KAMALAYAN 2020-2021 1T

volume 7 no. 1 ARTWORK BY: R.A. JIMENEZ, J. LANDICHO, H. PAHUYO & J.C. CANTOS

kamalayan

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INFORMATION WITHIN REACH

KAMALAYAN

The official student media of Malayan Colleges Laguna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR PRINT ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION ANGEL SANGLI AZLEY DORINGO CHARMAINE DEUNA CLINT SORIANO DON DEREK RODRIGO ELMO DELVALLE CAPITLE HARBIE ABDULMUNAP JAMES MAGNAYE

NOEL MADOLID JR. JOE CARLO CANTOS JAMEELA REINE LIM ALLEN EDWARD PASCUA JACE LANDICHO PRINT

JATH BERNARDINO JOAQUIN PASCUAL JUDEIL MAGNANAO KAREN MORALES KIENT ESPRA MAC JUCOM NATHAN ORSEO NOEL JULIUS QUIAPOS

ABBEYKING LLANOS ALTHEA MHAI CABRAL ANDREA UBONGEN FRANCIS DARWIN BAGAPORO JUSTIN ANJELO CLEMENTE KEITH NATHAN ORSEO KRIZZIA DIANNE CHIONG MARYAN CHRISTEEN JOSEPHINE RECIO

KATHLEEN GUERRERO KIM CASTEJON NOEL ANGELO QUIAPOS REIGN GABRIEL MERCADO RISHA ANGELA JIMENEZ ROELLA GRACE ISON TOMMY LEE SANTOS REB MARINAS

IVAN KHALIL DESCARTIN ADVISER

MICHAEL ANTONIO SANTOS NICHOLAS DALE TALUBO ROSE OLEGARIO ROUSBEL RABANAL SIDNEA CABATUAN SYBERT NAVAEZ YSABEL ANGELIQUE FERRAZ

ART ARVIN MIRANDA ALDOUS CLAY DELA CRUZ AYLIH ASTILLERO CARLO DE CASTRO CARLOS OLIVEROS DAN CALUNIA ELISHA GONZAGA GIANELLA ISLES HANNAH PAHUYO

LAYOUT AND DESIGN ARVIN MIRANDA ELISHA GONZAGA EDITOR KIM CASTEJON

KIM CASTEJON

Facebook @MCLkamalayan Twitter @MCLkamalayan Instagram @mcl_kamalayan issuu.com/mclkamalayan

ANGELITO D. PLATINO DIRECTOR, STUDENTS AFFAIRS OFFICE

A MEMBER OF COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES (CEGP)

+ table of contents 01 news

11 feature

science

37 sports

org spotlight

47

57

art sect.

41

31

opinion

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Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

An Introduction to MCL’s BS Psychology and BS Business Administration and its Implementation WORDS JOE CARLO CANTOS

Psychology Psychology and Business Administration, the two new programs that students have long waited for to take, is now available in the “no. 1 private school of CALABARZON”, now branded as a Mapúa School—Malayan Colleges Laguna.

It has been five years since two new programs (B.S in Environmental Science and B.S. in Accounting Technology) were introduced to the school. This term, the pioneer batch of the Psychology program consists of 46 students, while the pioneer batch of the Business Administration program consists of 30 students.

What pushed the school to offer these programs?

Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Mabel Sudrapsert and E.T. Yuchengco College of Business (ETYCB) Dean Maria Rhodora Austria, were interviewed regarding the process of how MCL came to the idea of implementing these programs and their plans for the programs along with Assistant Vice President James Ronald Mesina’s confirmation on the data to be presented. They are as follows: (1) A survey was conducted to determine the program needs of the community, with the respondents being senior high school students coming from various institutions. According to Sir, data shows that Psychology is one of the in-demand programs in Laguna (2) Factors are needed to be considered in adding the programs such as: “[1] Popularity of the program among college entrants; [2] to ensure that MCL will be able to deliver proper service to its student-clients—it should be ready with the facilities, technology and the highly qualified faculty members to handle the courses under the program.”, as enumerated by Prof.

Rhodora. (3) Once the data has shown significance in permitting the program to cater students in the area, the deans of the involved college departments, along with the prospective program chairs, will then craft a curriculum based on the CHED Memorandum Order No. 34 (Psychology), No. 17 (Business Administration) s.

2017. MCL incorporates modifications into these programs to instill the “Excellence and Virtue” spirit in it. (4) The curriculum shall be presented to the academic council of MCL and undergoes a series of questioning, reviewing, revising, and editing. (5) When it is finalized, the curriculum shall be encrypted in the Registrar’s Office’s system. (6) The program is then ready to be advertised as one of the new programs of MCL. Psychology has been one of the most in-demand programs

of Laguna, as evidenced by the survey mentioned above. A lot of students veer into this path because they are interested in learning the field of cognition and behavior of the human person.

CAS Acting Dean Mabel Sudaprasert joined us into giving us an insight of Psychology in MCL. “This field— Psychology, under the medical field, is not yet explored, and we want to explore that; we want to initiate; we want that to be part of our pioneering activities. We offered Psychology para magkaroon ng diversity in terms of our program offerings at the College of Arts and Science.”, Prof. Mabel explained.

For a program that was birthed during the pandemic, CAS has been planning on engaging with activities that support student passion and drive to pursue their program. In the Psychology program, mentors are creating materials that would be engaging, interactive for the students. Activities to formalize the organization in Psychology is being initiated.

They will also be conducting seminars, and activities along with the invitation of resource speakers for future webinars.

The program also differs from other schools that offer the said field of study, with the encryption of the motto “Excellence and Virtue” within the syllabi and curriculum of the program.

“At the end of the program, we will produce graduates who are really very good at doing research; Psychology practitioners who care for others; graduates who would really want to help others into their way of nurturing counseling and caring”, Prof.

Mabel ended.

KAMALAYAN NEWS

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Business Administration Business Administration is one of the most sought-after and versatile degrees, and can effectively prepare students in their first step in launching a business career or in starting their own entrepreneurial venture. The program provides foundation in core business functions, including general business administration, finance, accounting, project management, human resources, information technology, and marketing, among others. ETYCB Dean Maria Rhodora R. Austria gave some insights about the newest program of the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business.

The initial offering of the B.S. Business Administration program is designed to be a threeyear, one-term program that focuses on the market ing

specialization. To adapt to the rapidly changing demands of businesses and industries, its curriculum is anchored on learner-centered outcomes-based education with a global outlook to provide the relevant competencies in marketing research, product development, e-commerce, and strong focus on digital marketing.

MCL is part of the company iPeople, which is the company responsible for the investment drives for the educational sector. iPeople is part of the Yuchengco Group of Companies and the House of Investments, Inc. Last year, it merged with AC Education, Inc., an Ayala Corporation counterpart of iPeople, which resulted into the integration of Mapua University, Malayan Colleges Laguna, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, National Teachers College, University of Nueva Caceres, and APEC Schools. With that being said, “MCL now is in a more strategic position to offer BS BA, to capitalize not only on its existing resources, but also to take advantage of the synergies among these companies to deliver career-focused programs”, Ms. Austria explained.

“The MCL BS BA program is committed to develop graduates whose skills and competencies foster creativity and innovativeness, who uphold ethics and professionalism as they carry out successful business/marketing career responsibilities, and to be globally competitive individuals”, Prof. Rhodora ended.

Programs in MCL focus on cultivating its students to cope and adhere to the global setting. Professionalism is strictly observed in every practice that the programs prescribes the student to do. The graduates of the programs are expected to be well-versed with their own career with maximal versatility and flexibility.

During this pandemic, MCL is adapting to the “new normal” system. Online classes have been exclusive during these times. Only students who are capable enough of possessing technological devices specified for online classes get to enroll during the first term of this year. These programs are one of the many who are trying their best to deliver quality education. Students, mentors, and parents alike are looking forward to the growth of the new programs in MCL in the coming years, most especially, once the students can freely go back to the campus and experience the legitimate education that we all need.

ART ELISHA GONZAGA

E-Likha Uniting Creativity and Curiosity WORDS ABBEYKING LLANOS

As part of the welcoming ritual of the College of Arts and Science (CAS), the aforementioned college and its student council kicked off the start of Academic Year 2020–2021 with a warm round of applause. As part of adapting to the new normal, the general assembly was titled “E-Likha: Uniting Creativity and Curiosity,” which celebrates the endless flow of information and knowledge through asynchronous digital mode of educational delivery. The event was divided into two sessions, namely AM session and PM session.

Morning Session Held on August 17, 2020, the AM session of the aforementioned event, hosted by Karen Morales, was broadcasted on Facebook Live; it was scheduled to start at 9:00 AM and end at 11:00 AM The session consisted of the introduction of the college and its academic programs, which came after the opening remarks of CAS Dean Ma. Rovilla Sudaprasert.

“Ang komunikasyon ay hindi nakabase sa galing sa pakikipag tagisan sa salitang banyaga.” – Prof. Pedregosa (Program Coordinator of the Communication program) The event proceeded to the formal introduction of the academic programs offered under the college of Arts and Science, led by Professor Eva Marie Pedregosa, the Program Coordinator of Malayan Colleges Laguna’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BA COMM). Prof. Pedregosa thoroughly highlighted how parents underappreciated the possible career prospects of the program. With that in mind, the institution’s BA COMM program was divided into three special tracks: Political Communication; Creative and Performing Arts; and New Media.

Prof. Pedregosa then continued to differentiate each specialization by explaining their specific niche. Political communication, as she had stated, highlights the usage of political knowledge as part of engaging and communicating to people, with the goal of identifying their specific needs.

Creative and Performing Arts, on the other hand, specializes in projecting artistic expression through project and event management. She added that the track mentioned also trains

its students to be artistically inclined in multiple forms, from writing to acting. Last but not the least is the New Media Track, wherein the artistic skills of students are honed through the production of artistic materials in the digital arts, using advanced digital technologies and techniques.

As Prof. Pedregosa wraps up her presentation, she mentioned that the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program holistically trains its students, not just to be pioneers in the field of communication but to also have their own free-flowing artistic expression, which they can apply in their specific careers.

“You should not just create art to impress or to express, but also to serve people.” – Prof. Ma. Rovilla C. Sudaprasert (Program Coordinator of the Multimedia Arts program) Moving along to the next part of the program, Prof. Ma. Rovilla Sudaprasert started by introducing the BMMA program. She is the current Dean of the College of Arts and Science as well as the Program Coordinator for both Bachelor of Multimedia Arts (BMMA) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS PSY).

The Bachelor of Multimedia Arts (BMMA) is a program of study that highly specializes in the usage of digital arts as part of one’s artistic expression. The said program also harnesses the help of advanced digital technologies, which are currently being used to create artistic outputs. Prof.

Sudaprasert also highlighted the three special tracks of the program, namely Animation, Graphic, and Film. She then continued to describe each track: the Animation Track is usually composed of talented individuals who have an interest in the moving arts and its techniques; the Graphic Track makes use of one’s digital artistic skills in composing graphic materials; and lastly, the Film Track, which focuses on film production, both composing and editing, to produce an artistic output.

After introducing the BMMA program, Prof. Sudaprasert then proceeds to present the much-awaited addition to the roster of academic programs offered by the college, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

“The Psychology program does not only focus on psychological research, but also in the natural sciences as well.” – Prof. Sudaprasert (Program Coordinator of the Psychology program) The newly-added program tackles the study of human behavior, as well as its biological cognitive thinking process.

Prof. Sudaprasert further discusses that students who will be taking up Psychology as their academic program of choice should prepare to study not only the clinical aspect of the program, but also its organizational and industrial aspects.

They will also be studying psychological techniques to prepare

those who will be planning to enter the field of guidance and counseling.

As the morning session concluded its final segment, the host invited the newly-elected president of the College of Arts and Science Student Council, Cherie Anne Banca, to formally close the session by delivering her closing remarks and introducing as well the other members of the student council.

Afternoon Session The PM session, hosted by Clarence Rebenque, started at 1:00 PM and was organized to introduce the academic and social organizations aligned with the college’s field of study.

Karen Morales, president of the official academic organization of MCL’s B.A. Communication program, Sining at Agham ng Malayang Komunikador (SINAGLAYA.KOM), introduced the mission and vision of the organization to train its members to be globallycompetitive communicators and professionals. The organization also shared its plans of hosting online workshops, webinars, and a Study Buddy system as part of adapting to the new normal of pedagogical delivery. As Morales concludes her presentation, she further elaborates that the organization does not only aim to produce globallycompetitive professionals by skills, but also by heart, through using their communication skills as an instrument for the greater good.

The Creative Learners and Innovative

Content Creators (CLICC), the main organization of the BMMA program headed by its current president Jabesh Amador, was next to present. Amador highlighted the mission and objective of the organization, which is to empower the value of and appreciation towards different forms of art. He believes that his fellow multimedia artists are in need of the limelight, seeing as, according to him, Multimedia Arts as a profession is not appreciated enough. As part of addressing this issue, the organization plans to have a production that will showcase the intricacy of the arts. Along with this, they will also be having peer mentoring and workshops for their members.

Reaching the end of his presentation, Amador mentioned that as the president of the organization, he wants his comembers to also know how to have fun and, at the same time, enjoy the process and the fruition as an artist in the making.

“

Ang komunikasyon ay hindi nakabase sa galing sa pakikipag tagisan sa salitang banyaga.

EVA MARIE PEDREGOSA Coordinator, BA COMM

P ST OST UD ER EN CA T S CO UN C

IL

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Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

Malayan Kalikasan (MaKal), introduced by representative Catherine Bonnita as a student-driven non-profit environment enthusiast organization, soon followed. Bonnita introduced the organization as one that engages its members through a variety of environmentally-related activities, such as recycling, tree planting, and cleanup drives. They also do community engagements by helping their adopted communities in being environmentally aware, through seminars.

As Bonnita reached the final part of her presentation, she added that the organization plans to conduct an upcycling project as their main program for this academic year. The project aims to create solar lamp lights with TESDA through recycling.

Fourth in line was KAMALAYAN, the official student publication of Malayan Colleges Laguna. The organization was presented by the newly-appointed Editor-in-Chief, Noel Madolid Jr., as a platform that stands with its mission of providing information within reach. One of the publication’s main projects for this new academic year is its production of a digital magazine.

Other organizations that were given the chance to present themselves are as follows: PILAK, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the arts and science of filmmaking; and Malayan Haus of Fashion & Arts (The HAUS), an organization that stands with the LGTQIA+ community and celebrates different expressions of individuality, most especially fashion. The HAUS gave viewers a short overview of themselves

KAMALAYAN NEWS

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“Don’t forget to create a balance between studying and leisure.

That’s what college is all about.”

through a video presentation. On the other hand, PILAK, represented by president Angelica Javier, had to put their full presentation to rest due to technical difficulties.

The afternoon session of the program neared its conclusion with the awarding of academic achievers for the 1st and 2nd terms of AY 2019 – 2020 of the said college. Certificates of academic recognition were conferred to a total of 206 students coming from the Communication, Multimedia Arts, and Environmental Science programs.

“Don’t forget to create a balance between studying and leisure. That’s what college is all about.” – Prof.

Sudaprasert (Dean of College of Arts and Science) To formally conclude the College of Arts and Science general assembly, the host invited Prof. Sudaprasert to deliver her closing remarks.

She gave her warm and heartfelt welcomes towards the new students of the college, as well as her blissful recognition to both new and consistent academic achievers. Furthermore, she encouraged everyone to finish what they have started amidst difficult and trying times. She wishes everyone to hold on to their desire to learn, and even quoted a famous musical line from the film series High School Musical: “We’re all in this together.”

The College of Arts and Science general assembly ended smoothly at 2:30 PM, as the host thanked everyone for tuning in and for being participative throughout the whole event.

MA. ROVILLA SUDAPRASERT Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

POSTER CCIS STUDENT COUNCIL

Lumiere

CCIS-SC Dedicates a Day for its Frosh WORDS JAMEELA LIM

The College of Computer and Information Science Student Council (CCIS-SC) spearheaded a series of warm welcomes for the college’s incoming freshmen and transferees this AY 2020-2021, held on the 17th of August 2020. With the title ‘CCIS Frosh Day 2020: Lumiere,’ inspired by the northern lights or aurora borealis, the event was divided into two sessions.

Session 1 The first session was a 20-minute Live Stream held at the aforementioned council’s Facebook Page, MCL - CCIS Student Council. The event, hosted by current CCIS-SC President Christian Gabriel Marzo, aimed to give new students an overview of what it’s like to be an MCL student. Interviews with some of the college’s exceptional students were done to achieve this

goal: former CCIS-SC President Sarah Leah Latayan (B.S. Information Technology), Dann Cedric Quitevis (B.S. Computer Science), and Miguel Patrick Cellona (B.S. Information Systems).

Furthermore, organizations whose expertise aligns with that of the college’s field of study were introduced. These groups are: the Junior Information Systems Security Association (JISSA-MCL), specializing in cybersecurity; the MCL Association for Computing Machinery Student Chapter (Junior MCL-ACM), specializing in programming and coding; and the Junior Philippine Computer Society - MCL Chapter (JPCS), intended for students in the field of information and communications technology.

Lastly, Marzo introduced famous places within and around MCL’s physical campus where students would usually eat and spend their free time before the pandemic happened. Places mentioned were Saucy, Nosh Street, Southpoint Square or SP, NesNeth Gaming Center, and MCL’s very own Airwell.

Session 2 The second session started at 2:00 in the afternoon and was held in Google Meet. Started by CCIS-SC President Christian Gabriel Marzo’s

warm greetings, it was succeeded by an overview of the council’s plans for both the online assembly and the current school year’s first term. Among those mentioned were tournaments for players of different online games, and a fundraising initiative for deserving students who need gadgets and mobile data load for their online classes.

Students then underwent a “sorting ceremony” where they were grouped into the following “districts”: Binary, Deci, Hexa, and Octal. The said ceremony is a tradition within the college, done so as to help students feel a sense of belongingness, and to ensure that they have people they can ask help from and share their interests with.

Soon after, the districts were then tasked to meet with some of the organizations introduced in the first session, which lasted for approximately 40 minutes per batch. A total of two batches were oriented by each organization participating in the meeting.

The session ended with a closing remark from Marzo, which included the mention of an upcoming general assembly to be held sometime in September.

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Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

Mapua-PTC CMET Orients its Student Body for First Virtual Assembly WORDS JAMEELA LIM The Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training (CMET) held its General Assembly in a Microsoft Teams meeting last August 18, 2020, from 9:00AM to 11:30AM. Attending the event were the aforementioned college’s new and current students, higherups, faculty members, and student council. Student Affairs Office (SAO) Director Angelito Platino was also present in the meeting.

The program started with a prayer led by 2nd Mate Renato Batara (Onboard Training Supervisor), and was followed by Chief Officer Dennis Dumoran (BSMT Course Coordinator / Faculty) giving his warm welcomes to the students and personnel present.

Bridging the opening program and event proper was a short introduction of the first speaker, accomplished by Chief Engineer Rodolfo Sanaño (BS MARE Program Chair). It was accompanied by an intermission number wherein student Gerald Rioveros covered the song You are the Reason, originally sung by Calum Scott, in a prerecorded video.

The main event consisted of a series of discussions. At the forefront, a presentation highlighting the college’s achievements and prestige in the field of maritime education was dispensed by Dr. Edgardo Geguiento, CMET Dean. In order of dissemination, talks succeeding the aforementioned discussion are as follows: advice on courserelated matters (e.g. overloading,

failing to enrol) by Capt. Armando Ternida (BSMT Program Chair); advising for IP-related concerns

by Dr. Edgardo Geguiento (CMET Dean); discussions regarding onboarding by 2nd Mate Renato Batara (Onboard Training Supervisor) and Mr. Rolly Cruz (Onboard Training Coordinator); and guidelines regarding the online delivery of courses for the first term by Dr. Edgardo Geguiento (CMET Dean).

The event neared its conclusion as Michael Villar, CMET Student Council President, delivers a brief speech thanking the outgoing student council and those attending the meeting, as well as assuring the college’s student body of the current student council’s support. It was followed by closing remarks delivered by SAO Director Angelito Platino in his short presentation, titled ‘MCL’s Transition to E-Campus Life’; the said talk covered MCL’s move from being a physical institution to a digital one, as well as emphasized the importance of collaboration and having a sense of belongingness amidst the current situation.

As a wrap up, attendees sang along to the Malayan Hymn. Soon after, the meeting was adjourned.

The event was led by masters of ceremonies 2nd Officer Wincelyn Jardeleza (CMET College Assistant), and 3rd Engineer Ryan Jake Epino (BS MARE Faculty).

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Warm Welcome for ETYCB in First Virtual General Assembly WORDS SYBERT NAVAEZ

The first virtual general assembly for the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business (ETYCB) is a part of the many adjustments for the new normal, but the warm welcome for its students was definitely nothing new as there was no shortage of energy all throughout the assembly. The virtual gathering put up by the ETYCB Student Council amassed a high number of 135 participants in its morning session. These participants were composed of returning students, faculty members, program chairs, ETYCB Dean Maria Rhodora Austria, and new students and transferees for whom most parts of the assembly were devoted to. The department now houses six programs of study: Accountancy, Accounting Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, and its newest offering, Business Administration.

ETYCB Student Council President Ralph Stephen Leyeza formally opened the program with a message of hope for his fellow students. He described how each and everyone yearns for the physical connection inside the campus that we have been accustomed to, but also assured the students that a funfilled experience for this academic year can still be provided during the online

term. He also reminded the students to maintain social awareness, to reach out for concerns, and to rest once in a while.

The student council also took this opportunity to introduce themselves to the student body that they will be serving for the rest of the academic year. Their plans for the year were divided into two: virtual and physical, depending on the development of the pandemic situation throughout the academic year. Some of the notable programs mentioned were Virtual Academic Assistance, Online Acquaintance Party, Mental Health Awareness Program, and Term Ender Open Forum. The presentation of the council’s financial statement

by Treasurer Christal Mae Villamin followed the discussion of the council’s plans.

The three resident organizations of ETYCB in the Young Entrepreneurs’ Society-MCL (YES-MCL), the MCL Hospitality and Tourism Enthusiastic Leaders Society (MCL HOTELS), and the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants-MCL (JPIA-MCL) also took the time to get acquainted with the new students of the department. These organizations talked about their plans of virtual activities for their members, with YES-MCL bringing in their

annual business pitching competition in an event called “Thinktok” to be held in a popular social media platform, MCL HOTELS continuing to conduct webinars that they have already started during the first stages of the quarantine period, and JPIA-MCL proceeding to build wfrom their strong academic and non-academic foundations in quiz bees and team building activities.

A virtual fun-and-games segment was also present in the assembly through brain teasers prepared by the council, with prizes awarded to active participants who were able to answer the questions thrown. To encourage the ETYCB students to reach out and ask questions, an open forum was held wherein questions were addressed by the student council.

To formally end the fun-filled assembly, ETYCB Dean Maria Rhodora Austria reminded the students to stick to their schedules and do their tasks, to participate and engage, to connect with their classmates and teachers, to be active in their organizations, and to still strive for excellence while having fun and taking care of themselves.

MITL Unites in Their First Online General Assembly WORDS CJ RECIO

Last August 18, 2020, the Mapua Institute of Technology at Laguna (MITL) hosted their General Assembly, welcoming its new students for Academic Year 2020-2021. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the MITL Student Council (MITL-SC) decided to stream their general assembly online via Facebook Live in their official page, making it the first one in the college’s history.

The general assembly started with the playing of two of MCL’s promotional videos, before the event’s host, Camille Calma, introduced herself and welcomed the viewers of the assembly. An opening prayer followed the welcoming.

After the ecumenical prayer, a welcoming speech was addressed by the Dean of the MITL College, Engr. Orlando Perez, who officially opened the assembly. In his speech, Engr. Perez made some motivational points that can help the students cope with the changes brought about by the new normal. One of the points he included was, “Stay at home, but not alone.” According to him, communication is key. Keeping in contact with fellow MITL students and professors will surely help them excel in their studies despite the pandemic.

He also reminds the viewers to stay safe and healthy, for it is uncertain when the current health crisis will end. He ended his speech with a line from Dr. Reynaldo Vea, “All hands on Deck, Laban Malayan!” He reminded that everyone may be facing trials but through cooperation, these can be resolved.

Soon after the opening remarks, the host then acknowledged the eight program chairs of the MITL department, namely Ar. Wilfredo Gacutan (B.S. Architecture), Engr. Jesuniño Aquino (B.S. Chemical Engineering), Engr. Hermie Del Pilar (B.S. Civil Engineering), Engr. Maribelle Pabiania (B.S. Computer Engineering), Engr. Maria Criselda Loyola (B.S. Electrical Engineering), Engr. Mae Garcillanosa (B.S. Electronics Engineering), Engr. Ezrha Godilano (B.S. Industrial Engineering), and Engr. Orlando Perez (B.S. Mechanical Engineering). The host then acknowledged the faculty members of each program whom the freshmen will get the chance to know in their respective general assemblies.

The new MITL Student Council who will be serving their fellow MITL colleagues this school year was then introduced.

Some of the members of the MITL-SC even gave their own welcoming messages as well as some advice for the new batch of future engineers and architects, most especially since the current term will be held online. The introduction neared its conclusion with a message from the council’s current president, Fernan Nadal, with his tip to never be shy in asking for help, may it be advice or reference from the MITLSC amidst the pandemic. The two advisers of the MITL-SC, namely Engr. Rainiel Vinzon Maala and Engr. Tristan Roy Panaligan, were also presented.

Former MITL Student Council president from Academic Year 2019-2020, Patrice Marianne Ilumin, then shared words of welcome and wisdom. Ilumin shared her experience with online classes, stemming from taking her final term in MCL online. She pointed out that there will be a lot of trials to face this academic year, not only for the students but also for professors. She quoted in her speech, “We are all sailing in the same ocean, but sad to say, each of us is using different kinds of boats.” According to her, some of the students may be blessed and gifted with resources, while others are not as lucky as the rest. She also pointed out that every student and professor will be persevering to give their all in these trying times, which is why we should have our own game plan.

When one plan fails, we should never give up and keep on creating new plans until we can settle for one that works best.

She ended her speech by saying that one must always believe in themself and to not be afraid to embrace change, before wishing the best for the new students of MITL.

For the next part of the event, Nadal presented the General Plan of Action prepared by the said council for the students.

One of the plans presented included the implementation of peer mentoring, which are subgroups per program for tutoring sessions and creating bonds between students.

Other plans entail the following: providing students with various programs inside and outside of school where they are free to express themselves, such as ESports tournaments so that students can relax once in a while; a Job Expo where they will create partnerships with companies for graduating students who may possibly have difficulties in finding a job due to the ongoing crisis; acknowledgement of students who do an outstanding job for each term; and an online forum to address students who may have academic-related concerns.

Lastly, the student council proposed to create a separate Facebook page where they can feature students who may be running small businesses, donation drives, and volunteer works.

Following the presentation of the General Plan of Action, the MITL-SC vice president, Franchesca Borjal, then introduced the different student organizations under MITL. These organizations include the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME-MCL), the Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines (ICPEP-MCL), the

Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE-MCL), the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE-MCL), the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies Transportation Science Society of the Philippines (EASTSTSSP), the Institute of Electronics Engineering of the Philippines (IECEP-MCL), the Association of Chemical Engineering Students (ACES-MCL), the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA-MCL), the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers - Operation Research Society of the Philippines (PIIE-ORSP MCL), and lastly, the Malayan Colleges Laguna Amateur Radio Club (MCL-ARC). The student organizations listed each had their own general assemblies later that day.

The event ended with the invitation of the aforementioned organizations for students to attend their respective general assemblies, which were to be held later in the day. The event concluded just before 10 in the morning.

“

We are all sailing in the same ocean, but sad to say, each of us is using different kinds of boats.”

PATRICE MARIANNE ILUMIN President, MITL-SC. A.Y. 2019-2020

11 FEATURE KAMALAYAN

Businesses you should look out for WORDS SIDNEA CABATUAN, KRIZZIA CHIONG & ANDREA UBONGEN Quarantine has been a rough ride for all of us, and with so much uncertainty, one never knows how things would turn out. Fortunately, some of our fellow wizards have managed to weather the storm and make a living for themselves. That being said, here are some of the businesses you should support and look out for.

Pomkin Bakes (@pomkinbakes)

Pomkin Bakes is an online bakeshop formed last May 2020 by the Pomento sisters: Jhayzel, Jumbell, Jhaznay, and Jayriel. Jayriel, the youngest, is a B.S. Hospitality Management student in Malayan Colleges Laguna. The business started as an idea when they were sitting around their dining table, thinking about what they could do during the quarantine. They decided to pursue a baking business since Jayriel is passionate about the craft. At the time, ube-cheese pandesal was a trend amongst the baking community so they thought of ways to incorporate the trend into their product; thus, the creation of their famous ube-cheese cookies. At the beginning of the business, it was hard to deliver and buy supplies because of the lockdown. Fortunately, they surpassed that hurdle and found better and easier ways to deliver their products and find suppliers. They thought the business would only serve as a temporary way to pass time, but that thought disappeared when they realized almost all of their time was being devoted towards the business. However, they are grateful for that happening, as it meant many people loved and supported their products. For people hoping to have a taste of their products, they can be reached through Facebook: Pomkin Bakes and Instagram: @pomkinbakes.

From top left to bottom left: Red velvet cookies with cream cheese filling, Assorted cookie box, Ube Cheese cookie, and screengrab of Pomkin Bakes Instagram Page.

PHOTOS POMKIN BAKES

PHOTOS BEADS & BUTTER

Beads & Butter (@beadsnbutter)

Beads & butter was started in August 2020

by Arne Renczar D. Zurita, a 2nd year B.A. Communication student, along with his sister Ava Rizza and mother Rhodora. Ava said that they started the business because she lost her job due to retrenchment, so she had to find other ways to earn an income. Since she always keeps herself updated with the latest trends, she is able to recommend cheap but good quality products to her friends. Eventually, these items became her products. Because their mother Rhodora is passionate about baking, they also included baked goods in their product list. Among the products that they sell are home decorations, accessories, dried flowers, and desserts. As the pandemic is still on-going, they decided to only deliver their products on specific days to ensure safety. They also highly recommend online payments to avoid direct contact. Their bestselling products are their dried flowers, choco banana bread, and nutty choco brownies. For people who want to buy decorations for their home or yummy desserts, you can contact them through Facebook: @beadsnbutter; their Instagram: @beads_butter; or their mobile number: 0906 051 8311.

PHOTOS TEA VERA AND FRAPPE

Tea Vera and Frappe (@teaverafrappe) Angel Lynne M. De Vera, a Grade 12 Home Economics student, along with her family, launched Tea Vera & Frappe. The business started in May of 2019 because of an on-going trend in their locality in Cabuyao called ‘militia’.

During its first year, all went well and the business started to flourish and gain people’s attention.

Customers continued to flow in and out of the place to get a taste of their food. However, because of the community lockdowns in 2020, the store had to close for two months. According to Ms. De Vera, even if the store was closed, customers were still asking for their menu, which is why they opened the option of deliveries. They are currently working with a skeletal workforce of a cashier and a cook. The must-try items on their menu are Pancit Bihon, Milk Teas and Frappes. If you would like to give them a try, you can reach the store through Facebook and Instagram: @teaverafrappe or through e-mail: teaveramilkteafrappe@gmail.com

Halamom LGN (@halamom.lgn)

Halamom LGN was launched by Belen Panganiban in August of 2020. Ms. Panganiban is a B.S. Architecture student who has been selling various items since her younger years.

According to her, selling lets her save up and help with her school fees. Selling plants during this pandemic came out of her mother’s love for plants and her grandmother’s green thumb. With their guidance, she launched Halamom LGN as a way of coping with the pandemic. Halamom is best known for its moon cactus, among other plants. The plants sold in the shop are great for people who like collecting succulents. According to Ms. Panganiban, one of the most fulfilling things about her business is packaging orders and sending them out to their new owners. She would also like to encourage her fellow students in selling and supporting each other’s businesses.

For orders and inquiries, please message her on Facebook or Instagram: @halamom.lgn.

From top to bottom: Various succulents and Moon Cactus succulents PHOTOS HALAMOM LGN

PHOTOS BELL

Bella Mujer PH (@bellamujer_ph)

Jelica Ann Marie G. Bella is a 2nd year B.A. Communication student who started the Bella Mujer PH amidst the pandemic. Jelica’s brother had been shouldering their family’s financial obligations, so Jelica decided to start a business to help out with their finances. At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Jelica had already been planning tvo start a small business and this pandemic served as the catalyst. Fortunately, a perfect opportunity transpired, making it possible for Jelica to produce lip products while online selling was at its peak. Since we are in the middle of a pandemic and community quarantine protocols are being implemented, obtaining supplies is still a struggle. To keep her consumers engaged, she does pre-orders. She added that her best work or her best product are her lip pens. Considering that we are limited when it comes to leaving our homes, it is a pretty good thing that Jelica’s business is online. Every week, she serves around 15-25 customers. If you hope to get some quality lip products and more, you may contact her through Facebook: Bella Mujer PH or through Instagram: @bellamujer_ph

LA MUJER PH PHOTOS ARTISAN MNL

Artisan MNL (@artisanmnl)

Artisan MNL is an arts and crafts supply store started by Perlita S. Peña and daughter Patricia P. Data back in 2015. Lee Andrei B. Olaes, a 4th year B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering student in Malayan Colleges Laguna, is also a co-owner of the store. The store initially started as an online business by Patricia, who quit her job to take care of her kids, including her newly-born third child. It started out with handmade calligraphy holders and pens, imported Rosemary & Co Artist brushes, Raphaël products, and Isabey products. Eventually, they put up a physical store in Solenad 3 Mall, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Although they knew they would be competing with established arts and crafts supply stores, they were confident that Artisan MNL could compete in terms of the quality of products in the South, especially in Solenad where there are several schools around the community. However, because of the pandemic, they decided to operate fully online and let go of the physical store. Among the products they sell are paint, canvas, pencils, and special papers, to name a few. For people who want to start or continue their journey in arts and crafts, you can buy supplies from them by reaching them through their email: Artisanmnlonline@gmail.com, Facebook, Instagram and Shopee: @Artisanmnl, or their mobile number: 0915 041 9413.

From top to bottom: screengrab of Ink Slinger Tattoo Studio’s Facebook Page and a sample work of portrait tattoo PHOTOS PAUL ANTONIO

Ink Slinger Tattoo Studio (@inkslingerpaulantonio) Ink Slinger Tattoo Studio was founded back in 2017 by Paul Antonio, a B.S. Architecture student.

Tattooing started out as a hobby for him and he soon realized that it could be a good source of income. For him, being able to place a client’s loved one on their skin is an honor, and he understands the amount of trust that they put in him. It seems to have paid off because he has grown a good reputation as an artist. His proudest moment as a tattoo artist is when he took home first place in a tattoo competition through one of his portrait works. Most of his clients find him through social media, but the amount of customers walking through the door lessened since the community lockdowns started. Fortunately, as lockdown rules loosened, more clients were able to get their tattoos done. He makes sure to be cautious and sanitary whenever doing a session; he sanitizes the whole studio before and after each session.

For people hoping to get quality tattoos, he can be reached through Facebook or Instagram: @ inkslingerpaulantonio.

Kersey Sta. Ines (@itskersu)

Kersey is a B.S. Architecture student who does digital art.

She likes to think of herself as more of a freelancer than a fullfledged business owner. Her commissions started in 2019 on Twitter, and was eventually led to Fiverr, an online platform for freelancers. She currently offers two gigs on Fiverr for pixel art and semi-realistic portraits.

There, her customers include Twitch streamers and various international clients looking to get digital works done. The price for her art pieces range from 15 to 200 USD, depending on the complexity of the request; this includes works that are made into GIFs. For local clients however, she expressed her willingness to adjust to her client’s budget, so long as she’s not underselling herself. For inquiries, feel free to contact her on Instagram, Twitter, or Fiverr: @itskersu.

PHOTOS KERSEY STA. INES

CLIR’s Online Services WORDS JAMEELA LIM

LAYOUT & DESIGN ELISHA GONZAGA

Hearing this name, you may remember a place where you spent some or most of your spare time doing one or even all of the following: borrow or return a book; chill before your next class; cram a homework; study for a test; or, if you’re feeling lucky, practice the risky art of ‘pretending to be awake while your consciousness leaves for dreamland’. Yup, you guessed it right: it’s none other than the school library itself, referred to by most of the community as “CLIR”. However, this time, it’s no longer about the air-conditioned rooms full of study tables and physical bookshelves, but a website full of functions worth checking out.

With the string of lockdowns limiting students and faculty to their homes, Malayan Colleges Laguna’s Center for Learning and Information Resources (MCL CLIR) initially launched the CLIR Online Reference Assistant (CORA). This service began during the third term of the previous school year, just in time for the sudden and inevitable transition to distant learning. Just like what the proverb says, “It is better to ask than to remain ignorant.” If you’re feeling lost, or have concerns and questions regarding CLIR’s resources and services, CORA can connect you to a librarian suited to give you the answers you need. No need to be shy, just ask them anything; just remember to be respectful about it and stay on topic.

Afraid of unintentionally committing plagiarism but can’t find a checker that is both free and reliable? Then you may find some peace using CLIR’s Plagiarism Checking Service, which utilizes the Turnitin platform. Whether you are a student writing an essay or research paper, or an instructor wishing to catch dishonest submissions, you may find this service quite handy.

If you are in need of resources, may it be for a research paper you’re writing or you just want to practice solving different problems, there are some of CLIR’s online services that you are encouraged to take advantage of. Book Scanning Service, as the name implies, allows you to get a scanned copy of book chapters and other printed materials in the said library’s collection; nevertheless, do remember to keep these for personal use only.

For resources that are already available in e-format like existing thesis and journals, you can request access from a librarian through their Online Document Delivery Service. However, if the material you’re looking for isn’t available in CLIR’s collection or you simply wish to share a good database you found yourself, you may use their Recommend-A-Purchase service. All of these are also accessible to faculty members, as Library Officer Lady Diana Mendiola points out, “We can also help faculty with teaching online using library resources such as ebooks and digital collections.”

Now, if you’re on the — not-exactly — other end of the spectrum wherein you already have a borrowed book with you, there are two services that may help you. If you’re not ready to part with your book yet but do not wish to pay a late fee, there is the Book Renewal and Reservation service just for you. In another case, if you’re one of those lucky (or unlucky, depending on your situation and perspective) enough to have borrowed a book during the last few days of the old normal, you may have heard that drop-off and delivery are the only options at your disposal when it comes to sending that — probably — dusty book home. Of course, don’t just show up or send something without informing the receiver; instead, you can use their Book Returns online service, where answering a form notifying them of your intention is a must.

If you’re the type whose interest is piqued by topics related to information studies, such as the types and kinds of resources there is and what constitutes them, you may be interested in CLIR’s Book-A-Librarian online service. “You can schedule a session with a librarian to provide guided virtual tours of any of our online resources, searching strategies, citation managers, and a wide variety of topics,” Mrs. Mendiola explains.

Lastly, those who simply wish to be updated with happenings and announcements in the library as well as acquisition of new resources can take advantage of CLIR’s Current Awareness Service. This is easily accessible through MCL CLIR’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MCL.CLIR).

“CLIR exists in support of the teaching, research and extension functions of MCL. Our goal is to maximize the accessibility of our resources and provide online research and digital learning support. From quick questions to in-depth research, we’ll help you get started or connect you to the librarian with the right expertise,” Mrs. Mendiola assures the community. If you wish to take a step in further enhancing your academic experience, especially in the current online setting, you can check out their aforementioned Facebook page and/or go to their website (http://clir.mcl.edu.ph/Resources/onlineservices.aspx).

It is better to ask than to remain ignorant.

The New SHS Council Now On Deck THEIR EXPERIENCE SO FAR AND PLANS FOR THE PRESENT SCHOOL YEAR WORDS ROSE OLEGARIO The Senior High School Student Council elections for School Year 20202021 took place on the 24th of July, with two parties competing against each other. A 13-day period was given to both of the opposing teams to campaign for themselves and let their voices be heard by the students. Leading the votes is the SILAKBO partylist that was finally appointed as the Senior High School Student Council who are expected to lead for the current school year.

THE COUNCIL In February, the initial lineup was finalized for the partylist. Candidates have already taken pictures and made plans for their election campaign, which was supposed to be held in April.

However, quarantine stirred things up and the elections got delayed until July.

Although the changes were challenging for the members, working as a team with a few group calls is enough for them to achieve and relay the message they want to send to the senior high school students.

Taking consideration of the pandemic, they have come up with practical projects for the students.

TechSmart is one of the programs they have proposed, wherein it aims to provide viable learning devices such as MCL-owned iPads and laptops to be distributed to the students who are in need of these. Another program they have in mind is an online concert— SaliwIndayog—enabling the students to showcase their talents and raise funds for a cause. As tough as leading a council is in an online setting, they are also trying to construct plans for the SHS students to enjoy despite lockdown.

To officially welcome the school year, Connect 2020: Mages’ Virtual Assembly

LAYOUT & DESIGN ELISHA GONZAGA

took place to introduce MCL to the new students. Organizations, where they can join and experience new things, were presented to them. They also learned the different facilities and offices of MCL through a video presentation, regardless of not being there physicalwise. Despite difficulties and being new to the position, the council had successfully greeted the students for School Year 2020-2021 through their first program. Additionally, in light of the Teachers’ Month, the senior high school students celebrated the event virtually, led by the student council presenting a sweet video message to give a warm recognition for MCL teachers and extend their gratitude and appreciation for their professors.

THEIR PLANS DESPITE THE STRUGGLES AND DIFFICULTIES The council members are no stranger to the stress an online learning setting has brought to students, and they are aware of how this big change affects their role of being student leaders.

Despite the complexities, addressing these concerns is what they prioritize in hopes of making the current online learning setting better and comfortable for students.

Balancing their academic endeavors and their duties as council members have also been giving them a hard time. They believe that being sensible to their responsibilities and proper time management helps them to be effective. Exchanging ideas and insights when planning events is very vital for the team. Alongside this, knowing one’s strengths gives an advantage when assigning tasks and roles in accordance with their position on the council. They have agreed that with teamwork and cooperation, anything is possible in

spite of the differences and obstacles.

The SHS week is most likely the most exciting event dedicated to the senior high school students of MCL. It is a pure regret on the side of the students because of the pandemic; however, the council plans to take the dare and will continue the week-long celebration virtually. The big celebration plans to take place in December, inviting students from different strands, especially Grade 11 students, to be part of the event. Throughout the week, contests, tournaments, conferences, and concerts will be held with invited speakers and guests to entertain the beneficiaries. This particular event aims to give a good end to the semester and have a smooth transition into the holiday vacation.

Other plans they have in store are taking part in inter-school competitions with a scouted journalism team, wherein they will be given a chance to show off their skills and talents in journalism and be the representative of MCL; and establishing a new organization— MCL Debate Society—with a goal of discussing and discoursing different judgments, opinions, topics, and issues existing in our society. Taking these into account, the Senior High School Student Council strives to bring utmost fun to the School Year 2020-2021, granted that our current situation due to the pandemic is not sitting well. “We think the key is constant engagement and communication with them,” claimed the members, seeing how important the response and assessment the students have towards their work.

Hand in hand with different MCL organizations and the whole student body, they believe that everyone will have an incredible school year just like any other year… or perhaps, even more.

Victory In Their Hands, MCL’s Pride MALAYAN ESPORTS CLUB AND YES-MCL WINS IN THE NEW NORMAL WORDS ROSE OLEGARIO

Different MCL organizations have been stepping up their game amidst lockdown.

Young Entrepreneurs’ Society-MCL (YES-MCL) and Malayan Esports Club (MESC) prove that online competitions have been on their side this time. These organizations have been busy participating in tournaments, bringing victory to their organization and representing MCL.

this, they play according to the factors they have identified in order to properly execute their desired gameplay. In terms of the differences the participants have as an individual and a student, understanding and adjusting to each other’s schedule is a must; therefore, playing together on weekday evenings has been their conventional routine before the actual match.

THE BIG DAY’S PREPARATION

Meanwhile, the members of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Society have also been bagging trophies since September.

Finding out about the competitions from their professors, the organization starts preparing the groups who will represent and compete with their adviser’s lead, concluding with the four wins they had on the 14th Annual Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA).

For the past few months of the current year, the Malayan Warlocks from Malayan Esports Club has taken home at least 10 outstanding wins on championships they have participated in, mainly AcadArena Campus Open Tournaments which is the biggest competition they have attended.

Preparing for these competitions is not as easy as winning sounds, as other priorities are coming back and forth. However, with their strategies and teamwork, placing on the top spot in almost every competition may be a piece of cake for the players.

As the organization has multiple game branches, each team prepares differently to achieve their goal of suitable play and good teamwork.

When practicing for a competition, the Warlocks tend to observe their opponents’ strategies and tactics to create one for themselves and use against the opposing team. Along with

With their eyes on the goal, together with the cheering of their co-members from the organization, competitors from YES-MCL may have been nervous and anxious due to the pressure the competition brings, but still turned the unexpected into a reality. They have stated that trust within themselves is essential when engaging in the event as it is completed by group. “We have to trust each one of our capabilities, and be motivated along the way of competition despite the stress and pressure,” they affirmed.

HARDSHIPS AND AFTERMATS OF THE COMPETITIONS With the mindset of going home with the trophy, the players from MESC prepare their focus, ensuring that distractions shall not pass on their watch, and players bring the highest percentage of effort on the entire game when it comes to the competition. Aside from this, attaining good camaraderie between the opposing players has also been part of the competition, where they gain a mutual bond despite being rivals. They believe that the heaviest hardship is the amount of mental stress that tournaments bring to them.

“Esports really takes a toll on your mental health, especially when you are put in do-or-die clutch situations,” identified by the Malayan Esports Club.

The aspiring entrepreneurs from YES-MCL, on the other hand, have also acknowledged the dispute in balancing their academic performance, personal responsibilities, and the worrisome competitions that are lined up. The trouble when it comes to communication is a huge bother to them on grounds of the pandemic, “It [pandemic] did not allow us to physically create and develop the paper together.” Even so, the inconvenience they had became a mere issue and there entered their passion and avidness on garnering a place in the contests they have been preparing for. With not a hint

LAYOUT & DESIGN ELISHA GONZAGA

of winning nor clinching a place since many other contestants from different corners of the country will also be taking part in these competitions, they gained the championship title in Mark It Up Marketing Strategy Plan Contest, in two categories on Business Idea & Development Award (BIDA), and also placed first place in two other categories on the same event, totaling to five victorious wins.

While this is all happening, the members feel lucky with the support their clubs are bringing to them.

Giving them the chance to enhance and prove their skills, the immense exposure of the members to partake in the competitive scene, along with other benefits, is a great deal and opportunity for each one of them.

COMPETING AMIDST THE PANDEMIC The new normal may be a big of a concern for YES-MCL, but their entrepreneurial mindset will never be blown away by this. Setting the phrase ‘prepare for the worst but hope for the best’ in their minds while competing helped them get the success they wanted. “We entered this competition not only to attain profit but also to care for the planet and its people,” the members stated.

Participating in online competitions is even new to MESC’s gamers despite only needing computers and gadgets for the event. As the Warlocks were more exposed to on-site tournaments before the pandemic, greeting opposing players and enjoying each other’s company would be one of the encounters they used to look forward to. However, with the current situation, competitions have been forced to take place online and individually in participants’ homes. Meanwhile, the biggest disappointment the pandemic has caused for the competitors is how celebrations are done. “During precovid, we celebrate our wins by eating

out after a tiring competition, but right now, we are just celebrating with our families or just hanging out after the matches,” they claimed.

The involvement of the Warlocks in these competitions allowed them to grow in various ways. Making friends is one but the experience is what truly matters to them. The quote, ‘Learn from your mistakes’, has been very applicable to them when they want to raise the stakes of winning.

Participating may bring an electrifying feeling to them; however, once they grasp the confidence they need, the eagerness of making it through the finish line and bringing victory home is a common thing any player has once the game starts. “The thirst for the thrill of competition and the feeling of victory drives us to become better competitors,” they proclaimed.

Though they know that the concept of competing is hard and tiring, may it be a win or lose, enjoying each game is the real key to victory.

With an unfamiliar setting like these online competitions, students continue to challenge themselves. The success that the Malayan Esports Club and Young Entrepreneurs’ Society - MCL has brought in—although anticipated but still shocking for them—is exceedingly remarkable despite everyone’s current situation. Nothing may have been easy for these competitors, but grasping the concept and the goal the team has for the competitions might have been a big contribution to their wins.

Setting goals straight and considering different factors while being aware of everything led these organizations the achievements they currently have -- represented their school, and, most importantly, exhibited what they are capable of.

“

Though they Likewise, representatives know that the from YES-MCL have seen a hole of advantages concept of and opportunities accompanied by these competitions.

While competing is hard they are not only in it for the experience, their and tiring, may it pride as future entrepreneurs and being part of the YES be a win or lose, community has dominated them and anticipated the insights and knowledge enjoying each that they may use for the development of their skills as game is the real entrepreneurs. Having a role as contestants for a national competition scares these key to victory. college aspirants; however, they surely [still] recognize it as a great pleasure to play a part in those, representing their organization, and the entire MCL community.

Art Will Thrive, Come What May WORDS NATHAN ORSEO ART HANNAH PAHUYO

Imagine this: You are a New Yorker, a Broadway performer. One hazy and rainy afternoon, as you are strolling home from the grocery, your mind suddenly transpired in reverie. Your thoughts are drifting into your current situation: unemployed and penniless. You were left pondering until you turned to Broadway Street; that is when you stopped and gazed at one of the theaters and wondered when the lights and curtains would open once more.

This situation is only one of the many difficulties that artists are facing. Since currently, much of the world has suffered from the impacts brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. More so, various economic industries are faltering and struggling to continue their operations. However, one industry has taken much of a toll yet remains overlooked, the art industry. Since the Philippine government has labeled it as a non-essential industry amid the pandemic, the workforce is restricted to limited employees. Thus, many artists are currently struggling with their livelihood. This sector is composed of occupations in traditional, visual, graphic, and performing arts. Amidst the pandemic, each artist has a story to convey how the current circumstances have affected their lives.

One of the most drastic impacts that befell artists is unemployment. In the Philippines, the art industry had the most workforce reduction, with a 72.9% decrease. As of July 2020, only around 117,000 individuals were left employed. Art corporations had no choice in reducing employees, or else their companies would’ve fallen. That is why

artists who were left with no occupations are forced to look for other means of sustenance to survive the pandemic. Unfortunately, some companies closed down entirely, leaving none with stable jobs, such as theaters and some film organizations. Due to this, artists have been demanding the Philippine government for support, but they are given little to none.

However, the pandemic did not quench artists’ fiery hearts since their resilience and forms of expression have radiated in such a situation.

Artists such as Heart Evangelista have inspired many Filipinos to practice art in coping with the pandemic. It is said that doing art can alleviate stress and worries while conveying their heart’s emotions. The true essence of being an artist is gleaming amidst the current situation. Art practitioners were still capable of displaying moral acts such as compassion and integrity despite the crisis. In looking at the bright side, the pandemic also allowed artists to hone their craft and try out other forms.

Despite the impacts of the pandemic, art will not just fade away into nothingness. Instead, art can mold a path toward coping and expressing. The industry may be in shambles, but artists will never allow it to be shattered. In this time, the essence of art is more vital than ever. It touches the hearts of many and gives a sign of hope that the future may bring better fortune. Imagination, creativity, and expression make us human, and it is the light that humanity needs in a time of darkness.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

PICASSO

“

These Digital Tools Will Help You Thrive In The New Normal Fresh from the horrors of crumpled paper and faded ink, online digital productivity tools have been the ongoing trend since the start of distance learning -- not just in the Philippines but in the world. Digital productivity tools are not exclusive to Apple’s iPad series, which have been popular devices in YouTube’s note-taking community.

These also include the applications and software that run on different devices, whether on personal computers, digital tablets, or even mobile phones.

In a study by the enterprise company Aruba, which involved 7,000 employees across 15 countries, employees in a digital workplace are more productive, more satisfied with their jobs, and generally have a better sense of well-being. Thus, it is no wonder that students are also shifting to this kind of ecosystem. Among the popular applications students use are Notion, Google Calendar, Quizlet, and Microsoft OneNote.

Whether you want to take class notes, make a simple grocery to-dolist, or create a journal of your favorite beach trip memories, Notion can be the answer to your needs. Notion is an “all-in-one workspace” that can be used by one person or even by a whole team for collaborating. The downside to it though is that it doesn’t work without an internet connection, as its sync feature should always be on. However, it is still such a powerful tool that it can even be used to make a product roadmap or to host big team collaborations.

It is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. The most basic version is the free subscription, but there are other features not included in it, such as unlimited file uploads and unlimited

team members. However, do not fret, as Notion Personal Pro is free for all students who have a school email address.

Do you think that Notion is too complicated for you as you only want to make a reminder of your schedule, not rely heavily on it for note-taking? Then, Google Calendar is your friend. Google Calendar is, as it is clearly stated, a calendar. Its simplicity and easilycustomizable features are what makes it appealing to students. There is also a great feature in which you can both make a private calendar for yourself and a work calendar for collaborating.

There are, nonetheless, issues by some users with its use, with one being its inability to sync properly amongst different devices at certain times. Still, it’s worth noting that the application is completely free and available for use on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Another famous note-taking tool is Microsoft’s OneNote, which is available for download on devices that run on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Similar to other note-taking tools, it has the option to add notebooks and pages to these notebooks. The good thing about OneNote is users are given the choice to write freely anywhere on the page and in different formats available to the text. One can also record audio while taking notes, which is a good feature when you are in class listening to a professor. However, of course, be sure to ask your professor for permission first before recording their lectures.

Lastly, how can one forget the amazing Quizlet? Ever run out of index cards to write on before a big test? Quizlet is an application in which one can make quick flashcards

WORDS KRIZZIA DIANNE CHIONG ART HANNAH PAHUYO

for studying. That is quite a limiting sentence though, as one cannot only make their own flashcards but also view and use other people’s existing ones.

If one wants to study the functions of the parts of the cell, for example, one can just search “parts of a cell” and many existing flashcards will show up.

A clear disadvantage of this though is the possibility of a student learning incorrect things from other people’s flashcards. There is both a free and paid version of the said application, with the free version riddled with advertisements from various companies.

Even though these applications have endless features and amazing capabilities, a research done by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014) shows that students who take notes through laptops performed worse in conceptual questions than those who studied by handwriting. This is because the verbatim typing of concepts makes learning damaging, seeing as it goes through more surface-level processing, than when they are written in the notetaker’s own words.

Because everything now is done online, including school, students tend to seek out alternatives in order to keep up with a faster-paced learning environment. We have to consider, though, that not everyone can access these alternatives, and being able to do so still remains a privilege. While the use of these applications are becoming more prevalent, students who cannot even afford a box of Crayola may not even know them; thus, as of the moment, it is better to consider these applications as simply alternatives rather than necessities.

BLiss

A Must-Watch List WORDS JUSTIN ANJELO CLEMENTE

Cute love stories always melt and flutter our hearts. As media representation continues to strive in the 21st century, the Thai Boy Love (BL) series are a must-try! BLs are popular in Thailand for its LGBTQ++ representation of love stories that vary from light to dramatic stories.

Here are 5 BLs to binge-watch ASAP:

This 2020 hit BL series shook the Twitter world with its kilig scenes and wholesome plot. 2gether: The Series tells the college love story of Sarawat played by Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree and Win Metawin Opas-Iamkajorn as Tine. The story starts with a persistent admirer of Tine named Green who disturbs Tine, pushing him to join the music club and persuade Sarawat, an introverted guitarist and soccer player, to act like fake boyfriends and finally get rid of Green. As the story unravels, their fake relationship had its ups and downs, which eventually blossomed to something more serious. The overflowing chemistry between Sarawat and Tine plummeted this series to become such a hit, along with its light-hearted romance that makes us feel kilig and wish for a relationship like theirs.

Theory of Love

2gether: The Series

In another college love story, Theory of Love stars Atthaphan Phunsawat as Third and Jumpol Adulkittiporn as Khai. Film major Third finds himself falling in love with his best friend for a long time now but because of his fear, he decided to hide his feelings to protect their friendship. As Khai keeps on dating numerous girls, Third could not help but feel jealous as his heart breaks even more when Khai says he has no interest in dating any of his friends. The story will revolve around Third’s decision to either move on and forget about his feelings or finally confess his unrequited feelings for Khai.

Starred by Tay Tawan Vihokratana as Pete and Thitipoom Techaapaikhun as Kao, Dark Blue Kiss tells the story of Pete and Kao’s love as they deal with the acceptance and struggle of being a gay couple. Kao, who is still closeted from his mother, tries to help his family financially by tutoring high school students part-time. The series tackles every facet of a relationship such as trust, jealousy, and commitment, including a roller coaster of emotions that will surely leave you binge-watching every episode late at night.

Dark Blue Kiss

TharnType

As another Thai BL classic, TharnType tells the story of Tharn (Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat) and Type (Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong) as their relationship starts from enemies to intimate lovers. With a horrific experience from the past, young Type grew up to be homophobic and was enraged upon knowing that his college dormmate Tharn is gay. As Type does everything horrible to make Tharn leave and hate him, the opposite happened instead with the two falling in love. But the story only starts as they face several conflicts in their relationships that tested their love for one another. Watching BLs is indeed incomplete without TharnType.

If you loved Meteor Garden, this BL series is surely another one you will love. As freshmen college student Kongpob (Singto Prachaya Ruangroj) enters the Faculty of Engineering, they must undergo a program called S.O.T.U.S. meaning Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit. Third-year senior Arthit (Krist Perawat Sangpotirat), who uses his seniority to inflict bullying on neophytes, stops as Kongpob stands up against the abuse in their faculty. As their quarrel develops, so is the affectionate relationship between them.

ART RISHA ANGELA JIMENEZ

SOTUS

KAMALAYAN

SCIENCE 31 35

Narcotization of COVID-19 News

Witchcraft, Plagues, and Medicine:

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How historical illnesses shaped Medical Frontliners today

Was It Right To Use Dolomite?

I Heard A Rumor WORDS NICHOLAS DALE TALUBO Queen bees in high school are often depicted as having it all, with their only problem being their superficial self. However, true to the age old adage “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”, queen bees have the difficult job of keeping their reputation golden and tearing down others, all through the use of gossip and rumors. If the tables were turned, any self-respecting queen will order her subjects to find out who first uttered the word “I heard a rumor...”. To avoid the queen’s wrath, her clique will need to start pseudocontact tracing to combat the spread and to find the soon to be beheaded Typhoid Mary -- a whole lot like the jobs of today’s contact tracers but probably without the beheading part.

Contact tracing is used as a control measure to prevent the spread of a disease and help with the eradication.

The technique has been used to help control sexually-transmitted diseases, SARS, and today’s COVID-19. Data gleaned from this process can end up being used to target

treatments and policies to the right people and, in the case of rumors, find the person the queen should sink her claws in.

Formally, the World Health Organization details three basic steps: contact identification, contact listing, and contact follow up. Identification involves finding out who were in contact with the carrier of a virus (or rumors), what they were doing, and any relevant details depending on the type of disease. After the identification, lists of the contacts should be made and necessary information be disseminated. This step is called contact listing and, for the queen’s clique, means cornering helpless suspects and teaching them a lesson they’ll never forget. True to its name, the last step is the active monitoring of the contacts for symptoms.

There are two mediums that contact tracers can use: conventional contact tracing, which uses face-to-face methods, or telephones and mobile app contact tracing, which use mobile apps. Taking the queen bee metaphor

literally, a weird example of a method for conventional tracing was made by Police General Albert Ignatius Ferro of the PRO-7 Philippines, who suggested that the country’s ‘chismosas’ or gossipers can be used as contact tracers.

The effectiveness of this proposal remains unknown since the police general later claimed this was a joke.

Contact tracing may be one of the buzzwords that rose with the COVID-19 pandemic, but its basic principles has been used by any school’s queen bee. As the Mean Girls trilogy have taught us, it is always better to distance yourself from the toxicity of the Plastics, just like it is always safer to practice social distancing. However, if you find yourself being questioned by one of the queen’s lackeys or by a health professional, perhaps it is better if you simply list down your contacts since you’ll be helping fight the spread of COVID-19 or to simply avoid going down for hearing a nasty rumor about the queen bee.

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Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

Reaching for the Stars WORDS NICHOLAS DALE TALUBO Most humans can only imagine the feeling of being in space. However, for Belka and Strelka, one of the first living creatures to go to orbit and return, their first moments in space was of stillness, perhaps due to wonder for being part of the few dogs that got to leave the planet or due to adjustments in a weightless environment. Nevertheless, they and the ship that sent them to space, the Sputnik 5, became one of the earliest and most celebrated achievements of the Soviet Union in the Space Race.

Nearly 60 years later in the middle of a pandemic, the spirit of Sputnik 5 is being revived. Instead of two dogs and a big metal ship filled with fuel, this Sputnik 5 is administered using syringes that carry adenovirus vectors in hopes of producing antibodies that neutralizes COVID-19. Similar to a post van, Sputnik 5 carries letters in the form of adenovirus vectors containing genetic information that instruct cells to produce an antibody that binds to the virus’ spike protein or keys.

Back in 1960, the satellite Sputnik 5 received awe and wonder from the world; however, this time around the vaccine Sputnik 5 received questions and doubt. Vaccines normally have an average of 10-15 years of development; however, luckily, modern technology has sped this process up. During this pandemic, experts are hoping to release a vaccine in an accelerated one-year time period. Concerns a b o u t the efficacy and safety of the vaccine

will come naturally in this short time. The initial response to Sputnik 5 was partly due to the sped-up process and mostly due to the lack of peer reviewing of its clinical trials.

Vaccines normally take a circuitous path before it reaches your body, unless you are one of the few brave souls who dared to join clinical trials. They begin their lives in the exploratory stage where they live as ideas thought of or yet to be discovered. For the world’s first vaccine, its journey started from the minds of scientists at the Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russia.

Testing a potentially dangerous product on humans is generally frowned upon by the scientific community, whether it is voluntary or especially if it is involuntary. Scientists around the world hoping to develop products for humans have the ethical responsibility to keep it as safe as possible. Preclinical trials or the 2nd stage of vaccine development allows scientists to test their ideas in vitro and on animals. This stage narrows down the list of solutions as they weed out dangerous or simply ineffective candidates.

Following pre-clinical trials, the clinical trials are basically the do-ordie stage of vaccines. Most vaccines do not make it pass here as scientists search for actual empirical evidence about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. This stage is divided into three phases differentiated by the number and characteristics of volunteers and the focus of the trials. Phase 1 is done on a small group to check the safety of a vaccine before moving on to bigger trials. It is

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naturally followed by Phase 2, which normally includes more volunteers; but unlike its precursor, Phase 2 chooses its volunteers based on the population the vaccine is targeted at. Phase 3 is conducted with a larger study size often chosen at random.

One of the things that separates science from other ways of understanding the world is peer review or the process in which other experts review works in their field to check for quality and validity. Little data has been released about the clinical trials the vaccine supposedly already passed.

Unlike other vaccines, Sputnik 5 was approved and released for use without Phase 3 trials. It was also found that the size of the Phase 1 and 2 trials of Sputnik 5, 76 individuals, was the same with a standard Phase 1 trial. While adenoviral vaccines were claimed to have been relatively safe, without scientific proof, risks still exist. AstraZeneca’s vaccine trials, which also use adenovirus vectors, were temporarily halted on Tuesday after a participant experienced an unexplained illness.

Back in the 1960s, the Soviet’s Sputnik 5 also produced fear as Americans realized the Soviets may soon reach and colonize the moon. Luckily, Belka and Strelka remained neutral in this issue and returned to Earth as celebrities.

Similar to its 1960 counterpart, the journey of the Sputnik 5 of 2020 will be rough and it has literally no living passengers that the world will be praising anytime soon. Truly, only time and the risks that the brave volunteers are taking will tell whether this Sputnik 5 will reach the stars as one of the fastest vaccines produced or end up as a bad crater in the history of vaccines.

Was It Right To Use Dolomite?

WORDS FRANCIS DARWIN BAGAPORO ART DAN CALUNIA

KAMALAYAN SCIENCE

L a s t S e p t e m b e r, plans of rehabilitating Manila Bay by putting white sand in a portion of Roxas Boulevard Baywalk took place.

The plan was to try and turn Manila Bay into a beach worthy of being a tourist spot, much like the beaches in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The project, in technical terms, is called beach nourishment or the act of supplying sand to a portion of a given shore. Aside from the project’s timing, one of the things that has earned the ire of the public is the material used in the project: dolomite sand.

Dolomite sand comes from dolomite rock, which in itself is a constituent of dolostone. Dolomite forms in environments where calcium carbonate accumulates after coming from coral fragments and fecal matter from tropical birds. These environments are marine in nature as well as warm and shallow, allowing calcium carbonate to cake. Dolomite is then formed after the

calcite in the calcium carbonate mud reacts with magnesiumrich groundwater. This reaction is called dolomitization.

Dolomite, despite its commonality, is only used for a handful of applications, the most common of which is in the construction industry where it is used as road construction material and in concrete production.

It is not, however, used in most beach nourishment projects.

The most common material used in such projects is silicon dioxide.

Silicon dioxide can be mined from dry lake beds and is relatively safe, apart from health effects from chronic exposure. However, this would produce brown sand. To replicate white sand that can be found in Boracay, calcium carbonate would be the exact material.

Calcium carbonate, again, is a relatively safe material as it naturally occurs from marine wildlife, such as corals, and can most commonly be seen in the form of chalk.

Dolomite sand, on the other hand, is calcium magnesium carbonate.

And it is the metallic component of dolomite, along with impurities that come with mining it such as iron, lead, and aluminum, that causes concern.

Heavy metal impurities such as lead are especially harmful to humans. The question of dolomite’s safety is further supported by the safety data sheets of construction companies like Lafarge and Vulcan Materials Company. Both

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companies list that dolomite dust may cause cancer when inhaled as well as irritation when exposed to eyes and skin. Although, in defense of the said project’s supporters, the dolomite sand used was in granulated form, which is unlikely to be inhaled.

The Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) also assures the public that dolomite sand is safe and the project has been thought out carefully. They even claimed that some beaches in the country had already used dolomite in the past, along with releasing scientific tests that proved that the sand they used were free from hazardous metals.

However, if the safety of dolomite used were to be proven otherwise, the DENR could possibly go with some other alternatives. For instance, they could refine dolomite into a much safer, more suitable material. However, this would add cost to the already hefty P389-million budget. Another alternative would be to mine white sand from a preexisting white sand beach. But this would be sand theft, and considering the scale of the project, this would culminate in massive fines along with an actionable offense. This would also earn disapproval from environmental groups. Or finally, the DENR could go radical and research other possible materials. But, this would mean halting the already ongoing Manila Bay rehabilitation.

Conceptually, the Manila Bay rehabilitation program is not a bad idea, one may even liken it with reforestation. But, if done improperly or if some steps would be skipped, it may only contribute to the already worsening state of Manila Bay.

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Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

Witchcraft, Plagues, and Medicine:

How historical illnesses shaped Medical Frontliners today WORDS NATHAN ORSEO Throughout the course of history, the world has experienced so many adversities like famine, war, and unrest, but these did not have the same deathly impact as diseases. Whenever the time and whoever the person may be, regardless of any social class, everyone is vulnerable to illnesses.

More so, the medical frontliners who plunge themselves amongst the sick and dying, risking their own lives to save others. Thankfully, we’re not living in the Middle Ages anymore, where being a medical practitioner is a riskier profession since they were the ones commonly burned alive on a stake because of accusations of practicing witchcraft. Without a doubt, it is one of the most demanding and strenuous professions in the world.

Ever since the start of the pandemic, every medical frontliner has been pushed to their limits. Exhaustion, paranoia, and stress are some of the feelings that they have to endure as they enter hospitals or clinics. In these trying times, they are our backbone and fort. Society hasn’t collapsed because they haven’t given up just yet.

The medical field is one of the oldest professions. It dates back even to the ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians. Before, they were called healers. Society was yet young, and healers had to be resourceful with what the Earth and the environment had to give, like herbs and plants. People treated them with utmost respect, mostly, when a plague or epidemic is spreading throughout cities and nations. Medical practitioners were the first to take action in these times, but

they were also the ones who commonly suffered from backlashes.

Back in the Middle Ages, where superstition and witchcraft were believed by some to exist, people were determined to gain answers as to why illnesses were infecting thousands of people. In this time, religion is also highly regarded that priests often told people that praying was the answer and that life or death was in God’s grasps.

That’s why most people were both thankful and bewildered at the same time as to how medical practitioners were able to save a person’s life. While those who were left puzzled accused witchcraft of those who practiced medicine and were able to cure someone. People believed that, being able to heal someone of the disease, they may also be the ones responsible for starting the illness. Women were the most common to be put on trial for suspicions on being a witch, and most of them were tied to a stake and burnt alive as a manner of execution and cleansing.

Many plagues and illnesses have surfaced the Earth through the years, and each caused millions of deaths.

One of the most infamous plagues and pandemics was the Black Death or otherwise known as the Bubonic Plague. It surged through most of Europe in the Middle Ages and killed more than 50 million people. Burning witches continued, and at this time, the frontliners were the medical professionals as well, but even they can’t make a cure for the disease.

They can only treat them and let their bodies regulate themselves. Plague

Doctors were also sought-after in this era. Whenever treating a patient, these doctors wore beaked masks filled with different herbal scents to filter out the infected air. This belief happens to be a misconception at the time since the medical field wasn’t that advanced yet and still relied on herbs and plants.

This devastating tragedy wiped out 60% of Europe’s population, but it was also the spark needed to invest in advancements in the medical field.

People started taking initiatives to increase their knowledge of the medical sciences so that no one could live to see another disaster similar to the Bubonic Plague. Many scientists, scholars, and ordinary people were responsible for the sudden increase of medical knowledge through the centuries to come. There were many advancements discovered, misconceptions debunked, and more lives saved. All from a history that people don’t want to experience once more.

Today in the 21st century, amidst the pandemic, medical frontliners still have the same fighting spirit as the ones in the past. They go to work because they believe that it is in their duty to save lives so that there could be a future for everyone. The frontliners today have the same bravery to risk their lives as the frontliners of the past who risked being burned alive. Medical practitioners aren’t just frontliners today, but they are our frontliners then, now, and tomorrow.

KAMALAYAN SCIENCE

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Narcotization of COVID-19 News WORDS ABBEYKING LLANOS

As of today, the Philippines currently has 383,000 cases related to COVID-19.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), as of October 28, the Philippines currently has a mortality rate of 67.82 for every million of its population, taking the number one spot in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines’ population also suffers from moderate to severe psychological damage from the COVID-19 outbreak.

But apart from the increasing transmission and psychological impact of COVID-19, are there other possible ways Filipinos get affected by this seemingly everlasting pandemic?

Narcotizing Dysfunction Isolated in the four corners of our homes, Filipinos resort to spending their time on the world wide web for at least four hours and one minute,

on average, on a regular basis. Among the contents you’ll encounter on the internet are news about COVID-19, to the extent that everyone can access such contents even from social media platforms. In the case of COVID-19 news, it has already been continuously reported for 9 months on a daily basis.

This repetitive reportage may lead to what we call “narcotization dysfunction effect”, where people start to be “apathetic” about the news brought by continuous and repetitive reportage about the same issue.

The mass media theory of narcotizing dysfunction suggests that people do care and know about the issue; however, people are already numbed to the point that they do nothing about it, which creates mass apathy. This “mass apathy” may also be an effect of other

ART KATHLEEN GUERRERO

psychosociological factors, which in the case of the Filipinos is hunger due to poverty. Survey by The Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that 83% of Filipinos said that their quality of life got worse, whereas only 6% believed that their lives got better. Also, the concern by the 83% of the Filipinos who took the survey is the oncoming economic recession in the Philippines.

Filipinos are commonly known for their resilient trait, but until when can we still hold on? The moral lesson that we can learn from these social realities is that Filipinos do not simply “violate” because they want to, and are “undisciplined”, but it is because 90% of Filipinos have this “fear” that is also spreading among us; fear that is coming from our lack of security.

Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

KAMALAYAN

SPORTS 37 37 Student-athletes during the pandemic

Bubblewrapped

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Among Us

Toxic Filipinos in the Game

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Bustling Student-Athletes of MCL:

What Are They Up To Now? WORDS ROSE OLEGARIO

Social distancing is a must for this pandemic, making it hard for everyone to adjust. Student-athletes who are longing to play the sports they love with and against other players are also affected by this, creating an unavoidable situation. Training and exercises with other players and coaches are a great help to enhance their abilities and skills but these too are postponed, which might have a huge effect on their potential and capabilities. However, staying fit is still a necessity, especially when the time comes for them to head back to their own courts.

What has changed during the pandemic?

Apart from maintaining a balanced diet, exercises and routines are most likely what athletes do to keep in shape.

But with the unfamiliar disease, these have lessened.

Louis Decena, captain of MCL’s Basketball Varsity team, has made some serious changes in his routines. “In the morning, we attend our basketball practice then freshen up to go to our respective classes afterward. Some of us have classes till 8 in the evening; it

is only then can we do our assignments and take-home activities,” he said. “But due to this pandemic, I’ve been working out inside my house and because we don’t have a basketball ring at home, it is never the same,” he then added.

“

The pandemic may make it a bit harder, but getting disheartened can get you nowhere.

On the other hand, football player Adriel Zalcita also changed his usual routines from doing heavy workout into doing light weights. Alongside this, checking online tasks has been one of his drills every morning for his online classes. While student-athletes

are mostly concerned about balancing their academic performances and being a sports player before, they have become more focused on their studies because of COVID-19 rather than worrying about their training and competitions.

Other student-athletes also still try to excel in their sports amidst the break. Badminton player Katrina Lutero finds time and ways to keep her routines up despite lockdown, but is still not effective. “I don’t push hard training unlike before, and I think that is ineffective for me in a way. It might change my body condition and how I play,” she stated.

Rey Gabilan, volleyball player, has a different regimen. Having a serious healthy diet is one of the adjustments he had made and is not quite the thing he did the most before lockdown.

“I think my present routine is more effective than before. I can see a lot of changes in my body shape,” he claimed.

His routine before includes cardio exercises and ball drills, but has now been minimized to cardio and focuses more on having a balanced meal.

KAMALAYAN SPORTS

Table tennis player Kainice Lopez admitted that training is better with the guides from coaches and practicing with teammates, “Before, they will manage time to train us with various strokes, steps, and techniques. But during this pandemic, our training routine will be facing the mirror and doing strokes frequently and checking through reflection if our stroke is good.”

She said that it only helps her a little compared to training with the coaches along with a table and multiball.

After-plans Now, the pandemic may be far from over but everyone is looking forward for it to end. These student-athletes couldn’t stop thinking about their freedom to finally play their sports again and improve their skills from training and their coaches. “I miss the hard training because it is only when you can push

yourself to the limit,” Decena said. He also claimed that his coaches are very helpful and supportive to the team as they are encouraged by them to be better.

Learning with their teammates is also at the top of their list of what they miss as they get to enjoy the rough training. “Playing along with my teammates is one of them, bets to those who will win, and also sparring with senior teammates,” Lutero remarked.

Moreover, they sure are excited to take part again in sports activities.

“After the pandemic, I just look forward to getting back in the field. Since I am in grade 12 now, I would be trying out for different schools,” Zialcita commented. “I am just looking forward to playing the sport I love and getting to experience it with other people that I know so well,” he said.

From student-athletes Amidst the pandemic, studentathletes or not, anyoWne’s health may be affected; therefore, it is still

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important to stay in shape. Like what Gabilan does, he creates a timetable for himself to be productive. “Create a new schedule so that you can manage your time for being a student during this pandemic,” he suggested. Furthermore, anyone can spare some time working out for at least two to three days in a week, similar to what Lutero does.

Being a student-athlete may be hard, but a little motivation and support from yourself and from others can give you the strength to be physically fit and be an academic warrior. The pandemic may make it a bit harder, but getting disheartened can get you nowhere. “We must stay tough in these unfortunate situations,” Zialcita reflected. “We have no reason to not make our future into what we want it to be.”

Doing everything with passion and good intention is a must for Lopez. The current event outside our homes may be an obstacle to everyone but anyone can survive it. “We cannot control what is happening to us, or in this world,” Decena stated. “The only thing that we can control in this world is our attitude and effort.”

ART ELISHA GONZAGA

Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

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Bubble-wrapped WORDS SYBERT NAVAEZ

The packages you receive at your doorstep are meticulously secured to ensure the safety of what’s inside -- most are bubble-wrapped. Recently, the successive return of sports leagues at the height of the pandemic came in unexpected packages to the delight of sports fans around the world. Uniquely, due to the situation that we are facing today, the approach for team sports is to return in a bubble setup -- all the players and the staff of sports leagues stay isolated in one place to finish a full season, making the phrase “living in a bubble” a reality. The bubble wrap in our packages and the bubble concept in sports both ought to serve the same purpose of providing protection and security to what’s inside.

The bubble setup was the logical choice for sports leagues after witnessing the disastrous attempt of the Major League Baseball (MLB) to resume its season, hounded by a chain reaction of players testing positive to the COVID-19 virus, leading to another series of postponement of games.

One of the popular sports leagues to successfully pull off the bubble concept ART DAN CALUNIA

is the Nat i on a l B asketball Ass o ciat ion (NBA).

The regular season was suspended in March when several players tested positive to the virus and resumed from August to October in a bubble in the Walt Disney World in Orlando including the playoffs. As expected, the bubble setup received mixed reactions from the players and fans alike, as players accustomed to the chants of their fans and supporters during huge games were left with no other option but to play in empty arenas. However, the physical absence of the fans was resolved by installing large LCD screens in the venues where virtual fans appeared to watch the game “live”.

The bubble setup posed unique situations for the team’s players, coaches, staff, and even the sports media as they stayed secluded from the public to resume sports. Some of these are the team workouts that were very much different from before, as they are obligated to observe health protocols and wait for their schedules as they share facilities with other teams.

The players’ mental health were also monitored as they resided away from their families for a long period of time.

On the other hand, some advantages were credited for the teams’ competitive performances inside the bubble, such as taking away the travel time which wears the players out during the regular season, and spending more time with the other players and staff to try out

new things such as playing bowling, golf, or brewing coffee as long as the bubble amenities permit. Despite the unique challenges posed by a bubble setup, it was effective with its stringent protocols. To highlight the effectiveness of the concluded NBA bubble, the league was proud to share that zero positive cases were recorded in the course of the two month-long season resumption.

In the context of Phiippine sports, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) also adopted the bubble setup, following the footsteps of the NBA, and is the first professional sports league in the country to return into action.

To provide the amenities for its teams during their free time and off days while ensuring safety from the virus infection, the league set up a bubble in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

The 12 team league started its games on October 11 and came to a brief halt on October 30 after a referee and a player tested positive for the Coronavirus despite following strict health protocols.

The season resumed immediately after both tested negative. Following the PBA’s bubble is the Philippine Football League’s own in Carmona, Cavite which started its games on October 25.

With the proven effectiveness to some extent of the bubble concept in sports, it seems to be the blueprint for the world of team sports for now while the pandemic is ongoing. In the case of individual sports, virtual competitions already in place are making it possible.

One by one, team sports leagues are setting up their bubbles to get back into competitive action, and these will soon make the sports world “bubblewrapped”.

KAMALAYAN SPORTS

AMONG US:

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Toxic Filipinos in the Game WORDS CJ RECIO “Join your crewmates in a multiplayer game of teamwork and betrayal.”

Among Us has been one of the most hyped games of 2020. It is such a simple game that even kids and non-gamers could understand its mechanics.

Among Us is a survival, information and detective game where players are placed in an environment with other players and have to do numerous tasks to win. This game comes with a catch: one to three players, depending on the lobby’s settings, are assigned the role of the impostor or the enemy. Their job is to kill without getting caught, sabotage and frame other crewmates to win. To make the game more fun and interesting, no one is allowed to talk unless a body is found and until then, players can openly debate and vote out who they think the impostor is.

The game made its debut last 2018 but did not get much recognition until two years later. When the pandemic struck the world, it started to get the attention it deserves. For the past months since its hype, the used-to-be empty servers are now packed with millions of players in various lobbies, which would sometimes cause the game to lag and disconnect players from the game. This happens most especially at the game’s

ART JACE LANDICHO peak hours. Due to strict protocols of social distancing and self-isolation, contact sports such as basketball and volleyball are not allowed. This is the reason why online games suddenly became a hype. People turned to online games in order to ease their boredom of staying at home. In the Philippines, which has one of the longest lockdowns in the world, people are still afraid to go out despite missing their friends, which is why Filipinos would socialize on Discord and play multiplayer games such as Among Us. The game has also become popular in our country and it is without a doubt that every once in a while, players will meet toxic players in the game. Even though people would say that “not all Filipinos in the game are toxic, and not all toxic players are Filipinos,” many who played the game would agree that the worst players to encounter are toxic Filipinos. This is despite the fact that it was the Filipinos who pretty much started the Among Us bandwagon.

There are many kinds of toxic people in the game. They range from mass quitters, because they did not get the impostor role, and hackers despite being a simple game with simple mechanics, to cheaters who instantly know who the

impostor is because their friend told them over a voice channel. Although the worst type of toxic players would be those players who do not respect other players. An example of this can be observed in the chat box, which is specifically for English speakers, where people would chat in another language and say mostly racist comments and backstab another person.

Just like in real life, simply ignore the toxic people because it is not a good idea to fight fire with fire. They are unnecessary, especially when one is just playing the game for fun and good vibes.

Another option is to leave the lobby because leaving a toxic environment can save your mental health and sanity.

If one has the power to be the host of the lobby, they can also kick out these toxic players.

Among Us is a game one can play with their friends or with a complete stranger. The main purpose for one playing is to have fun. There would be times that one will meet a toxic player in the game. The best thing they can do is ignore, leave or kick the unnecessary people out because all players want is to have a good time.

g R o t o sp t h ig

Kamalayan News Magazine Volume 7 Issue No. 1

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Malayan ESports Club WORDS ANDREA UBONGEN

Founded back in 2017, the Malayan ESports Club (MESC) was created to build a community for ESports enthusiasts, and provide a space where they can share their passion for games.

The organization’s main goal is to ensure that their members become both skilled and responsible gamers.

The club is guided by their faculty adviser, Velimor Almonte, and is headed by the organization’s founder and president, John Carlo Pastorfide. With their help, the 117 members of the MESC are encouraged to form a sense of camaraderie, whether they work in front of or behind the screen. The club also aims to educate its members of the ins and outs of the industry, and ready them if they wish to take on the professional scene someday. The MESC is not only a gaming community, however. They also make sure to create meaningful experiences and contributions to society through outreach programs and tournaments for a cause.

“Being an esports gamer has a negative connotation, especially to parents. Our organization wants to remove that stereotype.

We promote responsible gaming, camaraderie among members, and a healthy competitive attitude. We promote the notion that following one’s passion and being a responsible person does not cancel each other or is a zero-sum game,” says adviser Almonte.

“

We promote the notion that following one’s passion and being a responsible person does not cancel each other or is a zero-sum game.

VELIMOR ALMONTE Adviser, MESC

While the pandemic has caused the postponement of some of the club’s activities, such as the annual Malayan ESports League (MESL) held during MCL’s Foundation Week, it has not hindered their pursuit of competition.

The Malayan Warlocks, the MESC’s team name, is currently participating in multiple collegiate esports competitions in AcadArena, representing not only MCL but also the whole of South Luzon. AcadArena is a national campus esports program that aims to enable students with a love for the sport and to raise the bar for esports in the country. Club members are also developing their abilities in behind-thescenes work by training for events management, broadcasting, and shoutcasting. These training sessions are held by industry mentors in partnership with AcadArena.

JOHN CARLO PASTORFIDE President, MESC

The Malayan ESports Club is open to all students of MCL. The club president, John Carlo Pastorfide, has this to say for those interested in joining them: “Everyone is welcome in Malayan Esports Club, whether you are a casual gamer, a competitive gamer, or a back-end supporter who is into streaming, coaching, or even managing.

We are here to help you begin your passion, but one of the important rules in the organization is that you have to be responsible Malayan student gamers.”

To contact them, simply look up Malayan ESports Club or Malayan Warlocks on Facebook, and @MalayanESports on Twitter.

“

We are here to help you begin your passion, but one of the important rules in the organization is that you have to be responsible Malayan student gamers.

PHOTO MESC

Young Entrepreneurs’ Society WORDS ROSE OLEGARIO

As the new school year begins, the Young Entrepreneurs’ Society (YES-MCL) brought fun and excitement to their general assembly with a pleasant welcome to their organization’s members, which surely made them look forward to this year. With the goal of “stimulating entrepreneurial spirit, mindset, and behavior,” YES-MCL has no plans on stopping despite the challenges this year has brought to them.

Founded in 2007, YES-MCL has the objective of introducing the importance of entrepreneurship, mainly to the students of Malayan Colleges Laguna’s BS Entrepreneurship and BS Business Administration programs, by providing exciting events and thrilling activities for them to enjoy and at the same time, grasp knowledge that will help them in their journey as young entrepreneurs. Tackled on their general assembly are some of their projects worth looking forward to, such as Yes, We Can,

Compadre, and Rise of the Entrepreneurs. In pursuit of this, their main focus for this year is unity within the organization, personal fulfillment, character development, and the entrepreneurial spirit of each member in spite of the disadvantages of having an online school term.

Claiming that the new normal will not be a bother to their proposed projects as they will plan and analyze every activity thoroughly with alternative plans, they are confident that this school year will be memorable and treasured by every member as many activities await them.

Since they pledged to take advantage of every resource they have to continue their plans for this school year, such as social media and other online platforms, engaging and reaching out to each other will not be a problem and will be an opportunity to show their support for each other, both personally and professionally.

YES-MCL’s first priority is the members and their interests. As they were planning to be an effective organization with the officers’ help, they supposed communication as their leading matter, since this will help them understand and connect with each other. After all, making up the organization are their innovative and productive members, whom they believe are their strength since they are also the ones who desire for each other’s success and prosperity.

Members of YES-MCL see the organization as more than just an association. With their help, they become more like a family that helps each other develop as an individual and grow as a professional. Seeing how far it has developed as an organization, members are glad that they have become a part of it too. Just by being one of the many pieces comprising the association

showed them a ton of things and filled them with motivation to continue moving forward.

They believe that YES-MCL shaped their members as the person they are today -- better than yesterday.

With that remark, the organization is encouraging interested young aspirant entrepreneurs to join them as they assure guidance, knowledge, and fun with fervor and warmth. Concluding that entrepreneurs are the ‘backbone of the country’, they believe that the nation will not thrive and numerous issues will be left unsolved without them. YES-MCL assures companionship and camaraderie to the members who need a helping hand. With the belief that young aspiring entrepreneurs are the next game-changer of our society, this organization is surely one worth anticipating.

PHOTOS YES-MCL

AGHAMALAYAN WORDS ROSE OLEGARIO Different organizations in Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) are unstoppable in finding ways to help their members in any way possible despite the lockdown. Organizations that focus on improving students’ academic performances are the go-to of students who are having a hard time on a particular subject and those students who want to excel in this.

Established on August 3, 2019, AGHAMALAYAN is the official organization of MCL dedicated to the different sciences, with the goal of “upholding the interest in the field of Science subjects through various activities that can provide intellectual development to fellow students.” Although the organization has just been founded last year, effective activities were successfully held already. Peer mentoring and planned community engagements are available not only to the members but also to the students of MCL. It is an organization that is eager to give new knowledge to students through peer-to-peer interaction and mentoring sessions.

While not much activity is happening as of the moment unlike during the last school year, the organization finds time to teach students in courses such as BIO05P, CHEM05P,

and PHY05P mainly to senior high school students of MCL. Concerns and troubles within these subjects are entertained and AGHAMALAYAN gives resolutions and assistance to the students.

With the new normal, difficulties are present and shortcomings are waving at the organization. Hindrances are expected; however, AGHAMALAYAN had foreseen these and was able to quickly determine possible alternative ways to meet their goals. Since senior high school and college mentors also have their own errands to run, this may serve as a conflict towards their duties in the organization.

Therefore, to avoid these kinds of happenings, members notify the Executive Committee of their free time for them to schedule a peer mentoring session.

Aside from this, making use of learning platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Discord is one of the many ways they keep their organization and its plans going. Peer mentoring and tutoring take place on these platforms, which allow them to communicate and interact with the other students.

They also give assignments and quizzes through Edmodo, a learning tool that allows them to share a PDF copy of their

PHOTOS AGHAMALAYAN

“

AGHAMALAYAN is the official organization of MCL dedicated to the different sciences, with the goal of

‘upholding the interest in the field of Science subjects through various activities that can provide intellectual development to fellow students.’

lessons for the students to run-through. Facebook Messenger has also become essential to the members, wherein they can exchange conversations, ask questions, and give out announcements easier and faster. Different committees of the organization have their respective group chats, while announcements from the Executive Committee can be read on their Facebook group and Messenger group chats.

The effectiveness of an organization is measured through its performance and with this, planning and scheduling activities are important to AGHAMALAYAN to boost their performance. The officers and council’s competency also contributes to the growth of the organization, as well as the comments and suggestions provided by its members.

Moreover, the organization is also looking forward to faceto-face classes as these allow them to be acquainted properly.

Community engagement activities like field trips are some of the proposed plans for the members to enjoy after the pandemic.

AGHAMALAYAN’s effort was seen by its members.

Mentors are given the opportunity to give assistance to their fellow students; likewise, students have the chance to learn and gain new knowledge, which are the strengths that are in the mind of the organization. Just like what they have served to their past members, any student of MCL may have the chance to attain advanced lessons that the organization has been providing. Although the organization has also been affected by the pandemic, they did not look at it as a drawback, started to think innovatively, and did their best to serve their members.

KAMALAYAN

OPINION 47

PHOTO JULIUS QUIAPOS

One Arm Pinned: The Leverage by the Pandemic WORDS SIGMUND COLARINA After nearly seven months of lockdown, the Philippine government still has no concrete plan on “flattening the curve” of COVID-19. But, to be fair, there seems to be only one plan: lockdown and hope that the vaccine arrives sooner or later. Despite having the longest lockdown in the world, which did not really decrease infections, the government’s priorities still leave out mass testing, and when demanded, still questions its necessity and points out, rather comically, that the Philippine government does not have the capacity

to test everybody, taking people’s plea too literally. Seemingly, they have been prioritizing agendas that could have been postponed at the very least up until the country has taken hold of the increasing number of infections.

The Agendas

One of these agendas is the AntiTerrorism Bill, or what is now formally known as the Republic Act No. 11479.

It was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 30th, signed

by President Duterte on July 3rd, and was effective by July 18th. The then

bill became controversial because of the broadness of how it defined “terrorism”, as well as causing concern on how authorities would abuse the bill by imprisoning individuals showing dissent.

Another on their mid-pandemic agenda was the shutdown of ABSCBN. The network giant was accused of tax evasion, reporting bias, and pedantically, of inappropriate content. These, along with several other accusations, led to the National Telecommunications Commission

LAYOUT & DESIGN BY ARVIN MIRANDA

(NTC) giving them a cease-and-desist order, effectively suspending their operations. This decision cost 11,000 employees their jobs in the midst of the pandemic.

Finally, one of the more recent, seemingly misplaced priorities is the Manila Bay rehabilitation project. The project, which was reported to have a costly P389 Million budget, earned displeasure from the public as it was deemed insensitive, considering that healthcare workers were underpaid, and unnecessary because of its timing.

Despite people being vocal on social media and having numerous sociallydistant rallies, the government was still adamant in pursuing other priorities not involving the pandemic. And the people, who the government should listen to, could have done something more impactful and audible, but they

could not, we could not, because of the pandemic. This brings us to our current situation.

The Leverage

The pandemic brought about a scenario where the people crucially need the government. Knowingly or unknowingly, this is the leverage that they have on the people. Without the help they can give and the actions they can take, the nation will struggle.

This may or may not give them the confidence to follow through every agenda despite people’s disapproval.

The pandemic also conveniently provided an excuse for the arrest of dissenters: violating quarantine protocols. This, along with the passing of the Anti-Terror Bill, further reinforced the struggle to speak up against injustices by easily branding

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opposers as terrorists and concluding that opposition is a sign of terrorism.

Essentially, we, the country’s citizens, are one arm pinned by the pandemic.

And the immediate people who can help us back up, the government, seems to capitalize on this opportunity to pick us apart.

As this pandemic rages on, sooner or later, it may become apparent that it will not only affect the economy, but will also likely be detrimental to democracy. Analyzing the country’s situation would reveal that it is bleaker than it appears. To stop the powerful from undermining democracy, the pandemic needs to end soon. But, it is also them who have the power to at least soften its blow.

But who knows, maybe soon, something might just turn the tide.

One Vote to Democracy WORDS JUSTIN ANJELO CLEMENTE

During a budget hearing of The Commission on Elections last September 24, Pampanga 2nd District Representative Mikey Arroyo urged the possible cancellation of the 2022 Elections due to the risks and possible impacts of COVID-19 on voters. Despite fears and concerns that the pandemic’s toll on Filipinos is worsening, delaying the elections are unconstitutional and can jeopardize the democracy of every Filipino who has the right and responsibility of choosing his/her leaders for the next six years.

Elections are a fundamental and pivotal process in any democratic nation. It is one of the crucial tasks of citizens who wish to uphold the very essence and practice of democracy.

It is one of the prime factors that determine the country’s advancement or regression depending on the type of government officials they elect. With calls for the 2022 to be stalled, the public cry for change and democracy is at risk. Government officials already had their respective time to fulfill their duties and satisfy the needs and demands of their constituents.

Delaying the 2022 Elections is also an explicit violation of the 1987 Constitution, which states the clear term period for the president, 12 senators, district representatives, and local government officials. If the elections are postponed, not only is the Constitution breached, but the integrity of the 1987 Constitution itself shows no power over the Filipino People.

To successfully execute the 2022 Elections, it is in the hands of COMELEC as well as both national and local government units to mitigate and solve the pandemic at hand to keep the sanctity and practice of democracy in the country. No amount of political ambition and attempt to cancel the elections is powerful enough to amend the constitutional right of every Filipino to vote and elect the leader they trust into office.

The right to vote is a right to be acted upon. The collective effort needed to turn the country’s situation around can be done through elections. The gift of democracy must be practiced and cherished by its citizens who deserve quality, competent governance.

White Sands and Red Flags WORDS ROUSBEL RABANAL

Floating garbage. Polluted. Dirty. These are just some of the descriptions attached to Manila Bay. But recently, there has been an attempt to rehabilitate/restore it to its former glory in the form of the 389-million-peso “White Beach” project. The rehabilitation initiative, led by Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, began on January 27, 2019, and temporarily opened to the public on September 19 and September 20, 2020. Duterte commended the project despite the negligence of safety and health protocols among its visitors.

While the rehabilitation of Manila Bay aims to reduce pollution and manage solid waste, the government also expects it to attract attention from foreigners and promote tourism. Known for its trading history and picturesque sunset view, the Manila Bay draws in not only local residents but also foreign visitors. Business establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, near the area are also expected to benefit from this project. Harry Roque also argued that Manila Bay's beautification will benefit the mental health of Filipinos. “I think ‘yung pagpapasyal sa mga lugar gaya ng Manila Bay na may white beach, hindi mo maqua-quantify ang epekto nyan pagdating sa mental health ng ating mga kababayan,” he said during an interview.

Despite its beauty as an artificial white sand, dolomite can cause eye irritation, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that when ingested or inhaled, dolomite can cause health issues. This material affects not only human bodies, but also the environment, especially marine life.

Scientists Diovanie de Jesus and Lehigh Hanson said that by allowing the sand into the bay, total suspended particulate (TSP) can increase and it can be dangerous to sea life. De Jesus also noted that once the dolomite pollutes mangrove trees, beaches, and mudflats, they would become less habitable for sea creatures.

ART ELISHA GONZAGA

Commonly used in construction materials, dolomite is being quarried in one of the last remaining forests in Cebu that are home to endemic species. The huge mining operations in Alcoy, Cebu, where dolomite sand was sourced, have threatened terrestrial species in the area.

If the government chooses to overlook these risks, the rehabilitation project could bring more damages than recoveries in the future.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic decline, the Manila Bay White Beach Project cannot be more ill-timed. Its temporary aesthetic value doesn't take away the fact that pushing the project through is outright insensitive to the plights of the Filipinos during this crisis. The allocated 389 million fund used for this beautification could have been better spent in providing more food and financial assistance to sectors heavily affected by the pandemic. For a government project that is supposed to improve mental health, the Manila Bay White Beach Project has caused more stress and complications for Filipinos.

There are no alternate routes in environment rehabilitation and management. Without addressing the real problems, all of the redevelopment projects planned by the government would be meaningless. The lack of wastewater collection facilities, poor waste management system, and the absence of coastal community education are the root causes of pollution in Manila Bay. Especially in this time and situation, providing an expensive and unsustainable modification instead of a more sustainable one is counterproductive. This beautification project is nothing but a band-aid solution to the harbor's decadeold problems.

Unlike white artificial sands, the everyday struggles of millions of Filipinos won't get washed away easily by the waves. It's about time to take off the rosetinted glasses, and prioritize what Filipinos really need during this pandemic.

A Slow Transition Back to the “Old Normal” Amidst COVID - 19?

WORDS ALTHEA MHAI CABRAL

Fourteen days. Thirty days. Two months. How much longer must we endure these dreadful days until we experience the sense of normality we used to overlook, and regain the life that we had, as we knew it, before COVID-19 had even begun? The attention of the general public is always glued to the announcement of the community quarantine status in their respective provinces and cities, earnestly wishing for any feasible good news and hoping that they can once again experience mundane and unostentatious acts of breathing fresh air, having social gatherings, and being physically present when conversing and interacting with people. However, with the ongoing upsurge in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, and our statistics showing little to no signs of flattening the curve, should the community quarantine protocols in our country be loosened and let Filipinos experience a fragment of the "old normal" before this nightmare-like pandemic shook our country?

March 17, 2020 was the date of the first declaration that has effectively put the entire country under community quarantine. Since then, it has been extended thrice and reimposed once (on August 4, 2020). Over the span of those six months, strict guidelines and protocols have been enforced to ensure that the public health and safety would be the priority amidst this pandemic. Still, even with those procedures and regulations in place, the number of COVID-19 patients in the Philippines is still in an incline. Therefore, loosening the community quarantine protocols during this time of uncertainty and havoc will only result in putting the public's health in jeopardy and further exposing Filipinos to the dangers of this pandemic.

As reported by the Manila Times back on June 1 of this year, President Rodrigo Duterte downgraded the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in numerous regions and cities, including Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, and many more, to General Community Quarantine (GCQ). This decision, as recommended by the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), resulted in less strict

and more open community quarantine protocols and regulations in the Philippines. However, along with this modification in quarantine status came a sudden surge of 539 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in a single day (Valente, C., 2020). This course of events demonstrates a probable future scenario that we can once again experience if the community quarantine and lockdown protocols are modified as it was two months ago.

Admittedly, the Philippines has witnessed a slow economic growth for the first half of 2020. The subdued state of economy primarily stems from the fact that most of our exportation and trades are dependent on China and may result in a probable loss of gross value added of PHP4.9B to PHP9.8B, equivalent to 0.02 to 0.05 percent of GDP in 2020 (NEDA, 2020). Bearing this in mind, the proposition of loosening our country's quarantine protocols may present its benefits and expediency with regards to the growth and recovery of the Philippine economy. However, it is also worth noting that the health and safety of the country's citizens are the principal keys to ensuring the uprise and amelioration of the economy of the Philippines once this pandemic is dealt with and resolved. In other words, focusing on the well-being of the Filipino citizens is one of the cardinal and crucial steps that our country must take, for it will prove to be beneficial in the future, and for us to progress and rise from the economic downfall that this pandemic has brought.

Ultimately, the ideal scenario that our government can undertake, as of this moment, is to create a better response system for COVID-19. Be it aiding and assisting Filipinos that are having trouble attaining their physiological needs, developing a vaccine that is tested and proven effective, and making sure that the projects and funds in response to this pandemic will be used in service of the Filipino public and not for the pockets of avaricious and greedy politicians. This course of action is far more significant and relevant in our fight against COVID-19, and it will yield better results than any modifications and changes that we can make in our community quarantine protocols.

Blood Flows from the Mountains WORDS JI-YEONG MORI

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” wrote French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire; although usually used when defending free speech, it can be used as a reference to how people coming from different backgrounds are able to peacefully coexist with each other. In a more general sense, pluralism can be referred to as a situation wherein different groups coexist in one area.

This situation is usually observed in and generally works for multicultural societies like the United States and Australia, not because they chose to but because they have to; after all, resolving the discomfort that comes with (sometimes clashing) differences can only be done through the following methods: force the other party to change through violence, may it be physical or in aspects that are intangible; or, at the very least, tolerate them as they are, just as they do the same for you, and simply keep the nasty comments to yourself.

Sadly, although the concept sounds nice, a nation has yet to perfectly practice pluralism. There remains issues of misrepresentation, discord, violence, and the likes that stem from a lack of respect for these differences, such as in the case of our nation. The Philippines, a country made up of hundreds of different cultures, falls disturbingly short on this aspect. One of those hardest-hit by this shortcoming are indigenous people, most especially those living in the remote mountains of Mindanao.

Lumads, as they are collectively called, refers to the many indigenous tribes living in Mindanao. The said term is short for Katawhang Lumad, which literally translates to “indigineous people”, and was formally accepted back during Cory Aquino’s Administration when a republic act separated them from the Moro people, Christians, and other Mindanaoans (Ulindang, F., n.d.). According to the Intercontinental Cry Organization, there are 18 ethnolinguistic groups that are under the term “Lumad”, namely the Atta, Bagobo, Banwaon, B’laan, Bukidnon, Dibabawon, Higaonon, Mamanwa, Mandaya, Manguwangan, Manobo, Mansaka, Subanon, Tagakaolo, Tasaday, Tboli, Teduray, and Ubo. These people have lived long before lowlanders or today’s modern society even moved in (Filipinas Heritage Library, n.d.). In fact, they, along with the Moros, were one of the groups of people who strongly resisted the Spanish and American colonizations

(Ulindang, F., n.d.). However, years after these foreign colonizers have left us, they remain in a state where they have to fight for their way of living as well as their very lives.

For one, their ancestral lands remain the target of both military and, most especially, capitalist entities aiming to pursue large-scale ventures, such as plantations, mining, and logging operations. Although these lands are supposedly protected by law, there have been instances of illegal land grabbing; nevertheless, most of them are tricked into giving away their lands. As they live in remote societies that have their own laws, such as having communal properties that anyone in the tribe can use instead of privately-owned ones, most of them are unaware of how our proprietary laws work, therefore making them vulnerable to shady deals and meetings. There have been efforts made by both sides to prevent this from happening, with a few educated professionals from the lowlands volunteering to help them as well as some lumads making the effort to study our laws.

Another hindrance to their peaceful living, however, is the closing of their schools. These institutions for Lumads were established to teach their children not just academics but also self-identity, cultural preservation and appreciation, and efficient ways to practice their tribe’s trade (e.g. agriculture, aquaculture, etc.). However, in recent years, at least 50 of these schools were forcefully shut down by the Duterte administration, whose orders were promptly followed by the Department of Education (DepEd); he, in his usual yet still disturbing and irrational way of thinking, reasoned that these schools were teaching students to rebel against the government and other, as he would label it, “left-leaning ideologies” (Reysio-Cruz, M., 2019). While the communist armed group New People’s Army (NPA) was said to roam the area and some lumads have admittedly joined them, the government should not red-tag or immediately treat every single one of these indigenous people as supporters of these violent groups, just like what they are doing now. After all, a lot of them are still innocent civilians caught in a war that is not theirs; people who just want to live in peace (PMC Editor, 2018). Furthermore, the closing down of these schools also violates the right of every child, regardless of their socioeconomic status, to have access to education. Not to mention,

KAMALAYAN OPINION

There remains issues of misrepresentation, discord, violence, and the likes that stem from a lack of respect for these differences, such as in the case of our nation.

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no due process was followed; although a supposedly “factchecking team” was created to investigate the matter, it was said that no person from DepEd even attempted to visit these schools and see their merits (San Juan, R., 2019).

Adding more salt to the wound, there have been instances of these schools being burned down, students being illegally arrested, and military forces trespassing and camping on these Lumad communities (Dino, N., Sta. Cruz, M., 2020).

No person deserves to have so many of their rights violated, especially not by those who are supposed to uphold them in the first place.

And then, the most despicable of acts: the actual murder of these Lumads. At the time when this article was written, one town alone incurred six murder victims in the span of three months, namely Dondon Bartolaba, Edgar Arania, Toto Lamana, Tommy Agyaman, Michael Locario, and Ricky Olado.” (Interaksyon, 2018). The Lumad killings came at the hands of both communist rebels and paramilitary groups, with the latter supposedly working under the command of the military and police themselves (Genilo, E., 2015). While Agyaman and Olado were under situations that supposedly meant they already had one foot in the grave, the others were innocent civilians. And what angers me about this situation is the fact that not much, if any, is being done to investigate these killings and punish the perpetrators; god forbid that these become a normal thing now. There’s not much media coverage about this either, so a lot of Filipinos are unaware that their fellow countrymen are being murdered in cold blood, without the right people paying for it.

Lastly, this may perhaps explain the gist of why the Lumads are consistently treated with such wanton cruelty: discrimination. Most of modern society or lowlanders, like us, tend to see these indigenous people and their culture as second to ours (Tkacheva, E., 2016). And the start of acts of cruelty in all degrees is this lack of respect. We tend to view development as being up to date with all the latest innovations. However, just like how “beautiful” isn’t just about looking more Western, progress shouldn’t also be determined based on one standard, especially not when there are countless societies out there in the world possessing different identities, needs, and way of living.

Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

Prayer for Competence and Compassion WORDS SYBERT NAVAEZ

When the wall clock at home strikes at 9 PM, all my family members pause at what each one is doing and converge in front of the altar to say our prayers in light of this pandemic crisis. In the course of almost eight months of reciting the Oratio Imperata prayer every day, one line made the biggest impact on how I, and hopefully each one of us, should approach life: “Guide the hands and minds of medical experts, that they may minister to the sick, with competence and compassion”.

To live a life with competence and compassion does not apply only to medical experts, but to each one of us -- regardless of what we do for a living.

Competence is having the sufficient knowledge and skill, and using them faithfully, to do what you do in the best way possible. On the other hand, compassion is our capacity to recognize one’s suffering, which compels us to do our best to alleviate it. The two strong traits of competence and compassion should come with how we do what we do, especially during these challenging times. Competence will allow us to provide solutions in this unique set of problems that we face, and compassion will remind us to make humane decisions along the way for these solutions to genuinely serve its purpose.

Competence

During this pandemic situation, competence has been nothing short of a necessity, and any inadequacy will definitely put more lives at risk. One remarkable display of competence was the fast development of our locally-produced COVID-19 testing kits by the University of the Philippines, providing relief to our

large scale problem of insufficient testing resources.

Additionally, at a time when sanitizers and alcohol were in short supply, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines stepped up to develop a local version of ethyl alcohol to help fight the virus infection.

In the context of Local Government Unit responses, the construction and identification of quarantine facilities, the procurement and distribution of relief goods during the community lockdowns, working to restore lost livelihoods, and the development of a roadmap on how to defeat the coronavirus infection gave us a sense of our leaders’ competence -- or incompetence. With competence as today’s necessity, one should devote nothing short of what’s best at what one does, not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because that is what the people deserve.

Compassion

Amid the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a ripple of acts o f

KAMALAYAN OPINION

compassion was also something that we have proven to be capable of. It is undeniable that the medical experts are at the forefront of this battle, and many have expressed their support to contribute and help them win in this crisis. Although there are more problems that need to be addressed to say that the frontliners are well supported by the community, a lot of people struggled with them such as launching campaigns to combat discrimination towards them, and to ensure that they never run out of armors in the battlefield in the form of personal protective equipment.

We have also seen that despite the fatigue and the weight of responsibility that our competent medical personnel carries, they are compassionate enough to patients even outside their hours of official duty, as proven by the brave nurse who helped a street dweller deliver a newborn child safely.

Aside from the medical frontliners, a lot of people have shown compassion for laborers who succumbed their livelihood to the virus infection, especially our everyday commute

ART CARLOS OLIVEROS

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companions in the jeepney drivers. We recognized their struggle, and people gave them what they could, then amplified their calls to appeal for more help -- the essence of compassion. To be compassionate is to be able to understand that we can always do more, for something bigger than just ourselves -- for the people.

With Competence and Compassion

With competence and compassion in mind, one can be assured to be a better student, professional, public servant, and a human being. In school and education, we spend most of our childhood and adolescent years developing our competence. Rather than an education system that encourages young people to learn well to be competent enough to get good jobs in the future, it can be geared towards competence in what they want to do in the future to create a bigger impact in the community, and compassion to realize the purpose of this competence and for whom should it serve.

For the already competent professionals, having compassion will offer a bigger picture in doing their sworn duties, putting the welfare of the people as important as how they hold theoretical and practical considerations valuable. If there are jobs that require the most competence and compassion that we can have, there are none greater in gravity than government positions. A competent-only government will vow to always do things right as it perceives, even if the premises are out of touch with reality -- and this is where compassion comes in. As students, as professionals, as public servants, and merely as human beings, we should choose to go forward with competence and compassion.

Kamalayan News Magazine | Volume 7 Issue No. 1

Why your state of mind matters WORDS ALTHEA MHAI CABRAL

ART AYLIH ASTILLERO

With today's ever-changing and fast-paced environment, it is relatively easy for most students to not take notice of their current mental state. People are too preoccupied with adjusting to the ongoing online set-up and dealing with the unmanageable workload that comes with it that they would rather sacrifice some of life's simple pleasures, like sleep and leisure, than fall behind in their studies. Once they are accustomed to these situations, various health problems may arise and manifest in their daily lives. Though most Filipino students do try to focus on maintaining and improving their physical condition, especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, they still often forget that their state of mind profoundly affects their overall health and well-being.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stress can lead to a productive lifestyle and can drive people to become more active and zealous. However, they also emphasized that when stress accumulates and becomes a part of one's daily life, these disorderly thoughts will start to reflect on their actions and decisions, and can even lead to critical health conditions over time. Sleep deprivation and deficiency can also result in a similar outcome, if not worse.

For not only does it endanger a person's physical health, but it also influences one's emotions, which subsequently affects their relationship with others (NHLBI, 2011). Hence, these momentary and fleeting situations that call for these "small sacrifices" can indeed lead to permanent and colossal consequences in the student's life in the future.

Moreover, through various tasks such as bullet journaling and practicing mindfulness, the road to attaining a better state of mind can be more accessible and less tedious than what people initially thought.

Though it is rather simple and undemanding, these steps can go a long way, especially for students who are coping with the unending demands of online classes.

Cathy Wong, a writer for the wellness and lifestyle website Thrive Global, stated that bullet journaling revitalizes one's mental health by allowing that person to keep track of their daily progress and help them handle numerous workloads better. Additionally, taking a 10-20 minute break in between study sessions while practicing mindfulness and self-reflection in that time can also be of significant help as students go on with their journey to attain a better mental state.

Even with time, adjusting to this new set-up has been

difficult for many, especially with the growing demands and increasing workloads that students need to handle as they progress in this school year. While some may think that these simple sacrifices are the key to attaining good academic results, it can instead create more problems for students in the long run. As aforementioned, a person's actions and decisions are the physical manifestations of their current state of mind. Hence, there is nothing wrong nor inapt with prioritizing one's mental health amid these difficult times. Instead, it is even encouraged that it be practiced and observed by all.

KAMALAYAN OPINION

56

Are Boys’ Love series problematic?

WORDS MICHAEL ANTONIO SANTOS For the first time since its inception, Philippine media their own stories after years of deprivation. In this way, began to highlight gay relationships through boys’ love (BL) these series can overcome the lack of representation series, paving the way for people to, at the very least, catch a the community has been experiencing for years. glimpse of the struggles the LGBT+ community encounters.

Although I am a gay person myself, I can say that I It is worth celebrating that boys’ love is a new concept in the am not the biggest fan of BL series. These series tend to local entertainment industry. Yes, gay characters have already be overly optimistic, which may therefore sugar-coat been represented in art, both classical and contemporary. my community's real struggles. If I were to give my However, it is only during this time when plots are fully recommendations, it would be better if the plots would being dedicated to gay protagonists (Smith, 2020). It is no exactly mirror the struggles gay people experience wonder why people are starting to embrace BL series. The and showcase how they overcome them. Nevertheless, theme alone is exciting, fresh, and engaging. These series are I am beyond thankful to the people who continue not only here for light-hearted reasons. to appreciate this genre. I am grateful to know that BL series serve to raise awareness on the realities of the people are starting to be open with one of the topics Filipino LGBTQ+ experience everyday. With this, it is that remain controversial here in our country. I am safe to say that BL series are somewhat provocative, but also extending my full support to BL series creators never exploitative. Since the idea is not totally common since they dedicate much of their time and effort into in our culture, it leaves an imprint in someone's way of producing quality work, which may hopefully end the thinking, especially with regards to the person’s views stigma against gay relationships. on gay people. It gives the audience an idea of what it To conclude, I still believe that BL series are an feels like being both gay and in love. It also tackles the excellent place for people to start appreciating and importance of embracing and accepting one's sexuality, recognizing the existence of gay relationships. It’s which has always been a common struggle in Filipino about time we start to fully embrace and normalize gay families. However, this genre may also be problematic relationships, as well as recognize that they never were for certain reasons. nor will be inferior to heterosexual relationships. After For one, BL plots commonly start with the concept all, they are also bound by love, trust, and commitment of denial. It is common in this particular genre for the between two people. gay protagonist to deny his homosexuality early on in

the plot. Due to this, people may see homosexuality as merely a phase rather than a valid sexuality. This problem with the lack of identity may hinder people from recognizing the value and authenticity of such relationships.

Furthermore, BL series tend to stereotype their characters. More often than not, the plots restrict their gay characters into specific roles that do not represent most of what actually occurs in real life. Most of these plots give audience the notion that every gay relationship consists of one dominant "male-gay" character and one submissive "female-gay" character. It also gives the impression that each gay relationship needs to consist of only one "femme-gay." In this way, they empower the audience to overlay heterosexual relationships yet again, which should not be the case as homosexual relationships are different in their own way.

Lastly, BL series often cast straight actors as main characters. This is what they call “straightwashing” or “pinkface”. In return, it deprives members of the community the chance to tell their own stories. People should cast gay actors to avoid harmful misrepresentations regarding their struggles. After all, gay people deserve the opportunity to portray

ART JACE LANDICHO

T R A

BY KHAILA ANGEL DEL P

KAMALAYAN

BY JOHN PAOLO MAGK

SECTION 57

LAYOUT & DESIGN BY ARVIN MIRANDA

BY DANILO SADAYA JR.

BY PRINCESS JOY FAJARDO

POSO

BY CHARLES JACOB PALACIOS

KASI

BY KRISTINE CLAIRE LAYCO

BY PATRICIA PANOPIO

Disclaimer: The works presented are all submissions from the MCL community.

ART ART ART

BY JACE LANDICHO

BY EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ

ART AA ESTALAR

BY PRECIOUS GOREMBALEM

ART ART

T

BY KERSEY SUMMER

BY ELIZE JOY BALAT

BY MIGUEL TAN

BY SOFIA GISELLE PASIA

ART ART ART

PHOTO BY JOHN B

XANDERBY

BY JAMES JAMES MAGNAYE PHOTO MAGNAYE

GOLDEN HOUR B

CANDID BY TRICIA ROMAE

BERNETH PEREZ

PHOTO BY PRECIOUS GOREMBALEM

BY KHAILA ANGEL DEL POSO

PHOTO BY HANNA LOUISE DUGANG

ART ART ART

Poems Bulak-niyebe A.N.O.

Walang bulak-niyebe sa bansa Pero alam kong mayroon Noong unang makita kita Naniwalang makikita muli iyon Masasabing hulog ka ng langit Sa mga ulap ay nanggagaling Pero bakit kaya sumasakit Tuwing nadaratnan kang malamig ‘Di sanay sa iyong lamig Ngunit gusto parin makapiling Dahil ‘di ko pa nararanasang Masilayan ang totoong taglamig

Ginhawa

TRICIA ROMAE

Gusto kong lumipad sa kalawakan Habang tinitingnan ang buwan At ang mga bituin sa paligid nito.

Gusto kong lumipad sa kalawakan At damhin ang malamig na hangin Na buga ng nasa kapaligiran ko.

Gusto kong lumipad sa kalawakan Kasama ka sa bawat hakbang Habang hinahawakan ang kamay mo.

Gusto kong lumipad sa kalawakan Para makapiling ka na Dahil nangungulila na ako sa iyo.

Himawari

SIYGGG

Wind breeze life on me, “Go grow my Flower”.

I dreamed... breathin’ it.

Bees crowd around me- I glee.

Then Sun shines its warmth on me, I, then, felt so free.

The humid weather, It makes my body lighter.

My life, forever.

Wind makes my leaves fall.

Shivering, as it dances into the warm soil.

In this place I’m in, field of small weeds and florets Embracing that “me”.

My own oasis Like the ones I used to read Happy, warm, and neat.

Unlike in the cell, the place I bid my farewell.

The life I once lived.

This is a "sweet" tea, I’m undeniably free.

No one judges “me”.

A Reflection Caused by You TRICIA ROMAE

Having you in my life was unexpected I didn’t know what triggered But I got no words to describe Why I get so flustered By how fate played us Having you in my life was so enticing Is it by the way you talk? how you enthrall me with your words full of wisdom and joy How interesting Having you in my life was so amazing I have found one peculiar Different minds that we do have Didn’t seem like a bother A concern for each other Having you in my life was so perturbing You are one of a kind I hope you stay with me longer But I’m scared to have you And I’m scared to lose you Now I tell myself to keep it together To always get better For me to keep you forever As bright as the summer Or as intimate as winter I’ll never go away without us being together

Hoshizora

KHAILA ANGEL DEL POSO

The stars in the sky, Shines brighter on a darker sky.

You might be down low or up high, But keep going until you’re soaring high.

Maharlika SIYGGG

Pinatitikom ang bibig, mistulang hayop na pilit kinakabig.

Sa bayang ang bibig ng tao ay sinisiil, Naririto ka, sa bansa na walang labis kung kumitil.

A Mother’s Love TRICIA ROMAE

I limit myself Just to provide That’s because I want to see you smile I never want to See you cry It pains me when I see you try I love you With all my heart My child, My everything

Manatiling Mulat KYTE VILLANUEVA

Hindi ako makatulog.

Kanina pa nakapikit ang aking mga mata, pinipilit na patulugin ang aking diwa pero binubulabog ako ng kanilang mga sigaw.

Naririnig ko ang kanilang pag-iyak, ang bawat kalampag ng naghihikahos.

Hindi ko kayang matulog, hindi ko kayang pumikit.

Kailangan kong manatiling mulat.

Saksi ang aking mga mata sa pagposas ng kanilang mga kamay, sa pagputol ng kanilang mga dila, kung paano sila binusalan at tinanggalan ng boses.

Tinanggalan ng liwanag ngunit hindi nabulag, iginapos sa rehas ng mga hawla hanggang sa tuluyan nang hindi makalipad, nagmakaawang palayain ang kanilang mga pakpak.

Sinunog ang kanilang mga katawan sa ilalim ng mga nagdidilim na paningin.

Abo na lamang dapat ang natira ngunit ang kanilang dugo ay nagkalat parin sa daan.

Patuloy ang pagdaloy nito, unti-unti ang luha at dugo ay naghahalo hanggang sa magbaha ng galit at malunod sa hinagpis.

Nagkalat ang mga nakahandusay na bangkay sa lansangan, ang mga palutang-lutang na katawan sa karagatan.

Nagkaroon ng mga kisame’t dingding, ng mga maduming sahig, hindi na makalabas ngunit rinig parin ang tinig ng masa na nilunod sa hindi humuhupang galit at dilim.

Nananatiling bala ang kanilang batas, sentido ng bayan ang gatilyo ng berdugo at halimaw na nananahan sa dilim at nagbabalat-kayo’t nagpapalit anyo para kumitil ng buhay ng tao.

“Mag-ingat ka, hindi ligtas sa daan” ang bilin ng aking ina bago ako lumabas ng tahanan natatakot na baka hindi na ako makauwi, matagpuang nakahandusay, duguan at walang malay sa lansangan.

“Oh, andyan ang aswang sige ka, kukunin ka nyan” ang katagang binibitawan ng mga matatanda sa nga naglalarong bata kapag nakakakita ng mama’ng may hawak ng sandata’t papalapit na nagmimistulang aswang.

Noo’y panakot lamang sa mga batang naglalaro sa lansangan sila pala’y totoong mga halimaw na kayang pumaslang.

Lahat ng ito ay dahil sa bedugong sa itaas naka-upo, patuloy na nagpapakasasa sa luho, habang ang mga buhay na sabi’y kanyang pagsisilbihan nasa ibaba lumong-lumo, mga buhay ay nalulunod sa dugo, at ang kaban ng bayan ay tuyong-tuyo.

Hindi ko kayang sabihin na hindi ito nangyari, hindi ko pwedeng sabihin na hindi ito totoo hindi ako pwedeng pumikit at manahimik. kailangan nila ang aking boses, kailangan nila ako.

Hindi pa ako tapos, hindi ako matatapos hangga’t may bulag na mananampalataya na sumasamba sa kanyang poon.

Hindi kami matatapos, Hindi ito ang simula ng huli at wakas ng simula.

Dito palang kami magsisimula.

Hangga’t may mga sumisigaw, hangga’t may pinapaslang, hangga’t may nalulunod, nakaposas at pinagkakaitan ng boses Hindi ako pipikit, hindi ako mananahimik.

Mananatili akong nakamulat.

Nakatindig para sa mga buhay na kanilang nilumpo.

Tumayo ka at huwag kang luluhod, hindi ka nila taga-sunod, hindi sila ang masusunod.

Manatiling mulat, hustisya ang sunod.

“

My theory was that a city without a newspaper is a city without a soul.

LUIS A. FERRÉ