

Agony Alyanna Mallari

Graphic Art by Alyanna Mallari

the marks that will satisfy our craving for good grades. Only a few number of people knew about his condition. And what I found saddening was that when he finally stopped attending classes after being confirmed of having the virus, the first thing that crossed his mind was not taking care of himself nor being enveloped by the fear of the end… instead it was the fear of failing his classes due to his inability to attend. “Mahirap sa una dahil masakit ‘yung lalamunan ko. Hindi ako makapasok dahil sa sakit at hindi ako makasabay sa klase.” “It’s hard at first since my throat was hurting a lot. I could not attend and keep up with my classes.” “Marami akong iniisip that time dahil natatakot ako na baka bumagsak ako o hindi makagawa ng gawain at marami akong absent.” “I was thinking about a lot of things that time because I was terrified of failing or being unable to do my requirements and I have a lot of absences.”

His response to my question baffled me, and I decided to ask how come his condition was not the primary thing which concerned him but instead was his attendance to his classes. Griffin responded that it was not because he was too complacent that he had a strong immune system nor because he had faith that he would surpass the challenge, but it was because his condition hindered his prior goal to prove to his family that he was not someone to be belittled. “That time, masyado akong minamaliit ng magulang ko kaya itong online class ‘yung chance kong patunayan sa’kanila na hindi ako karapatdapat maliitin,” he stated. “Wala akong paki sa COVID ‘nun, ang focus ko lang ay hindi bumagsak at maka-graduate ako this year.” “That time, I was being belittled by my parents and these online classes were my chance to prove to them that I’m not deserving to be belittled.” “I did not care about COVID, my only focus was to not fail and be able to graduate this year.”

Admittedly, that interview took an incredibly sharp turn from what was supposed to be a talk of experience being infected with COVID towards how the current educational setup fails to put a line between the family and education. As I interviewed him, the feelings I had shifted from being greatly proud that he fought to be well to a mixture of sadness, anger, empathy and sympathy; thinking how other students such as him were also in the same situation as he was, having the same feeling as he did… lost, in pain, or belittled. The trying times are where compassion should be present, but instead, it was at a loss. Thankfully, Griffin was able to surpass the challenge he had faced and won the battle against the virus. And with the compassion and help of his classmates who gladly assisted him in the works he had missed, Griffin was able to catch up and even ended the semester with honors. Klasmeyts, although others may not be able to exemplify empathy and compassion, let us not forget to continuously uphold that particular value not only towards our own classmates but also towards others whom we do not know may be suffering in the same circumstances as Griffin did. Moreover, education is indeed a gem, however, we should not forget that nothing is more important than taking care of ourselves. Life is a battle, but no matter how strong you view yourself to be, do not be complacent as life offers an endless number of twists and turns.

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SPOTLIGHT

CRAM-PED

ights on, books out, monitor’s plugged in, and a gulp of coffee! Cramped in a small room, whether it be in the morning or at night, most of us tried to cram at some point in our life. It’s either you were too busy doing other activities, or you’re just a natural-born procrastinator. Regardless, if you really have no choice but to cram, here are some techniques in cramming to make you survive the upcoming dilemma. Phones off. As students we try to search and thrive for excellence. But while cramming, a person absorbs too much information over a short period of time. And what’s worse than having a phone that can serve as a distraction for every minute? In most scenarios, you would just scroll at social media for a couple of minutes then go back to cramming. But then, after a few minutes, you go back to using your phone again! And once all these wasted minutes stack, you’d realize that you lost a lot of time just for little

Benido Viana III

information because you couldn’t concentrate. In fact, A study from The University of Chicago (2017) explained that even when a person refrains from opening his/her phone, just the presence of the phone itself is enough to reduce his/ her cognitive capacity. So, if possible, it would even be better to ask someone or a relative of yours to hide your phone while you’re still cramming. Keep in mind that excellence comes from a great price of responsibility. Ask for help. Sometimes, cramming alone can be so stressful and difficult. There are even some things that no matter how much you try to study; you just won’t get it. In this case, a lending hand from someone can be very helpful and beneficial. It may be from someone you trust or a relative. Either in social media or personally, ask them if they could help you. The more the brains that participate, the more solid that you become in absorbing information. Work together, communicate, and walk towards a shared goal. In fact, a study by

George et al. (2017) found that those who asked for help were more likely to get higher grades than those who didn’t. Always try to implement the value of solidarity. Because sometimes, there are battles that you can’t face alone no matter how hard you try. Jot down notes. Reading and memorizing is fine but some people tend to easily forget especially when studying a variety of topics. The tendency is, you’d remember about the last subject/topic that you studied about and forget those that you studied first. If you really are aiming for holistic and continuous learning, try to write the important points so that you can review them again and again. Once you jot down the key points, you don’t have to search the book again just to find a small piece of information. In this way, you’d save a lot of time and you can even use your notes as a new reviewer. Stay positive. Alright, so you’re trying to prepare for an upcoming exam tomorrow,

right? It may be stressful to absorb too much information in such a short amount of time but what’s done is done. The time that has been lost can never be back so right now, focus on what time that you still have. Think of something that will motivate you in order to continue cramming. If you keep on thinking negative thoughts like blaming yourself, what will happen to you? You’re just wasting more time and degrading your cognitive capacity. Take St. Vincent De Paul as an example. He was allegedly captured and enslaved for 2 years and yet he was able to remain firm with a strong faith in God. Lights off, books packed, monitor’s plugged out, and a glass of water! Cramming really isn’t an ideal practice for it does more harm than good. But now that you’re done, the last thing to do would be to take some rest, get some sleep, pray, and do your best for the upcoming day. In the end, it will depend on your ability with a mix of sheer determination.

Graphic Art by Ella Faye Velasco

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VOL. IV - ISS. 1

LIFE AS A WRITER

The Most Powerful Weapon is… a Pen?

was shivering and afraid --- so I grabbed my pen and started to write. It was around 2016 when I was convicted for a crime that I was falsely accused. It was a menacing and despairing experience. I couldn’t speak nor did anyone believe anything that I said. It felt as if the whole world was against me and there was nothing that I could do. For the first time of my life, my dignity was shattered and scattered to the ends of Earth. I sat, whimpering while hoping for salvation. And at the table, I found a pen, marking the start of my life as a writer. With a piece of paper, I wrote all of the things that I couldn’t say. I unleashed all the trash inside my head. Letters turned into words; words turned into phrases; phrases turned into sentences; sentences turned into a text. Whatever it is that I couldn’t say, I let the pen do the work. It was a new experience for me that I couldn’t forget. Until now, I still remember the joy from writing that day. Slowly, I began to love writing for it became my escape from reality. Every week, I would get a piece of paper and write whatever it is that’s in my head that’s not worth hiding. And then, I developed the hobby of writing about people, about places, stories that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Then I shared it with my mother. She was my very first reader and supporter. For that, I continued developing

Benido Viana III

my skills in the art of writing. A few months later, opportunity knocked at the door. The school publication, “The Greenfields” was looking for aspiring writers to compete for the upcoming Division Schools Press Conference otherwise known as “DSPC”. I submitted a sample of my work and fortunately, I was accepted as a feature writer. I was really cheery because I never really participated in any competitions for the past 5 years. This was a turning point for me. This was where I admitted and accepted writing as a new part of my life. When my friends ask me why I write, I tell them that it makes me feel like a dancer, dancing on an open field while staring at the countless shining stars. Naturally, they’d get confused. Then I explain to them, “The world, just like the open field, is very vast. Yet, when I write, dance in this case, I feel like I am free to the point that it can take me anywhere. But when I look at the stars in the sky, it makes me realize that there are many people who are isolated, never aware of what writing can do to them. Forever, they stay in the darkness in fear of the unknown. Can you imagine how long they’ve been hiding? I want to tell them things that they’ve never known, stories they can never imagine, I simply want them to dance with me. All it needs is a single pen!”. As a writer, I write not only to inform the people. I want to entertain them, to influence them, to pique their curiosity. Following

the formats and carefully constructing your sentences while doing all of these is no easy task. You don’t even know if your readers will like it or not. But what makes it challenging also makes the pen a powerful weapon that will break even the sharpest of swords, just as how I was able to make it my own. This is the life that I’ve lived and will live as a writer. Confident and grateful ---- the pen became my most powerful weapon.

Arduous Demise

Alyanna Mallari

he letters and words used to bleed easily onto the paper like a coin gliding down a velvet gown… but those words easily became empty and unspeakable. The ink which sept through the fibers of the paper turned invisible and the sheets of paper were crumpled and forgotten. Writing for seven years straight took its toll. Numerous topics were tackled, several articles were shredded, until every word spitted became an obligation rather than a passion. I have been writing since fifth grade, became a journalist at sixth, and inched towards the role of an Editor-inChief by the last year of Junior High School. Fast forward to Senior High School, I proceeded

to take up HUMSS which for a matter also prioritizes writing and once again took up a spot in the publication as a Feature Writer. If you would ask the 13 year-old me what I would want to take up in university or just flashback to my Junior High School admissions interview, “Journalism” was an automatic answer, which in the present is no longer the case. The art of writing appealed to me very much so, and still does; and to serve the people through unbiased journalism was the tip of the iceberg for that decision. Everything that I desired to do revolved around writing. I loved English classes and writing poetry, and History with reaction papers, Values Education with reflection papers… but overtime, everything went cold and the pursuance of the passion never dared to cross my mind-everything had faded. The loss of passion marked the loss of myself. By 10th grade in where I was stationed as a Layout Artist, I became acquiescent that perhaps writing was not the road laid out for my life. In 11th grade, I could not write without guide questions nor was I able to look for topics of which would pique my interest. Writing a single 500-word paper can take more than two days to be fulfilled and the result will still be unsatisfactory, yet I will have no drive to do revisions. I was gratified with the reason that I was not just as good as I had imagined in comparison to others, and maybe I should just stick to graphic design and layouting. However, I realized that that particular thinking was the exact reason I deprived my pen from scratching a paper. Meg Cabot, a novelist, once said, “The brave lives forever Continued on Page 24

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SPOTLIGHT

Graphic Art by Julianne Nicole Tiglao

istory’s greatest writers seem to have fascinating stories about their childhood that became the foundation of their passion. Talents honed by influence and intensive practices enhanced by years of training. Instructors, libraries, piles and piles of prompts, and sprawled poetry. They must have chewed papers and drank ink, gobbled books, and immersed themselves into the ocean of stories where they find themselves drowning in the universe of words. Yet for me, I sat into my throne and played chess with these shapes. Commonly, kids are of the peculiar kind. Disastrous and wild, in the very little worlds they own. It is common that at the first stroke of their pencils are weird scribbles, and as they age, they become a member of the common scripture--- easier to understand, to decipher. Old papers and books with my

scribble in it have shown how I wrote them in odd shapes, rather than letters themselves. Oddly, my figures had not disappeared even when I learned to write the letters of the alphabet. Amusingly, I was able to learn the alphabet quite easily thanks to these shapes, but the shapes did not stop appearing, and later developed something more. Time goes by and these letters become words, words become sentences. Likewise, shapes became solid pictures of what they are, and sentences became detailed sceneries. I see these words morph into what they depict, sometimes they dance in their merry toes and disappear after closing doors. Reading stories have never been dull and sparked fireworks in me, rushing into my veins and picking up the pen. The most powerful strokes and words pieced the puzzles of my written work, ever

as ethereal they could be. The butterflies, bees--- the agonizing roar of the word dragon raging in my ears, and my heart could sigh in content. I placed all the beautiful words I could muster yet it was later I realized there is more to writing than hanging the linens with silk cloth woven in gold. Regardless of how beautiful I imagine and piece these pictures together, my grammar is as horrible as five folds of disaster. I felt devastated when I had written one of my best stories and had a failing grade for now being grammatically incorrect. I thought it was a great story, yet the harsh words of my elementary teacher painted my pictures with gloom and grey. Words are all over the place and eventually, I stopped seeing these pictures all the time. Fortunately, I met my 8th grade English teacher who encouraged me to try and learn better grammar and discover new words for my vocabulary. He inspired me to discover new words while helping me build up the foundation of grammar. Mr. Botalon then accepted my application for the school paper, welcomed me to the family and appointed me as one of the replacing writers. My passion had been fueled by his trust and eventually, my gift had evolved beautifully. Like the earth’s plates formed a mountain, my words have now enabled me to feel the message of the proses I write. However, it was quite tragic that I honed my gift to the point that I no longer needed to write. I was able to feel and print the scenery into my memory, and these letters are not forming shapes anymore. My paper is now a canvas and seeping into the woven cloth is the cold strokes of a brush soaked in the tint and hue of a newly born passion. My life had been made magical with vast worlds of stories and poetry. Nothing could stress enough how huge the role it has in improving myself,

both as a writer and a person. Some things are just meant to be bridges to our end, and some are meant to be everlasting with our souls. It is not a short journey in the arms of writing, and I could say that the same strong arms had never failed to raise me into heights I never thought I could reach. And as I touch the sky and play with the clouds, I find peace holding the colors and watching the dancing lights knowing it was all because of writing that I was able to be found. Ashley Jan Nicole Legaspi

Arduous Demise Continuation...

but the cautious do not live at all.”. I realized that what made me lose my passion was fear. I became terrified of the thought that I may not have been improving and let the knowledge that others are better than I in my field get to me. With my years in the field, I was daunted to be criticized and make people think that I was notimproving. I was terrified to take risks and explore styles out of my comfort zone. I was cautious, and I let myself settle with the fear to the point that I had moved forward conjoined with it, rather than facing opposition to it. My driving force was reaching expectations rather than my reason for it being service— and it drained me to the core. What constrains us from pursuing our passion differ. As writers, we can be forced to roll out numbers of words either flowery or formal until we no longer have anything to say. Until we have emptied out our suitcase of vocabularies and thoughts-that us ourselves become empty. However, in the end, we must remind ourselves that criticisms and reactions are ephemeral, but the grounds of why we are writing remains constant… journalism is not for our personal gratification. It is and will always be for the people.

25 | Literary

VOL. IV - ISS. 1

Dapithapon

Francheska Hilario

indi talaga ako naniniwala sa mga sinasabi ng iba. May sarili akong desisyon at kagustuhan. Dahil alam ko sa sarili ko na kapag sinundan ko ang mga mumo ng mga biskwit na mula sa bibig ng iba, alam kong hindi ako makakarating sa destinasyon na gusto ko, sa pangarap ko. Ngunit iba ang kalaban ko. Iba ang hadlang ko. Hindi kuro-kuro ng mga tao o ang pamilya ko. Oras. Maraming bagay ang oras. Mga bayarin, mga deadline, panahon, utang, buhay. Buong buhay ko ramdam kong ipinagdamot sa akin ng mundo ang oras. Na para bang napakalaki ng kasalanan ko noong dating buhay ko na hanggang ngayon pinagbabayaran ko. Na para bang napakasama ng ugali ko at karma na ‘yung gumagalaw. Ang oras ay magnanakaw, kontrabida, madaya, oportunista, parang gulo na hahanap-hanapin ka, hindi ka nito tatantanan. “Hindi mo pwedeng ihulma ang mga bagay batay sa kagustuhan mo.” Ito ang sabi ng nakatatanda sa’kin. Alam ko naman na hindi porket gusto ko, masusunod na. Na hindi porket dinarasal ko, ibibigay. Na panaginip lamang ang nasa isip ko. Na hindi tugma sa panahon iyong mga pangarap ko, kumbaga hindi akma. Kulang ang isang araw. Kulang ang bente-kwatro oras. Kulang ang isang libong minuto. Kulang ang walumpung libong segundo. Para bang gusto ko habaan ang araw o kaya kahit ibalik ang oras para maperpekto ang nakaraan. Nakasabit sa pader, pasulong ang andar, hindi ka nito babalikan. Ngunit may bagay na bumabagabag sa likod ng isip ko, na magagawa mo ang imposible, kung iisipin mo na posible. Na bilog ang mundo,na tulad ng orasan ay bilog, umiikot. Na para bang kapag

pinakawalan ko ito, mawawalan ako ng pagkakakilanlan: sino ba ako? Kapag ang araw ay naging gabi, ang bukang liwayway ay naging takipsilim, ang mga kape ay lumamig, ang kasiyahan ay hindi na darating - Babalik sa kaharian ng pantasya, iikot ang oras sa lugar na mapayapa. Napakaraming bagay ang oras, ngunit hindi ito kalaban. Ni hindi rin ito magnanakaw tulad nang iniisip ko. Dahil ito ay guro na tuturuan ka sa mga bagay na hindi mo pa alam. Na mas matimbang pa ang ito kaysa sa barya. Na kahit hindi mo pagmamay-ari ang oras ay magagamit mo ito. Dahil ang oras ay regalo. Regalo na matagal mo nang hinihintay, kinasasabikan, pinapanalangin. Pinapanalangin ko na sana umangkop ang oras sa kalagayan ko, na sana kapag dumating yung bagay na pinagdarasal ko umangkop ‘yung panahon. At alam kong darating ‘yon. Na tulad ng oras, hindi ka man nito hintayin, mapagpasensya ito. Dahil alam ko. Alam ko na bilog ang mundo, na tulad ng orasan, iikot ito nang iikot nang iikot nang iikot. Dahil darating ‘yong oras na oras na para ikaw naman ‘yong nasa itaas. Ikaw naman ‘yong nasa unahan na papanigan pagkatapos ng bente-kwatrong paghihirap, isanlibong luha, walumpung libong dasal na hindi pinakinggan. - Lahat ay magiging ayos sa kamay ng oras. Sa kaharian ng pantasya, Iikot ang oras sa lugar na mapayapa, Magkikita tayo sa gitna, Na kahit hindi man ito ang realidad, Walang makakapagsabi kung ano ang delusyon kapag pumatak na ang alas dose ng umaga.

Illustration by Gerrelyn Mae Biasura

THE MOTION CAPTURE AT AUREA PARK

Sophia Erin Ragudo

here is an odd picture in display when a sleek black car pulls up at the entrance of Aurea Park. Hardly a tourist spot, the place is littered with memoirs of the past and the stowaways. The trees have grown past their prime, a contrasting image to the young fellows barely making it every day. The fountain had long lost its beauty and is currently covered in bodies shivering through the night. The rickety swing stood out to the gentleman that got out of the car. The usually stoic face breaks formation as the film plays in his eyes. It was a beautiful day for a picnic in the park. There was laughter heard from the entrance of Aurea Park. The trees gave a perfect shade to the families beneath. The fountain was pristine and the floor covered with coins and dreams. There were two children playing in the swing, flying as high as the other can push. It was a perfect scene for a framed family photo that will be on the mantelpiece. The smiles in their eyes shined brighter as they played around. There are various persons scattered as the man in the black suit enters Aurea Park. There are kids ranging from toddlerhood to teen hood vying for scraps. There are elders sitting in their spot and holding the fort. In a sense, the man may have entered a battlefield instead of the once glorious place. The smiles he remembered from that day is a phantom from what he is seeing today. There are bloodshot eyes watching his every step as he traverses the paths. Thin arms reach out to him for the hope of living another day. The forlorn faces that surround him may have come from a black and white photograph. It is a remarkable shot of the restoration process. As they bring out the modernistic sign at the entrance of Aurea Park, the usually stoic face of the man may have smiled a little. It is a breathtaking moment to witness the transformation from a black and white photograph to a colorful montage. The people scattered about can finally call this place home. There are no more bodies shivering through the night as they are covered in thick blankets. There are scheduled provisions for the occupants of this upcoming place. The fountain bursts with water as the hopes and dreams become reinvigorated. The gentleman in the black suit walks back to his car with a spring in his step and pulls out of the future tourist spot.

26 | Literary To be in the Field of a Fighter’s Heart: An Open Letter Trisha Kate Tizon

SPOTLIGHT A World of Sally Found Her Missing Piece

Domestic Bliss

It is beyond a man's capability to handle every bit of the struggle in a newly changed world where most resources are now scarce. Landing a Sophia Erin Ragudo foot on each move in the hopes of imbibing a gleaming light at the end is no different from a game where one is acquired to dice with death, What do you see outside your similarly for a student who is just beginning to pave his way into an window? uncertain future. Far worse, what if, in the midst of development, life What do you see inside your places you in the midst of attempting to resolve such a situation? One home? may take a step back out of fear, while the other may take a step forward What do you see in the streets? because courage is established. Regardless of the circumstances, the end What do you see out there in the goal remains the same: to live. world? The year 2020 is an excellent example of a false façade with a multitude Are your eyes open to all the of unexpected layers beneath it, circumstances that led the majority of madness? people to assume that it would be a chapter of growth and prosperity, Are you blind to all the efforts of but rather led the world into a global crisis. For one thing, I have seen normalcy? a lot. I was so used to going outside and hanging out with my parents. Throughout the chapters of my existence, nature has been basically No matter how much one is my life. All seemed to be going well at the time, but that was just my domesticated perception. Going back to March 15th of the preceding year, what I had At the hands of survival, the in mind was that not being able to leave the house for a month was a bit of primal instincts are awaken a challenge. But, no, not at all. Those meanderings were mere fragments Outside your window, wild of fantasy that I forced this brain of mine to contemplate. animals scattered I recall dragging myself out of a dream and attempting to wake up at Inside your home, there are crying a time of day when the sun was only beginning to rise, but now, my children hand snaking down to grab the laptop, only to join a class with this brain As you stare into nothing and still half asleep. Physical interactions that turn into virtual comforts; walk out the streets receiving excitement every time there would be group activities within A penny for your thoughts and the class. All of the emotions were present: the thrill, the pressure, and one for them to keep the love- I felt it all. Indeed, when this pandemic arrived and decided to destroy the present, everything was altered. With linking hands, everyone This is a letter for someone who has been in a situation similar to mine marches and has had to deal with the same tough circumstance. Things may appear With serious faces, they ask for to be overly difficult; they will appear to be excessive. However, you will more be able to dominate challenges using such a strategy, which you have No longer accepting the bare used many times in your life. As you go through the process, you should minimum know that you are extremely powerful, and that you will be ready to face Longing for the time they can however much life has in store for you. You could become overwhelmed freely travel the world as a result of the challenges. It may make you feel as if nothing good will To converse with each other in an ever happen to you again; it could seem to be beyond repair; however, informal manner rest assured that all is fine. Simply go at your own pace and take as much Without the fear, the distance and time as you need to work out a way. By the same token, although this the barriers sounds cliché, life is indeed not a race, but rather a never-ending phase from which you can reap an equally fulfilling reward if you put in the One step outside your home and time and effort deemed necessary. you can finally breathe The year of realization will be recalled. You have gained a lot of insight With a mountain of gold that you into yourself and the world around you. You have seen how you dealt can keep with difficulties and problems that you never expected to arise. You have Attend the gatherings that you had worked out who you will need and how you can best represent them. missed Perhaps you have even discovered what entices you— whether it be a These are what you envision and new hobby, a new goal, or a new passion. The prior year foresaw a lot dream of improvements, as well as many happy and sad days. Without a doubt, These are the product of your it was one of those moments that would be long remembered. Now, in sweat and tears 2021, it is up to you to take these words to heart and apply everything you As you go back to a world of have learned over the prior episode of our lives, whatever it might be, in domestic bliss. order to make it the best one yet.

Trisha Kate Tizon

Illustration by Voughn Luber

There was a girl named Sally. Walking home alone with the sun hiding from above, she felt lifeless while gazing down the rock. In her home she lie down upon the filthy bed. Hoping one day something would come of what might bring her soul back. With eyes fixed upon the ceiling she uttered, “What a coward you are.” Sally had no idea how it happened, but perhaps it was the truth that long resides in her heart. Standing up from where she was, she perched upon the grimy seat. Her hand then grabbed the timeworn pen, there, she wrote her thoughts with spirit. Suddenly, curve made its way to her mouth; a structure that started out as a single sentence, now an entire new paragraph. From there Sally pondered— that through the divine art of literature one’s perished heart can be revived, only if tried.

27 | Literary

VOL. IV - ISS. 1

Where did the trees go?

Trisha Kate Tizon

mokes are invading the city; the birds have nowhere to perch on. The land that was once filled with enthusiasm is now dull as you can imagine. Where did the trees go? “Beep! Beep!”, the only rhythm that is echoing around the property. You are having a deep slumber inside your room and this sound causes you to sense this aggravating feeling. So, you clutch the white sheet with your hands and cover your head to continue receiving this great gratification from sleeping. Suddenly, a ray of light strikes your visage that makes your eyes open. The feeling of exasperation you are sensing has become more intense. Deciding to close the blinds. you stand up. But, before you are able to do the action, you feel your heart

skipped a beat. Recollecting the good old few years the Earth had been, buildings were seldom found. People were not into using automobiles so they chose to saunter to be able to reach their specific destinations. Sad to think the aroma of leaves used to hold the dominance over fumes. “Go downstairs now, the breakfast is ready,” said your mother. She was standing right at the entrance of your room. You did not perceive her voice so she called for your attention once again. This time, you regarded her presence. Full and clear. Your mother noticed the face of yours was overlaid with negativity. She asked why and you responded, “How come our generation has turned this reckless?” While you were meandering on the staircase,

heading to the lower part of the abode, you hear the television flashing news. It catches your attention so you position yourself near to the object with ears open. “The law, which has been passed by the country’s lower parliamentary house, formalizes a tradition of planting trees upon graduation, which also hoped to simultaneously combat global climate change”, said the reporter. The eyes of yours beam. You begin sensing this huge feeling of optimism. You feet, your heart throbbing again. That, there is still a tiny piece of hope after all with the company of current and future generations. To the question “Where did the trees go?” perhaps the good things are not yet to manifest themselves, but there is hope and it is coming.

Island of Hope Sophia Erin Ragudo

Can you hear the buzzing music in the deck below? Can you feel the light breeze as we navigate the deep waters? Don’t you feel excited as we leave the coast? A new adventure just beyond the reach of our fingers The storm is building from the words they throw The expectations in the air made the rain fall harder A girl in the balcony was standing alone She welcomed the rain, she welcomed the cold She was stuck in the middle of the ocean Sailing a sinking boat through the Mediterranean She was drowning in her own sorrows She was swimming for an island of hope The fight for air had become grueling Just a little more, we’re nearly at the shore Breathe in and breathe out, keep your heads up above

Is it worth it though, swimming for an island of hope? She can already imagine the warm feeling As she made her way across the sand at the shore It was truly a new beginning, an island of hope She mastered the art of building walls To enclose herself, to make a home Teary and glazed eyes look back at her Locked in a casket, she lived no more Leaving the world and pulling the trigger She tried her best to carry the world on her shoulders She tried everything till her very last breath She tried holding on to planks as she kept swimming She tried holding on and keep breathing Their expectations and demands drowned her Their words and hopes are the guns that shot her

Diwa Jacob Corona

yaon lamang naparaon upang rurok ay lalo pang ibaon sa dilim at lalim nang diwang balon itatag ang sagisag sa dakong layon ulirat ay gisingin siya’y aking pakay mga sandata’t kalasag ay akin nang naihanay pagka’t libo-libong balisong sa akin ay kakatay upang ang balat ay ikubli sa delubyong antabay lupang nagtuyot at tikis nang natigang mga ugat at paksa ay tuluyan nang lumuwang sa dagok nang hinagpis iniyukod na ang dulang upang sahurin ang lakas ng Diyos sa aki’y isinilang rito na’t tubig na puro’t malumanay gawing dalisay ang pinsala na sa aki’y nakaratay magmamaliw ang galos, mapapawi ang malay pagka’t daluyong nang ibig sa aki’y nagbalik-buhay ngayo’y nalalanghap ang sipol ni amihan na hinahagkan ang dibdib na dati’y nagugulumihanan nilalamyos ang aking pisngi sa isang himbing na hantungan pagka’t ang puso ko’y lulo sa kalingang di mapamamarisan dagundong ng apoy nagaalab, nagbabaga tila leon na sumisibol sa pagtindig nang dakilang umaga ito’y handang sumulong, handang makibaka upang pag-ibayuhin ang imbulog ng giliw na pinagpala bawat letrang kinaltas, bawat letrang hinayag isisisid, iluluwas, upang sa’yo’y aking maidayag ipamamalas ang lahat, yaon lamang malayag na pagmamahal sa’yo’y aking mabunyag

28 | Comics

SPOTLIGHT

Created by Voughn Luber

Coffee Break Created by Voughn Luber

29 | Entertainment

VOL. IV - ISS. 1

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE! Created by Jiwani Lou Gulinao

CROSS-WORD PUZZLE Created by Sophia Erin Ragudo

30 | Sports SPOTLIGHT Athletes Stray Further from Scholarships

s the sports competitions of various educational institutions have been put on hold due to the pandemic, some student-athletes are placed at risk of losing their scholarships. Certain schools have already performed cost-cutting measures which included reducing the full scholarship of such athletes or completely withdrawing it. In this time of COVID-19 which continues to linger, they may just go through more uneasy adjustments. Numerous student-

athletes have to rely on competing in athletic events to consistently fund their education, and while the pandemic has cancelled sports competitions, this has cancelled some scholarships as well. Their financial secureness was impacted along with their physical and mental well-being, especially with the bothersome feeling of being negatively affected by budget cuts. Without question, adapting to the new normal has added the responsibility of keeping their athleticism

in check even without the physical support of teammates. Although, one good thing is that home-based routines have found its way to maintaining their physical fitness, such as how Adamson University’s very own boys’ volleyball team have persistently exercised with the guidance of Coach Marvin Ramoso while uploading videos of these said exercises online. The persistence of routines for any student is indeed beneficial, and if athletes persevered to elevate their skills, a new door will always be opened despite

setbacks. During these trying times, the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul endures with the Adamson community as student-athletes inspire their fellowmen. Even with scholarships being withdrawn in schools across the country, other types of support can be found in those who are willing to lend a hand. The worst is yet to come for the said students, but from time to time, it’s important to remember those supportive relationships which can keep you strong and firm. Mykha Lianne Maravilles

Former Soaring Falcon Jerrick Ahanmisi Off to Greater Heights

Mikaela Anne Vallesteros

ast March 13, the 46th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft, the Magnolia Hotshots selected Adamson Soaring Falcons’s star guard Jerrick Ahanmisi. Ahanmisi first announced that he’s skipping his final year of eligibility last December 11, 2020 following the cancellation of the 83rd season of the UAAP due to “health and safety” concerns. “I just feel like I’m ready for the PBA, and ready to start a new journey in my career. It’s going to be a tough one to pursue, but I’m ready to work and grind for it,” he said in one of his interviews with Rappler Sports. In his interview with Mikee Reyes’s “Quick ISO” last February 10, 2021, Ahanmisi explained that after the PBA waived its D-League requirement, he quickly grabbed the opportunity to play in the next level. “I was like, I actually have [like] a chance to play and

be [like] a professional basketball player - which is like a dream for me. Why not take an opportunity to accomplish your dream that you’ve been working so hard for your entire life, you know and play as many years as you possibly can,” he shared. The star guard represented the university as he was part of the Mythical 5 team last Season 81 and peaked with an average of 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 39% from the three-point range. During his final season, he led the team with 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists with 34% from the field. Now, he wants to create a name for himself once he enters into the PBA, aiming to make his own path and out of the shadows of his older brother, Maverick. Ever since bringing pride and leading the team to three Final Four appearances with the former King Falcon Sean Manganti, Jerrick had placed his mark as one of the best players to ever play for the university.

This photo was taken by Angelo Julius Ico during Adamson Blue Falcons vs UST Growling Tigers elimination round of UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball at the Ynares Center in Antipolo last October 26, 2019. Photo from The Adamson Chronicle's Facebook Page Caption by Jonnah Mae Leoberas

The Blue and White Waves on High

s the pandemic affected the field of sports, not only athletes are missing the actions in the UAAP, but also the fans and enthusiasts who continuously support the teams. With the lack of interaction and sports events, a good way to cultivate our values is to look back and reminisce the Vincentian spirit during the games especially in Season 81. In University Athletic Association of the Philippines

(UAAP) Season 81, one of the highlights was the Men’s Collegiate Basketball as the Soaring Falcons tried to bury the Fighting Maroons in their 32 year drought. The teams were eyeing for a spot in the semis which resulted in a do-or-die game. Tension filled the arena as the players shoot their shot in every play. In the end, Adamson lost to University of the Philippines (UP) in an overtime with a two-pointdeficit of 89-87. Continued on Page 17

VOL. IV - ISS. 1

A UAAP Fan’s New Normal

s soon as I heard the drums, seeing athletes warming up before tipoff and fans screaming—and that’s when it sunk in, it’s UAAP season once again. That time of the year. I remember the first time I heard those drums the feeling of the beating adrenaline of the cheers. It doesn’t matter in which school you came from, but once you’re in it, you just find yourself getting hyped up. Especially when the athletes go out from the locker room, the energy it gives off is euphoric. But even so, it had to end too soon. Last April 7, 2020 the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) cancelled Season 82 amid the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) which stopped events like volleyball, football, 3x3 basketball, baseball and many others. When UAAP Season 82 got cancelled, spectators and athletes alike were saddened by the decision made by the Board, but it was deemed necessary for everyone’s safety, especially during the pandemic. With this, many athletes resorted to social media to stay connected with their fans. How is it like to be a UAAP fan during a pandemic where there’s no sporting events? Now that the arenas are closed and we can’t hear the buzzer go off for the first time, what did they do to make it seem like it’s still there? The now dissolved Sports branch of ABS-CBN released virtual programs like SRSLY. with National University’s (NU) Shaun Ildefonso, Homework featuring different volleyball athletes, the first at-home dunk contest with University of the Philippines’ (UP) Juan Gomez de

Mikaela Anne Vallesteros

Photo by Mikaela Anne Vallesteros

Liaño, De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Jaime Malonzo and Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) Thirdy Ravena as contestants. Unfortunately, these programs were put to stop following the denial of the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. Asides from these programs, many athletes also started their own YouTube channel to talk about their UAAP career, personal life and interests. Some also started streaming while playing their favorite games. Our very own Jerrick Ahanmisi does his own stream on his Facebook page. The rise of Filipino sports podcasts also started during the pandemic. One of my personal favorites are “CALL TO ARMS” hosted by SLAM Philippines EIC, UAAP commentator Nikko Ramos and “NO CAP” hosted by Sports Writer Colin Salao joined by athletes Marc Salandanan, Anton Asistio and Thirdy Ravena. Call to Arms is entertaining and knowledgeable at the same time as a UAAP fan and a sportswriter. Some of my favorite episodes are the ones with Mico Halili and Coach Tab Baldwin. In Sir Mico’s episode,

they talked about their careers in the field of Sports Media which gave me important insights and tips while writing an article. While in Coach Tab’s episode, he talked about how he conceptualized the defense his team is playing in the arena and one quote stayed with me even after listening to the pod: “It’s just the process of adapt and survive. And it’s what we try to do all the time.” On the other hand, No Cap is a podcast by the athletes and for the fans. Featuring an all-Atenean line up, the podcast aims to tell stories about different athletes, not just from basketball but also different sports. It’s funny and it really gives you a behind-thescene context of what an athlete goes through without any filter. Over the course of the pandemic, with all the social issues happening in our country, many UAAP athletes raised their own opinions and helped raise awareness, breaking the stigma that they should just stick to sports. For them, there’s more to life than just their respective sports. As athletes themselves, they have a platform to also inform people of what’s happening in our society. Though UAAP is currently all over the news over the past couple of weeks, we share the same longing for the game. For now, as we are trapped in our homes, uncertain when it’s coming back—the videos and podcasts will make us feel like it’s there. Though it will not suffice the excitement every possession, what’s important is we get to hear stories we haven’t heard before. One day, we’ll see the lights and hear the buzzer. We’ll hear the drums that give life to the blue and white crowd and at the end of the game, we’ll be the first ones to sing the alma mater song.

31 | Sports The Blue and White Waves on High Continuation...

While the Falcons tries to drum out the Fighting Maroons in their “Atin To” run, “klasmeyts” were boosting the team’s morale and hyping the crowd as they cheered “A-DAM-SON! U!!!” and “Unawakanahimo!” trying to outdone the opponent. The arena was filled with a sea of light and the colors of blue and white while screaming the team’s respective chants at the top of their lungs. Thousands of Adamsonians were present at the Big Dome as the admins decided to cancel classes to support the team. The crowd did not fail Coach Franz’ hopes of giving the team an additional lift as the Soaring Falcons continued to keep the ball in play even though they were down in double digits. The team’s history and record played a big part in the crowd support. In the past years, Falcons were not able to bring the crown in San Marcelino. This season, the number of supporters were doubled as they claimed victory one after another. The athletes were hoping to secure a spot in the finals as a result of a twice-to-beat advantage after ranking second in the elimination round of the season. The team did not only deal with their rival but also sports enthusiasts who are anticipating a podium finish. The Soaring Falcons have so much to be proud of as they gave their best in every play to bring honor and glory to the whole community. It was indeed a heartbreaking loss for the Falcons that gave us an emotional ending, but one thing is for sure, they’ll be back and be better. Time will come for the Falcons to soar higher and earn the championship again. Vincentians will look back to this game and realize how solidarity is established in the midst of hardship, how the crowd holds on to their hopes and how passionate the athletes are. Alvinia Lopez