THE SHIFT ISSUE | ONLINE MULTILINGUAL NEWSLETTER (2021) | THE HILLSIDE ECHO SENIOR

the HILLSIDE ECHO

WHAT’S INSIDE

RELEVANCE, BALANCE AND SUBSTANCE

MULTILINGUAL NEWSLETTER VOLUME III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARC 2021

Senior

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

EDUCATION HAS LOGGED IN! Janrie Agam, SHS teacher, prepares for the shift of education to different online platforms.

p2 | EDITORIAL

TAG: You are a terrorist!

Not too long ago, the military’s Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. of the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), had made a buzz on both news and social media sites after releasing a warning to actress, Liza Soberano, for supporting women’s party, Gabriela.This, just coming on the heels of him accusing actress, Angel Locsin, and her sister, Ella Colmenares, of having ties with the rebel group New People’s Army (NPA).

p4 | NEWS

FCU denounces claims being a recruitment hotbed of NPA

As Mr. Jeffrey “Ka Erik” Celiz disclosed a statement claiming that CPP-NPA recruitment took place in the institution, Filamer Christian University (FCU) strongly dennounced the said allegations.

p6 | FEATURES

Back to the Drawing Board... or is it

As the bleak hope of COVID-19 dissipating arises, people once again gather and are revving up into rebuilding the vivid image of a life that was once called the norm-with this newfound hope, along with the still-existing threat of COVID-19 that contextually divulged the Government’s socalled “incompetence,” in which the Government has been scrutinized for.

p10 | LITERARY

Dirtied Canvass

She knew that she wasn’t that good at painting, but she was trying, and that is already more than enough.

“I would just like to get these bottles refilled please,” she said to the man at the paint center. 5 bottles: three for the primaries and two for the neutrals. The shining sun was at the middle of the sky, noontime, and it was scorching hot. Her leg was fidgeting but she was unconscious of this.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

FCU ensures quality education amid pandemic MA. JAZMINE YSABEL LEAL

Amid the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filamer Christian University (FCU) pursues Quality Education through adhering to the New Normal Education System implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd).

FULL STORY ON

p5

LOCAL NEWS

’

Capiz Relocatable Containerized RT-PCR, itinaguyod MA. JAZMINE YSABEL LEAL

Upang maitaguyod ang pagpapatakbo at paggamit ng karagdagang COVID-19 testing center nang mas mabisa at madali, ang Provincial Government of Capiz ay nagtatag ng Relocatable Containerized RT-PCR sa loob ng Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital - Outpatient Department Compound sa Capital Hills, Brgy. Lanot, Roxas City, Oct. 19. p13 | EDITORYAL

Sinuri ito ng Department of Health Region VI kasama si Gov. Nonoy Contreras noong Oct. 21 para sa karagdagang pagsulong ng pasilidad.

Ayon sa DOH 6 Regional Director, Dr. Marlyn Convocar, pumasa ito alinsunod sa pamantayan ng DOH. Ang bagong RT-PCR Laboratory ay sunod din na ginagawaran ng lisensya nang DOH Health Facilities and Services

Laro ng buhay sa panahon ng pandemya

Ang buhay ay hindi lamang panantili sa loob ng apat na sulok ng ating tahanan. Ang kalye ay puno ng iba’t-ibang buhay panlipunan ngunit mula ng sumiklab ang pandemyang hindi inaasahan, paano na nga ba ang buhay na kinagawian?

WE ARE NOW ON scan the QR code to access the full newsletter

ED /fcuthes

k fcuthes@gmail.com

Regulatory Bureau upang gumana sa mga sumunod na araw.

Naging posible ito matapos pumasa ang Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital - Outpatient Department Molecular Laboratory sa Proficiency Testing ng 2020 Proficiency Test for SARS-COV-2 Detection by Real Time PCR ng Research Institute of Tropical Medicine.

issuu.com/fcuthes

p2 opinion

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR

EDITORIAL

CARTOON BY JANKARL VELADO

TAG: YOU ARE A TERRORIST!

N

ot too long ago, the military’s Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. of the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), had made a buzz on both news and social media sites after releasing a warning to actress, Liza Soberano, for supporting women’s party, Gabriela. This, just coming on the heels of him accusing actress, Angel Locsin, and her sister, Ella Colmenares, of having ties with the rebel group New People’s Army (NPA).

Considering that Government-enforced policies are “lawful” – how can the current officials deem to take regards on freedom of expression, but fail to respect when people speak of their stand that tend to differ, and are against theirs?

Let’s face it. This administration is not perfect — it is faulty beyond the extent. But people who support it tend to absurdly accuse those who oppose it, because they think [and impose] that there is nothing worth criticizing about it, that there’s nothing wrong going on. While those at the receiving end of rumor-based false accusations end up having to struggle proving their innocence – sometimes compromising their image, career, and safety.

What’s more is Duterte’s acquaintances and followers seem to be okay with all the tagging, harass-

ing, jailing – and killing too – especially of those who oppose and differ from them and their beliefs. But who wouldn’t go against them, really? When their focus is never aligned on what matters the most, when they value their safety rather than that of the public who they [should] serve, and when they shut down critics instead of admitting their faults.

By red-tagging people who stand for their beliefs, this administration is not only choking our liberty, but also head-on degrading the part of the constitution which allows citizens to have and hold their own beliefs. The continuous online and verbal assaults that are hurled towards an opinion, tend to become direct attacks to the owner of that opinion – rendering them scared, despite expression being their right.

CARTOON BY JANKARL VELADO

Red-tagging in this administration is a stratagem to direct the public’s attention away from their failures as leaders of the government – referring to random people as threats, hoping [knowing] that such issues would take away the public’s attention from them. And this continuous demonizing of acts and speaking up of those who see the incompetency, notice the wrong, and asks for accountability is what makes this country remain the poor, powerless, and unprogressive place it has always been.

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

opinion p3

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR “Kabataan ang pag asa ng bayan,” “Pag-aaralin natin ang lahat ng estudyante,” “Kahit ang mga mag-aaral sa malayo ay bibigyan natin ng attention.” Where are these lines now? It blurred out and was never heard of again.

Promises? Broken. Leaders?

Hidden. In these times of uncertainty, we need more quality education, not the traditional type education. On

that note, I don’t see the point of pushing through the opening of classes this academic year.

The new system of learning is very unfamiliar to all of us. Ever since, I have been getting anxieties from overthinking what awaits me in this new set-up. I was afraid, still am, that I wouldn’t understand my lessons or would mess up the things I envisioned.

I have been a big fan of people who save lives, they were my superheroes growing up. That is why I still pursued Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics despite the struggles I know I would

Ang bagong taon ay isa sa mga pinakamasayang selebrasyon na ating ipinagdiriwang. Ito ay dahil sinasalubong natin ito na puno ng pag-asa na ang darating na taon ay magiging maganda at mapupuno ng masayang ala-ala. Ang 2020 ay pinto sa panibagong dekada at ito ay naging daan patungo sa mga ala-alang kailan man sa atin ay hindi mabubura.

Sa taong ito tayo ay tila naglalaro, sa bawat buwan na lilipas at paglipat sa pahina ng ating kalendaryo ay may panibagong gulo. Bakit parang laro? Kasi huhulaan mo ‘ano na naman kaya ito?’. Unang buwan palang ng taon ay hindi na naging maganda ang bungad dahil tayong lahat ay nayanig sa pagsabog ng bulkang taal. Sino din ang makakalimot sa pandemyang hanggang ngayon ay patuloy nating nilalabanan. At ang mga bagyo at pagbaha nitong nakaraang mga buwan.

“Even our educators are having a hard time adjusting to this new set up, how much more the students in the remote areas? Are they even coping up? Or can they even grasp the lessons written in their modules? “

Education System Amid Health Crisis:

What Now?

be facing along the way. Having subjects that require certain tasks or lessons that are difficult to absorb and understand is what worries me the most because it isn’t ideal to host and discuss them online. Even our educators are having a hard time adjusting to this new set up, how much more the students in the remote areas? Are they even coping up? Or can they even grasp the lessons written in their modules?

I treat this academic year as a challenge, an unsure one because our victory has no guarantee. Online learning is merely an overpriced self-

study. Let us face the reality that we paid a hefty price for glorified video calls and access to PDF module files. Not everyone can catch up and has the best access to the internet nor have the best resources to use, therefore contrary to the government’s belief, not everyone is ‘ready.’

As of the moment, my biggest coping mechanism is the connection built amongst peers regardless of platforms. Engagements and friendships I made despite these circumstances is one of the reasons why I am still surviving

The new system of learning is very unfamiliar to all of us. Ever since, I have been getting anxieties from overthinking what awaits me in this new set-up. I was afraid, still am, that I wouldn’t understand my lessons or would mess up the things I envisioned.

I have been a big fan of people who save lives, they were my superheroes growing up. That is why I still pursued Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics despite the struggles I know I would CONTINUE TO PAGE 8

“Nakita ang hubad na katutuhanan na sa gitna ng ating mga pinagdaanan ay mayroong mga sakim na nakikinabang... Sa taong 2020 tayo ay sumigaw na tama na ang pagbubulag-bulagan. Tanggalin ang piring at lumaban.”

Hidya ng Bagong Simula

Pagbalik-tanaw: 2020 Ang mga masalimuot na pangyayaring ito ay kumitil sa maraming buhay, pumulbo at dumurog sa mga ari-arian at binago ang ating paraan ng pamumuhay. Kaya hindi nakakapagtaka kung sabihin man nilang “Worst year” ang 2020, dahil sa mga sunod sunod na delubyong kinakaharap natin. Ngunit hindi ako sang-ayon sa bansag na ito dahil ang 2020 ay ang taon ng pagkamulat sa katotohanan.

Tayo ay nagising ukol sa korupsyon at anumalya sa pama-

halaan. Nakita ang hubad na katutuhanan na sa gitna ng ating mga pinagdaanan ay mayroong mga sakim na nakikinabang. Dito natin nakita kung sino nga ba ang totoong may puso at pagmamahal sa bayan at kapwa Pilipino. At kung sino ang nagpapakitang tao na mag-aabot lamang ng kamay sa harap ng publiko. Sa taong 2020 tayo ay sumigaw na tama na ang pagbubulag-bulagan. Tanggalin ang piring at lumaban.

Ito ay taon ng pagbabayad at paniningil sa ating pang-aabuso at

pangbababoy sa ating kalikasan.

Dahil aminin man natin o hindi alam na natin tayo ay may kasalanan at ngayon ang panahon upang ito ay pagbayaran. Sa bawat bundok na kinakalbo, sa bawat basurang itinapon, sa bawat hayop na inalipusta – tayo ay magbabayad. Ang naranasan nating bagyo ay bunga ng ating kasalanan at kapabayaan – na ating pinagbayaran. Sa taong ito ang kalikasan ang siyang nagbigay ng husga, SUNDAN SA PAHINA 8

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF Publication Year 2020-2021 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR PROMOTING RELEVANT, BALANCED, AND SUBSTANTIVE CAMPUS JOURNALISM Official Student Publication of Filamer Christian University Senior High School Department SINCE 2018 • VOLUME III, ISSUE NO. 1 • Filamer Christian University, The Hillside Echo Senior Office, Roxas Avenue, Roxas City 5800 fcu.thes@gmail.com facebook.com/fcu.thes © 2021 All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

NEWS EDITOR

ONLINE EDITORS

MA. JAZMINE YSABEL D. LEAL

MEKILA OLANDESCA

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

THEA ABBIEGAIL I. DACULA

FEATURE EDITOR

MA. ANGELI AVELINO

GILBERT ELIJAH A. ALBAR IRIZHE SHANYL D. PASCUAL

MANAGING EDITOR/ONLINE MANAGER

OPINION EDITOR

JAN KARL L. VELADO

JOHN PATRICK M. JAEN

AIRA NICOLE M. DELOSTRICO

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

DEVCOM EDITOR

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

STAFF WRITERS

ALYSSA JANE C. ZULUETA DANIELA G. OMBID CIRCULATIONS MANAGER

CHLOE NEPOMUCENO SENIOR PHOTOJOURNALIST

GENE CRISTINE A. BACANTO

CARTOONIST

LAYOUT ARTIST

JASON MARK D. TRABADO

QUEENIE MAE B. OBSIANA

DONIEL LEIGH B. BALTERO JAMELA MAE F. FALCO

ADVISERS

JOSE ERWIN C. BORBON ROLI KEITH C. AGUIRRE

Scan the QR code to see our other publication works as well as to be updated on our future posts on issuu.

p4 news

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR

LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Arch. Advincula of Capiz becomes 9th cardinal of PH MEKILA OLANDESCA

Archbishop Jose Advincula of Capiz, Philippines, was formally appointed as one of 13 new cardinals by Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, along with priests, celebrated the Mass ceremony held at the St. Peter’s Basilica on November 28, the pontiff formally elevated 13 new members of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

CBCP News reported that Advincula viewed the ceremony via livestream at his residence in Roxas City, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In a press statement, Advincula expressed how he was doubtful of his appointment for there were no early reports about the circumstance.

“My first reaction was maybe there was a miscommunication, there are already quite of us bishops just here in the Panay island, three bishops have names that are John, maybe there was an error in the last name...” Advincula said in Hiligaynon.

“After seeing the noise in social media and accepting my elevation, I felt fear due to the responsibility, a right amount of happiness, but mostly focus on the responsibility”, Advincula added.

Cardinal Advincula ordained priest for the archdiocese in 1976, appointed Bishop of San Carlos in 2001 and was transferred to Capiz as archbishop in 2011.

Cardinal Advincula and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, former archbishop of Manila are the only two Filipino cardinals who are eligible to vote in a possible conclave to elect a new pope.

ELEVATED ECHELON. Archbishop Jose Advincula of Capiz appointed as one of the cardinals last Nov. 28. | PHOTO CREDITS ARCHDIOCESE OF CAPIZ

UNIVERSITY NEWS

FCU denounces claims being a recruitment hotbed of NPA MA. JAZMINE YSABEL LEAL

As Mr. Jeffrey “Ka Erik” Celiz disclosed a statement claiming that CPP-NPA recruitment took place in the institution, Filamer Christian University (FCU) strongly dennounced the said allegations.

FCU believes and hold its stance that the school is an educational institution under the influence of Christian faith and seeks to develop spiritual, intellectual and physical aspects of students by providing relevant quality education in a Christian atmosphere.

In an issued statement posted online, the university emphasized that it did not, does not, and will not condone any act of recruitment of its students to become members of CPP-NPA. Through FCU and its faculty members, the students are trained to become mature and responsible citizens of the country who believes in the rule of law, and is not shaped to engage on any on-campus movement to destabilize the government.

The school acknowledges that it has no control over the individual beliefs of each and every student and faculty members, it however guarantees, that the Institution, does not provide an environment conducive to recruitment of its students by the CPP-NPA. The institution continues to endeavor on developing the spiritual, intellectual and physical character of the students by way of providing a relevant quality education in a Christian atmosphere.

For the Filamerian community’s safety and security, students as well as the faculty members were advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious act that may be indicative of any recruitment to the CPP-NPA.

NATIONAL NEWS

Pinoy nurse sa UK, isa sa mga unang tumanggap ng bakuna kontra COVID QUEENIE MAE OBSIANA

Halaw sa ABS-CBN Teleradyo

Nakatanggap ng bakuna kontra COVID-19 ang isang Pinoy frontliner sa United Kingdom nitong Miyerkules, ika-9 ng Disyembre, isang araw matapos umarangkada ang pag bakuna sa nasabing lugar.

Kinilala ang frontliner na si Leo Quijano, tubong Marinduque at higit dalawang dekadang nurse.

Ayon kay Quijano, hindi siya nakaramdam ng sakit nang siya ay mabakunahan at matapos ang pagbakuna ay pinanatili pa sila sa loob ng sampung minuto para obserbahan.

Ilang araw matapos mabakunahan si Quijano ay nakaramdam siya na parang lalagnatin

ngunit aniya ito’y normal lamang na pakiramdam kapag may trangkaso at winter sa UK. Dagdag pa niya, sagot sa kanyang dasal na mabakunahan na siya dahil nagka-COVID siya noong Mayo at tumagal ng dalawang buwan bago siya gumaling.

Inamin din niya na nakaranas din siya ng depresyon ng dahil sa COVID.

MGA MAKABAGONG BAYANI. Naghahanda ang isang health care worker upang manguna sa pag sugpo ng COVID-19.

| KUHANG LARAWAN MULA SA MANILA BULLETIN

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR

news p5

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

TIBAY AT DETERMINASYON. Walong iskwats ng FCU ang pumasa sa National Board Review for Eagle ngayong panahon ng pandemya

Kasama ni Scout Del Rosario ang iba pang iskawt ng FCU na sina Scout Carmel Jade Deseo, Scout Neo Amiel Gregorio, Scout Margareth Buyo, Scout Dianne Rei Dumapit, Scout Jeus Louise Sereneo, Scout Mark John Oberas at Scout Leigh Orola. Lahat sila ay nasa ilalim ng pagsasanay ng Outfit Adviser na si G. Yogie Ben D. Obsiana.

Sumailalim sa iba’t ibang gawain at pagsubok ang mga iskawt kagaya ng character development, skills, personality, service at citizenship.

Kasama rin ng FCU ang iba’t | KUHANG LARAWAN MULA KAY THEA MAE DEL ROSARIO ibang iskawt mula sa Mambusao NHS, Feliciano Yusay Consing NHS, Manuel F. Onato NHS at Tapaz NHS. Sinasabing ito ang kauna-unavirtual at limited face to face ways inhale confidence and exhale hang my doubts and worries. I always re- special National Board of Review mind myself of why I am here and for Eagle ng BSP Capiz Council. the things I’ve gone through to be here” ani ni Scout Del Rosario.

Kasalukuyang nag-aaral sai NATIONAL NEWS Scout Del Rosario sa University of Santo Tomas at nasa baitang 11.

Samantala, ang pumangalawa sa New COVID BOR na si Scout Dela Paz ay mula sa FYCNHS at ngayon ay nag-aaral na variant reported rin sa FCU bilang grade 11.

Walong iskawt ng FCU, ganap nang mga Agila QUEENIE MAE OBSIANA

Del Rosario, dating JHS student ng FCU, at sinundan ni Scout Niño Angelo Dela Paz dating mag-aaral ng Feliciano Yusay Consing NHS at kasalukuyang nag-aaral sa FCU at Scout Cherry Lares mula sa Manuel F. Onato NHS. “We’ve waited for almost three years for this BOR and we cannot let this pass. Topping the BOR was never my goal. It was a dream. BeNanguna si Scout Thea Mae fore proceeding to every station, I al-

Paghahanda nang mabuti.

May determinasyon. May pananalig sa Maykapal.

Ito ang mga katangiang taglay ng mga iskawt ng Filamer Christian University Outfit no.

5 para maipasa ang National Board of Review for Eagle Scout Rank noong ika-20 hanggang 21 ng Pebrero sa Filamer Christian University Technology Building.

Filamerians seize multiple Journalism Awards MA. JAZMINE YSABEL LEAL

The Secondary Radio Broadcasting Team in Filipino of Filamer Christian University (FCU) was awarded as the Best Radio Production in Secondary Level after winning the Best Script and Best Infomercial in the 1st Governor’s Virtual Kabalaka Golden Pen and Journalism Summit, March 18.

The Radio Broadcasting Team coached by Mr. Roli Keith Aguirre includes the students of FCU namely, Kim Alcazaren, Hannah Kezia Casiple, Queenie Mae Obsiana, Rodalyn Faith Lagarde, Helen Grace Gallaza, Zarah Rose Anne Dacles, Jaryl Jay Cordero and Arron Aperocho.

“I always told them they are all capable of reaching greater CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

When classes formally started last September 21 for the Academic Year 2020-2021, FCU prepared virtual meetings and online conferences to continue the learning of students by Online Distance Learning Modalities.

“For the start of our school year, we know we have Challenges to face but it is very important that the education of our young people will continue,” Dr. George O. Cortel, the University President stated in his Words of Welcome in a Welcome Video for Students, Parents and Guardians.

FCU adapted the Education’s new mode of learning, integrating the Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities (Blended Learning) and provided Self-Learning Modules and Online Classes to meet the needs and resources of

heights and I always remind them never guid nila pag idoubt kaugalingon nila because I know kaya gid nila,” Mr. Aguirre said.

The Best Anchor and Best News Presenter award was given to Kim Alcazaren as the 1st placer, Queenie Mae Obsiana and Helen Grace Gallaza as the 2nd and 3rd placer in Best News Presenter, respectively, together with Jaryl Jay Cordero winning 1st place in Best Technical Application.

“It is a great opportunity to be part of the Radio Broadcasting team for 6 years. We didn’t expect that we can still perform and showcase our talent despite of our situation today but with God’s help, we are able to find ways and strategies to perform again and to

cope up with this new normal. I’m grateful for our ever supportive coach, Sir Roli Keith Aguirre for training and believing that we can achieve this. Also, I am thankful for my Team for being responsible and willing to improve themselves,” Obsiana quoted.

Together with the Radio Broadcasting Team, the former staff of The Hillside Echo-Senior and former students of FCU namely Daphne Balatayo, Kaila Cajustin, Adoraline Daliva, John Carl Barredo, Hannah Mae Arceño, Arjay Santie Magcalas and Leomar Funa was awarded as the 1st Placer in Collaborative Writing and Desktop Publishing in Tertiary Level.

every learner in of the school.

“Our teaching and learnings will be finding ways in our hearts and minds that we will continue the level of education we have to accomplish for this year. The school is now ready to accept the kind of learning deliveries and modalities that we can do, so that the learning and the teaching will equate those who’ve been doing before when we have the face to face,” the president added.

The integration of the blended learning helped FCU to ensure quality education for the whole semester wherein the teachers hold both synchronous classes and asynchronous activities, and conform to onnline and modular learning as a response to the COVID-19 situation in the province.

“Despite the pandemic, we will still have classes. But, this is the

new normal because our classes will not be held in school, it will not be held in the classroom, but, we will do it uniquely. We will have two ways, the use of Online Distance Education and Modular Way of Learning,” Dr. Minnie P. Chan, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs stated.

Although the education system is hardly hit by the present health crisis, FCU assures all the students’ safety and learning as classes are halfway through the first semester.

“What’s important is we should not stop learning,” Dr. Chan added Moreover, the institution is developing a Learning Management System or LMS, which is a software to supply the needs of both students and teachers in terms of learning as it is considered as the most powerful response amidst pandemic.

in PH

QUEENIE MAE OBSIANA

The new variant of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) from United Kingdom has been detected here in the Philippines last January 13, Wednesday.

According to the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Genome Center (PGC) , it confirms that the B117 Sars-Cov2 has been reported from a Filipino who arrived from United Arab Emirates (UAE) last January 7 and has positive genome sequencing results.

The 29 year old patient with the new strain is a resident of Quezon City who departed for Dubai on Dec. 27 and arrived in the country last January 7.

Meanwhile, his female companion tested negative but currently under strict quarantine and monitoring.

Immediate contact tracing was done with the help of the QC government and the identified contacts are under strict home quarantine.

p6 features

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD...

OR IS IT DONIEL LEIGH BALTERO

A

s the bleak hope of COVID-19 dissipating arises, people once again gather and are revving up into rebuilding the vivid image of a life that was once called the normwith this newfound hope along with the still-existing threat of COVID-19 that contextually divulged the Government’s so-called “incompetence,” in which the Government has been scrutinized for.

With the current President’s term almost reaching its end, news of the 2022 election has been a hot topic, along with its possible candidates. A plethora of politicians is at the public’s disposal, but a specific possible candidate seems to be a popular pick, Sarah Duterte-Carpio; the current president, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter.

A video entitled “JUST IN: Mayor SARAH Duterte, OPISYAL ng KANDIDATO sa 2022 Presidential Election| LENI NAGULANTANG!!” has gone viral on YouTube through the username of “Showbiz Fanaticz” amassing 167,879 views as of writing. Claiming that Sarah Duterte-Carpio, the current mayor of Davao City’s official candidacy for the 2022 Presidential elections.

This is false; the current mayor of Davao has not made anything official, as of Feb. 16. Rather, she has declared that she has intent to run for the Presidential election in 2034, despite her topping the Pulse Asia’s presidential survey. Supporters have been bolstering, insisting that she run for President on 2022, but the opposing party begging to differ.

NUMBERS

2

successive failures of casting a vote or a ballot leads to deactivation based under the voter’s registration act 8189

3

MILLION COMELEC targets 18 year-olds to apply for the voters registration before September 30, 2021 ends

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on January 31st, Sarah Duterte-Carpio responded to her supporters, “I am pleading to them, please allow me to run for President in 2034 if at that time there is something I can do to help the country.” Leaving the avid supporters and political enthusiasts questioning whether she, just like her father, would announce her candidacy when the elections are drawing near.

As the heat of the 2022 elections spark debates between different factions. Uncertainties remain steadfast, yet the game-changing decision still lies within the hands of the voters. Right now, people are wondering; whether we’re truly going back to the drawing board, or will the Philippines suffer deja vu.

‘RUN SARA RUN’. Posters and tarps of the movement surface in Bacolod and Cebu. | PHOTO CREDITS INQUIRER.NET

58,204,224 VOTERS

are registered, as of January. The Comelec has been questioned by the higher-ups for targetting only a questionable number of 1 million voters up until next year, according to the COMELEC

MAY 9, 2022 will be the next national elections in the Philippines

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

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THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR FEATURE

Sacrifices of t he

HERO

behind the

MASK DONIEL LEIGH BALTERO

The cold and bitter

winter-winds seeped through the barely-opened window sill.

Though, heat generated by layers and layers of protective suits hindered the sensation that came with the season, truly a pity. Symmetrically displayed fluorescent lights lit the monotonous white-painted walls; it held stories, secrets, sufferings, deaths, and an evil unwavering beast, which for them, the frontliners, was their duty to eradicate. COVID, the vile beast, was indiscriminately lurking inside the hospital, unhinged by the efforts of these professionals who had sacrificed an incalculable amount.

| ART CREDITS INQUIRER.NET

A certain individual on Facebook said that amongst those sacrifices is of course family time. During Christmas, where hearts are one, where loved ones gather, or at least that is how it used to be. With the current context, frontliners are placing themselves in harm’s way to keep us Filipinos safe.

It disables their opportunity to celebrate with their families.

“I work 44 hours per week, and I really want to celebrate Christmas with my family! Sadly, I swore a bittersweet oath, kidding, I just really want to protect my family, so celebrating with them seems a little impossible, for now,” the certain individual said. The person’s guilt was a double-edged sword, whatever this certain person chose;

it was bound to have a dire consequence. Not only was it physically tiring, it also took a pricey toll on this person’s mental health, in which this person absolutely dreaded.

“Christmas has always been a season of giving, this season, I may not be giving my time to my family, but what matters is I’m giving my family the assurance that they are safe without me there,” said the poster.

The individual hated the very thought of sacrificing the time with their family, but it was a necessary step, as little as it may be, it was essential. Due to this, the individual wanted the people to follow the strict rules that have been placed on the country. With each rising case, more opportunities are

lost, and we, the people, are the only ones who can put a stop to this microscopic atrocity.

At the world’s current context, quarantine is necessary for the safety of not only you but all of the people. With a virus that is temporarily embedded to almost-everything, there is nowhere that is safe. Sacrifices are everywhere, yet there are still people sacrificing themselves for the good of others.

We must also take upon the role that has been bestowed onto us. For now, this Christmas, we must hold on to hope, no matter how lonely it might feel, no matter how boring, how scary, persevering through this quarantine is optimal because when one heals, all of us heal as well.

FEATURE

DEFICIENCY MANPOWER MANPOWER DEFICIENCY ing flood that was wreaking havoc upon Metro Manila. A man could be The Philippines have always clearly seen holding a baby whilst been vulnerable to increasingly attempting to catch the attention powerful typhoons every year. of the rescuers, which according to Naturally, the responses should the netizens were lacking in numalso be steadily evolving. But, bers. this typhoon, namely, Typhoon “These people need help! They Ulysses, has made the general are on their houses’ roofs and public wonder whether the ca- there’s a little kid with them!” Anlamity response is truly evolv- thony pleaded. The people behind ing: from being reactive, to being their phones’ screens could only proactive. Typhoon Ulysses was imagine the horror that these peothe climax of what seemed like a ple were going through. Using the never-ending series of Typhoons comment section, Anthony made that struck the Filipinos, and it left a thread, updating the netizens of a horrid scar. A category 4-equiv- the family’s current status. The upalent typhoon that struck the Phil- dates were more than horrendous, ippines, with a wind speed of up to say the least, the worrying netito 213 km/h, caused the worst zens were unsatisfied by the resmassive flooding in Metro Manila. cue team’s seemingly slow pace.

A Facebook user named An“The rescuers are busy rescuing thony Suriaga Comedia, posted a other people, the manpower is obviseries of alarming photos which ously lacking, with so many people garnered the attention of the asking for rescuing,” one netizen masses, evoking certain reactions commented. It was as broad as from the netizens. A family seem- daylight; the response team was ingly trying to find solace on their lacking manpower. A country roof’s to escape the gradually-ris- expecting constant typhoons DONIEL LEIGH BALTERO

| PHOTO CREDITS CNN, DOST-PAGASA

should never underestimate the consequences, they were evidently overpowered by the typhoon. These led the netizens to doubt if the calamity response was truly evolving.

With threats constantly rising, we, the people, should also prepare ourselves for the worst. Being proactive always beats reactiveness, readying ourselves is an assurance that bears extra safety. No matter how heartfelt the condolences are, it will never change the fact that someone has died. So, be safe, be prepared, and always expect for the worst.

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

p8 features

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR | ART CREDITS YALE MEDICINE

MA. ANGELI AVELINO

Our minds still race back and forth: what has happened to us?

A virus, some might say, but it is much more than just a virus, a disease. Is it a way of the Lord for us to come to our senses? To ignite the fear of many and to make them repent? Is it a conspiracy worth pondering?

Corona virus has taken us into another world where the most powerful has been brought to their knees and everything has been brought to a stop. Indeed, it is much more than a virus; an explosion that has cause everything to freeze, like the earth has stopped on its orbit. Business, economy, and the usual bustling lifestyles all crumble down as the whole world goes into lockdown.

An exodus begins and for almost a year has everyone been longing for that sweet return to normality. The quarantine has suspended many, levitating in place, not knowing where they fall when it’s all over.

Lost souls shackled by chains in the forms of masks. The odd feeling of being restricted, caged, and security brews up in all of us. Confused, shook by fear, one doesn’t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

suffering and hopelessness, is erroneous. To turn a blind-eye on their hardships and deem them strong for moving forward, is false sympathy. At the end of the day, if we can manage to allot CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

be facing along the way. Having subjects that require certain tasks or lessons that are difficult to absorb and understand is what worries me the most because it isn’t ideal to host and discuss them online. Even our educators are having a hard time adjusting to this new set up, how much more the students in the remote areas? Are they even coping up? Or can they even grasp the lessons written in their modules?

I treat this academic year as a challenge, an unsure one because our victory has no guarantee.

Online learning is merely an overpriced self-study. Let us face the reality that we paid a hefty price for glorified video calls and access to PDF module files. Not everyone can catch up and has the best access to the internet nor have the

know what to tell their kids or themselves, and false assurance would be more devastating. When is it over? When do we get to the end of the tunnel?

Smiles all around are hidden away underneath blue surgical masks, topped by a face shield. Health protocols are widely implemented throughout the city and hygiene is even more promoted. Masked health care workers are on the frontlines. Flights delayed and plans are cancelled. When will we ever see our family from across the globe again? Many are still even in denial of the virus. Isolation has driven one to become touch-starved and lonely. Classes have taken to online learning and digital platforms. Will this new normal last forever?

Many race to find the key. Doctors and scientists from various countries strive to find a cure, an end to this virus. Their work has lead us to many vaccines available and being developed. The dream of

funds on unnecessary projects it means that we have resources.

So maybe it is not help that the government is lacking; rather the will to help in times that they are needed, but they deem inconvenient, that is. best resources to use, therefore contrary to the government’s belief, not everyone is ‘ready.’

As of the moment, my biggest coping mechanism is the connection built amongst peers regardless of platforms. Engagements and friendships I made despite these circumstances is one of the reasons why I am still surviving this academic year. I am grateful to our school for trying to ensure that no student is left behind. Also, to the understanding and assistive teachers we have, I appreciate them for being so accommodating and concerned with our inefficiencies despite them also adjusting.

I am and will always be proud that Filamer doesn’t compromise quality education just for the sake of commencing the school year. I hope this adversity ends soon.

having a pandemic vaccine delivered to one in a single shot is within reach. Will this finally lead us to walk into a new world?

It’s a choice. The virus has provided enough time to wonder and reflect upon decisions, choices, and plans for the future. Look back into the past, before the pandemic has occurred. Would have that been an ideal “normal?” It’s a choice for everyone to make: to walk back to the normality we have all been used to or to renew the planet. Create better, brighter.

A pandemic is a gateway to the next world. The key to in is in a syringe, jabbing it into your shoulder.

The way you exit the gateway is a decision one has to make: a oneway trip on an airplane. One could drag their baggage behind them, their heavy luggage of hatred, despair, greed. Bringing back their prejudice, avarice, corrupted coalhearts and tarnished, ashy brains.

Walking into the next world with hands that have killed rivers, hands that kindled nature’s rage. But one could make the choice of letting it go, leaving it in the world behind, walking lightly into the gateway.

Going with the latter, once again seeing the smiles on everyone’s

faces, unmasked, unconcealed.

The chains have been broken, and the freedom to take the chance to make a better world washes over like a tidal wave. Free to make the choices you have yearned for, free to finally take risks. Brand new, just like one became 17 again. Buildings, malls, and parks are finally open to all. Campuses brim with excitement from students restoring the bond with each other and with teachers as well. It feels like normal again but one can make it a better normal. You have chosen to take a gateway to the next world.

This time, fight for it.

The virus has awoken a vision in ourselves. It has opened another eye that shows us the greed that has destroyed our civilization and our planet. Through this pandemic a path we have paved towards the end of humanity as we know it has been revealed. Staying inside has allowed the planet to replenish itself. Through the smoky skies, tainted seas and the lands that were once a pleasant green is a portal to a new world. It’s brand new and refreshing, just like taking a lot of chances. One could return to the normality they couldn’t let go of or they could imagine a better world.

When you walk through the portal, will you drag along your luggage or will you walk lightly?

MULA SA PAHINA 3

naramdaman ay hindi mabubura.

Ito ay tila malalim na sugat na habang buhay ay magmamarka.

Sa darating na halalan nawa’y ang mga aral na ating nakuha at mga nahinuha sa taong ito ay maging gabay sa pagpili ng mga bago at nararapat na lider. Ilang araw na lamang ang nalalabi at tayo ay tuluyan ng magpapaalam sa taong 2020. Ating baunin ang mga aral at karanasan natin upang maging mas malakas at maging handa para sa mga susunod na taon.

Siguro isa sa mga bagay na aking pinakahindi malilimutan sa taong ito ay ang ating pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa natin sa pagkondena sa mga isyu at ang ating pagkakapit bising sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan. Ang taong 2020 ay hidya ng bagong pagsimulasimulang nagmulat sa atin at nag udyok na lumaban at tapangan ang ating kalooban. Alam ko na tayo ay magpapatuloy, makakabangon; ngunit hinding-hindi makakalimot!

dito natin nahinuna na ang ating mga ginagawa ay babalik din sa atin.

Tingin ko ay katawa-tawa iyong sinisisi ang 2020 sa ating mga naranasang trahedya. Kung iisipin kasi ang 2020 ay numero lang naman. Ang delubyo ay maaaring mangyari anong araw man. Kaya tigilan na ang sisihan at pagtatanga-tangahan. Simulan na nating kumilos dahil tayo ay may magagawa. Ang pandemya ay hindi maiiwasan ngunit sa kamay ng tamang mga lider ito ay maaagapan at maaaksyunan. Ang pagputok ng bulkan,bagyo,baha ay hindi mapipigilan ngunit tamang paghahanda at pangangalaga sa ating mga kabundukan- tayo ay mapoprotektahan.

Ang araw ay patuloy na sisikat at lulubog. Ang kamay ng orasan ay patuloy na tatakbo at iikot. Tayo ay patuloy na makikibaka sa laban ng buhay ngunit ang mga alaala ng sakit, poot at galit na ating

BALINTATAW KUHA AT SALITA NI GENE CRISTINE BACANTO

Isa ka sa mga nagdala ng liwanag sa mundo.

Lingid man sa iyong alam, ngunit patuloy mong binabasag ang nakakabinging katahimikan ng pasko.

Ikaw ay isa sa mga natitirang rason ng pag-gaan ng pighating dinadala ng bawat isa.

‘Di man araw-araw, ngunit kahit minsan wag mong kalimutan na may karapatan kang maging maligaya sa gitna ng sakuna.

Kaya kung maaari, piliin mo ang maging masaya.

literary.

10

DONIEL LEIGH BALTERO

identity

I am thou, thou art me, That snake, it envies, faced upon the mirror of lies.

Sulking upon that putrid scent, unable to truly escape, I am thou; thou art copying every lingering essence of me.

It wears the same cloak as I, Those eyes, those abominable eyes, it holds the same shade as I. A smile, so dreadful, it terrifies me, Afraid of the lies that hide behind those glimmering whites.

Skin, milky and white, glowing like a star, To be pretty, to be handsome, is to copy everyone that is.

To fit, to be just like everyone, For I am thou, but never truly me.

Those moulds, they speak no substance, You are not thou, thou is not me.

A non-existent mirror, slowly fleeting, There’s more to me than meets the eye, truly.

I will never be thou; thou will never be me, True, to the world, to myself.

Breaking away, gradually, withering those chains, I am myself, and I know my identity.

Dirtied Canvass MA. ANGELLI AVELINO

She knew that she wasn’t that good at painting, but she was trying, and that is already more than enough.

“I would just like to get these bottles refilled please,” she said to the man at the paint center. 5 bottles: three for the primaries and two for the neutrals. The shining sun was at the middle of the sky, noontime, and it was scorching hot. Her leg was fidgeting but she was unconscious of this. She could only deadpan at the wooden counter that had splatters of paint on it, fumbling with the plastic bag in her hands, in a hurry to get home.

She hated it here.

Outside was just too loud, too colorful for her already noisy mind to complement with. Taking the paint bottles into her plastic bag and leaving her pay, she rushed home. She sits on the floor of her hollow, yellow-wallpapered apartment. Curtains closed, her only source of light was a bright fluorescent bulb. Setting her canvas on the floor, she sits cross-legged.

Blue, yellow, blue, dots of red on the ctanvas. Green, forest green, darker green, black. I feel numb. A simple koi painting to relax her mind, for fortune, abundance, and luck. My mind is decaying. Fill the background with turquoise. Pull your brush to create 4 long orange strokes. She mixes the paint on a piece of cardboard, creating a peachy beige color.

Picking up the smallest brush, she stipples the orange body with black and beige, but to her, everything looks like black and white. It’s quiet up here, too quiet between these yellow walls. I’m sick. I’m so, so, so, so sick. Only the sound of the fluorescent bulb buzzing and my loud, loud mind.

You took away the quiet!

“Aghh!” She yells out, forcefully poking a hole through the canvas and tearing a rip between it. It was quiet now, finally, except for the ringing in her ears, and just like a tidal wave, it comes back and washes over her again. It’s not relapsing if she hasn’t gotten any better. I feel trapped in my own body.

She’s only going downhill and she can’t get any help.

The pressure of society calling her insane is too much for her to bear. Just thinking about it makes her queasy. The disappointment of her loved ones would weigh down on her. It would just crush her. Their perfect daughter, the only one they rely on to become the breadwinner of the house, sick with an ‘illness for a lifetime.’ Indeed, it would be such a shame for them. It would be selfish.

Numb. Just like in a dream.

I’m looking at reality through a foggy glass.

Only noticing she was crying once the canvas was wet, she held herself. Why would you do that? Sighing deeply, she took the canvas and tossed it in the trash. Everytime she called herself an artist, she felt disgusted, ashamed, guilty. She felt like a liar, living paycheck to paycheck, but she was too embarrassed to admit she was working a minimum wage job.

She was so bright, so much potential in her. What was it that killed the doctor she dreamt to be? I was just a kid. I’m so disgusted by the things that you said, by the things that you did. She took an interest in painting, as it usually soothes her.

I know it’s been years, but I can’t just wash off what you did to me. Sitting her bed, she pulls her drawer, taking out her favorite brush. It was glistening silver, sharp. It made beautiful strokes, especially on a pale canvas.

Beautiful red strokes, blood red strokes. I’m just a pawn for the system. I’ll forever be stuck. I wish I was validated. I wish they listened! The pale canvas is ruined, slashed with red all over. It’s just a retouch of the fine picture she has painted that has already faded. She disassociates but before she does, the familiar question she has been asking herself for years rings in her mind again.

Why is seeking help so stigmatized?

She knows it’ll happen again, and it won’t ever stop. Not now, not ever. Stop the stigma.

GILBERT ELIJAH ALBAR

wag akong husgahan

Sa henerasyon ngayon, tao di mo mapagkakatiwalaan, Di’ mo alam kaibigan mo mismo, ika’y hinuhusgahan, Ang mga paningin ng mga tao ay di mo na mamanmanan, Sapagkat marami nang mga nagbabalat-kayo sa ating lipunan.

Isang halimbawa natin ang mga maaarteng mga tao, Na parang turing nila sayo isang madumi na aso, Akala mo kung sinong malinis sa panlabas na anyo, Ngunit di nila alam ang budhi nila mas mabaho pa kesa sayo.

Ilagay na din natin ang mga tsismosa sa kanto, Na parang mga bubuyog, tsismis dun tsismis dito, Di na nakuntento pag-uusapan pa ang buhay mo, Na mas kainte-interesado naman ang kwento ng buhay nila kesa sayo.

Di’ natin maiiwasan ang mga ganitong tao na dumating sa ating buhay, Kaya wag ka ding mag tulad sa tsismosa mong kapit-bahay, Ako sa iyo sa Diyos nalang ito ialay, Ang mga problema mo upang di magulo ang inyong pamamahay.

Wag kang manghusga sa iyong kapwa, Pantay-pantay lang tayo kahit ang balat niyo’y di tugma, Tigilan ang panghuhusga sa iyong kapwa, Sapagkat, ang Diyos lamang ang may karapatan nitong gumawa.

JAMELA MAE FALCO

acquiescence

Agony and bleary are some words that can define Out of this perdition that thine eyes should see Getting a second wind as what thee need to be Every moment, it’s getting dire and tears can create a brine Windows of my eyes opened and a prismatic flare greeted me.

My head is about to crevice as I look at my device, it’s a complete misery.

I became a night owl as I put ink on my loads and hefty modules, And in a nanosecond thou can hear the crow of the cock while having a less joule.

Connection that’s like a snail while lock up in a rackety setting, I’m not an A.I. that can grasp up everything.

Fighting my drowsy, While listening to a robotic cacophony.

Rummaged around just to get a fact, Analysing and understanding it just to be intact, Doing it is like we have a microchip on our mind, Which in fact we don’t, but we need to acquire Problems and challenge arise but we need to be tough Mourns and cries silently on night just to be lown I ask myself, Am I learning?

Or I’m just complying?

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

p12 special report SURVEY

’

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR SPECIAL REPORT MA. JAZMINE YSABEL LEAL JOHN PATRICK JAEN JASON MARK TRABADO

WORDS BY JAMELA MAE FALCO

’

Senior High School students react to new normal education set-up Brought by the pandemic, the distance learning was drew on wherein most of the students encounter difficulties on adapting to this new normal set-up yet managed to walk half way through the long and arduous path in which beatitude awaits.

To hear the voice of the SHS students, The Hillside-Echo Senior conducted an online survey last February 25. This aims to look-see the response of students on the blended learning and to know what barrier hinders them to have an effective education.

The said survey had a total of 325 respondents wherein 57.8 % were satisfied with the New Normal Education Set-up while 42.2% were not. 53.2% were not satisfied with the online submission through the Learning Management System while 46.8% were satisfied.

Majority of the respondents prefer hard copy which had 52.6% of total votes and 47.4% prefer soft copy. 66.5% agreed that it is manageable to take semestral examination virtually.

56.9 % of the total votes said that they attend classes everyday while 27.1% and 14.2% attend class most of the time and sometimes respectively. 48.3% of the students like to have an academic break every end of the quarter.

As we are in the process of acclimating new normal set-up, we can’t avoid facing obstacles that hampers the way. SHS students voice out the struggle that they encounter, this includes; unstable internet connection,

poor signal for some areas, insufficient load to attend class, unable to pass on time because of slow internet connection, unexpected electricity interruption, difficulty in uploading documents/files on Google drive to submit on a specific subject, difficulty in catching up to the lessons, Noisy Neighborhood/environment, having loaded assignments/outputs on different subject and by that, students sometimes cannot pass on the deadline given by teacher because they do not have enough time to do so, students do not have money sometimes to pass Hard Copy Modules at school and lack of gadget.

Distance Learning has its own advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include learning while staying at home, study at your own pace and teaches time management skills. Disadvantages are as follows: prone to distraction due to noisy environment, technical difficulties/interruptions, unstable internet connection and difficulties in comprehending the study material. This sum up that living in the digital world by means of education is uphill but through patience and perseverance, we can able to shatter the obstacle ahead of us.

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR

opinion p13

Filipinos are known for their resilience. This ability to quickly recover from difficulties is manifested by many after they encounter disasters. However, there comes a time when the resilience becomes bad — when the public fails to receive immediate assistance, when LGUs start pointing fingers because they fail to provide urgent response, and when Filipino Resiliency gets used as an excuse for the incompetence in distributing help and rescue.

The Philippines is located in an area prone to the occurrence of natural disasters. Now that we are still in the middle of a pandem-

Filipino Resilience, not Disaster Lenience ic with lockdowns, restrictions, and unemployment occurring side-by-side — given that the most disadvantaged are also the ones who suffer the hardest, we should not expect local communities to continue rebuilding di-

saster after disaster.

Instead of focusing on addressing the hazards that could lead to disasters, and discuss minimizing losses and damages; lawmakers are focused on how they could respond and rehabili-

tate after calamities had already happened — and even on this one, they fail to be competent.

The public’s resilience does not make them any less susceptible to the hardships and dangers brought and caused by disasters — therefore it is not an excuse for those in power to abandon their people, nor a reason for them to pay no heed.

Resilience, after all, refers to the Filipinos endurance until [and for] recovery, not adaption to an oppressive government system.

To see resiliency as merely the strength of people, and not as their strength through the CONTINUE TO PAGE 8

Laro ng Buhay sa Panahon ng Pandemya

A

ng buhay ay hindi lamang panantili sa loob ng apat na sulok ng ating tahanan.

Ang kalye ay puno ng iba’t-ibang buhay panlipunan ngunit mula ng sumiklab ang pandemyang hindi inaasahan, paano na nga ba ang buhay na kinagawian?

Bilang isang Pilipino, isports ay malaking bahagi ng ating libangan – larong kalye man o propesyunal ay talaga naming kinagigiliwan. Mayroon pa ngang koponan na sinusuportahan at nagkakaroon ng pustahan at pikunan tuwing may laban.

Marso 2020 noong idineklara ang enhanced community quarantine dahil sa pagtaas ng kaso ng Covid-19 sa bansa.

Ang mundong ginagalawan ay tumigil ng walang babala kasabay ng pandemyang hindi batid. Ang dating kalye at malalaking istadyum na palaging puno ng mga hiyawan ay para ng abandonadong lugar dahil lamang sa pandemyang tila naghari sa mundo. Dati-rati, ang pambansang kamao na si Manny Pacquiao lamang na hinahangaan ang dahilan upang lumuwag ang daan, ngayon Covid-19 na ang sanhi at kinatatakutan.

Mula ng bumalik ang iilang isports, lalo na ng PBA at NBA, nitong nakaraang buwan, hindi na lamang halaman ang makikita sa social media. Muling nasaksihan ang pagtapos ng NBA kung saan Los Angeles Lakers ang nagwagi at itinanghal si LeBron James ang itinanghal na MVP. Naging usap-usapan din ang pagkapanalo ng Barangay Ginebra sa PBA ilang linggo ang nakaraan at si LA Tenorio na nakakuha ng kaniyang kauna-unahang MVP. Hindi lamang aliw at kasiyahan ang dala ng isports, bawat manlalaro ay may kaniya-kaniyang kwentong maaring magbigay inspirasyon sa manonood, kapwa manlala-

WHY WE WRITE. Editor’s Message

ED /fcuthes k fcuthes@gmail.com

CARTOON NI JANKARL VELADO

ro, at sa mga taong nagnanais ding makamit ang tinatamasa ng kanilang idolo. Hindi rin dahilan ang pandemya sa paghinto ng isports, kailangan lamang na mahigpit na pagsunod sa health protocols. Kung isports ang makagpagbibigay kasiyahan sa mamamayan, bakit natin ito pipigilan kung kaya naming gawan ng paraan. Kung nagawa nga ng bagong PNP Chief General Debold Sinas na magdiwang ng kaniyang kaarawan sa gitna ng pandemya, bakit hindi gawin sa

isports na mayroong ambag sa lipunan?

Ilang araw na lamang bago mamaalam ang taong 2020 subalit ang kaso ng Covid ay patuloy na dumadami, hindi malaman kung ilang taon, buwan, linggo, o araw pa ang kailangang dumaan bago ito mawala sa sanlibutan. Sa pagbukas ng panibagong taon, nawa’y ang isports na nakasanayan ay bumalik sa dati – muling maririnig ang hiyawan sa istadyum habang itinataas ang bandila ng manok na ating sinusuportahan.

As Maya Angelou quoted, “the idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.”

We, The Hillside Echo- Senior Publication, gladly express that it is our duty as much as our honor to serve the entire student body with truth and excellence.

The Publication is elated to introduce our very first and newest Electronic Newsletter that is full of stories and information to tell and voices to be heard.

And we say to you, speak the truth and what is right. There’s a big world waiting for you to conquer. And as you traverse the path waiting for you, don’t be afraid to use your voice.

Opinions expressed herein by the authors, respondents, and artists are exclusively theirs and do not necessarily reflect those of the University or the entire publication.

sports

VOL. III, ISSUE NO. 1 MARCH 2021

THE HILLSIDE ECHO - SENIOR

LOCAL NEWS

EUSALAN: ‘I AM DETERMINED’ ALYSSA JANE ZULUETA

Allyah Dominique Eusalan, a Grdae 12 HUMSS student of FCU, snatches silver on kickpad kicking and bronze on free kicking during the 2020 Smart/ MVPSF Online National Taekwondo CPJ Championships Speed Kicking, Nov. 28.

“It was exciting, at the time I feel sad. Exciting because it’s new to us and even we have a pandemic, we can still compete in local, national, and international competitions,” Eusalan said.

Eusalan started her taekwondo career when she was in 2nd grade for the purpose of loosing weight and so, her

same

ALYSSA JANE ZULUETA

Filamer Christian University Student Republic opens Mobile Legends Esports Tournament 2020, sixteen teams fill in the slots, Nov. 24 – 27.

Amid the pandemic, FCUSR senators Yancy Azarcon and John Mark Baculi together with the other FCUSR National officials pull off the first esports tournament this academic year that was set to promote collaboration, camaraderie, enhancement of social skills, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship among the participants.

“The very event was organized to become one of the factors to help students cope with the adversities they experience. COVID – 19, in the best of our capabilities, will not stop us from serving the studentry. To integrate eSports in the activities of the school means that we are pacing positively forward into the future,” Yancy Azarcon, chairman of eSports, said.

It is in no doubt that the event was organized in a different manner as we are currently prohibited to have much of a physical interaction to lessen the risk of getting infected by the circu-

lating virus.

“As student leaders, we have to be future-oriented. We already expected difficulties like technical problems and time constraints to occur, for the event will be conducted differently as opposed from the previous ones.

To remedy such problems, we utilized our flexibility, applied ingenious solutions to overcome these struggles,” Azarcon stated.

Among the sixteen competent teams, Valor E-sports bags the championship title while Halfwits takes the 1st Runner-Up, and Celestial Fury on the 2nd.

parents encouraged her to take taekwondo classes.

“I feel sad because I have a lot of games that are wasted because of this pandemic,” Eusalan stated.

Spending years in the industry, joining various competitions and taking home different awards, Eusalan still consider 2020 Global Taekwondo Online competition as her biggest achievement where she won the first place.

It is because of the people around her that motivates her to go on in times she is in doubt of herself and capabilities. Thus, maybe the “Go Allyah, liyaah, liyaah!” of the crowd awaken the spirit of determination every game.

“Push yourself, go beyond your limit, and finish what you’ve started,” she advised.