1. Academics
At the end of the day, you’re a student first. That’s why Academics is the first pillar of Barkada. The Academics Chair is representative of this pillar. We know how hard it can be balancing schoolwork, personal life, and Barkada. The Academics Chair is here to help you through this journey through providing academic workshops, Barkada study rooms where you can study with friends, and our little/big mentorship program called KKAA! (Kuya, Kuyate, Ate) where you get picked up by a big specially picked for you based on your own personality and interests. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people as you’ll be part of a “Line” and a “Family” and it’s just nice to have someone to depend on and support you during your time here!
3. Athletics
Physical and mental health are important things us college students may neglect during our time here. That’s why Athletics is a pillar! The Athletics Chair represents this pillar and is here to help us stay active through providing Intramural games where you can play different sports with your friends in our BRIC gym and helping us stay grounded through tough times we may face here with mental health workshops. They also host Sportsfest which is an event that takes place at different schools where you can compete in teams with your friends against other Barkada members and other schools! It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, spend quality time with your friends, and let off stress in a helathy way!
2. Culture
Barkada is a Filipino cultural club! Helping us get back in touch with our roots is a big part of Barkaa’s purpose. The Culture Chair is the one in charge of this aspect of the club and is here to educate us through weekly posts teaching us about Filipino phrases and regular Culture Corners and Craft events where we learn about and participate in Filipino History and traditions. Their biggest event is PACN (Pilipino American Culture Night) which is a completely student-led play. The Culture Chair actually writes the whole script. During PACN you can participate in Filipino culture dances, acting, or working backstage in committees for graphic design, props, lighting, and costumes, etc. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and learn more about yourself as a Filipino!
4. Social
Barkada is both a cultural and social club! As college students it’s important to meet new people and network, and we inherently as humans just need friends and a support system! Especially the new students or current students who feel lost in such a new environment. That’s why there is a Social pillar and the Social Chair who represents it! Our Social Chair is here to support us and help us come out of our shell to meet new people! They are in charge of Barkada’s social events and are also in charge of one of the biggest events of the first semester- Friendship Games which is a big event in CSUF where Filipino Clubs from all over California and even out of state to participate in games and friendly competition!
Dear reader,
Welcome to the first edition of Anong Balita! This has been in the works for months! From interning at The Poly Post designing spreads for The Bronco Guide, being PR for Pilipino Graduation designing posts and the program, to being elected as your 20242025 Public Relations Officer- Every experience and lesson I have been taught has inspired the vision I have for this issue, my first as the Editor-in-Chief of Anong Balita.
“Anong Balita” translates to “What’s the news” and is Barkada’s student-led magazine. Being in charge of this was an honor and I’m excited for what’s to come with my term. When I ran for PR, I made it clear I wanted to make a Barkada survival guide for incoming and returning members to be given out at the start of the year. Seeing this vision come to life makes me so proud. But this magazine couldn’t have been done without the hard work of my Anong Balita Committee and Executive Board. Thank you, I’m forever grateful to have such a creative and hardworking team and I’m so excited for what we’ll create going forward and who may join us on this journey! Possibly you?
Creating this issue, I wanted to focus on the student experience. I wanted to give a glimpse of what life in CPP and Barkada is like! For the freshmen, it’s a new environment and it can definitely be scary- I’ve been there. I hope this can give you valuable advice about being a CPP student and a glimpse into the vast opportunities Barkada provides. For the returning members, I want you to feel acknowledged and appreciated! We see you, and we’re grateful for your continued support. At the end of the day, we’re here to be your friend.
Whoever you are, I hope you enjoy this issue of Anong Balita and can see the hard work and passion that was put into this.
For culture, for creativity, for community,
Jaiden Pajulio Editor-in-Chief Anong Balita: First Edition
Welcome Back Barkada!
As we embrace the start of a new semester, I am thrilled to welcome you all to the first edition of Anong Balita! This issue is packed with stories, updates, and features that showcase the vibrant spirit of Barkada here at Cal Poly Pomona.
First and foremost, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work are what make Barkada a thriving and dynamic community. It is your passion that fuels our mission to celebrate our culture, advocate for our needs, and foster a strong sense of camaraderie among our members.
In this issue, we’re excited to share highlights from our summer and early fall, including our cultural showcases, your new e-board, and social gatherings. We’ve also included insightful articles from our members about personal experiences and reflections on our heritage. I hope these stories resonate with you and inspire you as much as they have inspired me.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of events and initiatives planned for the coming months. Whether you’re interested in deepening your cultural knowledge, getting involved in community service, or simply connecting with fellow students, there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for announcements and make sure to join us as we continue to make an impact both on campus and in the broader community.
Thank you once again for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, we are not just a student union; we are a family that celebrates our shared heritage and looks out for one another. Let’s continue to build on this incredible journey, and I look forward to seeing all the amazing things we will accomplish together.
Warm regards,
Tomas Montero President, Filipino American Student Union Cal Poly Pomona
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“we take care of our own”
Being president is really an honor. I’m so excited to lead such an incredible group of talented people. I want to preserve the safe and inviting space that Barkada calls home, while also expanding and educating our community to the world around us. I believe that our friendships made here are special, many even develop into family, including my own. Being lifelong learners and keeping our minds open are key to figuring out who we are as young adults, as Filipinos, as Americans, and as people. I’d love nothing more to extend that level of care and compassion with as many people during my term. Whether it be at CPP, or with other orgs in the Fil-Am space, whether you’re just joining or a celebrated returner, we take care of our own here.
Tomas Montero
“Life be so crazy sometimes.”
Heyyyyyy~~! My name is Aidan Ancheta and I'm Wav-E Board's Vice President. I'm back for another term (shoutout Starr-E CLC) and here to help you guys in all sorts of ways! Whether you want to network with alumni and gain useful resources for post-grad or join Internship Board to learn about how Wav-E Board operates Barkada, I got lots in store for ya. As for me, I like hanging out with friends, eating good food (no price is too steep!) and going to life4cuts~! Come say hi and hope you are excited for what's in store for the year :3
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Major: Barkada Year: Aidan Ancheta He/Him March 17th, 2003 4th
Computer Engineering Spic-E
“I have an abundant amount of love in my life, and I’m grateful for that.” - SZA
Hi barkada! My name is Zoe Lebrilla, I'm a fifth year chemical engineering major with a minor in materials engineering and chemistry AND I am this years ACADEMICS CHAIR! I ran for academics chair last spring because I wanted to advocate for the balance between school life, personal life, and mental and physical health! We may not be the same majors, but I know if we all support each other we can all make it through CPP and graduate strong.
Some things about me is that I love to crochet and knit so I'm always down to have a crafting day. I am not the best cook, but I can bake rly yummy ube cookies and leche flan! I'm looking forward to meeting all the new members of Barkada this year and making new memories for my last year of college.
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“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan” - Jose Rizal
Freshman Ianna would not believe it if you told her that she’d be culture chair one day. I’m very honored and grateful for those that believe in me, and I promise to uphold all of the things I said I would do. I will consistently push for more culture and representation in Barkada, so I hope that you guys follow me every step of the way. I will try and spread more awareness and knowledge about things in our culture that not a whole lot of people love to talk about, and I hope that you’ll be able to find a thing or two that resonates and sticks with you. <3
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Ianna Carreon
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March 27th, 2004
3rd
Electrical Engineering Spic-E
“If you build your own garden, butterflies will come, and if they don’t come at least you will have a beautiful garden.”
Hello everyone! I’m Caleb Jala-Guinto. Wav-E year’s Athletics Chair! I am so excited for this year as Wav-E board has a lot of activities and events planned out throughout the year for everyone! What I’m most excited for this year is definitely this year’s Sportsfest! If y’all don’t know about Sportsfest, it’s pretty much a big sports tournament that consists of volleyball, basketball, and flag football as its main sports, but there may be more sports added! My hope for this year is to bring as many clubs as possible to participate in Sportsfest to compete for really exciting prizes!
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Caleb Jala-Guinto
Calebjalapeno
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June 3rd, 2003 4th
Computer Engineering
Fantas-E
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells” - Dr. Suess
Hi hello! My name is Julie Lascano! I love meeting new people and talking with everyone! I’m really looking forward to Friendship Games, and seeing people build connections while making silly memories! This year my main goal is to put a smile on people’s faces :)
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Julie Lascano
Jules She/Her November 30th, 2002 5th
Psychology Starr-E
One day or Day One???
Bark bark bark ada ada ada! Hey everyone! I’m Bea Nartates, and I’m excited to be serving as this year’s Treasurer for Barkada! I’m currently a second-year student at CPP, majoring in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. A little bit about me—I love listening to music, going to concerts, and playing sports like badminton! I joined Barkada because I wanted to connect more with our culture and community, and also to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Along the way, I’ve met so many amazing people, and I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships, experiences, and the sense of family I’ve gained. Last year was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for all new and returning members to see what we have in store and make memories with us! I know I’m looking forward to making more memories with all of you and getting to know the new faces in our community!
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Bea Nartates She/Her September 6th, 2005
2nd Accounting Starr-E
“goodnight my oomfs and oomfettes”
My name is Johnneiah (Neiah) Torres, and I am the secretary for Barkada this year! As secretary, I'm looking forward to seeing all the new babies at our events and potentially picking up. I had such a fun time last year with my line and friends, especially my kuya Jayson who I'm very grateful for. From all the plots at Seaside to SF and all the vulnerable moments that we shared, I'm so glad I could find a community that is kind and accepting. I hope to give our new members the same feeling when they join Barkada. As for myself, I am a second year Criminology major and the Director at Large for the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Council. In the future I plan to study law or stick closely to the criminal justice field. That's all from me! Thank you for reading... (So, Joe's Italian Ice?)
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“Now is now. Later is later.” - Perfect Days
Hi my name is Niki and I’m this year’s Internal for Barkada! I’m a 2nd yr arch student, I may work somewhere on campus��, and I’m from Huntington Beach! I’m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing all the new relationships and memories that sprout from this year. I hope Barkada can be an outlet for support and balance in all of our crazy lives with all of the fun events our Eboard has planned for this year!!
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Niki Serrano She/Her July 19th, 2003 2nd Architecture Starr-E
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Christie Young-Tayag
JC She/Her June 26th, 2004
hi barkada! i’m christie young-tayag (or jc if you’d like), and i’m wav-e board’s BECC- Barkada Entertainment Company Coordinator. as your BECC, i serve to be the primary avenue for exploration, growth, and creative expression of our culture, various passions, and talents through the art of performance and of course, entertainment! whether that be dancing, singing, or any other way that represents you. i absolutely love dancing and expressing my passions (any surprises there?) shoutout kpop slots, modern, and Inner Essence Dance Company to name a few!, baking, cooking, plotting, bevs, music, and so much more so please reach out if you want to expand your horizons on any of those- or if you’d just like to yap, talk, or debrief any time,, i’d love to get to know you! i look forward to seeing you guys shine and hope to share the stage with you all very soon :)
fun fact: i’m half cantonese and half kapampangan (chinese and filipino :0) also- im involved in a lot of things this year so don’t be a stranger !
“For people who want to change themselves, regret can lead to happiness and can be a fuel to your life” - Nozue, Old Fashioned Cupcake
Hi chat! This is Jaiden :) As Public Relations, I’m basically Barkada’s graphic designer and social media manager! I run Barkada’s Instagram, lead the Anong Balita Committee in creating the magazine you’re reading right now, and design merch including shirts and stickers and possibly more..? It’s honestly surreal being your PR and being able to release this for all of you. Even since the start of my term I couldn’t help but get so excited over all the possibilities... I’ve worked really really hard to be where I am today and I hope you can recognize that. I’ve wanted to do this since my freshman year and I know for sure I grew and that’s why I have this position now! Slay and I hope you enjoy this first edition!!
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Pajulio SlayP He/Him October 31st, 2004 3rd
Visual Communication Design Spic-E
Jaiden
“Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that you are.”
- Tohru Honda, Fruits Basket
Hey everyone! I’m Ethan #7 Ethan Francisco! I’m Wav-E Board’s External. As external, I serve as the primary representative of Barkada for our surrounding universities and fellow Fil-Am orgs. I LOVE anime and manga and have been recently getting into K-pop! So if you like any of those, feel free to strike up a conversation with me about it. Looking forward to a great year filled with memorable experiences with you all!
Fun Fact: I’m half Cambodian, a quarter Filipino, and a quarter Japanese
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Ethan Francisco
Efran He/Him
June 6th, 2003 4th
Architecture Starr-E
“You don’t gain mats from breaking down other players builds” - Jonesy
Hi!!! As part of Anong Balita I'm super thrilled to express my creative vision through photography, articles and graphic design! I hope to share the same happiness I have for my passions with others in Barkada, and am super excited for the future! I eventually wish to see Anong Balita expand like no other year, and see others find the passion to join us!
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June 13th, 2004 3rd
Computer Engineering Spic-E
Derek Jacoby Deregol He/Him
“Solvitur ambulando”
Hi, y’all! I will be y’all’s Community Logistics Coordinator (CLC) for the year and I can’t wait to get to know everyone, teach dances, and help build this lovely Barkada community.
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Aileen Corpus AJ They/She September 2nd, 2005 2nd
Aerospace Engineering Starr-E
“Live to love and love to live”
Hello! I'm Nini, a second year physics major at Cal Poly Pomona! Making a website always seemed like a fun hobby to me, so I'm super excited to learn and use that skill for Barkada. Please look forward to everything we have planned in the near future :)
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Jahnea Ordona Nini She/Her January 30th, 2005 2nd Physics Starr-E
First of all, you might be wondering: what is tarot? Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards used primarily for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual guidance. They have been around since at least the 15th century and were initially used for playing card games. Over time, tarot became associated with fortune-telling. The tarot deck is divided into two sections: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana includes 22 cards, like The Fool, The Magician, and The Lovers, which represent significant life events, themes, and lessons. The Minor Arcana has 56 cards that are divided into four suits (Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles), similar to regular playing cards. Each suit represents different aspects of life, such as emotions, actions, intellect, and material matters. The Minor Arcana also includes numbered cards (Ace to 10) and court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
The suits in the Minor Arcana of a tarot deck each correspond to different aspects of life, representing a wide range of emotions, actions, and experiences. Here’s what they generally symbolize:
Cups:
Element: Water
Represents: Emotions, relationships, intuition, and creativity.
Themes: Love, connection, emotional fulfillment, and spiritual matters.
Swords:
Element: Air
Represents: Intellect, thoughts, communication, and conflict.
Themes: Decision-making, clarity, truth, challenges, and struggles.
Wands:
Element: Fire
Represents: Action, passion, ambition, and energy.
Themes: Career, personal growth, inspiration, and creative pursuits.
Pentacles (Sometimes called Coins or Disks):
Element: Earth
Represents: Material matters, health, finances, and the physical world.
Themes: Wealth, career, home life, and practicality.
When people do a tarot reading, they draw cards and interpret their meanings based on their positions, symbolism, and the reader's intuition. It’s often used for gaining insight into personal situations or exploring subconscious thoughts. It doesn’t necessarily tell people their future, which a lot of people assume, but it does give you an idea of what could happen in your future depending on your current situations and mindset. You’re meant to use the cards as advice to ultimately get to the future you desire.
For Anong Balita, we decided to do the readings similar to how I do it on my social media story. I draw cards in advance and have people pick from how ever many cards there happen to be. Then I give them their reading based on whichever card they chose. This is exactly like how we’re doing it for you guys here! Just pick a card from 1-4 for each section on the page to the right, then turn to the following page to read about your chosen cards! You can take this as seriously as you want to, so don’t feel too discouraged if you’re not happy with your fortune. Also JP and I aren’t professionals, we mainly do this for fun and when we need insight. So just remember that when you do your readings!
Subconscious, all of its allusions pitfalls and opportunities of self deception, joy, enlightenment, resolution, deception revealed, relief. Though you have a lot of doubts and overthink regarding your academics, things will fall in place and turn out well for you. Trust that everything will work out fine and believe in yourself. Don’t underestimate what you can do.
Safe and secure before everything upended. Everything is destroyed down right to the very foundation. Perhaps the foundation was flawed to begin with. Massive change, upheaval, catastrophe, rebuilding, and revelation. Something with your academics and how you study may not be working for you right now. You need to pay extra attention to your relationship with academics and how you study, and work to improve yourself in order to be successful this semester.
A childlike optimism and carefree rebellion. Playfulness, charisma, discovery, a rogue, enthusiasm.You may be excited to be involved in Barkada. You might feel lost in Barkada at first since there’s so many people to get to know, but you shouldn’t worry as you’ll find your people here. Don’t be intimidated and remember to have fun.
Healer, luxury, being grounded, practicality, and movement. You may find Barkada to be your home, you find Barkada to be a break or an escape from academics, and stress. You may be down for plots and adventures. Hanging out a lot with people in Barkada and getting to know a lot of people and making friends this semester.
Happy ending achieved in unexpected ways. Greed, devastation, pessimism, addiction, and self-loathing. Pay extra attention to your relationship with academics and how you balance it with your personal life. You need to find a delicate balance between your passions and your responsibilities. This also applies to the other side of the spectrum, be careful of overworking yourself with your academics as well and take breaks and time to do what makes you happy.
Solitude, leaving responsibilities behind to focus inward, spirituality. Introspection, withdrawal, prudence, insight, and meditation. You may be feeling lonely and may be feeling too focused or stressed on your academics to the point where you neglect your personal wellbeing. Strive to find that delicate balance between academics and personal life and be wary of overworking yourself. Take breaks and find time to find or practice your passions and do what makes you happy. Hang out with friends!
Kind and gentle but also takes a stand in what they believe in. Chivalry, affection, invitations, taking actions, and meaningful gifts, and leadership. You may be a natural leader and be extroverted. You may feel comfortable in the community of Barkada and want to contribute and be involved. Take extra care of balancing Barkada, your personal life, and academics.
Romance, opposites attracting, duality and balance of carnality, physicality, and fire versus spirituality, emotions, and water. The pair emphasizes communication and herald an important crossroads. Love, Harmony, Trust, A leap of faith, and choice. You may attract a lot of attention in Barkada and people may be drawn to you. Be open to new friendships and mayhaps even a romantic interest? Remember to stay kind.
Nine of Cups
3. The Tower 4. The Hermit 1. Page of Wands
Knight of Cups
Queen of Coins
The Lovers
Making decisions with all the facts and accepting the consequences of any choice made. Punishment of the corrupt and justice for the deserving, harmony, balance, equality, honor. You may find yourself wanting to have your friends’ mental strength. Seeing them succeeding and unstressed will make you wish you had what they have. Do not fret though, as you are more than deserving of having the same mental fortitude. You too will be able to accept what life has thrown at you and be able to persevere.
Corruption, materialism, ruthlessness, authority, indulgence. Represents stability and faithfulness, can support the weight of others’ hopes and dreams, may not be active in everyone’s lives but is always dependable, slow, and steady. Since the card did come out reversed, be wary of being overindulgent or materialistic to the point of neglecting your physical and emotional needs. Don’t feed into wanting the popularity that comes with meeting so many new people. Focus on what makes you truly happy and what resonates with your soul #sappy.
Craftsmanship, commitment, determination, ambition, concentration. The long haul, the slough in the middle of a project that needs to be completed. Socially, you’ll grow a lot- There are a lot of opportunities in Barkada such as friendship games or i-Board which you may take on and excel in. You will be committed, determined, ambitious, and concentrated. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of these opportunities.
Financial hardships and feeling left in the cold. No one is willing to help, struggling alone despite being close to potential help. Since it’s reversed though, it’s the opposite; you’re getting the help you need. Situations from this past summer or even year are bringing you down, and you may have started off this semester rough. No worries though, as you will find your people who will support you in accepting your past and changing for the better.
Happiness, love, intimacy, new emotions, compassion. New beginnings, open up to subconscious feelings. You may find opportunities that make you feel loved or cared for this semester- This may be romantic or platonic love. Barkada has many events that can lead to such opportunities such as our KKAA program where you can be picked up and mentored and be part of a line of similar people. Many people in Barkada may be feeling lost as well and trying to find a safe space where they can feel loved and cared for.
Endurance, attack, fighting for beliefs, perseverance, and indomitable human spirit. Stands up for what they believe in and is willing to fight to the very end. Your courage and resolve is commendable even to others who don’t like said person. Your mental wellbeing will be extremely strong this semester. Anything you put your mind to will most likely get done. Look out for your friends and make sure you’re there to support them. Your emotional intelligence is powerful.
Surrender, betrayal, bullying, violence, crime. Represents a fight won through deceit. Be wary of associating or getting into situations with the wrong people that could possibly not have your best interests at heart.
Excitement, creativity, a spark, growth, new beginnings. Represents a sudden creative force, passionate and daring, magical moment before all dreams and possibilities are within reach. You may be excited to be starting off this semester, have a lot of ambitions and dreams, and you can definitely make them a reality. This semester will be one of growth. You’ll find what inspires and motivates you and you’ll especially be strong in creative endeavors
Ace of Cups 3. King of Pentacles Reversed 4. Seven of Wands
