TamArts 2022

FOREWORD

TamArts, the official Arts-centric magazine of the FEU Advocate, has returned this year to showcase another set of unique and beautiful artworks offered by the FEU community.

Since its launch last year, TamArts already established itself as an avenue for the artistic talents of not only Advocate’s very own Art Section, but also the FEU community.

Many artists have given us the privilege of sharing the products of their years of love-filled labor not only in the arts, but also in the craft of art making — may it be in the form of digital, traditional, or mixed media.

A big thank you to all those within the FEU community whose contributions continue to fill the pages of this magazine. Here is to hoping that the growing pains of being an artist may never derail nor discourage you from making more art in the future!

Another set of thanks goes to the Arts Section for always dedicating yourselves, time, and labor for all the work that we produce. Being a creative in this publication is no easy task, and I am very proud of all of you. Your individual approaches to art, as well as your different takes on creativity, have made working with you an exceptional experience. To Vel, Phia, Joven, Xandra, and April, congratulations to all of you for a job well done as always!

Special thanks as well to the Layout Section whose presence has always been the backbone of this publication. This magazine and any other work of Advocate would not be complete without your hard work!

Shiena Sanchez Art Director

JIAN DREW H. LACUESTA

Counterfeit

Kiss the pseudo-pioneer who painted this little haven for the diminutive self. Because if you worship a monk, you would even praise their robe. Dismiss the fingers that drain the hue of your arteries and drown in stagnant happiness. It is too late, you now live with love rendered obsolete.

2ND YEAR, IAS, BS PSYCHOLOGY INSTAGRAM: @idrew.__

ISABEL AMELIE A. LARA

YEAR, IAS, BS PSYCHOLOGY INSTAGRAM: @ctrlzia and @theiaverse

i fear you close by; i love you far away

This piece is a reference to a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche: “I fear you close by; I love you far away.” It shows how we, as humans, fear intimacy when it is close but yearn for it when it cannot be found.

2ND

KA-HEAL (KAHEL)

This is one of my unfinished works last 2021, and I only got the motivation to complete it last April 2022. Amidst continuously having art burnouts, I managed to finish this output after I played around with bright colors like orange while also aiming to achieve mirroring such energy that gives an opposite meaning as to what emotions the subject shows.

ADELFA MAUREEN LIBARIOS

2ND YEAR, IAS, BA INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (PHILIPPINE ARTS, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY TRACK) INSTAGRAM: @ma0chiiii

4TH YEAR, IAS, BA COMMUNICATION DIGITAL CINEMA SOCIALS: @jenmglna

Kim Da-Mi of Itaewon Class

This illustration “is a fan art I created of” Kim Da-Mi after watching Itaewon Class. I created this with the Adobe Illustrator mobile application using my fingers to carefully craft this one, and that is why I’m proud of it. Sharing this to inspire people that you don’t need to have fancy equipment to pursue something you love and that it’s okay if you are passionate about multiple things.

TRISHA MARIE O. MANALO

Yor Forger from Spy x Family. A government worker. A mom. An assassin.

JOHN T.

Minerva

The modern world seems to be deprive of the essence of living on the surface of the earth, where even the balance for justice is indeed struggling. Minerva “The Enchanter” is an unknown being who personifies transformation, peace, and bravery. She may appear alluring to the oppressors of her homeland but looks can be deceiving, as she can strike swiftly just to restore order for her people.

SHIENA SANCHEZ

The Owl House was a show that provided neverending comfort for me. From the warm and quirky characters to the vast fantasy of the Boiling Isles, it’s a show that not only comforts also impresses me. These two characters, named Hunter and Willow, are the characters I relate to the most and I love drawing them together in scenarios where they are just doing the most mundane things possible.

3RD YEAR, IAS, BS PSYCHOLOGY TWITTER: @yenasartdump

Forest Watcher

Fanart of a character from the game Genshin

Impact. I rarely draw any backgrounds in my character art, usually only opting for white backgrounds but with this one, I wanted to challenge myself a bit more. I also just like playing with lighting and this one is my favorite type.

CHYNNA MAE I. SANTOS

1ST, IAS, BA COMMUNICATIONS (CONVERGENT MEDIA)

SOCIALS: IG: @stardust_summer

FB: Chynna Santos Twt: @xingqiuism

2nd year, IHSN, BS in Medical Technology

FACEBOOK: Joven Veluya

Tooth Cavity

This is one of my commissioned pieces of a friend’s deformed stuffed dog named Tooth Cavity. The style is actually inspired by one of my favorite tattoo artists, Yujhi. The character was interesting to draw because of its ominous and lifeless facial expression. The more you stare at it, the more it creeps you out and that’s the charm of it.

LYNETTE PASAJOL

2nd Year, IAS, BS Biology (Medical Biology Track)

INSTAGRAM: @art.riinne

Tarnished Heroes In All Of Their Tainted Glory

This is the first October illustration that I came up with featuring myself and the original character (OC) of someone close to me. Bored of the same, old shenanigans of reality, this illustration depicts what it would be like if we were in an alternate universe. Dedicated to my partner and hero, here is to more fighting with whatever is left of life to make it more meaningful.

1st year, IAS, BS Biology (Medical Biology)

FACEBOOK: Alexandra Lim

Shu Yamino

A rendered fanart of the artist’s current overfixation: Shu Yamino of Nijisanji EN (English), everyone.

KRIZLYN CRUZ

1st Year, IAS, BS Psychology

FACEBOOK: OKaye Arts

Li’l Colors

This illustration shows the main characters of the comic book “Li’l Colors,” which tells the story of an Aeta and an Igorot going on magical adventures around the world. Li’l Colors was created by Zaldy M. Silvestre, an FEU alumnus who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts back in 2002. He is my uncle and one of my biggest inspirations as an artist, so I created this illustration to honor his passion for storytelling.

APRIL KURSTEIGN GARCIA

1st Year, IARFA, BFA VisCom INSTAGRAM: @kursteign03 and @kursteigndraws

Second Chance

Due to getting pregnant and giving birth, I stopped my college education for two years. Yearly, I request to study again but because of my previous school’s online class setup and other factors it was hindered. My mother also was no longer able to afford my tuition fee after resigning from her job and going out of the country. Thankfully, I found support from my aunt who not only aided my living but my studies as well. I am thankful for God and all of these other factors as I was able to continue working on my dream through the education I am pursuing. Hopefully, I will graduate soon. I am happy with the inspiration I find everywhere, especially in FEU Advocate.

MILES MUNICH MONTREAL JIMENEZ

1st Year, IARFA, BFA VisCom

SOCIALS: IG: @m_yunikk

TWT: @m_unikk

Himeno

This illustration is a fanart of Himeno from “Chainsaw Man”. She is a Public Safety Devil Hunter working under Makima’s special squad. I made her a fanart because I really like her character design, and her skills/abilities. I think that she might be my favorite character from the series.

ALISON MAYE AGUAVIVA

1st Year, IAS, BS Psychology

INSTAGRAM: @aurova_cynthetia

Return

One does not simply move forward without looking back once. There is beauty and bitterness in our darkest nights where we lay awake and come back for quite some time. Though the pain never seems to go away, we always search for a place of serenity—where the heart confides.

SHEM EZEKIEL VILLAREAL

1st Year, IT, BS Computer Science

FACEBOOK: @shempot26

Cats in a bag

It is just a simple original illustration of an unknown character carrying their cats using a backpack-style pet carrier. I made sure to give each cat its own unique personality. I also wanted to express the warmth and comfort the cats were feeling to the viewer despite the seemingly cold season.

MARIA AKITA CLAVE

1st Year, IAS, BS Psychology

SOCIALS: TWT: @ohdeeraki IG: @ohdeeraki

Eh Paanyo Kung Amend WRP

Eh, paano kung hindi Hindi nya tayo nyag-WWRP? Siguro, nyakakulong pa rin Sa nyakaraan, ‘di makalaya dahil andaming ginagawang acads

FINDING TAMOLITO

Ten Tamolitos are scattered and hidden within the illustration above. Can you find them all?

Super TAM ario

We are facing every level and challenge as student— the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, class suspensions due to natural disasters, and the high number of academic demands which are all impediments. Like the game Super Mario, as the level progresses, the obstacles become harder, but the character grows stronger. All these challenges as student make us super, tougher, and more prepared to tackle the real world once we graduate.

CAN-DEMIc in PANDEMIC

Mary Vel S. Custodio Senior Stafer

Looking back on February 9, 2020 which was almost three years ago, this is the caption that welcomed me to the FEU Advocate. As I entered the student publication, I am already seeing myself meeting and bonding with my new friends in the organization, seeing my work published online and in print, and joining events that can improve my art skills. However, after a month, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and everything that I envisioned had a huge revision.

Looking back, while adjusting as a new member of the organization, I was also adjusting to the drastic changes and restrictions because of the pandemic. Meeting and having a bond with my co-stafers were as sketchy as when will the restrictions be lifted at that time. I never had a chance to have a meeting with my co-stafers in the Arts section, nor mentored by our Art Director at that time due to the adjustments. None of my few outputs was posted for almost a whole semester and I did not even experience working on a print issue since all were postponed due to the pandemic.

Looking back, this gray paint of my journey is fnally fnding its color. From being a traditional artist, I found myself learning digital art. I found time watching tutorials and made personal art by applying what I learned as I was stuck at home 24/7.

At that time, I was only using a free application on my tablet to draw. When the next batch of editors had entered, I can already submit digital outputs and most of my works were being posted already. This time, I was able to notice that it was not only me who is learning to adjust to the situation but as well as our editors, since they were trying to conduct our general assemblies online.

Looking back after a year into the lockdown, another batch of editors who entered the publication, and everyone had learned to fully adjust to the new normal. Everything was becoming productive. There were more frequent online general assemblies, regular section meetings, and digital issues of newspapers and magazines pushed through, and we were able to attend and even conduct our own webinar. I can also see more improvements in my digital art skills since aside from relying solely on the techniques that I absorbed in online tutorials, our Art Director was already mentoring us and giving us constructive feedback that helped me learn and improve my art style. Also, since there are more online bonds within the organization and in our section, I already established friendships with my co-stafers. All that I envisioned the frst time that I entered FEU Advocate was already in the progress, just that everything was happening online. Fortunately, before the term ended, limited face-toface was already implemented in the university which enabled us to interact and bond with some of my co-stafers on-campus. Finally seeing my costafers was the highlight of my term.

Now that we are back in full face-toface, I can communicate and bond with my co-stafers easier, I can contribute to physical copies of the newspaper, and we can help each other more efectively to improve our work. Even though the setup is already back as before, the diference is we are able to adept at using online means when needed which made us more fexible, especially when working in collaborations.

Now, do I still want to look back despite the challenges brought by the pandemic? Defnitely! Building a paintbrush requires several strands of bristle—likewise, building an artist requires several challenges. For me, improving my artistic skills is a challenge that I successfully surpassed during the lockdown. How I grew as an artist during the pandemic is a story that I can proudly share with future artists, and one of those artists is you, who is reading this.

“Congratulations, new staffers! Welcome to FEU Advocate!”

Sophia Kaye M. Fernandez

Probationary Stafer

First, I do not claim to be an artist due to my high regard for the profession.

my lingering feelings for it clings to my commitment to the organization. I realized that it is hard to do something that feels more like a task than a passion. Maybe this is just another phase I need to be able to grow as the “artist” I envision myself to be and maybe I’ll stay at FEU Advocate, a little bit more.

And due to the pedestal of the profession in my brain, it became nauseating to become an “artist”, especially with the expectations and pressure it brought into my college life. But with its cons are its pros, especially when I entered FEU Advocate which gave me much more than just knowing art. Creating illustrations for FEU Advocate has been my comfort zone when I want to stop thinking about my program. It was fun, I improved a lot and even gained a little bit of confdence along the way.

I got recognized for my art and it gave me a sense of satisfaction to be able to do something and be productive. However, when face-toface happened, it changed a lot, but

“I mostly portray myself as someone who creates things that I like which are usually creating “art”.”

Every day in FEU

The dress code has been a foreboding issue in FEU, creating a rift between the security personnel and the student body. The former claims to be just following the rules although the consistency is varying and the latter claims that it is unjust although aware of the restrictions. However, behind all of these are the true culprits of the situation, lurking in the shadows and deafening themselves from the voices coming from their institution.

#FEUDOBETTER

April Kursteign Garcia

Probationary Stafer

“This is my frst time being an artist in an organization and I’m really glad that of all organizations I am in FEU Advocate.”

Since I am currently studying in the Fine Arts track it was really through my own will to improve that I set out to be an illustrator for this organization. FEU Advocate, in my short time here, has helped me practice a lot and increase my knowledge of not only art but my overall skills as an Illustrator. Our Art Director is also very approachable, if there is something I want to ask or if I have a problem, they always answer my questions and help me solve the problem.

When I frst joined FEU Advocate, I always practice drawing by using ballpoint pens only on my mini sketchbook. Now, I try my best to improve my digital art as well. The pandemic made me afraid of starting faceto-face classes because of the fear of getting COVID-19, but those fears are lessened not only because there is continuous exposure but also because of this organization.

College Tetris

No matter what struggles come your way, just keep moving forward. We must always be responsible and if we’re tired, we must rest. All the sacrifces will be worth it. Much like a game of Tetris, while it’s a struggle to jam everything together, with patience and proper strategizing, things will be K.O.-ed before you know it!

Takemon!

Where Pokemon blends in with the usual college life.

Alexandr Lim

Probationary Stafer

In a span of two years in isolation, a lot has been taken from my supposed last year in high school. But despite the struggle in coping with the sudden change, the pandemic actually granted opportunities for some people which includes us, digital artists. During the lockdown, I had more time to hone my art skills and focus on creating art compared to when I was formerly in junior high.

Now that we’re in face-to-face, I was able to become an even more active artist and a member. Compared to before, I get to engage more with our section and form bonds with them. So far, my experience in FEU Advocate has been fun and it helps me maintain my consistency in art. Currently, I look forward to more learning opportunities as a recent member and gaining fruitful memories.

That, and the several fxations I have with the media I love also urged me to draw endlessly. If it wasn’t for the time I had spent drawing amidst the pandemic, perhaps I still won’t be confdent enough about my progress nor will I be confdent in joining my former school publication and, of course, FEU Advocate. In fact, I haven’t even ofcially graduated from senior high when I signed up for an artist position once FEU Advocate was open for recruitment. I simply felt like I had a chance and here we are.

“It was like reigniting my passion for digital art once again and an attempt to polish my style.”

Shiena Sanchez

Art Director

What is it like being an Artist, and a member of FEU Advocate in the pandemic and now we’re face to face?

The frst time I ever encountered the FEU Advocate was during the TamHunt in the frst semester of the school year 2019–2020. My attention was caught by the screaming people at the then Advobooth who were simultaneously asking me to consider joining their organization. Somehow someone managed to ask me if I liked comics, and I responded with a yes, and that pretty much paved the way to where I am today. Due to many factors, I had to apply for a leave of absence for a semester, which was then extended by the sudden pandemic. When I returned, not only had I been gone for a time, but everyone I knew had either already graduated or left the organization. The entire ordeal was similar to being in Advocate for

the very frst time again, and now it’s happening online. This added more anxiety on my part, not helped by the distance that came with the pandemic and the barriers it created between my co-stafers and me. I’ve never been the type to communicate with others outside of work-related conversations unless we were close.

So, when I was named Art Director (Arts

Ofcer-in- Charge) a year after returning to Advocate, it surprised not only me, but I’m sure others as well. Honestly, it was a struggle at frst to adjust in terms of handling a new section, as well as transitioning from online to face-to-face. Being in this position also forced me to be out of my comfort zone a lot. Though I won’t necessarily classify this as a bad thing, it did help me improve not only in creating illustrations but also in managing a team or a section. The position also opened up certain opportunities that gave me the chance to write again, which is a skill I haven’t fully honed. I genuinely like this change in perspective in the medium of self-expression, not only because I’m an artist but generally just because I’m a person with much to say. I am also grateful for this change because it has enabled me to interact with people not only in my section but also outside of it.

The Legend of the I eg student

This artwork is inspired by my “adventures” as a consistent irregular student at Far Eastern University. Much like any Roleplaying game, being an irregular student is akin to doing many side quests at your own pace which then prepares you for your fnal quest; which is to graduate. I have made many friends out of the characters I’ve met throughout the entirety of my college journey so far, and I’m only 60% done with the game.

histology wins

A Tekken-themed representation of my experience with Histology, one of the difcult majors I have in my course. As a form of coping, this was done from a comical angle with a hint of nostalgic vibes to connotate my performance in that subject so far.

joven veluya Junior Stafer

During times of crisis, art has the capacity to bring people together, share experiences, and refect on them. So, being an artist and a member of Advocate during the height of the pandemic was nonetheless a fulflling experience. Even with the looming barrier between all of us, I chose to focus on our shift to digital creations as an alternative. There were difculties faced but those did not stop the drive and motivation to inspire and uplift the community despite the circumstances.

Now that we’ve transitioned back to face-to-face, I can say that I have been much more active as a member. Uncertainties and hindrances due to the pandemic have diminished and it opened new doors and opportunities that

brought me out of my comfort zone. Not only that, this paved the way for for FEU Advocate as a collective to fully reassert its presence in the community. Seeing people recogize and engage in our work frst hand was an elating experience. Overall, being able to contribute to bringing the FEU community together is what makes me proud, as both an artist and a member of Advocate.

A short story by the Arts Section

The TamArts magazine is one of Advocate’s many monthly publication releases. On its second annual run, it has proven once again that not only is it dedicated to entertain the community but to also promote the art appreciation and artistic skills of the FEU student body. This magazine features works from the Advocate’s very own Arts Section along with submissions from the artistic members of the FEU community.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Advocate’s Executive

Arabella Rochynne C. Asis (Editor in Chief)

Arvene John P. Dela Cruz (Managing Editor)

Agustin F. San Andres (Associate Editor)

The Creative Heads

Ashley Mae Chrystal B. Rabot (Head Layout Artist)

Shiena Sanchez (Art Director)

The Advocate’s Art Section

Mary Vel Custordio (Senior Stafer)

Joven Veluya (Junior Stafer)

Alexandra Lim (Junior Stafer)

April Kursteign Garcia (Probationary Stafer)

Sophia Kaye Fernandez (Probationary Stafer)

The Advocate’s Layout Artists

Antonio Imperial (Senior Stafer)

Jeseth Saygo (Junior Stafer)

Redgyn Crisostomo (Junior Stafer)

The FEU Community

Trisha Marie O. Manalo

Miles Munich Montreal J. Jimenez

Adelfa Maureen Libarios

Trobby John T. Reyes

Jian Drew H. Lacuesta

Lynette Pasajol

Shem Ezekiel D. Villareal

Krizlyn S. Cruz

Isabel Amelie A. Lara

Jenny Magalona

Chynna Mae I. Santos

Maria Akita R. Clave

Alison Maye B. Aguaviva

The Advocate’s Copyreaders

Margueritte Carlisle Giner (Junior Copyreader)

Renee Arwen Marfga (Junior Copyreader)

Kurt Jaden Mercado (Junior Copyreader)

Angelyka Renta (Junior Copyreader)