TPAV VOLUME 19 ISSUE 1 - MAGAZINE (DELTA) by The Philippine Artisan Visayas

about the cover

When you think about change, what comes into your mind? The seasons, growth, memories… So many renditions for the meaning of change, yet the collective knowledge of every one of us is that change is, well, constant. This year’s magazine edition is called, “Delta.” As what the title paints, this issue tackles the metamorphosis of our lives, etched in one reading material. As seen on the cover, the model stayed perfectly still, despite the changes happening around him; quite a unique insight to the saying ‘Change is constant.’ By being the constant thing in this world that offer changes every second, we offer you stories in hopes that you’d take comfort and learnings from.

We know perfectly well how every little thing can change in just a mere second; like how you’re drenched in rain by a simple goodbye, or how one simple misstep can cause you to say goodbye. For centuries, we’ve been seeking for the one thing we cannot afford: change. I believe that change comes when it wants to, when one deserves to. In order for us to change, most of the times, something must be put on the pedestal. May it be sleepless nights, stare-into-the-nothingness moments, continual tears, or dreams flushed in the drain. Oftentimes, we think about how we want things to stay as it is, but we know that we’re asking the impossible. As what nature dictates, it is in our blood to survive or be eaten alive. Hence, change comes in right that moment, when you’re about to lose grasp of the very reality you cling on. And then, something just snaps.

After reading this issue, we hope that something inside of you snaps too. Hopefully, for the best.

Model: Christian Carl Villalon Photo by: Valerie Anne Adorias

Table of Contents Sudden Flash 1 A Reminisced Visit 3 Virtual Lives 5 Unarchiving Archives Stories 7 Thriving Upward amidst the Pandemic’s Virulence 9 Your Vote Matters 13 #Tupe Asks 15 Before, During & After: 18 Unearthed 21 Grim Diaries 23 Sign of the Times 29

In a blink of an eye, everything changed. It was the worst time of the year.

Daily average of mortality rates scaled gradually in the course of time. Thousands of businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops were brought upon to closure. Aggregate employment remained below its pre-recession level. To put it simply, drawbacks from miscellaneous sectors were everywhere. But many of these are only a fraction of the entire repercussions of the socalled “COVID-19 crisis,” it suggests a much bigger picture to look into.

Countries from all over the world felt the heavy impact of this crisis but a few had seriously considered the contingency that the world economy might be shaken to its foundations by a communicable disease. Sadly, one of them is our country – the Philippines. In its whole 15 years, 2020 has been the year of suffering to many Filipinos; about 4.5 million Filipinos have lost their jobs due to implementations of measures that severely impact individuals’ personal and social lives, including closing institutions – and understandably, opportunities being halted.

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Anyhow, as one door closes, another one opens.

a point maker, has walking through their or even a freedom, being the continues aspirants. presents we can vaccines United provided vaccinations. Two pharmaceutical Moderna, genetic AstraZeneca chimpanzee virus the virus India have widely and the vaccines behavior to period of narrowed history –flash as the

The other fraction of COVID-19’s repercussions was the beginning of new trends and opportunities. An outbreak of start-up businesses and online jobs from logistics, educational technology, enterprise services, financial technology and healthcare sectors suddenly appeared into the mainstream. For instance, operations of food delivery services became a good fortune to the current system. GrabFood, foodpanda, LalaFood and other companies employed several Filipinos due to the increasing demand and interest led by the imposed closure of restaurants and diners during this pandemic.

Moreover, the trend of retail establishments flooded the country. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc. created a path for people to survive. Online selling of apparels, pastries, and other possibilities became an irresistible option to generate income for living. And with technology serving as the backbone, 84% of the founders say that they expect to have normalized operations within six months.

At some point, however, not all individuals are showered by luck. There are people who fail to magnify their businesses and produce consistent gains. As a result, growing online barter networks have revealed another facet of the Filipino culture of “bayanihan,” as they assist people in obtaining their necessities as well as wants without spending money. It works as people post items up for barter, while other members can post their counteroffers in the comment section, and a “deal” between two parties will be made. Indeed, this cashless exchange became an instant hit; it became a tool to ease down the current pain of our people especially here in the Philippines. Starting from the City of Love, Iloilo City, this avenue became widely popular to Bacolod, Davao, and other cities throughout the country.

Notwithstanding, as the COVID-19 pandemic is restricting local dwellers away from public transit, a huge

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 2

portion of the country’s population turned to bicycles.

In fact, global bicycle sales have surged to a point where even Taiwan’s Giant, the world’s biggest bike maker, has struggled to meet demand. Everywhere, even while walking down the streets, cyclists can be seen rolling through their variant bikes – mountain bike, road bike, street BMX or even a classic bike - giving them the ultimate benefits – fun, freedom, and self-development in spite of the crisis. Now, being the most prominent outdoor workout and recreation, it continues to gain ground among the local enthusiasts and aspirants.

Still and all, the COVID-19 pandemic presents humanity with an extraordinary challenge. It is how we can transcend upon it. .

Accordingly, the generation of COVID-19 vaccines has been given much attention and prioritization. The United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries have provided emergency authorization to three COVID vaccinations. Two of the vaccines, manufactured by central pharmaceutical corporations like Pfizer and BioNTech and Moderna, respectively, both utilized mRNA – a breakthrough genetic technology. The third vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, employs a chimpanzee virus to transfer DNA for a component of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. (While Russia, China, and India have developed their own vaccinations, they have not been widely approved outside of a few nations.)

COVID-19 era has been a period of transformation.

the beginning of new trends and opportunities. An outbreak of where even Taiwan’s Giant, the world’s biggest bike maker, has

COVID-19 era has been a period of VISAYAS

of

Altogether, the rapid spread of the virus and the necessity of waiting for effective treatments or vaccines highlight the importance of changing human behavior to contain the pandemic. COVID-19 era has been a period of transformation. The Philippines has broadened and narrowed at the same time. It will be known throughout history –may it be local, national, or global – in a sudden flash as the metamorphic phase of the century.

A Suggestion for the School:

“Thank you artisan for giving us/me a chance to say something about this academe. I hope they will do/propose some program that will help students from non-stem shs strand to adjust, because I know not everyone in TUPV is a stem graduate, but from ABM, HUMSS, and GAS or TVL.

A Suggestion for the School:

A Reminisced Visit

By: Deanne Dejella and Yvette Sophia Cuizon

I think it is a better approach for equity. Just my opinion, thank you”

“WAKE UP! STOP DROOLING AND START STUDYING.”

“Aircon all classrooms, gym, and canteen. More parking space. Change agency of guards, they are not polite to students even if they are greeted politely, they are polite only in high ranking officers, classic Filipino mindset, they only respect those persons with power to impeach them.

#nocapp #realtee”

A Complaint for the Admin:

“Is collective punishment allowed in TUPV?

I woke up with how loud my classmates are making fun of how I fell asleep while studying for the exams tomorrow. I’m exhausted because I have to stay up late last night. Oh no! I forgot to finish the assignment due in an hour. Could this day get any worse?

A professor made a rule that if one of the students breaks one of his rules, he will give a term grade of "3" for the entire class

Well, here’s to another crammin moment in college. Yahoo! If I really think about it, I’ve been cramming my way through college with every quiz, assignment and lab reports I have to make. Yeah, I chose this, might as well make the most out of it.

Is this legal? ”

A Complaint for the School: “true break without pressure when”

what the pandemic has wreaked across the world. The first few months of encounter with COVID-19 has become a nightmare to every individual particularly with those in the frontlines. Countries, large and small, were overwhelmed with the rapid increase of confirmed positive cases. In the Philippines alone, as of May 11, 2021, the total cases are 1,113,547, of which are 1,038,175 recovered individuals and 18, 620 deaths. This isn’t good. This is worse than the feeling of getting a failing grade in Physics.

A Complaint for the Student/s:

After classes my friends and I went to Pueblo and ate some pizza. It’s funny how I got some time to spare and eat pizza when I got loads of unfinished stuffs and lessons to study for tomorrow. Zombie mode on! Thankfully, I finished the exams in one piece. My mind didn’t give up on me but I almost gave up on myself.

“The exam results are here.”

“gina reklamo ko gali akon mga utod nga wala na gina ubra kundi ipang tambak tanan2 nga module sa akon :))”

The unprecedented change in our way of life led to adjusting with the “new normal”. People can now go out of their homes but restrictions in public places are still imposed. Schools and universities have moved to online and modular classes as the only means to continue education. Public transport looks different, with distance being maintained between commuters and commuters wearing masks. Social greetings have demoted from handshakes, hugs and cheek-kisses to fist bumps, elbow bumps and hand waves.

A Suggestion for the School:

Hearing those words almost gave me a heart attack. I opened my papers, a 6! I almost jumped in so much joy because I passed. Little things make me happy and it is applicable when it comes to my grades. I am proud of myself for this is a hard earned score, my sleep-deprived self is rejoicing. I was happy the whole day but fear crept into my heart when I read the news that says the Philippines has now its first ever COVID-19 case.

A lot of questions flooded my mind. What will happen next? Will I still be able to enjoy the rush of cramming? What will change?

“I know that the students are responsible for learning and researching about the topics. Learning could be greatly improved if it is complemented with online class especially during this trying times.”

Letting go of the old ways of living and now settling to the so called “new normal” would seem uneasy but the good news is, vaccines are now made available. All thanks to the developers and their hard work. Hopefully, these can apprehend the situation. Nine countries have now overcome the virus and may they serve as examples to learn from in terms of rigorous quarantine, testing and tracing policies. As we adjust to the new normal, it’s helpful to keep ourselves informed of the COVID-19 landscape and the ongoing updates regarding what should be and shouldn’t be done. However, tuning in too much can be overwhelming, so it is important to “stay informed, but not alarmed”.

The screen door banged shut and the small, transparent glass jar I was holding laid pieces into the floor. I suddenly came to my senses and realized the smell of the burnt rice. I was supposed to turn off the rice cooker when I catch sight of the orange-striped bivalve shells in a jar we picked when we visited Bocana, Ilog last December 2019. Remembering those memories brought me to tears. I miss those times.

An Appreciation for the Faculty:

“I would like to use this opportunity to give thanks to those professors nga tam an ka buot nga sila na mismo ga adjust para sa ila students. I only know some and I also know nga damo pana sila. Sana lumawak pa kayo ng sobra. College should be a healthy environment.”

Today is May 22, 2021, more than a year of keeping up with the pandemic brought by COVID-19. Who would’ve expected that the normal life we undoubtedly enjoy would simply be gone?

Facemask. Face shield. Alcohol. Social Distancing. Community Quarantine. Lockdown. These terms are too acquainted with

A Complaint for the School:

“Hello hahaha ang prizes nanligad pag akwe wala pa gyapon nabaton sobra na isa ka bulan. Manog bag ong tuig na way pa gyapon hahahaha”

I hope to see TUP-Visayas again with students filling up the big and small canteen during breaks and the random commotion in hallways, the quizzes and exams with students literally in social distancing. I hope to see my friends and classmates and cram together even if we have to wear facemasks all the time. Witness and learn directly from our teachers and to feel the satisfaction of learning and growing. Of course, I look forward to the free siopao from ME Pistons during Intramurals! More than a year may have passed, things may not easily come back to the way it was, but soon I promise to visit the sea again and pick unique, colorful shells to keep as memento. I promise to keep memories to reminisce and live a life with no regrets.

An Appreciation for the Student/s:

“This note is specifically for second-year students. We began college during the pandemic, and we no choice but to adjust multiple times than we have. The transition from high school to college, the shift to the new mode of learning. We all still situations, but I hope we will acknowledge our struggles as strengths in the end. May we all succeed (depends on how success means to you) and live, just survive. Whatever happens, I am proud of

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An Appreciation for the School:

“In behalf of all students affected by the bagyong Odette, madamo gid nga salamat!nSalamat gid sa initiatives ninyo, especially sa USG. Gapasalamat gid kami tanan sa inyo drive nga magbulig.

Salamat, salamat, salamat gid!”

A Suggestion for the Faculty:

“Be open man sa mga memo sir ay hahaha na alang alangan pa ya subject naton ligad kay laban rant imo ginaubra hehehe”

A Complaint for the Faculty:

“Several teachers are not providing lecture vids to their respective classes all throughout the semester. Ghosted rin kami whenever we are asking for some clarifications.”

“Letting go of the old ways of living”

This is Tupe.He is a safe space for every TUPVian to freely & resonsibly exercise their freedom of expression. He will listen to every rant & praise we could possibly think of, without any judments nor biases.Welcome to #TupeAsks.

A Complaint for the Faculty :

“Don't ask for too much if indi nyo man lang mahatag maski ang bare minimum. Daw parehos lng na gna tudluan nyo kami mag basa kag ang napaubra nyo ya saamon rocket nga maka land sa iban na planeta.

Mayokanabala? ”

A Suggestion for the Students:

“This is a wake up call for the student leaders to be open for learning in every opportunity possible. I hope that next time, they will present their best behavior when dealing with confused students. Tani man nga i-reprimand nila ang iban nga officers when they're misusing their authority. I'm still thankful for their efforts to give us the best events they could muster despite the difficultiesthis pandemic. I hope that we all learned from the issue in the recent event we had, especially in handling injustices even just in small events. Stick to your given guidelines and always, always be fair to everyone. We're looking forward to the next event.”

An Appreciation for the Students:

“To the best section ever, kabalo na kamo sin-o kamo! Bisan kis-a na lang ta gakilit-anay, gapasalamat gid ko dyapon na kamo akon mga na-classmates. Maano na lang ko kung wala kamo man? Char. Pero tuod, thank you for being a solid group of awesome people. Tani f2f na next year baaaaa. Hidlaw ko sang mga ginahod ta sa rooms.”

students. we had should college, plus still differ in our worries and succeed live, not of us!”

An Appreciation for the Faculty :

“SIR KITCHAO SALAMAT GD SA TANAN! PANO NALANG KUNG WALA KA”

A Suggestion for the Faculty:

“Engage more to the students i.e synchronous classes, weekly meetings and quizzes.”

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 4

VIRTUAL LIVES

Election plays a pivotal role in good democratic governance. As a citizen of a democratic country, we must uphold the civic duty, which includes our moral obligation, to vote in elections. The individual participation and initiative of the Filipino people, contributes to what we perceive as a collective effort, towards an ideal government. Political efficacy is one of the major moral arguments that discusses the importance of every single votes and why people's suffrage matters. It appeals to a notion that a single vote could determine the result of an election. The probability that your vote can change the outcome is indeed small but when looking at the numbers tallied during elections, all of those are composed of single votes from each qualified voters who choose and elect government officials and representatives.

VIRTUAL LIVES

By Franz Edward Mercado & Michaela Sibugan By Franz Edward Mercado & Michaela Sibugan

THE GREATEST THIEF OF ALL TIME

“The Philippines’ COVID-19 cases surpassed one million after the Department of Health reported 8,929 additional cases.”

The announcement made you shiver as you passed by your television after finishing your nightly tasks. You have never actually watched or listened to the television, but every time you walk past it, it warns that nothing will ever be the same again.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, in Article II, Section 1, states that, “Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.” As a democratic country, Filipino people have the sovereign power and superiority over our constitution. The right to exercise their sovereignty in establishing an ideal government and choosing rightful leaders to serve them with utmost sincerity is indivisible and cannot be reposed even at any branches of the government it

You get reflective every now and then. You never imagined that the 14th of March 2020 would be the final day of seeing your classmates’ glowing smiles. Feelings of sadness flood in as you participate in online discussions. The voices of your instructors that you used to hear in person had a different melody than those that were broadcasted over the Internet. You ached for the days when learning was not only less arduous but also more enjoyable; you had companions with whom you could relate to as you read your lessons. However, no matter how nostalgic you are for these, nothing will be the same in this “new normal” scenario.

Every time you go outside to apparently take a break, you see those blue-tinted face masks that remind of how the virus upended the world, and it feels suffocating. Because convention dictates that you keep your distance from other people, your

History proves that even a single vote -your vote- can sway an entire election. During the 1876 United States Presidential Election, Democrat Samuel Tilden had won the popular vote but lost the election when Republican Rutherford B. Hayes of Ohio accumulated a total number of 185 votes compared to Tilden’s 184. The stakes are high and a single vote manage to change the outcome of the election. Still, some people did not see nor acknowledge the importance of exercising their right and privilege to vote. They subscribed in a belief system that they don’t think their vote can make a difference, they believe that the system is rigged, and that there is an involvement of special interest. We should reject this kind of perspective since voting is a civil responsibility that is granted to us once we reach legality.

desire for human touch will never be satiated. However, you don’t have much of a choice. Now that life revolves around a screen, you continue your academic path and go on with an uneasy manner. You feel hollow, like sinking into an abyss while you lived a virtual life.

NOT ONLY THE WORLD, BUT IT ALTERED YOU AS WELL

For countless times, various community quarantine categories were updated and applied in your area, and you’ve already lost track of time. Because of the pandemic, your mind and body are already set on your newly created habit every time you wake up.

We should also be mindful who to vote. As a voter, it is our responsibility to choose a leader that is good for the country. Do not rely on survey ratings from suspicious institutions, do some research and avoid on the spot voting, be a rational voter, and above all understand that democracy is not about freedom, but of accountability. The impact of flipping an election can drastically paved our country’s future into either prosperity or eternal suffering. The repercussions of our decisions during the 2016 election are very relevant and widely depicts how our vote can save lives if we just treat the election seriously.

One of your routines has remained consistent throughout quarantine, and that’s being a wanderer on all social networking platforms. Aside from your typical tasks, you spend most of your time browsing through your feeds. You spend a lot of time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and, of course, Tiktok. There was not much choice. Perhaps you developed these as a way to keep yourself sane due to the solitude.

As time passed, people began to express their frustration with the seclusion and yearned for how things

Photo by Abegail Moreno Sequitin

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Photo by Abegail Moreno Sequitin

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used to be. Everything suddenly shifted when the life you once dreamed where you do nothing for a day came true. Everything was done virtually, the interactions happened between screens and we were gradually introduced to the new normal setting; a setting that we once thought of as a blessing but turned out to be a curse.

LEARNING WAS NEVER THIS NERVE-RACKING

Along with the destruction the virus had on human health, it also wreaked havoc on education, forcing schools and universities to switch to asynchronous and virtual learning in order to keep up with the new normal. Uncertainty, intrigue, and worry greeted the start of the new school year. Failure was gnawing because you are not used to this type of situation. You also craved the presence of your friends and classmates, whose faces are now represented by pixels. You did not have much of a choice. Perhaps you are bound by a scholarship agreement, or you are determined to finish on time. Whatever the case may be, you must continue your academic journey, despite the unusual circumstances. It was a huge adjustment for you but it was highly anticipated.

Over the years, the Philippine government under different administrations, had already accumulated countless controversies and questionable actions. The ignorance and pride of politicians have became a lingering trait of the government which become evident in this trying times. The strategy of our government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is directly proportional to the total number of positive cases and death that keeps on increasing everyday. As early as December 2019, WHO already announced a scare of potential pandemic giving heads up to nearby countries. The current Administration, being complacent and friendly, ensured the people that there is nothing to be afraid of and even proclaimed that the virus will just pass away. A year later, death toll ravaged throughout the country, the healthcare system is at its limit, front liners are exhausted due to the still inflating number of cases, and the needs of the Filipino people are no longer met due to economic failure.

All the concerns raised only amount to minimum effort and despite the chaos, corruption is still rampant which highly speaks of the greed of the politicians. The government is just playing along their manipulative responses to gain sympathy without considering that the numbers flash on screen are numerical facts and speaks about their failures to ensure the safety of the Filipino people. The Head of the State even suggested to make use of gasoline as a way to combat the virus and was later claimed that he was just joking.

You built up grit and clung to your life goals in preparation for the new learning approach, but indifference was creeping up on you unconsciously. The image of waiting for your professor in your classroom transports you back in time, as you now sit in your bedroom chair, waiting for the link to enter your Google Meet discussion. You wanted to learn, but it seemed like roadblocks kept appearing, one of which was an unreliable internet connection. Even though you had your modules with you to read, you struggled because your learning style was not the same as everyone else’s.

Inside your head, a slew of questions loomed enormous. You are well aware that this is not what you planned. The fact that the program you chose has a lot of hands-on exercises that cannot be delivered virtually irritates you, as does the fact that the virus stole your chance to become adept and learn essential skills for your future career. Moreover, the fact that the virus is causing the country’s unemployment rate to rise is enough to ruffle your feathers, and you are haunted by the prospect of your uncertain future.

You have to deal with your everyday household tasks in addition to the pile of assessments that have been assigned to you. You fought to balance your commitments to the point that your body’s fuel and drive were completely depleted. You are feeling overloaded and emotionally drained, and you are worried that you will not be able to keep up with the continual demands. You had become a robot rather than a human. It feels like you are being programmed to perform a complex sequence of activities and are being controlled day by day; a never-ending loop from which you cannot seem to break free.

People’s cry for help echoes throughout the social media and even on the street yet the government only resorts to more oppressive policies and laws. One of the national dispute in the country is the ABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy which hindered the said media network the right to broadcast. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease-and-desist order demanding the network to stop all of its free TV and radio broadcasting. International press and media advocacy groups deemed the refusal of Congress to renew the franchise as a direct attack on the country’s democracy and press freedom. President Duterte criticized ABS-CBN due to his personal claims that the network is biased and covers unfavorable news against him during his presidential campaign in the 2016 Philippine presidential election. He repeatedly voiced out his stands against the renewal of the network’s congressional franchise. This move had a direct negative impact to the economy not only of the tax the network is paying but it also resulted to thousands of Filipino people losing their jobs.

In an attempt to save the failing economy, the Department of Education pushed the online class and modular based learning platform to let students continue their study. Despite their appeal to not put pressure on students, this method failed to ensure that the capacity of our internet connection meets the needed stability towards effective learning hence the negative

outcome. The officials disclose the issue and would not even recognize student suicide cases as well as the number of related accident in finding signal just to attend the classes. The constant pressure, stress, and expectations have the capacity to deteriorate students mental health. The officials need reminder that every students has the right to be educated in a system that does not exploit them in saving the economy of the country.

The list of casualties can go on for miles since the execution of war on drugs, extrajudicial killing, Scarborough shoal issue, and a lot more. All of these happened because we voted public officials who would rather put there personal issues at the top of the list than serving the people who put them on the position to make a change. Had we known that their actions would cause thousands of death, we would’ve chosen a better leader. In a country which is govern by political dynasty and fanaticism, we need to thrive and practice our right to suffrage because your vote can save millions of lives. The supreme and absolute power lies on your hands. As early as today, sign up at your local Comelec, exercise your civic duty, and furthermore, involved yourself in ensuring that everyone votes wisely for a new and ideal government.

COVID-19 TAKES ITS TOLL

Not only young children and teenagers, but also teachers, were affected by the abrupt change to virtual classes. The impact of the pandemic and virtual classes, on the other hand, may have prompted new changes in your mental health or worsened existing mental health conditions. It has been mentally draining for you because your brain cannot assimilate the way it used to. You are worried about staying on top of your studies; you are having difficulties concentrating or staying focused at home; and getting the extra educational help you need to succeed has become a challenge. Some may have been fine with this arrangement since it suited their learning style and they were privileged, but even though we are currently on the same sea, we are undeniably not on the same boat.

Now that the country has over a million cases, and the number is growing by the day, you grow tired of everything, of your new daily routine. The number will continue to rise as some become complacent, others become irresponsible, and vaccination distribution is not yet widespread since government authorities are struggling and perplexed with their budget allocation priorities. With pressures coming from all directions, you wanted anything to lighten your load, something to take your mind off what you were feeling; but the current scenario prevents you from doing so.

COVID-19 caught us off guard, and despite our best efforts, we never really got used to being in this situation. We are being pushed into a corner, and our only option is to swallow everything the situation spoon-feeds us. We did not have much of a choice because we are still wanting to get back to normal as soon as possible. Despite everyone’s best attempts to reclaim what we have lost - a world free of a deadly intangible opponent - our progress is gradual and we are still a long way from the horizon. What we believed would be a term-long distance learning program turned into a year-long one, and we could not tell when we would be able to return to normal. Because we never really had a choice, and all we could do now is wait and do our part to get out of the virtual world in which we are currently stuck.

...

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 6

It’s one of these ordinary days that I feel like doing nothing but be at my phone the whole day, while still in my pajamas. When all of a sudden,

“Chubby bunny!” shouted my friend, with laughter bursting inside this two-storey apartment. Our mouths were full of marshmallows, holding on for dear life. If only you could see our faces; we laughed so hard, and one of us even peed! Gross, but you could tell it was really funny!

I guess, it’s still gonna be a good day today. I went to the kitchen to get myself a meal.

“Hello guys, welcome to our home!” One of my roomies was recording herself while our other board-mate was cleaning. “Here’s our most pisan pisan na boardmate, Ralph!” she introduced, and continued on her mini-vlog. I was just there watching them. I didn’t notice that I was actually smiling because of that simple, but, genuine moment.

After I had gotten myself full, I had a shower to freshen up myself. When I finished changing, I grabbed my phone quickly.

“ML ta, custom game.” My friends asked to play Mobile Legends, inviting the boyfies to play along. Of course, we were noisy, trashtalking in-game, and just boasting playfully during the clash. It was chaotic, but kinda wanna do it again! After the game, we went outside for a walk. We bought Aice ice cream at the famous Chicken Diggers karenderya, then stopped by Angel’s Burger to buy our favorite footlong sandwich. We were satisfied! We headed right back to the apartment.

It was a cloudy afternoon and I thought of staying outside for awhile…

“Sukol!” A few minutes later, we found ourselves playing ‘sukol’ and ‘tumba-balay’ on the street, with our neighbors wondering what we’re up to, they looked like they were enjoying too!

I was thirsty, and so, I had to get ice-cold water from the fridge.

“Let’s do karaoke.” A friend invited. Without secondthoughts, we left straight-away! We had rounds of picking

nothing pajamas. bursting full of marshmallows, could see peed! Gross, the kitchen roomies was just smiling up myself.

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pandemic. recordings, and explored it. All and captured yet… one Who would’ve waited for this ended first. times, his camera. Our difference. just enjoy story bi.” friends would current moment, right at this posted in our written in memories people, relive the actually go never-ending, just endings, or these stories past’s purest archive.

the songs, and we danced and sang like it’s the best day of our lives! We had our own concert at the karaoke. It was a blast!

The night’s here already, and so I had to eat for dinner.

“We need to study, it’s already exam week.” One of us reminded. We opened our notes and reviewers, did a few schoolworks. Finding ourselves a comfortable corner we can study at. We were scattered all around the room. Finally, we were in silence.

It’s already late, around 3am. Wow, the day ended fast… and I’m still on my phone, scrolling through my Instagram Archive. For a while, I thought everything was still real, I was reliving some scenarios through those photos and videos. I was a bit frustrated because all of those were just mere memories at the back of my mind.

I’ve been doing this almost every day, while living in quarantine. I’m longing for the life I had in my previous social media stories, but it’s somehow therapeutic to look back. I was getting dizzy staring at my phone the whole day. So, I just slept the night away. The next morning, I woke up to a lot of notifications waiting for me.

I woke up to a lot of notifications waiting for me.

“On this day…” I viewed this particular notif.

It was an album that I compiled with photos and

clips before all of this happened – the life before the pandemic. There were lots of group pictures, archived recordings, and the like. The album seemed different when I explored it. All files were still there, with what I’ve recorded and captured in 2019 to early 2020s, every detail was retained, yet… one person in there couldn’t be with us anymore. Who would’ve thought we’d lose one along the way? We all waited for this quarantine life to end, but it was one life story that ended first. The only memories we have of him are the good times, his smiles, and him doing crazy things caught on camera. Our days were different, and I mean, a really big difference.

“Stop taking so much photos and videos, just enjoy the moment while it’s still here! Tama nana nga story bi.” I’ve heard it possibly a million times – some of my friends would always remind me to actually live in the current moment, when everything was normal, until… we went right at this moment.

All we have now are archived stories – posted in our social media, even synced on our galleries, but also written in our hearts, and kept at the back of our minds. These memories we had are priceless; we can always miss the people, relive the moments, reminisce the feelings, but we can never actually go back.

There are still a lot of stories to tell, never-ending, just like how we want every story to be – have the best endings, or never ending at all. Up ‘till this day, I still watch these stories over again, it’s because; I keep holding onto the past’s purest stories – the ones that I wanna take out from the archive.

I’ve

fast… and I’m still on my phone, scrolling through my the moment while it’s still here! Tama nana nga story bi.”

VISAYAS

TH E PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 8

by Freddie Laureano Jr. &

AMIDST THE

“Forgive me, for I have sinned,” I prayed to the heavens but no one heard my appeals.

HRIVINGUPWARD PANDEMIC ’S IRULENCE

Azure changes as time indicates darkness to embrace, and underneath the looming, sanguine moon, I have bathed in a dozen casks lled with milk. Brimming black curls touched my bare shoulder blades. e heat soothes my trembling insides, and I found relief—a few moments later, my vision became dark. Attention centered on the purple discoloration on my wrists, arms, and when I took a glimpse underneath the owing milk right at my hips, a tear fell. ere is a certain heaviness in my head as I hear the rough laughs continuously playing.

It was 3 in the morning when I got o from work. On days like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I work as a cashier at 7/11. It has become a routine serving this four-man group from the academy in front of the store before changing my uniform to a regular dress. I bid them goodbye and turned to take my path home. e road was bright; streetlights were doing ne, and it was the safest route. It may sound as cliché as the things in a movie, but I heard footsteps behind me. I doubled my steps, tripled, but the footsteps were still getting closer, and I cried to the above, “You are my home so let me – let me in at your safe zone.”

My strength wavered and my knees were weakening. In no time, one, two, and more of them took my personal space. A heavy-sounding voice pains my throat, “Shout!”, but I couldn’t. Something cold, thin, and sharp crossed my waist, and I felt a sudden scrape, but I couldn’t feel the pain. ere was a partial loss of consciousness, and I woke up with harsh and hungry caresses from callous hands. My voice is drowning in their baritone voices; looking around, I found lthy bunk beds.

“Mary, are you done bathing?” I heard a familiar voice, and I felt I had come back to life. Moving outside the tub, I heard a loud crash blended with angered shouts and I rushed to see what was happening, uncovered. I found a crack on the screen of our old television, and a man hails supremacy pardoning all the crimes those lths have made. I looked around to see my mom, and I saw her on the oor surrounded by shredded papers; I noticed a familiar heading. I grabbed one piece of it and saw it was my case. Case dismissed.

“As long as there are many beautiful women, there will be more rape cases,” the corners of my lips start to rise, and a forlorn smile escaped. It was indeed a compliment from the country’s highest and most in uential man, for which I thank thee. Gender equality? ose were words he did not give honor to. It was di cult for people like me who share the same gender to live in his era.

“Forgive me, for I have sinned,” —and that sin was being born a woman.

is account unravels the case of a raped woman who had not claimed justice due to gender blaming where women are deprived of certain rights. Incidents and names are not associated with any living and existing events in the present. (Retrieved from: Fort Gregorio del Pilar)

YAS

Reyan Remilla

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Graphics by Jan Edrin Esteban

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The Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) thrived in spite of the pandemic as they continued to contribute in battling against COVID-19. Let’s dive into the efforts the TUP Visayas has made throughout the year 2021. Even though the situation limited our mobility, the institution was still relentlessly working and doing their part in this trying time. Being a technological and engineering school, TUPV responded to the call by utilizing what they already have; their pool of intelligence and advanced equipment to be of help to the community. Together with Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), an industry partner of TUPV, the institution organized a campaign: TUPV and NWTF Tapna COVID-19 initiative, led by the TUPV Campus Director Eric A. Malo-oy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is indeed unprecedented in the history

of mankind as it knows no country, age and gender, and the Philippines is likewise facing the evolving challenges that this pandemic brings to its people and as we all continue to navigate these raging waters, all sectors of the society are working hand in hand to fight this unseen adversary,” Prof. Malo-oy said in an online interview.

The protective face shields are produced and assembled at the 3D Printing Farm with 31 units of 3D printers located at the DOST-TUPV Hive, A. Chan Building, Marapara, Brgy. Bata, Bacolod City. The team gathered and established the 3D printing farm last March 21, 2020 and after 11 days straight of working , the TUPV and NWTF Tapna COVID-19 team have produced and distributed 1,465 face shields to 14 hospitals, 12 City or Municipal Health Offices, and nine Border Controls and DRRMOs in Negros Occidental. As of June 3, 2020 the team has produced and donated 15,273 face shields.

The 3D printed face shields were also given to various satellite department offices in the province including Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Social Security System (SSS). Several barangays in Bacolod, Talisay, and Silay City also received the face shields fabricated by the team.

Aside from the 3D Printing Farm and printing face shields, misting booths for identified hospitals are likewise being fabricated at the DOST-TUPV Hive. The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) was one of

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 10

the recipients of the TUPV and NWTF Tapna COVID-19 donated Arduino-Controlled Decontamination Booths.

Meanwhile, TUPV has also continued to make itself seen on the map as the institution clinched the 1st place award in the CHED 27th Founding Anniversary short documentary contest with the theme, “Mga Manunudlo sa Panahon sang Pandemya: Kalipay kag mga Pagtilaw.” In the video, Ms. Angelica Fortuna, a TUPV teacher, reminisced her experiences with the students before the pandemic.

“One of the things I remember is the joy of the students, in the hallway, canteen and in the corridor, the noisy students in the classroom, and the untiring students who slept late for their laboratory activities,” Ms. Fortuna noted with a smile on her face.

The mode of learning during the pandemic has been altered and not every student has the privilege to adapt right away to the new normal. Ms. Fortuna’s voice slightly wavered when she explained how the new normal agonized not only instructors, but also the students.

The establishment of DOST-TUPV HIVE was also one of the achievements of the institution during the pandemic and it made possible through the support of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOSTPCIEED). This will aid the academy’s students, faculty members

and staff, and potential entrepreneurs to develop their own start-ups.

In terms of community-related events and charity works, TUPV has been very active and no pandemic could put off the blazing fire of humanity and camaraderie in every TUPVian‘s heart. When the typhoon Ulysses wreaked havoc in the Philippines and flooded the northern part of Negros Occidental, the TUPV community, together with the University Student Government (TUPV-USG) and TUPVUSG Alumni, initiated a donation drive called Amliganay.

“The Amliganay has this main goal of lending a hand and helping those who were impacted greatly by the typhoon Ulysses, especially that this calamity occurred during the pandemic. The burden of those affected families has been doubled and we are very much hoping that these donations and relief goods would ease the weights that they were carrying and help sustain their everyday living,” A.Y. 2020-2021 TUPV-USG President Alter Gonzales noted with utmost dedication in his eyes.

The TUPV Community accumulated a total of Php 55,908.85 monetary contribution from various contributors nationwide, and also the in-kind donations that were received totalled to 266 sacks of clothes, 46 boxes of dry foods, three sacks of rice, and one sack of dog food.

“This Amliganay initiative really is a manifestation of humanity and that, for me, is success.”

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“I am very happy that we have the resources to facilitate this initiative, and I am personally amazed to see how our simple act of kindness can bring joy and comfort to our brothers and sisters who are in great need. “This Amliganay initiative really is a manifestation of humanity and that, for me, is success,” Gonzales said with conviction and pride. Moreover, Bayanihan spirit was also felt in TUPV as the TUPVNWTF put up their version of Community Pantry in Brgy. Zone 12, near the university. At an early hour, people started to get what they need in the pantry and some are putting their donations in for supplies.

Moreover, Bayanihan spirit was also felt in TUPV as the TUPVNWTF put up their version of Community Pantry in Brgy. Zone 12, near the university. At an early hour, people started to get what they need in the pantry and some are putting their donations in for supplies.

As mentioned by the TUPV-NWTF, “This is our way of giving back to the less fortunate of our home community and some donations came a few moments into the setup and we have witnessed the true essence of Bayanihan and generosity in the time of crisis”

The TUPV-NWTF also made a Libre Kape Dire sa TUPV by putting a coffee stand, not to sell but to give it freely to those Traysikad drivers, tricycle drivers, construction workers and the like who were tirelessly working under the scorching heat of the sun. It was a way of convincing them to take a short break and rest for a while.

COVID-19 is the biggest challenge for humanity that has caused profound effects and impacts to all individuals in the society. The community quarantine and guidelines are imposed to contain the diffusion and reduce infections of Coronavirus. The government forced all face-to-face college courses to transition to remote instructions; even the mode of working of most individuals in the country has been altered.

In spite of these notable changes in the everyday set-up, TUPV still remained firm and made this unfortunate situation an opportunity to fulfill its commitment in public service, and to contribute to the betterment of everyone in the community. The institution’s initiatives and achievements amidst this pandemic are proof that the academe is affected positively and no pandemic can halt the mission of TUPV to mwark its name in the world.

TUP Visayas, indeed, does not have any COVID-19 positive results, but they sure got A-positive grade for their collective efforts during this pandemic.

Graphics by Bryan Albay

by Bryan

Graphics

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAY AS 12

THE GREATEST THIEF OF ALL TIME

“The Philippines’ COVID-19 cases surpassed one million after the Department of Health reported 8,929 additional cases.”

NOT ONLY THE WORLD, BUT IT ALTERED YOU AS WELL

As time passed, people began to express their frustration with the seclusion and yearned for how things

health, universities order and gnawing also faces a you you circumstances. anticipated. preparation creeping professor now Google like internet you the You that cannot the skills causing ruffle uncertain in to that are worried demands. like of loop

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LEARNING

Photo by Abegail Moreno Sequitin

used dreamed was and setting a

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THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 14

Suggestion for the School:

I think it is a better approach for equity. ”

Complaint for the Admin:

“Is collective punishment allowed in TUPV? A professor made a rule that if one of the students breaks one of his rules, he will give a term grade of "3" for the entire class

Is this legal? ”

Suggestion for the School:

#nocapp #realtee”

Complaint

for the School: ”

Complaint Student/s:

gina ubra kundi ipang tambak tanan2 nga module sa akon :))

Suggestion for the School:

Appreciation for the Faculty:

Complaint for the School:

“Hello hahaha ang prizes nanligad pag akwe wala pa gyapon nabaton sobra na isa ka bulan. Manog bag ong tuig na way pa gyapon hahahaha”

This

than

“true break without pressure when ” Student/s 15 DELTΔ

Appreciation School:

“In behalf of all students affected by the bagyong Odette, madamo gid nga salamat!nSalamat gid sa initiatives ninyo, especially sa USG. Gapasalamat gid kami tanan sa inyo drive nga magbulig.

Salamat, salamat, salamat gid!”

Suggestion for the Faculty:

Complaint for the Faculty:

“Several teachers are not providing lecture vids to their respective classes all throughout the semester. Ghosted rin kami whenever we ”

Complaint Faculty :

He will listen to every rant & praise we could possibly think of, without any judments nor biases.

“Be open man sa mga memo sir ay hahaha na alang alangan pa ya subject naton ligad kay laban rant imo ginaubra hehehe” for the

man lang mahatag maski ang bare minimum. Daw parehos lng na gna tudluan nyo kami mag basa kag ang napaubra nyo ya saamon rocket nga maka land sa iban

Students:

students. we had should college, plus still differ in our worries and succeed live, not of us!

Appreciation

“SIR KITCHAO SALAMAT GD SA TANAN! PANO NALANG KUNG WALA KA

Faculty: “Engage more to the students

”

Mayo kana bala? ”

T H E PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 16

Graphics by: Sofia Quizon & Radwin Cabante

I JUST DON’T REALLY iMMERSE MYSELF iN THiNKiNG ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS,

I BELiEVE THAT THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU DO NOW, & THE REST WOULD JUST FOLLOW.

— Mr. Eric Malo-oy TUPV Campus Director

up short-lived. After getting used to this new way of living, it seemed strange to feel the walls of our own home eventually getting smaller and smaller. It comes to the point where every day, I wake up gasping for air. Tomorrow, I guarantee it’d be the same, long day on repeat; and with each second crawling slower than the other, the knots in my airways grow tighter.

It’s ironic how frequently I joked about staying at home during school back then. Now, the longer I stay at home, the more breathless I feel. To at least smoothen the tension out, I’d briefly step outside and take a light breather, but the sight of the empty streets & shielded houses just adds to the sense of unease. This all feels so daunting. I can’t help but recall & wish for the old times to come back. Now life just feels like being locked in a box with invisible puppeteers urging me to just keep living this paradox. Sometimes, it would even feel as if the strings are detached, and I’m left floating in the abyss.

In those moments, I felt unearthed

beneath my blankets? Shouldn’t I do something? Shouldn’t I be screaming for help? Shouldn’t I be helping? The world is now shattered in sharp little shards. Isn’t that also a sign for me to shatter this glass I am trapped in? Shouldn’t I just destroy my safest spaces & embrace this reality?

My thoughts stood stuck on that last question. Should I indeed destroy my space & just adhere to the awful truth surrounding me? I am suffocating in all these false positives and demolishing my space seems to be the only way to let some air in. I’d open the windows, but they were sealed shut by the anxieties I felt since this hell rose up. I’d open the door but I seemed to forget where I hid the key when I didn’t want anyone nor anything to enter my home.

ARTISAN: Did it ever cross your mind when you were still a student that someday you will become the Campus Director of TUP Visayas?

PROF. MALO-OY: No. Never.

ARTISAN: What had your interests set upon a er graduation? To be in the industry or in the academe?

PROF. MALO-OY: A er my graduation, I immediately applied for work in the industry. en a er ve years, I applied in TUP Visayas and was hired in 1998 [and] assigned at TUPV Sagay. ARTISAN: What is the biggest life lesson you got during your college days?

PROF. MALO-OY: I have a lot, actually, but the biggest life lesson I experienced during my college days was sustaining my education and persevering to nish it at all costs, because I know that having an education is my stepping stone in achieving my goals in life. ose life lessons taught me how to be resilient and to have patience in all my pursuits in life.

ARTISAN: Were there notable persons in your life that le you such signi cant lessons that you will carry on to this day?

PROF. MALO-OY: In life, as we embark upon and pursue our careers, we will meet people that will inspire and challenge us and eventually leave signi cant lessons in our lives. For me, these notable persons are my family, friends, former bosses, and colleagues. I grew because of the support of these people, and I am very thankful for the memories and life lessons they imparted to me.

ARTISAN: What can you impart to the current University students as being a former TUPV student yourself as well?

PROF. MALO-OY: Be respectful to your teachers and sta members. Show good character in your every dealing and be mindful of your actions inside and outside the University.

UNEARTHED

By Johnna Izza M. Diadio, Kim C. Beaudin, & John Jefferson Sargado

When we were rushed into quarantine a year ago, I expected it to last for at most two weeks. In a split second, these weeks seemed to turn into months, and as if things couldn’t get any worse, the months lengthened. With these sudden changes, I found myself keeping track of how many days we were in quarantine, hoping that one day, I’d stop counting. By then, I believed the world would be different. I believed everything would be back the way it used to be - I was looking forward to it; I was ecstatic, even.

Now, we’ve circled back into a year. I stopped count ing alright, but the world remains chained to this calamity.

Being cooped up with the people you’ve known your whole life used to be a dream, and oddly enough, that’s exactly what this quarantine has brought with it. However, it’s the overwhelming feelings of comfort that mostly end

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In those moments, I felt unearthed

I used to think being unearthed is supposed to feel liberating; kind of like flying. I thought it should feel like rising to the clouds, wandering around the heights as light as a feather, but for some unknown reason, this all feels heavy. It’s as if I lost control of my own movements & I’m constantly tumbling in free space. It’s like I’m floating aimlessly through the universe, waiting to land somewhere, anywhere. It’s terrifying. It makes me want to be forever anchored to the ground; tied, nailed, jailed, anything just to keep me from floating.

The background noise doesn’t help, either. With all the emptiness encasing me, it’s quite funny how I couldn’t even hear silence. Instead, all I could register are vast waves of misery from every corner of the world. Disasters are springing from the ground-up, with anecdotes of political & societal drama raining all around. It’s a terrible melody for my ears. It makes me want to hear nothing at all, just to feel those quiet afternoons once again.

I thought keeping myself busy might help with lessening the volume. Maybe, just maybe, if I focus more on the tasks I have on my hands, I might regain my authority & learn how to channel the energies surrounding me. I might even create my own little world for me & my emotions to regenerate in solitude. Perhaps I could finally keep myself grounded & controlled if I could just seal my ceilings, doors, & windows shut.

Unfortunately, life does not work like that. No amount of work could make me distant from the fearsome truth. Not even paint or curtains could cover the cracks and windows that surround me. Despite all efforts, nothing could make me unsee the damage this world has delved into, nor could I unhear all their mutinous cries from around; and this tiny space I made doesn’t help. It feels like a darkened prison, like a room with no escape. Whatever it is that I am currently residing in, I am certain that I want out.

Everyday, I fight this battle in my head on how I should cope with the tremors I am slowly losing my mind to. I keep asking myself repetitive questions. Should I just cower in fear

Destroying this bubble really did seem like the only option, but skepticism reigned as I feared the clutter it would cause. More so on how I’d again mindlessly drift away from the ground-up. However, I began thinking, isn’t living in this busy, blatant lie during times like these more messy & unsettling? Isn’t concealing what is true for the sake of tranquility more punishing? Isn’t piling up every task I have as if they were barriers from the outside just as unfulfilling as never finishing them?

After a brief deliberation within my head, I made a decision & destroyed my world of made-up niceties. I unscrewed the ceilings, unhinged the doors, & broke the window panes. I shattered everything in my safest spaces until it all ended like the smallest grains of sand. I burned my bed in uproar, welcoming it with a tearful surrender as I aimlessly flew in free space again, just like what I’ve always dreaded.

Surprisingly, I found myself amidst the deafening silence. Regaining control was a feeling I never thought I could feel in a moment like this. It was a breath of relief after months full of sighs. I finally have the energy to deal with the pieces of me that were scattered in the trail left by the damage of the pandemic.

Motion was the first thing I lost when the pandemic began. Flying and feeling the wind on my skin made me remember how freeing it was to be alive and not just survive. Being in control was a refresher that I didn’t know I needed.

At that moment, I felt unearthed, and boy, does it feel liberating

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 22

grim diaries

GRIM grim diaries

Inspired by true-to-life events

Inspired

Most stories are deprived of happily ever a ers. Perhaps that’s why they remain untold, forever.

Perhaps

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for hunger

Written by: Hilary Joy Torrecampo

i.arrested for hunger

Written by: Hilary Joy Torrecampo

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present. If you cannot a ord an attorney, one will be appointed to you.” ere was no utterance heard; only the clicking of chains while stomachs were churning in silence.

I took my last mask behind the old bamboo door, with slippers at the edge xed with thin wires. For a poverty-sheltered skin, I couldn’t feel the heat; only the will to run and to plea for food aid, ayuda. Amidst the pandemic, I have sought refuge, but I couldn’t nd one.

When you hear a small voice every day, telling you, “Ma, nagugutom na po ako”, all while having her tiny hands clasped underneath her growling stomach... No mother can bear such pain for her child. So I did what I thought was right.

Upon arrival, I saw people lining up to a truck with food supplies, and I ran towards it. I grabbed one from the plastics lled with yellow, red, and green cans; clamped with an image of a so -boned saltwater sh. In my head, I heard an echo, “Sardinas ulit?” but scarcity replied, “Sardines or meat; there is no distinction when it comes to hunger.” Li ing the plastics of a kilogram of rice and ve pieces of 555 sardines above my head, I took the route back home.

When a crowd in camou age woodland-colored jackets and trousers came, the next, I found myself in a crowded jail—arrested for violating the in-house quarantine protocol. Some warmth touches my skin, and there I saw the arms of my co-PDL. ere is no social distancing here. It’s ironic because I was deprived of liberty for a social distancing violation, but I ended up locked in a ock.

He promised to prioritize the citizens of this country. I had faith in him, and so I voted.

However, all of my trust was gone when he called us— called me, Le . One more trouble, a shoot will be our end. It wasn’t his promise that freed us; it wasn’t his will to keep us alive, and it wasn’t him who stood for the poorest and marginalized Filipino victims. Instead, he took his blue n tuna on a gold plate; and it took me a can of sardines to end my freedom.

He promised to prioritize the citizens of this country. I had faith in him, and so I voted.

Kalayaan. I was given another chance through the collective e orts of my fellow Filipino citizens. e strings on my slippers started to loosen up, and in no shame, I walked barefooted. Miles away from home, I can hear her say, “Ma, nasan ang sardinas?”. I’m sorry, my dear. I have nothing but a pair of ruined slippers and rough experience from his draconian measures.

is page unveils an experience of a mother arrested for receiving ayuda—locked and deprived of liberty because of famine. Mentioned identities in the text are optimized in a parodic manner. (Retrieved from: Queer Street Malibcong, Abra)

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 24

Illustration by: Bryan Albay Illustration by: Bryan Albay

As long as there are many beautiful women, there will be more rape cases,” the corners of my lips start to rise, and a forlorn smile escaped. It was indeed a compliment from the country’s highest and most in uential man, for which I thank thee. Gender equality? ose were words he did not give honor to. It was di cult for people like me who share the same gender to live in his era.

Forgive me, for I have sinned,” —and that sin was being born a woman. is account unravels the case of a raped woman who had not claimed justice due to gender blaming where women are deprived of certain rights. Incidents and names are not associated with any living and existing events in the present. (Retrieved from: Fort Gregorio del Pilar)

“

Right a er the six o’clock prayer, the tolling of the church bells echoed to every nook and cranny of the small town. e darkness of the night crept in as the sun faded out of the picture, and in exchange, the lampposts outshone the sky in response to the moon’s absence. e picturesque abyss of the void above the peoples’ heads gained no admiration…as everyone is already enshrined by the fear that fed on the lurking credulity that speaks,

“Whosoever wields the PNP badge shall be worthy of a judge, jury, and executioner’s power.”

No prayer remains unheard, but not every prayer can be graced with an answer. e presence of injustices will never be deterred as long as someone plays the role of a god! e sinner dares to wield the divine power of tampering with human life. He dares to give the verdict on who gets to live, and who deserves to be choked to death with his iron grasp. Yet, a mere human is con ned to a awed prowess, as he can’t conquer a nation alone.

We were paid a visit by such unwelcome guests, civiliandisguised men. In the age of modernity embraced by civilization, these guys were rather…barbaric and profane. A visitor would enter through the front door, only a burglar would storm the residence through the back door, which gave me a hint that this might be my last day. Pointing the barrels of their guns to our heads, they seemingly tell us that no one will be spared. In the plight of grave fright and confusion, an utterance that reeked of dominance nally reached our ears.

“Buy-bust! Alsa ang kamot!”

“Hala may bata, atindera na anay! Bantayi giho ya!”’

Our oating hopes capsized with our eeting willpower when realization dawned that we are not being attacked by burglars or criminals of some sort but instead by the law enforcers. But what in the world are they talking about?

“Abaw toto, kabalo ka man nga ang mama mo gabaligya shabu?”

Still puzzled by such an atrocious claim, I spoke, “Paano kamo ka sigurado sir?”

I was forced outside of the vicinity in which they’ve been interrogating my mother. But judging from the audible exchange of loud articulations, it appears that they are forcing THEIR truth on her. As vivid as the claims of an oracle, she was labeled as a suspect albeit being victimized in their disgusting ploy.

I must remain unshaken, for the sake of the woman inside who is being obscured of her rights. Yet as the night delves deeper, the situation bodes with anguish and torment. Neighbors and rumor-thirsty dwellers are clumping outside like ies. My shivering body battles the aches of my heart, as my knees grow weak, succumbing to defeat.

“Diin mo di ginatago ang imo shabu?”

“Ano ni? Ginapilit mo na pakumo sa akon ang dala niyo nga sachet sang shabu haw?”

“Kag diin inyo search warrant kag warrant of arrest? Indi na ni tyakto ya! Highschool graduate lang ko pero indi ko amo ni ka mango. Hala, saksi ang Ginoo sa mga ginapang-ubra niyo subong!”

picture, and in exchange, the lampposts outshone the sky in deeper, the situation bodes with anguish and torment. Neighbors shabu?

THE P HILI PPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 26

I can’t depose my fear anymore. Minute by minute, the exchange of dialogues grew louder and louder. Relying on my hearing alone, I can paint the image of my mother struggling in the hands of these oppressors. Shame on your mainstreamed motto. To serve and protect? e hell…protect who? Your interests? Your fat pockets? Or your untainted power?

At the height of the heated argument on the matter, the deafening bang of a gunshot reverberated in the area. My mind went hazy; the beat of my heart and my gushing pulse tore through my innards. Sweat came trickling down my cold and despondent face. Alas! A police o cer came rushing outside. e chief of police halted him with a furious face.

“Ano na naman ni nga casualty? Gusto niyo piyestahan naman ta sang media?”

“Relax lang sir, stick to the alibi lang ta gihapon. Hambalon ta lang nga nagbato sa, kag self-defense lang ang pagtiro nga natabo.”

is incident robbed me of my mother. And the president’s war on drugs? e extrajudicial killings? What more will it rob us of? Will it rob us of our future…or perhaps, our humanity? is process of ful lling an ambitious promise through the expense of some innocent lives brims with the lust of the sel sh and those greedy of power and position. THIS. IS. ABUSE.

I scorn the prejudiced evil that lingers in our police force. But truth be told, it’s not their badge that bears the tag of cruelty, it’s the bearer of the badge who stains their collective image.

is diary unfurls a young child’s rst-hand experience of his mother being wrongfully accused as a “drug pusher”, which eventually costed her her life. (Retrieved from: e Slums of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental)

iv.abandon all hope, ye who enter here

Written by: Jason Ann Silverio

It’s one of these ordinary days that I feel like doing nothing but be at my phone the whole day, while still in my pajamas. When all of a sudden,

“ is is the Chinese Coast Guard. You are trespassing Huang Yan Dao, part of the territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone of the People’s Republic of China. Turn around immediately or we will use force!”

was answered with a gesture of neglect and disrespect. Funnily though, they are the ones at fault but the pity is on us, as we are at the su ering end. e spark of hope is growing faint, as its dimness gets overwhelmed by the chastising darkness.

I guess, it’s still gonna be a good day today. I went to the kitchen to get myself a meal.

All these years of experience given the working environment, still, the thing that awakens my darkest fear points to the torture of drowning… and dying in such painstaking process. But there they are -- circling us on these besieged waters, haughtily giving us an impression that because we’re aboard a mere ‘bangka’, we can be sunk in the blink of an eye. Another day at hell, another experience of facing my fear once again. Hush the hassle, for this is a living! e choices given remain dire: tolerate a nagging ‘intsik’s’ radioed warning or su er a growling stomach.

Before we could steer away from the disputed boundary, the enormous vessel red a scourging force of water towards us. It was enough to topple our boat, leaving us mewling in panic. We had nowhere else to go, but back.

Sometimes we are compensated with enough catch worth a day’s e ort, sometimes our tools and sh are embargoed, and in the worst cases, some local shing boats are capsized. Yet, we can’t halt this perilous job, I can’t. I have mouths to feed. e fangs of diplomacy don’t put up much of a ght. Our ultimatum

After I had gotten myself full, I had a shower to freshen up myself. When I finished changing, I grabbed my phone quickly.

“Hell does not just preside in the a erlife, as life bears enough torment and anguish. And now, I am starting to debunk the myth that hell is not real.”

It was a cloudy afternoon and I thought of staying outside for awhile…

“Sukol!” A few minutes later, we found ourselves playing ‘sukol’ and ‘tumba-balay’ on the street, with our neighbors wondering what we’re up to, they looked like they were enjoying too!

I was thirsty, and so, I had to get ice-cold water from the fridge.

“Let’s do karaoke.” A friend invited. Without secondthoughts, we left straight-away! We had rounds of picking

Year 2016. A quick trip down memory lane. I was standing in front of the presidential candidates. ese aspirants took the platform to enunciate their advocacies and distinct characters that make them suitable to lead a nation facing a multitude of troubles. e prominent political colors made waves with the cheers of their undying fanatics. Others had fewer supporters, but still enough to give a rumbling applause. I, a sherman, was brought to the center of this country’s metropolitan area, departing momentarily from the shores of my rural roots. I received the gracious honor of being invited to the 2016 Presidential Town Hall Debate -- well, the credit is due to my rst-hand accounts on the terrors in the sea. e aging night did not stop these candidates from trying to impress me with their promises. As keen as I could be, of course, I was captivated by those who concocted the rmest answers.

27 DELTΔ

“Kapag sinabi [ng UN arbitral tribunal] na panalo tayo at ayaw ng China, I will not go to war. Pupunta ako sa China. Ngayon ‘pag ayaw nila, I will ask the Navy to bring me to the nearest boundary, diyan sa Spratly, sa Scarborough,” a presidential hopeful said. “Bababa ako at sasakay ako ng jetski, dala dala ko ang ag ng Filipino at pupunta ako dun sa airport [ng China] tapos itanim ko. I will say, ‘ is is ours and do what you want with me’,” he added.

e Filipino people rejoiced with the striking campaign speeches and people-smart initiatives of Rodrigo, leaving the majority of those stricken with poverty enamored with his charms. I was proud to cast my vote on his name on the ballot. Finally, my fellow shermen will never have to endure the oppression from the Chinese. Philippines shall bear the fruit of its triumph! I can’t wait to see it unfurl before my eyes!

Year 2021. We had more pressing matters to attend to. But I am a icted with deep forlorn, as my situation hasn’t changed at all. Amongst the looming mayhem set ablaze by suppressive thieves through the might of their maritime arsenal, the saga of the long-sought claims for sovereignty remains hopeless albeit the avowed bravado of this nation’s leader. It le the su erers with fright embarking even on our own waters, as the consequences raised doubts towards the president’s distorted sense of ‘utang na loob’ towards its duplicitous friend, China.

A er ve years, I nd myself listening once again to an interview on DZMM Teleradyo. ough, the omnipresence of the media outlet has since been overthrown.

“Iyong bravado ko was a pure campaign joke, at kung naniniwala kayo sa kabila, pati na siguro si [retired Supreme Court justce Antonio] Carpio, I would say you’re stupid,” Duterte blabbered in a taped speech.

ough appearing to emulate assertiveness, as expected from a leader that he should be, yet the president chose to make a jest out of the winning statements that he uttered in favor of the majority’s plea. I was part of those who sincerely believed his jetski bravado. I laid my trust, and our future in his hands… and that made me STUPID. But you know what, that makes him a joke of a president too. My sentiments of ire appear to be too late, as I’ve abandoned all hope on him.

at was one presidential term wasted, a barren six years. Is he merely keeping the seat warm for the next president who shall resolve his failures? As I stare at the setting sun plunging in the sea’s horizon, I had a contemplation: Just like the religious dogma, we are the ones responsible for being deserving of a place in hell.

Sin is a free ticket that everyone can own, li ing the entrance open for the awaiting demise.

is is our hell. is administration is our punishment. And what is our sin if you may ask? Electing the wrong leaders.

This diary unfurls a fisherman’s woeful story of hopelessness and betrayal from the one whom he entrusted with his precious vote. (Retrieved from: Coastal Community of Infanta, Pangasinan)

T HE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 28

Illustrated by: Bryan Albay

casualties having outnumbered that of World War I and World War II combined.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

2020 has secured its place in history books as the year when COVID19 brought the world to a standstill. More than a year later, developments have been made in the fight against the virus but the question remains – are we any closer to completely ending the pandemic?

The fi rst cases of the disease were reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It has since spread rapidly around the world prompting the World Health Organization to declare COVID-19 a pandemic on March 2020. The world was thrust into lockdown –borders were closed, social gatherings were prohibited, and schools went online.

January 31 2020 – the first case of

The 1918 pandemic happened towards the end of WWI and its spread is mostly attributed to the movement of soldiers across the globe.

by Crystal Anne Villaruz & Theresa Mae Silva

COVID-19 was confirmed in the Philippines. The Philippine government, however, was complacent. Travel ban was only enforced for passengers from Wuhan, specifically. The following months would see the post-apocalyptic world painted in movies come to life: the streets eerily quiet with barely any cars on the road as people stayed home to avoid catching the virus. But while what we are experiencing right now is entirely new to us, it is reminiscent of something that took place more than a century ago – the 1918 influenza pandemic. More commonly known as the “Spanish Flu”, the virus infected 500 million people worldwide – 1/3 of the population at the time –and killed an estimated 50 million victims after its two-year run. It is considered to be the most severe pandemic in history with its casualties having outnumbered that of World War I and World War II combined.

In a blink of an eye, everything changed. It was the worst time of the year.

It occurred in three waves.

It has since spread rapidly around the world promoting the World Health Organization to declare COVID-19 a pandemic on March 2020.

The fi rst wave was generally mild, the mortality low. The patients experienced typical flu symptoms such as chills, fever, and

fatigue that usually disappeared after several days. People became hopeful as the reported cases started to dwindle. Unbeknownst to them, the second and what would later be found deadliest wave of the pandemic, was just around the corner. Highly potent, the new strain that emerged had the power to kill a perfectly healthy individual within hours of developing symptoms. The number of fatalities skyrocketed, leaving funeral parlors so overwhelmed that bodies began to pile up and many people had to dig the graves of their relatives themselves. The third wave of the flu was just as deadly as the second wave but the end of the war halted military movements across countries, thus, limiting the spread of the virus.

thus, limiting the spread of the virus. By 1920, the remaining victims of the Spanish Flu had either died or developed immunity and the pandemic was considered ended. Despite its staggering impact, the 1918 flu pandemic would disappear into obscurity over the years, largely overshadowed by WWI. As COVID-19 continues its global march, there has been renewed interest in the “forgotten pandemic” as experts around the world try to gather whatever information they can to put an end to the current pandemic.

The 1918 pandemic happened towards the end of WWI and its spread is mostly attributed to the movement of soldiers across the globe. It occurred in three waves. The fi rst wave was generally mild, the mortality low. The patients experienced typical flu symptoms such as chills, fever, and

By 1920, the remaining victims of the Spanish Flu had either died or developed immunity and the pandemic was considered ended. Despite its staggering impact, the 1918 flu pandemic would disappear into obscurity over the years, largely overshadowed by WWI. As COVID-19 continues its global march, there has been renewed interest in the “forgotten pandemic” as experts around the world try to gather whatever information they can to put an end to the current pandemic. Science has come a long way over the last century. Vaccines were not available until

Science has come a long way over the last century. Vaccines were not available until

picture to look into.

Illustration by Jan Edrin Esteban

29 DELTΔ

transformation.

the 1940s so doctors in 1918 had to rely solely on pills for treating the flu. Modern medicine has made it possible for scientists today to create a vaccine against COVID-19 in a span of a year. Advanced technology also made detection and testing easier. However, as fast as it was to discover vaccines for the existing virus, the coronavirus has already evolved into new, more contagious variants like the B.1.1.7 variant and the B.1.617 variant fi rst detected in the United Kingdom and India, respectively, during the last quarter of 2020. A year into battling the pandemic, some countries have already emerged victorious while others continue to struggle. New Zealand is of the countries that have successfully contained the virus and have since begun to gradually resume its prepandemic ways. On the other hand, India’s healthcare system is completely overwhelmed as a second wave of coronavirus wreakshavoc in the nation. There was a significant decrease in the number of COVID cases in India from January to March leading Indian oﬃcials to believe that they were already at the “endgame” of the pandemic. They became complacent with the restrictions despite warnings from doctors and scientists of a possible second wave. April came by and with it, a second, deadlier wave of coronavirus. What followed was a staggering increase in the number of cases in India, a couple hundreds of thousands each day. People die outside hospitals as they wait in line to be admitted inside. Much like what

Anyhow, as one door closes, another one opens.

happened in the second wave of the 1918 pandemic, the sudden spike in the number of deaths caused the bodies to pile up. Dust and smoke fi lled the air as people are forced to cremate the bodies in make-shift crematoriums in the street. The current situation in India serves as a lesson to other countries just how situations during the pandemic can change overnight and that there simply is no room for complacency while the virus continues to spread.

As of writing, there are 166 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide and 3.34 million deaths. Though vaccines show promise, the transmission and death rates are still high, and with how fast the virus is mutating, the numbers will rise inevitably in the foreseeable future. At this stage, the pandemic, sadly, is nowhere near its end. In just a short span of time, the COVID-19 pandemic was able to leave an enormous impact in human history which will,undoubtedly, be remembered for years to come. However, with things constantly changing, this

Notwithstanding, as the COVID-19 pandemic is restricting local dwellers away from public transit, a huge

pandemic, like others that came before, is merely a sign of the times, a portrait of how things are now before they change again forever. The road to completely ending the pandemic stretches ahead but if there was one more important lesson we could get from the 1918 pandemic — it is that mankind will recover.

Jan Edrin Esteban

A man prepares to spray a disinfectant in London buses, 1920. Photograph: HF Davis/Getty Images. (Bottom) A group of mask-wearing citizens, Locust Avenue, Califor-

COVID-19 era has been a period of transformation.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/15/ the-spanishu -pandemic-has-lessons-for-us-today

Illustration by Jan Edrin Esteban A man prepares to spray a disinfectant in London buses, 1920. Photograph: HF Davis/Getty Images. (Bottom) A group of mask-wearing citizens, Locust Avenue, California, during the ﬂu pandemic of 1918.

THE PHILIPPINE ARTISAN VISAYAS 30

the 1940s so doctors in 1918 had to rely solely on pills for treating the flu. Modern medicine happened in the second wave of the 1918 pandemic, the sudden spike in

e Philippine Artisan Visayas is now accepting entries for next issue of Runes: Weave. Submit your graphics, photographs, poems, and proses on Facebook: e Philippine Artisan Visayas, or email them at philartisan.visayas@tup.edu.ph. You may also submit your entries to any TPAV sta . RUNES:

The Philippine Artisan Visayas

TPAV VOLUME 19 ISSUE 1 - MAGAZINE (DELTA)

about the cover

A Suggestion for the School:

A Suggestion for the School:

A Reminisced Visit

“WAKE UP! STOP DROOLING AND START STUDYING.”

A Suggestion for the School:

An Appreciation for the Faculty:

A Suggestion for the Faculty:

A Complaint for the Faculty:

“Letting go of the old ways of living”

A Complaint for the Faculty :

A Suggestion for the Students:

An Appreciation for the Students:

VIRTUAL LIVES

VIRTUAL LIVES

VIRTUAL LIVES

THE GREATEST THIEF OF ALL TIME

THE GREATEST THIEF OF ALL TIME

NOT ONLY THE WORLD, BUT IT ALTERED YOU AS WELL

NOT ONLY THE WORLD, BUT IT ALTERED YOU AS WELL

LEARNING WAS NEVER THIS NERVE-RACKING

COVID-19 TAKES ITS TOLL

AMIDST THE

HRIVINGUPWARD PANDEMIC ’S IRULENCE

THE GREATEST THIEF OF ALL TIME

NOT ONLY THE WORLD, BUT IT ALTERED YOU AS WELL

Appreciation School:

Complaint for the Faculty:

Appreciation

UNEARTHED

grim diaries

GRIM grim diaries

Inspired by true-to-life events

Inspired

for hunger

i.arrested for hunger

iv.abandon all hope, ye who enter here

SIGN OF THE TIMES

transformation.

Articles inside

transformation.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

iv.abandon all hope, ye who enter here

i.arrested for hunger

UNEARTHED

HRIVINGUPWARD PANDEMIC ’S IRULENCE

VIRTUAL LIVES

VIRTUAL LIVES VIRTUAL LIVES

“Letting go of the old ways of living”

A Reminisced Visit

about the cover