La Estrella Verde September - December 2022

Viridescent to focus as official documenter

Following the past yearbook issues, DLSU-D Senior High School’s (SHS) official yearbook publication Viridescent will tentatively focus on being an official documenter subsequent to the school administration’s decision.

According to Student Activities Coordinator Alona Narzabal, Viridescent will concentrate on documenting events as the administration is still in the process of settling previous concerns.

“[W]e cannot work on having (a) yearbook for this school year kasi meron pa tayong naiwan

COMELEC struggles amid STEM rep appointment delay

Following the delay of the STEM representative appointment, COMELEC Chair and Finance Marketing Department Head Xent Claire Davila stated that the organization had to decide whether to push the election or to cancel it instead.

“[H]indi p’wede na (mag-start) ‘yung isang school year na walang student government so, we...couldn’t risk that, (so we had to) help out the candidates (to) file (a candidacy) para matuloy pa rin ‘ yung election, even if improper nga siya,” she stressed.

Moreover, COMELEC Co-Chair Janelle Andrea Ramirez expressed that COMELEC was required to file multiple petitions to assist in resolving the issue regarding an improper election.

“(COMELEC) kept on pushing back the elections last year, since na-delay…because (of) the… STEM representative…(backing) out after the filing of candidacy… which (is) not legal in our previous Election Code (E-Code),” she remarked.

As a result, Davila disclosed that

the organization has considered the issue of candidates withdrawing after filing their candidacy in revising the Election Code.

“(COMELEC) made some revisions for (the withdrawal cases) para next school year, mas at ease ‘yung COMELEC when it comes…(to the) appointment of…representatives,” she explained.

Furthermore, Davila added that the current STEM representative

na (unreleased yearbook) issue… [P]ara…next school year, wala tayong (problemang maiiwan),” Narzabal explained.

Following the pronouncement, Viridescent Communications

Manager Chellarie Mendoza revealed the verbal disclosure of the decision to their editorial board during the

meeting held with other organization heads last Aug. 31.

“

[N]a-confuse din (kaming current editorial board) kasi hindi kami (ang) founder ng Viridescent, so…we found it parang disrespectful…kung gagawin kaming (official documenter) lang and Viridescent, see page 2

DLSU-D SHS LCP increase onsite class hours

Following the release of the Learning Continuity Chart (LCC) for College, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) issued a Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) that featured a gradual increase in hours of onsite classes throughout A.Y. 2022-2023.

DLSU-D SHS Principal Marlon Pareja confirmed that that there will be an increase in the onsite class from two hours to four hours for each subject in a week for the second semester, as stated in the LCP.

“(There are) five subjects (for each) term, so mama-maximize lang natin d’ on…(is) more or less 15 hours (of onsite classes each week)… [a]nd then, pagdating ng [second] semester…magshi-shift na tayo,” he explained.

Furthermore, Pareja expressed that the schedule of other subjects is not fixed and will differ depending on the subject teacher.

“So (we have subjects) like…Science na may (laboratory) component…‘yon ay (for three hours straight) while ‘yung mga ibang mga subjects naman (ay) mahahati into one and a half hour,” he disclosed.

Moreover, onsite hours for the Christian Values (CHV) and Physical Education (PE) courses are expected to stay the same for the following semester.

“Ang CHV natin ay two units lang,

so maximum na sa kanila ang two hours (for each) week. Ang PE kasi natin ay one hour (for each) week lang kaya baka…mag-stick… doon,” he elaborated.

Despite this, the SHS will maintain the implementation of regular onsite classes which ranges from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

“I don’t think (that)…our High School will rework the whole (face-to-face learning where)… five days na pumapasok Maaari pa (na ma-maximize ‘yung) three days na pumapasok onsite and then the next two days…(is for) student activities,” he expressed.

In addition, Pareja emphasized the importance of adhering to limited onsite classes each week in terms of pandemic safety standards, as it aids in controlling COVID-19 cases.

“If there are…students who (feel) na…may symptoms sila, (then) ‘ yung…days na…nasa bahay sila doing asynchronous classes (ay) parang (considered as) isolation days

LCP, see page 7

Carmela Carrasco

Champion’s Wave. Newly hailed Lakan and Lakambini 2022, Jan Aura Denise Dulcet and Phillip Luis Paradina, wave to the crowd as they prance during the Selebrasyon ng Wikang Filipino 2022. Photo by Nicole Infante

Prior to the recent appointment of the STEM representative for A.Y. 2022-2023, DLSU-D High School (HS) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) revealed that the organization faced problems during the temporary vacancy of the said position.

Kei Oinuma

STEM rep, see page 2

Aya Ahmad

Cyril Troy Vinuya. Newly Elected STEM Representative. Photo by Nicole Infante

was appointed in accordance with the Election Code of 2021-2022.

“(COMELEC) believed that it is only fair to use the same codes in appointing the STEM representative (used during the current Student Council’s (SC) election last year),” Davila said.

Consequently, SC Vice President Rizz Gopez clarified that the Council

did not set the appointment of a STEM representative aside.

“[A]fter… nung …proclamation ng mga nanalo (for SC)...nag-peprepare na rin kami...for the yearend and Greenify. So…after pa lang nung Greenify namin na-finalize ang lahat,” Gopez said.

Along with this, Gopez mentioned that all officers of the Council shouldered the duties and

responsibilities during the vacancy of the STEM representative position.

“[T]eam effort (ang) ginagawa ng SC para ma-fill-in ‘yung (STEM representative) position (and)... in the meantime na walang kaming STEM (representative)...nag-do-doble effort (din) (ang SC)...para magreach out sa mga STEM students… lalo na sa mga class president,” Gopez explained.

DLSU-D faculty’s research receives BRIDGES grant

Jezic Abueg

Through the Blessed Nicolas Roland Initiatives for Governances and Sustainability (BRIDGES) grant, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) recognized faculty research that aims to improve the University’s operations and curriculum. of financial support,… processing ng mga data,… (and) reproduction ng (materials) in the future,” Medina said.

According to Student Research Council (SRC) Chair Marilou Medina, BRIDGES will offer financial support to the faculty members who received the grant after finishing their thesis.

In addition, STEM and TVL-ICT (SIT) Academic Coordinator Liza Buitizon stated that BRIDGES will serve as a motivation for teachers to pursue University-focused research.

“BRIDGES (serves as an)... opportunity to…(complete a) research. You can do (a) research naman even without BRIDGES pero the beauty kasi ng BRIDGES (is that) it’s an incentive for the teachers… to develop instructional materials,” Buitizon said.

“[The grant] would help…all the (faculty) researchers in terms

DLSU-D SHS reaccredits three organizations

Andrew Dela Plana

As the University shifted to a blended modality for A.Y. 2022-2023, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) disclosed that only Library Club, Teatro Lasalyano, and Lasallian Pop Band (LPB) were reaccredited due to the uncertainty of probable club advisers.

In an interview, Student Activities Coordinator Alona Narzabal stated that she experienced difficulties in reviving the other organizations as a result of failure to find suitable advisers to handle these.

“[H]indi pa namin masyadong kilala…’yung (ibang) mga teachers. Pero, (if we have) met the (other) teachers and…(gotten to) know them better…p’wede naming i-offer sa kanila,” she said.

Moreover, she expressed that the administration would like to revitalize all organizations if they were given ample time.

“Gusto natin na lahat ng dating (mga)…organization ay magkaroon especially ‘yung Artisano Lasalyano… [n]aalala ko (noon) nagkaro’ n kami ng…art gallery..[K]aso nga lang… (ay)... wala kaming makita na…teacher… na p’wedeng mag-handle no ’ n,” Narzabal stressed.

“We asked the help of the other teachers para malaman namin (na) aside from the subjects that (teachers)...handle may (ibang)… interests (din sila)...[K]asi maaaring isa akong Math teacher, pero tumutugtog sa banda,” she explained.

Furthermore, Narzabal clarified that the three reaccredited organizations already existed pre-pandemic.

“[H]indi naman siya actually from scratch kasi dati na siyang meron…so… binibigyan lang ulit natin ng buhay ’yung nawalang organizations na hindi nag-function during the time of pandemic,” she elaborated.

Students’ Feedback

nag-struggle kami i-reaccredit ‘yun since medyo tedious ‘yung process and (hindi) kami sure if may enough students…na interested,” Iloco said.

Moreover, Keisha Mae Louisse Vergara (STM116) mentioned that she was aware of the revitalized organizations however other students were unaware of these.

“[I] think not (all students know the reaccredited organizations) since wala masyadong [information] na (lumabas) about these…(I’m) kind of disappointed kasi interested pa naman ako sumali but hindi siya masyado (na-promote),” Vergara remarked.

Moreover, Buitizon encouraged other teachers to apply for BRIDGES in order to help the University and to serve as a role model for students to also do research not only as a requirement, but as a way to provide help, development, and solutions.

“If more teachers can avail…the BRIDGES program, more policies can be…discovered or…help (develop the) school…If the (students) see their teachers doing research, they (will also) be…inspired (to do well in their research),” Buitizon remarked.

Entrep Bazaar to return for A.Y. 2023-2024

Maurice Claire Sabido

DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Entrep Bazaar Focal Person Angelica May Salazar disclosed that the Entrepreneur Bazaar for the incoming Grade 12 is expected to return for A.Y. 2023-2024.

According to Salazar, the Entrepreneur Bazaar for the next academic year will have similar procedures to the previous bazaars before the pandemic.

“[M]agkakaroon lang tayo ng k’onting modifications with regards to the health protocols kasi…if ever we will be having our bazaar…(whether) in the University or… outside… like the Robinsons…(then) we need to follow their protocols as well,” Salazar added.

experience kasi s’yempre ‘yung setting natin will be like a real business… So business-to-customer interaction ang mangyayari,” she said.

Students’ Feedback

After the cancellation of this year’s Entrepreneur Bazaar, Kassandra Cassiopeia Mendiola (STM115) hoped that the event will be organized considering the health protocols needed to be observed.

Furthermore, Terry Espiritu (STM21) shared that she was not aware of the reaccredited organizations and thought it was disappointing for other students.

Additionally, she added that the Entrepreneur Bazaar for this year has been canceled due to the University’s decision to divide the semesters into two terms.

“I think (the Entrepreneur Bazaar) would intrigue a lot of students… (because they already) have business plans (in mind) or a sideline (that) would bring light and attention to those businesses,” she added.

Additionally, Narzabal mentioned that the SHS appointed club advisers for the reaccredited organizations according to their specialization and field of interest.

In line with the reaccreditation of the organizations, Hannah Christine Gwyneth Iloco (HMS23) expressed that bringing back the organizations is a good idea as she was disappointed when it was discontinued due to the pandemic.

“[G]usto ko rin na ma-experience ng (Grade 11) ‘yung mga (organizations) na (‘yun since) part ako ng [Artisano Lasalyano] before mag-pandemic and

admin)…kasi lahat maaapektuhan,” she said.

“[M]edyo alanganin ‘yung time natin (kasi) for the preparation of (the Entrepreneur Bazaar this year). Parang ang (scheduled time) is only applicable for the business plan (and not the execution of the Bazaar),” Salazar stated.

Moreover, Patrick Wade Runio (HMS25) expressed that he struggled to understand the decision to cancel the event for this A.Y. considering that it would greatly benefit the students.

“(‘Yung yearbook ay isa sa) pinakahinihintay natin lalo na faceto-face tayo (this school year)...(The current editorial board also wants a physical yearbook), lalo na (dahil) kami ay graduating students…Kung hindi man talaga possible na printed, kahit man lang online ay magawa (‘yung yearbook),” she stated.

Consequently, Mendoza affirmed that Viridescent will make an appeal once the administration has stopped them to publish a yearbook as the finalization of Viridescent’s responsibilities is still ongoing.

“[W]e will…talk to the…previous editorial board (about Viridescent focusing only on documentation)… kasi hindi sa min nagsimula ang (Viridescent)...[M]as maganda na mapag-usapan nang mabuti (the additional responsibility given by the

Moreover, Viridescent’s Copy and Features Editor Chelzey Claudette Oñate clarified that their contribution to the Lasallian community will not change as documenting is also a part of their duty.

“[D]ocumentation (organization) naman talaga ang (Viridescent) since we already capture moments and highlight progress of the students… (responsibility na) namin before (ang pag-document)…ng events…for the yearbook,” Oñate shared.

Upon knowing the news, Viridescent Photo Staff Vier Frances Lopez shared that Viridescent focusing on documentation did not get her disheartened as Viridescent’s purpose is still the same despite the decision.

“I wasn’t discouraged…since I will still be able to do my part (as a staff)...[I]n the Polaroid department there is still a given na you will use photographs (especially) face-toface na (ang pagkuha ng litrato),” Lopez added.

Additionally, Viridescent Communications Staff Benedict Pami stated that Viridescent will be committed to the organization’s original goals and focus on the task given to them by the administration.

“It was a waste for students who wanted more [information] (about the revitalized organization they wanted to join)…making them choose another option…since (there is a possibility that they chose other organizations) rather than the revitalized,” she explained. Viridescent , from page 1 hindi na yearbook publication,” she said. As a result, Mendoza said that the organization will still try to provide a yearbook for the student body as Viridescent’s main purpose is to be a yearbook publication.

“[T]he (student body) can expect that Viridescent will remain professional… and (act) upon its duty to…capture… our fondest memories…(Viridescent will) show that we can handle this… (with or) without this change of focus,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Viridescent Editor in Chief Fernando Gabriel Dimailig stressed that Viridescent will still continue as the official yearbook publication while they wait for the formal announcement.

“(Viridescent) will continue to function as a yearbook publication and the organization will do (everything in) its power to offer a yearbook for the students whether it is printed or distributed online,” he stated.

With this, Salazar said that the Integrative Assessment for the current Grade 12 Applied Entrepreneurship students despite the blended modality will be the same during the full online which is the business plan for an assumed Entrepreneur Bazaar.

“[I]ntegrated na (sa business plan nila) ‘yung SWOT analysis and ‘yung (System Applications and Products in Data Processing) na training nila. System Applications and Products (SAP) is (a) part of their Discourse Assessment actually,” she explained.

Moreover, Salazar said that the Entrepreneur Bazaar will be smooth and memorable if pushed through for the next academic year.

“[B]e it the participants or the customers…(they) may expect a fun

“(Entrepreneur bazaar is) an event that focuses on the world… of entrepreneurship. (It) is the basic and guiding principle of all students’ (aspirations) in entering business,” he explained.

Contrary to this, Mellisa Hipol (HMS13) acknowledged that canceling the Entrepreneur Bazaar for this academic year was the right choice following the report of previous COVID-19 cases within the University.

“[A]n event like (the Bazaar) would certainly trigger more transmissions and contagion among everyone. We don’t know what will happen next year and if this pandemic will cease over time…but all I know is that the safety of all is our utmost priority,” Hipol expressed.

Reauditions. Several members reaudition for the Lasallian Pop Band (LPB) on Oct. 19. Photo by Nicole Infante

Photo by Nicole Infante

Lasallian Hallmarks ipinatupad

Venice Dawn Bringino

Ipinatupad ng DLSU-D SHS Expected Lasallian Attributes Project (ELAP) Committee ang Lasallian Hallmarks bilang bagong pamantayan ng deportment grade kapalit ng Department of Education (DepEd) Core Values para sa taong panunuran 2022-2023.

Ayon kay ELAP Chair Marilou Medina, nagsilbing batayan ang Core Values ng DepEd para sa pagbuo ng Lasallian Hallmarks na naglalaman ng dalawang behavior statements na binubuo ng limang indicators.

“[I]tong statements na ‘to… (follows)...the DepEd Order No. 8, Series of 2015…This is not just simply rating the (students’ deportment grade) without basis…(kasi) we now have the specific indicators for every Lasallian Core Value…(and) these indicators are observable whether we will have face-toface or online classes,” sabi ni Medina.

Batay sa Lasallian Hallmarks, naglalaman ang Spirit of Faith ng F1 behavior statement o ang pagsama sa mga relihiyosong aktibidad at F2 behavior statement o pagkakaroon ng magandang asal sa misa o habang nananalangin.

“[T]he (F1 talks about participating) in various activities that strengthen ones’ spirituality, and (the F2 is about manifesting) proper behavior and attitude in various spiritual activities and in dealing with the members of the community,” paliwanag ni Medina.

Bukod dito, tinalakay ni Medina na sumesentro ang S1 at S2 behavior

statements ng Zeal for Service sa pagbibigay serbisyo sa miyembro ng komunidad.

“(The S1 is about participating) dutifully in service-oriented activities and projects by applying learnings and competence gained and (the S2 talks about perceiving) novel or practicable means to readily help others particularly the needy,” ayon dito.

Samantala, naglalaman ang Communion in Mission ng C1 at C2 behavior statements na pumapatungkol sa pagbibigay respeto at pagiging responsableng mamamayan.

“(The C1 is about) positively (contributing) to the improvement of desired outcomes through collaboration and process…(The C2 talks about engaging) in a range of learning contexts and assess moral convictions and sense of civic duty,” pahayag nito.

Maliban dito, ibinahagi ni Medina na ginawa rin nilang batayan ng deportment grade ang attendance, grado mula sa subject teachers, adviser, at sarili, batay sa nasabing Hallmarks

“[I]-re-rate ng teacher (lahat ng mag-aaral)…halimbawa sampu ‘yung teacher niyo,...sa bawat criteria or sa indicator, (bibigyan) nila kayo ng four,...three,...two,...depende

sa performance (ng mag-aaral),” dagdag niya.

Puna ng mga estudyante Matapos ang pagpapatupad ng Lasallian Hallmarks, ibinahagi ni Benedict Pami (HMS13) na isang magandang paraan ang implementasyon nito sa ugali ng isang mag-aaral.

“Everything changes when one believes that they are being watched, most especially if graded Of course, there are those who cannot be bothered but for the most part, I believe that this system has the potential to instill proper behavior in students, only if administered (fairly) ” aniya. Dagdag pa rito, sinang-ayunan ni Jielle Eryka Santarin (ABM14) na maaaring dayain ng mga mag-aaral ang self-assessment at inilahad ang kagustuhan ng peer evaluation kaysa sa nabanggit.

“[M]as prefer ko…’yung kapwa kaklase mo ang mag-e-evaluate sa’yo dahil alam ko na ino-observe rin tayo ng ating mga classmates (Kasi)...kung…self-assessment, (baka i-distort) ng isang student (‘yung evaluation sa sarili niya),” paliwanag ni Santarin.

DLSU-D SHS, GK nagkaisa para sa Agpangan-Toribio Scholarship

Jezic Abueg

Ibinahagi ni DLSU-D SHS

Principal Marlon Pareja na ngayong taon lamang nagkaroon ng scholarship sa pagitan ng Unibersidad at GK sa kabila ng matagal na nitong samahan.

“(GK) is an established [Nongovernmental organization]...(at) nagtatayo sila ng community for those who are…(scholarship grantees). So ito ‘yung…mga komunidad na… nagbibigay ng favor sa mga families and tumutulong para maging beneficiaries,” sabi nito.

Maliban sa pagiging miyembro ng GK community at financiallychallenged, ipinahayag ni Pareja na

LAKAS 2023, ilulunsad kapalit ng Intramurals

Aidan Española

Sa halip na Intramurals, ipinaalam ni Sports, Culture, and Arts

Coordinator Donnie Marc Louie Roble na isasagawa sa LAKAS 2023 ang mga aktibidad sa larangan ng kultura at sining kasabay ng isports sa unang linggo ng ikalawang semestre.

Ayon kay Roble, ninanais ng DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) na maging inklusibo sa lahat ng magaaral ang LAKAS 2023.

“(The event is)...not just going to be an intramurals…(the SHS)...want it to be holistic this time…[W]e will be having events that will showcase the talents of students in culture and arts as well.” aniya.

Maliban dito, inihayag ni Roble na plano ng SHS na gawing onsite ang lahat ng mga aktibidad na gaganapin sa LAKAS 2023 kung saan susundin ang mga health protocols at safety measures na ipinapatupad ng Unibersidad.

“We have yet to finalize (if) we will allow...(the) players to not wear face masks during (their respective games throughout the event),” dagdag niya.

Gayunpaman, inilahad niya na hindi makakaapekto ang mga pagbabago sa magiging karanasan ng mga estudyante sa LAKAS 2023.

“[M]as…magiging…masaya pa (rin ‘yong) [kaganapan]…kasi hindi lang ‘yung mga sporty ‘yung…mag-e-enjoy. (pati na rin) ‘yung mga may ibang talent sa arts and culture, makakapagparticipate din sila,” paliwanag niya.

Bukod dito, inilahad ni Roble na ang e-sports na Valorant ay may posibilidad na makasama sa mga larong e-sports

ng LAKAS 2023.

“Titingnan (namin kung papaano) ang (magiging) set-up (para sa Valorant, kung gaganapin ba ito) online...(or onsite kung sakaling maisama ito),” pahayag niya.

Puna ng mga estudyante

Alinsunod sa preparasyon ng administrasyon ng SHS, sumangayon si Eunela Rain Ayop (HMS23) sa pagkakaroon ng mga aktibidad sa larangan ng kultura at sining sa LAKAS 2023.

“[I]t’s a good opportunity for the students na hindi gaano ka-athletic to still have the (option) to join activities na (puwede) para sa kanila (sa LAKAS 2023),” dagdag ni Ayop.

Samantala, inilahad ni Samantha Rose de Castro (STM17) ang maaaring maidulot ng pagsasagawa ng aktibidad ng kultura at sining kasabay ng sports sa mga mag-aaral na gustong sumali sa parehong larangan ng LAKAS 2023.

“[S]ince (both culture and arts activities and sports)...’yung gagawin for the event, it might be (a) hassle sa students for their...(preparations) if ever...(gusto nilang) sumali sa dalawang category (ng LAKAS 2023),” paliwanag niya.

Bagong sistema ng research, nagdulot ng pagkalito

naging batayan din ng Unibersidad at pamilyang Agpangan at Toribio ang pagkakaroon ng hindi bababa sa 90 na Grade Point Average (GPA) noong sila ay nasa Junior High School (JHS).

“Meron tayong…set ng grades na binigay para…maging initial qualification…(and then) kailangang i-maintain (ng) students (‘yung)...grades during the term (scholarship),” aniya.

“Sobrang laki (nang naitulong nung scholarship)...[k]asi…‘[y]ong perang iyon (na ipinangpaaral sa’kin) parang ilang taon namin iipunin sa trabaho ni mama (at hindi magiging) sapat ‘yon,” ika niya.

Sa kabilang banda, ipinabatid din ni Dionisio Tamonan Jr. (HMS15) ang kaniyang saya at pasasalamat nang mabalitaan niyang pinili siya ng GK na maging isang iskolar sa DLSU-D.

Charise Crisha Caramancion

Matapos ang pagpapatupad ng research manual at rebisyon sa research guidelines, inamin ng DLSU-D SHS Student Research Council (SRC) na nagdulot ng panibagong hamon sa mga estudyante at guro ang pagbabago ng sistema.

Ipinahayag ni SRC Co-Chair Alyssa Karen Acal na may kaakibat rin na hirap ang mga pagbabagong ito sa mga guro dahil ito ay kaka-implementa pa lamang.

SWF 2022 exclusivity, naging balakid

Maurice Claire Sabido

Matapos ang Selebrasyon ng Wikang Filipino (SWF) 2022, ipinahayag ng DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Language Department na naging hadlang ang pagiging eksklusibo ng mga isinagawang aktibidad sa iba’t ibang strands.

Inamin ni Punong-abala Khen

Nemuel Lacaba na ang pagiging strand-related ng mga aktibidad sa naturang pagdiriwang ang isa sa mga naging kahinaan ng SWF 2022.

“[I]to ‘yung unang beses na (sinubukan naming mag-isip)… ng mga activities na related sa strand [k]asi…sa aming opinion... (mas magiging)…makabuluhan... sa (estudyante) ‘pag related (ito) sa kinukuha nila,” saad nito.

Kasunod nito, ibinahagi niya na higit na magiging epektibo ang pagiging strand-related ng mga aktibidad kung na-ugnay ito sa mga major subjects na kinukuha ng isang mag-aaral.

“Ito ay para ‘yung kanilang binigyang oras at pinagsisikapang activities (noong) Buwan ng Wika ay (mabigyan ng) merit at makapagpapalakas pa (ito)

Sa kadahilanang ito, inilahad ni Vharenz Joy Isabelle Dizon (ABM12) ang kaniyang tuwa nang malaman niyang isa siya sa napili upang maging iskolar ng nasabing scholarship. ng kanilang kaalaman,” sabi ni Lacaba.

Gayunpaman, inilahad ni CORE

Academic Coordinator Kimberly Dela

Cruz na mahirap i-assess ang isang estudyante kapag nahahambing ito sa ibang strand kung kaya ay naisip nilang gawing strand-related ang mga aktibidad.

“[Students] have different competencies, interests, and…skills.

[W]ith that (said), we made sure na they can compete (in the activities) according to their age,... strand, (and)...interest,” paliwanag nito.

Puna ng mga estudyante

Matapos ang SWF 2022, inilahad ni Veinice Joy Camañero (TVL11) na sang-ayon siya sa naging desisyon ng mga admin patungkol sa pagiging eksklusibo ng nasabing programa.

“[May] iba’t-ibang (talento)

“‘[Y]ung quality of education talaga sa (DLSU-D)…maganda …‘tsaka nakakapag-come up na (sila) sa (learning losses)...after ng two years ng pandemic dahil doon sa scholarship,” saad ni Tamonan. ang (bawat) strand (and the exclusive activities is one way for them to showcase it),” ani Cameñero.

Gayunpaman, binanggit ni Matthew Reginald Cajigas (HMS12) na kahit naiintindihan niya ang desisyon ng Language Department, maaaring may mga ibang mag-aaral na iba ang opinyon.

“[S]ome students may (have probably felt) left out due to the somewhat unnecessary barriers (on the activities) that (was raised because of their decision),” paliwanag niya.

Alinsunod dito, isinalaysay ni Nicola Amber Lehaney (ABM12) na hindi siya gaano naapektuhan sa naging desisyon ng admin.

“(To be honest), I was (just) happy that we were able to celebrate our Buwan ng Wika face-to-face after two years (of the pandemic),” sabi ni Lehaney.

“[W]hen we did the revisions for the research guidelines we were also thinking…na in the long run ‘yung mga susunod na batch ng…(SHS) students, would now have a concrete document that they can follow pagdating sa subject ng research,” ani ni Acal.

Dagdag pa rito, ipinaliwanag ni SRC Chair Marilou Medina na ang layunin ng rebisyon at pagpapatupad ng research manual ay upang gawing pareparehas ang proseso at kinalabasan ng research ng mga mag-aaral.

“(The revisions are)…crucial kasi we are changing something (in the research guidelines) …(and) it would be somehow difficult to divert (students from the old practices) kasi…ito ‘yung nakagawian…Ang purpose (ng revisions) natin is to guide students (especially on the research guidelines and format)…kasi sa font palang (and) font size…magkakaiba na,” saad ni Medina.

Bukod dito, ibinahagi ni AssociatePrincipal for Academics and Research (APAR) Ma. Luisa Cuaresma na maaari pang magkaroon muli ng rebisyon ang research manual at guidelines sa susunod na mga taon.

“[A]s long as may nakikita…ang SRC na kailangang baguhin,...palitan,...iadjust, we can be flexible. Pero one thing (is) for sure, ‘yung changes ay para sa ikabubuti ng lahat ng student

researchers,” pahayag ni Cuaresma. Puna ng mga estudyante Kasunod ng oryentasyon tungkol sa research manual, nabanggit ni Monique Danielle Melorin (ABM21) na hindi ito napag-usapan o naitalakay nang maayos.

“[N]ung mismong defense ko lang nalaman na may manual sa research Dahil nga ‘di kami aware, nagkaroon kami (ng) minor difficulties sa defense…parang most of us din hindi aware d’on,” saad ni Melorin.

Gayunpaman, ayon kay Zia Alexis Lott (HMS21) ang research manual ay naipaliwanag nang maayos noong oryentasyon ngunit hindi maalis sa kanilang grupo ang paninibago rito.

[D]ahil (sa paninibago) ang dami (naming pinagdaanan) ng groupmates ko…(for example) kailangan talaga namin masundan ‘yung research manual mismo (at dahil doon nagkaroon ng) revisions (‘yung approved paper namin),” saad ni Lott.

Samantala, ibinahagi ni Newton Nieva (STM26) na hindi siya masiyadong naapektuhan ng mga pagbabago dahil hindi maiiwasan ang hirap sa pag-adapt dito.

“

Since madami na akong experience pagdating sa research, hindi na ‘ko (nahirapan) pagdating d’on (sa mga pagbabago ng format), pero…for students na new palang for research, they may struggle a little bit given the short timeframe,” ani ni Nieva.

Scholarship kina Vharenz Joy Isabelle Dizon at Dionisio Tamonan Jr. noong Sept. 12. Photo by DLSU-D SHS

Nakipagtulungan ang DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) at Gawad Kalinga (GK) sa pamilyang Agpangan at Toribio upang mabuo ang Ryan Jacob N. Agpangan and the Reiner Vince C. Toribio Term Scholarship Fund.

Sports, Culture, and Arts Coordinator Donnie Marc Louie Roble noong Greenify 2022.

Photo by Nicole Infante

EDITOR IN CHIEF Tiffany Geluz

Lexter Nico Mahusay ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

Anielle Mendoza

COPY EDITOR Naevien Riley Valenzuela

NEWS EDITOR

Saira Vanessa Varon

FEATURES EDITOR Anielle Mendoza

SPORTS EDITOR

Jane Llana Cordova

LITERARY EDITOR

Wrenzhie Arroyo

ART EDITOR

Cecilia Nazarine Bicol

Juliana Ellice Polancos LAYOUT IN CHARGE

PHOTO AND VIDEO EDITOR

Nicole Infante

WEB EDITOR

Juliana Ellice Polancos

RADIO PROGRAM MANAGERS

Serge Angelo Quiambao Yzabelle Mei Robillo

NEWS

Aya Ahmad, Jezic Abueg, Venice Dawn Bringino, Charise Crisha Caramancion, Carmela Carrasco, Andrew Dela Plana, Aidan Española, Kei Oinuma, Maurice Claire Sabido

FEATURES

Francis Andrei Baraquel, Kurt Brandon Bautista, Ma. Eshley Cinco, Adam Joaquin Guasis, Roy Hembra, Lois Lu, Alexie Jeanne Masangkay, Mattheo Gabriel Neala, Jose Miguel Octavo, Arianna Parani, Andrew Dela Plana, Ethan Pollo

Franchesca De

Inocencio,

SPORTS

LITERARY

Kurt Brandon Bautista, Carmela Carrasco, Lelaina Sofiya Fernando, Kyoko Honda, Sarah Nicole Jallorina, Pia Heart Lambuson, Lois Lu, Marielle Navarro, Aqeena Reyes, Cheyzer An Nicole Remogat, Bianca Jan Sibayan

EDITORIAL

As students transition back to the normal mode of learning, many of them are thrilled from the challenges and joys that they experience in school which caused the comeback and birth of freedom wall Facebook pages where they easily voice out their uncensored emotions, concerns, feelings, and opinions. With each person’s right to freedom of expression comes responsibilities, and this is what students and administrators of freedom walls tend to forget. Through these freedom walls, students become fearless and empowered of expressing their thoughts as they have the confidence and assurance that whatever they submit will be posted anonymously.

As these freedom walls offer anonymity, students who make use of them must feel relieved at the thought that their identities are kept hidden— leaving them with the chance to openly publish rant posts and such without feeling and directly experiencing an invalidation of emotions. They are able to utilize freedom walls as a sort of outlet for expressing concerns they could not otherwise do in a face-to-face, real life setting.

Though students now have the liberty to post anonymous messages without being self-conscious of the reactions their peers may have, concerns arise with how easily a person can take advantage of this “freedom.” Admissions and confessions that may seem simple and harmless hold the potential of becoming “too much” especially with another person involved.

“Shoutout to the short-haired girl with glasses who had a blue bag a while ago in the Foodhub. You’re so cute!” “The moreno guy who had a blue polo shirt and khaki pants in the library yesterday was so attractive.” A few of the “crush postings” that are imminent on freedom wall pages that are often viewed as an introduction to a love story. Ironically, these kinds of submissions are also an introduction to stalker-ish behavior. Being able to remember even the minute details of a person and their whereabouts is an outright abolition to one’s privacy.

A catastrophe of abundant adjustments

Dolonia Tiffany Geluz

With the return of onsite classes for the A.Y. 2022-2023 despite the widespread cases of COVID-19, students have been endlessly and tirelessly switching between blended and online modes of learning. With this, instances where the number of cases rise are still inevitable and frequent. Within just our senior high school community during the first term of the first semester, there have been weeks where many students and teachers got infected with the virus which resulted in the need of suspending onsite classes and shifting everything to online within a short notice which does not give them ample time to prepare.

Although having a gradual transition back to onsite learning prepares students for the possibility of a full face-to-face modality, if ever that is mandated and may be beneficial as it lessens the adjustments that they will have to do once implemented. It also improves the learning environment for students as they are no longer isolated, and they are finally able to have face-to-face communication and interaction with their educators and peers—there are other aspects that must be considered.

disrupt the plan and calendar set for a subject as an onsite assessment will not be done for a scheduled time and will have to be rescheduled. Despite having online supplementary learning materials, there are subjects where mere videos and powerpoints are not enough. Additionally, the sudden need to adapt an online setup also causes some students to be left behind as preparations such as MS Teams Channels are not prepared beforehand and are only prepared once there is a suspension.

In addition to these, it was mentioned in the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) that there will soon be an increase in onsite class hours. Considering how students are being swept by the currents of all the adjustments that they have been undergoing for the previous four months in class and the challenges they have been facing in trying to figure everything out, is it really equitable to imply this increase in class hours at such a fast pace within the school year?

Are students truly ready for yet another adjustment and adaptation which still has the possibility to be changed again in the midst of their transition period due to the widespread cases of the virus?”

Aya Ahmad, Sean Jacob Altoveros, Jana Allyson Añora, Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Bagon Astrero, Nika Charmee Dugay, Sophia Nicole Guadamor, Jaquelyn Guevara, Klaire Niña Llarena, Katherine Shaniah Llarena, Johanna Abigail Nieva, Rianne Nicole Ocampo, Jessie Gabrielle Peralta, Reanne Ashley Roguel, Liam Nico Sullivan, John Benedict Varon

ART LAYOUT

Kyle Desmond Co, Hiro Odamaki, Van Deguilmo, Alfredo Hilario, Aliah Mae Endaya

PHOTO AND VIDEO

Almira Isabel Aguila, Patrick Co, Antoine Cortez, John Froilan Gacasa, Anika Jordan Muñoz, Kaisha Keith Perez, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Jean Carla Villano

Moreover, there had been frequent crush postings which should have never been an issue. But the thing is, full names of people were posted, even describing what they looked like, and where they were in great detail. Some people when mentioned in the freedom walls may view it as a compliment, but others feel unsafe and think that they are being stalked. This is only one of the many negative effects of too much freedom on the internet.

However, everyone must understand that freedom is not absolute, including what they submit in freedom walls. Just recently, an inappropriate image was posted by the page’s admins, sparking huge concern since most students following the page are minors.

Additionally, since entries were submitted anonymously, people may use this as means to post hateful things about a certain person. Freedom walls are meant to “free” people and enable them to express themselves, but not to the extent that people will use them to harm and make anyone uncomfortable.

Despite its downsides and the risks that come with freedom walls, it still serves as a way for people, for students in particular, to speak out on thoughts and opinions they may have that they do not have the luxury of doing in real life. Hence, freedom walls should not be taken down as they provide a voice for the students.

Moreover, the first term was supposed to be an adjustment period for students where grace was to be given as consideration that they are still trying to figure things out. However, there were instances where expectations for students were too high for what was supposed to be their time for adjustments such as the presumption of some subjects that when students come to class, they are ready and have thoroughly studied the lesson for the week enough to answer recitations. Teachers forget to consider the truth that students cannot find time to extensively study their lessons due to the amount of workload for each subject in a week which consists of Discourse Assessments (DA), Gateway Assessments (GA), Integrative Assessments (IA), and additional assessments onsite within the span of one week and the fact that there are other subjects that students have to do plus the exhaustion that onsite classes bring.

It is without a doubt observed that these constant, hasty, substantial, and abundant loads of adjustments causes adverse effects on students as it impacts their physical and mental health due to exhaustion, their learning towards their lessons due to all the adjustments, and their academic performance with the difficulty in preparing for them with all the adaptations to be done. Therefore, the constant need to adjust proves that it is not safe nor are we fully ready to implement onsite classes as students and teachers carry the effects, burdens, and struggles that these adaptations cause.

RADIO ADVISER

Ethan Gabriel Bautista, Jan Gabrielle Chua, Patrick Co, Einjela Esguerra, Nathan Romyl Gequillana, Kathreen Anne Hornilla, Henry M. Gertos Jr., Jana Alexa Limoico, Camille Paragsa, Jasmine Soriano

Dominic Benavente

La Estrella Verde has its editorial office at Room JHS149, High School Complex De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, DBB-B City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115

Email: laestrellaverde-shs@dlsud.edu.ph

Facebook: /DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde Twitter: @LeviofLEV Instagram: @LeviofLEV Contributions, comments,

Nevertheless, the people on these pages must remember to be sensitive of what they post; to think before sending anonymous messages that may harm others’ well-being. Administrators of these pages, especially, must take extra care to filter out inappropriate posts that do not, in any way, give light to a concern or spread positivity. And while it is called a freedom wall for a reason—for students to speak up about what is on their minds—that “freedom” they choose to defend should not be exploited at the sake of another’s comfort.

Cimmerian

Lexter Nico Mahusay

Naging malaking usapin noong panahon ng para sa pagkapangulo ang pakikibahagi ng mga kabataan, maging hindi pa mga botante. Ang sabi nila ay wala naman daw silang magagawa dahil hindi pa nga sila makakaboto. Ngunit dahil sa kinabukasan ko ang nakasalalay dito, nais kong gagamitin ang boses ko sa kahit na anong paraan upang sa ‘gayon, may naging bahagi parin ako sa pagbuo ng bukas na aking haharapin.

Sa huling araw ng campaign period, nakiisa ako sa huling

Furthermore, most teachers prepare a syllabus for this A.Y. that is inclined with the face-to-face modality where there are learning materials and assessments that are prepared onsite that requires students to be at campus, particularly when it comes to practical subjects like Physical Education (PE). With the syllabus inclined with the onsite setup, transitioning to an online modality for even just a week can

Kampanya advantage card

house-to-house ng partido ng dating vice president. Habang namimigay ng mga flyers kung saan nakasulat ang mga nagawa na ng nasabing kandidato, ipinagtaka naming lahat na tila parang wala pang kahit sinong kandidato ang nagnanais na sila ay lapitan dito isa-isa at nang malapitan.

Tanging laman ng isipan ko noong mga panahong iyon na may posibilidad nga na ilan sa mga taong nakausap ko ay hindi parin sigurado sa ibobotong presidente dahil sa limitado ang kanilang nasasagap na impormasyon sa mga kandidato. Sinabi rin nila na naging malaking tulong nga daw ang paglapit ng aming grupo sa kani-kanilang

bahay upang magkaroon pa sila ng karagdagang kaalaman tungkol sa tumatakbong kandidato.

Tiyak na hindi natin maipagkakaila na iilan sa atin ang may pribilehiyo upang magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman tungkol sa mga kandidato na kakailanganin ng masinsinang pagpapaunawa dahil karapatan nila bilang tao na mas magkaroon ng ideya sa kanilang iboboto. Hindi batayan ang pagiging botante sa pagpapalaganap ng kung ano ang sa tingin natin ang mas makakatulong satin paunlarin ang ating kinabukasan. Kailanman ay hindi magiging kabawasan bilang mamamayan ang ipaalam sa iyong kapwa ang kinakailangan nilang

Before deciding and planning how to improve and restore the onsite educational experience of students, those of authority must make sure and check with students and teachers if the previous courses of action have been effective and what are some points that could be improved. The outcome of the previous months and our current situation must be considered in reevaluating how the rest of the A.Y. will be conducted. Concrete and appropriate plans should also be laid and consistently followed to ensure that the student body does not have to undergo multiple adjustments.

Ang pinaka-malaking kasalanan ng isang tao ay ang may kakayahan kang tumulong ngunit wala ka namang ginawa.”

Guzman, Lambert Franco

Althea Lauraine Libunao, Lilah Mikaela Paredes, Chastain Jinel Raz

WEB

Kyle Desmond Co, Hiro Odamaki, Van Deguilmo, Alfredo Hilario

malaman, kahit sa pinaka-maliit na paraan.

Hindi pa man ako botante, alam ko sa sarili ko na naging bahagi ako sa pagbuo ng kinabukasan ko at doon ay wala akong pagsisisihan.

Woe to every Wednesday Silence means yes

Kaizen Anielle Mendoza

With the launching of a blended modality of learning, students are now attending onsite classes at a maximum of three days per week with half of the student body scheduled for Monday to Tuesday and the other half from Thursday to Friday. Yet, during the first term of the first semester, there were some class sections who had to attend school on a Wednesday for a single, two hour class.

In comes the second term with elective classes scheduled on that same day. Still, students will have to attend school for only two hours then leave once the class is over. Although the U-Break occurs every Wednesday, there are those students without organizations or do not have an event scheduled for that day, which leaves them with only that single class as a reason to travel all the way to the University. Moreover, since one cannot afford to miss a day of school, students would be required to attend that class and thus spend a lot of time and money traveling from their homes to school and then back once that single class is over

This is a problem, especially now, with our country facing its greatest economic adversary at the moment— inflation. For students who drive their own vehicles to school or are driven by their legal guardians, money would have to be spent on fuel to make the trip, and seeing as how expensive current

gas prices are, one would have to wonder whether spending all that money just to attend a lone class on a Wednesday is worth it.

Commuters face a similar problem wherein they exert much of their energy to get from point A to

point B, then back once class is through. Considering traffic, availability of vehicles, distance from school, fare prices, and social distancing due to the still present COVID-19 virus—these factors and more contribute to the energy lacking in students during classes. Furthermore, if there is only one scheduled class on a certain day of every week, in the eyes of myself and possibly the rest of the student body, going through all that is not worth the trip to school. Knowing this, why not make the entirety of Wednesday a U-break? Students would be given the option to attend school or not depending on the activities and the agenda their organizations have planned for that day. Given my experience running around and completing organization work from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, I would say those five hours are absolutely not enough to complete all that I have to do for my organization. As for those without membership to any organization, the day could be given for them to catch up on their assessments and take a rest.

Those single, two hour classes could be moved to another day in the week, befitting the students’ schedule and saving them all the trouble that comes with traveling to school for the sole purpose of attending that one class.

Indeed, there are many problems students could encounter as they leave home to attend their single Wednesday classes.

Ultimately, it is paramount that students receive quality education and learning that no cumbersome class schedule should stand in the way of.

P.S. katuwaan lang po!

Abakaderio

Naevien Riley Valenzuela

Mga katagang, “Uy! wala na raw pasok!” “Balita ko wala na raw tayong exam.” “Uy! Cancelled na raw ‘yung assessment natin!” ang kalimitang ipinapadala sa mga group chat na tila ba’y magniningning ang bawat mata ng mga estudyanteng makakabasa nito lalo na sa panahon na maraming gawain. Ngunit, kasakit-sakit lamang isipin kung ‘di ito totoo, lalo na’t kung galing pa ito sa mga may katungkulan at mapagkakatiwalaang pinagmulan, at mabasang “Joke lang” ito.Talamak na ang mga ganitong biro noon pa man kung kaya’t naihahalintulad ito sa pagpapakalat ng fake news. Gamit ang mga troll, mapapansing simula noong naapektuhan ang bansa ng pandemya hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin natutuligsa ang lumalalang suliranin na fake news

May mga panahon na tila ba ay kinakailangan talaga ng tao na magpahinga kung saan ang pagkansela ng mga gawain o ng pasok ang tanging daan upang matamasa nila ito.

Ngunit, mapapansing may mga tao pa ring ginagawa itong katatawanan kahit wala na sa lugar.

Mga halimbawang pag-aanunsyo sa pormal na pamamaraan na walang pasok sa kasagsagan ng isang bagyo.

Ngunit, malalamang wala palang katuturan ang mensahe sa huli. Isa pang halimbawa ang pag-aanunsyo na magkakaroon ng pagsusulit habang lunod na ang mga estudyante sa sandamakmak na gawain, ngunit sa huli ay sasabihin lamang na “Joke

lang” ito. Talamak din ang mga post na pubmat sa social media kung saan nasa pormat ng totoong anunsyo ngunit ang laman ay “May pasok.” Ilan lamang ito sa mga walang kabuluhang biro na laganap at madalas na kumakalat sa panahon na pinaka-kinakailangan ng mga estudyante. Ngunit, nagdudulot lamang ito ng pagkadismaya at maling impormasyon sa marami imbis na makapagpagaan ng loob.

Hindi lang ito naaangkop sa mga may katungkulan sapagkat responsibilidad nila na mas mapabuti ang kamalayan ng mga mamamayan at tulungan sila, hindi manlinlang.

Ngunit, responsibilidad na rin dapat ng buong komunidad ang pagkakaroon ng malay sa pagsala sa kung ano ang totoo sa hindi; kung ano ang biro sa hindi.

Wala naman talagang problema sa pagbibiro. Sa katunayan, ang pagbibiro ay isang daan upang pasiglahin ang mga naglulugmok na sarili dahil sa walang katapusang responsibilidad at hirap ng buhay. Daan din ito upang palakasin ang samahan ng isang grupo ng magkakaibigan.

Sabi nga nila ay “Laughter is the best medicine.” Ngunit, kailangan pa rin natin maging sensitibo sa mga ito at dapat rin nating alam kung naaangkop ba ang pagbibiro sa isang sitwasyon. Ang puno’t-dulo lang naman ng lahat ng ito ay ang pagiging responsable sa internet—may katungkulan man o wala. Hindi dapat lumalaganap ang fake news, biro man ito o hindi. Sa may mga pinaninindigan ang mga opisyal kung kaya’t mayroon din silang kaakibat na impluwensiya at kredibilidad na kanilang maaaring gamitin sa pamamahayag. Ngunit,

kailangan pa ring matutuhan ng madla na maging mapanuri sa mga balita na kanilang binabasa. Hindi dahil sa may pinanghahawakan na posisyon ang nagsabi ay totoo na agad ito, may mga oras na hindi totoo at may mga beses namang nagbibiro lamang. Dagdag pa rito, walang problema sa pagbibiro, ngunit dapat alam natin kung saan ito ilulugar.

Luministere

Saira Vanessa Varon

With the ongoing controversies left and right, people started to remain silent. Following the issue that surrounds the country, it caused an implication that staying silent means being safe. It is no doubt that silence is a privilege that everyone holds, however, the consequences prior to being silent can mean danger to anyone.

Silence is defined as the absence of sound or noise. In this context, we often observe silence when we need to focus, reflect, or even check on how we are doing. Silence takes various forms and it is not just the silence where we feel assured. It is not just the quiet feeling that we want.

If silence means yes then does this mean we are alright about leaving someone behind? People stay silent when they see situations that are unrelated to them. The thought of staying silent can endanger someone such as victim of bullying and abuse. It is undeniable that bullying and abuse is one of the common issues, especially here in the country. However the general population turns a blind eye to these easily. It may be claimed as prioritizing safety however the danger does not fall on us but on the victim. Silence does not help its victim but the perpetrator. The question lies in whether we can undo something we know when someone’s life is endangered.

Silence is no doubt a tactic when the government used it to avoid controversies or issues to prevent further damage or people’s uproar. If silence means affirmation then does that work on the allegations against the government? In every administration, problems always arise regarding issues such as corruption, transparency, and negligence however silence is evident when people are put under question.

If silence means safety does that really mean a guarantee? When we go back to history, silence was an enemy. During Martial Law, silence reign over the country. The government has shut down media outlets, controlled public criticism, and even the information disseminated. Looking into Martial Law victims and their families, did other people’s silence ensure their well-being? Did it prevent slaughter and disappearance? Silence may be an assurance to others but the silence was after them. The silence made them silent for eternity.

Then if silence is really yes then how dangerous is the situation? They may claim that being silent in these kinds of cases can resolve or fix the issue and it can also be a tactic to anyone especially those who are part of large scale however, in my opinion, being silent is the same as killing and as worse as neglect.

Silence is a consequence of situations we deem necessary. In the time of those who are neglected, left

behind, and in the dark, people can always remember and speak up when it is convenient and already happened.

Silence is fear and undoubtedly remnants of cowardness. In reality, we see that the world makes the general

population look away and took it on their own as if nothing happened. We may not be the ones who act in the moment but we are also the perpetrators in the cause of their misery and suffering. We victimize them in the level of degree as the one who causes it.

Looking at the other side, we cannot deny that staying silent is a way to keep ourselves safe. There are instances that being silent in times that situations can mean harm if we talk and get out of our comfort zones however when we know we can do something about it, I believe that staying silent is letting the situation as it is. Being silent and not taking action may not directly affect us instantly but the consequences of our decision to stay silent may be gradually perceived and experience not by us but by those who were around us, even our loved ones. If we look back, the definition of silence speaks for itself. No words, no noise, and no action but just silence. Ring it to your ears, and read it again and again but silence is a yes. Silence is a consequence, a fear, and a choice. The same gravity befalls when we are in the same spot and it is nothing that you can demand just because you were the product of that silence. Silence is a red warning light because silence is a yes and always means yes.

Kung alam naman nating wala talagang idudulot na kasiyahan ang pagbibiro at ang idudulot lang nito ay dagdag stress, mas mabuti kung magbigay suporta na lamang at dinggin ang mga hinanaing ng bawat estudyante.”

Silence is a choice and if we took it as a response to those who are responsible and also remain silent, how are we any different from them?”

Although it is a fact of life that we will face hurdles every now and then, we could try to lessen the burdens we carry and create a plan of action that allows students to feel less tired and more energized and satisfied with their weekly class schedules.”

Kahimanawari Wrenzhie Arroyo

With our piled-up assessments, organizational duties, and other personal tasks, it seems like midnights have definitely become our afternoons. We continuously stare at our monitors and screens, hitting the keyboard keys vigorously as the clock ticks, nearing the deadline of our 500-word count essays. Or perhaps entering values on our calculators while pulling at our hair and tapping our heads because we can’t solve that one equation as we slowly start to feel the pain and exhaustion in our bodies and heads.

Many Grade 12 students encounter problems in balancing their time to execute their responsibilities in both academic and school organization affairs, especially in a blended-learning setup. Going

From the Fossils

If I were to ask you if you know or have at least heard of Netflix’s Dahmer, chances are you have—considering that it has reached over 3.7 billion minutes streamed in its first week. This biographical crime drama is just part of the booming industry of true crime, which focuses on the reenactment of actual crimes by detailing the actions of the people concerned. However, it seems like the rising popularity of the genre has left people desensitized, leaving no room for empathy for the victims involved.

It is truly appalling to hear that some people would view these cold-blooded killers as

To-Do: #1 Take a break

to and from school already contributes to our exhaustion since most students, if not all, spend at least an hour of their time traveling. When we arrive at class, we are immediately bombarded with discussions and activities.

We dream of going home, snuggling in the comforts of our bed, or after class food trips with friends to unwind right after our teachers say the magic words, “Class dismissed,” only for our dreams to shatter as we are reminded of our pending workload and those that are yet to be added on our to-do list until this kind of cycle becomes Sisyphean.

This creates a thin line between procrastinating and working ourselves tirelessly to the point that we tend to forget the very concept of rest, or worse—feel guilty about it.

We feel guilty when we hear our classmates have already finished the task. Our thoughts begin to cloud with negative notions that maybe, we are not exerting enough effort because if we did, then why else are we lagging behind?

It might be normal at first to think and feel this way. But as this

cycle continues, it leads to us being toxic with ourselves, forgetting even the most normal tasks – eating on time for example. Staying up late to study became our usual routine that we start to decline any invites from our friends, and resist the urge to divert our attention to our hobbies to take a breather. We feel as though we don’t deserve even an ounce of these because we did not accomplish much. We hold a tight grip on ourselves, waiting for that day to come when we would just find ourselves being suffocated and all burnt out. However, this guilt we experience is not entirely a bad thing. If we look at it from different aspects, it allows us to focus on our priorities, boosts our competitiveness, and at some point, motivates us to give our best. But too much of something can be bad.

WTT: Morals for money

“misunderstood geniuses” after gaining a deeper perspective of their lives. For instance, the ending scene of Dahmer featured serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer repenting for his sins, which resulted in people excusing 17 counts of murder because he was “lost”. This, along with mental disorders, are reasons that cannot justify the innocent blood that was spilled in the process. And while true crime might be considered entertaining for the masses, it serves as a reminder to the families involved of the gruesome incident that happened to their loved ones.

Personally, I have watched several titles under the said genre. However, I, too, have failed to consider what the families would feel when they see the face of the killer being sensationalized like a celebrity. Because if you were in their shoes, would you want to receive the same kind of treatment after everything you went through?

Just recently, it was reported that the glasses that Dahmer wore in prison were being auctioned for at least $150,000 and several other merch such as earrings and t-shirts were being sold online.

With this, it is time for us to re-think

and reevaluate the genre of true crime as a form of entertainment. It may offer easy amusement, but they often do more harm than good. Because if they do not help bring justice to

We dwell too much on this guilt that we tend to forget to enjoy life and what it offers. There are only 24 hours per day. We can’t finish everything in that amount of time, hence why time management seems to be the most viable way to overcome this. Scheduling our assessments per day would help us finish them immediately, but we may be forgetting to include one thing: a break. Initially, taking a short break would mean laziness for us, but the more we don’t do it, the more we lose sight of our goal.

While it is good that we have a sense of responsibility, a value for time, and are goal-oriented, we should not feel that it was wrong for us to take our minds off of our tasks for a short time. After all, we are humans so why don’t we start treating ourselves as one?

the victim and challenge the justice system, what comfort would this bring to the already suffering families?

Indeed, true crime has brought at least a semblance of comfort but it is time to realize that the thing that brings enjoyment profits off murder and tragedies. Though everything can be entertaining when you try hard enough, knowing that the people behind these stories are true makes us realize these documentaries are meant for us to be disturbed, not desensitized.

Golden Era

There is a constant need inside of our minds that pushes us to accomplish work after work without breaks, and not getting anything done already equates to failure.”

Franchez Cassandra Escander

At this point, I do not think anyone with a good moral compass would choose to support this obvious exploitation of the victim’s stories.”

May Chikka Akizkiz Nicole Infante Juliana Ellice Polancos

CPAR Festival pushes through online

Charise Crisha Caramancion

DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions (CPAR) Festival Moderator Cyra Dime revealed that the CPAR Festival will commence online due to lack of time for preparations.

DLSU-D opposes extra-curricularDepEd’s ban

Aya Ahmad

In agreement with the University Student Government’s (USG) opposition to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) extracurricular ban, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Principal Marlon Pareja stressed extracurricular activities’ importance as an integral part of student learning.

According to Pareja, the University values extracurricular activities as a necessary component of the Lasallian education.

“(The SHS) have a strong… commitment to provide holistic education kaya tuloy pa rin tayo (sa) kung (ano) man ang plano natin for this school year, and…[s]o we’re expecting a lot of student activities,” he explained.

In response, Pareja stated that DLSU-D SHS will continue to hold student extracurricular activities even if the DepEd ban is implemented as this is only optional for private schools.

“[A]s long as (private schools) meet the minimum requirements of DepEd in terms of learning competencies… (ay) hindi…necessary…kapag nagissue sila ng memo for DepEd schools ay kailangan sumunod din ‘yung private schools,“ he cleared.

In addition, SHS Student Council (SC) President Kyle Benzon shared that the Council has the same opinion as USG’s resolution, and plans to pass a resolution similar to this when the situation gets serious.

“If ipe-pursue (ng DepEd) ‘yung (prohibition and they are)… finalizing the plan…[t]hat is the time (that the SC) will be…passing a resolution for the admins to be…aware na hindi tugma ‘yung…(gusto) ng DepEd sa gusto ng (mga) estudyante.” Benzon emphasized.

Furthermore, Pareja believed that the SHS addresses the learning losses caused by the pandemic by encouraging extracurricular activities to ease the learning gap rather than completely make up for it.

“[W]e want the students…to realize na masarap pumasok sa school… (because) [w]e have a lot of (student) activities (and) interactions…(na sa) tingin ko ‘yun ‘yong…nagle-lessen ng gap of learning,” he elaborated.

Additionally, Benzon shared that the prohibition of extracurricular activities would negatively affect a student’s motivation in learning.

“[I]n my experience, doing extracurricular (activities is) one of my motivations for this academic school year…and…some (students) are really looking forward to…showcase (other skills and talents in which) they excel (besides academics),” he remarked.

Students’ Feedback

After the release of the USG statement, Harlene Javier Bautista (ICT21) shared that the extracurricular activity ban may not affect her academics but her emotional state instead.

“Personally, my only extracurricular activity is volleyball (and) I consider (volleyball) as my escape from the (stress) of school,” Bautista expressed.

In addition, Alcyone Mendoza (STM12) stated that the prohibition is not a solution and it would not be able to minimize the student’s learning losses during the pandemic “Extracurriculars allow (students)… to grow…(and) [i]f (extracurricular activities were to be) banned, students who gain relief, grow (passion), and explore interests would lose all of that,” she said.

Furthermore, Angela Mae Nevado (STM213) stressed that the ban would restrict the students’ learning and worsen their burnout.

“It will…be a disadvantage to schools because it will not allow the students to maximize their true potential…and experience things out of their comfort zone,” she explained.

COMELEC E-Code undergoes revision

Kei Oinuma

Following the changes in the learning modality, DLSU-D High School (HS) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) disclosed that the Election Code (E-Code) will undergo revisions to avoid potential issues with the electoral process in the future.

COMELEC Communications

Department Head Linus Seril stated that COMELEC has revised numerous articles sections to specifically cater students’ needs in onsite and online modality.

“(Redrafting the Election Code) would…change…the entire election process, (it) would be much more strengthened and…ensure both convenience and transparency to both the candidate and the voter,” he explained.

Following the revisions, Seril said that the COMELEC is currently in revision of Section 4, 6, 9 of Article 2, which is about the qualifications of the candidate, calendar of activities, and addition of sanctions if a candidate suddenly withdraws, respectively.

“(Section 4 of Article 2 was)… revised to ensure (the candidates’).... capacity in handling the student body whether online or onsite…(and in) Section 6, there was an adjustment of (the) schedule so that there will be more time for the election preparation,” he remarked.

Aside from this, COMELEC Chair and Finance Marketing Department Head Xent Claire Davila added that they are also revising Article 3

Sections 11 and 15, Article 4 Section 24, and Article 5 which is confirming the legality of the formerly given sanctions.

“For Article 3…Section 11… we’re aiming (na mangyari ‘yung) Meeting de Avance…onsite… and then…for Section 15…it (tackles)...the adjustment of election propaganda for onsite election… (and on) Article 4, Section 24...we’re planning…sa [Schoolbook] (‘yung elections ng mga naka-online)... para mas madali makahikayat ng voters (at ‘yung iba ay) sa onsite,” Davila expressed.

Furthermore, Davila revealed that the revisions were made after the meeting held by their editorial board last Aug. 7.

“[W]e discovered several flaws in the (E-Code)…like…last year there was an improper election (as a result of a candidate withdrawal during the campaign period)…(and also) due to the lack of a STEM Representative, and this is one of the numerous (concerns) [COMELEC] (hopes) to avoid with our revisions,” she said.

In addition, she disclosed that the organization has addressed the said issues before, however, the COMELEC editorial board sees

Dime stated that the CPAR teachers had a problem with the preparations, flow of the event, guest speakers, and student’s work given that the festival is expected to happen in December.

“[D]apat nagawa na namin ‘yung elimination round (for the Battle of the Bands and short film), and then siguro by this time…dapat nag-peprepare na ‘yung mga bata for…(the) final (round)...[N]gayon kasi kung titingnan, ‘di talaga siya p’wede,” she explained.

In addition, she mentioned that the eliminations for the CPAR Festival are still ongoing for the month of October resulting in the decision not to push the festival onsite.

“[U]nlike nung…ongoing pa… (‘yung) CPAR subject (nung term 1), mabibigyan namin sila ng time… (pero) ngayon kasi…hindi na namin sila handle…(kaya) kailangan nila munang i-prioritize ‘yung term 2 subjects nila,” Dime said.

Moreover, she revealed that the STEM, TVL-HE, and TVL-ICT may experience the CPAR Festival onsite as the CPAR teachers are planning to push the event for the second semester.

“[I]ni-invite pa rin namin ‘yung HUMSS at…ABM (kasi)…pwede silang sumali…next (semester)...(sa mga) category like…self-portrait at sculpture (tapos isinasama rin)...namin ‘yung integrative output nila kahit na nakapag-take na sila before ng CPAR,” she expressed.

Additionally, Dime shared that she is considering bringing back the regional dance activity in the second semester following its cancellation during the full online modality.

“[Y]ung regional dance kasi isa…sa mga live performance na i-pe-present (ng students) sa…CPAR Festival, ” she remarked.

Students’ Feedback

As the CPAR Festival was confirmed to be celebrated online, Andrea Bautista (HMS21) mentioned they have not been informed of any news regarding the event. “

Wala akong (idea) sa takbo ng CPAR (Festival) aside sa [B]attle of the [B]ands since pinapagawa siya sa amin pero aside from that wala na kasi (akong balita kasi) sobrang unpredictable ng (program) flow ng DLSU-D every time na may program na magaganap,” she said.

Additionally, Jhellai Margret Tibayan (ABM22) expressed that the decision will be a letdown for students who are excited about the event.

“[I] think mababawasan ‘yung essence (ng CPAR Festival) as an interactive event kasi hindi (ma-eexperience) ng students (in real-time) ‘yung (Festival). (sabay-sabay) namin makikita online…pero iba pa (rin) ‘yung (ma-e-experience) siya [face-toface],” Tibayan expressed.

Furthermore, Alessandra Galingan (ABM24) emphasized that CPAR Festival celebrated online is disappointing for students who applied for categories such as Battle of the Bands.

“It would be nice to look at different works made by…(Lasallians) sa campus kaya nakakalungkot isipin na because of…a tight schedule, none of us would able to see our individual works (onsite),” she added.

that the Election Codes still needs extensive revision.

“(COMELEC decided to revise the [Election Codes] because they observed that certain portions of the (E-Code) were not quite clear (and) neither does it adequately cover potential concerns that may arise throughout the electoral process,” Davila elaborated.

Moreover, she mentioned that they faced difficulties in the revisions due to the high Election code standards of the University’s COMELEC.

“(COMELEC has faced) the possibility of the revised not being as valid as the (Election Code) of the (University’s COMELEC)… kasi mas detailed ‘yung (Election Code ng college)…[s]o…gusto namin pantayan,” Davila remarked.

Furthermore, Davila emphasized that COMELEC vows to handle future problems with fairness considering the consequence of the revisions made.

“We understand that any action from [COMELEC] will affect the electoral process and thereby the appropriate designation of the Student Council (SC), who will lead [COMELEC] (to) the technicalities of the…(electoral process, should) not… be taken lightly,” she stressed.

na rin,” Pareja added.

In a case where an IATF level 2 or above is announced, the LCP states that all activities will undergo online learning modality.

“Kung ano lang ‘yung…weeks na dineclare (ng IATF na level 2 or above), ‘yon lang (ang) full online (modality ng SHS)...Para lang tayong nagsu-suspend ng (onsite) class pero (tuloy ‘yung classes sa) online,” Pareja supported.

Students’ Feedback

As a result of the increased onsite hours, Gabriel Francis Gatdula (STM21) emphasized that there will be a higher risk of information overload in the increase of class hours onsite, highlighting that it will not be helpful in the learning process.

“[I]f gradually mag-i-increase… ang onsite hours without (information) overload, mahalaga rin na we have breaks in between para makapagpahinga before going

to another topic. [A] subject na we took (during) term 1 did it and I believe it’s effective,” he suggested.

In addition, Marie Frances Jalandoon (ABM23) expressed that two hours per subject is enough and the increase would not be any better.

“For me, adding an additional hour to a subject would be more draining…not only (for) the students but also (for) the teachers,” she explained.

Consequently, Alcyone Mendoza (STM12) shared that there are possible difficulties that she will encounter as the onsite hours may increase for the next semester.

“I live quite far from the school (and) [i]t takes almost [two] hours for…a trip to school and back. My schedule would get tighter, [s]o…it might not be… better…for those who are in the same situation as I am,” she mentioned.

LCP , from page 1

Handful of Euphoria. Teatro Lasalyano amuses their audience with a finger tutting performance during

KISLAP 2022 on Dec. 5. Photo by Jean Carla Villano

Driving past memory lane

Words by Kurt Brandon Bautista and Adam Joaquin Guasis

Images may seem blurry when moving at a hundred miles per hour on the highway of life, however, a peek at the side-view mirrors turns those objects from faint rays of color to a vivid picture. From verdant fields to ashy cities traversed, a glance backwards floods the eyes with the reflections of what was. Reminiscing might give those moments from childhood their definitions. And remembrance of one’s past holds the possibility of giving a brighter outlook on the future.

Hazy images from the window

As the vehicle roars and zips through the road, one looks out the window only to find a landscape equally as transitory as the hard pavement. Unfamiliarity greets the view of young drivers as roads uncharted are ventured into. The figurative statements from grown-ups may be obscured in the eyes of a child, but their significance might be continually deciphered through time. “I believe many things were said to me back then by older people, that I couldn’t comprehend much, particularly statements that came from my parents,” Elyza Midem (STM29) explained.

A number of these statements from adults can range from sayings to superstitions. Those phrases oftentimes are passed on from generation to generation. “Knock on the wood three times so that something that’s been said to you, or to others would not happen,” Jaztrent Ticug (HMS12) said when asked about unsaid sayings during her younger days.

Simply conforming to metaphorical statements of adults could be one response from the impressional minds of youth. These sayings might

still be put into practice despite the lack of evidence that supports them. “After knowing about it, knocking on wood three times became a habit to me every time something bad has been said to me or to others,” Ticug shared.

Reflection of the path behind Rear-view mirrors may serve as lenses to the past, which seems far yet is actually closer than it appears. Passed scenery, overtaken vehicles, and the surpassed roadblocks along the trip, are now behind the driver, glancing at the wing mirrors. Along the highway of life, one can try to picture moments gone by. The shining of the mirror reflects the austere texture of the road, just as the memories of oneself are engraved into their senses.

Reminiscing past memories can discern paths not taken, which may lead to pondering if that one right turn would have led to a smoother road. “[R]eminiscing…made me weary and conscious about my current decisions in life,” Midem shared when asked about the effect of remembering the past. “[G]iven that I’ve already been through [the past], I should know what the action is for [the future].” For Midem, these past

moments are lessons that one can impart in making life choices as a part of growing.

The past might illuminate an individual through raw experience. Contentment may be felt by remembering the past, as one absorbs the lessons to help with the endeavors of the future. “I’m fine (knowing) that I would never return to [the past] because I’m happy that as I (grow) older …I learn new things around me,” Ticug shared. For her, reminiscing can both serve as an indicator of progress in terms of maturity and a bridge to gain insights into current situations.

Traversing a one-way road

Navigating through the one-way traffic of life directs a person to one direction: forward. One can take a glimpse back, but moving toward the other side is the constant goal. “Life with a one-way road means that there’s only one reason why you’re living… you’re getting closer to your dream,” Ticug stated.

Whatever aspiration one may have, just traversing forward through life can get a person closer to their goal. “If I can’t turn back, at least I know what to do next time,” Justin Paciones stated. One can take a glimpse

at the past, but a sudden reverse, returning back to those moments, is impossible. Despite that, the inability to turn back time never stops the opportunity to take in those past experiences, as a reminder to do better.

A person may reflect on the past all they want, but one may never know exactly what the future holds. “For me, everything has levels. I already know that I’m at the lowest level, so I will continue to move forward to achieve the last level,” Paciones explained. Continuing after all the experiences gained might be a tough challenge for people who are uncertain of what the outcomes of their paths may be.

***

Growing up can be a bumpy journey. “The process [of going into the future] could be painful, exciting, depressing, or thrilling, but these emotions (will) shape me to be a better person,” Midem declared.

One may encounter roadblocks and rough terrains that can impede a smooth-sailing ride. Nonetheless, with one’s eyes on the path, checking the mirrors frequently, and the seatbelts fastened, the journey continues. In the end, it is up to the driver how they would choose to cruise along the road of life.

The process [of going into the future] could be painful, exciting, depressing, or thrilling, but these emotions (will) shape me to be a better person.”

Art by Jessie Gabrielle Peralta

Anino sa salamin ng kasaysayan

Mga salita ni Ethan Pollo

Bilang isang tanglaw na nagbibigay-daan, isang maitim na kariwaraan ang nag-aantay. Ang salaming sumusulyap sa mga retaso ng nakaraan, napapabayaan ang mga hindi kanais-nais na bahagi upang maiwasan ang mga masasamang ala-ala. Sa lipunang nakatutok sa maliwanag na araw, labis na pagpapahinuhod sa anino ng kahapon ang maaaring bumuwal.

Banaag ng nakaraan

Nakatitig sa salamin, ay magugunita ang mga naaninag na piraso ng kasaysayan. Ang mga anekdota ng mga kariwaraan na pinagdaanan ng mga ninuno ay diumanong nagbibigayliwanag sa mga nakukubling bahagi ng kasaysayan. Inilarawan ni Brayden

Silao (ICT21) ang mga kahila-hilakbot na karanasan ng kanyang mga lolo at lola. “Nag-ra-rally lolo at lola ko (sa pagtatangka) na tapusin ang martial law, at (sila ay nakulong),” sabi niya. “[K]ung ‘di ako mali, naalala ko na ‘yung lola ko (ay) manganganak, nung sila’y nasa bilangguan.”

May mga iba’t ibang dahilan kung bakit naaalala ng isa ang mga karimlan na ito. Pinapatunayan ni CORE Faculty Lara Lopez ang madalas na pag-alala sa mga masasamang pangyayari ng isang tao kahit nakalipas na ito, “May posibilidad na sobrang nasaktan ‘yung tao na ‘yun kaya paulit-

ulit nyang naaalala ‘yung masama (o) bad memory na iyon,” saad niya. “May mga bagay siguro din na nakikita niya na pwedeng nakapagpapa-alala sa kanya ‘yung bad memory na iyon.” Dagdag ni Lopez na maaari itong tumatak sa isipan ng isa at posibleng dalawa lang ang magiging epekto niya—maganda o masama. “Instinct kasi ng tao yun na ni-re-remind nila ‘yung sarili nila dun sa bad memories na ‘yun para ma-protect din ‘yung sarili nila (mula) sa traumatic experience na ‘yun.”

Kumukupas na tanaw Kadalasang nawawala ang paningin ng isa sa salamin at minamasid na lamang ang sakit ng kahapon. Maihahalintulad ito sa karanasan ng lolo at lola ni Silao, kung saan ipinahayag niya ang kanyang naramdaman matapos marinig ang sinapit nila. “[I]t’s just worrying…

because I don’t want anyone to experience what my grandparents (went through).” Sinasaad rin dito na makakaramdam pa rin ng emosyon ang isa mula sa mga sugat ng nakaraan. Iminungkahi naman ni Lopez kung paano naaapektuhan ang pag-dedesisyon dulot ng bugso ng damdamin. “I think bad memories (affect) the decisionmaking of the person, resulting (in) an emotional decision instead of (a) logical decision,” paliwanag niya. “Instead of thinking clearly, mas na-bo-bother sila.”

Nabibilanggong anino Ang nararamdamang pagbilanggo mula sa mapanglaw na isipan ang salik sa malagim na hinaharap. Ang pagbabalik-tanaw sa mga pagdurusang naranasan ay posibleng maging isang kasangkapan upang mapigilan ang pag-ulit ng mga pangyayaring ito. Ayon kay Micaella Juliana Mena (HMS13), ang mga pagdurusang

Inside the toy chest of one’s antiquity

Words by Anielle Mendoza and Ma. Eshley Cinco

Kept stored inside a closed wooden, brown chest are the toys once scattered inside what was previously a child’s bedroom. Walking towards the chest with the intention of taking a glimpse inside, one wonders which memories will spring to the surface once opened. Now grown and past the age of playing with toys, the question of whether they have truly enjoyed their childhood lingers in the forefront of their mind.

conjure up may not happen. “[Y]ung pinagkakaalalahanan mo ay (posibleng) hindi naman pala mangyayari sa hinaharap, so parang magiging burden ‘yun sa’yo.”

Likewise, Acal relates one’s worrying about the future to opportunities they have missed in the past. “Andami nilang na-mi-miss na opportunities… na pwede nilang gawin with other people or with the things they enjoy doing because natatakot sila sa mangyayari sa future,” she asserted. “So, (parang) pinahirapan mo lang ‘yung sarili mo ng dalawang beses.” With that, Acal advised that it is better to avoid fretting over unknown events in the future to truly enjoy one’s moments spent in the past.

Childhood taken for granted

Continuing to look upon the various toys strewn inside the chest, one is filled with regret from remembering the dreary way they had chosen to spend their childhood. As they pick up a toy to scrutinize, their mind is filled with recollections of the little

naranasan tulad ng naganap na lockdown ay tumatatak sa saloobin ng isa. “Mahirap (mag-cope) all alone… being secluded in a (place) tapos wala kang makapitan, wala kang malapitan (was) really hard.” Dahil may mga alaalang susulpot mula sa mga nakikita sa paligid, nakasalalay na sa isa kung paano gagamitin ang pagiging madamdamin sa iba’t ibang paraan na makakatulong sa kanila.

Maaninag na piraso Tila ba ay nagwawari na ang paningin ng isa sa salamin. Nalilikom ang bawat magaganda at masasamang alaala ng isa, at dahan-dahang dadamputin ang mga piraso ng nakaraan. Sa pagharap ng memorya at bumubugsong damdamin, isa sa mga payo ni Lopez ang pananatiling makatwiran sa pagdedesisyon, “[D]apat mas manaig sa atin ‘yung solusyon kaysa sa ‘yung (pagiging madamdamin).” Gayunpaman,

isinaad ni Silao kung ano ang maaari niyang gawin na paghihikayat sa mga tao upang maging rasyonal sa kanilang pagpapasya. “[W]e can push them and encourage them to make better decisions… and it’ll improve our future if people can come together and discuss decisions in (an orderly manner).”

Sinabi naman ni Mena na ang nostalgia ay makakatulong sa paraan na huwag na muling gawin ang mga kilos na nagbubunga ng kapahamakan at dahil ito’y magsisilbing remembrance, “[M]aaalala’t maaalala mo yun, so naturally, you’ll avoid it (so that it won’t) occur again.” Naipamahagi naman ni Lopez kung paano naging parte ang panglaw sa pagtupad ng naturang hangarin. “Nostalgia can be used as a tool by remembering the wisdom learned from that specific experience.” Hindi lamang ang masasamang karanasan ang pagtutuunan sa pagmumuni-muni, kun’di pati na rin ang mga kalutasan sa mga suliraning hinaharap.

***

Tila sa isang anino ng nakaraan, natatanaw ang mga pitak ng alaala na hindi makakalimutan ng isa. Sa pagragasa ng iba’t ibang damdamin na nararamdaman, hindi nakapagpapasya ng husto ang isa sa mga desisyon sa buhay. Sa pagbuo muli ng mga piraso ng salamin at sa maaliwalas na aninag ng sarili, magsisilbi itong gabay ng mga talambuhay at repleksiyon ng isa sa mas mabuting kinabukasan.

things they have taken for granted.

“[Y]un ‘yung nakakalungkot ngayon kasi parang [the youth] (lost) the essence of being appreciative of the little things,” Acal expressed. Knowing this, she observed that the youth feels they have to achieve bigger things which causes this loss of appreciation for the smaller ones. “[I]t feels like… the younger people are pressured to achieve bigger things agad in life… (that) they forget to notice ‘yung mga simpleng bagay talaga.”

Although one may not have been able to enjoy their childhood in the past, Acal mentioned that it is not too late to do so in the present. Moreover, she added that one can find much happiness from life if only they gain the will to pursue it. “Madami kang mahahanap na nakakatawa sa mga

Last glance into the box

Placing the toy back down into the chest, one reflects on the life they have led until that moment. Although their childhood may not have been what they wanted, they recognize the influence it holds on them now—once a child, now an adult. One takes a last look at the image before them and prepares to close the lid.

“‘Yung mga simpleng bagay na ginagawa natin (sa past), hindi natin (aakalain) na it will play an important role in the future,” Acal stated. She further explains that these moments in one’s past will, in some way, affect their lives in the future. “[I]t will somehow influence the trajectory of your life in the future in ways that you do not know.”

***

Closing the lid of the wooden box, one takes a step back and promises to remember the little moments from their childhood—taking them as lessons for the hereafter. With the hook secured and the toys once again stored away, one last look at the box filled with trinkets from their past is all one needs before they leave to continue on with the present. Only this time, they guarantee, the little things will no longer be forgotten.

nangyayari sa life,” she proclaimed.

“Ang buhay ay isang malaking sitcom at ikaw ang direktor nito.” With that, Acal asserts that one is in control of their own life and is the only person capable of directing it however they see fit.

Ang buhay ay isang malaking sitcom at ikaw ang direktor nito.”

[D]apat mas manaig sa atin ‘yung solusyon kaysa sa ‘yung (pagiging madamdamin).”

Art by John Benedict Varon

SCREAM by Liam Nico Sullivan

UNEXPECTED COMPANY by Rianne Nicole Ocampo

THE TOO CONFIDENT by Sophia Nicole Guadamor

THE CRAMMER by Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Astrero TOO

BEAR by Klaire Niña Llarena

Levi and his friend are cramming to finish their RRL! Find atleast 10 differences to help Levi’s group pass Practical Research!

by Reanne Ashley Roguel

After 2 Years

The daily allowance, school events, and interactions with our peers in real life, are some of the things that we have missed due to the emergence of the pandemic. After enduring two years of online learning and the feeling of isolation, students won’t have to struggle with the hardships of communicating online with their teachers and classmates. Once again, we finally have the freedom to relate with one another, visit libraries, and eat our favorite food around campus. Despite the return of face-to-face classes and the threat of COVID-19, we must still observe safety protocols to ensure everyone’s well-being. The pandemic has changed the way we live. Face masks and alcohols are currently an essential part of our daily lives as we embrace the new normal.

Almira Isabel Aguila, Antoine Cortez, Nicole Infante, Anika Jordan Muñoz, Kaisha Keith Perez, Jean Carla Villano

Hiro Odamaki

Photojournalists: Layout artist:

Images from a distant past

Words by Anielle Mendoza

Inside a photo album lies snippets of one’s past with each photo worn out; the colors fading with age. Using careful hands, one traces the photos and recalls moments spent in joy and delight. Reminiscing about those distant days, one begins longing to relive them. Yet, as they snap back to remember the present, one mourns the memories of those moments long behind them—memories of a time when things may have been happier.

First page of former days

Sitting down with a photo album in hand, one brushes off the dust collected from the years it was left untouched. Opening the very first page with only a single goal in mind, one hopes to be taken back to relive their moments in the past.

Jhellai Margret Tibayan (ABM22) revealed her wish to re-experience some moments in her past. “Most of the moments I want to relive are (those where) I feel euphoric,” she said. With that statement, Tibayan stated that the moments she remembers most fondly are those exciting ones. However, she mentioned that she has grown to cherish those calm and quiet moments as well as they offer her a sense of peace.

Upon recognizing which moments in the past she looks back on fondly, Tibayan explained her reasons for wanting to go back and experience them. “[S]ometimes, overwhelming na rin ‘ yung present,” she divulged. “[A]nd it’s fascinating to see how different I am now compared to how I was (before).”

Moments captured in time

Looking at each photo with nostalgia and glee, one is hit with an onslaught of memories from their past. As they recall the emotions they felt during such memories, they sit back and revel in these moments captured in time through a single camera— proof that they had lived through

such experiences.

“Most of these moments (I want to relive) are good ones,”

Quishia Iloco (STM14) stated.

“(For example), my birthday celebration for this year.” Iloco narrated her experiences on that day, stating the different events that occurred and why it is a memory she cherishes. “At that time, (the school year hadn’t started) yet,” she explained. Because of it, her birthday celebration was spent without stress and worry.

Iloco expressed that those moments she experienced in the past contributed much happiness to her, making such a memory a special one she wishes to relive. “[I]n a way, it’s like we were happier,” she observed. “It’s a special moment because it was spent with special people in my life.”

Reminiscing in sorrow

Recalling past experiences may have brought one joy, yet realizing they are unable to go back in time and recreate them leaves one with feelings of sorrow. As they take out a photo from the album, one wonders how they can continue living in the present knowing they cannot return to the past.

Sharing his insights on the matter,

not

Aljohn Remaldora (HMS11) described how he deals with knowing he cannot reverse time and relive his past experiences. “In-a-accept ko nalang,” he said. “[K]asi ‘ yung moments na ‘ yun—(they’re) a part of your (memories) na, and your (memories are) a part of your life.”

Knowing that these past moments will remain in his memories, Remaldora declared that not being able to relive them would be fine as he has learned to accept things as they are and move on.

“[O]kay lang din na hindi ko i-relive ‘ yung past na ‘yun kasi sinasabi ko (sa sarili ko lagi) ‘move on,’” he expressed.

Back to the present Placing the photo back in its place in the album, one attempts to break free from the chains of the past and remember the life they have in the present. Although knowing one cannot relive old moments and experiences, one might begin to wonder what they can look forward to while living in the now.

“Because of the priorities and responsibilities I have now,” Tibayan began when asked how one can stay grounded in the present. “I’d like to fulfill them rather than wallow in regret and disappointment (about) the things I should have done back then.”

Meanwhile, Iloco gives her own insights on the matter. “Try not to dwell too much (on) the past because the past cannot be changed,” she advised. “[I]nstead, you should put your focus (on) improving your present.” She justified that one should do this so that, in the future when they look back at the moments they spent now, one would not feel regret or shame over the things they could have done.

Furthermore, Remaldora mentioned what he looks forward to in the present. “I look forward to becoming a better person,” he stated. Remaldora admitted that he was one who often only thought about himself, which is why he is eager to become something better than before. “Madami akong (matututunan)…in the future (if I learn from the past).”

Closing the photo album and placing it back where it belonged on the shelf, one recounts all that they had learned and remembered from taking a glimpse back into the old moments. Though they may never be able to experience them again, one can take comfort knowing they can make the present even better than the past. With that in mind, one steps away from the photo album, ready to create even more, happier memories.

Try

to dwell too much (on) the past because the past cannot be changed... [I]nstead, you should put your focus (on) improving your present.”

Art by Nika Charmee Dugay

Langit-lupa

Wrenzhie Arroyo

samantalahin mo na ang liwanag bago kumagat ang dilim. parating na ang mga kawatan at magsisimula na muli ang habulan.

pagalingan sa pagkukubli, sa mga mandaragit, ‘wag papahuli. taimtim na panalangin ang sambitin at baka dalang init ng umaga, hindi mo na muling abutin.

ligtas ang mga nasa langit na nakatanaw mula sa matayog na bakod habang patuloy kang humahangos, umaasang sa sali-salimuot na daan maililigtas ka mula sa karit ni Kamatayan.

sa inuulap na isipan, isa lamang ang katanungan–ano kaya kung nakakaangat din, napapaligiran ng higanteng tarangkahan?

sa may bandang kanluran, isang kislap ang natanglawan. namuo ang pag-asa sa puso ngunit iba ang nadatnan sa pagliko.

sa mataas na pader na binungaran at mabibigat na yapak mula sa likuran, isang kalabit lamang ang kinailangan para tuluyan kang sakupin ng kadiliman.

Taya!

ideya ang pumasok sa aking isipan.

“Dahil parang ‘di naman imposible, tatanungin ko na rin. May bituin akong nasalo kagabi, nagmula ka ba roon? Ikaw na ba ang bago kong repleksyon simula ngayon? Mabuti naman! Hindi ko kasi masyadong gusto ‘yong dati kong itsura.”

“Hindi nakakatuwa ang biro mo! Ako ang totoo mong repleksyon, nakapagsasalita lang. Pareho tayo ng mukha at katawan. Kung nagagandahan ka sa akin, dapat nagagandahan ka rin sa sarili mo.” Banyaga ang tunog ng ideya sa aking mga tainga, pero parang maliit na bagay lang sa kanya ang sinabi.

Wala siyang alam.

Binaha ang isipan ko ng mga alaala ng lahat ng beses na sinundan ako ng mga mapanuksong hagikgik, lahat ng beses na natagpuan kong may ginuhit na baboy sa locker ko, lahat ng beses na nagsinungaling ako sa nanay ko at sinabing kumain na ako, lahat ng beses na dumaan ang kaarawan ko at puro “Sana magbago na ang itsura ko, sana sa susunod kong kaarawan hindi na problema ang katawan ko” ang tanging nasa utak ko habang hinihipan ang mga kandila.

Salamin de hiraya

Sabi nila kapag nakasalo ka ng nahulog na bituin, ibibigay daw sa’yo ng mundo ang pinakaminimithi ng iyong puso. Naniniwala ang karamihan na pumipili sila ng mga taong karapat-dapat makahawak sa kanilang liwanag dahil bihirang umalis ang mga bituin sa kalangitan.

Kaya naman halos lumuwa ang mga mata ko nang isang kumikinang na bato ang biglang bumagsak sa aking harapan, isang gabi habang pauwi. Nagpalingalinga pa ako sa paligid upang tignan kung sakaling may nagbato nito, ngunit ako at mga bituin lamang ang naroon.

Hindi kaya hulog ito ng langit?

Sa kaisipang iyon, agad ko itong pinulot at ipinasok sa bulsa ng aking jacket at nagmadaling umuwi. Sinalubong ako ng aking ina na takang-taka sa magiliw kong ekspresyon. Tanging ngiti at pagmano na lamang ang iginawad ko sa kanya at pumasok na sa aking silid. Walang duda na mayroong mas karapat-dapat, pero baka baguhin nitong bato ang buhay ko.

Ngunit hindi ko alam na ibibigay pala agad sa akin ang kahilingan ko.

Isang matinis na tili ang umalingawngaw sa apat na sulok ng aking kwarto nang

Sarah Nicole Jallorina

magtagpo ang mata ko at ang aking repleksyon, pagkagising ko kinabukasan nang sipatin ko ang sarili sa salamin sa harap ng aking kama. Sunod kong nalaman, lamig na ang bumabalot sa katawan ko sa halip na kumot na hindi ko namalayang lumipad na pala patungo sa salamin.

“Wala akong makita! Tanggalin mo ‘to!” Nanlaki ang aking mga mata sa boses na sigurado akong nagmula sa salamin. Kulang ba ako sa tulog?

Dahan-dahan akong lumapit dito at tinanggal ang nakabalot na kumot. Ngunit hindi ko alam kung tumaas ba ang mga balahibo ko sa braso dahil sa paglapat ng aking talampakan sa malamig na mga baldosa ng sahig o dahil sa nakita ko.

Hindi ako ang nasa salamin. Akala ko repleksyon ko ang nakita ko kanina. Ngunit, ngayon na tinititigan ko siya nang malapitan, nakikita kong hindi kami iisang tao. May iba sa kanya, para bang walang kahirap-hirap ang ganda niya. Napansin kong nakataas ang baba niya, nagbibigay ng awra ng kumpiyansa na para bang wala siyang problema sa kanyang itsura at sa tingin ng iba.

“Sino ka?!”

“May pagkain ka ba riyan?

Nagugutom kasi ako,” kaswal

niyang ani na naging dahilan ng pagkunot ng aking noo. Hindi na nga niya sinagot ang tanong ko, nanghihingi pa siya ng pagkain? Hindi ko alam, pero parang naginit ang dugo ko.

Halos hindi makakakita ang kahit sinuman ng pagkain sa bahay. Isa pa, sinasanay ko ang sarili kong kumain nang bihira kaya umiling ako dahil wala akong maibibigay sa kanya. At talaga namang may lakas ng loob ang babae sa salamin na simangutan ako kahit siya ang dahilan kung bakit nais kong magpapayat. Dahil sa labis na inis ko, nawala ang lahat ng takot at gulat ko!

“Hindi mo sinagot ang tanong ko. Sino ka at bakit ka nariyan?! Bakit kita kamukha?!

Isang buntong-hininga ang kumawala sa kanyang mga labi.

“Walang pinagkaiba sa isang regular na salamin ang tinitingnan mo,” sagot niya. Ang kulit! Alam naman naming dalawa na hindi ganoon ang totoong itsura ko.

Sinalubong ng tanaw ko ang jacket na nakasabit malapit sa pintuan; kapansin-pansin na mabigat pa rin ang isa sa mga bulsa, at nagbibigay-liwanag ang anumang nasa loob kahit natatakpan ng tela. Tila parang bumbilyang bumukas, isang

“Kung ikaw ang nasa posisyon ko at paulit-ulit pinapaalala sa’yo na pangit ka, gugustuhin mo rin namang baguhin ang itsura mo, ‘di ba?” Malinaw sa akin na hindi siya sang-ayon base sa kanyang ekspresyon.

“Hindi ka dapat nagbabago para makibagay sa pamantayang idinikta ng lipunan. Paano ka gaganda sa tingin ng iba kung hindi mo muna papahalagahan ang sarili mo?”

Nakabibinging katahimikan ang sumunod sa katanungang iyon. Naisip ko kung paano naging posible ang pag-uusap na ito pagkatapos kong mahuli ang isang bituin kagabi. Baka itong salamin ang regalo ng bituing makakapagbago ng buhay ko. Siguro, ito ang paraan ng pagpayo sa’kin ng sansinukob.

Matapos ang tila isang libong oras, nakarating ako sa isang konklusyon. Kung ito nga talaga ang regalo ng bituin, makabubuting sundin ko ang payo nito.

Ngunit saan nga ba ako magsisimula?

Isang matalas na katok mula sa babae sa salamin ang humila sa akin palabas sa aking iniisip.

“Hindi ka ba nagugutom? Wala ka bang balak mag-almusal?”

Napangiti siya sa naging sagot ko.

“Tara?”

Art by Johanna Abigail Nieva

Some sailors feared sirens. He, on the other hand, welcomed them.

He was young, barely even sixteen. The mere thought of that secret being exposed does nothing but cause goosebumps to crawl across his skin. It was only his dwindling self-restraint that kept it hidden for so long.

A resounding thud echoed from below his rickety floorboards. The light bulb flickered for a split second before dying out in the next. Surely, they’ve paid the monthly bills last month.

He tensed, muscles coiled as he leaned forward, peering through the door left ajar. The lack of light did him no favors as it revealed nothing but a dark hallway. With no reaction save a sigh of disapproval, he swept up his father’s zippo lighter from under his cluttered drawer.

For light, he’d told himself

Quickly, he headed to the doorway and down the stairs, tiptoeing just the slightest bit. The boy didn’t fool himself into thinking he was sneaky for doing so, but it brought him enough security. He held his breath and scampered off to the garden, each shadow that passed caused uneasiness to grow with each step. By the time he arrived, his lungs burned, and each thump of his heart sounded like a heavy bass drum resonating in his head, loud enough to bring him back to reality.

Snap out of it. You’re being hysterical. There’s nobody here.

Eyes squinted around for confirmation. By the shrubs of Sampaguita, the only sign of life

Divergence of Twin Flames

Kyoko Honda

Art by Jana Allyson Añora

Recognition;

Stomps were made on fur-skinned floors, whilst the wood underneath it creaks. As I walk toward the parallel world, I can feel the burning gaze of rejection. Staring back with her mystifying eyes, her duplicity was all I could perceive.

Resentment;

The fire was spreading in my veins. Her pearl orbs turned darker, like the night without the stars. My fist meets her cunning face. Soon after, I felt the cracks in my soul stained with the redness of her gore.

Indulgence;

I look down at the ground of glasses There she is, the villain of this mess, staring back at me through my vision. I looked back with pure revulsion, confronting the evil inside of her like a sinner that has confessed.

Perception;

The verity blinds the sphere reflecting on her pearl-colored iris. The ruinous leer shifted into a tranquil gaze, and it widened to return to its own cypress. A moment of epiphany was all it could be.

I shall not be the antagonist of my story.

Will-of-the-wisp

Pia Heart Lambuson

he found was in the form of a cat drenched in the intense rain—judgmental pupils piercing the dark before it skittered off onto a neighbor’s roof.

Just a stray cat, he consoled himself. The unsettling feeling never left. He considered turning back when his eyes landed on the weathered stone bench to his left.

She was here. A siren disguised in flames. He blinked once in shock, twice in disbelief.

The lighter flicked shut, his world going hazy as he staggered forward. The sight of her hit him hard, nearly as much as the day they’d first met with hesitance. His hands grazed her figure, her hair red as a rose in June and her body paler than how he remembered. Her gaze was as conspiratorial as a wink, no song was needed to seduce him.

Just this once.

With desperate and yellowing fingers, he snapped the lighter open, frantic flame bursting forth. Lips pursed as the same wicked light fell on her small form. He cupped his hands, screwed his eyes shut, and breathed in her intoxicating scent in a single movement all too familiar. Biting, cheap perfume, and burnt pine invaded his senses. He knew it was wrong, but it felt so right. Fog permeated his vision as he exhaled, but he didn’t care enough to register it. His head was clear for the first time in weeks. Hands unconsciously loosened their grip as he let out a hollow laugh, tears spilling out of his eyes as he did. He laughed until his throat burned. In moments, howls turned into coughs, and coughs turned into sobs. The fog twirled skyward, bleeding into the

stormy skies as it strains to hypnotize him back. It danced like a temptress, curling in small waves forward, enticing him into an embrace. The smog drew too close, and a wheeze blew her away.

There was too much of her, and it was hurting— he was burning.

Another hacking cough came between them and suddenly, their forbidden love mattered no more as his grasp loosened. He tripped over himself as he withdrew, yet the smoke in the corners of his eyes followed him—a phantom that wouldn’t yield in its chase.

The boy knew how to end everything, but it was easier said than done. Nipping their connection in the bud seemed unfathomable a few months ago, but everything about this was a slap in the face—one that should’ve come sooner.

Eyes drifted down toward her one last time. Taking in her limp stature, he fought his compulsion before throwing her down violently to the ground. He stomped away every bit of her, leaving nothing but ashes and the butt of a blackened cigarette lying forgotten on the cold, hard cement. The storm pounced on her like a predator, snuffing out whatever ember she had left with an unassuming hiss.

Eluding her in the future was optimistic, but at that moment, she was gone—both her soot and the weight of his secret were too. The boy was contented as he escaped the acrid fumes that still tread tirelessly on his heels.

But he’d turned a deaf ear to the siren who could sing no more, and that’s all that mattered.

Lahat ng nag-tryout, pasok sa Ravens

Althea Lauraine Libunao

Sa kadahilanang kaunti lang ang nag-tryout, nagkamit ng puwesto sa Ravens ang bawat manlalaro na lumahok sa tryouts para sa Basketball Girls.

Ayon kay DLSU-D Basketball

Girls Coach Robby Angeles, Basketball Girls ang may pinakakaunting manlalarong nagtryout kumpara sa dami ng lumahok sa Volleyball at Basketball.

Initially, there were 16 (athletes). Minabuti ko (na magkaroon ng sapat na manlalaro sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap sa lahat ng nag tryout ) since ( the sports coordinator ) [ said ] ( that ) we can accept up to a maximum number of 24 for Basketball, para may reserve players ,” aniya. Pahayag ni Angeles na sa kadahilanang ito, tinanggap niya ang lahat ng mga manlalarong sumubok.

Sapagka’t hindi sapat ang bilang ng mga manlalarong natanggap, binanggit ni Angeles na maaari pang sumubok ang mga atletang nais

maging manlalaro ng Basketball Girls hangga’t hindi pa nakukumpleto ang itinalagang pinakamataas na bilang ng manlalaro. Ayon kay Angeles, “(Sa puntong iyon) ako (ang) magkakaroon ng [talagang] selection ( of players ).”

“Baka ‘yung… huli…o ilan pang gusto sumali (ay) medyo (advance) ‘yung level [ of mastery sa Basketball ]. Given the short amount of time that we have to prepare for Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SLCUAA), baka sila na ‘yung ilagay ko sa active roster,” dagdag nito.

Isinaad ni Angeles na kalakip sa naging desisyon, karamihan ng Ravens ay baguhan pa lamang sa naturang isport kaya maaari itong maging pagsubok. Kaakibat ng

pagbubuo sa kupunan, ipinaliwanag ni Angeles ang balakid kumpara sa ibang mga paaralan dulot ng pagkakaroon nito ng mga atletang may mas mahuhusay na manlalaro. “(Yung pagkakaroon ng agwat sa lebel ng skills kung saan mayroong magsisimula sa basics) ‘yung hurdle compared sa’min na talagang, we’re going to start from scratch, ” pagbabahagi ni Angeles.

Sa kadahilanang bago palang ang mga Ravens, ibinahagi ni Angeles na back-to-basics muna ang mga ito. Nakatutok ang Ravens sa masinsinang pagsasanay at paghahanda para sa mga kompetisyon na naghihintay sa mga atleta.

Kalakasan o Kaligtasan?

Orichom

Jane Llana Cordova

Bago pa man umusbong ang pandemya, karaniwang nagsisimula ng 4:00 pm hanggang 7:00 pm ang pagsasanay ng mga atleta. Hindi pa kabilang dito ang oras na iginugugol nila sa pag-biyahe pauwi sa kanilang tahanan. Dagdag pa rito, sumasabay rin ang mga student-athletes sa dagsa ng assessments, meetings, at gampanin sa kanilang personal na buhay–para lang mapunan ang oras na ibinaling sa paghasa ng kanilang kakayahan sa kani-kaniyang larangan. Dulot ng mga priority na ito ang ilan sa mga posibleng panganib na maaaring harapin ng mga atleta, lalo na’t makikitang alanganin ang oras ng kanilang trainings.

Noong Agosto, sunod-sunod ang nabalitang mga nawawalang kabataan na kadalasang magkakalapit ang lokasyon ng mga target. Ang ilan ay

mapalad at natatagpuan pang may malay samantalang ang iba naman, sa kasamaang palad, naaabutang nakahimlay na. Bukod pa rito, laganap din ang kaso ng pagnanakaw sa mga lugar na madalas na nagkukumpulan ang mga tao, tulad ng sakayan ng mga public transportations at mga pamilihan. Walang kasiguraduhan na ang bawat student-athlete ay may pribilehiyong gumamit ng private vehicles pauwi, at ang iba ay mas pinipili pa ring mag-commute kaya’t hindi nawawala ang posibilidad na maranasan ang pandurukot, pagnanakaw, at iba pang katiwalian. Ngayong talamak ang mga nabanggit na karumaldumal na mga gawain, tunay ngang wala nang katiyakan ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa; umaraw man o gabi. Ito ang realidad na mahirap harapin; unti-unting nababalot ng takot ang bansang sinilangan na akala nati’y unang yayapos sa atin ng kaginhawaan sa oras ng kapaguran.

Hindi mawawala sa kanilang responsibilidad ang pagsasakripisyo at paglalaan ng oras sa matinding ensayo, ngunit dapat pa ring tiyaking ligtas na nagagampanan ang bawat tungkulin upang mawaksi ang pag-aalala o takot sa bawat isa.

Hindi sapat ang mga katwirang, “Matatag naman ang pangangatawan ng mga atleta.” “Kakayanin pa nilang makapagsagot ng mga assessments o mag-aral pag-uwi sa bahay.” O kaya naman, “Pinili nilang maging athlete kaya dapat alam nilang mahirap at mabigat talaga ang mga tungkulin ng isang student-athlete,” kung kaligtasan naman ang malagay sa alanganin.

Isa pang puntong dapat na tutukan ay sa oras na hindi magampanan ang tungkulin bilang estudyante, agarang mawawalan ng saysay ang dedikasyon at pagmamahal na ipinapakita sa napiling larangan ng palakasan. Kailangan nilang

tanggapin ang katotohanang isa sa maaaring harapin ng manlalaro sa oras na siya ay makatanggap ng failing grade at ang tuluyang pagkakatanggal mula sa kupunan. Hindi kailanman magiging kapantay ng pisikal na kalakasan ang mental at emosyonal na kapasidad ng mga manlalaro sa oras na sila ay maging biktima ng kidnapping, pagnanakaw, at iba pa. Walang saysay ang paggugol ng mga masisipag na manlalaro kung hindi naman mabibigyangimportansya ang kanilang kaligtasan. Paano makakapagpahinga ang mga atleta sa pagod mula sa kanilang pagsasanay kung sa paglalakbay patungo sa kanilang tahanan ay nakapagdudulot na ng pangamba sa kanilang isipan? Masasabi pa ba talagang pahuway ito?

(From right) Football Team Captain Mikias Wagayen, Taekwondo Team Captain Lawrence Bautista, and Basketball Team Captain Allen Ronquillo. Photo by Nicole Infante

PAWNalo. You are surrounded by endless possibilities by just moving your chess piece to unlock an even wider array of possibilities. Photo by Jean Carla Villano

Aspiring varsity players run as they undergo for the Women’s Basketball Team Tryouts. Photo by Nicole Infante

Bago pa man sila naging atleta, sila muna ay ay mga karaniwang mag-aaral na din na napapagod at nahihirapan.”

Sp

Mga kupunan ng DLSU-D SHS Basketball, lalaban sa SLCUAA

Franchesca De Guzman

Basketball Skills Challenge, idaraos ng Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SLCUAA) sa De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Sentrum.

Mas masusubok ang indibidwal na galing ng bawat atleta at madadagdagan ang kanilang karanasan sa aspeto ng Basketball sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-paligsahan.

Ayon kay DLSU-D Sports Coordinator Donnie Marc Louie Roble, “[M]as ma-ha-highlight ‘yung individual capacity ng mga athletes (sa tuntunin ng lakas at bilis). Kasi s’yempre pag (‘yong)

usual Basketball…it’s a team effort. This time naman, individual siyang (binibigyan ng puntos para sa bawat manlalaro at hindi bilang isang kupunan)”.

Ang kompetisyong ito ay nahahati sa apat na laro: spot shooting, 3-point shootout, free-throw relay, at multi skills challenge, kung saan ang mga atleta mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan sa Timog-Luzon ay makikipag-

kompetensya para sa gantimpalang maging kampeon.

Batay sa naaprubahan na guidelines ng SLCUAA, dalawang atleta lamang ang kailangan para sa larong spot shooting at 3-point shootout, at tatlo naman para sa free-throw relay at multi-skills challenge.

“The main objective of the skills/ challenges is to secure the highest score possible and/or complete the challenge

with the fastest possible time,” ayon sa guidelines ng SLCUAA.

Upang makasali sa kompetisyon, nakasalalay sa mga coach ng Basketball team kung sino ang may kakayahang lumahok sa kompetisyon base sa kanilang mga pagsasanay.

“[T ]he usual training lang din naman (ang gagawing pagsasanay para sa kompetisyon) kasi ‘yung mga skills (which the athletes will

compete for) naman na ‘yun (ay) hindi special, kumbaga part din siya ng (Basketball) itself,” ang sabi ni Roble. Dagdag pa ni Roble, bukas para sa lahat ng kasarian ang patimpalak kung saan maglalaban ang mga atleta mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan. Kasama na ang DLSU-D, DLSL, at De La Salle UniversityCanlubang (DLSU-C).

DLSU-D Ravens Basketball Team practice in preparation for the upcoming competitions. Photo by Nicole Infante

Green Patriots Pep Squad performs their pep rally during the opening ceremony of Students’ Week Fair 2022. Photo by Nicole Infante

DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Men’s Basketball Team holds their training at Mariano Trias Hall (MTH) Court in preparation for their match against De La

Salle Lipa (DLSL).

Photo by Kaisha Keith Perez

Alliyah Nadres.

Photo by Anika Jordan Muñoz