UPHOLDER OF TRUTH. HERALD OF CHANGE. Volume 6 Issue 3
March - July 2022
A Bulb and Candle (ABC). A blended learning might be the light for this generation. Art by Aiser Levi Duque
DLSU-D SHS adapts a blended modality for A.Y. 2022-2023 Tiffany Geluz
Following the onset plans that transpired several months ago, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Principal Marlon Pareja proclaimed their anticipation in implementing a blended learning modality for the upcoming academic year.
According to Pareja, they will start by modifying the academic calendar and class schedules in order to comply with the said modality. “(For) the incoming school year…(the schedule of classes would be) [three] days na face-to-face class and [two] days na online classes,” he remarked. Moreover, he confirmed that they will still divide the semesters into two terms to help students cope with their strands’ workload.
“(Two to three months will be allotted for the) first term. (This will close with the) major exams, (followed by the) self-care week...(before proceeding) with the next term...(and ending with a) semestral break,” Pareja assured. Consequently, Pareja guaranteed that different assessments such as the formative, discourse, and summative will depend on the subject teacher’s strategy for their class. Blended modality, see page 2
USAID grants DLSU-D OSYs tech training project Aya Ahmad In collaboration with Kuya Center for Street Children, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) secured a one-year financial grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0 for their submission among hundreds of entries nationwide.
Moving Forward. Blinded by the sight of a new start, yet still pushing to see it through. Art by Rianne Nicole Ocampo
4 Editorial BS Un(org)anized
According to DLSU-D SHS Principal Marlon Pareja, they proposed ‘The Bridging the IT Gap (BIG) Brother Project’ for USAID’s nearest priority area in Cubao for Out-of-School Youth (OSYs). “[‘Y]ong primary focus (ng The BIG Brother project)...(is) to increase the [Information Technology] competency of OSYs through developmental training sessions,” he said.
Consequently, he affirmed that forty street children aged sixteen years old and below will be the prospective beneficiaries who would later be certified by taking the Cisco examinations after the program. “[I]n case gusto na nilang magtrabaho, mayroon (na silang competencies)... (that would provide) opportunities…to significantly contribute to the digital economy (and) help their communities,” he expressed.
8 Green Ink
9 Literary Tercets of Thoughts
USAID, see page 2
2
NEWS
La Estrella Verde
March - July 2022
Blended modality, see page 1
“[F]or each topic, (pwedeng) magbigay (‘yong teacher) ng mini assessments (online) just to check (if the students learned the lesson). After no’n, there will be a major exam (covering all) the...topics na (na-discuss)... that will be done onsite,” he said. Additionally, Pareja asserted that they would allot a schedule where students have a chance to work on their extracurricular activities in their respective student organizations. “(It was proposed that) may oras (on Wednesdays where)...magkikita sila (onsite for) organizations, general assemblies, or major activities sa klase,” he highlighted. Nonetheless, Pareja affirmed that the University is already preparing for several scenarios, including the prospect of employing hybrid flexible learning for those students who cannot attend their onsite classes.
“[T]he best scenario (is that by August, the whole class will be able to go onsite), pero we’re also prepared for the worst, which is full online. [M]amimili na lang ang student (if ) gusto niya (bang modality is) full online...o doon na sa new normal,” he stressed. Students’ feedback With the gradual onsite activities that the University has been conducting recently, Gabriel Francis Gatdula (STM11) acknowledged the institution’s readiness to welcome its students. “If (COVID-19) cases won’t rise (in the following) months...(then) the University made the right move to hold face-to-face classes next school year while still giving the students their freedom to choose whether to participate,” he commented.
SC plans STEM rep search once A.Y. 2022-2023 starts COMELEC urges SC to issue the appointment immediately Saira Vanessa Varon In line with DLSU-D Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) recommendation to designate the STEM representative’s vacant position ahead of time, the Student Council (SC) disclosed that they will seek for its suitable candidate once the academic year commences.
According to SC Vice President-elect Rizz Gopez, their plan to appoint a student for the said role was set aside due to their prior commitments. “[S]ince we are currently brewing a thing or two right now...ang plan namin ay isabay (‘yong) paghahanap sa mismong start na ng (academic) year...[s]ame with (noong) nangyari sa ICT (representative) last [year],” he remarked. As a result, he revealed that STEM students could directly raise their concerns to them as they would temporarily perform the responsibilities of their representative. “[H]abang pinaplantsa pa namin (‘yong preparations) for the (application of a) STEM (representative)...we (plan) to reach out sa [G]rade 11 (in the opening of ) classes,” Gopez affirmed. Meanwhile, COMELEC Chairperson and Multimedia Head Jann Brent Morales stated that the presumed STEM representative’s
withdrawal posed an urgency for the newly proclaimed officers to resolve this setback before finalizing their projects. “I think...they should be able to find someone...before (preparing) the calendar of activities...(para) complete na silang lahat... (but) we will not (allow) the same student who backed out for that position to be appointed (again),” Morales emphasized. Furthermore, Morales recalled from the former ICT representative’s case that their failure to provide any concrete countermeasures led the previous batch of SC to initiate the search themselves for the representative’s replacement. “[I]f ever the same case will occur again, the (SC) officers’ adviser shall be the one to spearhead the appointment (or to fill) in the vacant position. The only responsibility we have as...COMELEC is to assess the… (candidates’) submitted (requirements),” he affirmed.
Furthermore, Gatdula mentioned that he is looking forward to utilizing the University’s facilities and services regardless of the possible necessary adjustments. “(The) blended learning [modality] will help me learn better...(despite attending almost) three years of...online classes...(since) I am more accustomed to (a face-to-face setup),” he shared. Meanwhile, Cedee Anne Beatriz Abesamis (HMS11) disclosed her concerns regarding the alterations that will occur once the University implements this approach given how difficult it was to learn in an online setup. “(Once they conduct blended classes), I’m sure na isa (sa mga malaking adjustment na mangyayari ay ‘yong pag-aaral), dahil iba naman (‘yong) way ng (pag-aaral) sa [face-toface] and online learning,” she remarked. USAID, see page 1
Moreover, Pareja shared that the University’s ICT teachers will also partake in the project by honing the children’s expertise and familiarity with computer navigation. “[M]alaking challenge ‘yon...(kung) pa’no natin ma-re-raise ‘yong competencies nila. [K]ung (magiging) successful ‘yon...malaking bagay ‘yon for the teachers...(to develop) their skills,” he asserted. Additionally, he mentioned that the institution is currently preparing for the launch of the said project that will highlight their formal partnership with Kuya Center for Street Children. “[W]e want [them] to be (our) partner institution, hindi lang (para) sa mga teachers pero pati na rin sa mga estudyante. [A]s we progress with the program, (ito ay) magiging exposure sa ating mga...student organizations...to conduct their joint activities for community service,” Pareja stressed. With this, Pareja disclosed that this financial grant is not exclusive solely within the University, as USAID also targeted funding various non-governmental organizations in the country. “[I]f USAID think na we need to continue the project na...mas malawakan...and they’re willing to fund the project or...replicate the project in other places...definitely mag-sa-submit ulit tayo ng proposal,” he emphasized. Furthermore, he attested that this partnership has multiple benefits that can result to other competencies once it concludes. “(The project) [b]enefits [K]uya [C]enter (for Street Children OSYs and) our [SHS] teachers. (It will also) [s]trengthen (our) partnership with (them which may result in) more grants in the future,” Pareja remarked.
3 NEWS Onsite activities, inaasahang madadagdagan La Estrella Verde
March - July 2022
SC nangako ng maayos na serbisyo Saira Vanessa Varon Ipinahayag ni DLSU-D Senior High School Student Council (SC) President Kyle Benzon ang plano ng kanilang organisasyong magsagawa ng mas maraming face-to-face activities at mga platapormang tutugon sa Lasalyanong komunidad.
Matapos mahalal, ibinahagi ni Benzon na sisimulan nila ang akademikong taon sa paglulunsad ng kanilang mga plataporma na gaganapin sa Agosto. “[W]e plan to start our...year with...our platforms...[s]ince we want to welcome all students, especially...(the) [G]rade 11, (to) their new school and (give them) a memorable school year,” aniya. Kaugnay nito, ginarantiya niya na sila ay naghahanda na ng mga alternatibong plano kung sakaling maudlot ang pagpapatupad na isagawa ang kanilang programa onsite. “(For instance), if performers are (involved) in these events, kahit sila (na lang ‘yong um-attend) ng onsite preparations and execution, [t]hen…we can either broadcast it live or pre-recorded,” dagdag ni Benzon. Isinalaysay din ni Benzon na pinaplano nilang mangasiwa ng proyektong nagngangalang State of Student Affairs (SOSA) na naglalayong magbigay ng
kasagutan sa mga katanungan ng mga estudyante. “We want (the) [SOSA] to be conducted as early as possible since we don’t want naman na paasahin (‘yong students) with the (prizes) or anything na deserve nilang (ma-receive),” saad niya. Bukod dito, ipinabatid ni SC Vice President Rizz Gopez na kanila pang pagbubutihin ang Lasallian Student Committee sa pamamagitan ng pangangalap ng mga bago nitong kasapi. “[W]e are prepared to spread out...para mas (ma-supervise) namin bawat areas na need... (ng) manpower talaga,” paliwanag niya. Puna ng mga estudyante Kasunod ng proklamasyon sa mga opisyal, inilahad ni Quintin Rei Vigo (STM16) ang kanyang lubos na pagtitiwala sa kakayahang mamuno ng mga ito kahit na walang naging kalaban ang kanilang partido.
“[H]alos lahat ng tumakbo para sa SC (ay) confident. [A]nd if titignan mo (‘yong credentials ng) mga candidates, lahat sila may past experiences na in leading,” paliwanag niya. Dagdag pa rito, inaasahan niya ang pagtupad ng SC sa kanilang mga ipinangako noong nangangampanya pa lamang sila, kagaya ng pagbibigay ng mga cash prizes at premyo sa itinakdang oras. “[S]ana matuloy (‘yong mga) events na gusto nila...(at) sana maging consistent sila (sa mga gusto nilang mangyari)...kasi (napansin) ko... sa last SC, (‘yong) mga prizes nila (‘di) pa (rin naibibigay)...(hanggang) ngayon,” sabi ni Vigo. Samantala, iminungkahi naman ni Dwyn Anthony Delos Reyes (ICT11) na ipagpatuloy ng nahalal na SC ang pagkakaroon ng matibay na relasyon sa Lasalyanong komunidad. “[I] think consistent naman sila…(in) handling situations...but [I]...(expect them to be consistently)...effective leaders and…dependable people (as well),” ani Delos Reyes.
TVL Work Immersion umani ng iba’t ibang komento Naevien Riley Valenzuela Nakalikom ang inilunsad na TVL Work Immersion ng sari-saring suhestyon mula sa mga dumalong estudyante ukol sa kurikulum at connectivity issues na naging taliwas sa obserbasyon ni Work Immersion Chairperson John Christopher Pascual.
Sa isang panayam, ibinahagi ni Pascual na wala silang malaking problema na naranasan ngayong taon kahit na onsite ginanap ang work immersion ng TVL-HE at online naman para sa TVL-ICT. “Although hindi…required na mag-participate (sa) onsite (work immersion nila)...(dahil sa) iba’t ibang mga factors... majority (naman ng mga estudyante) ay (naka-attend),” aniya. Inilahad din niya na mahusay na natamo ng mga estudyante ang mga inaasahang awtput kung saan nasubok ang kanilang mga natutunan mula sa programa. “[N]akuha ng mga students (‘yong) mga competencies…na dapat nilang makuha...as mandated...by the [Department of Education] (in) our syllabus and learning calendar,” saad ni Pascual. Puna ng mga estudyante Para sa pagpapabuti ng work immersion, isinalaysay ni Jessica Lai Singh (ICT21) na kinakailangan pang pag-ibayuhin ang pagbibigay ng mga gawain.
“[I]nstead of giving quizzes, (I think) they should (have given) hands-on (activities) to (the) students,” suhestiyon niya. Samantala, ipinaliwanag naman ni Carylle Guiman (ICT21) na maihahalintulad ang nasabing programa sa isang tipikal na class discussion. “Although it was still a bit lacking (in lessons) and discussions…(the areas they) [p]robably…(need to improve are giving) more useful information and (giving) tasks… (aligned with) the (subject),” ayon kay Guiman Sa kabilang banda, idinaing ni Kristina Cassandra Pagador (TVL21) na ang pagiging hybrid ng kanilang sistema ay naantala dahil sa Internet connection ng mga estudyanteng hindi nakadalo onsite. “I think it was difficult for students who… (are) only watching through [Microsoft] Teams…(because) [t]hey were not graded properly during the demonstration (due to their) [slow] [I]nternet connection,” pagpapaliwanag niya.
Changing Times. As change is the only factor constant. Photo by Elisha Jezreel Ang
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La Estrella Verde
La Estrella Verde
OPINION
March - July 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, 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
BS Un(org)anized As the academic year finally concluded, students are now reflecting on how they have managed to survive the academic year while maintaining a healthy student life. Student life can be divided into two: curricular activities that focus on academics and extracurricular activities that hone the students’ potential outside of academics such as competitions, athletics, and student organizations. Some might agree that a student should mainly focus on their academic performance. Yet, this might not be true in some cases as students can be stretched thin when they have to do all of their commitments outside academics. With this, it is no surprise that you will hear some students experiencing burnout and then suddenly going AWOL as combining the burden of online classes with the seemingly inefficient system for student organizations is like a disaster waiting to happen. Taking a higher position in just one student organization already equates to a heavier workload, more so if they are also officers and members of other affiliations that bear the same magnitude of obligation. For some, the arduous task of being in these hierarchies curtailed their standards in upholding their organization’s purpose as they found themselves choosing which they must prioritize first, only to end up drafting letters of resignation. Although such students are inclined to be immersed in these enervating settings, consistency is as much of a necessity as willingness is in these pursuits. Leadership is a duty entailing an immense amount of responsibility—this is a truth yet to be realized by some. At first, being part of the officers of an organization might seem staggering because of the admiration and recognition one might receive. But, as the work to accomplish continues to be formidable, one’s reasons to become a leader should be beyond collecting honor and credentials to flaunt. Leading an organization is a commitment fueled by insurmountable perseverance, fervor, and will to serve the community; not by self-interest and ego fulfillment. One should also be reminded that a student organization should be headed, as the name states, by students. Advisers were appointed to guide and help the students with their affairs but they should never interfere with the decision-making, as this could essentially shift the power to them. Doing this would question the intention of an organization in the first place, because why do we even bother to call it a student organization if it is just a front to delegate more work without giving them freedom? The inadequate manpower in various organizations and fleeting terms of their student leaders are just some of the sobering indications of an ineffective system that must be reformed. Thus, these policies must prohibit students from being appointed as officers of more than one organization for them to weigh the responsibilities of the roles they are applying for, instead of renouncing their positions. To conclude, there have been various malignancies in the system of student organizations. However, some still regard it with total dissonance. From the hierarchy to the officers themselves, conundrums seem to ensue. Hence, it is only right to finally commence a discussion of its flaws before these problems attach themselves to the origins of the organizations.
OPINION
March - July 2022
La Estrella Verde
5
Magpahayag ≠ Manlinlang Hustisya Guen Marie Sapinit
M
ga ilusyong may bahid ng kabulaanan ang patuloy na lumalantad simula noong naganap ang eleksyon hanggang ngayong may panibagong nanunungkulang administrasyon. Kaliwa’t kanan na kasi ang paglabas ng mga balitang nililinlang ang madlang dahan-dahang kinakalimutan ang pinagkaiba ng mga mamamahayag at ng mga sinusuportahan nilang tanyag na mga pangalan sa mainstream media. Tila ang nakasisilaw nilang kinang sa industriya ay tuluyan nang nabulag ang milyon-milyong mata mula sa katotohanan. Naging mas malabo pa ang kanilang pagitan nang gawing prayoridad ang pagbibigay ng akreditasyon sa mga naturang vloggers para dumalo at i-cover ang mga press briefings ng gobyerno. Isiniwalat din na magiging batayan ang bilang ng kanilang engagements at followers bago sila mapabilang sa “press”. Sa katunayan, hindi lang ito ang unang rehimen kung saan nasubok ang depinisyon kung ano ba ang pagiging influencer at pagiging journalist. Dahil nga naipinta sila bilang bagong mga batis ng impormasyon, kadalasang nagiging
basehan na ang bawat bidyo at litratong minanipula ng kasinungalingan at may marka ng eupemismo. Hudyat din ng malawak nilang media reach ay ang dami ng kanilang tagasubaybay. Ngunit, sapat ba ang mga batayang nabanggit para mapanghawakan nila ang tungkulin ng ganito kalaking responsibilidad? Kaugnay nito, papaano natin masisigurado na sila’y may pananagutan sa mga balighong impormasyong maaari nilang maipalaganap? Hindi man tiyak kung gumagalaw ba ang mga vloggers para sa pansarili o pampublikong interes, mas naging matimbang pa rin ang kanilang mga sanaysay kaysa sa mga mamamahayag na nasubok na ang kredibilidad. Kahit na kung tutuusin, ang pagbabalita ay isang masinsinang proseso na hindi basta-basta ipinangangalandakan ng walang katibayan. Sinusuyod din ng mga mamamahayag nang maigi at walang pagkikiling ang kanilang istorya, salungat sa mga vloggers na may bakas ng sariling opinyon at paniniwala. Batid kong may mga vloggers din na nais maglingkod sa bayan, ngunit hindi ibig sabihin nito na pareho na iisa na ang kanilang layunin—mayroon pa ring linyang pinaghihiwalay ang pagbibigay ng wastong impormasyon at ng entertainment. Hindi na bago ang pagkalat ng mga baluktot
na naratibo. At ngayong nasa ilalim muli tayo ng mga lider na may nakapagdududang track records, hindi na dapat isaalang-alang ang katotohanan para lang sa ikalilinis ng kanilang reputasyon.
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Mayroon pa ring linyang pinaghihiwalay ang pagbibigay ng wastong impormasyon at ng entertainment.” Ang pagpapadala sa tingkad at panunudyo ng katanyagan ay pagsasawalang-bahala rin sa kung ano ang totoo at pagbibingi-bingihan sa hinaing ng mga biktima ng paniniil. Kakampi ng ignoransya ang opresyon, kaya nararapat lamang na kwestyunin ang mga bagay na maaaring kumitil sa katotohanan sa pag-usbong ng social media na punong-puno ng mga tiwali, hindi lamang bilang isa ring mamamahayag, ngunit pati na rin bilang isang mamamayan.
(Pretentious) Act 10931 Exulansis
Ayeesha Kimberly Cellona
N
umerous officials continually exploit vulnerable sectors, specifically indigents, whenever they eye for government positions. The previous administration sanctioned free tuition, and the other fees in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) exempting those financially deprived to provide an opportunity to pursue college degrees. Despite its aim to solve poverty, it was an undoubtedly ridiculous law, as it did not execute its intention properly due to social stratification. The government-funded SUCs through taxes, and it became the means for students to regard an institution that provides free college tuition as a university that imparts a “high-quality” education. However, it does not aid financially struggling families since even the wealthy can obtain its benefits, which unquestionably disregards their original intention. As more deprived left with a highly doubtful application for college admissions due to failing primary education and financial
instability, acquiring scholarships became doubtful since they had to work at an early age affecting their academic performance because of their divided attention. If those who roll in money still accumulate scholarships from several organizations and divisions—which supposedly are for the underprivileged—then it further certifies that most beneficiaries of these concessions are not reaching families who need assistance from the government.
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Once and for all, they should set opportunities equally regardless of any circumstances.” On top of that, I often assume SUCs— particularly the prominent ones—require students with good grades and pleasing credentials. Yet, some students who achieved numerous recognitions and joined various organizations with great effort still failed to get admitted to their dream schools with
their desired courses. If these conditions do not compromise them, what qualifications do they demand? Under these conditions, we should dismiss the societal standard where well-known universities are the only ones equipped for high-quality education because they mandated their inscription from the same government institution to provide the same quality, which will only vary on the educators’ capacity. Once and for all, they should set opportunities equally regardless of any circumstances. A simple way of assessing realistic standards—whether in a job or school application—would assist specifically those cash-strapped families. If the government does not take action on these issues, the poverty rate will continually increase despite multiple administrations’ promises to provide solutions. After all, these standards made SUCs in demand, and deficient criteria render personal questions about where an individual should stand. The government should ponder that education should not depend on the families’ wealth. In promoting amiable education, a law should exist to establish its society as a more suitable place to live and create progress—not the other way around.
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OPINION
La Estrella Verde
From the Fossils
‘Yaan mo na pagbubuntis dahil sa nilathalang patakaran ng hukuman. Kung iisipin, hindi ba’t tungkulin nitong protektahan ang buhay at karapatan ng bawat mamamayan?
Stephanie Nicole Rabacal
M
March - July 2022
insan na rin akong nasa panig nila. Nakasuklob sa mga kaisipang hinubog ng aking kinalakihan, nagmaang-maangan sa kung ano talaga ang tama sa ngalan ng paniniwala at paninindigan—kahit pa buhay ng kababaihang tulad ko ang nakataya. Ngunit sa lakbay kasabay ng panahon, untiunting kong nakilala ang reyalidad sa likod ng salitang aborsyon. Narito ako nakatayo, sumasalungat sa minsan nang naging paniniwala ko. Mainit na usapan ngayon ang kasong Roe v. Wade matapos ipawalang-bisa ng Korte Suprema ng Estados Unidos noong Hunyo 24. Ito ang kasong nagsimulang kumilala sa aborsyon bilang ligal sa nasabing bansa. Hatid ng desisyong nagpawalang-saysay rito na tinuldukan ng 6-3 na boto ang pagturing sa proseso ng ligtas na pagpapalaglag bilang isang krimen. Sa hindi na mabilang na pagkakataon, muling napagkaitan ng pansariling karapatan ang kababaihan. Nabuwag ang magandang oportunidad na baguhin ang landas ng sinumang hindi ninais ang kanilang
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Hindi dapat natatapos sa relihiyon o pansariling opinyon ang pagkilala sa aborsyon.”
Pinagkalooban ang bawat tao ng karapatan upang magpasya para sa sariling katawan at kalusugan, may karamdaman man o wala. Sa puntong ito pa lamang, maaari nang tapusin ang mahabang diskusyon. Mayroon namang mga sitwasyon na hindi pa handa ang mga nagbubuntis sa naghihintay na malaking pagbabago sa kanilang pamumuhay. Ang kakulangan ng suportang pinansyal ang isa sa kadalasang dahilan kung bakit sila dumudulog sa aborsyon. Bilang karagdagan, hindi maikakaila ang laganap na kaso ng panggagahasa, karahasan, pagdadalantao ng mga menor de edad, at hindi pagbibigay ng pananagutan ng kinakasama. Sa ganitong klaseng kaganapan,
Mirage
Elisha Jezreel Ang Joanna Elaine Desiderio Jan Anthony Murillo
nararapat lang na mabigyang-laya ang mga itong pagkalooban ng ligtas na proseso ng pagpapalaglag. Hindi makatarungang ipasan sa balikat nila ang obligasyong unang una sa lahat ay hindi kanila. Kung kaya’t hindi dapat natatapos sa relihiyon o pansariling opinyon ang pagkilala sa aborsyon. Ang kawalan ng kakayahang bumuhay ng isang sanggol, mapa-pisikal, pinansyal, o anumang aspeto, ay ilan sa maraming patunay kung bakit nararapat itong ipaloob sa batas. Hindi ito nalilimita sa bansang Estados Unidos, kundi maging sa buong mundo. Matagal nang ipinagdamot ang kapangyarihan ng mga nagdadalantaong makabuo ng desisyong hindi lang para sarili, ngunit pati sa maaaring maging kinabukasan ng isisilang. Isa lang ang aborsyon sa mga isyung hindi man sumasalamin sa ating ideolohiya, ngunit kinakailangan ng iba. Ang pagpapaligal nito ay hindi katumbas ng pagsasagawa natin ng naturang proseso, datapwat pagbibigay kalayaan sa mga kababaihan na lumikha ng desisyon at iligtas ang buhay nito mula sa isang malaking responsibilidad na hindi pa kayang panindigan. Marahil ay salungat sa kung ano ang ating pinaniniwalaan, hayaan natin ang kababaihan na—sa wakas—ang kanilang sarili ay maprotektahan.
A glance at tomorrow
March - July 2022
FEATURES
La Estrella Verde
7
Through the unbeknownst stations of mundanity Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan Art by Aiser Levi Duque Encompassing a compendium of varied prowess and a plethora of passion is grace as regarded by many. Streaks of eternal sunshine are to be expected, and a glistening tomorrow is promised to them, nevertheless, beneath these construed reveries are lingering shadows that keep on getting darker as one hops on the train to the real world.
The train departs One is expected to tread carefully in the voyage wherein life’s turning points will transpire. But even with a painstaking preparation, the voyager might find out that it will not suffice and that all the things they had smithed are still scarce upon commencing the ride. Even with dozens of skills, the jack-ofall-trades’ lacking will eventually materialize. “[Jack-of-all-trades] is always in the middle or average,” Jamie Morta (HMS11) said. Although they are equipped with heaps of talents, improvement is one of their sworn foes. “It (is) really hard to master a skill when you’re busy mastering other skills at the same time,” Morta explained. With this, many are stuck at the average level, perceiving them as mundane as they traverse through life. Along the reveled landscapes As the train continues to navigate the rails to realities, marvels might enchant the traveler—that even though the journey is marred because of one’s normalcy, they would still perceive the venture as a worthwhile one. “The advantage of being a jack-of-alltrades is that I’m always busy and (almost never) bored because I have a lot of hobbies,” Morta expressed. “I have plenty of knowledge of all the areas I’m practicing. And it’s fun because I’m not always stuck on one thing,” Morta added. “Being a jack-of-all-trades (means having)
more open opportunities in many aspects,” Gaddiele Macasaet (ABM22) shared. Truly, having the qualities of a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none indeed introduces thresholds that can lead to numerous paths.
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pressure as his family will always question the passions he had failed to replenish. Moreover, for Morta, possessing too many skills and not having the ability to excel in a particular talent is also a bane he had to bear—because of it choosing a career became arduous. “I chose the passion at first, but I don’t really know what I’m most passionate about. I went from being a painter, photographer, dancer, musician, actor, (and) director,” he discussed. Having too many doors might really be a drawback, especially if one’s heart is still unsure of what it desires.
Across the perilous railroad Yet, the paradisiacal sense is fleeting and will soon evaporate as the train moves forward to the ominous destination. “[T]hey can be (outcasted) and (have) a less chance to stand out,” Macasaet answered when asked what conundrums she had encountered as someone who once endured mediocrity. “The disadvantages are not being good at everything, sometimes being stuck at the (mediocre) stage and not improving,” Morta said. He also narrated how he experienced
*** The escapade to the harsh and actual world is an inherent ordeal that one shall conquer even with inadequate ability. “I think it may be hard, but if a person with an average skill has a willingness to be open in gaining new skills and knowledge, it can be possible,” Macasaet conveyed. “[T]here’s plenty of time to improve, (hindi) naman gagaling ang skills overnight, kaya nga tinawag na skill, kasi pinapractice,” Morta asserted. No matter how sky-scraping the railroad is, one shall keep the embers of hope alive and kindle their faith to themselves, for choosing to step out of their comfort zones is something that will soon pave the path to triumph. “[W]e should thrive more for the best, dahil para (rin) ito sa improvement ng ating sarili,” Macasaet emphasized.
[W]e should thrive more for the best, dahil para (rin) ito sa improvement ng ating sarili.”
A GRADUATE’S RESILIENCY by Jasmin Delos Reyes
THERE… I’M ALMOST rio ia Emelda Inito by Maria Soph
BANYUHAY by Klaire Niña Llarena
HULING SAYAW by Rania Marie Pucan
Moving Out by Aya Ahmad
As Levi prepares to leave for college, they appear to have underestimated the amount of packing to be done. Could you spot 5 differences to help them organize their dorm necessities?
ANSWERS: Ball, Mirror’s reflection, Popsicle Sticker, Teddy Bear’s Bowtie , and the Flower’s Leaf.
LITERARY
March - July 2022
La Estrella Verde
9
TERCETS OF THOUGHTS monotonous summer
“Kiss it better”
spring
Wrenzhie Arroyo
Anina Jiliana Manuel
Aqeena Reyes
scorching hot wind blows, I lie in bed, wondering— where did the sparks go?
Warmth flows through the cracks In my eyes, the cold seeps in Mind lost by the tracks
commitment towards the passionate blazing dream full of blooming themes
unconventional
Old-fashioned
lunares
Wrenzhie Arroyo
Anina Jiliana Manuel
Bianca Jan Sibayan
in a world defined by blue and pink, I longed to choose my colors and hue. out of the closet, looking all brand-new.
Crevices on her greying skin Terribly soulless, deeply scared within Like walking in fragile ice, hair-thin
they say someone’s on the moon they may be freezing in the darkest tombs or may they uncover secrets deep within
falter
butterfly wings
semblance at sea
reaching over the cliff his hand melts her endless grudge— she trusts him too late
a luster hovers and dangles into thin sky then poofs in twinkle
sailing adrift the vast vigor sea where petals churn to seafoam dull sailors tell no tales of teal
polished
pink in her cheeks
**side note: this is a palindrome poem, you can read it top to bottom and vice-versa
the mirror lies as often as it would blame, gazing into the countless it has betrayed as self and reflection judges their thin frame
If Marceline’s red dulled, it will not turn into gray— just pink.
Gabriel Dale Tejido
Pia Heart Lambuson
Pia Heart Lambuson
Ara Janine Palecpec
Ara Janine Palecpec
Women
quarantine
Getting our way through Dismantling patriarchy How hard must it be?
prohibition stays longer more than you notice as we are consumed
Paulyn Dianne Laude
Sa pakikibaka
Paulyn Dianne Laude Tayo’y tumindig Maging mapagpalaya ‘Wag pasisiil
Aqeena Reyes
Bianca Jan Sibayan
Serenade
In sanguine aubade, there sings a solemn adieu, to our merry end.
Glimpse
Gabriel Dale Tejido Every hardship shows, what flower you bloom into, you just have to wait.
Sports La Estrella Verde
March - July 2022
Volume 6 Issue 3
Breakthrough upon breakthrough. In every step, there is progress even if the world is full of sorrow. Photo by Elisha Jezreel Ang
The tension of fractured reveries Guen Marie Sapinit and Alyssa Ashley Anacay
When it all ended with a scorching halt, those who stumbled fragmented themselves away from the identity that ablazes their vigor. Hapless as it may seem, these athletes are yet to wrangle not against opposing adversaries, but against themselves. However, to trounce the unknown, they must slowly mend what is left during the fallout.
Phase One: Strain As Swimmer Sebastian Montalvo’s sunken despair quelled the raging waves, he mentioned that he is still yearning to reclaim his sanctuary and to revive his zeal. “I’ve been longing (to train and to feel) being an athlete once again, (but) [i]t was challenging because of the prolonged pandemic,” he remarked. Amid the rift that immobilized these athletes, a surge of doubt and dismay seeped into the crevices of what was once hope. “The hardest part was swallowing the fact that [I] lost my chance to play in the regionals, knowing (that I’ve) worked hard year after year to earn my spot,” Badminton Player Immanuel Maata expressed. Phase Two: Treatment “[K]ung wala kang [discipline], mapapabayaan mo ‘yung sarili mo.” For Volleyball Player Nikki Alcartado, the remedy must start within oneself. After rekindling with such ardors, Alcartado then found resolution from productivity. “I tried different activities like jumping rope. (I also continued) my passion (for) dancing,” she shared.
However, the ephemeral awe from these avocations cannot replace the thrill of rivalry for Maata. “I tried to immerse (myself ) in online gaming to feed my (competitiveness), but it didn’t really help me cope (that) much,” he noted. Still, the temporary solace somehow healed the twinge of despair that waned the euphoria of prevailing.
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[L]et these challenges be bridges to new opportunities, not barriers.”
Phase Three: Recovery For some, the fractures and windings were never hindrances towards their end goal. “I want to start over despite what happened,” Montalvo mentioned when
asked what his endeavors would be once the upheaval dwindles. “It doesn’t matter if it’s (a) slow progress. [S]mall progress is (still) progress.” “[T]here (are) no other (options).” Perhaps, the recovery from the pandemonium nudged these athletes to realize what they are really passionate about. “[Playing badminton] is my life, and [I] will keep pursuing my dreams one way or another,” Maata emphasized. *** Through mending the shattered remnants and looking for a newfound hope, these athletes are now conditioned to attest their avidity despite the unpredictable odds. As Volleyball Player Wynchell Magnaye advised, “[A]lways remember who you were when you started and why you started. [L]et these challenges be bridges to new opportunities, not barriers.” Hapless as it may seem, these athletes are already on the verge of winning when they find themselves trying and striving to regain their fervor and dedication.