La Salleño Vol. 24 by Heraldo Filipino

1 Vol. 24 DOUBLE Issue

LA SALLEÃ&#x2018;O december 2016

Features Magazine of the Heraldo Filipino

Vol. 24 DOUBLE ISSUE

LA SALLEÑO Ma. Bianca Isabelle Lariosa Editor Glazel Ricci Noceda, Casvel Teresa Lopez, Christian Ralf Dugan, Anri Ichimura, Naomi Lane Tiburcio, Kristine Mae Rebote, Paolo Lorenzo Salud, Kelsey Telo, Nishtha Nigam, and Ranica Meralpis Writers Lynoelle Kyle Arayata, John Chesleigh Nofiel, Chandler Belaro, and Sheka Ignaco, and Timmy Lomarda Artists Kathelyn Ann Bravo, Jose Mari Martinada, Angelica Aludino, Justine Bea Bautista, Bermanie Doniña, Jomarcel Oco, and Jean Quinto Photographers Camille Joy Gallardo, and Mikaela Torres Layout Artists

About the cover Thrill and chill—the two conflicting yet prevalent desires of the youth. Cover by Jose Mari Martinada Models Lean Mangrobang and Sabrina Espinas

Words from the Editor

Far too often, I’ve found myself standing—nay, lounging on the precipice of the future. For the youth constantly in the process of becoming—shudders— full-pledged adults, it’s often a challenge to discover who we are—and what we really want to do. At the same time, there’s the overwhelming plea to get up and escape from all we know, and the gentle urge to take a step back and find comfort within ourselves. Thus, in comes the coincidentally perfect rhyming words that encompass this special double edition of La Salleño: Thrill and Chill. Looking back, we started brainstorming with the clear vision on whom exactly we would be targeting this to: you—or on a much grander scale, the youth. Beyond the intricacies, absurdness, and stereotypes that we’ve been tucked away with, it’s hard to even begin defining ourselves, because of the root of all the problems and pleasures—indecisiveness. It’s hard to give the youth what we really want, because we’re never really sure ourselves. We’ll always be a little bit misunderstood because we can never truly understand who we are—and honestly there’s nothing wrong with how difficult it is to define our generation, because the easier we make it for others to define who we are, the less we’ll become our real selves in the long run. To hell with it, we have the rest of our lives to find out. Emulating the indefinability of youth, this edition of La Salleño will unveil the glamour and gore of both thrill and chill with stories on the drug known as rush, the everyday daredevils, the world of extroverts and introverts, the power of night owls, the risk of indifference—and even a few timeless playlists along the way. So drop the weight of the world for just a moment and relish the stories found inside this special double issue. Here’s to hoping we all find the courage to cherish exactly where we stand right now—and eventually take it from there. Ma. Bianca Isabelle C. Lariosa Features editor

9 Risky business

reign of 11 The daredevils

of the 14 Out woods

17 FlowHouse 20 Fear on the rise 22 Iuvenis Animo Manila

24 Literary contagion

Crossing the 28 Confusion 30 spectrum cinema

34 Death-defying 36 spots

Midnight dance party

amusement 39 The park

Thrill

Feature

Risky business The allure of thrill

By Bianca Isabelle Lariosa Photo by Kathelyn Anne Bravo

Whether we love, hate, or want to be them, thrill-seekers definitely take the top spot when it comes to being the people on the spotlight. Truth is, there’s truly something about the exhilarating thrill that makes us want to close our eyes and take that leap for ourselves. Though some of us may already be thrill

been invaded as a country. Though collective fear still rings true to this day, the book Chancing it: Why We Take Risks by Ralph Keye tackles the individuality of fear, stating that risk is based on the fears of the beholder and what may be thrilling for you might just be plain everyday life for another.

Doped up Chances are, our brains go wild on a daily basis just thinking of possible outcomes of everyday life. May it be finally getting out of the seen-zone or getting a 4.0 on that terror subject, otherworldly fantasies definitely tend to consume our mind and fulfill our long-

Life is an everyday gamble, and thrill is just one of the many cards we have that may lead us to triumph. junkies ourselves, there is actually a lot of factors weighing in on this drug we call rush. So before taking that plunge into the unknown, plunge deep into what makes risks so completely intoxicating.

Fear factor A big part of what makes the adrenaline rush so intoxicatingly addicting is the indescribable thrill that comes along with it. Whether it be the thrill of passing an assignment three minutes before its deadline or going up to talk to the charming person in the class, the possibility of what if takes over our psyche—and the fear of the unknown that comes along with it. It should come to no surprise that fear has already been ingrained in our mentalities from so long ago because of the endless number of times we’ve

Life coach Kimberely Cohen also emphasizes the important role that fear plays in taking risks, as it lets us see what’s holding us back or keeping us from doing what we truly want to do. However, it comes to taking the risk of watching horror movies, Glenn Parks, a professor at Purdue University states that it’s not that people truly enjoy feeling fear, but rather the satisfaction of “making it through” the film—or the gratifying win of the risk. Comfort and a life free from fear may be cozy, but being pulled too hard under it’s suffocating sway may lead us to stagnation and an overall boredom with our lives. At its very core, the alarming and appealing fear may just be the jolt we all need to stand up from the monotony of life and experience the thrill we’ve all been vying for.

hidden desires. Along with the yearnings that fill our mind, certain drug-like chemicals in our system take control as well. Dopamine—the classic neurotransmitter responsible for happiness and satisfaction—is the main culprit if ever thrill was considered a crime. The feel-good chemical has been the focus of one too many studies in the field of risk. A fresh example would be a study conducted by the University of British Columbia, when they stated that dopamine plays a crucial role in our perception of risk and reward. In their experiment, they tested on rats to evaluate their dopamine levels when they choose a “Go big or go home” reward or tiny but consistent ones. When the rats chose the latter reward, their

dopamine levels spiked, making them happier and therefore making them want to continue to take the risk. In a similar way to humans, we’d much prefer taking the high road and giving all we’ve got for the risk of getting so much more. When it comes to thrill-seekers themselves, dopamine becomes their hidden but equally essential best friend. A study made in Vanderbilt University in Nashville found that the brain of risk-takers are not able to reduce dopamine effectively, therefore they get a remarkably huge hit of the chemical each time they experience something new and exciting. Just like the addicts craving for a new high, the sensation is ethereal to them and therefore they keep coming back for newer and more exciting thrill. In other words, dopamine is not only an essential puzzle piece of wanting a thrill, but an incomparable reward as well. Though dopamine is already a part of our chemical system, how we utilize this otherworldly high to our advantage is fundamental to be the thrill-seekers we’ve always wanted to become.

Sensation junkies Like the classic saying goes, what goes up must come down. Though

the high caused by thrill can truly be unexplainable, the descent downwards can become a wreck that nobody wants to see. Through the numerous advantages that thrill may have, it’s still important to know and understand the pitfalls we might encounter once we’re obsessed with the high—no war on drugs involved. The reckless type of impulsivity can bring one down into the rabbit hole of trouble, according to an international team of mental health researchers headed by Dunedin School of Medicine’s Sandhya Ramrakha who stated that impulsivity when it comes to multiple sex partners is linked to higher chances of acquiring substance abuse, difficulty of facing stress, and even having disordered eating partners. Another form abusing the feeling of thrill comes from so-called “sensation seekers”, or those that actively seek out novel experiences for their personal and emotional gain. Although sensation-seekers differ in quality; as there are those with low sensation and those with high sensation. Marvin Zuckerman and and his fellow researchers from the University of Delaware focused their study on sensation, stating that that high sensation-seeking seeps into

each and every aspect of our lives, affecting engagement in risky sports, various sexual relationship, personal pop culture traits, and many more. However, the high sensation-seekers are those more likely to smoke, abuse alcohol, use illegal drugs, and even be more inclined in stressful jobs. So if you ever have that friend who prefers a challenge over anything else, be sure to remind him of the addictions he might be inclined to have. Through it all, the powerful sensations thrill-seekers have do tend to make them prone to illicit acts and bad habits. Yet if their motto is to live for a good time, and not for a long time, then they are ultimately truly gambling on the biggest risk they have. *** The feeling of a high is truly something that can’t be explained. Though we should remember that no matter how tempting it may be to just float on our inhibitions, there are times when we must untug the pull of adrenaline and stay on solid ground. Life is an everyday gamble and thrill is just one of the many cards we have that may lead us to our sought after triumph. It’s true what David Sernoff said, “The thrill is as much in the battle as in the victory.”

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The reign of daredevils Revolution of thrill-seekers By Casvel Teresa Lopez Illustration by John Chesleigh Nofiel We were born with the thirst to experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to quench our desire and to make the most out of our youth. Our daily habits like sitting on the couch while scrolling our newsfeed or scouring Spotify playlist no longer excite our senses. Yet the same even goes for entering a haunted house, climbing a mountain, and other adrenaline-pumping activities that were once on the top of our thrill list. As trends change, millennials now search for a new taste of life that will fulfill the hunger of modern daredevils to kick the pressure up a notch.

List

Like a badass Catching up with acquaintances or meeting random people every day honestly make us tweak our personality just to be accepted. Longing to meet their expectations, we tend to portray someone so suave that no one can step above us—like a badass. When we hear the word “badass,” our common perception is a nervebreaking junkie with sky-high self-esteem. We feel the chasm between our boring selves and these adventurous rebels because of their fearless traits, far from a nerdy persona of reading a book for a whole day. Being a badass, for the lack of a better term, means possessing the “chill personality” in the face of thrill—aka, people who can do whatever they want regardless of any judgment thrown at them. An informal survey conducted by Shelley Prevost, an online writer at nooga.com, discovered some evident positive traits of badassery like being direct to the point, yet seeking solutions. She also added that these modern daredevils exhibit high selfesteem, knowledgeability, skillfulness, and in-born leadership. In short, they don’t listen to haters and take risks no matter what the results may be, which we might misinterpret as being insensitive with others. Aside from the occasional bad vibes of a badass, there are existing advantages that also hide underneath their personality. Generally, we’re put off by rebel acts. But for some of us, a badass may look attractive because of the distinct trait that most people search for in themselves and in others—to be able to stand on your own two feet. From our University, psychology Professor Normita Atrillano mentioned that these are people

who are strong and love challenges. Essentially, a badass lives out the quote from American author Napoleon Hill, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Badassery is not just a negative connotation but a unique characteristic of being a daredevil. Whether we deny it or not, we all have the hidden spirit of a badass flowing through our veins and boosting our confidence to show the world just what we can do.

Buzzer beaters Being a college student is no easy feat. The reality of having piles of assignments and projects to finish within a week will often feel like a living hell, all while covering it up with a facade of bliss in living out our teenage dreams in our free time. The reality of being young adults in college has been turning our stressed and pressured selves to become master initiators of procrastination which some consider an excuse for just being lazy. In fact, thinking that being a daredevil in carelessly shrugging off responsibilities doesn’t lead us to become a cool kid or a badass, but just a lazy head who’s nothing special. Procrastination is an inevitable part of our youth. It’s hard to admit that the actions we do daily drive us to put fun before work, but the truth is, we tend to set aside our duties and prioritize leisure over deadlines to the point that we know how expertly do our schoolbook assessments just minutes before the deadline. Evidently, an online lifestyle blog Success Consciousness mentioned that procrastinators do not act accordingly with their intention, causing them to be recognized as lazy aimless individuals. Being part of the youth is a trial-and-

error process for our self-progression. Our personality reflects on our actions; hence, doing our homework during the day of submission is a result of carelessness rather than showing the effortless thrill of daredevils. Simply put, procrastinating doesn’t make us cool kids or daredevils for breaking the rules. Psychological science writer Eric Jaffe supports this claim, stating that people who procrastinate have higher levels of stress and lower progress in completing their tasks. However, Atrillano mentioned that “eustress,” beneficial stress, is a factor that drives us to procrastinate as it is productivity under pressure that releases adrenaline for emergency energy. The youth’s so-called “adrenaline rush” in beating the time isn’t always healthy as Psychological scientist Fuschia Sirois of Bishop’s University in Quebec reported that chronic procrastinators can easily be associated with having hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Illness was the prime result of the rushing and mixing thoughts due to negative psychophysiological effects as we become determined to beat the odds of time. Though procrastination is an incurable epidemic, being a procrastinator is a choice. As much as beating the time can make us feel victorious or slightly rebellious, it’s still a negative quality that can bring us to our downfall—which isn’t that daring at all.

Virtual devotees Aside from what daredevils are and what they aren’t, there is also the matter of what they can be and who they’ve become, particularly in this era of technology taking over

the reality. The millennium culture is a progressive lifestyle in which technology has been continuously upgrading itself to cater to their main demographic: the youth. Millennial gamers live by the words “survival of the fittest,” which showcases a person’s enthusiasm to beat the odds in a video game—the training grounds of being a modern-day daredevil with the virtual strategies ready for reality. As millennials became hooked in playing gory video games, more adults have been concerned with how these games can influence a person’s character and mentality—with good reason—since majority are rife with violence. However, the virtual world also has intellectual perks as gaming prowess is an indication of better brain connections and coordination according to www.iflscience.com. On the flip side, manipulating controllers and keyboards enables the brain region called the insular cortex associated with perception, motor control, and cognitive functioning to aid children in shifting their focus while playing a certain task and

practicing their hand-eye coordination and reaction-time to complete the game, just as a daredevil needs effortless action in facing reality’s challenges. The blood-thirsty scenes of rated video games have been on a descending stage as the brutality of video games have desensitized our excitement due to the expected flow of most games: shoot, stab, kill, and repeat. However, based from the study of University of Rochester and Immersyve Inc., a firm specialized in player-experience research, wellknown gory video games like Counter Strike, Call of Duty, and Battlefield give gamers a sense of autonomy and self-challenge from the obstacles of the game. Atrillano stated that while playing, the stimulus reinforcement of an individual takes in. Youth forgets their problems or simply finds video games as coping mechanisms and defense mechanisms to stay away from negativity. Dr. Gentile also mentioned that people who play violent video games get an adrenaline rush of active stress hormones that

evoke thrill and antipathy, which make the game more exciting when firing a bullet and stabbing an opponent compared to brain-teasing games like Tetris and Candy Crush that allow the brain to work practically, although not daringly. This dose of virtual-based excitement merges with our thrillseeking personality as we experience the thrilling win-lose scenario in every conquest or defeat. The nature of each game might put our innocence on the line, yet it helps us to establish our morale and appreciate our efforts in winning over the virtual battle that might help us in handling real-life obstacles, like an honest daredevil. *** A modern daredevil with a badass personality hasn’t always been accepted in the past but because of how daring we as a people have become, the youth have also become more fearless to explore the world and themselves, fully-packed with the courage and confidence to overcome any obstacles that society might throw at us—like a badass.

Out of the woods

Surpassing the limits of thrill By Glazel Ricci Noceda Photo by Justine Bea Bautista

There will always be a part of us wanting to be as rebellious as James Dean. Throughout our lives, we are bound by certain standards—or simply put, society’s infinite rules. We don’t really need to go far to prove this matter, because even at school, we’re obliged to follow strict rules like wearing an ID lace at all times or at home when everyone is required to pitch in and do chores. Though some of us may not admit this, it’s the sense of responsibility that pushes us to follow society’s demands despite the matter going against our character. Be that as it may, rules are everywhere. If we try to look on the bright side however, having some rules is still a good thing, or at least until we feel like exploding from the pressing duty. But on top of everything, achieving our desires and moving forward in life honestly requires us to break the society’s rules—and start making our own.

The risky phase As we get older, we are expected to think and act maturely. Some of us might not be completely over our childhood just yet as we continuously seek for fun—like a permanent throwback to our old childhood memories. While the desire to discover never truly stops, there’s a further explanation as to why teenagers have the innate pull to pursue thrill. The idea that we, the youth, have the urge to seek out thrill while throwing our safety out the window is based on the fact that a teenager’s brain is hardwired differently from an adult’s, as confirmed by neuroscientists

from University College London. Their study found that the transition to and from the adolescence period creates structural changes in the developmental stage of the brain that causes our behavior to be impulsive and risky. This transition period from 15 to 17 years of age makes adolescents decide recklessly as their emotions prevail over reason. During this period, teenagers also have the urge to pursue thrilling activities rather than engage in ordinary things as the brain adjusts to their experiences, especially if it involves the thrill of action. With the way the various regions of the teenage brain work with one another, teenagers seemed to be more careless of their actions— resulting in their confounding behavior. Based on brain imaging (and hormones), teens are way more sensitive in terms of dealing with serious situations, yet less conscious to occurring risks than adults. The results are based on teenagers’ different styles of processing information wherein they focus more on the possible rewards, all while ignoring the gist of the problem—the consequences of their actions, says Valerie Reyna, a professor of human development and psychology at Cornell University. The ability of teenagers to go beyond their limitations is the factor that pushes them to step out of their own circle and discover more of their environment. Apart from the fact that teens are the ultimate thrill-seekers, their psychological behavior plays a vital

role in convincing them to take risks. This can often be observed in many ways; a simple letter we aren’t allowed to open or a signboard saying not to trespass are just some small rules that we break not for the sake of being reckless—but perhaps simply because breaking rules is just neurologically fun.

Achievement unlocked Thrill isn’t solely about happiness, but in some instances, it can boost our ego when we enjoy doing forbidden things like going out with people our parents told us to avoid or staying up all night to go drinking. These tempting deeds give us a thrilling rush that make us want to break more rules, no matter what consequences may come along the way. Even if some people know that they must refrain from doing prohibited things, there’s still the urge to engage in it. The best example for one of the most committed forbidden deeds is cheating; an act that has a thrilling factor when done despite its grave consequences. It’s quite surprising that many are still tempted to cheat even if the violation of the rule and the practice of dishonesty entails undesirable outcomes. As a matter of fact, based on a series of experiments conducted by researchers from the University of Washington in collaboration with other prestigious research institutes, there are psychological rewards that people can get from breaking the rules, and they call this immediate rush of

emotion the “cheater’s high.” Usually, small acts of dishonesty tend to make people feel guilty afterwards, but people experiencing the “cheater’s high” don’t even feel remorse. The secret thrill of cheating is caused by the idea that people can get away with it, a reason why cheaters find their overall experience as a positive reinforcement. Even more, dodging the rules could be perceived as a sort of challenge for individuals, a test for their sense of accomplishment, says the Wall Street Journal. Apart from the “cheater’s high,” breaking the rules also offers us a sense of freedom—a view outside the familiar box. As Science Daily says, “Norm violators are perceived as having the capacity to act as they please.” When we have an absolute mindset, making decisions about our goals is much easier than being bounded by rules. It encourages us to be independent and free before the time comes that we need to face the limitations set by the society. What matters the most is that benefits and consequences come hand in hand when you start breaking the rules. No matter how hard it may be, the only key for a sense of fulfillment is to consider if your actions are really worth crossing the line.

Ambitious state of mind Many of the limitations we face in our lives are self-imposed, as we often submit ourselves to restrictions that aren’t actually required of us. Some of us silently talk over the phone when out in public, refrain from

eating foul-smelling food in crowded areas, and stick to the right side to give way for people in a rush. In short, we hopelessly try to fit in with society even if we don’t really need to use politeness as an excuse in doing such things—and just simply feel free. There’s always a downside to everything. Even though we perform favorable actions, there’s still a rebellious streak in each one of us. Maybe some of us have always wanted to slide down stair banisters or jump on soft bouncy castles— there’s a lot that we aim for but we aren’t allowed to. The point is, it’s not merely the illegal acts that you think of, but the pleasure we can achieve from breaking these small restrictions. Since we are bound to embrace the written rules of our government, we’ve become afraid of the violations that we might get involved in. But we won’t always get anywhere or feel anything new by coping up with society’s norms, as stepping out of our bubble will sometimes lead us to a path of new opportunities. Based on the article Expand Your Comfort Zone written by Elizabeth Kuster on WebMD website, risk is not a thing that you’re not sure you’ll be successful at, but rather a wish that you could do that which you never believed could be possible. Learning is all about exploring possibilities, pushing ourselves to reach out, and probably breaking an odd rule or two. Staying on the same track isn’t that difficult and some things that you get easily aren’t always worth it. It’s not about having the mindset of being

good in doing everything, but the idea of not being scared to face new thrilling experiences, says founder of the Fearless Living Institute network and fear expert Rhonda Britten. Having a broader perspective on the challenges coming along the way gives us a vision that the boundaries we face are not hindrances in achieving our ambition, but only tests to know if we’re capable of pushing beyond our limits. The desire to misbehave radiates light into the forbidden world, making the thrill of experience even more exciting. *** There will always be a part of us wanting to be as rebellious as James Dean or to channel our inner Cherie Gil. However, it’s up to us to choose between sticking to the standards or breaking free to find what’s meant for us. Whatever that reason is, it should be remembered that teenagers aren’t a license to be reckless and wild— breaking rules doesn’t necessarily make us bad, but the way we use this freedom, either for our own good or for others, will always affect our lives. As for the adrenaline junkies in this world of low-key beings, the sensation of thrill serves as the addictive drug needing a constant fix. The world won’t stop spinning if you break a rule every now and then. More than that, breaking rules could be a way to discover that society is not so scary and demanding after all—but it’s the extraordinary abilities hiding in each one of us that we’re too afraid to place in the world’s hands.

Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trip 17

Flow House Manila: Going against the current by Glazel Ricci Noceda and Casvel Teresa Lopez

Scenic spot The first entertainment destination to introduce flow boarding in the Philippines, Flow House Manila mixes up all the essential elements of recreation, relaxation, and satisfaction to give every visitor the best adventure they seek for. With the inviting atmosphere surrounding the entire place, visitors are bound to enjoy their stay with the numerous flow board packages the area offers. Flow House Manila is a jam-packed avenue where you can savor great food and beverages at bars, take a dip in the pool, experience surfing on the Flow Rider, and learn to groove your body through the surfing drill. Apart from the thrilling factors, Flow Rider isn’t just a breath-taking ride but also a learning experience where you can acquire skills and cherish a surfing opportunity at the same time. With all the exciting vibes that push you to rush into Flow House Manila, you can keep your patience as walk-in guests don’t have to wait for long at the counter and large groups can book online reservations. The venue accommodates a limited number of guests to ensure the riders maximize the water activity without worrying about large crowds and time limits.

As you’re fully taken by the ecstatic getaway, you might want to take pictures of the stunning scenery and video the fun-filled moments to relive your experience. Flow House Manila’s reputation is already growing around the country as tourists flock to the place during weekends and holidays. Underlying all the exciting vibes Flow House Manila delivers to its guests is the sense of fulfillment you can get from the rush of fun while riding along the thrilling waves of flow boarding.

In-house surfing experience Aside from the common water activities we know like swimming and snorkeling, this flow ride trend is considered a water sport that combines surfing, skateboarding, wakeboarding, and snowboarding. The flow ride is a customized endeavor for aspiring surfers to learn the basic skills over the current of a controllable water engine facility. To maximize the guests’ flow riding experience, Flow House Manila allows an hour of practicing different levels of surfing techniques for beginners to experts in the middle of the outflow. As Filipinos are newly oriented to flow riding, Flow House Manila offers a personal experience—facilitated by accommodating trained instructors—with this offbeat water venture engaging in physical movements fused with enjoyment and thrill. The ride is available to all aspiring flow riders, as long as they’re at least 4 feet tall or 8-years-old. For us millennials with passionate eagerness to create and keep memories, the flow ride is not just an additional thrilling experience nor an Instagram-feed goal; surfing against the flow satisfies not only our excitement but also our physical and emotional wellness. From reclining to stand ups, this water sport benefits our cardiovascular health and spinal exercise, as well as maintaining our physical fitness and metal health by relieving stress and replacing it with fun-filled memories made by experiencing the epic flow ride at Flow House Manila. *** A hidden sanctuary for thrill-seekers, Flow House Manila will surely be the perfect adventure to experience a modern water sport all while developing our enthusiasm to acquire new skills and let the fervor flow along with the current of Flow House Manila.

Location Season’s Mall, Molino Boulevard, Bacoor City, Cavite Routes • DLSU-D Magdiwang Gate (Gate 3) to District Mall Imus (Jeepney) – P10.00 • District Mall Imus to SM City Molino (Orange multicab) – P14.00 • SM City Molino to Seasons Mall (Jeepney) – P6.00 Rates • P650 – 1-hour ride with instructor, use of flow boards, and unlimited usage of pool • P1,800 – 3-hour ride with instructor, use of flow boards, and unlimited usage of pool (valid within the day of purchase)

what to wear • Spandex/nylon shorts or pants • Rash guard, swim wear, or T-shirt • Hair tie for girls WHAT TO BRING • Bottled water (Alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited) • Sunblock • Extra clothes • Towel • Camera (except action cameras to prevent damage of Flow Rider) • Smartphones (for personal photos; waterproof bags are not available in the venue) • Pocket money (snacks inside cost approximately P300 per head)

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Fear on the rise The phobic memoir

When we come to think of what we’re afraid of, countless memories start rushing back, scaring the hell out of us. From being a crybaby frightened of seeing monsters under the bed to being a teenager terrified on learning how to adult, our fears are barriers we can’t easily overcome. Even though we nearly jump out of our skin from being scared, it’s evident that fear is a hardwired feeling and it will continue to exist no matter what. Despite this, exposing ourselves to our personal demons just might be the best way to move past them.

Infants: Everyday terrors Ideally, what revolves around an infant’s world is the sense of comfort and protection, the kind only parents can give. Anything that disrupts that, like a loud noise from sudden movements and even an innocent stranger trying to approach them, shakes their small world and creates fear. A state of confusion usually takes place when babies dwell on the outside world. As CNN says, it’s a normal struggle for infants to distinguish reality and make-believe. Once in our early childhood days, we may have thought of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the rats roaming around our house, when in fact, they’re just the cartoon characters we loved watching on TV. As infants begin solving the puzzle of their environment, they gradually understand what’s happening around them and the safe parts of their everyday life suddenly become terrifying. The widely known egocentricity of a young baby plays a role in making them perceive alarming characters in their life, according to What To Expect When You’re Expecting, a pregnancy guide written by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. For instance, if something bad happens to someone else, they presume that it might happen to them as well. However, “Infants experience fear or anxiety, no exemption, but these actually are necessary in preparation for their future,” says Jovito Santos, a psychology professor in our University, noting the constructive elements of fear at a young age.

By Glazel Ricci Noceda Graphic art by Camille Joy Gallardo What successfully relieves an infants’ anxiety is the gentle reassurance from family: the information they tell us is what we rely on. Even though we’re mostly adults and still have a lot to fear, we can always go back from being a crybaby seeking comfort from our family just like before.

Toddlers: Wild flights of fancy At this point, toddlers have grasped better awareness of the world’s dangers coupled with their big imagination. Their consciousness paves the way for them to discover certain matters they don’t easily understand—which just might create fears. As kids start to grow, their world also expands as they continue to fear new places and people. This new exposure introduces fear of the unexpected according to Tamar E. Chansky, a psychologist and author of Freeing Your Child from Anxiety. “Some of [their fears] are the result of concrete experiences, but some are due to their developing imagination,” she added. Being able to understand that there really isn’t a lurking creature inside the closet is a brave thing for a child to think of, but maintaining emotional intelligence is still in the progress of their learning. For young children between the ages of four and seven, emotion and imagination don’t usually come in hand, often resulting in their confusion. According to Santos, we have two kinds of brains: the first one is the feeling brain or emotional brain and the other one is the rational brain or the thinking brain. As the one first to be developed, the feeling brain swipes the activation to our senses, therefore it’s only normal for a child to experience fearful things as a part of growing. We might all come to the point where we easily understand—and prefer—our imagination more than reality just like children who’d rather live in their make-believe worlds rather than be scared of getting bad grades and having their friends hate them. However, we can make use of our bad memories as a way to grow by setting aside our emotions and letting these experiences mold us like they did when we were younger.

Grade-schoolers: Petty dilemmas The burst of knowledge, explosion of experiences, and clashes of interaction—all these happen during the first period of our school years. During this stage, realism begins to set in as more life dangers are introduced and learned in school—storms, fire, thieves, and wars, among other dreadful things. Children’s way of thinking and reacting constantly change as they encounter new kinds of environments, forming different developmental rates that differentiate normal fears from those that need special attention—and this is when things become tough to determine, according to Harvard Health Publications’ website. In most cases, Generalized Anxiety Disorder takes place during this stage. This makes children become more conscious of their selves and begin doubting their abilities, which is why constant reassurance and approval from adults are important for this case. As much as our childhood brought us traumas that left emotional and physical wounds, this stage paves way for our clearer view and deeper understanding about the reality of growing up. After all, our grade school days are the golden days of our youth because it takes us roughly 13 to 14 years to learn the basic lessons that helped us move to the next chapter of our lives.

High-schoolers: Grown-up concerns As kids, we’ve always looked up to those older than us because we dream about growing up and being mature like them. Later on, we hit puberty and the rage of hormones causes profound changes in our body, the least of which is the attack of acne, and that’s when we realize it’s not as easy as we imagined it would be. Being a teenager, we tend to overthink about everything—and this is where the fear of what people think of us sets in. Given the maturity and sense of full understanding, a teenager’s view of themselves evolves over time. “When it comes to teen hood, adolescent egocentrism [takes place] as a product of the pubertal growth’s part,” says Santos. The bodily changes affect our perspective and our point of view in life, he added. Unlike in our childhood where we didn’t feel conscious about how we looked in front of the crowd, as we move toward young adulthood, the pressure of going through many changes makes us lose our selfconfidence, making us feel afraid—of the judgment of others. In the end, all the hardships we had in school, the

misunderstandings we settled with our friends, and even the typical teenage angst we’ve felt towards our parents are just few of the trials we’ve gone through to reach the so-called—and wrongfully desired—paradise: college.

College students: Real-life endeavor If high-schoolers are afraid of going into college, the same world for unprepared college students awaits them after graduation. The pressure of growing up fast seems to be the biggest disadvantage of our age group; it can often be intimidating to start a new life away from your accustomed culture and the society you’re acquainted with, along with your hometown, family, and friends. Based on The College Fear Factor published by the Harvard University Press, college students are most afraid of meeting college expectations. Even though they can easily arrive at college without understanding what’s expected of them, it’s still all about the struggle of coping with the anticipation of what may come along the way. Aside from the demands of school pressuring their abilities, this is the stage where our quarter-life existential crisis occurs—struggling to establish a sense of who we are and what kind of person we want to be. In most cases during the period, we often ask ourselves if all the choices we make are right for us and question why we chose them in the first place. All the hardships we’ve gone through in college such as facing terror professors, meeting distressing deadlines, and studying complicated subjects are just a few things we think of as an impossible mission to fulfill. But as we slowly try to fit in and figure life out, we learn that it’s not that impossible for us to cope up with changes, because as we go on with life, we’re bound not only to acquire—but embrace—more of our fears. *** The fear factor we’ve all been experiencing never truly goes away as it has always been essential to start down a new path for the future. Our weak emotions aren’t a turn for the worst since they hold the key to the doorway that’ll change us—for the better. No matter how fearless we convince ourselves to be or how much we show the world our tough side, we all still have our hidden weaknesses—a part of us that we’ve always tried to hide. However, the fears that we’ve acquired through time are not something that we should be ashamed of, but should rather be a source of strength that will keep us going beyond our infinite doubt.

Iuvenis Animo

Who would you switch lives with for a day? “Einstein dahil gusto ko maranasan ‘yong talino niya at ‘yong paggamit ng over 10% na power ng brain niya.”

“Kay mama [ko] para kung ako ‘yong magulang, susuportahan ko ‘yong gusto ng anak ko—bagay na hindi ko maramdaman sa kaniya simula no’ng pumasok ako sa organization sa school.” Ivy Joy Fonclara, HRM44

Sharina Mae Guarino, ARC21

“Gusto ko sa isa sa mga indio [ng 1800s] kasi gusto ko talagang malaman ‘yong totoong nangyari sa panahong ‘yon.” Maria Angelica Co, BSA31

“I would like a blind man kasi I want to experience how active our other senses are.”

Jannah Jordan, COM32

“[Maybe] kay President Rodrigo Duterte dahil gusto ko maintindihan kung bakit gano’n ‘yong mga ginagawa niya, mga iniisip niya, at bakit gano’n ‘yong solusyon niya.” Marc Jerome Galang, BOM23

Alfonso Luis Oblena, HUB43

“Si Bo Sanchez para ma-share ko ang aming generational outlook para mas maintindihan natin ang isa’t isa at makakarelate ako sa mas maraming tao para lumawak ‘yong perspective nila.” “Aristotle dahil matalino siya; gusto ko malaman [lahat ng] mga nalalaman niya.” Rizelyn Joyce Ortilaro, HRD22

“Sa buhay ni daddy [ko] kasi nakakainspire siya. Nag-start siya as a farmer sa probinsya, nakatapos [siya] ng pag-aaral, at naging successful CPA.” Jeff Adrian Atun, BOM33

“Si Leonardo da Vinci dahil gusto kong concept ng life ko is maging innovative—create something [new] na magiging malaking benefit sa future.” Rico Jeremy Hernandez, CEE33

“Kay lola [ko] kasi since nalaman niyang may sakit siya, nawalan na siya ng pagasa gumaling … [kaya kung makikipagpalit ako sa kanya] papahalagahan ko yong life [ko] at lalabanan ko ‘yong sakit.” Reyneth Mikaella Navera, BSM21

List

Literary contagion

The dark and dangerous power of reading By Kristine Mae Rebote Graphic art by Timmy Lomarda There’s nothing more wholesome and soul-mending than reading fiction—regardless of the content the narrative holds, it’s a smoothie for the soul. To think that books wield dangerous powers like vampires who infect and drain a person’s sense of self is perhaps one of the greatest paradoxes of our time. Yet by means of corroding influence and ideas, some books throughout history indeed manifest a “literary poison” that some tender and vulnerable minds cannot read—and with good reason.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) You have been warned: Fitzgerald’s third book tells the story of the wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for Daisy Buchanan through lavish parties on Long Island. Read at your own risk: Known for its depictions on spousal violence, Gatsby was consistently pulled off the shelves because some contend that it might trigger painful memories of domestic abuse to its readers.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939) You have been warned: This Pulitzer Prize winning novel tells the story of the repercussions of the Great Depression on the rural poor. It particularly disclosed the life of a family of sharecroppers who were displaced from their home in Oklahoma because of the drought and the huge changes in the agriculture industry. Left with economic hardship and nowhere else to go, they went ahead looking for jobs and dignity in California. Read at your own risk: Literary writers loved the work of Steinbeck, yet it was publicly banned and even burned all together by the general population because they were overwhelmingly shocked with how the novel described the poor. Steinbeck then admitted that the novel was e not accurate withwhat was exactly happening in the remote communities.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (1955) You have been warned: Humbert Humbert is obsessed with young girls—“nymphets”, as he likes to call them. When he moves to a small town in New England, he becomes obsessed with a 12-year old girl named Lolita and secretly covets her by bluffing he is married to her mother. Read at your own risk: Considering the apparent theme of pedophilia in the work, then editor of the Sunday Express tagged Lolita as ‘the filthiest book’ he’s ever read, the Home Office immediately seized all copies of the book in the same year it was published. According to them, it was on the grounds of pornography.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954) You have been warned: This epic fantasy of Tolkien tells the story of good and evil forces in pursuit of a magical ring. Read at your own risk: The book was tagged as ‘satanic’ by some people and were even burned by the church members in New Mexico, which is ironic as Tolkien was a devout Christian and scholars note the presence of religion as one of the themes of his work.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (1969) You have been warned: Maya Angelou’s autobiography covers her early life and teenage years, including her personal struggles on sexual abuse, rape, and pregnancy. Read at your own risk: The book contains a powerful message on adversity, yet many libraries and schools banned it because of an intense scene of childhood rape, as well as other depictions of racism and sexuality not suitable for younger minds.

The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie (1988) You have been warned: This book tells the story of two protagonists falling on New Year’s Day, after going through a plane crash. The Bollywood superstar rebuilts his life while the emigrant has his life torn apart. Read at your own risk: Apparent with the book’s title, many in the Islamic community saw the story’s take on Islam to be offensive. If you were caught reading Rushdie’s work in Venezuela, you’d be imprisoned for fifteen months. If it were in Japan, fines were issued for people who sold the English edition and worse for the United States, two huge and notable bookshops refused to sell the novel because they received death threats.

American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis (1991) You have been warned: This novel tells the tale of a serial killer and business man which started from nothing but a retelling of his experiences on living in an affluent district of New York City. Eventually, the surface of the Yuppie life breaks to reveal a sinister and murderous aspect. read at your own risk: Ellis has always been raised fists upon because of the nature of his writing— and American Psycho is perhaps one of his most controversial works. The fiction is told through highly detailed and terrifying depictions of violence and graphic sexual scenes. Furthermore, most of the victims in the story are women, which made the book susceptible to be violently misogynistic.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky (1999) You have been warned: Chobsky’s work tells the story of Charlie, a teenager who writes a series of letters to an anonymous friend. In his letters, he goes to great lengths in describing his introversion, sexuality, and drug use. Read at your own risk: The novel’s explicit content, most especially in homosexual aspects, made US libraries frequently withdraw it. Ironically as frequently as it topped the American Library Asociation’s list of top 10 most challenged books.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (1997-2007) You have been warned: The works of Rowling cover the life of Harry Potter, a young wizard and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who are all students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It mainly concerns Harry’s fight against Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who want to become immortal. Read at your own risk: The series has been consistently accepted by parents and teachers for engaging children in reading, but some insist that the series was curiously positive in its portrayal of witchcraft. With its young readers on mind, it was often accused of paganism.

Looking for Alaska by John Green (2005) You have been warned: The novel follows the story of Miles Halter, a teenager who’s tired of his safe and comfortable life at home, so he leaves to a new boarding school to seek the “Great Perhaps”. Numerous wild adventures await Miles at Culver Creek, including the beautiful Alaska Young. Read at your own risk: Green’s work has been named the most complained book of 2015 because of its offensive language and descriptions on homosexuality, sexually explicit scenes, and unsuitable religious viewpoints.

*** While this list goes on, it’s important to remember that humans aren’t inherently moral or immoral— so are books. Reading holds the potential to destroy our perceptions—it can ennoble lives to the extent that reality begins to seemingly become unliveable and suffocatingly dull. Besides, it’s a lot like talking or listening to people, and how we open ourselves to its influences is up to us. In the end, the more we expose our minds to a wider range of ideas, the more we realize that fiction is perhaps necessarily corrupting.

Review: Movies

Confusion cinema “What the f--- did I just watch?” By Paolo Lorenzo Salud

Some people like it simple—a plot that consists of a good guy, a bad guy, and one huge fight scene with the fate of the world at stake. Just about how every typical movie goes, the villain eventually gets sealed for all eternity—or at least for a sequel—and the hero saves the day. End of story. On the other hand, some like it a bit more complicated. Boy meets girl, who meets another girl, who has a cat—a cat that was actually human before a witch cursed it. The witch turns out to be the boy, so they exorcised him, and now he’s dead. Or is he? Did he really die? Did all of this really happen? Is the tomato actually a fruit or a vegetable? Now you might be wondering if it’s a good idea to watch a film that’s barely comprehendible. The answer is entirely up to you, but if you’re looking for something that’ll make you rack your brains all night, then read on.

Fight Club (1999) Director: David Fincher Starring: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter Rating:

The Usual Suspects (1995) Director: Bryan Singer Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, and Kevin Spacey Rating:

Masterful acting and directing, deep hidden messages, excessive violence, and that one particular sex scene—these all contributed in making Fight Club the most controversial and talked about movie of its time. The story revolves around our anonymous lead character (Norton) and Tyler Durden (Pitt), a soap salesman who form a—you guessed it—“fight club” where they beat the living daylights out of each other to feel better about themselves. And if that’s not enough, they also invite others to participate. Because who would want to miss out on the fun, right? But there’s something else beyond all the punching and macho face-breaking. Fight Club is a thought-provoking movie that’ll undoubtedly change the way viewers look certain things, like the present society and its mundane definition of what matters in life. In a way, it’s about how the monotonous everyday living of an average Joe can sometimes drive a man crazy. Bearing all these elements in mind, you can sit on a couch, grab some popcorn and revel in this visual masterpiece. If you enjoyed the movie—and you will—tell your friends about it. Or maybe not. First rule, remember? “The first rule of Fight Club is—you do not talk about Fight Club.” – Tyler Durden

In the beginning of the movie, Verbal (Spacey) gives a testimony to US Customs agent Dave Kujan (Palminteri) about the series of events that led to Verbal being the sole survivor of a destroyed ship with dead criminals onboard the boatload of mystery—pun intended. At first, The Usual Suspects gives a puzzle with the purpose of leading the audience to discover the identity of the big bad boss. Most of the story is portrayed through flashbacks, giving viewers a clue every now and then. You can fit the pieces together however you like, but it won’t be easy because there’s too many ways for the movie to end—with one way just as probable as the other. A roller-coaster ride filled with incredibly unexpected twists and turns, The Usual Suspects will test your sleuthing skills to the limit. If you want to find out more about the film, tread carefully because the Internet is littered with spoilers. You have been warned. “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” – Roger “Verbal” Kint

Review: Books 29

Requiem for a Dream (2000) Director: Darren Aronofsky Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans Rating:

The Prestige (2006) Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, David Bowie Rating:

Requiem for a Dream is a devastating story of a mother, a son, and his friend and girlfriend—oh, and lots of drugs—each on their own path of imminent self-destruction. Truly a film that’ll make a certain Filipino president proud, Requiem for a Dream is a story about addiction. Several scenes are filmed in first-person POV to give the audience a look at a dark world seen through a drug abuser’s distorted eyes. Everything seems to go well at first, but at a certain point—like how addiction stories usually unfold—it all comes crashing down. Naturally, addiction pays a hefty price, and thus begins their daily struggle. Aronofsky did a superb job of portraying each character living the life of a certified druggie, so if you have friends who might be interested in doing drugs, do them a favor and show them this eye-opener of a movie. Though be reminded that Requiem for a Dream has a lot of content that many might find extremely disturbing, so watch at your own risk. “Harold, I’m gonna be on television.” – Sara Goldfarb

Set in early 1900s London, The Prestige introduces two professional stage magicians engaged in an information war, desperate to discover each other’s blueprint to their grand trick. The story showcases two illusionists trying to one-up the other in a sequence of magic shows—including sabotages, because they’re that desperate. With the appearance of the historical figure Nikola Tesla (Bowie), The Prestige—ironically—gets a little sci-fi action to create a sinister look on how obsession can drain one’s humanity. Things will get creepier as the sabotages get more extreme and the personal grudges reach their boiling point. As a general rule, magic always messes with your head, and this film kicks it up a notch in its own twisted way. On a lighter note, one can see it this way; Batman and Wolverine going at each other’s throats— minus the cool bat gadgets and adamantine claws. Enjoy the thrill as the film presents a grand magic show full of dark schemes—a once-in-a-lifetime performance, in more ways than one. You have probably seen other magic-themed films—like the popular Now You See Me movies—but that’s as far as their similarities with The Prestige go. If you thought NYSM was the best you’ve ever seen, The Prestige will cut that illusion in half because in any category, this one takes the cake. No contest. “Now you’re looking for the secret. But you won’t find it because of course, you’re not really looking. You don’t really want to work it out. You want to be fooled.” – John Cutter

Predestination (2014) Director: The Spierig Brothers Starring: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, and Noah Taylor Rating:

This film depicts the job description of an agent under incognito as a bartender (Hawke) making trips to the past in order to prevent future crimes. In his final mission, the agent is tasked to apprehend a highly wanted criminal who is currently a threat to countless innocent lives. Predestination focuses primarily on time travelling, and the paradoxes that are predicted to occur with it. The protagonist goes back and forth in time, with each leap adding both clarity and chaos to the story. As if that isn’t confusing enough, the plot is riddled with mind-blowing twists that will elicit the surefire response: “WTF?” Based on the original short story —All You Zombies— by Robert A. Heinlein, the directors rearranged the storytelling and added scenes to make the film relatively understandable. With the breathtaking performances of Hawke and Snook, Predestination possesses an emotional depth that’s worth mentioning. Not to say you’ll enjoy watching it, but if a time machine were to be invented, you might go back a few years to see this movie when it came out. “Let’s face it—nobody’s innocent. Everybody just uses everybody else to get what they want.” – The Unmarried Mother

*** Everybody loves a good movie—even if it baffles us to no end. It’s a guarantee that these films are vastly different from the simple-minded, undeviating, and ridiculously clichéd movies plaguing theaters today. For a change of pace, you might want to shake up your brain with a few of the most electrifying, mind-boggling and highly-absorbing gems to have ever graced the realm of motion picture.

X&Y

Crossing the spectrum The world of extroverts and introverts

By Kristine Mae Rebote and Christian Ralf Dugan Illustrations by John Chesleigh Nofiel

X&Y

People have been classified in so many ways that we’ve already lost count. We live in a world that measures how we generally behave—the extroverted who are energized by people, and the introverted who feel drained after just a few hours of dreaded human interaction. But behind the hundreds of personality exams and stereotypical labels of the two conflicting personalities, taking a peek at both sides of the spectrum will make everything clearer as we unmask their paradox of unifying differences. X: As much as we want to interact without fidgeting at all, it seems like our sweating hands and shaking voices are unstoppable. Fortunately, extroverts behold the gift of maintaining their breathing in a sea of faces and strangers. Carol Bainbridge, a parenting adviser and writer, expounds in her verywell.com article What Is Extrovert Behavior? that although we see extroverts as sociable or friendly, they only become enthusiastic when meeting acquaintances or speaking in front of huge crowds. Extroverts magnetize a huge amount of energy from their surroundings, making them fade when they’re alone, as Bainbridge explains. Like most people here on earth, isolation weakens them, therefore extroverts need society to perceive them not as people seeking attention, but as humans engaging with the world. Y: People exist in different worlds, including a humansized hamster ball—that’s where introverted people thrive. It’s not that they’re withdrawn and shy, they just prefer gathering their energy from activities that, more often than not, don’t include any other human at all. But that doesn’t

time an introvert makes you feel like you’re stealing their sweet juices of energy, just remember to respect their big ball of personal space. X: While having personal space is indeed necessary, too much space really won’t work in the real world. Extroverts step out of their comfort zones, becoming aware of the society and constantly fathoming the machinery of people. Unlike introverts locking themselves in their own spectrums, a study from the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that extroverts link their environmental atmosphere to their “rush of a feel-good brain chemical.” They are more enthusiastic in lively surroundings, providing them the notion of open-mindedness—thus, it’s no surprise why extroverts excel in business, education, and other careers that aim for social confidence. They later analyze themselves after they’ve expressed their ideas, which is actually a positive outlook for them since they tend to formulate their ideas in spite of loud and cognitive dissonances. Though the world continues to mock their frankness, extroverts still survive in an era that hails those who live in their silent soliloquys. Y: While it’s all well and good to step outside your bubble, we can all agree that the self-awareness of introverts is a skill not all can master as they’re more likely to go astray and wander in their own crafted worlds with their imaginary and fancied conversations or ideas. In addition, they most probably wish extroverts would understand the map of their brains, because for some, talking to an introvert means speaking to a soul lost in the woods or laughing with

Extroverts step out of their comfort zones, becoming aware of the society and constantly fathoming the machinery of people. mean they can’t stand in a crowd at a gritty night club with an extroverted friend or two, giggling and swaying along to EDM hits. They can survive the loud music and small talk with a crowd of strangers, but thoughts of bed, books, and internet run faster than the echoing beats of music. Energy is a limited resource because of the way the brains of introverts and extroverts respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical the brain releases that provides excitement and motivation. According to The Imagination Institute’s scientific director Scott Barry Kaufman, this dopamine network is more active in extroverted brains than in introverted ones—however, introverts need less of it to feel excited or happy. So the next

someone engrossed inside a movie plot. A study presented at an annual convention of the American Psychological Association revealed that introverts pay attention to everything that surrounds them, not just the people they talk to. If you want to destroy an introvert’s sanity, put them in an overwhelmingly social situation packed with obnoxious predators at parties or batch reunions—they’ll definitely struggle with distractions. X: Though critical observation helps everyone’s head remain above water, extroverts have their own coping mechanism to fight against life’s endless drowning tides.

The notion that perhaps everyone must agree on—most introverts possess the best ears. Unlike the calmer and deep-thinker introverts, extroverted people project a “positive, nostalgic view of the past and are less likely to have negative thoughts and regrets,” according to Ryan Howell, a psychologist from San Francisco State University. Although extroverts are being mocked for their loquaciousness, they are essential in eradicating the mess and bringing clarity after every storm. Y: Unlike the extrovert’s suffocation from staying in an apartment with no other human to interact with, an introvert’s solitary pursuit serves as a breath of fresh air. Their energyconserving bodies make them prefer internalizing and overanalyzing everything down to its last dimension. According to Marti Olsen Laney’s The Introvert Advantage, introverts have longer neural pathways where information runs. In other words, they curl up in guilt after turning down invites, because it often takes them time to face what they feel as they only realize the right words to say when it’s too late once the encounter is over. If anything, demanding quick responses from introverts entails interesting or relevant conversation—not just more trifling gossip. X: Utilizing our brain doesn’t make the cut anymore in the mode of survival. To be the best, emotional quotient is needed to overthrow life’s turmoil, especially in dealing in a hell of a workplace. In the matter of work, extroverts strike fast in decision-making, which writer Rebecca Knight also supports, saying that they excel in multi-tasking and risk-taking and exhibit promptness in working according to her Harvard Business Review article How to Be Good at Managing Both Introverts and Extroverts. Talking nonstop or resoundingly expressing their thoughts actually aids extroverts in clarifying what they mean clearly. Perhaps we’re too disturbed by their clamor, but drifting to the brighter side of the spectrum makes us fathom that extroverts are essential in pioneering ideas and innovations in the workplace. Y: The common misconception might be that just because it bruises an introvert to work in a dynamic workplace, they lag behind in creating and innovating ideas. But in fact, their propensity to delve into one task at a time when it comes to decision-making and problem solving allows them to work better in a fast-paced world and environment.

Susan Cain, writer of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking stated that introverted workers or leaders are more likely to listen to everyone’s ideas in their teams. It all boils down to the notion that perhaps everyone must agree on—most introverts possess the best ears. X: Introverts might have the best ears but without the extroverts, no one would be talking. They can be unstoppable in conversing—and often raise people’s eyebrows at their finest. Just as in the case of Katherine Lucas, Head of Marketing for North America at State Street, she was judged as less intelligent and lacking leadership skills due to her cheerfulness and warm approach in her workplace. She remarked in her TED@StateStreet speech that we are “automatically assuming that being extrovert is an asset when in fact it’s being evaluated as liability.” We are aware of introverts’ struggles within the society, but everyone seems to be blind or going blind to the criticism extroverts face. Separating people based on their personalities is not the best way to classify the world, as we tend to forget the diversity and complexity we are all dealing with. This is what Lucas affirmed: that the diversity of people will help society if we continue to wisely utilize and favorably accept them. Y: Debunk the myth that introverts have less confidence than extroverts do, because extroverted and introverted humans execute varying styles on allocating energies. For instance, extroverts tend to feel more confident when placed in a social environment; while introverts earn their reputation as listeners, making them appear as if they’re little shy hamsters because of the way they behave. But in fact, German psychologist Hans Eysenck found out that introverts require less stimulation from the world or the people around them. More often than not, they are locked in their internal reflections rather than thinking everything out loud. While we are all aware that it’s a tough life for the introverted, it’s also blinding, simplistic, and ridiculously reductive to separate personalities in preconceived dichotomies. Let the introverted speak and you’ll find the depth and power behind them; leave the extroverted in their jam-packed habitat and you’ll discover the confidence they hone that can bridge every gap. Or better yet, let everyone coexist in the thick of the crowds or sit and observe the passing show, free from the drawing of a dividing line.

Death-defying spots Destinations for adrenaline junkies by Christian Ralf Dugan

Infographic by Mikaela Torres

While we’re all stressing over hectic deadlines, research papers, and countless exams, taking some time out of our day to amuse ourselves might make it easier for us to add some excitement to our colorless existence. Carrying out the Y.O.L.O mantra, let’s take a walk on the wild side and seek for a dose of adrenaline everywhere we go. Here are some of the world’s thrilling places—just don’t forget your survival instincts.

Base jump off Kjerag Mountain Location: Lysefjord, Norway Thrill level:

Ride through the stratosphere on Insanity Location: Stratosphere Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, US Thrill level:

Take a leap of faith in Atlantis Location: Atlantis, Bahamas Thrill level:

Mountain bike down the Road of Death Location: Yungas, Bolivia Thrill level:

35 Hike through Aokigahara Forest (aka Suicide Forest) Location: Northwest base of Mount Fuji, Japan Thrill level:

Diving down the Blue Hole (aka Diver’s Cemetery) Location: Dahab and Sinai, Egypt Thrill level:

Found at the base of the mesmerizing Mount Fuji, Aokigahara Forest is for those who seek both thrill and horror. The forest is known as “Suicide Forest” as countless people have been known to commit suicide in Japan’s alternative graveyard. For those who want to relive their deep-seated fear, Aokigahara Forest beholds the darkness of existence, isolating itself from city lights and hoarding the souls the world has already forgotten.

Hike up Mount Huashan Location: Huashan National Park, China Thrill level:

Ride The Formula Rossa Location: Ferarri World – Abu Dhabi, UAE Thrill level:

Whitewater raft at Cagayan de Oro Location: Cagayan de Oro, Philippines Thrill level:

Bungee jump at Bloukrans Bungy Location: Plettenberg Bay, South Africa Thrill level:

Sources: theplanetd.com goasean.com storypick.com deeperblue.com adventure.nationalgeographic.com gapyear.com

The LS Playlist: Midnight Dance Party There are some nights when our fire isn’t so easily sparked. With the barrage of droning lectures and downright monotony during the day, the night is certainly in need of a little thrill. Instead of spending the late hours bumming yourself out, why not just crank up the volume, put on your dancing shoes—or rather, bedroom slippers—and #TreatYoSelf with the eccentric, electric, and cheer-inducing LS Playlist: Midnight Dance Party edition.

Smile Like You Mean It The Killers

Be Okay Oh Honey

Shiver Shiver Walk the Moon

What I like about you The Romantics

Run The Ransom Collective

The Sound The 1975

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go Wham!

Wannabe Spice Girls

God Help the Girl God Help the Girl

What You Know Two Door Cinema Club

Search Party Sam Bruno

She Doesn’t Get It The Format

Bubblegum Bitch Marina & The Diamonds

Midnight City M83

Mr. Brightside The Killers

Love on Top Beyoncé

I Wanna Get Better The Bleachers

Fast Car (remix) Jonas Blue

Digital Love Daft Punk

Desire Years and Years

Carried Away Passion Pit

Build Me Up Buttercup The Foundations

Come On Eileen Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Norgaard The Vaccines

I’m a Believer The Monkees

By Nishtha Nigam

Graphic Art by Camille Joy Gallardo

Reckless Ventures Amusement Park Located at the heart of your deepest fears. Ride at your own risk.

Break loose from the chains that held you back while you hold on tight to the bar of your limit, swaying back and forth, higher and faster, as you try to find your destined niche.

Slide through the bumps and curves, the twists and turns of your chosen path, that set your heart into rapid motion, while pulling you down a spiral of emotion.

39 Hear the scream that fills your ears? This is your voice. Raw, untamed, as it was meant to be —the roar that had turned itself into a whimper. Crave more? Try our extremes:

Plunge into the highs and lows of the unexpected, where all you can believe is the future you see ahead even as the world around turns upside down, and reality swaps the sky and the ground.

Rocket into the sky and kiss the clouds, then drop till your toes graze the ground, because there’s no fun rising to the sky if you aren’t scared to come crashing down.

Terms and conditions: We will not be held responsible if you happen to find yourself during the ride. You have been warned.

from 42 The art of idle 45 Atheleap frame

the 49 On lowkey

in 51 Lost reverie

47 Midnight musings

with 54 Pets benefits

TV: Kickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Iuvenis Animo 60 The price of 56 90s 58 it old school indifference

Pit 62 Ball Manila

LS Playlist

67 Lathalain

Chill

List

The art of idleness Recognizing the act of stillness By Casvel Teresa Lopez Photo by Jean Quinto

Whether we admit it or not, weekends excite us at the simple thought of one quick vacation to eliminate our anxieties—at least for a while. The workloads we carried for a week will lessen bit by bit by travelling, pampering ourselves, and even going on shopping sprees—the go-to remedy to being stress-free. But for millennials, that chill factor we relish in has for some time formed the art of idleness. Our innocence as kids once drove us to seek excitement to escape routine; but now that we’re older, there are times that we don’t really mind the monotony and prefer stability over constant change. Since, as they say, the more things change, the more we want them to stay the same.

Reliving reality In our childhood days, we were consumed with playing games on our small-screened gizmos, like Space Impact, Bantumi and the all-time favorite Snake. Now, we’re obsessed with whatever new game there is on the App Store or Google Play when we’re not stuck on social media sites and updating our profile pictures. However, getting too attached to playing games and gadgets can make us lose ourselves trying to keep up with the fast-paced tension of the online world. Andrew Smart, an American writer stated in an article on forbes.com that this “culture of effectiveness” is feeble and possibly even harmful to one’s well-being. Behavioral

43 studies have proven that too much time with technology trends can cause depression, poor academic performance, and sleep deprivation. Aside from that, we’ve all experienced the irritation of seeing bothersome posts and the incompleteness without our phones by our side. As these factors hit our lifestyle, it calls on us to disconnect from virtual distractions—and simply do nothing. Being idle breaks our physical and mental thoughts from the pressure by exhaling toxifying tension. Though it’s a recommended way of releasing our stress, this is just a temporary process which aims to re-organize our lifestyle to forget our negative thoughts while disconnecting to reconnect—with ourselves.

Grasping our existence Today’s lifestyle has become devoted to productivity, leading us to forget about our health and to just work like there’s no tomorrow. We live off with the commendations as the fruit of our labor, which make us think that there’s no room for passiveness. But really, being idle doesn’t mean being passive, but rather it might mean readiness for productivity or responsible leisure. In fact, as mentioned by Shelley White of the website Collective Evolution, “the amount of time we allot being busy decreases the importance of our lives.” Filipinos generally recognize idleness as a shameful character in our culture, Juan Tamad. His symbolic existence serves as a guide to remind us that laziness will lead you to nothing. Contrary to popular belief, writer-creator Cliff Hsia of LiveFamilyTravel.com, clarifies that being idle is not synonymous to being passive or lazy— in fact, it simply implies that we are contemplating with our inner self, at least for a while. Doing nothing means disregarding all the things affecting us to revive, renew, and refresh our lives. The years have passed and Juan Tamad’s laziness has been reintroduced as a self-rehabilitating method to make us recognize the meaning of what we’re actually doing. Thus, there is no way for us to be confused and worried when boredom hits because being idle just might be a means of subtle discovery.

Exposing artistic flare Art by famous painters, fascinating statues at museums, gorgeous garden landscapes, and do-it-yourself projects are just some of the products we can create when we take some time off to chill—and contemplate with our inner selves. In this world of upgrades and innovation, our mind has become similar with computer hardware overheating after long runs. Being too busy because of success at a young age can make us content, but not always happy, as we restrict ourselves from having some rest. Smart mentioned that “busyness destroys creativity, selfknowledge, emotional well-being, and social ability.” Although some thrive under thrill, others—like artists—get their best ideas when they’re chill. Due to our brain’s restlessness, pausing allows new creative ideas to enter our brain. According to Smart, idleness preconditions our momentum of functioning. Meanwhile, neuroscience researchers found that daydreaming has been an effective way to rest while working. In fact, musing is a process of boosting our imagination and creativity powered by the medial prefrontal and posterior

cingulate cortices—the brain’s default network—which concerns various aspects about our self, mind setting, dreaming, life memory, and imagination. Letting our minds fly for a moment aids us to regenerate our thoughts—like a blank canvas ready for ideas. For thinking of nothing, we provide ourselves a renewal phase to transform our habits in unveiling our inner artists who present spontaneous masterpieces formed through our reflection in idleness.

Reveling in the journey Being a young adult means a process of acquiring experiences, but for some, the high standards of people around us causes pressure. Stressing ourselves out to reach these standards doesn’t just affect our mental health, but also degrades our immune system. The sleepless nights, inconsistent meal times, and mindlessness to consequences instantly neglects our health. However, thanks to weekends—and class suspensions—we can get a well-deserved reward for the hard work and perseverance on weekdays. Collective Evolution’s Shelley White mentioned that regularly sitting in idle and dropping into a conscious state of being produces health benefits that improves our overall well-being. She also stated that mental downtime replenishes glucose and oxygen levels in the brain, allowing proper processing and functioning of our minds. Doing nothing also offers us the feeling of being more rested and clear-headed, and promotes stronger self-confidence as introducing a deep trust in self and in life—all serving as a major deciding factor in becoming an emotionally healthy person. As millennials search for effortless productivity, we ought to not let the time fly, enjoy first the journey, and wait until we reach our destinations—our goals.

One-on-one time Confusion and hesitation are the defining factors of teenagers. For the moments that we lock ourselves alone in our rooms to chill out, we’re criticized for just wasting our time, but the reality is, this has been the youth’s means of normal meditation with our thoughts and actions. Bertrand Russell, a British Philosopher, once said, “What will be the good of the conquest of leisure and health, if no one remembers how to use them?” The mindfulness in doing nothing has been an unexplored essence of idleness which is a practice of focusing one’s awareness entirely on the present moment as per Huffington Post. We’re often nagged to practice “time managements,” but apparently, “Being idle is one of the most important activities in life,” as stated by Andrew Smart in his book Autopilot: The Art and Science of Doing Nothing. By pressing pause on life, our ego will awaken our unconsciousness to expose a hidden side of ourselves. Although it is hard to believe that our idleness is a form of effective relaxation, the reality makes it happen. *** In this fast-paced world we live in, it is indeed a practical routine to keep ourselves on the track and aim not to be left behind. However, taking a time-out on life will aid us to regenerate our energy and reorganize our thoughts, like the calm before the storm, all while practicing responsible relaxation in the form of idleness.

A leap from the frame Bridging art to the world By Christian Ralf Dugan Illustration by Chandler Belaro

We’ve all seen art in its extensive aesthetic forms—from evocative paintings and sculptures to artistic performances in theater and film. Beyond its Instagram-worthy scheme and the aesthetic aura, art continues to revive itself in the era of modernization—telling stories, healing wounds, and even reviving history through its deep and complicated elements. Though some perceive art as a mere display to beautify the world, there’s more to art than aesthetics as it serves the society and disordered humanity.

46 Reviving the dead We all need to wake up as the world is now in chaos—we’re dealing with bloody wars and fighting intangible enemies such as racism, terrorism, drugs, and even our own stupidity make it to the cut. This world forces us to our extremity that we already lose our senses and sympathy, and that’s why art is here—to save humanity on the verge of its dying days. Giving us concrete solutions isn’t what art’s existence intends to do. Instead, art penetrates our senses, body, and mind—eventually enabling us to feel the world around us, as Olafur Eliasson, an artist and recipient of the 2016 Crystal Awards, affirms in his Huffington Post blog Why Art Has the Power to Change the World. For Jose Mojica, a professor from the Graphic Design and Multimedia Department, “art is something that provides a better roof for the society.” Mojica affirms that in engaging with an art form, like looking at a painting or watching a film in a cinema, “it provides us a space. A space where we can think, reflect,” and perhaps see a deeper perspective of the issue. The thing is, art ignites our curiosity, and thus, it gives us not clarity, but an understanding of the world once again. As we see murals about world peace along avenues and museums, we tend to really think about the world, and eventually, start to fathom and care for it. Art connects people, and beyond the artworks are stories waiting to be revealed, people willing to be heard, and events urging to be emphasized. The world seems to be a blank canvas, waiting for human ignition to paint a new series of stories.

“Breaker of chains” Sometimes in the midst of your existential crises, you find yourself strolling through the halls of museums or art exhibits, trying to ease your feeling from whatever’s weighing you down. You’ll likely see different art forms being displayed, some of canvass or of wood; but behind their still beauty is art’s powerful expression and stories. Art is not only in existence to please humans, but also to reveal feelings unknown even to ourselves.

Beyond possibilities, art has the capability to transport humans through various dimensions and eras using our creative imagination. It lets us see both sides of the spectrum or observe a particular scene in different angles. Visual art like film and theater “allow us to see ourselves and our own community through a different lens,” as artist Barbara Ernst Prey persuaded in her Huffington Post blog The Value and Importance of the Arts and the Humanities in Education and Life. Aside from going somewhere to seek reflection, art also serves as therapy or a tool to achieve inner peace. In a study conducted by Girija Kaimal, an assistant professor of creative arts therapies, and his colleagues at Drexel University titled Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making, 39 adults aged 18-59 years old were invited to create a piece of art—without a particular vision in mind—using collage materials, modeling clay, and markers. They found out that a 45-minute art-making session can help humans learn new aspects about themselves and free themselves from stress, which can result in a more efficient working process regardless of talent or creativity. Just by grabbing a brush and starting to paint abstract designs, we can reduce our stress levels that usually affect the way we deal with our everyday life. Perhaps, looking at art can offer more significant freedom than going out and socializing in the real world. It’s not about detaching ourselves from the society, but more of giving our mind and soul the inner peace they deserve. Art is universal, and its sheer purpose is to aid humans despite the presence of the virtual world. With art, nothing is ever wasted.

The boulevard of complexity Everything today seems to be complex—from following online recipes up to troubleshooting devices—we all live in a time of confusion despite today’s technological advancement. Fortunately, despite the world’s newfound complexity, contemporary art’s here to ironically offer more complex and ambiguity—but in a way we all have failed to accept or decipher.

With its peculiar elements and doubtful simplicity, contemporary art is a reflection of modern evolution that some greatly oppose. “A work of art can express that reality in its own nature, because the triumph of simple bold conceptual art is one of the phenomena that defines our age,” Jonathan Jones affirms in his The Guardian column about the notion of contemporary art. Although conservatives reject contemporary art as something that beholds the value or meaning of ‘genuine’ art, Mojica strongly upholds that unlike traditional art changing the society or setting the bar, contemporary art is here to break the rules. The reason behind the peculiarity or blandness of contemporary arts is because its main purpose is not to provide specific answers, but to question everything, as Mojica added. It seeks to make humans think and ask, because with this, we are the ones who will lead ourselves to the right answers. The world once went crazy as collectors paid millions for artist Lana Newstrom’s fake ‘invisible’ art pieces in 2014. Honestly, it’s ridiculous to think how far the culture of art has travelled now that we are in this era where some are a little too gullible. Perhaps this scenario didn’t happen just to spread nonsense, but that invisible non-existent art is a reflection of our current state, of who we are now as the world quickly completes its cycle. Just imagine the countless contemporary art we all chose to judge and reject, the wasted opportunities for us to think about ourselves, and the missed possibility to solve a puzzle piece that humanity has been completely clueless about for so long. *** Art is not only about pleasure and satisfaction. Its beauty varies on the subjective perspective of humans, and we can say that there’s no such thing as good art because there are no collective standards for different art forms. Whether art teases different senses, it still beholds its unique nature of giving the world far more than just its beauty. And to sum it all through wise words of Jose Mojica, “It’s never a decoration, it should have a purpose,”—and that purpose is entirely up to you.

Feature 47

Midnight musings By Anri Ichimura Graphic art by Mikaela Torres

When the clock strikes midnight, the early birds are deep into their sleep while the night owls bask under the stars. Although there’s the ageold saying that the early bird gets the worm, the perks of the nocturnal lifestyle are just as abundant—if we just look past the eye bags and the zombie expressions the morning after. We might go through our regular routines in the daylight, but life only truly begins after the sun sets. For at night we dream—and to night owls, that means dreaming with our eyes open to seek the innovation and opportunities reserved only for the nocturnal.

Novelty of the night For the readers probably pulling an all-nighter while reading this, rid your mind of the misconception that night owls aren’t as hardworking or superior as early birds, also known

as larks (the literal early birds). Just like any characteristic, our biological internal clock differs from one another. Scientifically referred to as the circadian rhythm, the biological internal clock runs past 24 hours for night owls and falls short of 24 hours for early birds, says assistant professor Katherine Sharkey of Brown University. Before you get bored with the dose of evolutionary history, hear this out: pulling an all-nighter might just be a sign of an “evolutionary novel” situation. According to Satoshi Kanazawa, an evolutionary scientist at the London School of Economics and Political Science, our ancestors only functioned during daylight in their environment, so the idea of nighttime activities deviated from the norm imply something rare and novel—the unstated equation for evolution. Since all evolutionary developments are linked to intelligence, Kanazawa’s

research concluded that intelligent children grow up to be nocturnal adults inclined to late nights and sleeping in. Backtracking to Sharkey’s exploration of circadian rhythms, our internal body clocks don’t stay the same—they change over our lifetime as we reach new stages of development. According to Sharkey, school-aged children from elementary and below are generally early birds who grow up to be night owl teenagers who then return back to the early birds stage as they become morningperson adults. What’s noteworthy in both Kanazawa and Sharkey’s studies is that nocturnal habits seem to peak at the teenage stage, an age known to cultivate creative emergence. So if ever our parents remind us to go to bed at curfew, it wouldn’t hurt to show these studies to their face and explain the evolutionary advantage of night owls—as if we’re the new generation of

superhumans with the ability to withstand yawns and survive only on coffee. But in reality, the “superhuman” reference isn’t far from the truth since night owls can actually function on less hours of sleep compared to early birds. In a study by University of Liege, Belgium, researchers found in their experiment that 10.5 hours after waking up, the early birds who woke up earlier has lower brain activity in regions associated with attention and circadian rhythm. In contrast, the night owls weren’t as weary or inattentive as their counterparts, suggesting that despite (or because of) their late sleeping patterns, they could function with better endurance and less sleep compared to larks. Aside from the obvious perk of staying up late and sleeping in, the night owl culture has some serious evolutionary and intelligence benefits that pack a punch in the long run— putting justice to the saying that owls are the wise old birds of the world.

The creative within A classic quote from Einstein goes as follows: Creativity is intelligence having fun. Now, we all know that the fun only really begins at night. Enter the night owls with their understated intellectual perks, and it’s no wonder that their creativity pulses with electricity under the moon’s energy. When we think of creativity, paintings and murals tend to come to mind. However, the unique catch of the creativity of night owls isn’t just limited

Night owls & their chill pills In a study from the University of Westminster, early birds had high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) that didn’t decrease throughout the day, despite how many cute puppy videos were shown to them by the researchers in an effort to lower cortisol levels.

to the arts but in their open-minded approach to life in general. When faced with troubling situations, night owls won’t buckle under the pressure. Instead, they’ll come up with original and creative solutions according to researcher Marina Giampietro of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan. In Giampietro’s words, night owls get their creativity as late nights “may encourage the development of a non-conventional spirit” that may aid in their search of alternative solutions engrained in innovation. This hint of innovation might just explain why night owls tend to be more successful than their early bird counterparts, with a greater chance of working at prestigious jobs with higher incomes according to sleep expert and University of Loughborough professor Jim Horne. In his research, Horne explains that night owls tend to be poets, artists, and inventors due to their more extroverted and creative side. Meanwhile, morning types are often seen as civil servants and accountants due to their more “deducer” like characteristics favoring logic over creativity. Unbeknownst to most, selfproclaimed night owls are scattered all over society and in history: from world leaders like Barack Obama, Winston Churchill, and (God forbid) Adolf Hitler to musicians like Keith Richards and Elvis Presley and scientists like Charles Darwin. Perhaps unconventional, but certainly imaginative, night owls are outsidethe-box thinkers who step away from norms and define their own lives—and time—with the creativity they hvide under their belts.

Catching the worms Creativity might not be the only thing night owls are hiding under their belts as they score high on more than just intelligence or creativity tests—but also in bed. Cue the shocked noises. As chill as night owls are known to be,

in the field of romance and sex, their thrilling side starts to shine through. As we all know—and have experienced—our thoughts naturally tend to run wild at night. Past curfew and away from prying eyes in the light of day, anything can happen under the shadow of the night sky, unleashing the carnal side in everyone. Thus, it makes sense that night owls, guys in particular, are reported to have more total sexual partners than their morning counterparts as discovered in a research study led by Christoph Randler of University of Education Heidelberg in Germany. Although they found that both early birds and night owls got equally busy, the night guys got busier with more people. Adding more wickedness to the mix, night owls might not only cheat their bedtimes—but even on their partners. Randler’s study also found that evening types were associated with infidelity given the sexual disposition of night owls and their proclivity for getting busy with more partners than early birds. Suffice to say, although the early bird gets the worm, the night owl gets everything— and everyone—else. Perhaps the high activity of night owls after curfew might bleed into their social and sexual lives, leading to better performance in bed, especially given that humans get down and dirty past curfew in the time territory of the night owls. (Not that we’re encouraging cheating—just some food for thought). *** In defense of all the night owls regularly pulling all-nighters, the nocturnal lifestyle isn’t as bad as it seems, especially with all the perks that come with it. The reality is that night owls might have gotten it right. We might be able to achieve more in the day, but it’s only afterhours that we come alive as the best ideas come to light at the dead of night. For night owls, the saying isn’t Carpe Diem, but more accurately—Carpe Noctem, seize the night.

List

On the low-key Rolling with life’s punches

By Glazel Ricci Noceda Illustration by Sheka Ignaco and Lynoelle Kyle Arayata

Strong emotions and even stronger uncertainty— these are the typical ways people react to life-changing events. Some may easily adapt over time while others tend to get stuck in a rut. Wondering how some people have the ability to bounce back from hard times just might be the way for us to overcome our own problems in life. To some degree, emotional resilience is something inherent in each one of us. Some may be overly sensitive of their feelings while others just tend to ride along with the current situation, often forgetting how to weigh the burden of their emotional pain. But sometimes those burdens are exactly what they need to be able to balance both their thoughts and emotions—even in uncovering hidden facets of their own overlooked resilience.

Thoughtful attention Getting through a bad day isn’t easy, especially when we dwell too much on our negative feelings and let the unfavorable circumstances of our impulsivity pull us back. It’s only later on that we notice looking beyond the surface just might be more important than going deeper into the problem. In terms of dealing with serious problems, shorttempered people are usually prideful and stubborn— as if they don’t even bother trying to hear someone else’s opinion. These people try to be strong to stay above the situation, yet they can be weak when it comes to handling unexpected changes, according to Psychology Today. On the other hand, emotionally resilient people have a sense of self-awareness as they follow the mixed signals of their body and mood in order to know what the right attitude is at the right time. Having compassionate self-awareness is the key for us to better understand and process the painful emotions from our life challenges. According to Dr. Leslie BeckerPhelps, a psychologist and expert for WebMD’s Relationship and Coping Community, “Compassionate self-awareness is a combination of self-awareness and self-compassion.” In other

words, we can easily get in touch with the subtle cues of our emotions. Spending too much time worrying about the things that didn’t happen or won’t even happen doesn’t resolve any issues at all. Still, being able to handle your problems by staying emotionally resilient is a greater way to picture what kind of situation you get into—and the wisest solution you can make.

50 Embracing mindset Having a grip on our bottled-up emotions is the surefire way for us to bear with nerve-wracking situations coming our way. Oftentimes, we tend to protest and get easily angered even at the smallest of things when we face small bumps in our lives, like handling quarter-life crisis where we get stuck in a path we don’t even want to take. Having this quick-tempered attitude drives us to deny mistakes we’ve made, making it harder for us to accept the fact that we are only humans—and it’s alright to feel upset. In fact, people who know how to handle their emotions by staying calm are usually the ones ready enough to face any emotional emergencies that may arise in time. It’s just a matter of adapting and accepting the situation, and practicing flexibility rather than stubbornness. As acceptance goes hand in hand with a positive outlook in life, emotionally intelligent people always keep this thought at the back of their minds: rough times may occur but they will always get over it in the end. According to Hara Estroff Marano, the writer of article The Art of Resilience published on Psychology Today, low-key people bend rather than break from the problems they encounter. There might be times they’ll feel broken, but their positive mindset keeps them afloat. Acceptance is not about giving up and letting the tension take over us. It’s a sign of being brave enough to know that you’re capable of trusting your range of emotions and still bounce back from whatever life throws at you.

Sensible carrier There are a lot of distractions surrounding us: gossip, vices, and social media—among other tempting things. As teenagers, we’ve already mastered getting used to these distractions, yet somewhere in the middle of all this mess is our sense of mindfulness—the conscious part of our being. Amid stress and worries, it’s only natural that we lose our train of thought. However, having a sense of mindfulness might help us keep consciousness in our back pocket, releasing our thoughts from of our head and into our emotions. According to Psychology Today, people who are mindful find emotional resilience as a way of moving toward their goals and even going beyond their own capabilities. They establish a sense of emotional intelligence that lets them find their inner strength, establishing one’s trust and developing mastery in examining their actions. As we carry on in the aftermath of overcoming obstacles, finding resilience can transcend the pain and grief, even perceiving our bad times as temporary affairs in life. At the end of the day there’s only one person you can rely on—yourself—to accept liability for your own actions. This could be an unwelcome fact for some, but taking responsibility for what you feel like a legit adult makes it a lot easier in handling the worst.

Fitting strength Aside from the need to work on our resilience is the brighter mood that we’re bound to enjoy when we become more emotionally intelligent. Being in tune with one’s

emotions and not letting feelings get the best of us just might be the best kept secret hack of life. As you roll with the punches and adapt with lasting difficulties, maintaining emotions of happiness, joy, and contentment are connected to having a healthy immune system. Looking on the other side of the matter, the negative emotions are associated with a weaker immune system that increases the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In fact, what we habitually feel is related to how we can resist health illness, says Huffington Post. The more optimistic we are despite our problems, the more our bodies can cope up with whatever health risks we encounter. Practicing this trait helps us recharge our weak physical battery and fill the cup of our thirsty spirits. Staying calm in the face of life’s tension lessens the time you spend feeling depressed, even shaping your positive aura—an effective armor to withstand any physical hardship.

Rosy outlook When facing problems, finding a helping hand is what we usually seek for, but sometimes a listening ear is what we need—someone who is willing to pay attention to whatever issues we endlessly vent about. As reallife problems consume our emotional stability, sharing our sentiments to other people makes us feel at ease, especially if we say such thoughts to a calm person who’s gentle enough to handle stressful situations. As resilient people seek for a positive aura, they often surround themselves with those they can get along well with, just like the way we always seek companions with other people. As Psychology Today mentioned, the lielow behavior of a resilient person improves their capability to listen well and offer words of encouragement without trying to solve all the problems with their advice. It’s all about adversity—calming ourselves rather than dwelling too much on frustration. Having a hold of power over our emotions opens the way of sharing to other people, creating a stronger bond which is what will help solve each other’s problems. The more positive we are in every situation, the more we share that behavior with others, creating a domino effect in our attitude. We may find it difficult to find someone in this independent world whom we can share our problems with, but at least knowing how to lend an ear to others satisfies the support we need as well. *** In the end, being an emotionally resilient person doesn’t necessarily mean ignoring and shutting out your true emotions. Although many might lose touch with their emotions, or worst case scenario—we let the distress take over, the thing that counts the most is the way you’re able to turn your thoughts and feelings into sympathy and consideration for others. At the heart of resilience is a belief in oneself— somewhere hidden within our psyche. Riding along the waves of adversity rather than being pulled under by the bad vibes is what will help us keep our heads above the water and our feet on the ground.

Feature 51

Lost in reverie Daydreaming’s high ground By Naomi Tiburcio Illustration by Lynoelle Kyle Arayata Forty-seven—that’s the average percentage of time people spend daily on mind-wandering according to a study led by Harvard psychologists Daniel Gilbert and Matthew A. Killingsworth. Before you even finish reading this article, you would have already zoned out at least a couple of times that you had to repeat reading the same lines, reading the same lines, reading the same lines.

In a culture obsessed with productivity, daydreaming is somehow patronized by people as innate “laziness” and “juvenility.” Society has been tougher than before, catapulting baffling errands to the doe-eyed, gleaming, and often scatterbrained daydreamers—ultimately discouraging them to be in reverie. Little do daydreamers know that there is a cognitive power they harness with the wandering their minds do—a strength many people fail to see.

Memory hack As the magical mind portal appears in thin air, there has been a series of exaggerated misconceptions that’s often thrown at daydreamers. Like for one, being in a trance apparently ruins one’s concentration and wrecks the road that leads to their goals. Trumping this misconception, daydreaming simply draws your focus out of a certain task and diverts it to something else; it doesn’t entirely make you less productive nor unsuccessful but it actually allows you to stimulate recollections that might strengthen your memory about something, like finding an answer to people’s queries. Take it from the researchers of the University of Wisconsin and Max

Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science whose study suggested that people who daydream have high degrees of working memory, which enables their brain to retain and recall information in the face of disruptions. But don’t put all your eggs in one basket because this memory hack only works when doing tasks you believe aren’t complicated. “When circumstances for the task aren’t very difficult, people who have additional working memory resources deploy them to think about things other than what they’re doing,” says one of the study authors Dr. Jonathan Smallwood of the Max Planck Institute. In other words, some people daydream because they have the extra capacity to muse on things beyond the chore at hand. Contrary to common misconceptions, mind wanderers don’t always end up with the same fate; you always have the ability to teach yourself to focus on one task after the other if you put your mind to it. Just as Dr. Smallwood said, daydreaming takes resources from the working memory and unlike the delusion that musings happen only at the spur of the moment, we decide how and when to

use it, even if our priority is to keep our focus on the task at hand.

Creative leg-up Every invention is a product of imagination—and some of them are stunning upshots of daydreaming. Post-it creator Arthur Fry experienced just that when he invented sticky notes prior to his seemingly typical daydreams about making better bookmarks for his musical choir pieces. It turns out that people who frequently daydream are more creative than those who usually don’t. “The reason Fry is such a good inventor ... [is] that he’s able to pay attention to his daydreams and to detect those moments when his daydreams generate insights,” Jonah Lehrer, author of Imagine: How creativity works, backed up. The links between daydreaming and creativity were gradually discovered and psychologists from University of California Santa Barbara suggested that mind-wandering might actually help hone our creative knowhow in another study presented in the Psychological Science journal. “Engaging in simple external tasks that allow the mind to wander may facilitate creative problem solving,”the

researchers wrote in the study. This just proves that daydreaming isn’t just about slacking off, but also about fueling your brains with artistic visions. However, not all daydreaming styles share the same perks. You definitely wouldn’t generate any insights by lying on your bed all day in a long and drawn-out mind-wandering session unless you paid attention to a specific problem before daydreaming. In other words, dedicated and purposeful daydreaming is what yields productive creativity, according to innovation strategist Matthew E. May. Before you doze-off mind-blown by these daydreaming benefits, another psychological discovery encourages daydreaming while also trumping conventional beliefs about intelligence. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin and Max Planck Institute also believe that the mental process behind daydreaming has recently been linked with brainpower measures such as IQ scores according to smithsonianmag.com. Mind-wanderers use their smarts in ways that rise above academic examinations to encompass their knack to achieve their goals, according to psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman.

The bottom line is that intelligence is perceived in multiple respects—and that includes daydreaming. That’s why people with Albert Einstein’s intellect and Jimmy Neutron’s brain blasts shouldn’t be the only ones given the mark up, but also the people with creative quirks even without the straight A’s.

En route to success While we can embarrassingly confess about dreaming of dating our Hollywood crush or finally getting revenge on our ex-friend-slashbackstabber, what could be the most common daydream among us can be precisely mundane yet unpredictable— our future. The core idea of what we ought to be and what we ought to achieve is the gateway that leads to a pool of opportunities. It’s the reason why psychologists have created a concept that telltale individuals discern their own passions after initially imagining those likelihoods. Similar to a GPS, our brain can map out the course to our goal—but only if a solid destination has been decided, to which Harvard professor Dr. Srini Pillay confirmed that imagining our life journey activates brain regions that can unconsciously

map our path to victory. Once a firm image is printed in our minds like we do in daydreaming, our brain will constantly refer to this picture, making the journey to success flow with ease rather than not being able to form an image by daydreaming at all. After forming your dream image, you might fluster about how you can actually reach your goals when you don’t even know how to do it. Consciously speaking, you might have no idea how to reach your goals, but brain imagery works outside your consciousness in mapping your path. So not knowing “how” to succeed won’t pull you back as you try to reach your treasure chest, with daydreaming as your compass, key, and legend.

***

The inevitability of daydreaming in a work-obsessed society is a tough taboo to take down. Some people expect us to madly coerce our bodies to work, as if we function like machines. But productivity isn’t only bared physically but also cognitively because sometimes our brains just need a break, making the beneficial wonders in memory, creativity, and success all the more valuable. So don’t bite off more than you can chew, because sometimes you just have to sit back and daydream.

54 54

Pets with benefits

By Kelsey Telo Infographic by Camille Joy Gallardo

As soon as we see their waggling tails, hear their willowy meows, or even just watch their playful actions, we already know that the pet-owner bond has been going strong for years. When we flick our fingers for them to gleefully come towards us, we might at some point forget that it’s not only the unconditional love that they offer us—but also both a new escape and a huge relief from our everyday burdens. So rather than underestimating their help to us, now, let’s run down the proof of pet benefits we tend to overlook.

Farewell couch Owning a dog which requires frequent walks lessens being a couch potato and induces physical activity.

Therefore, people who consistently walk their dogs for 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week can lose an average of 14 pounds in a year.

THE BECOMING OF MASTER You might think twice before getting a pet as taking care of one’s self is hard enough.

ANTI-ROTTEN ROUTINE The little things like waking up to your pet in the morning and catching them in a frenzy upon seeing you give us a sense of certain satisfaction and unexplainable joy.

These kinds of moments light up our day and offer an escape from our old monotonous routines.

However, being responsible for another life helps condition the mind as pet-owning gives us focus and eventually, selfimportance and value.

Cute rescue Universities like Dalhousie University in Canada have started to provide puppy rooms that provide students furry reinforcement to help them cope with the relentless stress of school.

Pet’s friend forever Canine companionship pulls you out from the isolation that often leads to depression— by simply reminding you that you’re not alone.

Bonding with pets reduces tension and also raises levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, linked to love and happiness, and serotonin, linked to regulating irritability.

55 55 SWIM SOOTHE

In a 2004 study in Indiana, participants who watched the fish in aquariums demonstrated a 12% decline in anxiety.

Aquariums can often be found in dental clinics because apparently, watching fish glide through the water reduces levels of stress.

CARDIAC CARESS Out of 4,435 adults aged between 30 and 75, it was observed that cat owners accounted for only 3.4% of heart attack deaths compared to non-cat owners who accounted for a higher rate of heart attack deaths at 5.8%.

Chill pill In a study by Grossberg and Alf in 1985, blood pressure is at its lowest when resting. However, it is significantly lower when caressing a dog rather than chatting or reading.

Pressure measure A health experiment showed a lower increase in blood pressure if you live with a pet compared to the higher increase in blood pressure if you live with a spouse.

Pets are the hope of the hopeless romantics, as you might not get a love life, but at least you’ll be happier with your blood pressure.

DOCTOR DOGS Spreading good vibes in every cancer ward around hospitals in Metro Manila, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) run numerous animal therapy programs to bring happiness to cancer patients.

PURE CURE No hidden agendas, insecurities or judgements—just pure friendship and acceptance—this boundless but definite type of compassion from pets opens an embrace to patients suffering from emotional and behavioral disorders such as depression, autism, substance abuse, and dementia. *** There’s no escape the moment our pets come running after us once our eyes meet theirs—even when they’re sometimes completely clueless of how much they actually mean to us. They are so much more than just cutesy fur balls—even when they don’t understand the emphatic gap that they fill in our lives. sources: buffalo.edu, webmd.com, dogtime.com, huffingtonpost.com

Review: TV Show

90s TV:

Kickin’ it old school By Anri Ichimura

Friends (1994-2004) A sitcom that’s sure to gratify anyone with love and laughter, Friends is the shining glory of 90s television. The original and ultimate #squadgoals, the cast of kooky New Yorkers ruled our hearts with their endearing antics on how to adult, a timeless struggle for all youth. Twelve years after its final episode, the show’s legacy still lives on as its clever storylines, loveable characters, and hilarious dialogues continue to be treasured by viewers, old and new alike. Modern takes: How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Two-and-a-Half Men

For the millennials born and raised in the 90s christened with classic chokers, Doc Martens, and bomber jackets, TV meant more than just corny teleseryes, cheesy love-triangles, or Kardashian-ruled reality shows. Back then, television in the 90s defined pop culture—one that makes all 90s kids proud and nostalgic for the iconic, and often outrageous, shows of days long gone. So for those looking to kick back with some old school entertainment, grab your sweatpants, and binge-watch these classic 90s shows that will surely trigger some long-buried nostalgia.

Saved by the Bell (1989-1993

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Saved by the Bell broke new ground for all succeeding high school sitcoms with its comedy ensemble of typical teenagers in entertainingly relatable real-life situations. Although the show is squeaky clean of anything remotely unsuitable for children, it doesn’t fall into the corny Disney-esque trap, thanks to its quick-witted, snarky, and sassy charm— perfect for those looking for child-friendly shows that’ll take you back to the carefree age of puppy love and lifetime friendships, minus the cheese.

A show that’s as fashionable as it is funny, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a sitcom humor at its finest. The story revolves around the fish-outof-water story of a young man uprooted from his working class neighborhood to the high society mansions of Beverly Hills—and thus, madness ensues. With the iconic theme song you can still stream on Spotify, along with wild fashion statements still being revived today, the Fresh Prince tackles conflicts of lifestyles in the most entertaining way possible, making a show that has stayed relevant throughout generations.

Modern takes: That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, iCarly.

Modern takes: Everybody Hates Chris, That 70s Show, My Wife and Kids

As corny as the premise might sound, Roswell is more than just your typical supernatural love story. Before you judge it for its Twilight-reminiscent plot, the show came long before sparkly vampires when alien love interests were all the rage. Kidding aside, the show’s extraterrestrial science fiction origins combine conspiracy theories with a sweet teenage romance, resulting in a show that’s surprisingly enrapturing, all thanks to the cast’s insane chemistry. Modern takes: Vampire Diaries, Beauty and the

Roswell (1999-2002)

Beast, Smallville

Review: TV Shows 57

Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Oz (1997-2003)

One of the first authentic teen dramedies that explored adolescence in all its raw and awkward reality, Freaks and Geeks developed a cult following for challenging TV stereotypes of teenagers. Quite possibly the first legit hipster show to grace the small screen, the series aired for only a season, but it was enough to grab the hearts of outsiders, misfits, freaks, and geeks everywhere—even of today.

Oz set the bar for HBO Drama with its horrific infamous portrayal of violence, sex, and crime. Set in a fictional maximum security prison dubbed “Emerald City,” Oz doesn’t shy away from the nitty gritty reality of sexism, racism, and religion of the prison’s morally depraved inmates. Equally groundbreaking and disturbing, the show is made for viewers who don’t mind a little small screen brutality.

College drama aside, Felicity follows the transformation of the title lead character as she goes from fresh high school graduate to matured pseudo-adult trying to juggle grown-up dilemmas like finding yourself and changing yourself without losing yourself in the process. In the end, Felicity is a series that is, more than anything, a map for self-discovery in our turbulent college years.

Modern takes: Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, The Office

Modern takes: Prison Break, Orange is

Modern takes: Will and Grace, Gilmore Girls, Community

Twin Peaks (1990-1991) A founding father of cult classics, Twin Peaks is an unnerving short-lived series that most likely weirded out viewers—then and now—with its bizarre and eccentric fusion of horror, drama, mystery, and parody. Unconventional to the point of unusual, the series explores the darker underbelly of the town Twin Peaks, complete with odd inhabitants. With its almost teasing approach to horror, viewers might not get a heart-stopping scares, but they’ll surely get sucked into the eccentric mystery drama and tune into the third season surprise revival sometime in 2017. Modern takes: Bates Motel, American Horror Story, Stranger Things

the New Black, How to Get Away with Murder

My So-Called Life (1994-1995)

Felicity (1998-2002)

Daria (1997-2001)

If Saved by the Bell showed the lighter side of adolescence and Freaks & Geeks illustrated the dreaded awkward stage, then My So-Called Life captures the angst-filled complexity and confusion of our youth while tackling serious social issues like alcoholism, drug use, and child abuse. With tidbits of fledgling wisdom, the show will resonate with viewers as a mirror to their similar endeavors to make sense of the world around us.

A list of 90s shows wouldn’t be complete without the generation’s favorite epitome of teenage sarcasm and cynicism: the ever iconic Daria. An animated show definitely not suitable for children, Daria follows the internal musings of the title main character in a way that’s deeply and darkly relatable to any angsty teenager who has ever felt like the world just—quite frankly— sucks.

Modern takes: The O.C., One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights

Guy, The Simpsons

Modern takes: South Park, Family

Iuvenis Animo

What’s your definition of a perfect day? “‘Yong consequences sa buhay o sa [araw na iyon] ay dapat pinag-iisipan, hindi ‘yong bira lang ng bira o [kaya naman] ‘yong iisipin natin ‘yong mga pangyayari na dapat nating gawin [sa araw na iyon].” Dionne Andrew Zambrano, BTM31

“Makapunta ako sa Japan. Since mahilig ako sa anime, and since anime started [in Japan], I would like to see its roots.” Allen Vincent Adali, ESE31

“Siguro stormchasing in America, but earning money while doing so.”

Edsel Aguilar, EST41

“‘Pag gising ko gusto ko nasa Disneyland ako, kasi gusto ko maging Disney princess for a day.” Elaine Atienza, BSA21

“Just watching movies the entire day with Liza Soberano.”

Joshua Mark Regalado, BCS23

“Maka-travel ako sa moon kasama si Zac Efron. Just the two of us and we’ll study the rocks there.”

Jess Cahatian, BSE31

“To experience winter in Budapest. Amsterdam too, because I’d like to see all the beautiful flowers there. Bonus point if [I’m] with my boyfriend.” Lovely Hilaro, BSE11

“Gusto ko kasi puntahan talaga Bahamas. Gusto ko i-try mag-scuba dive sa blue holes do’n for a whole day.” Mikaela Raro, HUB25

“Kumpletong tulog. Kumpletong kain.”

Mary Christine Perera, IEE22

“Wake up early, have breakfast, go to school and the gym, finish everything—lahat ng assignments bago umuwi—and pag-uwi, food trip and then watch a movie.” HARVEY JAMES ANDRES, IEE51

Standpoint

The price of indifference By Naomi Tiburcio Photo by Jomarcel Oco

in·dif·fer·ence /inˈdif(ə)rəns/ noun e.g. The lack of interest, concern, or sympathy towards something. “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” – Elie Wiesel

Behold, the Youth—the renowned coach potatoes that have long been stereotyped as lazy and irresponsible. The passive generation that relish binge-watching cute doge videos and watching time fly by without a single care in the world. These are the things that have molded us and what we’ve eventually conformed ourselves to fit. But as if we haven’t had enough of these generalizations, we continue to close our eyes to the imperative issues of society despite knowing that our negligence may become the fault of our future. Much like anyone who is in the process of realizing the importance of involvement, I once belonged to the

to confine ourselves to liking and sharing Facebook news about adverse world issues—as if doing this already equates to lending a hand. Like the gruesome civil war in Syria that has been going on for over five years or the Laos people who are still living in fear after the US left 80 million active unexploded bombs around their country during the Vietnam War. Instead, the youth’s conversations revolve around rants on university secret files, outfits that stunned at a celebrity ball, and anything that’s apparently more interesting. Because of the mentality that worrying about “adult” problems will only stress us out, we lose track of important priorities

Though the Brangelina split came as a shock to the world, the overbearing contrast between showbiz and social issues shows how people are so muddled up between what they want to know and what they need to know; that unfortunately, we miss out on the fact that knowing is about being concerned, and that being concerned is the first step to doing something. If you think this call is overdemanding, let’s backtrack to our innocent years as children. When we were younger, we relied on adults to teach us lessons and provide us simplified information that our then young minds could only try to understand. But it’s a far cry from our

It’s not just about doing nothing—it’s about not having done something. huge group of the disinterested youth during my college freshmen year. Back then, I never attended any school events unless it was required and I didn’t choose to vote in the national elections because I thought one person’s vote was irrelevant. Though little by little, I’m starting to see the need to care, because as this indifference epidemic is spreading, so is its downbeat effect that is now defining us as a generation. The youth’s indifference towards world issues is evident as we continue

as we are compelled to fit in with the “chill” people who flood us with advice like “you only live once,” all while convincing us to flow along the pop current. A perfect example of the alarming prioritization of the youth was when the news about the Brangelina divorce came up and all other pressing social issues were pushed into the shadows as people buzzed over the end of the seemingly perfect celebrity couple that was everyone’s relationship goals.

situation now as young adults living in a world where information travels at the speed of light—so there is no longer an excuse to not know and be concerned about social issues anymore. How our generation came to be reluctantly indifferent is perhaps because we’ve mentally dismantled our responsibilities as young adults as we’ve been too focused on the fact that we’re still kids growing up. We like to believe that other people—the more

“adult” ones—are already working on solving these social issues—ignoring the fact that we’re eventually going to be the ones to fill in their shoes. Sadly though, with this way of thinking, we’re unwittingly drawing a line between our world and the real world; and more unsuspectingly, we’re functioning only for our own interest rather than the people’s needs. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with indifferently snuggling inside our own little bubble and ignoring the requisites of the outside world. But unless we set a limit to this offhand mentality, we’re closing the doors to the chance of being able to lend a hand to the millions who only need one. In this big bad world, the struggle between self-preservation and being social human beings continues to proliferate. Yet I don’t think apathetic

people are plain cold and heartless, because I don’t think anyone can live without caring about the crucial matters that need the people’s initiative. And even though we sometimes try and— in the long run—fail to understand the never ending disputes facing the controversial Oplan Tokhang or the status of the sought-after Scarborough Shoal, it’s still far from our grasp of appreciation, causing us to sometimes simply shrug it off—thus setting a boundary between wanting to be concerned and actually being concerned. As numbers continue to add up our years, we’ll realize that there’s a time limit for using indifference as an excuse and an escape from the cries of humanity—and there will be no one else responsible for this world than us. See, anything that goes wrong in the future is only the consequence for our

own mistakes and indifference in the present. German writer Elie Wiesel believed that “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” People resort to passivity when they neither want to agree nor disagree. For some people, it’s considered “playing safe;” however, little do they know that there is more damage involved in settling for apathy because it’s not just about doing nothing—it’s about not having done something. This article won’t prove why people like being apathetic, because we have our own understanding of the collective meaning and reasons as to why this happens. And I can’t make you realize the price of apathy unless you see it for yourself. But the unfortunate question is, are you willing to wait, until it’s too late, for that to happen?

Writer’s Trip

The millennial’s playground: Ball Pit Manila By Bianca Isabelle Lariosa

63 There are just forms of childhood fun that never go out of style no matter how long time has passed. Located at an “undisclosed” spot deep in Makati City, a pop-up installation has been turning the heads of misty-eyed and social media savvy millennials—Ball Pit Manila. Boasting the biggest adult ballpit in the country, it’s no wonder why social media has been a storm since its opening in March this year. For the kids at heart out there, prepare to kick off your shoes, awaken your inner child, and dive into the divinity of the 20-square meter nostalgia-inducing Adults-only heaven.

Ball is life From the very moment guests step into the so-called “playground café,” the idea of regular run-of-the-mill spots is immediently thrown out the window. The enormous and immaculately white ballpit takes up most of the space in the tiny apartment-like area, and doesn’t dilly-dally on the factor of childhood fun, as guests are asked to remove their shoes before entering its carpeted floors. After the initial “adult” stuff such as signing your name on the reservation list and leaving wallets and phones behind, the burden of responisiblities are put on the shelf—and the ballpit becomes a free-for-all. The 20-square meter cube—imagine a half of a classroom—filled with 80,000 white plastic balls is definitely different from the multi-colored, dirty and often crowded ballpits we drowned ourselves in when we were kids. Taking the term “Ball is Life” to a whole new level, Ball Pit Manila doesn’t disappoint with the elation the ball pit brings. Guests can dive, swim, drown, and basically bring out the kid in them in this strictly no-judgement zone. Even better, the place’s free—and fast—Wi-Fi makes social media sharing more tempting and easier for guests, as it’s no mystery that Ball Pit Manila has been the haven for people looking for a quick Instagram feed boost—all while having fun doing so. Undoubtedly one of the best parts about losing yourself in the ball pit is the sense of unity felt all around. Judgement, hang-ups, and insecurities are completely drowned out by the raw enjoyment felt by everyone. No matter what stress life may have brought to us during the day, the ball pit is the place to shed off your inhibitions and experience the otherwise hectic world melt away.

cookies are available—at a price—so make sure to bring extra money so your wallet won’t end up crying. Another quirky feature are the cookie shots, a modern take on the classic cookies and milk tandem we enjoyed as little kids. *** Serving the perfect combination of childhood jubilance and millennial quirks, Ball Pit Manila is truly the one-of-akind experience that we’ve all have been secretly craving—a much-needed break from the trials of “adulating.” There is something truly amazing about how the best parts of our childhood can be made into experiences that stay with us until we’re older, and Ball Pit Manila definitely takes the cake for the incredible feat of reliving the days long-gone.

Quirky amenities After the tiring—yes, it will be tiring—hour in the ballpit, guests are more than welcome to spend time in the cozy makeshift beds and array of warm beanbags without the looming time limit. Armed with a fully-equipped arsenal of games like Uno, Cards Against Humanity, and Monopoly Deal, the childlike giddy never really goes away even after the ball pit as there’s no limit on how long you and your friends can stay in your own personal bubbles. Along with the entertainment, dainty pastries like cookie cups and oreo cheescake

Know-hows: • Location: 101 Urban Avenue, 1224 Makati • Price: P349 an hour in the ball pit, inclusive of one round of iced tea or coffee • Operating hours: Monday - Sunday; 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM • What to bring: Extra pair of clean socks (bonus points for colorful and quirky designs) • Take note: Guests below 16 years of age are not allowed • Visit their website ballpitmanila.com for reservations. Walk-ins are only allowed on weekdays.

The LS Playlist

The LS Playlist: The Lowkey Anthology Sometimes all we need is a little break from the hype. As music evolves into a chaotic blur of thumping beats and clichéd cheese, there’s no escape from the mainstream mess radio we all know today. Yet this conundrum has actually made the search for genuine music even more exciting as we tend to scour Spotify playlists and explore the indie scene for music that just hits all the right places. So drop the reviewers for now as we bring you the ultimate low-key eargasmic mix—LS Playlist: The Lowkey Anthology.

Work Song Hozier

Contra Vampire Weekend

90210 Blackbear

Drive Oh Wonder

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out The Smiths

Situations Jack Johnson

Light a Roman Candle with Me fun.

Sweet Disposition The Temper Trap

The Girl City and Colour

Georgia Vance Joy

This Must Be My Dream The 1975

Brand New Shoes She and Him

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Try Anything Once The Strokes

Breezeblocks Alt-J

A Haunted House Jon Bellion

Cube Cheats

Linger The Cranberries

Go For It Cruisr

Tayo Lang Ang May Alam Peryodiko

Umaapaw Ang Bandang Shirley

Car Radio Twenty One Pilots

Everglow Coldplay

Habits of My Heart Jaymes Young

I Spend Too Much Time In My Room The Band CAMINO

iLYSB (stripped version) Lany

Interactive page

Lathalain

Run Alicia, Run By Ranica Meralpis Graphic Art By Christian Mateo

nce upon a semester, there was a girl with blonde dyed hair—no that isn’t right. This wasn’t just about any semester and it wasn’t just about any girl with blonde-dyed hair. This story was about Al-icia and her two college friends, Terrence and Harold. Their adventures began one night when Ali-cia woke up in a bizarre place with tall trees painted in different neon colors of yellow and orange. She looked around and saw benches with smiling faces. Alicia panicked and was about to run, when she suddenly noticed her friends lying unconscious beside her.

“Harold, Terrence, wake up you fools! Where are we?” Alicia yelled as she tried to wake them up. Terrence got up at once, startled. He seemed confused at first but as his vision adjusted to the place, he grinned and exclaimed, “Wow, this place is so amazing!” Harold woke up next with bloodshot eyes. It was almost time for his curfew, and he instinc-tively glanced at his wristwatch only to find it was gone. “Oh shit! Where is my watch?” he freaked out knowing all too well how his mother would scold him about it. “Calm the fuck down!” Alicia bellowed. “First we need to figure out where we are and how did we get here. Any ideas?” The two boys followed Alicia as she rested on the purple grass, trying to analyze their situa-tion. “Around 7 PM we went to Underground a few blocks away from our dorms. I remember dancing and drinking but I’m pretty sure I’m not that drunk,” she furrowed her eyebrows while sorting out her blurred memories. “I don’t know about you guys. I’m up for an adventure, and this seems like a place for it.” Terrence said still grinning as he put his maroon cap on. He stood up and walked away. Alicia and Harold went after him, and together they ventured the unknown place. “What time is it? I need to go home ASAP or the dorm matron will lock me out,” Harold said while furiously biting his fingernails. Alicia and Terrence ignored him and continued walking. “I’m hungry,” Alicia whined pouting. “Good thing I took some cookies from the party earlier,” Terrence offered, showing his white pearly teeth. They stopped by at an empty lawn with a bench surrounded with different colored lights floating like fireflies. They sat on the bench as Terrence prepares their meal. He opened a Tupperware filled with different colored cookies of pink and green. The cookies have icing lettering on top which said, “Eat Me.” Terrence also took some cans of beers from his bag, “What?” he laughed when he noticed the two staring at him. “I took some from the bar.” “You mean you stole some,” Alicia said, and they all laughed. They ate their worries away until Alicia tasted something odd about the cookies. A few minutes after, they started to hear eerie voices that seem to be humming a tune. Harold suddenly hopped around inviting them to join. Alicia and Terrence giggled and the next thing they knew, they were dancing. Harold stopped caring about his curfew. Terrence has gotten more eager for adventure. And Alicia didn’t care where they were anymore. She looked at her friends with a smile, knowing that it has been a fun night.

Indeed, it was a fun night until two men with bright blue skin approached them. They point-ed glowing sticks on Alicia and her friends. One of the blue men whispered something to his partner that changed his expression. His eyes turned red and were full of anger. “Kids you need to come with us,” one of the blue men grabbed Alicia by the wrist, and she flinched in pain. Without thinking, Harold kicked the blue man and pulled her away. “Run!” Harold yelled to his friends. They run as fast as they could, trekking the steep mountain side. But the blue men were faster, hopping with their orange spring boots. Alicia was out of breath when they got to the peak and into the cliff edge—it was a dead end. “Kids you better come with us. We will talk about this in our headquarters,” the blue man with a yellow moustache said as his red eyes glinted in the dark. “No! We will never get into your dark chambers!” Terrence screamed gripping the hands of his friends as he tried to control his rage. His eyes were watery from nervousness and fear. His breath was ragged. Alicia broke down crying as she looked down the edge. They knew that some-thing bad will happen if these blue men caught them. The blue men’s eyes were now bloody red and puffs of smoke started to come out of their noses. They started snarling as they slowly charged to-wards Alicia and her friends. “Guys don’t worry. Below this edge is a body of water. It won’t hurt if we fall,” Terrence said. Alicia and Harold nodded, and they held each other’s hands as tight as possible before jump-ing off. They never thought that flying felt this good. Alicia stretched her arms like wings embracing the cold night breeze as it hits her skin. She heard her friends laughed in joy, feeling the same sensation. “This is the best night of our lives!” Alicia shouted, laughing. *** The next day, the popular district of Malate was awakened with a disturbing news that ech-oed throughout its streets. “Three college students who were reportedly induced by the Wonderland drug jumped off from the rooftop of Underground, a newly opened bar, while trying to escape from the police. They were the fifteenth case involving the Wonderland drug which is known to cause severe hallucina-tions. The PNP are now digging even further to stop this vicious drug from taking another life. Both the owner of the bar and its frequent clubbers are to be investigated,” the reporter stated as the cam-era zooms into a plastic of pink and green cookies confirmed to contain Wonderland drugs.

The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University - DasmariĂąas Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2016-2017 Anri Ichimura, Editor in Chief Fernan Patrick Flores, Associate Editor Ricardo Martin Cabale, Managing Director Naomi Lane Tiburcio, In charge, Copyediting Kristine Mae Rebote, Office Supervisor Jazmine Estorninos, News Editor Ma. Bianca Isabelle Lariosa, Features Editor Rochelle Rivera, In charge, Literary Ezekiel Coronacion, In charge, Sports Lynoelle Kyle Arayata, Art Coordinator Kathelyn Ann Bravo, Chief Photographer Camille Joy Gallardo, Graphics and Layout Director Christian Mateo, In charge, Web Mark A. Ignacio, Adviser

Vol. 24 DOUBLE Issue

LA SALLEÃ&#x2018;O