La Estrella Verde December 2021 - February 2022

UPHOLDER OF TRUTH. HERALD OF CHANGE. December 2021 - February 2022

Volume 6 Issue 2

Sparks of Innovation. The sparks of our imagination power the gears of innovation. Art by Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Astrero

DLSU-D SHS to integrate Fab Lab in its curriculum Tiffany Geluz

Following the establishment of the Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) through the shared service facility of DLSU-D College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) and the Department of Trade and Industry, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) plans its incorporation into the curriculum.

According to STEM-ICT Academic Coordinator Liza Buitizon, their faculty is on the search for potential activities consolidated from the Fab Lab. “I see the Fab Lab as a great opportunity for our students (to research) product development...(and) to translate their product designs (into) actual (solid) prototypes,” she mentioned.

Moreover, CEAT Center of Innovation Director Engr. Jeric Sarte shared that Fab Lab will not be limited to college students,

because they also plan to accommodate SHS students in accordance with Principal Marlon Pareja’s disposition. “[Pareja] wants their (SHS) students to learn about (the skills they can acquire from using the Fab Lab) because it will be necessary for them (in their future careers),” he said.

Furthermore, Engr. Sarte mentioned that the Fab Lab is centered on advanced technology that would oppose limitations in Fab Lab, see page 2

DLSU-D HS COMELEC to hold online mock election Zoe Airabelle Aguinaldo To underline the urgency of voting among the youth, the DLSU-D High School (HS) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will be conducting a mock election on Schoolbook for Senior High School (SHS) students prior to the upcoming presidential elections.

Eureka! Lands bathing in prosperity were yielded by those who grew curiosity. Art by Sean Jacob Altoveros

4 Editorial Under the pretense of patriotism

In an interview, DLSU-D HS COMELEC Chairperson Jann Brent Morales stressed the need to fulfill their organization’s core purpose in shaping students to be politically conscious and active individuals, particularly during the country’s election season. “(DLSU-D HS COMELEC is) fueled by the intentions of strengthening the political participation of our fellow Lasallians...(such as) by means of experiencing first-hand what it is like to vote,” he said.

Consequently, he stated that the mock election is an essential step in demonstrating the essence of democracy to the students. “(Conducting a student mock election will) educate the (Lasallian) community regarding the rights of suffrage and its importance towards individual (and national) aspirations,” Morales explained.

In addition, Morales affirmed that all SHS students’ involvement is mandatory

8 Green Ink

9 Literary Apenskijara

Mock election, see page 2

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NEWS

La Estrella Verde

December 2021 - February 2022

Fab Lab, see page 1

innovation and empower students to turn their ideas into reality.

“I believe (that) every (student’s idea) can be heard...(It is) not just about writing (them) on paper based on theory, (but it also about the possibility of turning them into) action,” he elaborated.

Students’ feedback As DLSU-D SHS plans to implement Fab Lab, Ysabella De Claro (STM114) shared that this will encourage the execution of their

concepts for a life-changing experience as STEM students. “[S]ince our strand is all about technology, it will broaden the perspective of students on what science can do to (help make innovations),” she highlighted.

In addition, she remarked that Fab Lab is a great project that will help local businesses construct solid prototypes from digital designs. “[Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises] will no longer (have to) improvise materials...

(With this, it) won’t be hard for them to order...the materials (they need)... (which) are usually bought internationally,” De Claro mentioned.

Furthermore, Ma. Sophia Cassandra Rapista (ICT12) mentioned that Fab Lab would open new opportunities for students by enhancing their abilities.

“I expect...the [F]ab [L]ab (to help artists) gain experience...which could serve as a reference...(to) expand (their) artistic (capabilities),” she said.

Mock election, see page 1

Digital yearbook to be published this A.Y. 2021-2022 Viridescent addresses delays of unreleased yearbooks Aya Ahmad

Following the collective misunderstandings due to unreleased yearbooks in the previous years, Viridescent, the DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) yearbook publication, affirmed their production of a digital yearbook for this academic year.

Viridescent’s Editor in Chief Elija Marie Angue shared that they have decided to take a different approach for a more efficient flow of their paperwork as they disclose their intent to accomplish the yearbook’s release. “[W]e have taken...major steps in ensuring the production of this year’s yearbook...

[M]aking some internal changes...(was a) huge and quite...tough decision to make, (since)...the effectiveness of Viridescent’s (organizational) structure (will be affected),” she explained.

Moreover, she indicated that they have already investigated the condition of the pending Batch 2018 and 2019 yearbooks, which only resulted in a deadend after encountering issues with their publishing company. “[W]ith the help of our school administration, (we are) trying to get a hold of the situation…[W]e (are) trying see (what) actions can be done to expedite the release of the yearbooks and to...give the [students] what they paid for,” Angue emphasized.

Furthermore, Angue mentioned that once the administrators successfully contacted the publisher, the possibility of a refund will depend on their decision together with the registrar.

“[W]e know through...the messages we’ve been receiving...(that what these) people...want is not just a refund...

[I]t’s the actual yearbook that they paid for, and we’re trying...to make sure they get it,” she stressed.

Students’ feedback With the end of the academic year fast approaching, Aimee Jesryn Nuguid (STM213) remarked her concern about its content for this year’s batch due to the limitations caused by the online setup. “[O]ur batch doesn’t have that many memories...because [students] only interact (virtually)...I think our current setup will challenge the (creators) of...this batch’s yearbook,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jamie Ann Geronimo (ABM24) revealed that she expects the yearbook to be more creative, given that they have a comprehensive knowledge of the various features of technology.

“I think that (this year’s) yearbook will show the hardships (that) every student faced in this kind of situation and the achievements that everyone (achieved) despite (difficulties),” she commented.

even for those who are still not registered voters since it will act upon their responsibility as patriots to improve their political awareness. “[M]ock elections are not just a simple practice, but rather (a) significant outlet in assessing even our own political stance,” he expressed.

Although the official date for this week-long mock election is yet to be finalized, he advised the students to regularly inform themselves about the political candidates in preparation for May 9.

“I really encourage everyone to update themselves with the current condition of our country...and (to) be mindful of who to vote and who not to vote (for),” he recommended.

Students’ feedback Students remarked that the mock election will benefit the Lasallian community holistically, as Jermaine Angelo Arrogancia (STM28) agreed that it will develop the students’ perception of voting. “(Having a mock election will allow) students to have an idea and experience voting for themselves to help (them be responsible voters),” he reasoned.

Moreover, Sofia Louise Buenafe (HMS21) emphasized that partaking in the mock election will enable young people to be confidently prepared for the elections.

“Getting involved in a mock election... encourages (the students) to make informed decisions (by understanding the political candidates’) platforms,” she provided.

Aside from this, Fiona Marie Martizano (ICT11) claimed that the mock election will also propel students to understand the intentions of the politicians through virtual engagement in reliable media. “(The mock election can help students to exercise) sharing fact-checked information, educational backgrounds, and attainments of the candidates (which will help educate voters),” they emphasized.

NEWS Preparasyon para sa ikalawang Research Conference, pagbubutihin

La Estrella Verde

December 2021 - February 2022

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Kristina Angela Sobrino at Alexa Nice Soriano Matapos makatanggap ng sari-saring pagsusuri mula sa nakaraang Research Fair, mas maraming kalahok at matagumpay na Research Conference ang tinitiyak ng Student Research Council (SRC) na magaganap sa Mayo 18-20.

Ibinahagi ni SRC Co-chairperson Alyssa Karen Acal ang kanilang maagang preparasyon kung saan tinukoy nila ang mga magiging key committees at ang mga pagsasanay para sa mga ito.

“Hindi kasi maiiwasan ‘yong (mga) technical difficulties...(However, if) the committees are prepared, mas ma-le-lessen ‘yong mga gano’ng instances,” aniya.

Gayunpaman, isinalaysay niya na sinubukan nilang maghanap ng iba pang service providers ngunit kanilang nabatid na mas mainam pa rin na gamitin ang virtual platform na Floor dahil natutugunan nito ang mga pangangailangan ng nasabing programa.

“Floor is offering...break-out rooms...(which can provide) every kind of research...(an) opportunity to be highlighted...(In this platform, viewers) can (also) join in a parallel session that is aligned (with) their research interests and specializations,” saad ni Acal.

Samantala, ibinahagi ni Acal ang kanilang layon na madagdagan pa ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral mula sa ika-12 baitang na lalahok sa Research Conference ngayong taon.

“We want to further encourage students to be interested (in joining)...[W]e are hoping for (their) maximum participation...to present their paper,” paglalahad niya.

Sa kabilang banda, itinuturing ni Acal bilang isang malaking pagkakataon ang paglahok sa Research Conference sapagkat isa itong paraan upang bigyan ng pagkilala ang mga kalidad na pananaliksik sa kabila ng pandemya. “(Research Conference is not just) a student activity...because it is important for (the) development (of the) researcher in (their) respective careers na mayroon (silang) experience sa (pag-pe-present) ng paper,” pagpapaliwanag niya.

Puna ng mga estudyante Base sa mga kaganapan noong nakaraang Research Fair, inilahad ni Shiela Mae Pechon (STM26) ang kanyang inaasahan at suhestyon upang magkaroon ng mas nakakaenganyo at makabuluhang conference.

“I am hoping that there will be more time for (the) researchers to elaborate their studies...(and) more interactive activities wherein the audience can participate while the event is ongoing,” aniya.

Sa kabilang banda, nais naman ni Euler Veron De Guzman (HMS24) na gamitin nang mas mabuti ang oras at mabigyan pa ng mas malinaw na gabay ukol sa paggamit ng Floor. “(I hope) they could...give (a) clearer... guide (on) how to use (Floor)...since it could also be overwhelming for (first-time) users,” pagpapaliwanag niya.

Nirepasong kurikulum ng Work Immersion, ipatutupad CTHM nakatakdang manguna sa TVL-HE Work Immersion Mikaela Angela Reyes Magsisimula ng bagong panukalang sistema ng online work immersion ang Unibersidad matapos idetalye ni Work Immersion Committee Chairperson John Christopher Pascual ang pagbabagong matatamasa ng mga mag-aaral ngayong taong panuruan 2021-2022.

Ayon kay Pascual, mas pahuhusayin pa ang immersion experience ng mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng ilang pagbabago sa kurikulum nito matapos umani ng mga positibong komento noong nakaraang taon. “[B]ecause of our ANIMO Strategy... ni-lessen natin ‘yong mga tasks at assessments...

(Kaya naman), we need to revise ang ating curriculum kasi second year na ng ating online work immersion,” aniya.

Dagdag pa rito, kinumpirma niya na muli itong isasagawa virtually kasabay ng paggagarantiyang makakamit pa rin ng bawat estudyante ang mga kinakailangang kaalaman at karanasan. “(The) competencies set by the Department of Education and ng ating school na makuha ng ating TVL students ay rest assured na matatanggap pa rin nila,” saad ni Pascual.

Sa kabilang banda, ibinahagi rin ni Pascual na mananatiling TopServe Solution ang partner company ng TVL-ICT, ngunit ililipat sa College of Tourism and Hotel Management (CTHM) ang pangangasiwa sa TVL-HE.

“Since (CTHM is) planning to open a culinary school, (naisip ng ating admin na that is the perfect time) to tie up with them,” pagbabahagi ni Pascual.

Puna ng mga estudyante Alinsunod sa mga pagbabago, inilatag ni Kristina Pagador (TVL21) ang mga maaring maidulot ng pagbabawas ng mga gawain at pagpapaiksi ng mga aktibidad sa mga kalahok ng immersion. “[T]he exposure will be limited and students may not get used to the workplace, thus, not getting the knowledge they need,” paglalahad ni Pagador.

Ayon naman kay Lance Fernandez (ICT21), malaking tulong ang pagbabawas ng mga kinakailangang gawain sa work immersion para magkaroon ng ibayong pokus ang mga estudyante sa pagbibigay ng kalidad na awtput.

“With lesser activities...(students) would have the time to really learn the things in their activities and be able to (produce) quality outputs rather than focusing on quantity,” saad ni Fernandez.

Weaving Light. Art of Hope. Art by Aiser Levi Duque

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La Estrella Verde

La Estrella Verde

OPINION

December 2021 - February 2022

The Official High School Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas

EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2021-2022 EDITOR IN CHIEF Franchez Cassandra Escander ASSOCIATE EDITOR Marymar Caya MANAGING EDITOR Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan COPY EDITOR Guen Marie Sapinit NEWS EDITOR Ayeesha Kimberly Cellona SPORTS EDITOR Guen Marie Sapinit FEATURES EDITOR Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan IN CHARGE, LITERARY Ara Janine Palecpec ART EDITOR Denise Preclaro LAYOUT EDITOR Jan Anthony Murillo IN CHARGE, PHOTO AND VIDEO Elisha Jezreel Ang WEB EDITOR Joanna Elaine Desiderio RADIO PROGRAM MANAGER Marymar Caya NEWS Zoe Airabelle Aguinaldo, Aya Ahmad, Jane Llana Cordova, Tiffany Geluz, Hannah Sophia Perez, Princess Pravika Rai, Mikaela Angela Reyes, Kristina Angela Sobrino, Alexa Nice Soriano, Saira Vanessa Varon, Naevien Riley Valenzuela SPORTS Alyssa Ashley Anacay, Jane Llana Cordova, Naevien Riley Valenzuela FEATURES Jedd Rudolf Caldo, Francine Angela Dela Fuente, Kenan Christian Geda, Jelaigne Szanel Liong, Alexie Jeanne Masangkay, Anielle Mendoza, Jose Miguel Octavo, Hannah Sophia Perez LITERARY Marcea Alcala, Wrenzhie Arroyo, Pia Heart Lambuson, Paulyn Dianne Laude, Jelaigne Szanel Liong, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Aqeena Reyes, Phoebe Denise Santos, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Gabriel Dale Tejido, Frances Nicole Umbao ART Sean Jacob Altoveros, Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Astrero, Cecilia Nazarine Bicol, Zoe Olivia Cavinta, Jasmin Delos Reyes, Aiser Levi Duque, Maria Sophia Emelda Intorio, Klaire Niña Llarena, Rianne Nicole Ocampo, Rania Marie Pucan, Reanne Roguel, Liam Nico Sullivan PHOTO AND VIDEO Jethro David Dela Cerna, John Froilan Gacasa, Nicole Infante, Angienette Laurza, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Tricia Faye Velasco WEB Nikki Alexis Antonio, John Froilan Gacasa, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Jaymar Matanguihan Jr., Jeremy Ray Milca, Juliana Ellice Polancos, Reanne Roguel LAYOUT Nikki Alexis Antonio, Angienette Laurza, Jaymar Matanguihan Jr., Juliana Ellice Polancos RADIO Alyssa Ashley Anacay, Kenn Benedict Ballesteros, Denice Gabrielle Calingasan, Kristina Rose Eramiz, Einjela Esguerra, Lexter Nico Mahusay, Ezekiel Ben Meneses, Serge Angelo Quiambao, Brizza Felicity Reyes, Yzabelle Mei Robillo, Jasmine Marie Soriano ADVISER Dominic Benavente La Estrella Verde has its editorial office at Room JHS241, High School Complex, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, DBB-B, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115 Telephone: +63-2-7795180, +32-46-4811900 to 1930 local 3302 Email: laestrellaverde-shs@dlsud.edu.ph FB: /DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde | Twitter & IG: @LeviofLEV Contributions, comments and suggestions should be addressed to the Editor in Chief and should bear the writer’s full name.

Articles may be edited for clarity and space.

EDITORIAL

Under the pretense of patriotism The threat to human rights continues, as the torch of state violence is to be passed onto the next administration. With Sara Duterte, an advocate of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), as the front runner of the vice presidential race, the students would once again succumb to the peril that lies beyond the patriotic facade of the said program.

Last Jan. 19, the vice presidential aspirant expressed her objective to impose obligatory military service during her term for all Filipinos once they turn eighteen if she manages to take the position’s oath. Her father, the current president, also conveyed his intention to revive this mandatory ROTC when he assumed his post in 2016.

However, it seems like this ambitious initiative is a foreshadowing of what is to come in her administration—a government that continues to misplace its priorities even though it is clear that there are urgent problems that need to be solved. For instance, the questionable appointment of retired military generals to spearhead the response against the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the country’s horrid score of 48.3 in Bloomberg’s COVID-19 resilience ranking. This alarming ranking has placed the Philippines at rock bottom for the third time in the last five months, so why is she keen on reestablishing ROTC when there are adversities that need to be addressed first?

Once elected, Duterte has also stated that she will push for the shadowing of other nations’ military enlistment, such as those from Israel and South Korea. However, it seems like she is forgetting that the said countries are currently facing disputes on their own land. With South Korea living day-by-day in danger of another war with their Northern counterpart and Israel being in conflict with Palestine over the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, it is justifiable why they had such policies in the first place.

In connection to that, a plethora of complications and human rights violations were built upon the grounds of ROTC. One of the victims is ROTC Cadet Mark Chua from the University of Santo Tomas. His body was found decaying in the Pasig River on March 18, 2001. After conducting a probe, the authorities unraveled the initial reason why this transpired: the victim exposed the alleged corruption in the university’s ROTC unit. The fact that this military training offers nothing but sheer malevolence is absolutely incontestable.

Indeed, it is possible that a person can be disciplined through rigid and rigorous training such as those from the ROTC program. After all, hardships can certainly foster growth into a cadet’s character. However, the smear of corruption and the bloody past of the said program should never be ignored and forgotten. Patriotism is not and will never be caged to a military term, as loyalty for a country should also translate to empathy for its people.

With this, reforming the other two components under the National Service Training Program, the Literacy Training Service and Civic Welfare Training Service, and making sure that the optional ROTC remains voluntary can be the first step to guarantee that no one will be harmed while instilling the said goal of discipline to the Filipino youth. Moreover, the country can also go with the opposite way—to demilitarize and remove the unnecessary presence of military men in places where they don’t belong. A place where instead of using intimidation and brute force, compassion and accountability prevails as the true manifestation of patriotism.

OPINION

December 2021 - February 2022

La Estrella Verde

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Katwiran ng Sarili Clotilde Marymar Caya

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ila walang katapusang pagpapanggap, pakikisama, at pasensya ang kinakailangan para makalampas sa nakakatakot na pandemyang ito. Kung iisipin, halos dalawang taon na rin tayong nagtitiis sa ganitong sistema ng pamumuhay kaya naman nakasanayan na nating mamalagi na lamang sa kanya-kanyang tahanan. Dahil dito, hindi natin maiwasang tumanggi at umayaw sa pakikipagsalamuha sa ating kapwa, mapa-online man ito o hindi sapagkat may rason tayo upang panandalian munang mapag-isa.

Isa ako sa mga taong umabot na sa puntong mas gusto pang makasama ang sarili kaysa sa makipagkwentuhan at asaran sa kaibigan. Minsan nga’y napagkakamalan pang tumatakas daw sa mga nangyayari sa paligid o sa realidad ng mundo. Ngunit para sa akin, ang gusto ko lang naman ay makapag-isip-isip. Sa panahong ito, masama bang magmuni-muni nang walang kasama at walang nakakaalam?

Patagal nang patagal ay padami nang padami ang mga taong umiiwas sa paggamit ng social media platforms sa kadahilanang gusto muna nilang mapag-isa. Hindi naman sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay kailangan mong sumagot sa mga mensahe nila. Ang pagtugon ay hindi mo naman tungkulin at maaari mo pa namang mabalikan ang iyong nakaligtaang basahin.

Dagdag pa rito, kahit na nasa ganitong sitwasyon ay hindi maiiwasan na may magyayaya ng lakad para makipagkita.

Maaari kang humindi dahil sapat na rason ang hindi mo pa kayang makihalubilo tulad ng dati at mas mahalaga ang pangsarili mong kapakanan. Hindi naman ibig sabihin nito na may galit o sama ng loob ang iyong pagtanggi sa kanilang imbitasyon.

Ang pagpili sa sarili ay minsan lamang at marami pa namang mga dadaang araw para makasama mo sila.

Sa pangkalahatan, huwag munang makinig sa mga sinasabi ng iba sapagkat marapat lamang na maglaan ka muna ng panahon para sa iyong sarili. Higit na mas mainam na hindi lamang tuwing self-care week ka magkapagbibigay ng oras sa sarili, mas maganda kung sa bawat linggo ay may ininilalaan ka para lamang dito. Mahalagang

may oras din para sa sarili ng walang pag-aalinlangan na mayroong nanghuhusga.

Walang masama sa pagtanggi at pag-ayaw sa pakikipag-usap at pakikipagkita sa kanyang kapwa dahil ang bawat nararamdaman ay nasa katwiran. Ang pag-iwas sa presensya ng ibang tao ay walang tinatakasan na responsibilidad kaya sapat na sarili muna ang inuuna sa lahat ng bagay.

“

Mahalagang may oras din para sa sarili ng walang pag-aalinlangan na mayroong nanghuhusga.”

Groupmates come and “ghost” Haraya

Ara Janine Palecpec

A

s a student, an online learning system is supposed to bring us more convenience because of its feature of self-paced assessments, where we can be the leader and follower of our own team during individual tasks. However, activities with groupings can completely turn the tables.

In group work, the irresponsibility of one affects the other members who value time in their schedule and obligations beyond school activities. Consequently, this no longer executes learning to both parties because it just unconsciously tolerates others’ absence to their responsibilities to the group, causing more stress to the ones carrying their load.

When teachers allow us to choose our own groupmates, it sometimes becomes chaotic because in the end, these “ghosters” would only appear in the group chats after the file was sent for submission by their leader to

express their “thank yous” and, ironically, still get “welcome” replies.

Moreover, the concept seen here is that it is easier to command students who are willing to give their best for their grades than those who do not, and I find this clearly one-sided.

Being barred with this mentality equates to the negligence of those who believe that one droplet of water can feed the field.

“

This mentality equates to the negligence of those who believe that one droplet of water can feed the field.”

However, the advice we get whenever we encounter these inconveniences with the group is always the same—name those who do not comply with the group’s work, or the student gets the grade

they deserve through peer evaluation.

But I must admit that I despise peer evaluations, because I would still give everyone the highest score for the sake of the incentives.

With this, teachers also need to consider how students’ behaviors vary in their subjects, specifically in group work, where other students are snugged up with the assurance that they can chill while the concerned ones get busy doing their group task. Thus, we must not settle for subconsciously creating dependent students in academic situations to eventually face the aftermath of our actions as they might carry this wrong behavior into real life challenges.

Learning is a process that requires interaction and creates future opportunities.

Hence, garnering high scores and celebrating an outstanding final grade is absurd when you were just dependent on your groupmates and did not contribute even a single second of your time during the semester. People will always come and go—just as their ghosting tactic for school responsibilities would not benefit them in the long run.

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OPINION

La Estrella Verde

December 2021 - February 2022

The vile in privilege PNP Chiefs and senators despite mañanitas and protocol violations.

From the Fossils Vince Daniel Papa

T

he tale of the Población Girl became the exposé of 2022’s first rant and rave as Gwyneth Chua’s quarantine breach was condemned to be the reason why this year feels like 2020, too. As she publicly claimed to skip mandatory quarantine with “connections”, this conjures the toxic case of the Padrino System—their asserted immunity and favor through political connections and more.

It is even hysterical to know that she dared to voluntarily flex her own violations in her party through social media, and proceeded to defend herself, knowing she had these false exemptions in her pockets. Consequently, new cases of COVID-19 due to her recklessness were recorded positive.

It is much to my dismay that the abuse of privilege that they exhibited was never an isolated case. The Padrino system has always dominated society’s viruses. The pandemic triggered more conflicts for the impoverished, while most of the privileged, thrive with the convenience they boast of like the Población Girl, as well as the impunity of

“

One’s privilege could tilt the obstacles into balance, while others choose to skip a quarantine for a party or a massage.”

In addition, another quarantine violator of the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Concern Act, dubbed as the Massage Girl, was also bashed after going directly to her own condominium after arrival. Like Chua’s brazen brag, she was also caught violating protocols after posting a photo of her own massage session. Thus, I cannot blame how netizens became sensitively triggered over people flaunting their 2021 recap, bragging about life as if a pandemic left no limits.

These trends of screaming privilege have found their ways on forcibly validated reasoning, “wala namang natatapakang tao”

Mirage

Elisha Jezreel Ang Joanna Elaine Desiderio Jan Anthony Murillo

and “as long as it makes me happy”. After two years of testing the quarantine’s waters, hasn’t this excuse been overexploited through time?

Perhaps, it’s not about how you disturb other people anymore, it’s about how your privilege influences mass choices and chances.

While some obsess with their capacity for leisure, the lack of remorse, and disobedience to laws that mitigate the spread of COVID-19 exposed how privilege can foster peril when in the wrong hands. These infamous quarantine skippers should be held accountable, but it doesn’t mean that we are absolved as to how COVID-19 cases are record highest like it’s something to be positive about.

As the Department of Health has reiterated, this irresponsibility has reminded us of the duty of becoming “agents of compassion, not agents of transmission”. In little ways, we have also practiced leniency and recklessness during the quarantine, may it be through frequent and unessential travels, unobserved social distancing, and simply lack of discipline.

Perhaps, your privilege could be the X-factor on how this pandemic could ensue.

One’s privilege could tilt the obstacles into balance, while others choose to skip a quarantine for a party or a massage. But it boils down on how you treat privilege. Would it be for you, or for the common good?

Diversion & Aversion

December 2021 - February 2022

FEATURES

La Estrella Verde

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Sundown at moonlight avenue Jedd Rudolf Caldo Photo by Tricia Faye Velasco

As the sun descends beneath the line where the sky meets the sea, a darker realm rises and takes its place.

People in the alley either fret or are willing to cope with the darkness and let the moonlight traverse into their hearts, slowly viewing the once dark and harsh world to unwittingly overcome it one shadow at a time.

From dawn until dusk As the clock’s hands complete its first lap and the blazing sun fades out to a dim blur, many feel the immense pressure to prepare for the darkness that is about to come. Cedee Anne Abesamis (HMS11) narrated one of her dreary yet busy nights, “If my school works (keep) on piling up and the deadline is near, I tend to sleep [late at night] and even (miss) dinner trying to finish all the needed requirements.”

No matter how bright the sun shines, it could not escape the grappling hands of time and the reign of darkness that is about to take over. “Despite staying active on Schoolbook daily, it is just [a struggle] for me to complete all of a subject’s assessments in a single day,” Jhanell Elaysa Desquitado (ABM22) said. Owing to this, people have different approaches to cope with their daily dilemmas.

The eclipse’s arrival Some people ignite their lamps, together with their burning passions to drive the darkness away. However, some think it is best to withdraw from their gloomy surroundings.

“I drive my attention away from school works by watching K-Dramas or my favorite idol’s variety shows,” Besamis shared. “After each progress I make, I [usually] watch two episodes, then I continue my [unfinished work] until the deadline comes.”

Preparing ahead of time also helps brighten up the room to cope better with these unfortunate scenarios. “[I] prepare ahead of time, since I know that it can help lessen some tasks in the future. Minsan kasi mayroon naman na spare time and (kung) willing ka din na gumawa, why not?” Ma. Cathalina Lacson (HMS21) said.

By sparking the lamps amidst the pitch-black darkness, one may now start to ease themselves back to work. “I usually rest from all school-related activities and concentrate solely on taking care of myself until I [regain my energy] back to avoid getting overwhelmed,” Desquitado shared.

The eclipse is not the diminishing end that many thought it would be, but the strive continues as the night is yet to be over.

Illuminated nights Struggling to move in the dark makes one long for the beaming sunlight during daytime. Having something to look forward to steers some people away from succumbing to whatever darkness they face. Lacson mentioned that after finishing her tasks, what she looks forward to the most is the time wherein she can do whatever she wants aside from school assessments.

Reminiscing the warmth of the mornings during a cold night, the moon steadily forms past the gloomy clouds as one realizes that

the light never left. Sometimes, one may only need a moment to recharge. “Madalas kailangan ko lang magpahinga sa pressure na nakukuha ko from (school works) to [somehow] boost my motivation,” Lacson expressed.

“

People have different approaches to cope with their daily dilemmas.” *** “Students have their own coping mechanisms, and it helps us adjust from loads of work while taking care of our own health in our own way,” Desquitado said.

Hurdles and obstacles are unavoidable parts of life, just like how there are always dark nights at even the brightest of days. What matters is how one copes and adapts to even the darkest of times.

SURPRISE!

by Aya Ahmad

LOVE ON-LINE

by Klaire Niña Llarena

VALENTINE

by Reanne Ashley Roguel

Sonnet 43

LENTINE’S DAY WORKING ON VA ta vin Ca via Oli

by Zoe

PRAGMA yes

by Jasmin Delos Re

Answers: Shirt color, question mark, ‘my->mv‘, purple heart, blushed ears, yellow heart stamp

December 2021 - February 2022

LITERARY

La Estrella Verde

9

Apenskijara

Marcea Alcala

Art by Rianne Nicole Ocampo

My shoes seem to be engulfed by the damp wooden deck every time I take a step on this ferry. As I manage to look around this place, a man in a cargo vest is passionately shouting against the sea-salted wind. Surrounded by a crowd, his hands flutter like wings as he points towards the horizon of the dancing winter sea.

“Those basaltic rocks are called Apenskijara, which means unreachable. Until now, those rocks were still not accessible by boats, even ships!” the man accentuated as I distracted myself from the thought of me only carrying a wallet compared to the passengers around me with their tourist smiles and colorful luggage.

The rocks perched around a city block away. I estimated the distance as if the waves are the tall buildings I see and bustle my way in every single day. The place I once used to fantasize like a tourist…

I should’ve stayed home.

“It’s like a museum painting without a frame. Right, folks?” The passengers nodded in agreement while I scoffed at his words.

There are more interesting rock formations, why is he describing these rocks as if they’re the only ones in the world?

As I walked away from his voice, I found the back deck empty. I instinctively fished into my pocket for my phone to distract me.

14 NEW MESSAGES. 40 MISSED CALLS. 400 UNREAD EMAILS. The invisible walls started to envelop me again. My wrists softened like they’ve been gripped for a long time. My stomach

magnified its weight, burying the unstable sways of the ferry...slowly drowning.

I should’ve continued to work. I shouldn’t have left. Why am I like this? Why didn’t I just— “Hey there!” a voice startled me. Suddenly, my phone rang in my palm. Its calculated pulse shook my fingers, but it just mirrored my empty face.

“Wouldn’t you answer that, boy?” I anxiously faced the origin of the sound. Cargo vest. Like tour guides do, the man in front of me harbors a friendly smile.

“Here, please, throw it in the ocean for me.” The irony of the situation shone brightly as I handed him my phone with shaking hands. I leaned my arms against the frosty rail, desperate for stillness.

“You know, as much as I’d love to help you with that, I’m afraid the fishes and corals below wouldn’t.” He laughed heartily.

Noticing my state, he dropped his voice and continued.

“Two years ago, these waves below us killed my wife.”

My brows furrowed skeptically as a pint of anger started filling up my chest—like a wave slowly destroying a sandcastle, “Isn’t it ironic? You, being a tour guide, talking about how gorgeous this place is, even if it took your wife?!”

He exhaled deeply and looked around for a moment as if he was scared to say his next words, “I moved on…by killing someone.”

I gaped at him. The crescendo of fear replaced my anger.

No way.

My instincts to get away are like tidal waves on a stormy night. But I was the city boy who was stuck again. The successful boy who lived with no one to come home to, who worked from sunrise to sunrise and had a lot of friends, but only if he covered their shifts. The boy who was just seeking love, but just found what his young self feared— being stuck in a place so dark, no one but pain wanted him.

He confronted my hollow eyes, “I have to kill the man who drowned himself with alcohol. The one who inhaled violence like waves as if it could get his happiness back.”

He swayed his hands and pointed his fingers into his chest.

“I have to kill the old, miserable me.” He deeply stared right into my eyes for a moment, then smiled. “I have to love myself the same way a drowning man loves the shore, and find my own Apenskijara. The tidal islands of happiness that I could never touch, but are there to remind me that I’m not drowning.”

He then extended his arms in front of me and returned my phone.

“You shall too.”

Then his hands lifted his worn-out bucket hat and waved it in the space between us, walking away without looking behind as if I was the city.

Sports La Estrella Verde

December 2021 - February 2022

Volume 6 Issue 2

Break the Stigma. Gender stereotypes do not have a place in sports. Photo by Nicole Infante

Damsels unstressed under pressure Jane Llana Cordova and Naevien Riley Valenzuela

After years of breaking past stereotypical barriers, women remain to be harbingers of change in displaying their unconquerable prowess in various sports settings. With the reinvigoration of their fervor to repress the tyranny of gender norms, a damsel’s grueling odyssey began towards unraveling the glory within.

Redefining the standards With rhythm translated to grace, Dancesport Contender Amaranth Jann Latorre unfolded how dancing empowered her versatility not just as an athlete, but also as a woman. “We can be feisty, artistic, flexible, exquisite, powerful, and...confident on our own,” she emphasized.

Conquering the waves of prejudice, Lady Tanker Jhan Blaine Repil elucidated the relentless mentality of a sportswoman.

“Women who participate in sports are more confident in their abilities...They (show more perseverance) and have higher self-esteem. (They have) a stronger desire to win,” the swimmer said.

Subduing trials with fortitude “Hindi parehas (‘yung) opportunities.”

Disclosing the reality of women in the sports industry where men are given a brighter limelight, specifically in the basketball scene, Lady Patriot Diana Alliyah Nadres added, “[D]ahil mas kilala na lalaki (‘yung) mga naglalaro (ng basketball), hindi (na) nabibigyan ng pansin ang women’s basketball.”

“Women in our sport do not get the same respect as men,” Latorre also opened up when asked about the adversities of being a female athlete in a male-dominated arena.

“I have experienced (body shaming). I have faced many comments about me being (too) skinny or, sometimes, (being) too fat than average dancers.”

Notching up to the top Rattled amid the exuberance of a crowd, Latorre shared what she learned when her humble beginnings turned into a life-changing experience.

“Winning doesn’t give us the right to look down on people. Keeping our feet on the ground is [what’s] important for us. (It is about being) able to enjoy and embrace [the] (moment).”

Aiming for a shot at pursuing her dreams as she started earning championship titles, Nadres revealed her aspirations, “[M]y (goal is) to be the best player that [I] can be and to be able to play in big leagues,” the baller expressed. As these women leaped into the unknown, their valiance to reach greater

heights strengthened them to unchain themselves from the shadows of misogyny.

“

Don’t let gender stereotypes hold you back from becoming the athlete you’ve always wanted to be.” *** Being harbingers of change will never be an easy job. Thus, Nadres remarked that they should never give in to what society tells them to do, “Don’t let gender stereotypes hold you back from becoming the athlete you’ve always wanted to be.” In the end, throwing ruthless judgments and criticisms against women with unwavering fighting spirits will only fuel them to be better than they were before.