Pauliworld Volume 35, No. 2

Pauliworld Editorial Board SCHOOL YEAR 2020 - 2021

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Pauline Majarucon

MANAGING EDITOR

Laurein Mateo

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jana Torres

NEWS & SPORTS EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS RESEARCH EDITOR

~ Patricia Ong, Renee Mascarenas Indira Sowy, Louise Navarro Therese Aquino

FILIPINO EDITOR

Gabrielle Paterno

CHIEF CARTOONIST

Veronica Angeles

CHIEF LAYOUT ARTIST

Sophia Tantamco

ASSOCIATE LAYOUT ARTISTS CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Frances Angeles, Josephine Javier Selena Joaquin Andrea Estrella, Hananeel Martinez

STAFF Alexa Bentilanon, Alexandra Criste, Alexandra Ypil, Althea Sim, Alyssa Reyes, Amelia Salva Cruz, Andie Dalusung, Andrea Quibilan, Angela Imbuido, Angelene Garcia, Ania Montaner, Annika Subido, Anya Nacuda, Bernice Gutierrez, Bridgette Macatangay, Cheyenne Bitancor, Claudia Durban, Gaby Martinez, Grace Imbao, Isabelle Magadia, Janina Esteban, Jilian Almazora, Jolie Lim, Katriel Tomacruz, Keisha Pineda, Kirsten Pagala, Loreiz Abanes, Luna Coscolluela, Luna Rivera, Maxine Cristobal, Maya Erfe, Miekaela Laciste, Natasha Allenby, Nicky Maza, Paula Calingasan, Riana Tumale, Samantha Apilado, Samantha Veguillas, Shannen Crespo, Shantell Tolentino, Sheicka De Vera, Shyane Mendoza, Sofia Fugen, Sofia Sambrano, Stephanie Flores, Tiffany Cosue, Tyrelle Tebangin, Xianne Villena, Ysabel Lanza, Zelene Marcos

PUBLICATIONS ADVISER HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DIRECTRESS

Ms. Paulyn Navarrete Sr. Teresita Agana, S.P.C. Sr. Dedicacion Rosario, S.P.C.

VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News

Campus-wide Listen to Original Paulinian Stories through CFCommArts’ Promptcast

Getting to know the backstage with the Center for Theater Arts’ POVCast

by Xianne Villena

by Patricia Ong

The Center for Communication Arts (CFCommArts)

The Center for Theater Arts released POVCast in

introduced Promptcast in September 2020. A joint effort

November 2020, a three-part podcast series on Spotify that

with Radio Production and Broadcasting students, it

featured Teatro Paulino alumnae.

transforms Paulinian-made literary texts into listenable pieces known as “promptcasts,” which feature a theme appropriate for each month.

Derived from the phrase “point-of-view,” the guest speakers were asked to talk about their personal triumphs, insights, and stories related to different theater-related

The CFCommArts core officers devised Promptcast to present a new platform for students to explore and

topics.

For the first episode, Mia Azurin shared their “Unusual

appreciate original Paulinian written works. Through this

Rituals,” and how these uncommon yet relatable practices

project, the officers also wish to exhibit students’ passions,

have helped them prepare for their performances. Following

talents, and skills in writing and voicing.

this was Jamie Lacanienta, who tackled the different facets

The theme for each month is conceptualized by considering topics that are timely and relevant to the students’ interests. The works are submitted through

of directing a theater play. The third and final episode starred Edith Garcia, who shared her success story in theater along with the importance of setting goals.

an online sign-up portal which then undergo a series of

The center’s first ever podcast aimed to enlighten the

assessments that make sure they adhere to the theme and

students on the specialties under theater arts and motivate

promote positivity. After they are recorded by the Radio

them to make the most out of their experiences as young

Production and Broadcasting students, the promptcasts

thespians.

are made available on the official CFCommArts’ Spotify and Apple Podcast pages. The first wave of Promptcast was completed in October 2020 with the theme “Fears”— unveiling spooky and eerie stories.

Julienne

Cequeña,

CFCommArts

President,

said,

the new themes and new works that will be published

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apply the tips and lessons that our Teatro Paulino alumnae have mentioned not just in our future productions but in their everyday lives as well,” said Grezela Marcelo, CFTA

“Paulinians can expect new talents to be unraveled through under Promptcast.”

“Hopefully, the students in our center will be able to

President.

The Center for Theater Arts’ POVCast is available on Spotify under the official Teatro Paulino podcast.

Layout by Sophia Tantamco

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ST. PAUL COLLEGE PASIG HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

CFVA’s gallery and motiVAte opens new doors for showcasing art

by Renee Mascareñas

Pauliworld “The theme of the event represents us students who are eager to learn and dive into the life that awaits us as chefs,” explained CFCA President Karyl Enriquez.

The event started with an ice breaker game that tested the students’ culinary knowledge then proceeded to the

In September 2020, the Center for Visual Arts (CFVA)

talk proper given by speaker Chef Melisa Paguia Rocha. She

presented their project entitled “motiVAte,” a platform open

shared the challenges she faced to be a successful chef and

to the Paulinian community to showcase their art based on

entrepreneur and provided tips on how to earn money in the

specified themes each month. Ranging from cartoons and

culinary field during the pandemic. Chef Mel emphasized

video games to Philippine urban legends, the prompts given

that no obstacle can hinder one from reaching their goals.

over the past three months were usually chosen based on the impression each exudes.

In an interview, GIFT Team Leader for CFCA Mrs. Rilloraza shared, “Being in the Culinary Arts GIFT course is not just

Subsequent to their objective of helping students with sparking creativity and encouraging self-expression comes the launch of the center’s official gallery on Instagram, @ CFVAgallery headed by Andrea Estrella, CFVA’s PRO-Internal.

cooking the recipes that you prepared for that day, but it becomes who you are in the future. You are not just feeding the body, but also an excellent opportunity for learning.”

The account exhibits pieces of different mediums from both the submissions for motiVAte and the outputs of CFVA GIFT

CFVA’s previous project of similar significance. With the center

A Christmas benefit concert for our dear frontliners

being home to artists with unique art styles and mediums,

by Angelene Garcia

classes such as Digital Arts and Photography.

MotiVAte and the CFVA online gallery serve as modifications to #ArtJam and the exhibit during VAWeek,

creating projects to highlight that variety deemed such as good compromises to the online set-up.

On December 5, 2020, the students of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) track hosted their annual Christmas

Luna Rivera, CFVA President, stated, “Support our artists’

Benefit Concert, La Felicidad.

works on our Instagram account and we encourage you to participate in MotiVAte! Art has always been there for us

Given the limitations posed this school year, the concert

through thick and thin; it feels great to be able to empower it.”

was held through a Facebook livestream featuring both spoken word and musical performances from Paulinians and guests in

Culinary Arts students dive into the life of a professional chef

by Andie Dalusung

The Center for Culinary Arts organized an enlightening experience for their students with CuliCon—held on October 27, 2020, this event featured a professional chef’s sharing of their culinary journey, including the struggles faced before success.

hopes of bridging the arts and humanities with the masses.

The beneficiary of La Felicidad was Frontliners’ Kitchen, a student-led organization dedicated to collecting donations that benefit grocery attendants and the medical frontliners working in Philippine General Hospital, Toledo City General Hospital, and the Lung Center of the Philippines. In an interview with one of the project heads, Mary Apuhin says, “We believed that it is important to continuously support our frontliners in every way we can, given the lack of response and action from our government in combating the pandemic and aiding our people.”

Ultimately, La Felicidad was able to attain its main

“CuliCon: Diving Into Unknown Waters” was the event’s

objectives at the end—creating an event that is accessible and

theme, knowing that most Culinary Arts students were unfamiliar

entertaining, at the same time helping out the frontliners of

with the obstacles faced by culinary arts professionals.

different areas in the Philippines through Frontliners’ Kitchen.

PauliworldSPCP

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News

The week aimed to honor and recognize their

A&D uplifts Paulinians’ holiday spirit with commission drive Christmas initiative

by Paula Calingasan

unwavering service, hence the title “Stellar: An Ovation to Service.” With the theme of musical movies, the student body wanted to showcase their deepest gratitude to the different sisters, faculty, and staff by relating them to the Paulinians’ personal stars.

All throughout the 5-day event, online blasts on various platforms showcased pictures and video presentations

From December 14, 2020 to January 8, 2021, the

from the students. Arranged and headed by the Student

students of the Arts & Design (A&D) strand spread Christmas

Coordinating Team, the festivities included a World

cheer with the “Santa’s Sl-A&D” Commission Drive. The

Teachers’ Day class tribute, batch tributes, GIFT Core center

Studio Ghibli-themed holiday initiative aimed to raise funds

tributes, and a donation drive. As a sub-project, a donation

for the track’s immersion and provide assistance to their

drive was held to provide assistance to the reporting and

partner community, St. Paul Misereor, General Natividad,

non-reporting MEGA and SPI staff, drivers, secretaries, and

Nueva Ecija. The project not only supported their less

enrollment staff. The SCT was able to get in touch with

fortunate brothers and sisters, but also promoted some of

them and raised a total of P105,088.50, 52.54% of the target

the track’s talented artists. “This project was a great outlet to

200,000 pesos.

hit two birds with one stone,” says Arriana Astorga, Grade 12 A&D Track Representative.

Artists from both A&D 11 and 12 offered works that varied from digital art, sticker sets, wallpapers, to commissioned artworks and slots ranging from Php 50 to Php 1000. With this, the drive was able to raise Php 6330, surpassing their goal of Php 5000.

The track aims to make this Commission Drive an annual tradition — ensuring that more initiatives and gimmicks from the A&D students like this can be expected in the future. “I think we were able to show the school what the Arts and Design track is truly capable of and how much art can do within our situation and generation. It may be able to provide for a cause and create positive outcomes for the common good,” Gabby Castillo, Grade 11 A&D Track

The week’s celebrations ended with a Facebook Live event to replace the annual luncheon. It consisted of a program hosted by Raissa Pujalte and Reigne Regulacion, with performances from Silakbo, Paralelo, Maharlika, Terpsichore Street, Ally Amahan, Sophia Borja, and Czarina Castor, and messages from selected students “The administration, faculty, and staff have expressed their gratitude for the onslaught of appreciation and celebration dedicated to them and students have expressed their views on the week-long celebration,” says Annika Subido, SCT Treasurer and Paulinian Appreciation Week Head. She adds that Paulinians should also look forward to more initiatives aimed to help the members of the Paulinian community as well as those struck by calamities.

Representative, adds.

Paulinians express their gratitude through week-long appreciation event

by Paula Calingasan

From October 5 to 9, 2020, Paulinians from the different batches and centers gave online tributes to recognize the hard work and dedication of the institution’s administration, teachers, MEGA and SPI staff, SPCP guards, drivers, and other non-teaching staff. Given the online setting, this year’s celebration was a renewed and modified

Paulinians liven up the holiday spirit with Paul Gives

by Claudia Durban

The Student Coordinating Team holds numerous events and fundraisers for a cause every year, and Paul Gives is one of the student body’s favorites. The annual Christmas selling project aims to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate through a partner beneficiary. Resources may be limited due to the online set-up, but this did not hinder Paulinians from delivering happiness this Christmas season.

version of the previous years’ Paulinian Appreciation.

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Layout by Sophia Tantamco

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ST. PAUL COLLEGE PASIG HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

This year’s theme, “PAUL GIVES: Making Spirits Bright,” focused on enlightening Paulinians on timely advocacies that need more attention. The SCT partnered with small businesses by Paulinian students and alumnae alike, which promotes both #SupportLocal and #BakedGoodsForACause.

Pauliworld Aster, from Batch 2023, enlivened the audience with their performance of Antukin by Rico Blanco. As for the eldest in the department, Oblivion, gathered in hopes of leaving a legacy of their shared love for music in their last year with their performance of Sunrise by Ben & Ben.

Moreover, for every purchase of a bundle box, a portion of the sale is donated to Tulong Kabataan, a relief and rehabilitation network of various youth organizations in the Philippines. Furthermore, SPCP drivers are aided, too, as they take part by ensuring the safe delivery of the orders received.

All performances were judged with certain criteria per division by Ms. Marianne Miguel, Ms. Sheila Pedrajas, and Ms. Honey Jose. Among the performers of the junior division, Audrey Imbao nabbed first place. As for the senior division, there was no stopping Oblivion as they rose to the top of the competition. The remarkable performances from

According to Angelene Garcia and Erica Sison, the project heads for Paul Gives, the SCT is confident that

these two performers have definitely revived the essence of OPM in finding light during dark times.

the project made spirits brighter for everyone, Paulinians and beneficiaries alike. They are grateful for the support everyone has showered towards this project’s success.

Reviving Original Pilipino Music through CFM’s Awit Paulinian

by Louise Navarro

Paulinians are stunned by talent in this year’s Kalopsia

by Riana Tumale

In its fifth year, the Center for Communication Arts’ annual spoken-word and music program, Kalopsia, was held on October 31, 2020 via Facebook Live. Titled “Kalopsia: Ad

Flaunting the musicality of Paulinians, the Center for

Invenire Lux,” this event served as a platform for Paulinians

Music premiered “Awit Paulinian” on October 24, 2020.

to showcase their talents and pieces through different

This contest includes two divisions, with three performers

mediums.

for the junior division and two performers for the senior division.

A roster of Paulinian students and alumnae surprised and impressed the viewers with their spoken-word and

The overall theme revolved around finding hope in the midst of difficult times. The mechanics mandated all

musical performances. Spoken-word performers included Janina Esteban, Czarina Castor, Terry Bernardo, Mikayla Sanchez, and Bea Cuizon, and musical performers included

participants to perform a song that best manifests this

Oblivion, Ciya!, Silakbo, Raissa Pujalte, and Ms. Honey Jose

theme and record their performances.

from the High School Faculty. To end the event, the CFCA

In the junior division, one solo performer served as the representative of their respective batches. For the youngest in the department, Purple Quintos carried out Isa Pang Araw

by Sarah Geronimo, while the representative of Batch 2025, Audrey Imbao, covered Umagang Kay Ganda by Ray-an

core officers performed a captivating spoken-word piece for the student body, followed by a show-stopping musical act by guest band Catharsis.

“We were able to further see and observe not just the talent of the students of those who are studying in St. Paul, but the whole Paulinian community, as we had various

Fuentes and Tillie Moreno. Finally, Jesse Natividad of Batch

performers that ranged from the students to faculty to alumni.

2024 manifested her skills with her rendition of Natutulog

They were able to help us communicate the message that we

ba ang Diyos by Gary Valenciano.

wanted to [send to] the audience through their skills and

As for the senior division, bands from Grades 10 and 12 carried out performances aligned with the theme.

PauliworldSPCP

talents in spoken-word and music, and they were the reason why this year’s Kalopsia has been extra special despite our situation,” says CFCA President Julienne Cequeña.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News

SPCP student leaders gear up for adventure in this year’s HLT

by Riana Tumale and Xianne Villena

Student leaders of SPCP attended the annual Homeroom

for Academic chairmen; Justine Valdez focused on promoting

Leadership Training on October 3, 2020 via Zoom. Entitled

harmony and fellowship for Spiritual chairmen; Mikaela

“SCOUT: Equipping for Adventure,” the event aimed to help

Arriola talked about establishing unity for Socio-Cultural

leaders prepare for their responsibilities throughout the year.

chairmen; Felicity Santos discussed project management for

The officers attended talks that tackled topics relevant to their positions and were engaged in activities such as an energizer, breakout sessions, and a synthesis of insights from the event.

track representatives; and Noleen Fabian on advocacy-oriented development for organization representatives.

The students then dispersed to their final breakout session and were greeted by another set of alumnae: Angela Sioson

The plenary speaker, Ms. Aja Ellett, Director of the Habilin Movement, imparted her experience with leadership in an online environment. Given the current situation, Ellett emphasized on being adaptable, empathetic, and driven. She shared tips on becoming a competent leader and motivator, as well as the significance of rest in producing quality work.

For the second talk, the students proceeded to their first breakout session grouped by position. Notable alumnae shared their insights on their assigned topic: Beatrice Berenguer talked about instilling open-mindedness and taking initiative for CFC; Patricia Ginete discussed the practice of organization

on building confidence in leadership for the Neophytes; Nina Herrera on fostering camaraderie and effective communication for the Rookies; Alessandra Estrella on decision-making in leadership for the Freshmen; Alexandra Santelices on finding common ground for the Sophomores; Rein Gaspar on unity in disagreement for the Juniors; and Daniella Dimaguila on consistency in leadership for the Seniors. “…It was quite challenging to organize an online leadership training but the [struggle] of it not being face-to-face allowed us to invite a multitude of speakers who provided very impactful insights to shape us as leaders,” says SCT President Sam Apilado.

SPCP Alumni give inspiration to fellow Paulinian student-athletes in CFS’ Game Plan: A Guide For Champions

by Alexandra Ypil

The Center for Sports (CFS) has wrapped up its long-awaited event, “Game Plan: A Guide For Champions,” held on November 7 and 21. Culminating for two days, the series of talks included experiences from Paulinian alumni who shared valuable insights about their lives as student-athletes.

The first day of Game Plan featured Mika Baquiran’s talk about being a student-leader inside and outside sports in “Lighting the Path,” while Anette Levosada shares points on how to cope for athletes in recovery in “Sparkling Ambition.” The second day of the event featured Marianna Villonco’s advice to students in finding new opportunities when switching to a different sport in “Drawing New Cards,” and Angela Sioson’s talk in “Bibo Kid,” where she shared tips and tricks in balancing academics, extracurriculars, and being part of SCT last school year. “...Through this event, we hope that student-athletes will be able to learn from the shared experiences from graduated Paulinian athletes, apply tips and methods in balancing work and sports, and gain motivation in achieving their goals for the school year,” says CFS PRO-External Carina Acorda.

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Layout by Frances Angeles

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ST. PAUL COLLEGE PASIG HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Pauliworld

Students move and groove to CFD’s newly launched dance workshop

by Jana Torres

The Center for Dance (CFD) invited members from the Paulinian community to get into the groove with their newly kickstarted dance workshop entitled Break A Sweat, held on December 5 and December 12, 2020.

The 2-day dance workshop featured seasoned alumnae namely Kyla Warikai, former Terpsichore Street Captain, and Fiona Uy, former Terpsichore Jazz Captain, to lead their workshops where applicants were taught various skills and techniques on hiphop and jazz dance, respectively. The sessions were open to all SPCP high-school students, Grade 5 and 6 students, Jr. Terpsichore members, and faculty, to join the energizing sessions.

On organizing the event in the online set-up, Angel Nepomuceno, the incumbent CFD Treasurer, shares her insights as the project head for “Break A Sweat.” “Organizing a dance workshop is really a challenge. We already knew the drill and had a system to follow when working on projects through an online set-up. No matter the assignment, everyone would really contribute and give out ideas for each concept that we were working on.”

“Break A Sweat aimed to deliver the spirit of positivity and bring out the confidence of each student despite the given situation.

It was also an opportunity for other students who are not under our center to explore and experience dance. Even if we aren’t physically together, the sense of eagerness to learn was still evident and the feeling of comfort was felt all throughout the event.

We really hoped that this workshop made an impact on each student and helped them in any way possible,” says Jessha Dulay, the Center for Dance’s PRO-Internal on Break A Sweat’s collective goal.

Students lend a musical ear to ‘CYBERFUNK: An Open Jam Event’

by Tiffany Cosue

Passion and diligence came together as CFM-I and MAC-I hosted their annual fair performances in this year’s “CYBERFUNK: An Open Jam Event.” The event was held on the first day of the SPECTRUM 2021 Fair Week, January 25, via Facebook Live on SPCP’s official GIFT page.

Catharsis is made up of Sam Dahilan, Rachelle Galang, Gabe Mejia, and Addy Pantig.

Aside from the intriguing performances, CYBERFUNK also held engaging mini-activities such as the raffle draw, where Chelsy Rosell and Trizia Edra won the respective prizes.

The open jam met its strong start with a MAC-I band

Throughout the program, the audience was deeply enthralled

performing an original, “All I Feel and See.” The members

and hyped with the impressive set-up of CFM-I, MAC-I, and

include cajon player Pat Balaoro, pianist Bea Gutierrez,

the production team. Myka Dineros, one of the overall heads

guitarist Jules Cequeña, and vocalist Psalm Espallardo. This was

of the event shares some of her insights on coming up with the

followed by a performance from HRLY (har-ley) singing a cover

ambience of the open jam: “Ever since, Open Jam was meant

of “Changes” by Lauv. Up next was a band of four Paulinian and

to give off relaxed yet fun vibes for fairgoers who were looking

MAC-I alumnae who made a recent comeback as a band: 18’s

for a place to enjoy musical performances without hassles like

Home. The band consists of lead guitarist Xinai Batiller, pianist

waiting in queues or worrying about getting a good spot, due to

and vocalist Jazmine Ravalo, percussionist Psalm de Gracia,

how it’s practically ‘free’ for all to watch. This year, we carried

and rhythm guitarist Mariel Tanyag. The next group was also

that feeling of enjoyment while being able to chill in the comfort

a product of SPCP talent, “The New Rendition,” celebrating

of your own home through Cyberfunk.”

iconic songs and classic hits. They consist of Arianna Lopez, Madeleine Rosell, Renee Salinas, Cloei Marvilla, and Christiana Tulao. This group sang a riveting cover of Man in the Mirror

by Michael Jackson. The final performer was Catharsis, showcasing a cover of Kaleidoscope by Francis Magalona.

PauliworldSPCP

CYBERFUNK: An Open Jam Event certainly won hearts and ears with the nostalgic and encouraging songs, which remind us that everyday is a new beginning and that there is always a funkier, brighter, and more dynamic life ahead of us.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News

SPCP blasts into the future with Launch

by Renee Mascareñas

The podcast starts off with focusing on Community as Ms. Emma Peckson from Step Up PH gave advice on how to think beyond oneself in the first episode “Going the Extra Mile.” The second episode featured Charity with Ms. Renelyn Tan-Castillejos, founder of Yorokobi and consultant of Kon-Mari, as she taught how tidying up one’s home can be used to give back to society in

The opening event of St. Paul College Pasig’s annual fair,

“Sharing a Bundle of Joy.” Mr. Reinier Navarro from Angkla PH

“SPECTRUM: Unraveling the Wonders of Tomorrow,” was held on

talked about confronting insecurities and comfort zones as the

January 25, 2021. Hosted by Ghia Espino and Alexandra Toledo,

third episode tackled Charism in “Incredible Me!”. Meanwhile,

members of the Spectrum Production Team, it served as the

Elizabeth Hoyumpa from American Express introduced eco-friendly

introduction to the institution’s first week-long online fair, from

approaches to shopping in the fourth episode “A Sustainable Salut”

January 25 to 29, 2021.

as it turned its attention to Christ Centeredness. Lastly, Ms. Nina

One modification from the past years is the incorporation of

Tiburcio from the Butterfly Effect PH shared her experiences in her

the 5C’s – Community, Charity, Charism, Christ-centeredness, and

organization and how to make the most out of personal advocacies

Commission to this year’s fair, creating an advocacy for each day

as the podcast focused on Commission in its concluding episode

of the week. These advocacies include youth empowerment for

“From the Ground Up.”

inclusivity, selfless generosity and compassion, self-empowerment through holistic development, youth as stewards of God’s creation, and service to the disconnected youth, respectively.

“A variety of topics were discussed by the resource speakers of RE:Vitalize, but in the end, it really boils down to our main goal of fostering self-growth. All the topics discussed were able to provide

The program also gave an overview of what else is in store for

the students with practical and concrete ways that we can improve

the student body throughout the week: the opening of Blueprint

on ourselves even if we are in quarantine. Bottomline, stagnation is

– Spectrum’s website, and Paragon – Spectrum’s shop, to the

not inevitable during this quarantine. Through small changes in our

interactive event Synergy, the insightful podcast RE:Vitalize, and the

lifestyles and mindsets, we are always capable of improving even

much-awaited variety show, Cyberspace.

the smallest aspects of ourselves,” says Louise Navarro, Project Head

Further showcasing the talents of the Paulinian community, the stage was graced with performances from Paralelo, Babel, Terpsichore Jazz, and Terpsichore Street. Following this was the introductory message delivered by Sr. Dedicacion Rosario SPC, School Directress, to formally open the fair. The release of the fair’s official jingle and music video then concluded the event

of Re:Vitalize.

Paulinians gear up to play SYNERGY: SPECTRUM 2021’s very own virtual game series

Samantha Apilado, Student Coordinating Team (SCT) President,

by Patricia Ong

says, “The main goal of this year’s LAUNCH is to bring together the Paulinian community despite the distance. Reminding us that

To kick off this year’s fair with a blast, SPECTRUM 2021

amidst the adversities that lie ahead, we must unite as one to create

launched SYNERGY: a three-part online game series open to all

a better tomorrow for us all. We are beyond grateful for the immense

Paulinians. Lasting from January 26 to 28, the annual fair games took

support and praise given to the Fair Committee and we can’t wait for

place in the online set-up via the Student Coordinating Team’s (SCT)

the student body to experience what more we have prepared.

official accounts.

The event was livestreamed via StreamYard in SPCP SCT’s

The first activity was BARKADA FEUD, a game based on the

Facebook page, with the project headed by the SCT and made

American TV game show “Family Feud,” two teams, namely, the

successful together with the Spectrum 2021 Production Team.

Elysians (Audrey De Leon, Beatrice Versoza, Emilia Hernandez, and

Paulinians listen and find inspiration from Spectrum’s RE:Vitalize

by Alexandra Ypil Paulinian values take the spotlight in SPECTRUM’s first ever podcast series, RE:Vitalize. Hosted by Abby Regua and Jana Torres,

Caelyn Santos) and the Pasigueños (Stephanie Dinglasan, Isabelle Magadia, Mary Laurel, and Joselyn Pier), engaged in the battle of the wits to win the awaited cash prize. The groups played three rounds, with questions in line with this year’s theme: Unraveling the wonders of tomorrow. The Pasigueños emerged victorious as they secured a lead of at least 700 points, winning thousands of pesos worth of New Leaf Learning vouchers and a cash prize of Php 1,000.

To keep the excitement going, SPECTRUM 2021 also held OPERATION ZER0, a puzzle-solving activity that featured a set of

RE:Vitalize aired daily episodes from January 24 to January 29 on

interactive clues posted on SCT’s social media platforms. The hints

Spotify and Anchor. It is one of the newest additions to the annual

revolved around the mystery of finding the “Farax Rebooter,” which was

school fair as it transitioned to the digital setting, with the goal of

the missing piece of Lex and Ghia’s time machine, one of the key points

helping students throughout the quarantine. Different speakers

in the SPECTRUM story. To participate in the said event, Paulinians were

were invited for each episode to discuss topics centering around the

encouraged to quote-tweet their answers to the clues. At the end of the

five Paulinian core values with ‘Fostering self-growth through new

day, Eunice Alicias successfully solved the puzzle and won Php 300 and

knowledge’ as its overall theme.

Php 3,000 worth of New Leaf Learning vouchers.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ST. PAUL COLLEGE PASIG HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Pauliworld

Lastly, A1 ARCADE was held to wrap up this year’s fair games. It presented a classic bingo game that featured other

SPECTRUM 2021 has come to an end, but the SCT hopes that

activities such as a scavenger hunt, charades, and other exciting

the advocacies promoted and celebrated throughout the week-long

mini-games for Paulinians to enjoy. The event, which occurred

event have reignited the motivation within Paulinians and the

via Zoom, was open to all from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Prevailing the games was Carmela Tirona, who also won Php 3,000 worth of vouchers from New Leaf Learning and a Php 300 cash prize.

rest of the community to believe in a brighter future that they can create.

All SYNERGY games were headed by activity coordinators Abigail Wong and Hannah Castillo, and would not have been possible without the 2021 Fair Production Team.

Back to the present: SPECTRUM 2021 reaches a conclusion with the CYBERSPACE Talent and Variety Show

by Laurein Mateo

Appreciating the wonders of love in STEM’s benefit concert ‘AMARE: One with Love’

by Laurein Mateo “There is nothing better than a heart that loves and gives.”

SPCP Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students invited all to celebrate love in all

SPCP wraps up SPECTRUM 2021: Unraveling the Wonders

its forms this Valentine’s Day by hosting a benefit concert titled

of Tomorrow with the highly anticipated talent and variety show

“AMARE: One with Love.” Held on February 13, 2021, the event

“CYBERSPACE” held on January 29, 2021. The event promoted the

featured a talented roster of performers who serenaded viewers

advocacy of “Service for Our Disconnected Youth,” exemplifying

with their alluring tunes filled with messages of love and warmth.

the Paulinian core values of Commission and Charity. Serving as a benefit concert for ChildHope Philippines, the audience had the opportunity to give monetary or in-kind donations, which will support the funding of the organization’s projects and initiatives.

The event commenced with a talent show where selected performers who passed the preliminary auditions showcased their talents and competed for the cash prize. The line-up consisted of bands Aster from SPCP; Novae from Assumption College Antipolo; Before Tomorrow and Yakal Street from Lourdes School of Mandaluyong; and dance groups RTB and Ella x Jan from SPCP. The duo Ella x Jan were hailed as champions, garnering the cash prize of Php 8,000. They also won the Crowd Favorite Award, which granted them a prize of Php 1,500. Yakal Street came in second place, earning the cash prize of Php 4,000.

Ella Bolinao of Ella x Jan shared that the duo competed in the talent show driven by their desire to challenge themselves with the current circumstances. “We hope that the piece we’ve created will serve as an inspiration to others: that no matter what challenges we face in our lives, we must not feel defeated,” shares Jan Imbao.

Amare — an Italian word that means “to be in love” — encapsulates the strand’s goal to encourage individuals to feel and spread the love during Valentine’s despite the challenges brought by the pandemic. STEM Senior Thea Aquino says that “We believe that love is what brings people together and urges each individual to grow out of their comfort zone and keep living.”

In line with their advocacy for human life and dignity, STEM’s chosen beneficiary for the concert is St. Arnold Jansen’s Kalinga Center, a foundation dedicated to providing care and creating change in the lives of Manila’s homeless and poor. “Kalinga” is an acronym for the programs offered by the center, which are Kain, Aral, Ligo, Nang Umayos. Donations were opened on February 6, and contributions of more than P100 granted eligibility to participate in the raffle draw, which gave out prizes from BenAqui Cookies and GP Coffee.

STEM students from the SPCP Chorale opened the event with an enchanting cover of I See the Light from the movie Tangled, followed by soloist Bianca Lipana who sang her renditions of Hinahanap-Hanap Kita by River Maya and Wine by Clara Benin.

With the talent show concluded, it was time to draw the

The Ministry charmed the audience with their covers of New

curtains for the CYBERSPACE Variety Show. Musical artists 46

Light by John Mayer and If I Could Fly by One Direction. Singer-

Hope St., Bianca Lipana, Indayo, Vowels They Orbit, Gracenote,

songwriter Issa Rodriguez then took the spotlight with original

and Moonstar88 invigorated audiences with euphonious and lively

songs Habang Buhay and Ready. Better Days stunned viewers

performances. The show also featured dance troupes UPLB Street

with their captivating performance of originals Nararamdaman

Jazz Dance Company, LSGH Airforce, and FUEGO, who revitalized

and Ayoko Na. Closing the concert, The Search Party serenaded

viewers with their fierce and stunning choreography.

viewers with their original songs Everyday and Ellie.

PauliworldSPCP

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News News & Sports

Current Events in the Philippines The Philippines suffers huge losses after 3 consecutive typhoons

by Alexandra Ypil The Philippines faced one of the most catastrophic natural calamities following the onslaught of Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses, which wreaked havoc across the country within 3 consecutive weeks. With wind speeds of around 215 kph, Typhoon Rolly was announced by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Service Administration (PAGASA) to be one of the strongest typhoons that passed the Philippines this 2020.

Typhoon Quinta made landfall on October 23, leaving a death toll of 16 and affecting around 115,181 families in Regions III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII and VIII along with widespread power interruptions and floods.

Meanwhile, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), recorded 10 deaths with around 2.3 million individuals affected by Typhoon Rolly after landing on November 1 in Bicol and leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 4. The Department of Health also reported that 67 health facilities were damaged after Rolly left the country.

Devastating impacts of Typhoon Ulysses resulted in 3,452,360 individuals affected by flash floods and landslides occurring in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and other parts of Luzon. An estimate of 40,000 houses were submerged in Marikina, while heavy rains caused the overflow of Magat dam in Cagayan subsequently submerging most of the province underwater.

The Department of Agriculture says that the typhoons incurred a total of P12.3B in agricultural damage. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, LGUs, and private entities distributed P1,236,596 worth of assistance. The administration’s lack of response was subjected to intense criticism, prompting the hashtag #NasaanAngPangulo to trend online after the president skipped a televised press briefing on the government’s response and preparation for Rolly. Others, including Vice President Leni Robredo claim that the closure of ABS-CBN left LGUs and citizens uninformed in such crucial times. “Effective communication is important during crisis situations…in Bicol, as well as Tuguegarao, our locals depend on them for sources of information. These were lost,” says Vice President Leni Robredo.

CNN Philippines Staff. (2020, October 29). Typhoon Quinta death toll now at 16 – NDRRMC. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2020/10/29/Death-toll-Quinta-missing-injured. html CNN Philippines Staff. (2020, November 18). Agriculture damage from Quinta, Rolly, Ulysses now at P12.3B. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.ph/news/2020/11/18/Agriculture-damage-QuintaRolly-Ulysses.html Inquirer Bureaus and Staff. (2020, October 29). ‘Quinta’ toll: 13 dead, P1.4B in agricultural losses. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1353735/quinta-toll-13-dead-p1-4b-in-agri-losses Marquez, C. (2020, November 14). After ABS-CBN shutdown, lack of Ulysses warning made Cagayan residents suffer– Robredo. Retrieved from [4] https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1360703/after-abscbn-shutdown-lack-of-ulysses-warning-made-cagayan-residents-suffer-robredo Marquez, C. (2020, November 1). #NasaanAngPangulo trends on Twitter as Duterte skips super typhoon briefing. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1354976/nasaan-ang-pangulobicol-trends-on-twitter-amid-supertyphoon-rolly United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). (2020, October 29). Philippines, storms and winds in multiple regions. Retrieved from https://reliefweb. int/report/philippines/philippines-storms-and-winds-multiple-regions-typhoon-molave-0600-oct-29-2020#:~:text=Search%20ReliefWeb%20Search-,Philippines%2C%20 Storms%20and%20Winds%20in%20Multiple%20Regions%20(Typhoon%20MOLAVE),06%3A00%20Oct%2029%202020)&text=On%2023%20October%202020%2C%20 the,west%2Dnorthwestward%20towards%20Bicol%20Region.

UNICEF Philippines. (N.A). Over 700,000 children among the most affected as super typhoon Rolly/Goni hit the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/stories/over700000-children-among-most-affected-super-typhoon-rollygoni-hit-philippines

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Pauliworld

Duterte rejects resumption of face-to-face classes until national vaccination drive launches

by Andie Dalusung On February 22, 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte disapproved of the proposal for face-to-face classes to resume as the national vaccination drive had not begun; and he did not want to put teachers and students’ lives at risk.

Considering that the national vaccination drive is still pending, the President decided to reject the resumption of face-to-face classes.

However, according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the President eyed the possibility to push through with limited face-to-face classes in August for areas with small numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Schools have adopted the online set-up during the pandemic and it has brought about many difficulties ranging from poor internet connectivity to the lack of in-person interaction and experience. “Learning outside the schools can never be satisfied by online learning even if you give excellent examples or anecdotes to students,” says STL for Social Science, Ms. Diana Sarenas. GIFT Instructor for Piano, Mrs. Maureen Doblon, adds that the personal touch and emotional connection with the students are no longer possible and that teaching students to play music with expression and not just the technical mechanics is met with difficulty.

Despite preparations for limited face-to-face classes by the Department of Education, the final decision remains to be with the President, and the resumption of face-to-face classes strongly depends on the COVID situation in the country.

Aguilar, K. (2021, February 22). Duterte rejects fresh bid to resume face-to-face classes — Palace. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1398580/duterte-rejects-fresh-bid-to-resume-faceto-face-classes-palace CNN Philippine Staff (2021, February 22). Duterte rejects proposed resumption of face-to-face classes — Palace. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/22/Duterte-rejects-faceto-face-classes-resumption.html

Elevating the LGBT community to elite status?

House tackles SOGIE Equality Bill in online hearing

by Laurein Mateo The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality resumed discussion on the highly contested Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill in an online hearing on November 4, 2020. Despite proponents of the bill clarifying that it upholds equality for all citizens, misinformed comments from representatives positioned against the bill’s passage prompted anger from allied groups and individuals on social media.

Invited resource speakers supporting the SOGIE Equality Bill emphasized the need for a law that protects the LGBTQIA+ community from gender-based abuse, violence, harassment, and discrimination as well as the members’ rights to avail of healthcare, public services, and education.

However, critics questioned the inclusivity of the bill’s provisions. Coalition of Concerned Families of the Philippines lawyer Lyndon Caña stated that there are no benefits for straight individuals. He also said the term LGBTQIA+ needs further definition since it is too broad, and suggested that necrophilia and pedophilia are considered sexual orientations by the community.

Concerns on giving special rights to the LGBTQIA+ were also raised with the approval of the bill since there are existing legislations like the Safe Spaces Act that punish discriminatory acts. Vice-chair Rep. Geraldine Roman reiterates that these laws are not enough to protect the community from SOGIE-based discrimination. #YesToSOGIEBill trended on social media as Filipinos called out lawmakers against the SOGIE Bill. Groups and youth organizations advocating for SOGIE equality such as Lagablab Network, UP Babaylan, and Metro Manila Pride emphasized that the bill protects all citizens since everyone has SOGIE and pointed out that it does not diminish the rights of non-LGBT individuals. In response to comments that attack the bill based on religious beliefs, organizations asserted that religious freedom should not be a reason for the LGBT community to continue experiencing hate crimes and harassment.

The SOGIE Equality Bill continues to face major opposition after years of interpellations and questioning. In the 17th Congress, the House passed the bill on its final reading but it languished in the Senate as the body failed to conduct sessions to tackle it.

Aurelio, J. (2020, November 5). Fiery debate erupts anew over Sogie bill. Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/ Mata, M. (2020, November 7). LGBTQ+ groups slam ‘glaringly dangerous’ comments on SOGIE bill at House hearing. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/

PauliworldSPCP

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

by Therese Rose F. Aquino

Research, despite its typically formal facade, is one of the key components to make changes not only in the scientific world but also in the lives of those who suffer in silence. As catalysts of change, it is important for us, both readers and writers, to recognize the reality of troublesome truths that have been previously diluted. With this in mind, the Research section aimed to eradicate the barrier between student ‘taboos’ and the capacity for readers to get educated through our annual segment, Equivocal: Marshalls of Ambivalent Truths.

The surge in cases of mental illness in high school students is an alarming wake-up call for school administrators. In 2020, the number of cases only continues to rise as students strive to overcome adjustments to their work-life balance in this new age of online learning, but what is it like to really experience the setbacks of mental health? To answer this year’s question, a student was interviewed to provide insight into the reality of dealing with clinically diagnosed mental illness.

form of mania. From my experience,

but it wasn’t what I was looking

it feels like roller coasters that fall

for at the time. I tried going to the

short of the highs or a battery that is

SPCP Guidance but people were

Introduce yourself with your alias and

always drained but can only charge up

busy

what inanimate object best describes

to 75 percent.

paperwork.

On OCD and Borderline traits: People

In January, things got so much

I’d be water, I guess. I fill other’s

throw around the word “OC” a lot

worse— I even spent my birthday

containers, conform to what other

to describe a perfectionist, or maybe

in the emergency room after a panic

people want; so even I think I have no

a generally tidy person, but the real

attack in fear of doing something and

definite shape or form.

thing is much less simple and much

harming myself. This really affected

more frustrating. OCD is different

my schooling. In March I completely

for everyone. For me it manifests in

stopped going to school. My last day in

intrusive,

Bold: Therese Normal: (Alias) Bob

you.

Why not juice?

[Guidance

Counselor]

with

thoughts

SPCP was during one of our Guidance

and urges, and even though I want to

tests, ‘it’ was really bad already, even

Tell us about your clinical diagnosis.

shake them off, I can’t. I get indecisive

the test proctor acknowledged my

What it is and what happens when

and stuck on one problem over and

weight loss.

Nah, just water.

uncontrollable

you have it.

over.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar II with

Borderline traits often get mixed up

OCD [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder]

with Bipolar, but Borderline is more of

and Borderline traits. I’m by no means

being in unstable relationships with

an expert on these, but these are just

both yourself and other people, as well

some of the things I’ve come to know.

as engaging in risky and impulsive

On being Bipolar: There’s Bipolar I, Bipolar II, there’s Cyclothymia; basically, there’s more than just one

behavior. Borderline also makes me feel less connected with reality, like I’m just floating.

Do your friends and family know?

How did they react when you told them?

My family knows, but my dad was on a trip when I went to the psychiatrist for the first time with my mom--she is always reaching out to get me mental help. They’re very supportive. Friends are only informed if they ask about ‘it’

kind of Bipolar. People know that

How long have you been diagnosed?

or if the topic is brought up. When I

those who are bipolar experience

Did you see someone for mental

went to the psychiatrist, I only told

mood swings, but the difference

ill-being before being diagnosed?

between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar I deals with mania, and Bipolar II deals with hypomania, a less intense

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four people…

Since March. Before that I did go to

I’d tell others if they’re curious. I’m

CEFAM (Center for Family Ministries),

not ashamed of it, I just wouldn’t

a counseling organization in Ateneo,

bring it up.

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Are you currently taking medication?

Yes.

I

take

Sertraline

as

Pauliworld

my actions, but...I really...can’t?

an

There’s this ugly feeling of

antidepressant, Valproic Acid as a

guilt

mood stabilizer, Quetiapine as a

you when you can’t

treatment for psychosis and manic/

do things that

depressive episodes.

that

other

people

can

Do they have any side effects?

consumes

do

just

fine. Especially

I don’t know which specific medicine

when

causes what but I experience shaky

you’re

capable

hands, involuntary twitches in my

but

can’t

arms or neck, insomnia, fluctuating

deliver at the

weight changes and food habits,

time of need.

fatigue-- like my brain is becoming leveled, but it’s making me feel numb all the time. The weight changes make me a bit conscious, especially when clothes don’t fit anymore, although I know it’s probably healthier.

How has your diagnosis affected your relationships with the people around you?

You know how there are days when we naturally need our alone time?

you

know

I had parent-teacher conferences with higher-ups informing them that I

only had the choice not to feel this

wasn’t doing well, and they’ve been

way, I would have taken it by now.

considerate and have been offering help with finding psychologists or advice.

someone differently when they know they’re diagnosed with something

During COVID, how was being home

because that is not their entire

all the time for online class?

personality. I am not reduced to being

It’s hard to properly function in class as is, but having this set-up somehow made me become not focused at all.

It’s difficult to determine if you’re

Yeah, definitely.

I don’t like it when people treat

getting better when everything feels

Bipolar and That Kid Not Doing Well In School. I make jokes about these things all the time but it’s only because that’s what people want to hear. So if you ever have someone be transparent with you, don’t shrug them off.

I have those, but I also have times

repetitive. When you’re at home there

when I have to retreat into another

is no support system. I expected to do

You never know how much it means

room during bad episodes to not make

okay alone, but being around people

to another person if they open up to

my family worry. I stop replying for

is different-- you can physically feel

you.

weeks to friends because I don’t want

the support. Class now is just full of

them to feel like they can’t help when

awkward silences, we’re all muted,

I’m feeling down.

and it feels like you have more alone

If you know someone going through

time so your thoughts echo around

something, a little help goes a long

more. It’s hard if you don’t have the

way. Be kind, be there. Don’t make it

willpower to break through.

about you. You don’t have to always

Has your diagnosis affected your academic performance? Was help provided by the school?

If there was a list of problem students concerning

mental

health,

I’m

probably on there. I’m always absent,

If

there

are

misconceptions

any

common

surrounding

your

mental health, what are they?

I don’t communicate with teachers,

Some people would say that I’m

I can’t do requirements. Teachers

faking it, that it’s all in my head and

would check up on me and ask for

I’m thinking it lang, and that everyone

updates, but I get scared... nahihiya

goes through it so I shouldn’t make it

ako. They’re supportive but sometimes

a big deal. Some of those FB posts even

it’s just so guilt-inducing, I guess a

say— “Pag may pera, depression, pag

matter of pride on my end. I don’t

wala malungkot lang”. I just want to

want to make what I have a reason for

say that it’s real and it’s scary, and if I

PauliworldSPCP

Do you have any last words?

know what to say, you can always educate yourself online and learn how to help.

If you’re feeling down, or just feeling wrong in the old noggin’, know that people are always there. We may not have the same experiences, nor the same situations, but people are there to listen. It’s cheesy, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020- MARCH 2021

Editorial

UNHAPPINESS

IS A CHOICE

by ZULEMA

The desire for happiness is universal. To be content with what is happening at a specific moment; to be happy with the decisions one has made up to such a point; or to find enjoyment in everything that one does, even with life’s most mundane tasks. It can also mean finding time alone as a stay-at-home mom or hitting the gym after a long day at work. For some, it is a sign of having access to higher education or beating cancer after many years of treatment, or receiving a compliment from a person whom one admires. To achieve this feeling of contentment, in both untimely and serendipitous moments, is the force that drives humanity towards the pursuit of happiness— yet when it comes to this, many people are underachievers.

And it’s largely because of the limitations that people place on themselves as a result of self-perceived inferiority.

13

All humans develop feelings of inferiority as children, whether it be from humiliation, or the early onset of specific conditions, or the social isolation that results from the loss of typical support. Furthermore, people spend the rest of their lives compensating for these feelings. If the sense of inferiority is fuel to achieve self-actualization or the inchmeal progression towards one’s improved self for some—others remain subdued by the wounds of his or her past. But these are all subjective and are therefore left open to the individual, whether it be the choice to interpret situations as an advantage or a complete set back, or to decide if one’s existence relies on the affirmation of others.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ST. PAUL COLLEGE PASIG HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Stand up to this by thinking about the present goal or purpose. Think of it as something that is remotely similar to the act of giving meaning to adverse

Pauliworld

Unhappiness is something that is chosen.

experiences such as abuse during childhood. Influences

The standpoint of this piece is a hard pill to swallow.

from one’s past are indeed transformative, but the lack

Making sense of these methods can be provoking because

of overcoming these unique challenges will leave the

the world in which we live is constantly hounded by

individual with a bleak view of the world. To some

horrendous events. It is no surprise that some, and if

extent, this contradicts the well-known Freudian

not many, are left with the feeling of hopelessness—

view of trauma where the basis of one’s unhappiness

succumbing to the waves that make life meaningless.

is primarily the result of his or her psychic wounds.

Nonetheless, life continues to be bounded by whatever

But Alfred Adler, although not as popular as Sigmund

meaning the individual gives it. Suppose one encounters

Frued or Carl Jung, believed that life is not something

an unfortunate disaster, erase the thoughts that dwell,

that is predetermined, but rather highly individual and completely of the self’s decision.

PauliworldSPCP

and choose to look ahead and think, What can I do from now on?

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Editorial

Puppets masquerading in uniform

by Abîme

Numerous fully-armed individuals escorting a handcuffed woman clad in PPE is an entourage that would stand out anywhere, exceedingly so in her own daughter’s funeral—this was the scenario at Baby River’s wake. The three-month-old infant fell sick and died after being abruptly separated from her mother, political detainee Reina Mae Nasino.

Baby River did not have to lose her life. Had the police or courts showed concern for her life, they could have devised a compromise so that Reina would be allowed to provide care for the child. They could have shown mercy for a grieving mother and offer respect towards an innocent life through preparing appropriate measures for Reina to grieve peacefully.

Instead, they cruelly gave her 6 hours to mourn and persistently harassed the family inside the funeral home.

Policemen serve to defend justice and promote order within a community to ensure a harmonious and peaceful way of life. However, recent actions exhibiting overt overkill begs for a reevaluation of the civil force’s priorities as they begin to place innocent lives in danger.

The incident at Baby River’s funeral is not the first time that police have gone overboard to prevent situations they look on as public disturbances or acts of disobedience to authority.

They have a history of being brutal towards protesters, most notably during protests against the Anti-Terror Law and government lockdown policies ongoing since March 2020.

For years, many activists and human rights defenders have also been targeted and unlawfully arrested without legal warrants.

The organization’s situational responses that lack compassion and impartiality contribute to the widening cracks in the Philippines’ justice system––a system that favors the powerful and compliant and drives more hardships into the lives of the underprivileged and outspoken. In the society we live in, justice is only attainable for the elite. Uneven implementation of the rules giving notice to emerging double standards is evident as authorities select individuals to whose humanitarian reasons can be grounds for a lighter sentence or complete disregard of charges.

Upon being sworn into position, the honorable duty of enforcing the law to protect citizens from situations that threaten their rights and wellbeing rests on the shoulders of policemen. However, with a track record filled with incidents implying their intent to silence minorities and neglect the plight of the impoverished, their presence is akin to sirens, warning each individual–– comply, or you’re next.

Ignoring the red flags in the decisions of police organizations is dangerous as it reinforces their confidence to continue enabling injustice and act as puppets for powerful individuals. Citizens should not adopt an apathetic attitude and blindly comply with questionable policies if they desire for law enforcers that commit to their values of service and integrity.

15

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Pauliworld

Funding Facism

by TimesNewWoman

RED-TAGGING. A word that seems to have circulated more often ever since Duterte became president. This term can be RED-TAGGING defined as the unjust blacklisting of progressive groups and individuals who are critical of the government.

These past months, cases of red-tagging have drastically increased. Reports of imprisoned activists, slain journalists and lawyers, and cases of accusations against various youth groups and student-leaders have made alarming rounds across news outlets.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is known to have their fair share of redtagging and fear-mongering amongst the citizens, as they have explicitly accused individuals of being a part of the New People’s Army (NPA), and have contributed to the spread of misleading and inaccurate posts on social media.

The task force was established through Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, with the goal to “attain inclusive and sustainable peace.” However, looking at their track record and recent activities, it seems as if they aim for the opposite.

Their official Facebook page, which has 84,856 likes and 94,015 follows as of writing, shows a mix of content that would range from government advisories to anti-communist statements. One of their controversial posts is their list of mass organizations and groups that they tagged as “CPP-NPA fronts.” Not only are these accusations baseless, but they also imperil the lives of the aforementioned as they are now more vulnerable to the dangers of the Anti-Terrorism Law. Furthermore, the 2021 budget proposal includes a 19-billion-peso allotment for the NTF-ELCAC alone. This surprisingly high amount begs the question, “If we had billions to spare for a task force, then why is there still a lack of government response to the recent calamities?” Considering that the task force seems to have done nothing but blacklist civilians, this amount seems to be illogical. Despite the countless fraudulent accusations, the senate still believes that the budget is needed to fight so-called insurgency problems. However, what purpose would the NTF-ELCAC serve during a crisis? How is this more crucial than funding humanitarian efforts?

These questions remain unanswered as there is still no concrete explanation or justification as to where the people’s money goes.

The inconsistencies found in the national budget shows how misaligned the government’s priorities can be, especially if it benefits their interests. Instead of administering the needs of the people, billions worth of rehabilitation and relief efforts are casually placed at the hands of the authorities with the intent of spreading misinformation and fear amongst the Filipinos.

There is a need to amplify the call to allocate the budget towards the needs of the masses, not of the government. Hiding under the guise of protecting the public from terrorism is a cowardly move, as the only terrorist act that compromises the safety and welfare of the Filipinos is the administration’s lack of empathy, transparency, and competence during this time of crisis.

PauliworldSPCP

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Editorial

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

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Pauliworld

by Busisi

Kamakailan lamang, naging usap-usapan ang hashtag na #NasaanAngPangulo noong kasagsagan ng preparasyon, pagtama sa lupa, at pagsuri sa epekto ng magkasunod na bagyong Rolly at Ulysses. Sa magkataliwas na depensa ng miyembro ng gabinete’t ng isa pang hindi naman miyembro ng gabinete ngunit palaging salingkitkit ng pangulo, Linggo naman at holiday kung kaya’t nagpapahinga ang pangulo.

Ang sabi naman ng isang senador na palaging nagiging salingkitkit ng pangulo, hindi naman natigil ang pagtatrabaho ang pangulo. Sa katunayan daw ay walang katapusang pagpipirma, pagbabasa’t pagmomonitor ang ginawa nito noong panahong nanalasa ang bagyo.

Ngunit bakit nga ba tila hindi naramdaman ng ilang mamamayang Pilipino ang ma-aksyon at mabilis na pagresponde at preparasyon ng pangulo sa mga kalamidad na nagdaan? Kinukuwestiyon ng ilang mamamayan na bilang pangulo ng bansa, hindi ba raw minimum requirement na makita ang presidenteng nangunguna sa pagsisikap na maprotektahan ang kanyang mga pinagsisilbihan sa panahon ng kalamidad at krisis na kinakaharap dahil din sa pandemya?

Tumama na sa lupa ang bagyo at halos wala pang dalawang linggo ang nakalipas nang sumunod at humagupit ang susunod na bagyo. Sa panahong ito, ang mga ordinaryong Pilipino ang tumulong sa kapwa Pilipinong nangangailangan nang dahil sa kakulangan ng tulong na naipapaabot ng nasyunal na pamahalaan na siyang resulta ng tila maling paglalaan ng mga pondo’t priyoridad.

Bago pa man nanalanta ang bagyo, naghanda na ang mga lokal na pamahalaan (Local Government Unit o LGU) upang hindi maging malaki ang pinsalang dulot ng bagyo sa kanilang lugar. At sa panahong mayroon (pa ring) pandemya, naging saksi ang mga residente sa kanya-kanyang inisiyatibo’t pagsisikap na ginagawa ng bawat LGU batay sa Omnibus Guidelines na inilabas ng ehekutibong sangay ng pamahalaang pinangungunahan ng pangulo. Iba’t ibang paraan ng pamamalakad ang umusbong mula sa mga LGU dahil batay sa Kodigo ng Pamahalaang Lokal ng 1991 (Local Government Code of 1991), ito’y may awtonomiyang pamunuan ang kanilang lalawigan upang maging angkop at naaayon sa konteksto na kanilang ginagalawan. Halimbawa, ang preparasyon ng mga LGU sa mabundok na lugar ay iba sa preparasyong isinasagawa ng mga LGU na malapit sa ilog.

Sa pananaw ng marami, ang mga lokal na pamahalaan ay hindi nagkulang sa preparasyon at paalala para ‘di gaanong mahirapan ang mga nasasakupan nito. Magmula noong inanunsyo ng PAGASA na may bagyong paparating hanggang sa paglikas ng mga tao’y ginawa ng LGU ang kanilang tungkulin at nakipag-ugnayan sa mga pinuno ng gobyernong kanilang nakakausap ng mga panahong iyon. Ang NDRRMC, bilang pambansang ahensyang layuning magpatupad ng mga hakbang para sa ikabubuti ng mamamayan tuwing may sakuna’y tila kailangan pang idaan sa pagkausap ng isang senador na hindi naman karapat-dapat pinagpapaalaman. Bakit kailangang manawagan ng alkalde ng Marikina sa senador upang maipaabot lamang ang tawag na siyang tungkulin naman ng NDRRMC? At matapos ang katakot-takot na pinagdaanan ng mga Pilipino, ang naging tugon ng pangulo sa sambayanan ay katakottakot ding mga bantang ‘wag subukan ng kanyang mga “katunggali” na kuwestiyunin ang mga aksyong ginagawa niya sa mga panahong iyon.

Marami ang nawalan ng buhay, marami ang patuloy na sinusubukang makabangon muli mula sa kawalan dahil sa kalamidad. Ngunit sarili, at sarili lamang palagi ang pangunahing iniisip ng pangulo. Ang bansang dating nagtutulungan ay unti-unti nang pinababayaan. Mayroon ngang awtonomiya ang mga LGU, ngunit hindi nito katumbas ang pagpapaubaya na lamang sa iba ng mga tungkuling gampanin dapat ng pangulo. Baka nga “bahala na kayo,” ang nasa isip niya.

Hanggang kailan ba tayo mananahimik? Hanggang kailan ba natin tatanggapin lamang ang kabalastugang inihaharap sa sambayanang marangal at magiting? O baka dapat ang tanong ay, hanggang kailan ba tayo magpaparaya? Bahala na?

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Editorial

The SOGIE Bill: An Open Letter to the Filipino

by MAYARI

To the dearest Filipino public, We have come a long way. Labels, names, and identities were once erased throughout the course of our history—but we are still here.

There is a reason why we value resiliency, and though there is much to be said about the extremist ways we see it in the present, it is still something that is admirable. We value hard work. We value persistence amongst adversity, and we reward it with acceptance and celebration.

So, when we are presented with an opportunity to empower the LGBTQ+ community—a community that continues to exhibit resiliency against the opposition—why do we turn a blind eye? Do we adapt the faces of those we rise up against?

The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality Bill (SOGIE Bill) is one that aims to recognize the identities of the LGBTQ+ community and protect them from unjust discrimination. It is also a way to allow the members of the community to freely exercise their rights without

The fight for equality does not entail the erasure of other people’s identities—identities that you and I have long fought hard to maintain. This fight is not against you, the dear public, it is against the system that many of you have been blind sighted to follow and worship, even.

The fight is to justify love—an act that should not have to be justified at all. The fight is to justify that loving another human is not a privilege that is granted through the birth lottery. The fight is to enact change within a system that celebrates resiliency but continues to steal the faces of their oppressors.

So, I would like to implore you to ask yourselves if a sea of rainbow-colored flags that are raised by Filipinos, for Filipinos, does not represent the soul of our state and nation.

I implore you to ask yourselves if the bright sparks of life we call humanity, who fight in solidarity, do not exhibit love, justice, equality, and everything we stand for.

If your answer is an unbiased no, then it is time to march with them.

consequence based on their orientations.

A common misconception of the SOGIE Bill is that it aims to threaten the rights of those who are not part of the LGBTQ+ community. Another reason why many dispute it is due to their religious beliefs. At the end of the day, however, the SOGIE Bill does not accomplish any harm. The LGBTQ+ community does not need, nor want, to threaten you. It does not threaten your religious beliefs, nor your rights, but it does allow the marginalized to claim their rightful places as active Filipino citizens.

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Pauliworld

The Family Tree

by TRAYDOR

The 2020 US Presidential elections have created quite the impression worldwide as the close fight between then US President Donald Trump and opposing candidate Joe Biden entered a tight race to become the next face of Uncle Sam. Netizens have continued to voice their opinions on each running party not only from the regions within the fifty states but all over the world,especially in the Philippines. It was found that younger Filipinos were more vocal about foreign elections rather than concerning themselves with the state of our current administration. Why are Filipinos so involved in American politics?

The answer lies deep within the roots of the USA as the Philippines’ last colonizer.

After the approval of the 1935 Philippine Constitution, the collateral damage of World War II prompted the 1946 declaration of Philippine independence from the shackles of almost 50 years of American colonialism. Despite the seemingly peaceful departure of a colony and its colonizer, the influence of American culture on Filipino politics and societal norms continues to jeopardize our place as a fair democratic sovereignty. On November 23, an article was released by One News Philippines on the turnover of 18 million dollars worth of missiles from President Donald Trump in support of Rodrigo Duterte’s battle for the South China Sea. This was later followed by Malacañang’s decision to suspend the termination of the longnegotiated Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) — a pact under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty which was passed in 1991 under President Bill Clinton in response to a senate rejection to prolong the stay of US military bases — between the US and the Philippines for another six months. Though it was said that President Duterte encouraged Filipino Americans to vote for Trump, he still sent his spokesperson to send his congratulations to newly elected President Joe Biden. Regardless of the US government’s successors, our national government still fails to get up from bended knees when faced with the unjust demands

of

our silent colonizer.

This predicament of the seemingly eternal reign of imperialism, along with the common Western influences that are imparted through the number of cultural and economic changes imposed, conveys the severity of our dependence on the US government regardless of the leaders in office. It is important to educate ourselves, as future participants of democracy, in preparation for these decisions that are crucial to the future of our country. Knowing that our past colonizer has such a profound impact on our national discussions on foreign relations and military decisions, regardless of whether or not they identify as Democratic or Republican, emphasizes the need for readily informed voters in the Philippines to catalyze change in the upcoming 2022 Presidential elections in pursuit of finally breaking free from the American colony family tree.

Bueza, M. (2020, January 31). EXPLAINER: Visiting Forces Agreement. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/explainer-visitingforces-agreement.

Press, A. (2020, November 23). US Provides Missiles, Renews Pledge To Defend Philippines. https://www.onenews.ph/us-provides-missilesrenews-pledge-to-defend-philippines.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News Feature & Sports

by Samantha Veguilllas

2020 has been an eventful year, to say the least. It is difficult to imagine the year getting any worse with natural disasters wreaking havoc on our surroundings, all the way to the global pandemic that plagued the entire nation. With all of these events transpiring in a flash, it becomes challenging to keep track of the bad (and the good!) things that have happened. With this, let us look back on the year with a recap of 2020.

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Natural Disasters

Pauliworld PhilHealth Corruption Scandal

Starting the year off, Australia faced devastating

In July, allegations of corruption within PhilHealth

bushfires in the month of January. Just 10 days after the

resurfaced. Supposedly, the corporation was created to

Australian bushfires was the eruption of Taal Volcano in our

implement universal health coverage in the country, but

own country which left 39 people dead and caused ash falls

after an investigation led by the Justice Department, they

reaching as far as Metro Manila.

talked of a “mafia” or syndicate being involved in the

The Philippines in Lockdown Doctors had been warning the public about COVID-19

controversy.

Biden Wins the U.S. Election

since December last year, but it wasn’t until early this

On November 7, it was reported that Joe Biden had

year when people started to take it seriously. Two months

won the U.S. Presidential Election, making him the 46th

after the first Coronavirus-related death, President Duterte

President-elect of the USA. As the country celebrated the

declared the start of what became the longest COVID-19

win, current President Donald Trump made claims of voting

related quarantine on March 12.

fraud. Although there was no evidence, President Trump still

Black Lives Matter Movement The Black Lives Matter Movement has existed for several years, with the movement’s goal of fighting against racism.

After years of unjust discrimination experienced by black people through racial profiling and police brutality, protests were organized to fight against the injustice black people have been facing for centuries.

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has plans to press forward with a legal fight.

2020 has been an eventful year, to say the least. It is difficult to imagine the year getting any worse with natural disasters wreaking havoc on our surroundings, all the way to the global pandemic that plagued the entire nation. With all of these events transpiring in a flash, it becomes challenging to keep track of the bad (and the good!) things that have happened.

With this, let us look back on the year with a recap of 2020.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Feature

Red-tagging

An Attack to our Freedom of Speech

Art by Magadia

by Sofia Sambrano

The Philippines is a democratic country. Filipinos have the power and right to exercise their freedom of speech, even if it does not align with the ideologies of their current administration. However, red-tagging has been pervasive in the country for the past few years.

The International Peace Observers Network (IPON) defines red-tagging as a “common strategy of state actors to intimidate and muzzle government-critical individuals, such as activists, human rights defenders, as well as organizations who peacefully engage for their rights.” Government officials release lists of red-tagged individuals and organizations to the public, and as a result, they are now considered enemies of the country.

Their lives are put at risk, and most of them receive harassment and threats from anonymous individuals.

There is no way to fact check if these individuals and organizations are truly affiliated with communists and terrorists, for acts as simple as criticizing the ideas of the administration on social media can get one red-tagged.

The sad reality is that red-tagging is now considered a deadly practice, costing the lives of human rights defenders and activists: Marlon Maldos, an activist and choreographer, was abducted and murdered on March 17, 2020; Randall ‘Ka Randy’ Echanis, a peace consultant who was assassinated in his own home on August 10, 2020; and Zara Alvarez, a human rights activist who was shot on her way home in Bacolod City on August 17, 2020. These are just a few of the many Filipinos whose lives ended unjustly and unaccounted for.

Many critics have stated that the government has used red-tagging as a way to intimidate and instill fear.

It is now seen as a way to silence people out of fear for their safety. Some now doubt if it is even worth it to exercise their freedom of speech if their lives will be put at risk. How can we call the Philippines a democratic nation if they continue to silence the voices of those who demand change for the country?

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Pauliworld

The youth

The Hope of today

by Samantha Apilado

Art by Quibilan

“Children are the hope of tomorrow.” This is a phrase used by adults to inspire young people. Although this is true, the youth today have proved to many that this mindset, though hopeful, diminishes the potential of our generation. It gives us the idea that true change can only be created when we grow older.

Although the current pandemic has brought all of us worry and frustration, it has also accelerated the involvement of the youth. Intensified by the lack of concrete action from our leaders, many have built the courage to take matters into their own hands.

People wanted change, but one can only do so much alone. This mindset pushed many individuals to come together through youth organizations, allowing them to advocate for causes they believe in. Around the months of May and August of this year, various organizations have built their name from the ground up. Among those are three that stood firm to their vision through concrete action.

SALIG PH This organization has its core

CODE GREEN ENVIRONMENT YOUTH ORGANIZATION

(CGEYA)

beliefs on the awareness of global and local humanitarian and environmental

CGEYA advocates for a better and

issues, as well as international politics.

more sustainable environment through

With their recently released voters’ rights information posters, activism crash courses, and the explanation of worldly events, it is astounding to see

infographics and discussion forums with

knowledgeable

individuals.

Established last April, they have placed

how much they have accomplished

great efforts to remind us of the perilous

since July of this year.

effects of climate change.

ADHAYA PHILIPPINES Unlike most youth organizations that cover various advocacies, Adhaya Philippines

stands

establishing

their

out call

through for

more

equitable environments for children with disabilities (CWDs). They were created only last August, but they have already organized multiple fundraisers for special education and CWDs.

There are also other organizations who’ve long been established before this year, such as Kids for Kids PH, Talang Dalisay, Amarela, and so much more. These organizations are a reminder for us all that we must actively take on our role as members of our community in order to spread awareness and act on issues that affect those around us. As the youth, it is important that we organize the power we hold so that our voices may be amplified and heard. Let us not wait for tomorrow, for we are the hope of today.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Feature

by Louise Navarro

Beyond the exploration of knowledge behind the universe and its creation, there remains one subject that continues to astound many: the self.

Displacement In contrast to the two mechanisms previously discussed, displacement acknowledges the emotions and lets the

Several philosophers and psychologists have explored

individual act on it. However, instead of expressing strong

different aspects of the self in an attempt to comprehend

emotions directly, these are redirected to less threatening

the complexity of the human mind. One of the many key

objects or people. The best illustration of this mechanism is

personalities in the psychological field is Sigmund Freud,

when a person breaks glass objects to deal with anger.

who is known as the proponent of the psychoanalytic

Sublimation

theory. In connection to this, Freud introduced the world to the concept of defense mechanisms—an individual’s way of responding to threats or unwanted feelings. Listed below are four common defense mechanisms which you may have seen in others or perhaps even in yourself:

iterated defense mechanisms, as this is considered to be a more positive way of dealing with strong emotions. Instead of allowing negative emotions to brew more negativity, they are redirected to fuel positive activities that can increase

Repression

one’s productivity.

When carrying the burden of heavy emotions such as sadness or guilt, an individual may unconsciously bury these feelings in hopes of being able to avoid dealing with them. However, this well-known defense mechanism does not erase these emotions; instead, these buried feelings tend to subconsciously influence an individual’s behavior, especially when facing similar situations in the future.

While defense mechanisms seem to help individuals cope with precarious situations, heavy reliance on these are unhealthy in the long run as it distorts one’s perception of reality. The goal behind uncovering the defense mechanisms that individuals may be practicing is for them to find healthier ways of coping and dealing with distress. In the end, a more sustainable approach in dealing with conflicts will always be the main goal in order to improve decision-

Denial Although

Sublimation greatly differs from the three formerly

denial

shares

many

similarities

with

making skills in the future.

repression, it differs in such a way that it is the refusal to accept the truth by avoiding it altogether. In contrast with repression, there is no form of any acknowledgment of the

Cherry, K., & Gans, S., MD. (2020, January 22). Common defense mechanisms people use to cope with anxiety. Retrieved from https://www. verywellmind.com/defense-mechanisms-2795960

situation when one is in denial.

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Pauliworld

by Jana Torres

Humans are protective beings.

We have difficulty letting go of items that remind us of our first pets and can barely listen to songs that remind us of our first loves. We are sentimental. We love—hard. So with the prominent presence of the media, everyone now finds themselves drawn to at least one aspect in its vast spectra, such as music, film, art, among others. Everyone has a story to tell, and more often than not, they can be told because of something, someone, that is present in the media.

This is why gatekeeping exists. This is when an individual, or a group of individuals, determines who can and cannot consume a certain type of content. More often than not, it presents itself as an unwritten rule to differentiate demographics. Anime lovers should only be anime lovers. Film fanatics shouldn’t touch the art critics. Outcasts can never touch the trendsetters.

Some may argue that gatekeeping exists for a justifiable reason. It is just a way to prevent “bad apples” or “posers” from ruining a work’s integrity—afraid that they may be taken for granted and viewed from a shallow perspective instead of understanding its nuances and subtle meanings. Others, however, do not share the same sentiment.

Gatekeeping, frankly, does not have a palatable presence amongst various communities. It is a way for people to flaunt their self-made superiority over others. It is a way of discrediting people for being people, and that is not an excusable act. Oftentimes it blurs the line between bullying as well—hurting others for the sake of seeming much more knowledgeable.

Nevertheless, gatekeeping is also a way to understand how important the media really is to its audiences. Every form of media can be interpreted as a unique door to a safe space, designed for every individual. What people confide in and relate to serves as their space of expression.

Humans are as fragile as they are protective. When great parts of our identities are at risk of being taken away, a defense mechanism kicks in. We deny. We fight back. We want to keep the things and ideas we love sacred, even at the expense of harming others. Whether or not gatekeeping is truly positive or negative, it cannot be denied that it is inherent in our nature.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Feature

by Gaby Martinez

Consider this: you catch a friend invested in a video of your favorite artist. You then hit them with the question, “Sino bias mo?” This may be the usual scenario amongst K-pop fans who are enamored with the lives and works of their favorite South-Korean idols. With K-pop songs such as “Dynamite” and “Ice Cream” going mainstream on local Filipino radio, one may ponder on how and why exactly the genre proliferated in the Philippines.

Filipinos have been invested in the K-Pop genre since the 2000s, fawning over first-generation groups such as Shinee, Girls Generation, and 2NE1, with Sandara Park notably being an icon amongst the Filipino masses. However, 2020 has marked the massive impact of K-Pop, reaching the highest growth rate of Hallyu fans—a term used to describe those who indulge in Korean dramas, products, fashion, and music.

With platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter welcoming users with updates on the most talked-about K-Pop groups, here are a few of these artists and why exactly they are worth stanning.

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Pauliworld

Known for their hit songs Cherry Bomb, BOSS, and Make a Wish, Neo Culture Technology, often abbreviated to NCT, is a boy group under SM Entertainment with four sub-units namely, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT U. Currently standing with twenty-three members from several different countries, their concept is to continue adding talented individuals who can continuously contribute to the versatility of the team.

Song Recommendations: 7 Days, Pandora’s Box, Dancing in The Rain

They are certainly one in a million with their catchy songs and dance choreographies that are able to seize the hearts of many. Having debuted in the year 2015, they are a well known third-generation girl group from JYP Entertainment. Although known for their cute and child-like concepts, they are exploring new concepts which are evident in their songs “Fancy” and “Feel Special.”

Song Recommendations: Touchdown, Next Page, What is Love

The first South Korean idols to be nominated for the Grammy awards are Bangtan Sonyeondan, best known as BTS. BTS debuted in 2013 and is known to be a group that adopts diverse concepts alongside their albums, combining soft ballads, old-school hip hop tracks, and lively pop songs. Having only had a popularity breakthrough in 2016 with their singles, “Blood Sweat & Tears” and “Fire,” many fans are in awe of their resilience as they faced struggles and failures before they reached the status of global superstars that they are today.

Song Recommendations: Dead Leaves, Interlude: Wings, Outro: House of Cards In addition to these artists, other groups such as EXO, Blackpink, Red Velvet, TXT, and the like, continue to destigmatize stereotypes and prejudices surrounding the genre in the Philippines.

K-Pop remains as one of the most versatile genres of music and continues to shed light on person of color (POC) representation in a highly westernized music industry. In the long run, the accomplishments of K-Pop in the music Art by Erfe

industry may become a major gateway for acts in Asia to gain their highly deserved recognition internationally.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Feature

by Luna Coscolluela

Art by Angeles

Some will argue that music is a living, breathing thing; the rest will have no choice but to agree. It is one of the timeless aspects of society that have remained consistently inconsistent throughout history. Music has never been just one thing because music has always been everything. But, it is fair to say that music gravitates to one of its favorite sounds: love.

The love song one as old as rhyme--a form that has transcended any concept of time or boundary. It is a genre that has trickled into other genres and blurred the lines of what music truly is. Some love songs have been born from the most mundane concepts; others from the strangest ideas. To musicians, it is the blank slate meant to be messed with. However, no matter how unique or distinctive, all these songs still manage to fit into the unusual mold that makes a love song.

As technology grows and music becomes much more accessible to the public, the sheer amount of love songs being created and being consumed has skyrocketed. The music industry is saturated with these songs, with almost every single chart being topped by songs about one form of love or another—and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Love songs have molded the landscape that music inhabits today. It is essentially music’s gateway to the masses, welcoming any individual who connects with any artist’s idea of love. Love songs have made a bridge for us to understand music, and all its complexities, in a way that we can fully immerse ourselves in.

Music, in all its mystery and variety, has given us a way to express ourselves; a way that does not limit, a way that does not restrict, and a way that anyone can take as their own.

And that is the beauty of a love song.

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Pauliworld

by Bridgette Macatangay

It is basic knowledge that humans are highly competitive creatures. It all stems from the theory of evolution wherein humans need to adapt to the continuously changing environment to survive the harsh weather or extreme hunger. This was where competition came from, following the concept of “survival of the fittest.”

Competition is still very evident in today’s world, but the first thing that comes to mind when we hear “competition” is probably not “survival” nor “fighting over food,” but rather, competition in the context of school and work settings.

We have all experienced competition in school. It may have started differently for every individual: It could be in our homes wherein there is a tendency to compete over something with a sibling, or it could have been introduced as early as kindergarten or grade school. Humans love to win and there is nothing wrong with that. However, extreme competition can and will promote unhealthy competition, which may result in several consequences on our physical, emotional, and mental thinking. This is where collaboration comes in, in hopes of lowering unhealthy competition among peers.

The SPCP community has developed this so-called “Paulinian work ethic” due to our strive for excellence in academics and extra-curricular. This has been a noticeable characteristic observed by non-Paulinian communities: Paulinians like to stay on top of their game and be “extra” with creating projects and completing requirements. However, work ethic has roots in unhealthy competition and collaboration found in our classrooms. One example would be the MSEP program, which many would know as the program that has set boundaries between the MSEP and regular classes, establishing an unhealthy and pressured work environment. Because of this, competition slowly starts to redefine our meaning of collaboration, and although we produce quality end-work, the journey towards it does not seem to be worth the intense pressure and selfdoubt that has the potential to deplete our love for learning.

Engaging in healthy competition and effective collaboration takes a lot of work, but it all stems from how our schools integrate these into our everyday learning. Effectively collaborating means building relationships prior to competition. Try to take time in to know who you are working with to build a trusting relationship. From this, you will get to understand others’ work ethic. Learn to communicate, be transparent, and delegate responsibilities. If you are working individually, use this opportunity to ask and help others with the project.

Sometimes, a project is too big for one person to take on alone. We need a little help now and then without having to think about who has done it better. So, if you have a great idea, share it!

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Feature

NETFLIX HITS YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH FOR YOUR NEXT MOVIE NIGHT

by Sofia Raine Fugen

With all the choices and options available on Netflix, picking something new to watch is a task that can be both daunting and time-consuming. Not to worry though, because we have your back! Here are four amazing shows and movies on Netflix that you might want to consider for your next binge!

Trending Now

The Queen’s Gambit 5

|

2020

|

DIRECTOR: Scott Frank and Allan Scott

Set during the Cold War era, this series is a win in our books for its captivating narrative and light feel, making it perfect for a late-night binge. It does a great job of showcasing the build-up to the main character’s conflicts and portrays each of her struggles at a reasonable pace, making her character growth even more satisfying to watch.

4

|

The Half of It

2020

|

DIRECTOR: Alice Wu

With breathtaking cinematography and a heartfelt message, this film is a win for both Asians and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

It does not try to ram the message into your head, rather it allows the progression to help viewers grasp the meaning that the story is trying to convey. This is absolutely perfect for chill nights with a hot drink and your loved ones by your side.

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N

Home

Series

Pauliworld

Most Recent

My list

Over the Moon 4

|

2020

|

DIRECTOR: Glen Keane

When watching this film, it is best not to forget your tissue boxes as it might make you shed a tear or two. It tackles the complexities of love and death, as well as longing and moving on from loss. The soundtrack and musical numbers are phenomenal, and the songs are guaranteed to stick with you for days after you have watched it.

The Dragon Prince 5

|

2020

|

CREATOR: Aaron Ehasz

This series, dare I say, is one of the best shows on Netflix. Three seasons in and it remains just as breathtaking and captivating as the first time I watched it. The plot may seem simple, but every episode leaves you wanting more. With loveable and diverse characters coupled with great animation, this show features action, mystery, romance, and drama that fits audiences of any age or gender.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News Entertainment & Sports

Art by Cristobal

Help Moira find the ingredients for her sinigang.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Water Pork Onion Tomato Sitaw

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Kangkong Talong Sili Salt Radish

Layout by Sophia Tantamco

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Pauliworld

Lead Janna to her dog!

Art by Fabila

Answer Key PauliworldSPCP

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Research

Cancellation of College Entrance Tests for Academic Year 2021-2022

by Kirsten Yvonne L. Pagala

College Entrance Tests (CETS) are administered annually to gauge student’s academic skills and capabilities to determine their acceptance at their desired institution. It is a rigorous process that requires a student’s preparation months prior.

Despite the lengthy review sessions, most universities in the Philippines, including the Big Four, decided to suspend CETS. The Big Four comprises institutions that made it to the world’s top universities (Lictao, 2014), which is why most students seek to pursue their education there. These schools are composed of the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Sto. Tomas — all of which canceled their entrance exams for the academic year 2021-2022. The schools underwent meticulous, lengthy deliberation for this decision, and were ultimately withheld for safety precautions against COVID-19.

The students of batch 2021 had mixed feelings about this matter as various individuals weighed the pros and cons of canceling the entrance exam. One of the first worries was about the schools’ criteria for admission. Some schools accept SAT grades, an admission test taken for college admissions in the US like De La Salle University. Unlike DLSU, a representative from UP stated in a webinar last September 12, 2020, that they only accept SAT or ACT grades if the school doesn’t follow the curriculum of DepEd. Another case was concerning the students’ inability to stabilize her studying habits in the later years as part of the admission considerations. Since this year’s admission is based on performance from grades 9 to 11, students are worried about rejection from these institutions due to their older grades. In response to this, universities like UST promised students that they will go through the applications thoroughly by means of requesting several requirements to assure their applicants (UST Office for Admissions, 2020).

There is also an optimistic way to look at it. First, due to the difficulty of the exams, the student had to study through hired tutors or enrolling in review centers. Due to the cancellation of CETs, students save money because they can eliminate additional expenses. Second, since CETs are competitive, the student strives to study while balancing her academic work which induces stress. For this year, however, she can focus on her academics alone—reducing her impending stress. Third, students with high grades have a higher chance of entering their preferred university because schools look at academic standings. Fourth, students experiencing technical difficulties like a weak Wi-Fi connection are relieved because instead of taking an online exam, all that is left to do is to submit requirements. Finally, it is much safer for everyone since the virus is easily transmitted, and administering the usual entrance exam puts everyone at risk.

At the end of the day, the safety of the students is the utmost priority. Canceling the college entrance exams this year is the most ideal decision due to the alarming rise in cases. CETs are a way to measure one’s knowledge built from the past years, but this year emphasizes the need to keep persistence and sincerity when accomplishing their academics prior to CETs season. Hopefully, this would serve as an inspiration for students to be conscious of their academic performance even before college admissions.

Lictao, K. M. A. (2017). PH’s big 4 listed among world’s best universities. Klipp.Tv. Retrieved from https://klipp.tv/news/phs-big-4-listed-among-worlds-bestuniversities/ Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2020). Ateneo doing away with entrance exams. Inquirer. Net. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1330535/ateneo-doingaway-with-entrance-exam Romualdez, A. V. P. (2020). No UPCAT 2021, UP admission system undergoing modification. University of the Philippines News. Retrieved from https://www. up.edu.ph/no-upcat-2021-up-admissions-system-undergoing-modification/ University of Sto. Tomas. (2020). Frequently asked questions about the USTAR. University of Sto. Tomas Office of Admissions. Retrieved from https://ustet.ust. edu.ph/

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by Alexandra Criste

Countless things have changed as a result of the ongoing pandemic: stricter safety and health guidelines were imposed, visiting common public places is now highly discouraged, and students no longer attend face-to-face classes.

As an alternative, they engage in online learning. Along with this, students are now given the luxury of selecting their own working hours to complete their asynchronous tasks. At first, this would seem to be a great and convenient advantage, as this enables students to work more comfortably and efficiently as they operate during times that go in line with their preferences. However, some students’ preferred working hours might not be the most optimal in terms of maximizing their brain’s efficiency. Some students prefer to work at night, but is that the best way to maximize our brain’s functions? Or are our cognitive abilities significantly enhanced in the early morning?

Research conducted by Oxford Learning (2017) suggests that our brains are at their sharpest state in the morning, right after we have woken up from a good night’s sleep and we have filled our stomachs with a hearty breakfast. At this time of the day, we are particularly energized, and our brains become more alert and active. This provides students with a heightened ability to recall previously learned information. In a similar study conducted by Kay (2016), it was proposed that the most ideal time to maximize natural peak productivity is in the late morning. During this time, our body temperature increases and prompts our brain as a signal to work and improve alertness, and maximize our memory and concentration. However, according to PSB Academy (2020), learning is most effective between 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm, and that our cognitive abilities are at their weakest between 4 am to 7 am. Essentially, based on these studies, it can be deduced that our brain is at its prime around morning time.

Although most studies generally suggest working and learning in the morning, they also emphasized the importance of sticking to a schedule that suits your own preferences and activities best. These studies stressed that there is no “perfect time” with reference to maximizing your cognitive abilities. Every individual has their own unique and personal time of productivity. Just as everyone utilizes their own set of learning styles, each person maximizes their own personal learning times as well. These studies simply suggest accomplishing tasks in the morning as this is the time most people generally feel alive and energized. But in the end, the “best time” for the brain to function is a relative term. If you wish to accomplish your tasks as efficiently as possible, create a schedule that works best for you and save important decisions for when you feel most alert.

The Best Time Of The Day To Study: Day or Night? (2017, November 30). Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.oxfordlearning.com/besttime-day-to-study/ Dovey, D. (2016, August 08). When Does The Brain Work Best? The Peak Times And Ages For Learning. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https:// www.medicaldaily.com/when-does-brain-work-best-peak-times-and-ages-learning-394153 When is the Best Time to Study: Morning, Noon or Night? (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.psb-academy.edu.sg/blog/best-timeto-study Wilding, M. (2017, March 13). Science Says These Are the Best Times to Learn and Create for Optimal Success. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.inc.com/melody-wilding/the-best-times-to-learn-and-create-according-to-science.html

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Research

Linguistic situation of the indigenous languages in the Philippines

by Amelia Salva Cruz

Overseas, people often associate their image of the Philippines with beaches, hospitable people, the natives’ language, and an abundance of culture demonstrated through rituals and various celebrations. Similar to other countries, the use of language and dialects help establish the nation’s identity and culture. However, in terms of recognition, Filipino is the most commonly known language by the general population, whereas the abundant dialects that originate from the provinces are not accentuated. The inauguration of the 1987 constitution developed Filipino, which was to be based on all local languages of the Philippines, with emphasis on Tagalog.

This was implemented after the recommendation of the Institute of National Language (INL) in 1937, having proposed that Tagalog be the basis of the national language as those that resided in Metropolitan Manila spoke this dialect.

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There is an estimated range of 130 to 185 dialects in the

ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) and other organizations have

Philippines, upholding a certain amount of 130 languages

developed projects and initiatives to preserve them.

having to exist or have existed. Among these dialects, 28 to

KWF had proposed that 2019 Buwan ng Wika’s theme

50 are endangered, 11 are moribund, and four are extinct

be ‘‘Wikang Katutubo: Tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino,’’

(such as two Aeta dialects, Agta Dicamay and Agta Villa

which emphasizes indigenous languages and its significance

Vicosa, and Ayta Tayabas). At present, endangered languages

in developing the Philippines’ past, present, and future.

are said to be Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Chabacano,

Correspondingly, KWF had mentioned four programs

Ibanag, Itawis, Sambal, and the 32 Negrito dialects (also

and their advocacies in a press conference regarding the

known as ‘Agta dialect’ amongst Negrito ethnolinguistic

national agenda for endangered languages in Quezon City.

populations). Furthermore, Pangasinense and Kapampangan

One of which was the Pambansang Gramatikang Filipino,

are two of the dialects included in the mother tongue-based

also known as the New Filipino Grammar, which would

multilingual education (which also consists of Filipino,

improve and update the old Balarila authored by Lope K.

Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Bikol-Albay, Bikol-Maranao,

Santos. This program involves research regarding language

Maguindanao, KInaray-a, and Tausug).

studies into the larger area of the national cultural heritage,

Based on the 1990 Census Overview of Major Philippine Languages, Tagalog has around 17 million (M) speakers. On the other hand, from 1977-2001, the Negrito groups had an

in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) the Registry of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

estimate of 33,000 people which solely compromises 0.05%

Aside from the programs developed by KWF, project

of the Philippines’ population, their 32 languages being

“Marayum” is headed by a team of computer science experts

classified as endangered; as for the remaining non-Negrito

and linguists from the ‌University of the Philippines (UP).

dialects, 27 of the communities are said to have less than

This project aims to develop a virtual dictionary that would

5000 speakers. Despite Pangasinense and Kapampangan

encourage the community, working people and students

being composed of at least 1M speakers, it has been deemed

alike, in preserving endangered Philippine languages and

extant or endangered due to the gradually decreasing use of

dialects. The SPC Community should become more engaged

these languages in native households.

with the current linguistic situation by contributing to the

In response to the gradual endangerment of the Philippines’ numerous languages and dialects, Komisyon

preservation of the extant Philippine languages, as this involves the identity and culture of the students and staff alike.

Reysio-Cruz, M. (2019, August). Saving PH diverse languages from extinction. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1155014/saving-ph-diverse-languagesfrom-extinction Multilingual Philippines. (2019, September 3). [OPINION] Our languages are in trouble, so what? Rappler; Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/ philippine-languages-in-trouble-so-what Cardinoza, G. (2018, December). Pangasinan as a language on the brink of extinction. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1061225/pangasinan-as-languageon-brink-of-extinction Manila Bulletin. (2018, December 14). R ‌ eviving a dying language. https://mb.com.ph/2018/12/15/reviving-a-dying-language/ Soliven, S. (2018, January 28). Kapampangan — a dying language, a serious threat to culture and identity. https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2018/01/29/1782295/ kapampangan-dying-language-serious-threat-culture-and-identity Headland, T. (2003). Thirty endangered languages in the Philippines. ResearchGate; unknown. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248078736_Thirty_ endangered_languages_in_the_Philippines Anderson, V., & Anderson, J. (n.d.). Pangasinan-An Endangered Language? Retrospect and Prospect. https://www2.hawaii.edu/~vanderso/Pangasinan.pdf Teves, C. (2019, August). KWF tightens bid to protect indigenous languages. @pnagovph; Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076754 Karunungan, R. (2019, August 15). A History of the Philippines’ official languages. https://reneekarunungan.com/2019/08/15/a-history-of-the-philippines-officiallanguages/ Good News Pilipinas. (2020, February 6). UP scientists, linguists develop online dictionary to save endangered Filipino languages. https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/ up-scientists-linguists-develop-online-dictionary-to-save-endangered-filipino-languages/ Inquirer Lifestyle. (2020, February 5). Team launches online rescue of dying PH languages. https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/356816/team-launches-online-rescue-of-dyingph-languages/

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Research

Political Parties in the Philippines:

Strong Patronage and Loose Commitments

by Pauline Majarucon

There are a myriad of Philippine political parties as recognized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

To further calibrate the power of the electorate, due knowledge of these political machines is called for.

With that, here are some of the major political parties which are likely participating in the next elections:

1. Liberal Party (LP) The LP was founded by Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino in 1946 by a breakaway liberal wing from the old Nacionalista Party. It promotes social liberalism and has been led by liberal and pro-development politicians like Diosdado Macapagal.

Today, it holds three senate seats and twelve seats in the House of Representatives. It is chaired by Vice President Leni Robredo with Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as its party president.

2. Nacionalista Party (NP) Founded in the year 1907 by Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña, the NP is the oldest existing political party in the Philippines. It dominated the Philippine political affairs until after the Second World War where it called for emancipation from American colonial rule. This right-wing party is currently chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar. It holds four senate seats and is represented in the House of Representatives by forty-two officials.

3. Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) The NPC is a conservative party which, like the Liberal Party, was founded as a breakaway faction from the Nacionalista Party. Its first political race was in 1992 led by presidential candidate Eduardo Cojuangco with Joseph Estrada as his running mate. The party’s political compass is remotely similar to the NP--it upholds conservative ideologies and positions itself at the center-right in the political spectrum. Today, it is represented by thirty-three house representatives and three senators.

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4. United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) UNA was formally launched as a political party in 2015 by Jejomar Binay for his candidacy in the 2016 presidential election, replacing the former United Opposition (UNO) coalition. It leans toward the center-right and practices conservative politics. The party’s current president is Senator Nancy Binay.

5. Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) PDP-Laban was formed as a result of the amalgamation of Demokratikong Pilipino and Lakas ng Bayan in 1986.

The party was Corazon Aquino’s political vehicle during the 1986 snap elections against Ferdinand Marcos. It also endorsed the 2016 presidential campaign of Rodrigo Duterte. PDP-Laban currently dominates the legislative branch with five senators and sixty-one house representatives.

6. Aksyon Demokratiko Founded by the late Senator Raul S. Roco in 1997, Aksyon Demokratiko is a left-wing political party that champions the importance of youth participation in government. Prominent bearers of the political party include Florin Hilbay, former Solicitor General, and Vico Sotto, who toppled the 27-year rule of the Eusebios in Pasig city. The party also endorsed Senator Grace Poe as its presidential bet in the 2016 national elections.

However, what makes Philippine political parties weak is our leaders’ lack of solid commitment to the principles and programs that are promoted by their faction. Joy Aceron, the author of It’s the (Non-) System, Stupid!: Explaining ‘Mal-development’ of Parties in the Philippines, adds that the continuous party-switching or “political turncoatism” also manifests the ineptitude of the electorate to vote heeding to party platforms. The lack of ideological orientation or the uncommonness of voter education capitulates to the mere dependence on whether or not the candidate has a good personality, or fits the popular sentiment of the majority at the time of the election.

Dolan, R. (1991). Philippines: A country study. http://countrystudies.us/philippines/ Library of Congress. (n.d). https://www.loc.gov/ Macaraeg. P. (2019). Who to vote for? Get to know the political parties in the Philippines. https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/political-parties-in-the-philippinesa00287-20190127-lfrm

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Research

WHY SHOULD WE ERADICATE PINK TAX IN THE PHILIPPINES

by Steph Flores

Much has already been written about women as wage-earners, particularly on the fact that they earn less than men. However, it is less known that women are disadvantaged as customers, too, frequently paying substantially more than men for similar goods and services. Women often pay more for items such as clothing, hygiene products, and other products marketed to the female demographic (Osorio, 2019). This is due to the Pink Tax. The name comes from the old and sexist belief that pink is for girls, and blue is for boys. The Pink Tax refers to the price difference between products that are marketed to both genders, but with feminine products priced higher compared to its male counterpart despite the difference between products only being the surface-level designs. (Torres, 2018) The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (NYC DCA) found that women’s products cost 7% more than similar products for men. Women pay more than men almost 42% of the time. In the Philippines, personal care products cost more for females than the males. For instance, retailers sell their men’s razors for PHP 24.00, while its female counterpart costs PHP 47.00.

Aside from the Pink Tax, there’s also the “tampon tax,” which refers to the sales tax applied to feminine sanitary items such as tampons, liners, pads, and cups (Wakeman, 2020). It’s a big question as to why women pay unfair costs for an internal process that they cannot control. Tampons and feminine pads are essential items because they are part of women’s biological functions (Guevara, 2019).

Katharina Bucholz’s report shows the tax rates for period

Feminine hygiene products represent a $5.9 billion industry

supplies in selected countries as of 2020. Not much has been

in the United States and $35.4 billion worldwide, according to

reported on the tax rates in the Philippines.

Global Industry Analysts (Meyer & McDermott, 2017).

HUNGARY

27.0

SWEDEN

25.0

MEXICO

16.0

SPAIN

10.0

$40

U.S.

10.0

$30

IRAN

9.0

$20

GERMANY

7.0

$10

FRANCE

5.5

POLAND

5.0

U.K.

2016

2020

$35.4

$5.9

$40.0

$6.2

5.0

The statistics make it appear that women have easy access to the sanitary products that they need, but the problem is particularly acute among women living in underserved communities. Writing for Nonprofit Quarterly, Sheela Nimishakavi (2018) states that in the U.S. alone, millions of women lack access to such essential products. Because of the inability to attain these products, women often resort to unsanitary means of feminine care. They make do with cloth, rags, tissues, toilet paper, and sometimes even diapers or paper towels from public bathrooms (Carroll, 2019).

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The elimination of Pink Tax in the Philippines is still largely unexplored, but in 2019, the Canadian government reportedly planned to make menstrual products free for federal workers, after a survey cited that one-third of women under age 25 are unable to afford menstrual products (Plan Canada International, 2019). Between 2016 and 2018, Nevada, New York, Florida, Connecticut and Illinois eliminated the discriminatory tax against women (Zraick, 2019).

The tampon tax amounts to sex-based discrimination (Weiss-Wolf, 2017). In Periods Gone Public, Weiss-Wolf explores the need to eliminate the Pink Tax. Period Equity wrote, “Menstrual products should be tax-exempt. They should be affordable and available for all, safe for our bodies and the planet.” Congresswoman Jackie Speier introduced the Pink Tax Repeal Act, in her aim to put an end to gender-based pricing (Fried, 2016). As for Richard Holober, when buying, consider those that aren’t specifically labeled for the use of women.

Overall, The Pink Tax is a breach upon women’s rights and dignity. Being surrounded by a community of women and individuals in SPCP that experience menstruation, it is common knowledge that a number of women do not know much about the hormonal and physical changes triggered by menstrual cycles. The biggest disadvantage women face is the struggle of finding high quality and affordable feminine hygiene products. As young girls and women, it is important that we are aware of our rights, our health, and our well-being. Be vigilant and let no woman be fooled by the pink.

D, A. (2019, August 14). 3 reasons why period products should be free and

Carroll, L. (2019, January 10). Even in the U.S., poor women often can’t afford tampons,

accessible in public washrooms. Blume. https://www.blume.com/blogs/

pads.

blume-university/3-reasons-why-menstrual-products-should-be-free-and-

idUSKCN1P42TX

U.S.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-menstruation-usa-

accessible-in-public-washrooms Duquesne University. (2019, December 3). The ultimate guide to feminine hygiene.

Gender pay gap still exists in the Philippines—study. (2019, October 15). Investing in

Women.

https://investinginwomen.asia/posts/video-gender-pay-gap-

Duquesne University School of Nursing. https://onlinenursing.duq.edu/ master-science-nursing/the-ultimate-guide-to-feminine-hygiene/

philippines/ Guevara, M. (2019, July 24). A tax on tampons - PressReader. Press Reader. https://www.

HuffPost is now a part of Verizon Media. (2019, May 3). HUFFPOST. https://

pressreader.com/philippines/manila-bulletin/20190724/281788515654272

www.huffingtonpost.ca/2019/05/03/canada-menstrual-productsgovernment_a_23721476/

Meyer, Z. A. M. M. (2017, March 27). Tampons are out among younger women.

Why feminine hygiene is newest consumer battlefield. USA TODAY. https://

Miranda, P. (2018, July 12). This is why women’s products are often more expensive.

NOLISOLI. https://nolisoli.ph/45788/pink-tax/ Osorio, G. (2019, September 5). Pink Tax: What is it and Why Should You Care?

ModernFilipina.Ph.

https://www.modernfilipina.ph/womens-issues/pink-

tax-what-and-why-care

eu.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2017/03/24/feminine-hygienenewest-consumer-battlefield/99532850/ Nimishakavi, S. (2018, July 31). Nonprofits need to talk about period Poverty—Period.

Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly. https://nonprofitquarterly.org/ nonprofits-need-to-talk-about-period-poverty-period/

Paris, J. (2019, December 17). Philippines drops to No. 16 in Gender Gap Report 2020.

NPR Choice page. (2018, March 25). Npr Org. https://choice.npr.org/index.

Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-rankings-gender-gap-

html?origin=https://www.npr.org/2018/03/25/564580736/more-states-

report-2020

move-to-end-tampon-tax-that-s-seen-as-discriminating-against-women

The real deal on gender inequality in PH workplace. (2019, September 13). ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/advertorial/life/09/13/19/the-real-deal-on-

The true cost of your period. (2020, May 27). Pandia Health. https://www.pandiahealth. com/the-true-cost-of-your-period/

gender-inequality-in-ph-workplace Weiss-Wolf, J. (2017, October 10). Periods gone public: Taking a stand for menstrual Wakeman, J. (2020, August 6). Pink Tax: The real cost of Gender-Based pricing.

Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/health/the-real-cost-of-pink-

equity. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ research-reports/periods-gone-public-taking-stand-menstrual-equity

tax#The-tampon-tax Zraick, K. (2019, July 15). 22 states considered eliminating the ‘Tampon tax’ this Buchholz, K. (2020, May 28). Women pay high tax rates for period supplies. Statista Infographics.

https://www.statista.com/chart/18194/sales-tax-rate-on-

Year. Here’s what Happened. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes. com/2019/07/12/us/tampon-tax.html

feminine-hygiene-products-in-selected-countries/

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Research

by Nicky Maza

With the pandemic taking over the world, people are forced to stay in their homes and avoid social gatherings for the safety of their health and others. Many students still struggle to unravel the challenges they face during this season. Based on a survey conducted in 2020, 71% of the respondents’ mental health started to decline during the pandemic, while 54% showed that their physical health also declined at the start of the pandemic.

What is obvious about these results is that the majority of the voters had more breakdowns and negative feelings during the community quarantine compared to before the pandemic. In addition to that, the respondents also failed to cope with their mental distress, but are working to socialize more and maintain good relationships despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic.

100% of the votes; the inability to go out during earning 71%

The statistical data reflects the severity of lockdown’s impact on students’ overall well-being. With this, it is essential to learn how to cope with these aspects during the lockdown.Here are some tips that could help one adjust to

of the votes; and physical health with 64.3% of the votes.

the adversities that they are facing during the pandemic:

The survey also showed the factors that affected their mental state, wherein the academic workload garnered

First, talk about your feelings especially during these difficult times.

It is normal to feel scared, anxious, and stressed; talking about your feelings and communicating with your social circle will help lessen the distress (WHO, n.d.).

Second, schedule a time for checking the news and COVID-19 updates. Aside from visiting reputable sources to keep updated with the pandemic, mind your mental health by limiting the time you view updates so it would help cope up

with the anxiety and fear you may

a habit. Everyone has different ways

be experiencing (Hagadone, 2020;

of doing activities and their brain

WHO, n.d.).

may be active at different times, so it

Third, take care of your body.

Exercise, eat nutritious food, get

is important to find a time that suits you best.

eight to ten hours of sleep, and revisit

Lastly, give yourself time to

forgotten hobbies. These activities

breathe. After working on something

will not only benefit your body but

for a long time, take a break; meditate,

also boost your energy level, mood

pray, be grateful, and reward yourself

levels, and overall brain function

for finishing your task. One technique

(Lane, 2018).

you could use is spaced repetition

Fourth,

experiment

with

different schedules and practice your most comfortable one until it becomes

where you space out study sessions to optimize your brain’s ability to recall what you learned (Frank, 2020).

The pandemic has brought many unexpected changes due to social isolation and the limit on recreational activities, especially to students who are still struggling with their ways of learning. As Lyndon Jonson once said, “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” Regardless of all the challenges a student may face during the pandemic, it is important to remember that everyday is a new day to make progress, for taking small steps towards achieving one’s goals and desires.

[1] Maza, S. (2020) Survey on one’s overall well-being. Retrieved from https://docs. google.com/forms/d/1t4JemDUEklRhlgOjO1NCnaOWhBdiclgrCNSt7DzugiM/ edit?usp=sharing

[6] Frank, T. (2020, July 17). How to remember more of what you learned with spaced repetition. Retrieved from https://collegeinfogeek.com/spaced-repetitionmemory-technique/

[2] Staples, K. (2020, August 24). 9 student tips to boost mental health and wellness amid COVID. Retrieved from https://www.petersons.com/blog/9-studenttips-to-boost-mental-health-and-wellness-amid-covid/

[7] Department of Psychiatry: Michigan Medicine (n.d.). Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic as a college student. Retrieved from https://medicine.umich.edu/ dept/psychiatry/michigan-psychiatry-resources-covid-19/adults-specificresources/coping-covid-19-pandemic-college-student

[3] World Health Organization (n.d.). COVID-19 and mental health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19/information/ covid-19-mental-health [4] Hagadone, K. (2020, April 6). 5 ways to manage your mental health during COVID-19.

Retrieved from https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/5ways-to-manage-your-mental-health-during-covid-19

[8] Melynk, B. (n.d.). Six tips for students coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retrieved from https://wellness.osu.edu/story/covid-19-students [9] Quotespedia (n.d.). Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose. – Lyndon B. Johnson. Retrieved from https://www.quotespedia.org/ authors/l/lyndon-b-johnson/yesterday-is-not-ours-to-recover-but-tomorrowis-ours-to-win-or-lose-lyndon-b-johnson/

[5] Lane, P. (2018, January 18). How diet, exercise, and sleep affect brain power.

Retrieved from https://iachievelearning.com/2018/01/how-diet-exerciseand-sleep-affect-brain-power/

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Pauliworld

by Annika Subido

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified,

However, this is a problematic and unethical response to

signifying the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

the pandemic as 500 million infections and 50 million

Countries have since responded to rising cases with various

deaths were needed to end the 1918 outbreak.

safety protocols; in the Philippines, protocols have been eased to prevent economic recession by allowing the reopening of business and commercial areas to persons aged 15 to 65 years old. World leaders are waiting for a vaccine; however, some have thought of utilizing herd immunity to combat this.

With limited information on COVID-19, experts are still learning about immunity and possible recurrence. Without understanding its long-term health impacts, attempts to achieve herd immunity without a vaccine are not safe. Even if recovery was to be effective in creating immunity, millions would have to become infected to reach the threshold. In

Herd immunity is attained when a population is

the United States, roughly 200 million people must recover

protected from a virus once a threshold is reached. If the

from the disease to end the epidemic. If one-third of the

majority of a population is vaccinated, transmission slows.

global population becomes infected, health care systems

This is the objective of vaccination, and achieving such

would crash; thus, relying on this method will only lead to

with safe vaccines makes diseases rarer. The phenomenon

unnecessary human death and suffering.

is evident towards the end of measles and polio outbreaks: where measles requires 95 percent of a population to be vaccinated and 80 percent for polio.

To actively contribute to the risk of COVID-19 by going out for non-essential activities leads to more cases and deaths. People are suffering, patients are dying, and medical

With experts working on a COVID-19 vaccine, herd

staff get the short end of the stick. Large-scale physical

immunity can only be attained by exposing the majority to

distancing measures are implemented for a reason. Eyes

the virus. This was an ideal solution in the past due to

must be opened to reality; it is not yet safe to leisurely

the lack of technology. It was seen during the Spanish

venture out. The World Health Organization (WHO)

flu pandemic of 1918 in which more individuals got

promotes adhering to protocols, remaining vigilant,

infected, and survivors were later immune to the virus.

and staying home to slow COVID-19 transmission.

[1] Archived: WHO Timeline - COVID-19. (2020). World Health Organization.

Retrieved 23 November 2020, from https://www.who.int/news/ item/27-04-2020-who-timeline---covid-19

immunity- and-coronavirus/art-20486808#:~:text=Herd%20 immunity%20occurs%20when%20a,just%20those%20who%20 are%20immune.

[2] Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Herd immunity, lockdowns and COVID-19.

(2020). World Health Organization. Retrieved 23 November 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/herd-immunitylockdowns-and-covid-19

[4] Influenza (Flu). (2020). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 23 November 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemicresources/1918-pandemic-h1n1.html

[3] Herd immunity and COVID-19 (coronavirus): What you need to know.

(2020). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 23 November 2020, from https:// www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/herd-

PauliworldSPCP

[5] Measles (Rubeola). (2020). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Retrieved 23 November 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/ about/history.html

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 0CTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Filipino

Ang kontrobersiyal na Dolomite sands ng Manila Bay ni Althea M. Sim

Nababalisa, nalulumbay? Eto — ang mala-Boracay na

‘Di lang ‘yan, napag-alamang ang supplier ng buhangin ay

Manila Bay Sands. Walang dumi, basura, polusyon — tiyak

sinuspende ng Cebu dahil sinira raw ng kanilang pagmimina ng

makakarelaks ka!

Dolomite ang mga koral sa katabing anyong tubig.

Kung ganoon lang sana kadali. Kung ang pagpatong lang

Kapag inilagay ang Dolomite sa Manila Bay, maaari nitong

sana ng Dolomite ang tugon sa polusyon ng Manila Bay pero

guluhin ang mga ecosystem na patuloy na namumuhay — ang

hindi — imbis na makatulong, nakalala pa ito.

Dolomite ay hindi naman talaga mula sa Manila Bay.

Paano ka ginawa?

Sinimulan ang “Dolomite Bay” noong Setyembre bilang hakbang sa Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program. Ang puting buhanging ipinatong sa Manila Bay ay mula sa mga miniminang bundok sa Cebu. Ang budget? Tumatagintinging na 389-milyong piso. Ang 28-milyon dito ay inilaan sa pagbili ng durog na Dolomite, habang ang natira ay para sa geo-intervention, para maiwasan ang pag-anod ng Dolomite.

Ngayon, masasabi bang pangmatagalang tugon ang pagtambak ng Dolomite? Hindi.

Isang panandaliang tugon

Noong Setyembre lang ay nagkaroon ng fishkill sa Baseco, malapit sa Manila Bay. Masasabing oo, hindi nangyari ang fishkill dahil sa Dolomite, pero ‘di maitatanggi na nakatulong ang presensya ng Dolomite rito. Ito ay isang dagok sa hanapbuhay ng mga taga-Baseco, sapagkat ang pangingisda ay isa sa kanilang pangunahing kabuhayan.

Lahat ng ito ay nagbunga sa imeldipikasyon: ang pilit na pagsasaayos ng Manila Bay para sa mga rasong estetika — at hindi niya ito kailangan.

Kailangan ng totoong solusyon Maaari naman silang gumamit ng solusyong mura, pangmatagalan at malapit sa pinakaugat ng problema — tulad

Ang DENR ang mismong nagsabi na kinakailangan ng

nalang mismong rehabilitation ng tubig sa Manila Bay sa

interbensyon upang mapanatili ang buhanging Dolomite sa

pamamagitan ng pagtatanim ng mga mangrove o bakawan.

pangpang.

Pero hindi, nakabibigong isipin na mas pipiliin ng pamahalaan

Papaano na lang kung hindi kayanin ng geo-intervention ang mababagsik na bagyong dumadaan sa ating bansa?

na takpan ng buhangin ang polusyon ng Manila Bay sa halip na makinig sa mga payo iskolar at mga pangkalikasang aktibista.

Tatangayin ang buhangin. Para takpan ang mga bahaging

Biruin mo, para sa isang sako ng dinurog na Dolomite na

nawalan, hihingi ang departamento ng karagdagang Dolomite

hindi tatagal ng higit sa isang taon, kapalit nito ay ang hindi na

mula sa mga bundok ng Cebu — na walang pahintulot ng lokal

mababawing pagwasak, paggiba ng kalikasan. Kasama ikaw at

na pamahalaan.

ako — tayo — rito.

Abad, M. (2020, September 08). Fast Facts: What is dolomite sand, and how will it affect Manila Bay? Retrieved November 30, 2020, from https://www.rappler.com/ newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-dolomite-sand-affect-manila-bay Hallare, K. (2020, October 29). The controversy that refuses to die: Manila Bay dolomite sand. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1354003/ the-controversy-that-refuses-to-die-manila-bay-dolomite-sand Israel, D. (2020, September 11). More crushed dolomite rocks from Cebu to be shipped to Manila Bay shores. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from https://newsinfo.inquirer. net/1333885/more-crushed-dolomite-rocks-from-cebu-to-be-shipped-to-manila-bay-shores

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Palamuti sa Pulitika ni Alyssa Reyes

Nakamamangha nga namang pakinggan kung ang isang indibidwal ay mayroong pinag-aralan na nagbunga sa paglipas ng panahon upang maging tanyag ito sa kanyang larangan, hindi ba? Isa pang bagay na nakamamangha ay kapag ikaw ay nagmula sa isang kilalang pamilya. Hindi pangkaraniwang bagay ang mga ito, lalo na sa panahon nating mas lumalaki ang pagitan ng mayaman sa mahirap. Paano kung ang mga nakamamanghang mga taong ito ang napili ng mamamayan na manungkulan sa bayan? Ano naman kaya ang mga kamangha-manghang bagay ang maipaglilingkod nila sa bayan?

Napapansin mo ba na may mga naluklok sa senado o pulitika na angkop sa mga ilang nailarawang halimbawa ng mga indibidwal? Tunay na nakamamangha dahil sa kabila ng kredibilidad na nabuo nila para sa kanilang sarili, naisipan nilang manilbihan sa bayan. Huwag nating kalilimutan na responsibilidad nila ang tumulong at ito ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit sila nasa tungkulin. Ngunit ano ba talaga ang nagawa nila para sa kanilang mamamayan na nagtiwala sa kanila? Ano? Maganda ba tingnan ang pulitika ng Pilipinas? Kung saan ang pagtulong nila ay utang na loob ng bayan? Na sa mga pampublikong gusali pangalan nila ang nakapaskil at hindi ang pangalan ng iyong bayan? Kung saan wala namang pagbabagong nagaganap at pangkaraniwan lamang ang patuloy na pamumuno ng mga taong nauugnay sa iisang pangalan sa isang bayan.

Sa katunayan, ilang dekada na ang lumilipas ngunit walang pag-unlad na nagaganap ang karapatan mo ay gantimpala ng pagsisikap mo at ang dangal mo ay nakabatay sa lakas ng kapit mo sa lipunan. Sa iyong palagay, patas at karapat-dapat pa ba ang ganitong kalagayan ng Pilipinas? Ang mismong mga pinuno ng bayan ay pansariling-interes ang inuuna at maamong mukha ang ihaharap sa masa sa panahon ng pagkilatis. Madaling sabihin na ang mga Filipino ay mabilis magpadala sa charisma ng mga kumakandidato para sa puwesto sa pamahalaan. Paulit-ulit na itong nangyayari at paulit-ulit na rin nating hinayaang mangyari ito sa atin.

Kung mga salitang nakapupukaw ng damdamin, mga mukhang nakabibighani, at mga taong may limpak-limpak na salapi lamang ang kailangan upang makuha ang tiwala ng mga mamamayan at manilbihan sa bayan, bakit naghihirap pa rin ang Pilipinas? Bakit ang hustisyang hinihingi ng bawat biktima at ng buong bayan ay ipinagkakait pa rin? Bakit kailangan na manlimos pa tayo ng atensyon para matulungan? Bakit parang ginagawa nilang negosyo ang kanilang serbisyo na dapat mamamayan ang nakikinabang? Talaga bang nasa sistema na ng Pilipinas ang maruming pamamalakad at hindi makatwirang kaugalian ng mga Pilipino? Ikaw, sa iyong pananaw, karapat-dapat pa rin bang magpatuloy ang pamamaraan na ito?

Matagal na panahon na ang lumipas mula noong kinilalang malaya ang Pilipinas. Ngunit, tayo ay nananatiling alipin ng kapangyarihan at nagbubulag-bulagan sa katotohanan para lamang sa pansariling kagustuhan at pansamantalang kasiyahan.

Bakal na kalooban at bukas na isipan lamang ang kinakailangan ng karamihan upang ang mga balat-kalabaw na humaharap na may ngiting aso sa madla ay ipalitis. Ating palampasin ang mga ambisyon nilang wala namang dedikasyon.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Filipino

Kalusugan ng Pag-iisip sa Gitna ng Pandemya ni Loreiz Abanez

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Sa panahon ng pandemyang COVID-19, hindi sapat na natatalakay ang epekto ng krisis na ito sa kalusugan ng pag-iisip. Ang kalusugan ng pag-iisip o mental health ay tumutukoy sa emosyonal, sikolohikal, at sosyal na kapakanan ng isang tao. Ito ang kakayahang masiyahan sa buhay at harapin ang mga problemang pang araw-araw. Kabilang dito ang pagpili o ang paggawa ng desisyon, pagtanggap sa mabibigat na suliranin, o ang pagpapahayag ng mga pangangailangan at mga pagnanais. Bukod sa pangangalaga ng pisikal na kalusugan upang makaiwas sa sakit, mahalaga ring alagaan ang kalusugang pangkaisipan habang nananatili sa loob ng bahay.

Ang pandemyang ito ay patuloy na nagdudulot ng takot, pag-aalala, at kaba sa lahat ng tao. Ito ay dagdag pa sa kanilang pangkaraniwang problemang nararanasan sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Ilan sa mga bagay na bumabagabag sa kaisipan ng mga Pilipino ay ang pagharap sa katotohanang wala pang bakuna para sa COVID-19, dumaraming kaso ng sakit na ito, takot na maaaring mahawa ang sarili o ang kapamilya ng sakit, at walang katiyakan kung kailan babalik sa normal ang lahat. Dagdag pa rito ang mga problemang kaakibat ng bagong pamumuhay na tinatawag na new normal katulad ng work from home, online distance learning, limitadong pagtitipon, kakulangan ng pakikisalamuha sa mga kaibigan, kamaganak, at pamilya, at kawalan ng trabaho ng ilan. Lahat ng ito ay malaki ang epekto sa kalusugan ng pagiisip ng mamamayan. Ilan sa mga epektong ito ay ang madaling pagka-iritable, pagkabalisa, pagkabagabag, kawalan ng gana o interes sa mga bagay, lubos na pag-iisip, at depresyon.

Upang mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng pag-iisip sa panahong ito, narito ang ilang mga bagay o paraang maaaring gawin: •

Pangalagaan ang pisikal na kalusugan--magkaroon ng sapat na nutrisyon, ehersisyo, at pagtulog.

•

Siguraduhing mapagkakatiwalaan at kapani-paniwala ang mga mapagkukunan ng impormasyon o balita upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng maling balitang siya namang bubunga sa lubos na pagkabagabag.

•

Mag-aral at gamitin ang mga technique na nakakabawas ng stress tulad ng meditation at yoga.

•

Maglaan ng oras para sa sarili at makilahok sa mga kaaya-ayang gawaing nakakapagpabuti katulad ng pagbabasa, pagsusulat, at pagguhit.

•

Makipag-usap sa mga pinagkakatiwalaang kaibigan o pamilya sa personal o sa pamamagitan ng telepono tungkol sa mga alalahanin at pag-aalala.

•

Humingi at tanggapin ang tulong ng iba. Humingi ng propesyonal na suporta habang maaga kung nahihirapan.

Laging tandaang ikaw ay hindi nag-iisa at huwag hahayaang malugmok ang sarili sa mga negatibong naiisip.

Manatiling matatag kahit na panahon itong walang-kasiguraduhan at maraming pagbabagong nagaganap sa kasalukuyan. Ang malusog na katawan at kaisipan ang matibay na panlaban sa pandemyang ito.

Tungkol sa kalusugan ng kaisipan at mga problema ukol sa kalusugan ng kaisipan. (n.d.). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/mi-index-other-languages/tagalog-about-mental-health. pdf?la=en&hash=471B98D227170BD526B7A7B1CB01DFE8B8DA194B Health and Human Services & Victoria State Government. (n.d.). Pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng iyong pag-iisip sa panahon ng pandemyang coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202004/Looking%20after%20your%20 mental%20health%20during%20coronavirus%20pandemic-TAGALOG-16042020.pdf Paano ko aalagaan ang aking mental health sa panahon ng COVID-19? (2020, June). UNICEF Philippines. https://www.unicef.org/philippines/ stories/paano-ko-aalagaan-ang-aking-mental-health-sa-panahon-ng-covid-19 Uy, A. M. (2020, July). COVID-19 Impact On Mental Health Of Filipinos. The Asean Post. https://theaseanpost.com/article/covid-19-impactmental-health-filipinos

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

Filipino

“Anak at Estudyante: Iisa o Magkaiba?” ni Anya Nacuda

Karamihan sa mga pinoproblema ng mga magaaral ngayon ay ang pagsasabay ng mga gawaing bahay at ng mga kinakailangan para sa kanilang pag-aaral sa iba’t-ibang mga asignatura. Kung titingnan sa ganitong pananaw, lumalabas na mas umoonti ang oras na inilalaan ng mga mag-aaral para sa kanilang sarili at sa kanilang pamilya. Sa pagsasagawa ng online classes, paano nga ba natin masasabi na nagagampanan pa natin ang ating papel bilang anak?

Ngunit para sa mga mag-aaral na tulad ni Shane Alabastro mula sa ikalabing dalawang baitang, ani niya, siya’y nahihirapan sapagkat bukod sa wala silang katulong, siya rin ay tumutulong sa kanyang ina sa mga gawain sa kanilang negosyo. Ilan sa mga gawaing bahay na inaasahan mula kay Shane ay ang paglalaba, paghuhugas ng pinggan, pagwawalis, at pagluluto. Isabay pa dito ang kanyang pagsusumite ng aplikasyon para sa

Swerte na lamang ang iba dahil sila’y may mga

mga iba’t-ibang unibersidad para sa kolehiyo. Sa tulong

katulong upang gumawa ng mga iilang gawaing bahay

na lamang ng pagsasagawa ng iskedyul, nagagawa ni

para sa kanila dahil bilang isang anak, hindi sapat

Shane na mabalanse ang kanyang pag-aaral at gawaing

ang iilang minuto lamang upang makasama ang ating

bahay. Pagdating naman sa aspeto ng paglalaan ng oras

mga pamilya sa isang araw. Ani ni Nicole Sambrano

sa kanyang pamilya, ito’y hindi gaanong nabibigyan ng

mula sa ika-walong baitang, hindi siya nahihirapan sa

pansin dahil sa bigat at dami ng kanyang gawain.

pagbabalanse ng kanyang pag-aaral at iilang gawaing bahay dahil sa tulong ng kanilang kasambahay. Ilan lamang sa mga gawaing bahay na kailangan niyang gawin ay ang pagtutupi ng sariling kumot at paglilinis ng kwarto.

Bukod pa rito, siya ay pinagpala sa dami ng natitirang oras upang mas mapatibay ang kanyang relasyon sa kanyang pamilya. Nagagawa niya pang makasama ang kanyang pamilya tuwing oras ng kainan at lumabas paminsan kung kinakailangan.

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Bilang isang anak, mahalagang makapaglaan tayo ng oras sa ating pamilya upang mapatibay ang relasyon natin sa isa’t-isa. Ngayong may pandemya, tayo-tayo lamang ang magkakasama sa iisang tahanan at wala nang iba.

Hindi man perpekto ang pagpapatupad ng online classes, malaki ang kahalagahang makita ng ating mga pamilya at ng paaralan ang ating mga papel sa bahay: hindi lamang bilang isang estudyante, kundi bilang isang anak din.

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Ang Pantasiya ng Kahapon ni Tiffany Cosue

Ring, ring! Ito ang hudyat na tapos na ang recess. Sa nakalipas na mga taon, tuwing marinig ang kampanang ito, ang lahat ay magkikipaghabulan at magmamadali upang hindi mahuli sa pagpasok sa silid-aralan. Pagkatapos, pawis na pawis ngunit masayang mauupo at maghahanda para sa susunod na klase ang mga mag-aaral nang puno ang tiyan at bukas ang isipang matuto.

Ngayon na nasa hayskul na tayo, maraming pagbabago ang namukadkad sa ating landas, katulad ng karagdagang gawaing sa paaralan at mga aktibidad na ating sinasalihan. Ang mga larong taya at habulan ay munting nakalipas na at bahagyang nakalibing sa ating mga alaala. Ang lata sa tumbang preso at ang tsinelas sa luksong tinik ay napalitan na ng telepono at lapis para sa paggawa ng takdang aralin. Ang alikmatang itim na lumilikat sa likod upang tignan ang kalaban kada tatlong segundo habang naglalaro ng patintero’y ngayo’y lumilingon sa orasan para siguraduhing hindi pa dumarating ang 11:59 PM at may sapat na oras pang gawin ang mga tungkulin. O kaya, ang kawawang bandanang ginagamit sa hilahang lubid ay napalitan na ng sign-up sheet ng isang produksyong pangkalahatang na siyang pinagaagawan para makuha ang posisyon.

Maraming mga pagbabago ang pinagdadaanan natin bilang mga Paulinian at ang pagkabata natin ay lumipas sa isang pintig ng puso. Bilang pagpapatunay nito, tatlong Paulinian mula sa magkaibang baitang ang tinanong kung ano ba ang mga naaalala nilang pangyayari sa pagkabata at ang mga prioridad nila sa kasalukuyan. Tinukoy din sa panayam ang mga pagbabago na hinarap ng mga mag-aaral na ito. Una, ayon kay Carmela Tirona, isang mag-aaral sa ikapitong baitang, naisaalaala niya pa ang mga sandaling naglalaro siya sa palaruan kasama ang mga kaibigan at kaunti lang ang kanyang pagkabahala ukol sa mga takdang aralin. Sa kabila ng pagsanay sa departamentong hayskul, tumatanaw sa kanyang kalooban ang pasasalamat sa kanyang pamilya at sa komunidad ng SPCP sa pagbati sa kanyang bagong paglalakbay bilang isang Neophyte.

Para naman kay Hannah Guerrero ng baitang sampu, noong siya ay nasa elementarya, siya ay maglalaro kada recess kasama ang kanyang pangkatang gymnastics varsity. Bilang isang Sophomore, siya ay kuntento sa paglipat ng varsity patungong chess at masaya siyang nakapagpahinga at nakabawi galing sa mga pisikal na gawain sa gymnastics sa mga nakaraang taon. Bagama’t siya ay nagpapatuloy sa paglalayag sa hayskul, ikinakakaba niya ang mga prioridad at tungkulin na kinakailangan para makapasok sa magandang kolehiya. Subalit, kinakaya niya ito at hinaharap niya ang takot katumbas ang pag-asa para sa kinabuka/˘san.

Si Amanda Pangan naman, isang Senior sa SPCP, ay ginunita ang kanyang angkop na hilig sa pagsali sa sari-saring isports at laro, katulad ng tennis, swimming, at gymnastics. Maliban dito, sinubukan rin ni Amanda ang ballet at theater arts upang tuparin ang gustong gumanap. Nang pumasok siya sa hayskul, walang alinlangan niyang sinubukan ang Chorale, at doon nagsimula ang kanyang silakbo at dunong sa musika. Sa nalalapit na pagtatapos para sa baitang labing-dalawa, hiling ni Amanda na pagtuunan muna ang kalagayan niya bilang isang anak at nais niyang pag-isipan ang pamilya bago ang iba. Sa ngayon, umaasa siyang umunlad at makita itong pagsulong sa kanyang pagkatao.

Batay sa mga kwento at karanasan ng mga nabanggit na Paulinian, pag-asa, kumpiyansa, at tiyaga ang kailangan sa pagpapatuloy ng paglakbay sa hayskul. Ang mga pagbabago at sanaysay na nararanasan natin ngayon ay kakayanin, at gawin nating emblema ang sipag tuwing nasisindak tayo ng pagsubok. Dito makikita ang tunay na diwa ng isang batang Paulinian.

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VOLUME XXXIV NO. 2 OCTOBER 2020 - MARCH 2021

News Filipino & Sports

ni Jolie Lim

Simula sa pagsikat ng araw hanggang sa oras ng paglubog nito, ang mga screen ng mga mag-aaral ay nananatiling bukas at madalas isinasaalang-alang sa mga gawaing pangpaaralan. Mahigit isang taon na simula ng pandemyang COVID-19 at ang iba’t ibang epekto na nadala nito. Kamakailan, maraming mga mag-aaral ang nasalanta ng mga bagyong Rolly at Ulysses na nagdulot din ng ilang araw ng pagsuspinde ng klase. Bilang epekto ng lahat ng ito, malaking porsiyento rin ang nakaranas ng suliranin sa kanilang mga internet connection, na siyang naging—at patuloy na nagiging—hadlang sa kanilang kakayahang matuto at maliwanagan sa mga pinag-aaralan. Sa lahat ng hamong nagkasabay-sabay sa panibagong online set up, paano nga ba naapektuhan ang isang mag-aaral? Sa anong paraan ito malalampasan?

“We are studying to comply with requirements, not to learn.” (“Nag-aaral kami upang sumunod sa mga kinakailangan, hindi para matuto.”)

Ito ang madalas na naririnig sa usapang #AcademicFreeze, na patuloy na nakikitang nagte-trend sa social media. Makikita rito ang panawagan ng mga mag-aaral sa pagpigil ng taong panuruan, sa pagpapahiwatig ng kanilang mga karanasan at paghihirap sa bagong set-up. Isinasaalang-alang sa hashtag na ito ang epekto ng kasalukuyang kaganapan na naghatid ng negatibong epekto hindi lamang sa mga estudyante, kundi pati na rin ang mga guro at kawani ng paaralan.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ST. PAUL COLLEGE PASIG HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

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Mabibilang ang mga may pribilehiyong makagamit ng malakas at maayos na internet connection. Sa loob ng sari-sariling tahanan, nag-iiba ang tungkulin at responsibilidad bilang mga anak–maaaring sila’y may mga kasambahay o tulad naman sa ibang nagtatapos ng sariling mga gawain. Kapag pinagtuunan ng pansin ang natatamong pangangailangan at mga gustuhin, makikita ang pagkakaiba sa bawat mag-aaral. Sa edad at baitang maitatampok din ang timbang o bigat ng online set-up.

Ang mga nasa ika-labing dalawang baitang ay naghahanda at nag-aaply para sa mga unibersidad. Ang mga mas batang mag-aaral tulad ng nasa preschool at elementarya’y ay nagpapagabay at humihingi ng tulong sa kanilang mga magulang sa pagkumpleto ng lahat ng kinakailangan mula sa kani-kanilang klase. Lahat ay may hinaharap at dinadama sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon.

Binabalikan ang pag-aalinlangan o pagtingin sa bawat na dinadala, positibo man o negatibo. Ngayon at nakikilala ang mga pangyayari, ano ang susunod? Ano ang dapat na reaksyon? Hindi mahuhulaan o masusukat kung ano ang mga hamon at karanasang namamalagi sa ating kinabukasan. Tayo’y may sari-sariling saloobin at suliranin na kailangang intindihin.

Gayunpaman, walang nag-iisa kahit ang bigat ay umaapaw, bagaman ninanais nang sumuko. May mga handang tumulong at may mga nais magpahatid ng ginhawa kahit sa simpleng paraan. Sa kalagitnaan ng pagkakaiba ng karanasan, nahahanap ang pagkakaisa. Dito, ang ano mang paghihirap na dala ay maaaring harapin. Sama-sama itong malalampasan—walang maiiwan, lahat tutulungan at ipaglalaban.

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