Sonder (2018)

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s an artist, we are entitled as the authors of our own lives.

We always have our stories to tell and experiences to share with others, but what makes us unique is that we are all artists of our own masterpieces.

I have always believed that in the beginning, we all have our own blank canvas. The journey of an artist starts with a single dot. Then later on, the dot would eventually become a line.

And from there, it will start to form a letter, up to a sentence until we finish and produce a story. This is an Art in Progress.

Our home, the College of Communication, is known for producing numerous successful media practitioners and communication experts throughout the country. It is a melting pot full of critical and creative minds that accept diversity and reflect a vivid story of every COCian. Now on its 17th year as a college, it continues to nurture and hone the students as they get ready to face the real world.

COC has always been an avenue for remembering the past memories we had here, for appreciating the life we have now and for preparing for the life that awaits us.

Here, you will witness their stories as they walked from their past, lived for today, and hoped for tomorrow.

As we denote the meaning of our theme—SONDER, as the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own— the 15th Volume of iCommunicate will give you a clear picture of the past, present, and future of the College of Communication. These are the stories that touched our college throughout the times.

Our main story, Touched by Times, features two personalities who created big names in two different pathways of their field–the media and the academe.

They are molded by experiences and honed by challenges. Here, you will witness their stories as they walked from their past, lived for today, and hoped for tomorrow. They were just students before, now however, they are the ones who nurture the young minds of these communication students.

Through our hard-work, unity, and creativity, the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism 4-1N is now exhibiting our masterpiece. The iCommunicate XV: SONDER is the living evidence of whatever art we are creating now or however distinct it is from each other, it won’t matter. We have differences, but we share each other’s story. We’re not on the same path, yet we all want to reach one destination–success.

Because at the end of the day, whoever we are, we are all artists. And here we are, on the last stage of our college life as we finish our masterpiece.

We are what we art.

Welcome to the Exhibit of Times.

JHON MARLOU D. ABCEDE

Editor-in-Chief, iCommunicate XV: SONDER

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STEPPING UP TO FURTHER EXCELLENCE: PUP LAUNCHES ABLCS, OTHER PROGRAMS

TO THE GREAT, FROM THE GREATESTS A TRIBUTE TO DR. HENSON

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“HELP IS HERE:” MENTAL HEALTH LAW ON PUPIANS

SONDER-ATING ANG MGA SALITA...

UNIQUE MESSAGES THROUGH MUSIC

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LEVEL UP: DOJ, DBC SURPASS ACCREDITATION HURDLES

ARTS IN EVERYTHING

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THE ANGELITOS COC WELCOMES NEWS CHAIRPERSONS

SCARS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL COCIANS’ ACNE STORIES

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FROM COC, WITH LOVE

TILL DEATH DO ME PART

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TOUCHED BY TIME

ALAMAT NG KARAGATAN

MAIN FEATURE

3984 Airport Rd., Baclaran, Paranaque City Tel no: 330-8400 / 0917-1081211

PUP primes 2018 board exams

BY MA. ISABEL MAGSINO, KATHRYN ARLAN, EUGENE FLORES, & FRANZ ROME ROBLES PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK

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3965 M. Roxas St., Baclaran, Paranaque City Tel no: 736-8195

ver the years, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has never failed to hone its students for excellence—both in the academe and in the workplace. This only proves that the people’s taxes are not wasted on the Scholars of the Nation (Iskolar ng Bayan) – the future hope of this country.

“Pinagpalang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas” is just one of the many monikers for PUP. The glowing results of the 2018 board exams- mostly topped by PUPians- is a true testament to what it means to be ‘pinagpala’.

It was an October full of celebration as PUP, yet again exhibited outstanding performance in the 2018 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination (ETLE) where the University emerged as the Top Performing School with a 98.30% passing rates. Out of 176 examinees, 173 passed the board exam and they were all from PUP Sta. Mesa Campus., Among the passers, Cris Bagotsay came in as the strong second with a 94% rating in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). It was a double

achievement for Bagotsay as he also placed 8th in the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination with 89.30% rating.

From an announcement released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), PUP once again emerged at the top spot in the Architect Special Professional Licensure Examinations (ASPLE) wherein Rigina Jeanne Young obtained 85.60% making her the top examinee. Marco Paolo Maligat also made it to the Top Ten with an average of 80.50 percent.

In the recent Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exam (CPALE), PUP is on the top 10 with its very own Krizzia Pearl Santillan who placed 6th with a 90.00% rating and Renz Casanova Criste, an 89.33% rating.

The PUP College of Science also had its fair share of success stories this year.

For starters, the college is on the list of top performing schools in the Chemist Licensure Exam (CLE). In addition, College of Science also have their first Summa Cum Laude, Reuben James Rosal. Rosal, who graduated in May 2018, is now one of the only 7 students in PUP’s history to graduate Summa Cum Laude.

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“I thank God for His faithfulness throughout my journey. It was not an easy ride. The Chemistry Licensure Examination was really a long road of hardships and obstacles. You have to prepare yourself both mentally and physically for the grueling period of review and the exam itself. However, because of God, all of the weight was lifted and I can say that it made this journey easier,” Rosal said.

Indeed –PUP, the largest university in terms of student population and known for its “economically challenged level of society” proved its goal—to produce excellent and hardworking students who not only excel academically but also in serving the nation.

DZMC as an Organization and a Family

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hampions –that’s what they are, for the PUP-COC’s radio network DZMC (DZ Mass Communication) 98.3 has never had an ill-fated year. DZMC 98.3 has repeatedly bagged Radyo Veritas Campus Hour’s major awards season by season. The tradition of triumph continues this year as DZMC recently won two major awards: Best Campus Hour Male Anchor for Carlo Manansala and the 2018 Best Campus Hour School Award, the highest award in the recent intercollegiate clash for radio DZMC as a Competitor

BY HANNAH LOUISE PASCUA & JANVIN BRUA PHOTOS DZMC - YCG

What makes DZMC consistent champions? For starters, these young communicators hone their skills in various workshops just to keep themselves on their toes. Young Communicators Guild (YCG) former president and DZMC’s Head Writer for Campus Hour Season 8, Rochelle Rodrigo, revealed that months prior their airing at Radyo Veritas, their organization conducted a two-day seminar on news writing, news researching, news gathering, radio drama, voice action, and radio drama scriptwriting, exclusively for SONDER

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the members of the guild. After that, the executive committee of the organization finalized the line-up for their production by filling up the slots for five segments that aired for five weeks for the month of December.

DZMC also believes that apart from their skill, their reason for airing also contributed to their victory.

They executed a five-part series with ‘inspiration’ and ‘motivation’ as overarchingthemes anddriving forces behind their broadcasts.Their weekly broadcast featured a development of interrelated subthemes that revolve around Christmas and New Year,startingwith ‘Pagkilala’ –also known as the seed, to ‘Pagpapatuloy’, that aired two days before New Year. For the other weeks, they talked about ‘Pagpapatawad’, ‘Pagmamahal’, and ‘Pagsisimula’.

Rodrigo also said that they monitored their competitors and evaluated their production as well as their strategy.

“From the other schools that aired before us, we choose what not to include in our segments by picking what did not work for them, as well as learn from their errors.”

Rodrigo and Camara reminisced how it all started—how the organization served as a home within a home for them.

“Don’t just love the organization, love the people in it,” the words of wisdom that their alumni instilled in their minds and the very reason why they are molding the organization as a better home for new aspirants.

DZMC “Dito MasComm-pleto Ka!”—an FM Campus radio station under YCG, was born on September 2016 with the efforts of the former college dean, Dr. Edna Bernabe, and Professor Albert Torres.

It started its first broadcast in 2007, which can only be heard within the vicinity of the campus. Due to several reasons, the university’s radio network stopped its operation last November 2008. Though it was in hiatus for the past years, the organization has a plan to have its regular programming again this October 2018.

Composed of COCians from different departments, DZMC became an avenue for shared learnings on different fields and united passion for radio broadcasting. Using the knowledge they’ve acquired from their own programs, the organization honed the best writers, researchers, broadcasters, editors, and leaders they could ever have.

Aside from this, it helped them to become the better person that they are today.

Camara was in awe while telling how her brothers and sisters took care of the seed planted by her. When asked why she chose to stay, “always look back to your very reason why you started. That will become your defense to stay.”

They truly believed that it’s an advantage that you love what you do. It’s not just about your voice, it’s how you will function as a member of the organization. They are telling the new members that everything takes time, that something will grow from all of the pieces of training and workshops they are going through.

As the former President and Vice President of DZMC, also were the head writer and production manager of Campus Hour Season 8 and are now considered part of the Board of Trustees, they always make sure that they are constantly monitoring the new members and the current performance of the organization.

Truly, DZMC served as a sanctuary for students like Rodrigo and Camara, whose world is surrounded by their angels and will surely leave an exceptional mark in the history of their organization.

“The members were not just merely ‘members’ but someone you could call as ‘family’,” they said.

Don’t just love the organization, love the people in it.

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American professor lectures about FAKE NEWS

BY PRINCE CZAR PONCE, HANNAH LOUISE PASCUA, JANVIN BRUA, BEATRICE MANALAYSAY, & AIDGIE BARROS PHOTO CARMELA ANGELOU MARTINEZ

Stepping up To Further Excellence:

PUP launches ABLCS, other programs

BY PRINCE CZAR PONCE & BEATRICE MANALAYSAY PHOTO COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

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raversing the path of higher excellence, the ‘Sintang Paaralan’ has launched different academic programs this year aimed at helping younger Isko and Iska excel in the academics so they can be world-class professionals in the future.

One of these streamline programs was the newly-launched Bachelor’s degree in Literary and Cultural Studies (ABLCS). A brainchild of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL, the new program is part of the college’ efforts to follow the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum that mandates all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to produce well-educated Filipinos.

“CHED issued a memorandum, [the] CMO No. 21, s. 2017, which exhibits the idea of raising well-rounded, criticalminded, creative individuals and given that literature can possibly give that objective,” said Joey Clutario, CAL professor.

Clutario, who also helmed the implementation of ABLCS, shared his experience, and the challenges the college had to overcome in the process of realizing for crafting the said program.

“It is actually, two years, back then, when we realized that we should rehash the Bachelor of Arts in English program (AB English), because of the recalibration of all AB English programs across the country, CHED really wanted to focus it in on language studies and the literature studies should be separated from it,” Clutario uttered.

“Well, the ABLCS is focused on the study of literature and how culture influence literature—basically the current social, political, economic conditions of a country,” Clutario added.

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Pioneer batch ABLCS students Marra Lanot and Aaron De Guzman added that the new program focuses more on the literary aspect than the linguistic aspect of the course, a clear departure from its AB English roots.

“As a freshman, I treated this course as an “easy” one because literature has been a part of my life since I was in junior high school—but, I was definitely wrong, in this program, you cannot survive if you’ll not read,” De Guzman shared.

Since ABLCS focuses more on reading and analyzing literary pieces, the course lets the students come up with fresh and new ideas that help them look at societal issues from a different light.

Lanot noted that the process of reporting and often critiquing their works pushes them to strive harder. As Lanot described, the professors are not “babying” the students. Instead, everyone is given a chance to lament and discuss their own insights on different pressing topics.

ABLCS program is expected to produce graduates that excel in the field of literature with prospective careers as a literary critic or a writer in magazines, publications, screenwriters for television, a book editor, technical writers, and alike professions.

Alongside ABLCS, PUP also set its footing ahead of everyone else as it launched different programs such as BA International Studies, under the supervision of College of Political Science and Public Administration, BS in Exercise and Sports by the College of Human Kinetics, and B in Early Childhood Education from the College of Education.

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n its bid to become a CHED Center of Development-compliant community, the Department of Journalism,in partnership with the United States of America (USA) Embassy,has conducted a seminar entitled “Getting Real with Fake News” with American Professor Stephanie Edgerly. This was held at the BulwagangBonifacio, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, last November 6.

Dr. Edgerly is an associate professor from the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications—one of the top journalism schools in Chicago, USA. She is an expert on audience insight vis-a-vis the emergenceof new media. She is also currently working on a series of research projects that look in to the factors affecting people’s judgments on “fake news,” which is the focus of her lecture in PUP. “Fake news is not something you disagree with. Just because you disagree with it, does not make it false.”

She discussed how social media nowadays has becomean avenue for some to spread fake news that , affects and shapes people’s perceptions of the world and the events that unfold in it. According to Edgerly, people exposed to fake news tend to believe what they have read and react emotionally instead of doing proper research first.

“We have this tendency to believe things, to find information more credible when it supports our viewpoints, when it confirms our identity, when it makes us feel good about who we are and what we believe in.”

Dr. Edgerly urged the audience to challenge themselves and the people around them to “do the hard work” and become part of the solution.

In connection with Dr. Edgerly’s talk, the Department of Journalism, together with the College of Communication and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, also offers an ongoing Professorial Chairholder Lecture Series in Journalism that features acclaimed journalists and experts in this field.

Past speakers for this lecture series are no other than Jaime Flor Cruz, Prof. Luis Teodoro,

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We have this tendency to believe things, to find information more credible when it supports our viewpoints, when it confirms our identity, when it makes us feel good about who we are and what we believe in.

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"HELP IS HERE:"

MENTAL HEALTH LAW ON PUPIANS

BY KATHRYN ARLAN, AIDGIE BARROS & MA. ISABEL MAGSINO GRAPHICS ABRAHAM DOCTOR

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n June 21, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11036 also known as the Philippine Mental Health Law that would: "Secure the rights and welfare of persons with mental health needs and mental health professionals; provide mental health services down to the barangays; more as to integrate psychiatric, psychological, and neurologic services in regional, provincial, and tertiary hospitals; improve mental health care facilities; and promote mental health education in schools and workplaces."

Mental health experts said that "no one is spared" from the possibility of suffering from mental illness—even the youth. The previous years have shown a significant increase in suicide cases among the young. A report from National Poison Management and Control Center (NPMCC) of the Philippine General Hospital said that 46% of the total suicide cases recorded since 2010 are from the youth. Mental health experts and

The people's mental health issues will now cease to be seen as an invisible sickness only spoken in whispers.

advocates welcomed the passage of the law which they hope would help break misconceptions about mental health issues and give adequate support to people who need help.

"We are lucky that we have this Mental Health Law," said Dr. Rodrigo Lopiga, a professor from PUP Psychology Department. According to him, the law was not that important for many people before, especially in the Philippines, because of the country’s longstanding belief in superstitions that attribute mental issues to demonic possession.

President of PUP-Bukluran ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino (PUP-BSP) Shiroasa Marcelo echoed the same sentiments.

"Nakakatuwa naman talaga siya [the law], 'di lang as a psychology student but as a person who himself is mentally unstable," Marcelo stated.

Breaking the stigma Mental health, as defined by World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of well-being in which "every individual realizes his or her own potential and can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community."

For Marcelo, many PUPians seem to have problems in achieving this state of well-being, though they can’t be labeled as mentally unhealthy—at least not conclusively, even though he believes there may be a possibility.

Dr. Lopiga and Marcelo admitted that there is a 'stigma' when it comes to mental illnesses. "Because of the stigma, people with mental diseases are stigmatized. People tend to neglect them, and they shy away from people," said Dr. Lopiga. “[The enactment of] Mental Health

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law helps common Filipino na mabigyan pa sila ng knowledge tungkol sa Mental health saka sa mga maraming facets nito," Dr. Lopiga added.

Marcelo added that it is a sad reality that many people are not really aware of mental health issues. This brings judgment not help to people dealing with serious mental health concerns.

As indicated in a study conducted by Dr. Lopiga, 3 out of 10 students have the tendency to be mentally ill. He agreed that not only PUPians but students in every State and Universities and Colleges (SUC's) nationwide suffer from the number one mental illness—depression.

"It is a medical problem that should be treated," he said.

The law aims to integrate mental health care in the country's general health care system and give all Filipinos access to affordable mental health services and treatment.

Creating a community to help In SUCs, like PUP, students can seek help from the guidance office. Since there's a stigma surrounding the word "guidance," it was changed from 'Guidance and Counseling' to 'Guidance and Psychological Support.' Marcelo told that gradually, PUPians are seeking for help.

Aside from the office, the Psychology Department of PUP, with the help of the faculty and organizations like BSP, PEER, and the student council, tries as much as possible, to conduct various seminars to inform PUPians about the importance of mental health.

Listen not with the intention to reply but to understand. Marcelo believes that a person does not have to exert effort to help people with mental illness.

People just have to lend their ears and understand what they feel.

"Sa Psychology [department], may tinatawag kaming empathetical listening.

Kahit 'di ka psychology student, kahit normal na tao ka lang, making ka lang sa problema [ng iba], paradam mo lang sa tao na nakikinig ka, nakakatulong ka na."

The Mental Health Law cannot guarantee a mentally healthy society if people dealing with mental issues continue to hold back or refuse help. The law was created to give more attention to their mental health needs and help them take the first steps to help themselves.

The future with MHL The law still has a long way to go. The implementing rules and regulations of the mental health law have yet to be finalized.

While the provisions of the laws are being ironed out, Dr. Lopiga suggested that there should be not only guidance counselors but also psychologists and linkage with psychiatrists in order to treat these people.

Now that the mental health is the ‘talk of the town,' we can assume that people are now becoming increasingly aware if there is something wrong with them.

"Help is finally here," said Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who authored and sponsored the mental health law. She lauded the president for making a good decision in giving attention to the mentally disabled.

Senator Hontiveros, along with the other senators and supporters who advocated mental health celebrated the law’s successful passage.

It is hoped that this law will help put an end to the silent Filipinos suffering from mental issues.

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From the College of Champions: Gapasin as the new VP for Research, Extension, and Development

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BY MA. ISABEL MAGSINO, AIDGIE BARROS, KATHRYN ARLAN & FLINT OSRIC GOROSPE PHOTO FLINT OSRIC GOROSPE

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cademically excellent, genuinely passionate, and persistently courageous— these are the ingredients that make you a bonafide scholar of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Being an Iskolar ng Bayan is no small feat and definitely it takes quite a lot to stay an Iskolar ng Bayan.

Last August 7, the Scholarship and Financial Assistance Services, together with the Kapatiran ng Talino at Galing PUP Honors’ Society held the University of Scholars’ Orientation and General Assembly for all scholars including the Expanded Student Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESPGP-PA) at the Bulwagang Balagtas. The orientation was attended by scholars and their proud parents and legal guardians.

ESGP-PA is a government educational grant that aims to ‘increase the number of graduates in higher education among poor households’ so that they may become employable in ‘high-value added occupations’ and contribute to national growth.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), was the implementing agency that tasked with selecting and screening qualified beneficiaries until the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) took over in accordance to Republic Act No. 10931

or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. As ESGP-PA beneficiaries are now under the new Tertiary Education Subsidy program, billing and funding will now be overseen by CHED. Newly appointed SFAS Chief Engr.

Ana Liza Publico, CHED Rep. Jeff Francis Mansibang and DSWD Rep. April Joyce Campos Co discussed the ESGP-PA status report of 2017-2018 including the causes of delay of releasing of funds for the program, as well as the new processes and guidelines to follow.

One of the major highlights of the said briefing were the changes in the issuance of the allowance for the program.

According to Engr. Publico, there will be a P10,000 cut from the allowance scholars receive every semester since students no longer pay tuition fees.

“Una sa financial. From P60,000, P40,000 na lang siya. Kasi ‘yung P10,000 na per semester na grant dapat, dati, no’ng nasa DSWD ‘yung full control, ano ‘yun para sa tuition.

So ngayon, since free tuition, ibinawas na. P40,000 na lang,” Engr. Publico explained.

Despite the cuts, student-grantees should not be worried since the amount that they will be receiving could still cover their academic and extracurricular expenses, text SONDER

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books expenses, board and lodging, transportation, clothing, admission/ entrance fees, health, and other valid related education expenses and support services to complete their degree program.

Students, however, were advised that they should not complacent.

Students who fail to comply with the requirements face the possibility of losing their grants.

“Pangalawa, even though na priority sila ngayon, as CHED, kapag hindi sila fully nag-comply sa requirement ng Joint Memorandum Circular for the Continuing ESGP-Pa, pwede silang matanggal. Kasi, maraming nag-aabang. Dati, Pantawid Pamilya lang, 4P’s, ngayon meron nang bagong LISTAHANAN 2.0 wherein ang requirement is basta kahit ilan ‘yung anak na nag-aaral basta qualified sa requirement,” Engr. Publico added.

Meanwhile, Adeline Joyce Macenas, senior Communication Research student and a four-year ESGP-PA scholar expressed her positive outlook about the changes in the program.

“Kung tutuusin, sobra pa ‘yung allowance kasi wala na namang tuition, kung may tuition man, hindi gano’ng kalakihan. Ang mahirap lang is i-budget kasi syempre may mga biglaang bayarin na hindi naman allotted sa list na binigay ng scholarship kaya minsan, nasho-short…” Macena exclaimed.

BY EUGENE FLORES & FRANZ ROME ROBLES PHOTO FRANZ ROME ROBLES

he College of Communication has produced numerous students with Latin Honors and still continues to create exemplary students in terms of academic standing, hence, being called as the “College of Champions.” Such achievement is not just a product of the students alone, but also the hard work that educators put in.

But it is not just COCian students that excel. Even members of the COC faculty and administration have shown their unrivaled competence and capabilities time and again. This year, Dr. Anna Ruby Gapasin has once again proven that she is one of the college’s cornerstones of success when she was appointed to higher university position.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) President Dr. Emanuel De Guzman recently appointed Dr. Gapasin as the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development last June 18.

“Yung trust sa isang taga-COC na maghandle ng several responsibilities...’yun ang dapat proud ang COC kasi galling sa kolehiyo natin ‘yung pinagkakatiwalaan,” she said.

The new vice president also noted that most of the university officials are from COC. Dr. Gapasin started as a media practitioner before deciding to take her master’s degree in the university. In 2002, she entered the academe as a faculty member of the college.

Before assuming her new position, Dr. Gapasin also served as Executive Director of the Open University System and was later appointed as the University Board Secretary. If that was not enough, she also served as the Office of the President’s Head Executive Assistant at the same time.

She also mentioned that having concurrent positions in the past trained her to handle bigger responsibilities.

“Parang na-train na ako sa pag-manage,” she said noting that this is her first single position since working in the university.

Aside from managing the workloads, she emphasized that treating her staff well is very important. “Alam mo kasi para sa akin position lang yan, title lang. Hindi ko ina-assert yung kasi umakyat na yung position, ang mahalaga yung trabaho,” she said. “Ayaw ko yung parang, ako yung boss ah, walang ganon. Kung pwede nga lang tawagin ako sa pangalan e.”

According to Dr. Gapasin, one major factor that led her to a successful career is “positivity” even in the face of tremendous workload.

Now that it’s her turn to lead the office, she said that they are aiming to increase the production of researches and to popularize them as they can be used by other individuals or company.

“Image din kasi yan ng University,” she said.

She also vowed to continue the institutional development plan to further strengthen and improve the program for community engagement of the said office.

Knowing that research and extension play a vital roles in the image and success of the university, one of the future plans of the office is to have externally funded researches, “’Yun bang pwedeng makilala ang university sa pwedeng i-commission ng agencies when it comes to research,” she said.

“Ang dami kasing magaling sa atin, estudyante at mga faculty kailangan lang magpakilala tayo nang kaunti,” Dr. Gapasin added.

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RAMPED UP

JOURN student qualifies for WCOPA 2019

BY PRINCE CZAR PONCE & BEATRICE MANALAYSAY PHOTO KYLE JOHN ANTONIO

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eople are becoming more critical when it comes to issues concerning Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE). Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) community from across the country and the world have also become increasingly more active in setting up events and gatherings that aim to promote equality, acceptance, and love.

Recently, the LGBTQ+ students from various colleges of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) set a new record of attendees in the 2018 Pride March held at Marikina Sports Complex on June 30.

Out of the 25,000 proud marchers, an estimated 700 participants from PUP, with over 100 students were from the College of Communication (COC) joined in the event.

“The obvious difference is the number. From around 10,000 - 15,000 last year to 25,000 people. Strong, bigger, louder, and prouder,” Christian Watson Vergara, co-founder and the current Inang Reyna or the President of PUP Kasarianlan said.

As one of the pioneers of LGBTQ+ advocacy in the country, it is not surprising that PUPians came in droves to express their support and show their pride.

“We want to unify the LGBTQ+ community within our school. By doing this, we are making small steps into making PUP a gender-sensitive place,”

BY EUGENE FLORES, FRANZ ROME ROBLES & RUSTY ROSS MAGSAKAY PHOTOS HANNAH LOUISE PASCUA

We want to unify the LGBTQ+ community within our school.

By doing this, we are making small steps into making PUP a gender-sensitive place. he added. Even before the official PUP organization PUP Kasarianlan was born, PUPians have always played an active part of pride marches.

It was 2016 when Kasarianlan was established, this was after Vergara together with three more people thought of creating an official PUPian organization to attend such events after they saw a lot of PUPians participating in Metro Manila Pride.

Existing for more than two years now, Kasarianlan planned on being better as an organization.

“We plan to continue PUP Pride and hopefully get it included in the university calendar. Invite more people in, more fun and interactive stuff, more seminars, more lobbying for the bills that we care about,” Inang Reyna said.

For all attendees of the 2018 edition of Pride March, the event was not just a celebration. It was also a call to pass Anti-Discrimination Bill and SOGIE Bill in the Congress that LGBTQ+ community have long wished for.

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nother Isko is set to grace the international stage as Kyle John Antonio from Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ) 3-1 qualified to compete in the modeling category at the 23rd World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2019 that will be held in Long Beach, California on July 12-21.

WCOPA is a competition that showcases various performing arts such as singing, dancing, and acting. It also features various artists from over 60 countries.

Antonio says it was unexpected and overwhelming at the same time, knowing that he will be representing the country in the competition.

“Medyo unexpected siya and overwhelming kasi I’ll be representing the Philippines for World Championships, so ‘yun,” said Kyle.

Kyle had no intentions of pursuing a modeling career not until his friends pushed him to join Mr. College of Communication back in 2016. Though it was his first time, Kyle made it to the Top Five finalists.

“Actually, hindi ko talaga naisip na mag-pursue ako sa modeling. ‘Yung una kong pageant was Mr. College of Communication, it was in 2016. Wala pa talaga akong experience noon, atsaka napilit lang din ako. I landed in Top 5 finalists.”

Last summer, he competed in a pageant hosted by the company where he works and took the title of Mr. Startek Philippines. He will be representing his company in the 2018 Mr. BPO Pageant that will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Tapos nitong summer lang, I competed in Mr. Startek Philippines, ayun ‘yung company naming sa BPO, luckily nanalo ako then I will be representing our company in the 2018 Mr. BPO Pageant in Mall of Asia Arena. Then, I tried WCOPA 2019.”

Last September, he auditioned for WCOPA 2019 and luckily, he passed the screening and will be joining Team Philippines to contend for the titles.

According to Kyle, they will be undergoing a series of workshops such as personality training and development and physical fitness with WCOPA in preparation for the competition.

“Physical fitness, siyempre, kailangan ko i-tone ‘yung body ko, ayun ‘yung ni-remind sakin ng director ng WCOPA, then personality trainings, development, and workshops with WCOPA.” “Nag-start na rin akong mag-gym, then proper diet, then I hired my personal trainor for WCOPA,” Kyle said as he talked about his preparations for the competition.

A Moreno gifted with the typical Filipino male features (tall, dark, and handsome), Kyle encourages all aspiring models to love their features.

“Love your own features.

Kasi ‘yung modeling, napakalawak. ‘Yung modeling hindi lang for mestizos and mestizas, pati tayong mga moreno ‘yung may Filipino features, pwedeng maging model. So just love your own features and cultures, and be confident,” says Kyle.

GOING THE HARD MILES

PUP'S STRIDDEN COURSE TOWARDS A 'TUITION-FREE UNIVERSITY'

BY LUWELA RODRIGO

BY JANVIN BRUA AND HANNAH LOUISE PASCUA PHOTO EUGENE FLORES

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ugust 3 last year, President Rodrigo Duterte inked the enforcement of Republic Act 1093, granting the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education,” providing all Filipinos with an equal opportunity to quality tertiary education in both private and public educational institutions.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is one of the 112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) that take benefit from this law, along with other 78 local universities and colleges, and all technical-vocational education training for the academic year 2018 to 2019.

Free Tuition Law For the first year of implementation, funding and subsidies were provided to encourage participation among all socioeconomic classes in tertiary education. As written in section 2.A of the law, “Cost of Tertiary Education,” was described as; tuition and other school fees, educational expenses, and the cost of living allowance. On this account, students from SUCs en masse are jubilant, as per the PUP’s Student Regent Elijah San Fernando.

This was crafted to “protect and promote the rights of all students to quality education at all levels” yet, at this point in time, the universality of the Act remained vague for the university’s Student Regent.

“What do we mean by [the] principle of universality to the right to education?

When we say universal, regardless of who you are; of your gender; [of your] nationality; of your socioeconomic background, you should have access to education,” he added.

of the Free Tuition Law, from the parliaments of streets up to the Congress and Senate, that can be dated way back Martial Law era.

Legal and meta-legal processes were ventured by the organizations fighting for the actuation of free education including tertiary education. On the legal processes, the “6% of Gross National Product (GNP) budget” had been the basis of the student movements’ proposition during their legal processes.

Student leaders, like San Fernando, is, and will still propose that the government needs to allocate this portion of GNP to education to rectify the immediate challenges our government is facing.

Other legal processes conducted by the student movements were; dialogue consultation meetings with the stakeholders, with the students—the student council, the student organizations, plus other non-government and civil society organizations that are engaging in education—education budget, education sector.

Meta-legal processes, on the other hand, activated demonstrations to register the supplications of the student sector.

“Para sila mismo, ‘yung mga tao mismo ‘yung nagpaparinig at nagpapahatid doon sa estado, ito ang tunay na isyu ng mamamayan, ito ang tunay na isyu ng kabataan,” San Fernando said.

Withstood Processes The consummation of this law was almost will o’ wisp without student activism that had constantly banged every government agency responsible for the implementation and realization SONDER

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Changes overruled Advocating everyone’s fundamental human right to education, lawmakers who authored the Act made it a point that financial matters would not impede the student sector’s endeavors despite their social status. Given the fact that everything is now free, necessary procedures by every involved individual bore fruit.

The latter fees summed up by the tuition fee, matriculation fee, miscellaneous fee, and other school fees, completely disappeared. Since the recent school year started, these fees were billed to the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

Despite the favors that the law was pushing through, some lapses and requisites took place. Thus, other sectors of the university experienced burden rather than comfort.

Compared before that some offices and organizations were rest assured with their funds shouldered by the students’ semestral fee, since the implementation of the law, waiting for their budget had been the usual practice—downloading the funds from CHEd to PUP, which took time.

“A lot of student publications and student institutions were defunded— denying the fund that we deserved,” said Giya Freelan, Chief Editor of the Catalyst; the official student publication of the university.

Aside from this, the system of exclusion to the Law’s privilege when the student recorded a failing grade, as stated in Section 6, adds stress to the students leaving the university with no other option but to submit.

“Many will come and go. Maraming iskolar ng bayan ang darating, may aalis din… pero ‘yung esensya ng pagiging iskolar ng bayan, mananatili ‘yan. Ito ay iyong pagtindig sa mga isyu na kinakaharap hindi lang ng PUP kung ‘di pati buong bansa—‘yan naman ang nasa himno ng PUP, ‘gamitin ang karunungan mula sa’yo, para sa bayan,” Elijah San Fernando added.

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lmost two months after the Department of Journalism (DOJ) and the Department of Broadcasting (DBC) passed the Accreditation Level IV Phase I, the College of Communication (COC) is already

Department of Advertising and Public Relations

Department of Journalism The DOJ is now on their way into passing the Accreditation Level IV Phase II. Prof.

Hemmady Mora, the chairperson of DOJ presented the summary of ratings of the department in the recently concluded accreditation.

Sharing their strategy on how to pass next level of accreditation, Prof. Mora aims to enrich their faculty profile, scouting visiting professors, and undergo additional development training for faculty members. In line with this, another media practitioner is joining the department – Ms. Ruth Cabal who will start teaching in second semester of this academic year.

Aside from this, the DOJ has prepared a lot more in its bid for a higher accreditation status by conducting a writing workshop for the second time for the staff of Tinig ng West Crame, an extension program of the department started last year, scout linkages for photography class, and many more.

Department of Broadcast Communication

Department of Communication Research

Dr. Ma. Lourdes D.P. Garcia, the chairperson of DBC started her presentation by sharing how they fared in the past accreditation. She admitted that their greatest weakness was the Curriculum and Instruction area, but despite the apparent need for improvement, the department was still able to pass the Level IV Phase I Accreditation.

To boost the department ‘s performance and enhance its students and faculty members’ skills and knowledge, the DBC plans to conduct activities that will help them comply with the accreditation requirements and bring them closer to their goal.

One of the activities prepared is the continuous faculty training on digital and news media. There is also a proposed new program: Bachelor of Arts in Film.

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Learning and being inspired by the recent success of DOJ and DBC, Prof. Christwin Felix, the new chairperson of ADPR has set his eyes on his goals for the department.

ADPR is set to undergo Level IV Phase I Accreditation next year and are already busy preparing even though the results of the Level III accreditation haven’t been disclosed yet. COC is hoping for the results to come out this November.

One of the greatest challenges that the ADPR is possibly going to face next year is the retirement of one of their regular faculties. They’re aiming to fill the vacancy by including parttime instructor – Earl Jaynus Guzman as a regular faculty as soon as he finishes his master’s degree. Mr. Guzman is expected to graduate May 2019.

Apart from its small pool of regular faculty, the department has also been severely understaffed for years now. Its acting staff for the past years has been the students – specifically, the student assistants. But with most of their current student assistants set to graduate this coming May, the department needs to find capable replacements from their sophomore students. ADPR is still hopeful that they will be given or will be able to hire staff next year.

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Even with just one regular faculty, Prof.

Angelito Bautista, the chairperson of the Department of Communication Research (DCR) has no plan on giving up. He intends to march on to Level II Accreditation next year as a one-man army.

They plan on increasing the reach of the university’s vision and mission, hire new faculty with vertically aligned degree, increase the number of regular faculty, and launcg the Communication Research Seminar Series (CReSS) 2019. They are also considering a work place and office for the college research unit that will be equipped with ICT materials, and many more. It is evident that the College of Communication is more motivated than ever – proving their title “College of Champions.”

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LEVEL UP: DOJ, DBC surpass accreditation hurdles

BY MARY ROSE GARZON & FLINT OSRIC GOROSPE PHOTOS ICOMMUNICATE SPECIAL EDITION

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one are the nerve-wrecking days for the faculty members and students of the Department of Journalism (DOJ) and Department of Broadcasting (DBC) as both department passed the recently concluded Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) Accreditation Survey Visit Level IV Phase I, last August 14-18.

Four years ago, the two departments were unfortunate to attain this accrediting level; DBC managed to pass in four areas only, while DOJ succeeded in one area out of 10.

Such failure contributed to this success as it had been a lesson to both departments. The problems encountered then were assessed, noted, and was solved this time around—yielding a fruitful result.

Accreditors on DOJ and DBC During accreditation, a plenitude of praises from the accreditors made the two departments’ vision for success clearer—as if sleepless nights were already paid off even without the results yet.

For the DOJ’s Faculty Area, Overall Coordinator and Area 2 accreditor Dr. Ricky G. Abaleña expressed his satisfaction and remarked, “Your faculty should be respected in the field. (They) should be more or less prominent in terms of our professional organization.”

For Curriculum Area, accreditor Dr. Ian M. Francisco was overwhelmed with the documents prepared by the department and said, “It seems that the program is prepared for the accreditation.”

“Yung mga nakita ko as of today are indications or manifestations that

'Yung mga nakita ko as of today are indications or manifestations that your program BA Journalism is really on its way towards greatness. your program BA Journalism is really on its way towards greatness,” he added, emphasizing that the program may be on its way in creating a niche in the academic community that others may follow.

While for the Research Area, both departments were lauded for having interesting studies that are “relevant and timely.”

Moreover, accreditors acknowledged the cooperation, time, and effort of the students, and urge them to continue helping and supporting their departments as “every hand counts.”

Trials Months prior to this year’s accreditation survey visit, the faculty members, students and staff in each department have gone through sleepless nights preparing, photocopying and arranging the required documents, and even repairing and cleaning of the facilities.

As the accreditation week was fast paced approaching, inevitably, series

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of problems occured during preparation days.

Incomplete documents, lack of sufficient financial resources, availability of equipment and even bad weather conditions were some of the obstacles that the two departments endured and exceeded—making them achieve the goal: be level IV accredited.

Health instability was also one of the toughest problems happened, as it hindered certain part of the operations to continue, resulting so much delay for the expected progress on specific time frame.

Above all these, determination, perseverance, and devotion to the department prevailed.

Dean Pasumbal on accreditation Delighted by the results, COC Dean Dr. Divina Pasumbal, being the ‘mother’ of the College, further assessed the performance of the two departments— commending everyone’s efforts and cooperation, at the same time not forgetting to address the problems faced.

For Dean Pasumbal, all department should set their minds to thinking that “everyday is accreditation day.”

It is because the usual hassle during preparation period for accreditation is gathering and producing copies of the required documents.

To aid this matter, the Dean suggested and even memo’d the faculty to have all documents they create CC’d (carbon copy) to COC Accreditation Center. Same process applies to the students—all output such as researches, theses, extension projects, should have a copy online.

“I want your cooperation on that, kasi I will tell you, pagdating next year kung ginagawa natin ‘yan hindi tayo nangangarag na Xerox nang Xerox tapos

hanap nang hanap. Doon nauubos ang oras e,” she said.

In this way also, there will be no room for faking documents. “Gusto ko, kung ano talaga ‘yung dokumento, ano ‘yung ni-receive doon, ano ‘yung ni-receive ninyo, ‘yun mismo yung ipapakita natin, kasi accreditation is doing good. Doing good kasi ginawa mo yung maganda, ginawa mo yung maayos kaya deserve mo na ma-accredit,” she explained.

DOJ and DBC are expecting to be visited for Level IV Phase II Accreditation, August next year.

I want your cooperation on that, kasi I will tell you, pagdating next year kung ginagawa natin ‘yan hindi tayo nangangarag na Xerox nang Xerox tapos hanap nang hanap.

Doon nauubos ang oras e.

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BY NEIL PATRICK NEPOMUCENO & MARY ROSE AGAPITO PHOTO NEIL PATRICK NEPOMUCENO

e is a man who always gives his best, an educator who goes out of his way to teach and someone who values dynamic discussions. Dr. Angelito Calingo is someone you wouldn’t want to miss listening to.

Dr. Calingo – with decades of teaching backed by his vast experience in the field, joins the College of Communication (COC) as the new chairperson of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR).

His expertise ranges from Business Administration, Marketing, and Advertising.

He is a graduate from the University of Santo Tomas who took up Fine Arts major in Advertising as his bachelor’s degree.

He also has a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a doctorate degree in Marketing. This man perfectly fits the job. Before he became a part of COC, Dr. Calingo spent four years in the College of Business Administration and had taught in the Department of Marketing Management.

Though Dr. Calingo has a strong and rich background in advertising, his orientation has solely been business administration.

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"I am still testing the waters," he calmly said. In an unexpected turn of events, last November, Dr. Calingo was chosen by the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Manuel M. Muhi to replace the outgoing chair of ADPR, Professor Reynaldo Guerzon.

A provision in the Memorandum of Agreement states that he will be the Chairperson for a year and is subjected to extension, he explained.

Despite the breadth of Dr. Calingo’s experience, he considers the post as his first and biggest supervisory job. He said that it's his first time to handle a department and he is new to handling many people under his supervision. The 61-year-old chairperson said, "If I am younger maybe the adjustment would be easy."

The organizational challenges and the pressure of coping with the requirements of the colleges are some of the things he mentioned that he needs to learn how to deal with.

Dr. Calingo mentioned he had prepared a basic development plan that mainly focuses on the development of the faculty and requiring

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them to pursue a master’s degree and conduct researches. He stressed, "Research should also be an undertaking of a faculty member. They are not just to give instructions. They should also write papers."

He wants to start with the basics. Programs like Ad Clash will still continue. "I just want to continue it, there's nothing wrong with the programs," Dr. Calingo added.

Dr. Calingo calls out to his students, "Be the Iskolar ng Bayan that you really should be."

On the other hand, another Angelito said, “di ko inisip na magtatagal, eventually an opportunity knocked but nothing was planned".

Known as the first ever Summa Cum Laude of COC, Professor Angelito Baustista Jr., was once a student who excelled in his class and was a consistent President’s Lister.

Today, Sir ‘Tolits’ as his students call him, is serving his alma mater as the new chairperson of the Department of Communication Research (CommRes).

Sir Tolits never planned to be a department chair nor be a teacher. “It’s just after two years after graduation when I was invited and asked to demonstrate, sabi ko sige, because I want to share my experiences outside, specifically to Communication Research Department.”

Proving that he has the skills and attitude, Sir Tolits immediately landed his first job at Philippine Information Agency. He served there as a Research Assistant for one and a half year. He then transferred to Maersk Global Service Center and worked there for more than two years as an Analytics process in charge of online surveys. Finally, he served as a Deputy Editor at the

publication of The Asian Banker.

Although Sir Tolits has had his fair share of experience in the industry, he still has fears and doubts. “Definitely, hindi naman ‘yun mawawala. Fear of not meeting the expectation, but the needs of the department,” he said.

Compared to the other departments in the college, the Department of Communication Research is still young and there is a lot of work to be done. Some of the challenges that Sir Tolits wish to address include the lack of regular faculty and facilities for students.

For instance, there is a need for a separate simulation room for focused group discussions and interviews. A computer laboratory that is equipped with a complete set of multimedia equipment such as TV, and computer set with the software used in research is also needed.

Sir Tolits calls the attention of the students, community stakeholders, faculty, nonteaching staff and alumni for a

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continuous open discussion that will strengthen curricular and extra-curricular activities of the department. He also has plans to provide opportunities for teachers for research and training to re-tool them.

Most importantly, according to him, “para sa kanila [students] ang ginagawa natin, ‘yung mga ginagawa ng school…” He wants more opportunities for the students to develop their skills such as trainings outside the school and research collaborations with the professors to produce more quality studies. These researches are envisioned to be used by organizations outside the University.

“I think we can try na mabalance ‘yung plans natin to meet the expectations of the industry and allow our students to become leaders pagdating sa labas,” Sir Tolits said affirming, that this kind of mindset will help the department in achieving its goals.

The continuous support of the students for the department’s different programs is what he is looking forward to. He said that “It will it be successful if they will not support ‘yung activities natin and at the same time hard work…

I hope hindi sila magsawang tumulong and sumuporta sa mga activities.”

Sir Tolits leaves a word of advice to his students, “Always look forward sa lahat ng ginagawa nila, dapat ay nakatingin sila ‘dun sa kung ano ‘yung magiging result at hindi kung ano ‘yung hirap.”

COC is truly blessed to have two of the most brilliant and wellexperienced practitioners in their chosen fields. The Angelitos have set their foot in the college ready to push the champions beyond their limits.

NEW GEN'S NEW CURRICULUM

BY LYKA NAVARROSA, PATRICIA AIRA SALES & KYLE GABRIELLE URETA GRAPHICS ABRAHAM DOCTOR

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he fresh wave of journalism freshmen this year have been greeted with a few welcome changes, one of which is the newly revised curriculum.

The said curriculum was brought about by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order (CMO) no. 41, which required colleges to revise and expand their current curriculum. One notable change includes increasing the number of major subjects and reducing the number of general education subjects for each year level.

The Department of Journalism (DOJ) saw this as an opportunity to expand and update certain subjects to make them more relatable and useful to the next generation of future journalists. The new curriculum has subjects such as Earth Journalism, Peace Journalism, and Media Construction and Deconstruction which was placed to supplement the Media and Information Literacy subject taken during Senior High School.

Another big change is the addition of News Literacy, a subject that aims to help students be more critical of the news they make and consume. “...nakapagpapasok tayo ng bagong courses na hindi na offer ng ibang school,” said Dr. Alagaran, faculty member in the Department and part of the Technical Committee of Communication in the process of creating the new curriculum.

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“At least yung PUP, sinustain nya ‘yung media information literacy ng senior high to the point na nag-integrate na siya ng news analysis, so maganda ‘yon. Tingin ko isang solusyon para ma-combat din ang fake news, is to know how to analyze the news, so at least matututo ‘yung mga bata maganalyze ng news,” Prof. Alagaran added.

Some subjects were also shuffled and repositioned like the Editorial Management subject, which used to be offered in the last semester of the students’ the fourth year. In the new curriculum, the subject will be offered as early as the second semester of their third year instead.

“Sa akin, yung curriculum natin, kahit merong sinuggest na minimum requirements ang CHED, mas napaganda pa ng PUP,” Prof. Alagaran concluded, assessing the new curriculum. ‘’Gaya nga po ng sabi ni Sir Jairo, mas pinadali po yung curriculum namin kaysa dati. Ineexpect ko po na sana totoo yung sinasabi ng DepEd na hindi na po namin aaralin yung ibang subjects, ngayong college, na napagaralan namin noong nasa Senior High School palang po kami. Kasi kung aaralin pa po namin ‘yun, non-sense yung dalawang taong dagdag at ginugol namin sa highschool/pre-college years,’’ Karla Banzuelo, a freshman and president of her class, said when she was asked about her expectations on the new curriculum.

While Michael Angelo Gabriel, second year Journalism student, said that he was impressed with the new curriculum and stated, “after seeing the academic content of the new curriculum of our department, I think it was a good job to change and improve the subjects.”

“And the best thing that we can do now is to support this program; and as long as our government can sustain financially on the said program, I think that it will be a big advantage to the students not just to learn more, but also to be a better, prepared college student and a way of improving the quality of education in the Philippines,’’ he added.

The new curriculum made a good impression on students and everyone is hopeful that the revision will set a new standard for better journalism education.

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BY CARMELA MARTINEZ, LORELEE ANTONETTE YAP & LUWELA RODRIGO PHOTO LUWELA RORIGO

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ollege of Communication (COC) Week started with a marvelous kickoff with the theme: “Limitless Possibilities, Boundless Opportunities” which was hugely inspired by Marvel.

One highlight of this weeklong celebration was the second day, July 25, when Jiggy Manicad, a renowned reporter addressed COCians in the convocation and fellowship at the Bulwagang Balagtas in PUP Mabini Campus.

He imparted an inspiring message when he shared his story from being at the lowest point of life of a person hungry for learning.

He related it to the theme and the thought that having these limitless

off, he went back to the Metro and applied again as a writer where he also learned the ropes of all TV news production.

“So from being a writer, being a walk-in applicant, nakita ko yung opportunities within the network na maaring makatulong at maaring makatulong din sa network in general,” he shared during his talk.

Manicad’s hunger for learning became a hunger for story. And the station took notice. Being the hungry journalist that he is, ideas like the police/crime beat and the ‘24 Oras Weekend’ in GMA and many other news TV programs like the ‘Reporter’s Notebook’, ‘Quick Response Team (QRT)’, and ‘Alisto’ were brought to life. From writer to reporter to producer –that’s what Jiggy Manicad has become.

Hunger must be addressed but greed should never be a thing, “Kapag gutom ka, ‘di ka dapat maging greedy,” Manicad reminded students and future media practitioners.

Manicad answered questions from students and also left them with something to think about: “Bilang kabataan, anong mako-contribute

ninyo?”

But apart from the inspiring message from the special guest, no COC week would be complete without a grand celebration that started with a unity dance that featured members of different student organizations and DBC chairperson Dr. Maria Lourdes Garcia and Ms. Doris Bleza of the dean’s office.

Joining the celebration, former dean and now a part-time professor Dr. Rustica Carpio entertained everyone with her timeless voice. DOJ chairperson Prof. Hemmady Mora, Dr. Edna Bernabe (another former dean), Prof. Khriztine Viray, and the college dean Dr. Divina Pasumbal also serenaded their colleagues and students with a beautiful medley that brought out their inner songstress.

Adding to the already captivating chorus of professors, PUP COC Ensemble also delivered another powerful show with their own musical mélange. On the other hand, the college’s premiere debate and public speaking organization, Viva Voce, offered a different yet very impactful and empowering performance as they recited three spoken word poetries.

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possibilities and boundless opportunities could drive a person to achieve beyond what he has set for himself.

He recounted that he was once this fresh grad from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) who wanted to work as a writer in GMA Network right off the bat, but unfortunately, there was no available position at that time.

He tried for another station, got in, and had his first assigned episode aired.

Being from the province, he was shocked when he saw how hectic it was in Manila. After his episode aired, he went back to the province and wrote for his alma mater for a while. When the initial shock wore

Known for their passion and dedication to their respective crafts, COC Cheering Squad along with Movers and Motion and Teatro Komunikado shook the stage with an epic collaboration that showcased their incredible moves.

Aside from their collaborated performances the COC Cheering Squad, Movers and Motion, and TK also dazzled the audience with their solo performances. The Teatro Komunikado accompanied Professor Krupskaya Valila as she hyped and ruled the Bulwagang Balagtas with her Beyonce-inspired look and performance.

Representatives from the four different departments also showcased their talents in lips synching and impersonation when they dressed up as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Adele. To end the program, 17 hugot songs were sang by chosen students and faculty, closing it with the song titled ‘Salamat’ by Yeng Constantino. This was when Dr. Pasumbal thanked the students and faculty for their unending support to the college and hoped for a wonderful year ahead.

comeback with a bang!

DR. pasumbal Returns as the dean of coc

BY NEIL PATRICK NEPUMUCENO & MARY ROSE AGAPITO

BY FLINT OSRIC GOROSPE, ROME JOSEPH LAGUIO AND JOHN CHRISTOPER LARA PHOTO JHON MARLOU ABCEDE

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espite the challenges that come with pursuing an International Extension Program, Department of Journalism (DOJ) Chairperson Professor Hemmady Mora proved that pushing through the boundaries and diving into possibilities is always worth it.

Professor Mora had the opportunity to share her expertise on Media Information and Literacy (MIL) to the participants of the International Faculty Development Program (IFDP), a five-day lecture series held at Chandigarh University (CU) in Chandigarh, India on July 9 to 14, 2018.

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Professor Mora’s journey to Chandigarh started with a letter of invitation to participate in IFDP sent to the Office of International Affairs under Director Maria Teresa C. Villar. The invitations were distributed to the different colleges and among those who expressed their interest was Professor Mora―who is one of the fortunate individuals who received a response.

Although Professor Mora was chosen, there was another hurdle to overcome: the university has limited funds and not all those who were chosen can be granted a budget.

“I already gave up on it,” Professor Mora said, recounting her experience. The biggest challenge she described was the lack of funds to finance the trip. After days of contemplation she decided, “this is to assert for the International Extension Agenda of our colleges that will be beneficial for the upcoming Accreditation.”

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Polytechnic University of the Philippines-College of Communication and CU was created wherein it was stipulated that the latter will shoulder the faculty’s local expenses including accommodation, food, and transportation while PUP will provide Professor Mora’s round-trip airfare.

BEYOND BORDERS The IFDP 2018 is a global learning affair conducted to increase the expertise and potential of the CU faculty. The experts from different countries held a series of lectures to allow the CU faculty to explore

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new concepts in teaching and update their research and pedagogical skills in their respective fields of study.

Armed with her knowledge and expertise, Professor Mora faced the crowd of CU’s Institute for Media Studies faculty alongside 17 other international experts from 10 countries including Russia, USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the ASEAN countries.

Professor Mora prepared a module that covered different topics in MIL for the participants. During her lecture, she discovered that the University Information Management System (UIMS) did not have MIL in their present syllabus. After the lecture, UIMS faculty came up with the course of action to include MIL in their syllabus next year.

In a video posted by the Chandigarh University on their Facebook page, Professor Mora said: “I am very happy to meet them…I’m also learning from them as much as they are learning from me.”

Amil Kapoor, a practitioner in the field of journalism and an associate professor at UIMS said, “The five-day session on MIL with Ms. Hemmady Mora has been excellent, highly educative, informative, and interesting. Professor Hemmady demonstrated and presented a comprehensive, exhaustive and expert discourse that left nothing to be desired.”

Parveen Saini, also an associate professor of UIMS, commented, “One of the best presentations in the FDP. Prof. Mora had delivered valuable information relevant to us and all, in a manner that was innovative.

Looking forward for further interactions. All the best Ma’am. Do come back. ” It’s all worth it Professor Mora’s trip abroad paid off as the department – and by extension, the college – proved that it is capable of engaging in local and international extension programs despite the challenges. It also showed that College of Communication is globally competitive when it comes to providing programs that promote education and research-based approach to educating the people.

Professor Mora was very grateful for the blessing that came across when nothing is left but to quit. She considered this milestone as an answered prayer. She believed, “you just have to pray and have faith.”

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When we hear the word “Bang,” it often connotes a startling noise which makes most of us shocked or nervous. But, the “Bang” that the College of Communication (COC) knows is someone popular for making history to the PUP community. A catalyst of change who did everything to make the college a better place for young communicators. With the return of the “first dean” of the College of Champions, she not just only aims to serve the college for the second time, but also to make the change that will finally instigate the development that many always wanted.

At an early age of 20, Dr. Divina “Bang” Tormon Pasumbal started serving PUP and proved her ability to do something that no one has ever done before. Aside from working as a regular faculty, she was given a chance to work as the Faculty Assistant at the Graduate School. After six months, she was transferred to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and served with the same position.

Then at the age of 35, Dr. Pasumbal was elected as the dean of COC. Due to this, she was sometimes hailed as the “youngest dean” in the university during her time.

As the PUP administration observed her competency, aside from being appointed as the dean of the college, the admin also appointed her as the director of Public Affairs Office. One of the projects that her office had was the celebration of the 100th year of the university, wherein the Guinness book of world record for the largest human rainbow was bagged by PUP. However, just like an iceberg, the triumph that Dr. Pasumbal had was just the tip of everything. Having two positions at the same time often required her to start from scratch. She described the challenges she experienced like “birth pains.” Then in 2003, the President of the University asked her what position she will choose between the two. She chose to remain as the dean of the college but the President insisted that she had already experienced being a dean. So she went for the position of the director of the Public Affairs Office, the sole reason why she left the college.

Serving the University for 32 years, Dr. Pasumbal admitted that at some point, she thought of leaving PUP. The university

offered her a scholarship in University of the Philippines for her Doctoral Degree. This made her stay in the university and up until now, she could proudly say that she never left the institution.

Her dedication led her to numerous opportunities. In fact, before she came back as the dean of the college, she was appointed as the Director of Center for Peace and Poverty Alleviation Management then later transferred to the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resource Center as a director also.

The vertically articulated Communication Professor returned to the college last February 12. But, just like her first time as dean, there were several challenges that she has to face. As soon as she assumed her post, the college was busily preparing for the Accreditation Level IV Phase I. Dr. Pasumbal treated her job just like being a mother to her family, “Feeling ko kasi, parang yung pagiging dean ko, yung pagiging nanay ko in like, disciplinarian ako na nanay so disciplinarian din ako na dean.”

During her first few days, she chose to be strict with some idealistic changes for the college. But, having a heart of a mother, she eventually learned patience and understanding to level with the students and the urge to discipline, especially in valuing time, particularly arriving at the right time on a given occasion. Open communication is also one of her rules. Just like how she implements openness to her family, she wants every department to work together and have a close relationship.

Instead of having bad blood among faculties, she wants them to settle the issue face-to-face.

Despite a lot of criticisms and issues thrown at her, she remained determined and brave. She used all these atrocities to make herself better and serve

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her beloved college more passionately.

"Whatever they say won't matter. What's important is at the end of the day, I have a duty to fulfill. That is all that matters," she said, proudly.

With a bang, her return was filled with warm welcomes from her constituents.

She managed to handle her new position with professionalism, expertise and excellence. With everything that the college has achieved, it is evident that COC is being guided through the right path by Dr. Pasumbal.

Love is truly sweeter the second time around. This kind of opportunity means a lot to Dr. Bang. She knows that she is destined to deliver something great to the college, the same as before.

FULL-TIME facultyA mixture of dedication and passion

BY FRANS BRIAN OGAYA & JOACQUIM ANGELO VALDEZ PHOTO FRANZ ROME ROBLES

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A very noble profession kahit mababa ang sahod pero kung nakikita mo nagro-grow ‘yung mga students mo, malaking bagay na ‘yon.

Just like what Sir Prestoline dared to achieve, Professor Christwin Felix of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) faculty faculty also made his way through the ranks of the full-time faculty members.

Sir Felix, 30, graduated from college in 2008 and obtained his master’s degree in communication at PUP Open University in 2017. Sir Felix taught students as a parttimer for seven years before becoming a full-time faculty.

As a professor, Sir Felix can be described as worked cool and collected, “Dapat ready ka palagi minsan kulang ang gamit sa pag-aaral, dapat madiskarte ka at may alternatives. Na-try na naming magklase dito na nakapatong ‘yung laptop sa upuan na nakapatong sa table para lang makita ng buong klase.” He also adds a adds a little extra something to his class to make learning a more fun for his class in multimedia.

As witty as professor Felix is when it comes to art, he is also good in thinking of creative ways for students to learn. “Don’t limit your contacts inside the classroom kasi after ng class, ‘yung mga estudyante mapupunta sa iba ang atensiyon nila at makakalimutan nila ang lessons. Give them homework o kaya online lessons kasi dapat matutong makisabay sa panahon ng mga millennials.”

Being a full-time faculty is comes with responsibilities for our professors who dedicate their time in teaching their students to become better person people. With the right mix of dedication and passion, we’re extremely positive our full-time faculty will be able to reach out to their students and make a difference in their lives.

DREAM CHASER

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rom life in marketing/advertising to academe—this is the path taken by Earl Jaynus Guzman and where he found his real self and joy.

Sir Earl, dreaming of becoming a lawyer, initially took up AB Political Science at San Sebastian College. While in college, he also took on some side work which resulted in him becoming an irregular student. It wasn’t easy to his batchmates graduate, he admitted and for a time, he felt discouraged to continue his studies.

In 2007, he entered Arellano University and gave himself a second chance. It was during this time that he felt his desire of becoming a lawyer ebb away but he pursued his political science degree anyway until he graduated in 2010.

In search for a , he worked as a legislative staff officer at the Senate Electoral Tribunal for some time before working at ABS-CBN as a catalogue writer—10 months of writing episode synopsis for Kapamilya shows before being promoted to a writing consultant.

After three years of working at ABS-CBN, Earl decided to jobleave the network, believing that it would lead him to a successful life. He chose to study again and is currently taking Masters in Communication in PUP. To support his studies, he spent two years as an in-house copywriter and a copywriting consultant for another agency.

During his stint as a copywriter, he tried his luck by applying in PUP as a part-time faculty, and was accepted. He started teaching in 2016 as instructor in PUP – SHS then slowly transitioned to college, in COC. This was his biggest dream—to teach. He always remembers how his dream of becoming a lawyer died as he felt the tug – or rather the call to teach.

BURNING PASSION "Teaching has to be there." From confusion into pure passion—see the life of Maria Patricia Nuguid as she took her wonderful journey--becoming a PUP professor.

Maria Patricia Nuguid, or Patty, started her career as a digital media coordinator in a One Mega Group publishing company in 2014.

Even though she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Communication at Centro Escolar University (CEU), she found herself working in completely different playing field as she oversaw photo shoots, help in content creation, and even involved herself in. She stated that she had a good run at One Mega Group, citing the wonderful experiences she has had with her boss and her excellent team.

Alas, all good things have an end. Patty left the One Mega Group after her boss – her mentor – resigned companyfollowing a company reorganization. She then worked in an advertising agency where she became project manager. Her advertising experience allowed her to diversify her work experience, filling in different positions during her stay She also became a freelance copywriter in the said advertising agency.

PUP gave her the opportunity to teach— the thing that she's always wanted to do

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since she left the world of marketing and advertising. Patty grabbed the opportunity and became a professor in COC last year.

Her first days in her new career were filled with confusion as she often lamented how and ,why she ended up in the field. But as dayes went by, she admitted that it's passion for doing what she always wanted that keeps her going She loves sharing her experiences and knowledge to others, especially, to her students.

Currently, Prof. Patty is a part-time instructor in SHS and COC, handling first year communication research students. Teaching made her less grumpy, she said. She's also generous when it comes to giving grades to her students. Her passion for teaching makes her feel happy and content, despite the career she left behind. In addition, she is teaching what she practiced, and this makes her teaching career more enjoyable.

Professor Nuguid’s other plans for her teaching career will be decided after she completes her master's degree. HopefullyShe hopes to graduate in 2019 and do well in her master’s thesis, She doesn't know what will happen but one thing is for sure, she will stick to her passion and work for the school that gave her the opportunity to teach, and that's PUP. “Teaching has to be there. PUP has to be there. Ano man ang gawin ko, hindi ko kakalimutan yung unang nagbigay sa akin ng opportunity para magturo at ‘yon ang PUP.” Prof. Patty taught us how to stick to what we love. Passion is your fuel to pursue your goal, so keep it burning until you bask in the warmth embrace of achievement.

PHOTOS FRANZ ROME ROBLES

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n life, everything has stages and everything changes, hence the famous quote “Change is the only constant thing in this world.” Just as times change, so do our educators.

Professor Prestoline Suyat, a graduate of AB political science from University of the East (UE), took his master’s degree in communication at PUP Open University, and is now currently taking Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA).

As studious as he is, Sir Presto’s—as how he wants to be called—withfirst foray in journalism was in the weekly newspaperat UE Dawn, , where he would later become editor-in-chief. After college Sir Presto worked as the managing editor of Pinoy Weekly and later on worked as an associate editor in a publishing house for a year. He also wrote speeches for PUP President Emmanuel De Guzman and other press releases. To top it all, Sir Presto was invited to write for the Office of Senator JV Ejercito’s media relations He is currently working as a full-time faculty at the Department of Journalism, enjoying the company of students that he dearly loves.

When asked about the difference between teaching in PUP Open University and in COC, the prestige professor mentioned two things: the schedule and the students being taught.

As his passion, Sir Presto made teaching a part of his life. “A very noble profession kahit mababa ang sahod pero kung nakikita mo nagro-grow ‘yung mga students mo, malaking bagay na ‘yon.”

Teaching could be where everything starts and how things are shaped into endsomething, kind of like how parents mold their children in to what they would eventually become.

When asked about being a newly appointed full-time faculty, Sir Presto had this to say – when this path opens up and you take it, you need to be prepared and be fully devoted. “Mag focus ka sa pagtuturo sa estudyante, kasi full time ka na e, ‘yan na responsibility mo rin.”

He added that it would be a challenge juggling his doctorate, work, and his family.

His dream was ignited when a professor inspired him in a way he did not expect. He said it all began when his writing professor unceremoniously selected him to compete in an extemporaneous speaking contest despite his protests. Although hesitant in participating and unsure of his skill--he won.

“Nag-champion ako sa extempo. Gusto ko ‘yung ginawa ni ma’am. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, I wanted to do this for others. Kasi minsan, you just need someone to believe in you na kaya mo ‘yung sinasabi niyang gawin mo.”

Motivated and inspired by professor, he achieved his lifelong dream of teaching after 10 years. Currently, Earl is happy teaching in PUP-COC. He enjoys interactings with his students and sharing his knowledge and experiences. He still plans to going go back to his practice tojust so he can be updated on the latest trends and developments in his field. He believes this will help him pass on relevant knowledge to his students.

“Babalik ako sa industry pero ito ang gusto kong gawin habang buhay, ang magturo.”

The life of Sir Earl Jaynus Guzman teaches us that no matter how good your profession may be, it’s your dream is what will lead to ultimate bliss and the satisfying feeling of being content.

A GLance ON THE ART OF SERVICE

BY JEFFERSON BETAIZAR & ROSE MAY PIMENTEL PHOTO JIENO DICHOSON

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efore anyone can even walk past the gates of the College of Communication (COC), they’d have to go through University personnel in uniform sitting by a small table right beside the guardhouse.

They’re thepersonnel are called university police though students — usually mistake them for guards. Not to be confused, university police are in charge of the lives within and properties of people in authorized to arrest crimeoffenders within the college compound and they are responsible for the discipline of the students and , the University.

While we rarely take the time to know what it’s like to be a university police.

Sir Rodolfo Pablo, fondly known in the college as “Kuya Dolfo,” 53, is the oldest among our university police and longest person in service in COC. He’s been working his fingers to the bones for 17 years, starting in 2000. and He wash first in COC but he has also done the rounds other PUP buildings such as in Mabini, Hasmin, and College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) throughout his career. As he’d said, a security personnel is indispensable like policemen and soldiers.

Kuya Dolfo sees to it that students follow certain house rules such as wearing their school IDs, proper usage of facilities, and keeping tabs on who’s coming in and out of the compound.

Kuya Dolfo developed his love for this kind of service back in high school, being when he served as a battalion commander in his Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) subject. Soon after, he also became an officer in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

“We have [a] fixed schedule,” according to Kuya Dolfo.

On the calends up to a day and fortnight of the month, he’s supposed to work day shift and on the 16th until the end of the month, he works night shift.

Kuya Dolfo begins every day at 4:30 a.m., “Gigising ako para ipagluto at ipagsaing yung dalawa kong anak na lalaki na nag-aaral. Mga bandang 7:30 [a.m.] maliligo na ako para pumasok tapos mga 7:50 [a.m.] ako makakarating sa COC kasi malapit lang naman ‘yung tinitirhan namin.” “‘Nung pumasok ako as a univeristy police, nasa puso ko na yan at nasa isip. Kumbaga ito [pagiging university police] ang bread and butter ko.”

There are countless reasons that make Kuya Dolfo happy at work, but one thing that stands out from the rest is the respect he shows to the students and the respect he gets back from them.

“Kasi pumasok kayo dyan [sa PUP], [kaya] mataas respeto ko sa inyo. Kaya in return, sana ganoon din kayo,” he said with a hearty laugh.

For Kuya Dolfo, the annual

Foundation Day and the Christmas season , make him extremely happy because of the possible incentives he might get that he could share with his family.

“Ang happiest moment ko ay tuwing Foundation Day. Kasi free, fiesta eh. Tapos kapag Christmas din kasi, as an employee, may natatanggap kami— may mga incentives.

Kapag meron [akong] natatanggap na biyaya, meron (akong) nakalaan para sa anak (ko), tsaka para sa sarili ko— sa asawa [ko.]”

In his 17 years of unconditional service, the one thing that stays in his heart, which he described as the most unforgettable, is the attitude of the COCians— kind, respectful, and down-to-earth.

“Number one na gusto namin is ‘yung estudyante, if ever na meron silang problema, maliit man o malaking bagay, ‘wag mahiyang lumapit sa amin... Mahal namin kayong mga estudyante. Kasi kapag wala kayo, wala rin kami dito.”

Kuya Dolfo’s duty doesn’t end when he gets home and takes off his uniform. If anything, it only continues, this time, however, as a loving husband and a capable father of two.

When asked if he ever thought about leaving and seeking greener pastures, he smiled as he shook his head. “Wala [na akong] balak na umalis... Siguro dito na rin ako magreretiro.”

C

friendship. But even though Adel graduated first and the two of them lost contact, destiny made a way for them to still be together in the end.

The biggest challenge in their love story is the fact that Mona was not ready to get into relationship until she graduates. Most of us might think and resort to the tides and pursue relationship, like what Mona and Adel initially did until they realized something.

LOVE NOW They decided to pursue serving the Lord and wait for the right time. They It took eight failed relationships set their priorities straight, believing for first-year Journalism student Jerthat everything will fall into place on Jer before he met his classmate, Lou. its own perfect time. In the end they Many might expect that they would have proven that sometimes, it’s really be like other young lovers with all the best to wait It turned out well and ‘pa- tweet-tums’ and ‘pa-cute.’ But they both became successful. That’s they proved to be otherwise by being when they decided to finally continue mature and believing that both of their love story, they left--pause. them are writing their love story. They “We use our love story for the firmly believe in the power of their greater glory of our Lord by sharing choice to define the outcome of what it to the youth. We have this same they have. passion to help the youth of today to “Wala naman talagang magic make a difference for God and this because when you love someone, nation,” Adel said in the end. it’s more of a choice and a decision.

Right now, they are happily married Kung matino ka papanindigan mo and setteled in Diliman, Quezon City ‘yung decision na ‘yon. Parehas kayo with their 3 year-old baby boy, and nag-decide, then work on that. Wala they know in their heart that because talagang magic. Di rin kami naniniwala they have waited for the right time, sa destiny, it really is a choice. Choice the Lord has something great in-store LOVE WAITS FOR THE RIGHT TIME namin mag-stay” Jeremiah Palabrica for them. and Maria Lourdes Cristina RoaCOC has been a nesting ground of While most college sweethearts Balbao are example of a couple living in the moment and just going with the pursuepress on with their relationship many brilliant minds and successful goals, some take a different path and personalities but on top of all, COC flow. Despite the budding romance, is a home for many inspiring stories choose to wait. the two remain focused on their of love that helped people to grow It was 2007, when Mona and Adel priority--their studies. and become a better version of met in PUP-COC. Their interest to Love and Dream themselves.

Ella Regina Gamo, 19, and Jon Alrie be part of an organization brought them together and started a beautiful Aguilar, 20, started their relationship ollege life is a rollercoaster with its ups and downs, mostly stress from our academics.

Given our hectic schedules and the grueling school works, college is not the place nor time one would expect to find But this story proves that sometimes, some of the most wonderful things can happen in the most unexpected places.

just like most people do—as friends.

And just like other couples, they too have gone through the stages of jealousy and doubt. According to them, this is where their relationship was challenged the most. But then, as time passed, they learned, grew and matured together.

They say being mature means not being too needy; being mature means there should be an understanding between each other. This is one of the things that they’ve have learned in their relationship. But when asked about what lessons they cherished the most, they answered: “Enjoy-in lang tsaka ‘wag hayaang maapektuhan ‘yung studies ang ibang priorities ng love life ganon, gawin inspirasyon ang isa’t-isa and keep your individuality with you, ganoon.

‘Wag niyong i-center ‘yung mundo sa isa’t-isa, ‘cause there’s more to your college life than your love life alone.”

Now, they’re both graduating students of COC and still striving to fulfill more of their dreams together while holding on to everything that they’ve learned. Ella and Jon —prove that falling in love in college is can be an additional reason to strive and an be an added sweetness to success.

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YESTERDAY’S DREAM

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man with a never-ending passion.

A professor that everyone looks up to. An artist of his very own art. Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran, widely known as “Doc Joey,” is a noble man in the fields of communication and education.

In his younger years, his biggest dream was to be an architect, but during that time, Polytechnic University of the Philippines did not yet offer a program in architecture, so he decided to pursue a field which he really loved—journalism.

He graduated Cum Laude at PUP with a degree in business journalism (now Bachelor of Arts in Journalism) in 1981.

Born and raised here in Manila, Doc Joey came from humble beginnings , so he needed to study hard to help his loved ones and to have a better future. “Talagang medyo studious ako noon, kahit yung mga kaklase ko noon nangongopya sakin kasi alam nilang may assignment ako palagi eh,” he shared.

He made sure he was always at his best in everything because he believed that someday his hardships would turn into success.

His passion for writing blossomed when he became editor in a student publication during high school. He pursued journalism until he realized that this was his true calling– to serve the people through his words. In his fourth year in college, Doc Joey became the editor-inchief of the ‘The New Businessman’ (now The Catalyst), the official publication of PUP. This was when he learned to manage and fix things that are happening simultaneously. He realized he needed to be a good leader and influencer for the publication aside from doing good in his studies. “Masipag ako, nagpupunta talaga ako ng library ‘pag mga time na wala akong klase, kasi nga kailangan ko ding magsikap bilang estudyante,” he continued.

EQUIPPED TO FACE THE WORLD’S REALITIES Having strong determination, Doc Joey ensures that he practices his profession to the highest standard A month after graduating in 1985, he immediately landed a job at the Communications Foundation Asia (CFA) as a writer/reporter, and just like any other story, it

In everything that you do, always give your best. You will reap what you sow afterwards.

Remember to keep your faith and thank God. didn’t end there. While working with the CFA, another opportunity knocked on his doors as Dr. Zenaida Olonan offered him to teach in his alma mater as a part-time professor. This was where he developed his love for sharing knowledge to other people. It didn’t take long for him to decide to work as a full-time professor at the university from 1987-1989.

Because teaching was a calling for him, Doc Joey believed that he had to enrich his knowledge to teach more effectively. He eventually left the university in 1989 to pursue his work at the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) until 1993.

After working in MTRCB, he then ventured and worked as the executive director at People in Communication, a Non-Government Organization in Ateneo de Manila University.

The eight-years he spent in the communication industry, made him feel like he’s now prepared to go back to PUP to teach again. From 1997-2001, Doc Joey eagerly inculcated his knowledge to his students in the Open University System of the institution.

As blessings continue to pour into his life, he had the opportunity to be the staff director of Print Division at the Philippine Information Agency while continuing his passion for teaching for the Miriam College as a part-time professor.

Doc Joey also joined another academic institution: Asian Institute of Journalism Communication (AIJC) from 20042007 as a designee in Graduate School.

After his term in AIJC, he went back to Miriam College as a full-time lecturer.

While in Miriam College, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) discovered his potential and offered him to work with them.

Doc Joey worked for UNESCO Myanmar as

Program Specialist, P-3 from January-April 2014.

When he came back to the country, he continued working in Miriam College as the executive director of the institution’s Center for Strategic Research until 2016.

Doc Joey’s love for teaching never ends. He may consider his latest job a high-paying job, but his heart is always with the students. That’s why after four months of serving the UNESCO Myanmar, he went back to his beloved country, and his alma mater, the PUP. EXHIBITING HIS WELL-CRAFTED PIECE Even though Doc Joey did not plan to become a teacher at first,, he started to fall in love with it. Now, his love for the art of teaching grew deeper as he realized that it was his true calling. His eagerness to share his knowledge to his students, especially in PUP that’s known for having hard-working and passionate scholars, is where Doc Joey found his drive to keep on teaching. He realized that if the teachers do not really teach, the students are the ones who will greatly suffer. He makes it a point to teach every time and shares everything he knew to his students.

He is the type of a professor who is willing to do his job and responsibility. To be able to hone his students effectively, he makes sure that he has the knowledge about what he would be teaching. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time to do retool and keep himself updated. Even if it’s a subject he really knows and teaches for a long time, there is no reason to stop reviewing it. He is that motivated.

His visions for the college are the things he wanted to do during his time in COC. Doc. Joey also mentioned his eagerness to push for more quality education, especially communication education.

A great professor behind outstanding communication professors. He admitted that almost 80 percent of the faculty in the College were his students. For him, learning is what the students need and professors should do their best to transfer their knowledge to them.

A VISION OF TOMORROW A vision before, a dream today, a reality

tomorrow. Doc Joey may be a highlyexperienced professional but through the years, he still continues to dream and aspire for a better and brighter future.

He may have spent most of his best years serving in the field to fortify his expertise, however, he came back still full of dreams and equipped with a clear vision of a better COC. "Benchmarking and international accreditation is the name of the game. Also, if we become a National Polytechnic University, we would have an autonomous status. This would provide us our own sovereignty to achieve our full potential," Doc Joey said.

He shared how important it is to have vision to achieve our goals. According to him, dreaming and aiming high are not bad decisions, but one must proceed with caution to avoid being overwhelmed and to continue to focus on their goals. This is how we are going to finish our masterpiece.

Doc. Joey added that visions should not always be pursued for the sake of it and we should always be reminded by it.

"A vision can be made possible only through collective efforts. Even the greatest leaders with the greatest visions may fail without the support of their constituents," he said.

Doc Joey also shared that working in the academe for years taught him how important it is for every professor to have the support from the administration to be able to deliver plans and aspirations efficiently and effectively.

When asked about what tip he could give to young people who would want to follow his footsteps, his wise words as a loving and guiding mentor are, "In everything that you do, always give your best. You will reap what you sow afterwards. Remember to keep your faith and thank God." Up to this day, he continues to live and believe that if you know how to respect people and talk to God, everything will fall into place.

Doc Joey holds a big part of this institution's past, present, as well as its future. He proved that no matter how huge this world could be, he and his dreams can remain faithful to this small but wonderful place: His very own alma matter; the College of Communication.

FROM A ‘NOBODY’

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et us tell you a vivid story of a wanderer who once said that he is a nobody, yet has now prospered and is making a name in the world of his choice.

Joseph Conrad Rubio, much known to his colleagues as ‘JC,’ an alumnus of the College of Communication – Department of Journalism, is currently working as a program manager, a key position in the News and Public Affairs arm of GMA Network.

He began his television career in 2004 as a researcher for GMA’s health and safety related program ‘Emergency’, hosted by Arnold Clavio. Years later, he became a segment producer of the cultural program ‘100% PINOY!’ and the docu-drama ‘CaseUnclosed’, working alongside Kara David.

Hard work paid-off as he was promoted as the executive producer of ‘Rescue’, and at the same time, was offered to work with the network’s election program, ‘May Magagawa Tayo’.

A hundred episodes produced later, while still working as a writer, producer, and editing supervisor for other GMA programs, he became the executive producer and director in 2011 of GMA-7’s late-night documentary program ’Front Row’—a 2015 New York Festivals Gold World Medal Awardee in the Best Public Affairs program category and in 2017 NYF Human Concerns category.

The 2015 winning episode, viral Ice Bucket Challenge which used the occasion to look at the impact of the neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also paved the way for Sir JC to be the recipient of One World Award, given by the US International Film & Video Festival to a “deserving production that creates greater awareness of a worldwide issue.” “’Yung literal na umakyat ako ng hagdan from pinakamababa hanggang tumaas nang tumaas,” he said, reflecting onhis journey.

Behind this success, however, are stories of multiple endeavors.

Sir JC confessed that despite his excellent record during his younger years, he was often doubtful of his skills, questioning his own worth and real academic standing in relation to the constant notion that he was just an honor student because his father was also his teacher.

This made him decide to be a “nobody” in his college years—an average student, enjoying a simpler life, away from people’s judgment.

“Hindi nila alam na ganito ako no’ng bata ako, so hindi ako nagpakabibo sa mga org.

Wala nga akong org no’n, e, because gusto kong mabuhay nang normal.”

Sir JC also shared the financial hurdles that he had to overcome.. To maximize financial resources, his parents chose to double their workload; his father–a tricycle driver at night, and his mother–a chocolate seller, just to provide what he needed. .

When his father fell ill, Sir JC found himself with a dilemma: continue his studies

or stop for a little while until things got better. It was during this time when he decided to pursue his college degree in PUP. A PLOT TWIST Some people might think that established people always knew their passion, had everything set from the beginning, , and just casually strolled to success. Well, this isn’t true, at least for Sir JC. Trying to figure out what he wanted to do and what he is good at was not always that clear to him. Add the realization that the profession his bachelor’s degrees was leading him into made it all the more confusing.

Sir JC was grade six when he became the chief editor of his school’s paper. This was when he decided that he wanted to be a journalist and write for newspapers and magazines. However, it didn’t take long before he started to doubt his choice.

Sir JC began comparing himself with his college classmates. “Parang akong school paper writer ta’s sila parang kolumnista na.”

His different writing style led him to believe that he wouldn’t be as good as them.

Little did he know that he was just an ugly duckling on his way to self-realization.

Sir JC kept on with his journey as a journalism student, while keeping himself open to the possibility that he’s meant for something else.

“True enough,” he said, “’yung writing ko pala ay pang creative writing so nagpapasa ako no’n sa Pilipino Star Ngayon.

Napapublish naman pero for creative writing. Essay ‘yung napa-publish.”

It was during his internship when he took the courage to really explore. His training at People’s Journalprovided some clarity. .

“Do’n ko na-realize na hindi talaga. ‘Yung trainer ko, kulay pula lahat ng sulat ko. Wala talagang natitira so sabi ko na baka I am meant for something else.”

In the midst of this crisis, Sir JC wondered whether he was meant for television after all. It was during the peak of Paolo Bedione’s ‘Extra Challenge’ and the GMA program ‘I-Witness’ when Sir JC found hope and decided to give it a try.

He pleaded then Dean Garcia to let him go on a second internship, expressing his desire to discover his true skills. “Sabi ko ‘Ma’am, I really want to discover kung para saan po ako. Kung ito talaga yung skills ko.’

Pinayagan niya ako ta’s pinayagan din ako ng GMA. So ayun, the rest is history.”

'Yung literal na umakyat ako ng hagdan from pinakamababa hanggang tumaas nang tumaas.

Finally, certain about his expertise, Sir JC showed his importance to the agency. Diligent like a true employee, he was already working with Love Añover for ‘Unang Hirit’ even as an intern.

Moreover, as his internship at GMA was about to end, Sir JC made sure that he will be remembered, submitting his CV to every show.

Surely now, he’s more than what he could’ve imagined.

Who would have thought that someone as successful as JC Rubio had such a plot twist in his life just as he was about to graduate from college?

A MENTOR OF HIS OWN Being in the industry for so long, Sir JC is given an opportunity to handle interns that he will hone to be the future media practitioners.

He guides and teaches the students of what is the reality outside school.

He describes himself as a fair mentor to every student he handles and enables them to practice perseverance and determination when assigned a task to accomplish. However, he would like to see the initiative from his interns— to pass possible stories without being told and to offer help without being asked.

If there is one thing everyone can learn from his journey it is: Follow your heart when pursuing a career path because at the end of the day, your job might be tiring, but you will still feel happy and fulfilled. It will never be too late to explore where you really are meant to be, just don’t surrender right away without a fight.

It might have been Sir JC’s dream to become a teacher and follow his father’s footsteps, but little did he know, in the eyes, minds, and hearts of the interns he handles, he is already a mentor on his own.

Honed by the time he has spent in the industry, it’s his turn to impart what he learned from the past, what makes him today, and guide the next generations to pursue their passion more than anything else—a beacon, indeed.

THE MANY FACES OF THE WAR

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ack in August, two consecutive films braved and tackled a very critical issue that since its beginning has divided the country’s moral compass- Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Dark were the theaters raided by movie goers to watch either the action-packed thriller BuyBust, or the deafening drama, Madilim ang Gabi (Dark is the Night).

Here is an analysis of two films that will set you off rethinking what this war was really about, and if it is really worth the fight.

TALES OF NO ESCAPE BuyBust, directed by Erik Matti, follows PDEA agent Nina Manigan (Anne Curtis) and her newfound team in their mission to track down a big drug lord in the heart of a dangerous slums area in Manila. Their buy bust operation suddenly turns bloody as the squad gets trapped inside a labyrinth of makeshift houses and narrow alleys, engaging in a brutal ‘kill or be killed’ scenario against armed drug gangs and bloodthirsty mourners.

Meanwhile, Adolf Alix Jr’s Madilim ang Gabi tells a story of a mother, Sara (Gina Alajar), looking for her missing son at the dread of the night where she witnesses heinous crimes vining from the war on drugs. As her search brings her deeper to the drug trade, she realizes that there is no escape to the business Sara was once a part of.

PERTURBATION X ADRENALINE Unlike most of films, Madilim ang Gabi has refrained from the usual thematic music and cinematography techniques, giving an entirely different effect on the audience. The mild shake of the camera and the minimized sound effects of the background send a sense of realism to the scenes. It shares to the viewers the looming anxiety of the protagonist, leaving them perturbed as if they themselves are in her situation.

BuyBust follows a completely different vibe in its story telling. Just as the darkness of its scenes come in contrast with the neon lights, the dark theme of the movie is also diluted by its action-filled storyline and sometimes humorous antics.

The underlying picture of reality had been packaged in such an entertaining way. It may seem ironic considering the point of the film, but it serves as bait in order to send the message across a wider range audience.

These films seem to agree with each other in terms of portraying the different roles people play in this socalled ‘drug war’.

Innocent children are being buried by their parents, wives are widowed, and chances are stolen.

There are civilians tagged in the trade just to fill in the quota, some are forced to take sides, and others are urged by vengeance to take part.

The drug lords and dealers are portrayed to be of pure viciousness and brutality, but exceptions arise to those who seem helpless, ready to start anew if only unhindered by their situation.

While Madilim ang Gabi prtrays the police force as criminals in uniform; drug lord protectors and extortionist, BuyBust draws a certain line limiting the rotten to those in higher positons and painting the agents on field as clueless pawns only doing their jobs.

One more portrayal worth othing is that both are set in some slums are in Manila. This perhaps communicates the widespread narcotics industry embedded in the communities of the poor, having them strewn in the drug trade either by choice or by circumstances, or maybe a mix of both.

BY JIENO DICHOSON & KENNETH ANGELO EVANGELISTA GRAPHICS KYLE GABRIELLE URETA

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ollege life offers a variety of experiences and challenges. One of these is Internship or the Onthe-Job Training (OJT).

Internship is where you, as a student and a trainee, gain experience. Through this, you can easily understand what would be your career after you graduate and how you can deal with it. OJT simply means training that occurs in the actual workplace—a great way to improve your chances as a job applicant and help you be a better potential employee as well as have a taste on the reality and the actual work on the field.

But the question is, how do you get through your OJT? Especially as COCian, how can you apply to media or newspaper companies? What do you need to do during the actual internship? Well, here are some tips from PUP alumni to answer those questions.

Many Filipinos may have looked over crucial details regarding the war, resulting to a murky sense of justice among them. Fortunately, these are the very details that both BuyBust and Madilim ang Gabi are trying to reiterate. So whether your senses were piqued by the exceptional action film, or your thirst is pulling you towards the immersing dark drama, it would definitely not hurt to try out both of them.

6 Be the First and the Number One

Some companies have limited slots for interns. Be ready, fast, and quick in submitting all the requirements.

Even if you are not yet hired, try to collect all requirements you think is needed when submitting along with your resume. Stop procrastinating or else, you will end up repeating!

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Use your connections

Aim BIG, but also look for 2 smaller companies

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Be professional

Make your TOP company lists

It is very important to have a list of companies you want to apply in order to have a direction in your OJT journey. This will also help you to identify their offices’ location and contact persons.

While jotting down your intended company, do not focus on the mainstream media companies alone. I repeat, do not focus on the mainstream! Remember: You are not the only one who will apply to that company that is why it is a wise decision to apply also in your city's local newspaper publication or local radio station to avoid cut-off in intern slots.

Send to many

WHY WATCH BUYBUST AND MADILIM ANG GABI

your seniors and even the alumni. These people will help you on your journey for internship, because they know the hardships in looking for a company. Don't be shy. Just ask. "Ate, Kuya, san po pwede mag-OJT? Salamat.”

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Some companies prefer to receive your resume or curriculum vitae through e-mails. Go to their website and you can see there their contact information (e-mail, contact persons, contact numbers). Do not settle on one company, as long as you can have other company's e-mail address, go open your e-mail and send that resume to them! Just as they say, more entries, more chances of winning!

Be the neat and clean

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Once you go to the company you’ve applied to, make sure you wear your best professional-looking clothes.

First impression lasts. Make sure you are presentable and attractive, but do not forget your documents. Avoid crumpled resumes.

If you don't know where to go 5 ask your 'ate' and/or 'kuya'

It is easy to be hired if you know a lot of people working in the media industry. They can help you along the way. Not only in applying but also in your actual training.

In many ways, especially during interview which is a crucial part. Also in your actions. Avoid being childish at your workplace. Treat your training as your real job.

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Do not limit yourself yet do not push yourself too hard

Explore every single moment of your internship since it’s a way for you to grow and learn independently. Do not complain especially when you are given a task. After you finish the given task, then rest so that you do not look sluggish and haggard. Take care of yourself.

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Have fun!

OJT is an exciting moment in college. You can explore how the real world run and you can also discover and learn a lot of things through internship.

Do not treat this as a requirement but delight in every day that you do in your training. This is your stepping stone

These are proven and tested by our alumni, and you can follow these tips! Just make sure that if you have your internship and finished it, share your experiences and tips to other upcoming seniors and help them to build their courage in facing the outside world.

If confused where you should go or where to apply, just ask SONDER

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FEATURE

BY ASHLEIGH NICOLE BETAN & JHON MARLOU ABCEDE PHOTO & GRAPHICS JHON MARLOU ABCEDE

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ROCHELLE RODRIGO. DEXTER ROSH AGUILA, HAZEL GANE PILAPIL & WYNONA GAILE GALVEZ

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N LIFE, EVERYONE IS GIVEN A CHANCE TO CREATE OUR VERY OWN ART. WE’VE GOT TOOLS TO DISCOVER IT, AND IT’S ALL UP TO US WHETHER WE’LL USE THEM OR NOT. AS AN ARTIST OF LIFE, WE LEARN THROUGH TIME THAT THE MAGIC LIES NOT IN THE END BUT IN THE PROCESS OF HOW ART IS CRAFTED. WE ARE ALWAYS AN ART IN PROGRESS, A MASTERPIECE MADE BY THE UNKNOWN. and to finish what we started.

In every life that graces our college, it is blessed with both vividly colorful and painful memories. Like artists matched with their art, art is always a mixture of emotions, no art can only be seen or understood as one emotion, what we see is different than what others see—because we understand things in our own unique ways.

Each path has its own mix of adventures, but one thing is certain—you will learn something from it. These paths may look easy for others but in reality, not all of us has the same measurement as to what is easy and what is not.

And so, here we are, trying to finish our very own masterpieces.

The College of Communication, a melting pot full of creative and artistic minds, divided as four equally brilliant departments; the advertisers, the broadcasters, the researchers, and the journalists—all mixed in one incredible place.

No path is greater or higher than the other, all are filled with hardships and happiness. We are all in one roof, colliding sometimes, but as always, our heart beats for one—to let our arts prevail, to spread the art of our taken path,

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Understanding one another’s struggles is a must in COC. And so, we’ve decided to share with you a part of what it takes for the four departments of COC to be able to try and finish their very own kind of art.

FOR THE ADVERTISERS, building an image, producing an event, creating a brand, promoting on social media— these are just some of the things that Advertising and Public Relations students can do and can show you how to do it. Building, re-building, and maintaining an image or brand is are some of the main job of advertisers.

Dexter Rosh Aguila, an irregular fourth year Advertising and Public Relations student and the current president of DZMC – Young Communicators Guild, sees himself as a “creatives sa gabi, sa umaga part-time org (and) minsan ‘di na nag-aaral.”

He mentioned that in ADPR “bawal kang matulog, kasalanan ang matulog sa ADPR.” Due to the overwhelming task that has to be done, sleep isn’t always guaranteed.

Their overall requirements are composed of OJT and seminars.

But these seminars aren’t your ordinary seminar. They will first conduct a mini-seminar per section, and another one for a subject called ‘Ad Seminar’ in which would be counted as their trial and error stage before they set out on one of their biggest projects which is the Grand Ad Congress where ADPR department would take the event outside the campus to invite speakers to teach ADPR students how things work in the field of advertising. Finally, their biggest project, the Grand Ad Clash, in which a company would be funding them to create a whole new image/branding for the company.

FOR THE BROADCASTERS, “Rolling…on cam, off cam, cut...” These are the words that describe those people behind and in front of the cameras. From brainstorming to writing scripts, from shooting to editing until it become a production, a film or a presentation— these are the main struggles of every broadcast communication student. And for 19-year old Wynona Gaile Galvez, words can’t explain how hard for her to do these things all at once.

As a graduating student,

Wynona mentioned that hitting two birds in one stone is always a challenging job. “Syempre, [we] have our thesis na nagwo-work na kami noon since third year tapos ‘yung dalawang internship for radio and production,” Wynona said.

Wynona admitted that she’s not so inclined with academics, but she promised to do her best to finish all the requirements.

“Siguro ang pinaka-struggle lang, when it dawns on you that you’re so close to reality, na hindi lang ‘yung acads ‘yung pinoproblema mo, hindi lang ‘yung future mo ‘yung pinoproblema mo, pero you think about the organization you will leave,” Wynona shared.

“Like ‘yung Viva Voce, inaalala ko pag-gruaduate ko, paano magsu-sustain ‘yun. Tapos paano pagsasabayin ‘yung academics at tsaka ‘yung volunteer opportunities ko, yung charity works,” she added.

Currently, Wynona is a member of Dakom and the communication’s director of Viva Voce. Outside PUP, she also takes part in charity works.

FOR THE RESEARCHERS, being the connection between knowledge and the people through research has always been one of their top priorities as researchers. Ever since their second year in college, they’ve begun brewing their future thesis, starting from their topic proposal, thesis proposal during their third year, and up to their thesis writing and defense in their fourth year—communication research students have always been in pursuit of studies for the development and further understanding of communication.

As researchers, they also experience having their topics rejected, accidentally miscalculating their data, and having fears that what they’re doing in their research was wrong all along. They take the mistake in twice to the heart compared to us, for their research is something that they’ve worked hard for ever since their second year in college. Besides their on-the-job training and their research, they’re also required to publish a journal after graduation before they’re able to get hold of their diploma.

Aside from academic struggle, she also suffers from homesickness in which students who live in dormitories

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experience during their time in college.

“Mahirap pero nasanay ka na, sa apat na taon nag do-dorm ako, tapos ang hirap na kapag napapagod ka na, pagka may sakit ka, may problema ka, pagka financially kulang, wala yung parents, wala yung lolo’t lola mo to guide.”

But despite the dark situation, she never forgets to remind herself to “always look at the brighter side sa lahat ng sitwasyon.”

Despite feeling lost and alone, Rochelle is one of the hopeful communication research students who refuses to let their light die out and to be able to help others, most especially with the help of their researches, to connect the missing links between the people and the knowledge unobserved by a common being, “siguro darating sa point na mapapagod ka na isipin yung iba pero kasi ewan ko feeling ko yung role ko na iappreciate yung iba.” And that, “my mission is to help other people na ayun sila muna tsaka ka na”.

FOR THE JOURNALISTS, letters and words are always the bread and butter of them. A number of articles are needed to be submitted every day. Lots of paper works, reports, newsletters, magazines and even researches.

These people lived a pressured life and time is very important to them. As they believe in the quotation that says, “Making headlines, beating deadlines,” they have already proven who they really are.

Hazel Gane Pilapil, a senior journalism student said that her college life was a mixture of failure and success. According to her, one thing that she’s struggling for four years was her financial status. “Normally, financial unstable ako. Hindi naman kasi 'yung ganon kaluwag ang buhay ko. Iniisip mo pa kung paano ka papasok bukas. Kasi binibigyan ako ng baon, pang isang lingo na. Sapat lang ‘yun, so kung may magastos man ako doon, iniisip ko pa kung paano ko masu-survive ang week,” she said.

Hazel also shared that she has a family problem, and admitted that it also affects her way of studying. “Ang struggle pag sa family, hindi ka makapagfocus kasi iniisip mo pa 'yun,” she added.

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The youngest member of the family, yet the breadwinner.

A self-supporting student that strives not only for herself but also for other people –Hazel was an inspiration to every student.

Only reminds each one of us that perseverance and determination will let us reach our dreams.

Amidst all the challenges that this woman is facing now, her heart continued shouting –because she has a faith that she needs to prevail until the end. Hazel wanted to become an investigative journalist someday.

And for her, hardwork always pushes her into someone she wanted to be. “Yung pag-asa ko na nagpapatuloy sa akin ngayon ay kung paano ako tatayo para sa ibang tao. Hindi lang sa family, para sa society din. Dapat may marating 'yung ginagawa ko ngayon, hindi lang para sa sarili ko,” she said.

"Nakakapagod. Pero wala naman tayong choice kundi magpatuloy. Wag lang susuko.

Lalo na kapag sa inner side mo, may bumubulong na huminto ka na. Laban lang! Maabot din natin,” Hazel concluded.

The College of Communication may sound easy for other colleges. Maybe because we don’t have any licensure exams to pass, or thousands of math subjects to surpass, however, there’s always more than what meets the eye.

We may not be the best place for logic, however, in COC here is where the creatives are, the artists, the dreamers, and lastly, it is the place where the vivid hearts are. Others might have found comfort and passion in numbers, but in COC, here is where the kids growing up found themselves comforted by words—communication, either with themselves or with others.

And at the end of the day, when we leave, the College of Communication is always there for us, it will always be one of our sanctuary, the place for diversity, revolution, and art. It is one of the places where we’ve crafted our art, our vivid lives.

This is what we had gone through so far, this is the process, it is not yet finish, however, this is our progress. Our art in motion turned into progress.

We are what we art.

This art is from our heart.

And this is our masterpiece.

REPUTABLE COLLEAGUE Dr. Henson is also fondly remembered by his colleagues as a witty man with a humble and selfless spirit. His willingness to impart wisdom and to be of assistance are traits that endeared him to many. As they say, despite his achievements, his feet remained planted in the ground.

Dr. Angelina Borican, who had been a colleague of Dr. Henson for 20 years, witnessed the latter’s rose to prominence in the academe, mainly in the field of research.

“I would really admit that I learned a lot from him,” Dr. Borican solemnly said. “Sa kanya ako natuto ng research, even during the paneling. sitting side by side with him as a panelist, madami rin akong natututunan.”

As a colleague and a friend, Dr. Borican saw Dr. Henson as a sincere and generous soul: he planted seeds of knowledge in the heart and mind of everyone and watered them with wisdom. Even in times of lack, he would go out of his way to share what he has with people.

“He is well-loved by his students. Noong nasa ospital sya, ang dami-daming estudyante; mga dati n’yang estudyante who was there to visit him na nagbigay ng something to help him financially sa mga expenses n’ya.

One of Dr. Henson’s many colleagues who has high regard for him is the current Chairperson of Department of Journalism, Professor Hemmady Mora, who had been his colleague at the time he was starting in PUP in 1998.

“Ang galing galing n’ya eh.” Professor Mora mused.

“Even sa DOJ (Department of Journalism), magaganda rin yung feedback. Tsaka, if you will take a look at his CV (Curriculum Vitae), eh top caliber!”

A

think-tank and research personified—these are among the descriptions that keep on coming up when those who had an encounter with Dr. Ronald Monsanto Henson were asked what they could say about him.

Indeed, his existence in this world was a colorful kaleidoscope of endless pursuit of education, with him playing various roles—student, editor, researcher, and eventually a selfless mentor to everyone who asked him for wisdom.

Born and raised in the province of Cavite which is dubbed as the “Land of the Brave,” Dr. Ronald Henson remained a brave soul, throughout his health ordeal.

Despite learning that he has stage 4 lung cancer, Dr. Henson refused to go down without a fight. He made a drastic turnaround in his lifestyle, and adhered to healthy habits, determined to defeat what’s ailing him. He seems to be winning, for the lifestyle bought him another year of his life, still going about his responsibilities without anyone noticing what he’s going through— until the day he finally succumbed to his ailment when the cancer metastasized to his brain.

On July, 21, 2018, Dr. Ronald M. Henson’s journey on Earth ended, but not without leaving his legacy deep in the heart and mind of everyone he inspired.

TO THE GREAT,

FROM THE GREATESTS A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE

R SONDER

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BY JEFFERSON BETAIZAR, JANVIN BRUA, ALEXANDREA SUNGA & PROF. LAILANIE TEVES GRAPHICS KYLE GABRIELLE URETA

AMIABLE PROFESSOR Though Dr. Henson spent quite a considerable time in research and office works, he knew all along that teaching was his calling –a passion he pursued until his last breath.

As a Professor, Dr. Henson is most cherished for his connection with his students. His PUP Graduate School students could never forget their after-class dinners and how they used to hang out with Dr. Henson. He shares not only his outstanding research acumen but also his light and delightful personality to his students.

Professor Prestoline Suyat, one of Dr. Henson’s former students in PUP Graduate School who is currently teaching in the Journalism department of PUPCOC, mentioned, “kahit outside ng classroom, kapag kailangan mo ng konsultahan sa kanya, gusto mong malaman ‘yung mga bagay-bagay kahit labas sa course

RONALD HENSON

He always makes time for his students who need something from him.

Despite his busy schedule, he is admired for always accommodating his students even outside his work hours. Dr. Henson, who was Prof.

Suyat’s panelist for his thesis in graduate school, meet up with him at a very early time before he leaves for the province.

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Lahat bawat hakbang ko, lahat ng pinagdaanan ko rito sa PUP, nand’yan s’ya para magbigay ng advice, ng support.

Prof. Suyat mused that Dr. Henson wanted to produce students who are a better version of himself and strongly believed that this is the legacy the latter want to leave that is why he acknowledges their achievements like a proud parent.

Dr. Ruby Gapasin, another former student of Dr. Henson in PUP Graduate School and now the Vice President of Research, Extension, and Development in PUP, narrated that all of her achievements were proudly appreciated by him that he eventually became a part of her support system.

“Lahat bawat hakbang ko, lahat ng pinagdaanan ko rito sa PUP, nand’yan s’ya para magbigay ng advice, ng support.”

Dr. Ruby remembered that the support and even the taps at the back she received from Dr. Henson never failed to comfort her and that she will never forget the ‘kaya mo yan, ikaw pa.’ and ‘You deserve it.’ praises that she heard from him.

Back on his confinement days, a Facebook group was also formed to help raise funds for the professor’s medical expenses. An angel in the form of Michelle Fischer, Dr. Henson’s former student at LPU, managed to create not only a simple online group, but a forum of stories, testifying to the greatness of the professor.

As the saying goes, “death is no respecter of people”. All journeys on Earth has to come to an end, even to those with the most brilliant minds. Ironic as it may seem, the cancer cells attacked the very part of Dr. Henson’s body which earned admiration from everyone who know him.

And yet the well-loved Professor remained strong-willed and valiant even in the throes of death.

Although his life ended too soon, Dr. Henson left quite a mark in the hearts and mind of everyone who knows him as an exceptional mind, and as a selfless mentor, an encouraging friend and amiable colleague. He is a man of considerable wisdom and experience but insisted to be treated equally as everyone else around him.

Truly he will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives of everyone whose life he has touched.

Paalam Dr. Ronald Henson, isa kang malaking pagpapala sa aming buhay! Your PUP family salutes you!

FEATURE

BY LYKA NAVARROSA & KYLE GABRIELLE URETA PHOTO HANNA LAYNESA

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o celebrate the social, political and cultural awareness of young people from diverse sectors is one of the goals of the 3rd MBC Youth Broadcast Journalism Workshop, wherein five students from the College of Communication (COC) were chosen as participants.

Journalism students Alejandro Joseph Madria and Hanna Laynesa showcased their skills in writing; Broadcasting students Ma. Divina del Pilar and Jeremiah Nataba exhibited their excellence in broadcasting while Communication Research student Aiza Lorraine Lagario presented her remarkable skills in research during activities on the afore mentioned workshop.

They were chosen by the Dean of the College, Dr. Divina Pasumbal along with the Department of Journalism Chairperson Prof. Hemmady Mora, Department of Broadcasting Chairperson Dr. Malou Garcia, and COC’s former Dean, Dr. Edna Bernabe for the chance to cultivate their talents through the workshop.

The workshop was held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City last May 26 to 28. The students were taught about content creating, creating skits, social media awareness, campus journalism, and cyber crime.

Aiza Lorraine from Communication Research was impressed from the getgo. “The workshop was really beyond our expectations!” she said. “The Manila Broadcasting Company really took care of us outstandingly… We were already given our respective kits, breakfast and IDs before we got on our buses to Tagaytay.”

Not only the accommodations were high quality, but the education and the workshop itself as well was top notch.

There were talks from prominent figures such as Attorney Efren Abanto, Senator Cynthia Villar, Senator JV Ejercito, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Rappler journalist Gemma BagayauaMendoza, and a senior agent in the Cyber Crime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Paired with the talks were workshops where participants from different schools worked together in teams in order to create videos and cultural presentations.

“They encouraged us by saying that as

future broadcast journalists, we must know how to produce quality content despite the time pressure or deadlines given to us,” Aira Lorraine stated when asked about her experience during the workshop.

The said workshop was all in all an educational venture, something the participants will no doubt be able to use once they enter their field of work.

“At first I was nervous about it, pero it was fun and indeed informative kasi yung mga topics na pinag-usapan doon were things na di masyadong nadi-discuss sa mga mass comm. students and ‘yung variety din nung topic yung nakapag pa-boost ng information,” AJ, a third year journalism student said about the workshop.

The event did not only give such fruitful experience to our talented COCians but left them the knowledge that can inspire them to be newsliterate and to be critical thinkers.

They encouraged us by saying that as future broadcast journalists, we must know how to produce quality content despite the time pressure or deadlines given to us.

Proving that he is from the College of Champions, Jeremiah Nataba was awarded as one of the Most Outstanding Participants by the end of the workshop.

All of them represented not only our college but our university with so much honor and pride.

‘Yun naman talaga kasi yung goal ng DOJ na mag-raise ng awareness about media and information literacy, mag-inspire ng mga community members na maglean sa newspaper as a means of communication.

Tinig West Crame was launched on February 3. Everything from the layout and content was made by the members of the editorial board of the community.

Despite the recent change in officials, the community still wants to continue the project. DOJ hopes to continue with the extension program until there’s nothing left to teach to the community and they can confidently run the paper by themselves.

“Itong Tinig West Crame will keep its sustainability hanggang sa ma-exhaust yung community. Kasi usually diba ganun na 3-5 years, na kapag okay, na kapag sa tingin namin na wala nang maitutulong kasi lahat ng knowledge lahat ng technology that we have ay naibigay na sa kanila. Saka kasi ngayon na hindi rin kasi laganap yung media information literacy sa [mga] community. Parang it’s our job na rin na ibigay sa kanila yung knowledge na yun,” Acorda elaborated.

“So kailangan siyang ituloy, so meaning to say, magkakaroon ulit ng panibagong training tapos hopefully, issue no. 2, volume 2 ng Tinig West Crame,” DOJ Chairperson Hemmady Mora added.

This local extension can only be deemed successful if the partnership between DOJ and Brgy. West Crame continues for the next three to five years. If the early feedback from residents and baranggay officials are any indication, everyone can expect that the partnership to continue to the foreseeable future.

Aside from Tinig West Crame, there’s another DOJ project coming up, this time with One Manila. As with Tinig West Crame, the partnership with One Manila also has the same goal, only on a larger scale.

“Locality natin, Manila after all, PUP is in Manila. Yan so, ano palang yun kumbaga planning stage. Ang projected launch niya is, November, second week ng November. Tapos ang training niya during sembreak, October.” Prof. Mora explained.

There are still many things ahead for the future projects of DOJ and these are only a few steps to achieve the dream of spreading the art of journalism throughout the country.

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haring is a universal act that it is seen everywhere and anywhere. There are people who donate to charities to help those in need and there are those who teach to impart knowledge necessary for others to create something they’ve never made before that might help them in the future. Salin Kaalaman sa Pamamahayag sa Komunidad is a good example of the latter.

The PUP Department of Journalism (DOJ) helped Barangay West Crame in San Juan City “to develop, design, and launch” its first ever newsletter, Tinig West Crame in partnership with DOJ’s organizations, Journalism Guild and Journalism Post.

The DOJ faculty conducted a three-day training, held last January 13, 20, and 27 respectively, to impart their knowledge in news, feature, and community writing, photography, photojournalism, and layout and design to the designated barangay editorial staff.

Aside from the training offered by DOJ, the department also supervised the editorial staff for a period of 6 months that began during the launch of the community paper. The main goal of this extension project was to help the barangay create a newsletter that officials can use to communicate their activities and deliver updates about community projects and eventsto the residents of West Crame.

“Yun naman talaga kasi yung goal ng DOJ na mag raise ng awareness about media and information literacy, mag-inspire ng mga community members na mag-lean sa newspaper as a means of communication,” Student Area Head for Extension, Frances Aira Acorda said.

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ollege of Communication (COC) must be one of the most “colorful” colleges in PUP as it has a variety of organizations that students can choose to be part of, enabling them to spend their college life vividly.

There are currently 20 active organizations in the college—each paving the path for students to hone their skills and interests.

Communication Society

The Communication Society is known as the “mother organization” of the college as it continues the legacy of empowering students’ leadership for 30 years.

Quadro Photography Club Want to tell a story in a form of a photo? This guild perfectly fits you.

Quadro Photography Club advocates photography as a steadfast art form and as a potent tool for communication to member COCians substantial to democracy, promotion of goodwill, understanding, and development.

pup speak The PUP Student Party for Equality and Advancement of Knowledge is a political organization founded at PUP.

Mulat Documentary Guild Established on October 2013, Mulat creates and tells stories that aim to enlighten people’s perspective on social reality.

kasarinlan

Advertising and Public Relations Society

Kasarinlan is the official LGBTQI+ group that promotes gender equality and offers a safe space for all students from COC to whole PUP community.

the communicator

The official organization of the department of creativity and happiness, the Department of Advertising and Public Relations (AdPr) that helps students to improve their communicational skills and their creativity in advertising.

The Communicator or “Dakom” is the official student publication of COC, an autonomous institution which advocates truth, fairness, honesty and integrity. The publication reflects the true sentiments and ideas of the COC students by reporting up-todate happenings in the college community.

COC Volleyball Team

Film Aficionados Circle

COC Basketball Team

Movers and Motion

The official volleyball team of the College.

Welcomes any volleyball enthusiast regardless of skills, as long as passionate.

If you are interested in producing world-class films, this organization suits you. FILAC trains its members to become world-class film makers in the future.

Consists of passion driven student basketball players that value “talent, hardwork, team-effort, unity, passion, and fun.” “All-in to honor our beloved College of Communication.”

The Movers and Motions also known as the MnMs was founded on June 2001 by Prof. Mila De La Costa. The organization performs different genres of dance like dancehall, vogue, hip-hop and swag.

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Laban COC

Viva Voce

A transformative and progressive student political formation that upholds intellectual and critical participation of the students, for the students, and responsible for promoting the students’ cause and welfare. Laban COC believes in IBA or Intellectual Brand of Activism wherein they always solve problem in a peaceful way.

“Be an active voice.”

Viva Voce is the premier public speaking organization of the college. The organization also holds series of trainings for all of its members. It caters to five public speaking platforms: oration, extemporaneous speaking, prepared speech, dagliang talumpati, and Asian Parliamentary Debate.

PUP- COC Blue Jaguars The official COC badminton team, and also the newest organization in the college.

Circle of Research Enthusiasts (CORE) Develops greater application of the practical & ethical issues surrounding the conduct and practice of communication research and other social science researches.

The CORE is a premier academic organization of the PUP Department of Communication Research.

Journalism Guild The Premier Academic Student Organization of the Department of Journalism. It provides trainings and seminars to its member to enhance their journalistic writing skills.

PUP-COC Student Council The highest decision, policy making and governing student body of the College.

Represents and unites the student body to fight for their common interest, the autonomous institution promotes and upholds students’ rights and welfare, student empowerment and involvement, gender sensitivity and expression, safe spaces, mental health, environment awareness, and sports and development.

BY CHARLES DREXTER GUEVARRA & ROME JOSEPH LAGUIO

BroadCircle

COC Cheering Squad

COC Ensemble

Teatro Komunikado

The premiere academic student organization of the Department of Broadcasting. This helps Broadcasting students acquire additional knowledge and experiences out of the classroom.

The official Cheering Squad of the college. Winning Championship 5 times consecutively, this Cheering Squad is the best!

Want to enrich your angelic voice? This organization can help you reach your voice’s full potential.

PUP-COC Ensemble is the official chorale of the college founded in 2001.

Considered as one of the formidable theater groups that promotes a new era of expressionism that is unique of its kind.

Teatro Komunikado, uplifts discipline and responsibility to students, teaches tenacity and ways to revolutionize the chaotic essence of the society through the use of theater as its medium.

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DZMC Young Communicators’ Guild The official radio arm of the college.

DZMC-Young Communicators’ Guild provides training on broadcasting, information gathering, newswriting and advertising as a profession.

Reliving Escolta a tableau of the past

&

BY ZOEY DENYS GULLON PHOTOS BY EDGAR EVANGELISTA

V

andalism. It’s not uncommon to see walls painted with grafitti or chairs etched with names and other markings. From doors of public toilets to school chairs, we’ve seen vandalism in almost every form from just about anywhere. For some, it’s an act of deliberate, wanton destruction. For others, it’s an artistic expression. But is it really?

Is it art? Yep, at least, that’s what the art crowd said because there’s something in vandalism, There’s beauty, there’s a statement. We can showcase skill and talent.

It’s one way to let people, students in this case, express themselves, their feelings and emotions. It allows allows their voices to be heard. It lets them speak their minds. Art issomething personal, and it can take on many forms.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines has policies regarding serious “vandalism.” The school considers certain acts as serious offenses that warrant an official reprimand. These include acts such as: writing on walls, tables, chairs, etc. and any other school property where we shouldn’t be writing.

The university lays down disciplinary sanctions for non-observance of the university norms. Such sanctions shall take the forms of: expulsion, suspension, probation,reprimand, warning, any other sanction/s as may be recommended by the Guidance Counselor to the Principal and the Student Disciplinary Board based

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on the PUP Student Handbook.

And since, this is a college that gives a premium to artistic expression, many students are naturally very vocal with their awareness , perception and, consciousness of these artistic expressions. The College of Communication vandalism wall is different, because it’s creative. It’s a “free-speech zone.” Some of its content are socially and politicaly driven, thought-provoking even. But it’s not all serious. There are also whimsical pieces such as those expressions of concealed admiration and burgeoning infatuation.

One person, with the alias “the reporter” wrote that he was so in love with a girl and it wasn’t not enough to just say it to her so he wrote it .

Some use it to relieve themselves of academic stress, anxiety, and depression.

There are those who write puns and other clever play with words. And then there are those who scribble their phone numbers.

Despite the wall’s amusing and curious contents, many people fail to grasp what it actually is: theEXPRESSION WALL. What we don’t realize is that wall is in an area where students don’t go often as it is prohibited by the school handbook.

Vandalism has evolved and so is the message. Although some people still don’t accept or appreciate it. Well, that’s okay.

It’s normal because people do not enjoy the things they can’t understand.

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sprayed

scribbled

scratched

BY CHERRYLIN MAE CAACBAY & KRISTLE ANNE HILARIO PHOTOS KRISTLE ANNE HILARIO

C

ollege students have different ways of coping with stress. Some find relief in sports, while others gorge on food as a way to manage stress.

There are also others who travel just so they can run away from the things that’re stressing them out.

If you’re thinking of de-stressing without venturing too far, Manila has a lot to offer for those in search of art, travel, history, and adventure.

Escolta, once known as the center of Manila in the 1930s, fell to disrepair after second World War ravaged the capital. Today, the youth are harking back to Escolta’s glory days as “Queen of the Streets.”

COC students planning a trip to Escolta may take the Pasig River Ferry to Escolta to avoid traffic. You may also take the train from D. Jose station and alight at Carriedo station or hop on board a jeep plying CM Recto Avenue.

Once in Escolta, you may want to check out one of its more famous buildings: Calvo Building.

Established in 1938, it was once the home of prominent companies like the Philippine Bank of Commerce, Sabater Optical, Mareco Broadcasting, Sorriente- Santos Department Store, and Robert “Uncle Bob” Stewart’s Republic Broadcasting System or now popularly known as GMA Network, Inc. Designed by architect and civil engineer Fernando Ocampo, the 80-year-old building survived air raids that turned Manila into a pile of rubble during WWII. It also had its fair share of earthquakes in its 80-year history.

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At the mezzanine floor is a photo collection of Escolta during her prime. Visitors can take the stairs or the elevator to the mezzanine and expect to be transported into Manila’s golden age.

In addition to old photos, there are also old movie posters as well as hand-drawn advertisements for sporting equipment, shoes, cars, radio sets and ticket receipts – beautiful relics of a time long gone There is also a vintage bottle collection that includes soda, milk, medicine, and alcoholic beverages.

The museum also houses old publications such as El Renacimiento, El Nacional, Filipinas, Laong Laan, Republica Filipina, El Liberal, Diario de Manila, and other local newsprints. It shows the rich history of journalism in our country, tracing back its roots in the Spanish era and continuing on to the American colonnial period.

A few blocks away from Calvo is the First United Building Community Museum.

Also located on the mezzanine floor of the building, the museum includes the replica of Sy Lian Teng’s office, who purchased the former Perez Samanillo Building after World War II. It also includes the antiquities like a rotary phone, old typewriter, stamp bearing the map to the area, and working G. E refrigerator from 1950s that can still be used in events. The museum pays tribute to the life and times of Sy Lian Teng, his struggles and triumphs immortalized in post photographs and photocards.

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THERE IS NOTHING SPOOKIER THAN BEING LOST AND NOT REALIZING IT Deconstruction of the Distorted “Tikbalang"

F

BY JANVIN BRUA & JOHN ALMER SACLOLO

W

What I want to convey as a director is that you will always have someone regardless of how lost you are. It takes time. It takes a tikbalang to find the one.

hen cousins Matthew, a boy from the States, and Otan, a local promdi, set out to look for the infamous mythic creature Tikbalang, both fjnd themselves dealing with something wholly unexpected.

Both Matthew and Otan are dealing with their own ‘daddy issues.’ Matthew’s family, after living in the United States for long, finally decides to return to the Philippines. But before they could even settle down, Mathew’s life takes a turn for the worse when his father dies in a case of police violence. Reeling from the death of his father, Matthew is forced to live with his grandmother and cousins in Cavite while his mother tends to their migration papers in Manila.

Otan, Matthew’s cousin, also has problems of his own. Otan’s biggest dream has always been to go the city and finish college in his dream university, if only his father would let him.

Uncannily, for two lost boys, Matthew and Otan have a stirring connection: Matthew is in a new environment where he doesn’t know anyone, while Otan feels imprisoned by the familiarity of the province he’s always called home. The two boys immediately grow fond of each other. One day, together with their cousins, they decide to prove the rumor that a “tikbalang” lives in the woods not far from their house by hunting the creature down.

For a moment, both find comfort and security in each other’s presence as they embark to the unknown. But instead of finding the elusive cryptid, they found something more important: themselves.

From eerily introducing the title of the film, with its letters in reverse to symbolize the ancient Filipino saying that you must wear your shirt inside out if you are alone and lost in a strange place, to excellently executing MacGuffin as a plot device and the “Tomand-Jerry Treatment” to focus on the main characters and the story, the film deviates on what is marketed as a horror flick.. The horror remains though because there’s nothing spookier than being lost and not realizing it.

Spearheaded by the director Valentin Soria, and the writers Divina Del Pilar and Jem Eclarinal, all from Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication, the 3rd Best Film of the Cinemaskom Short Film Festival lineSONDER

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up also won “Best Screenplay” during the Sikat Awards last year.

It was a triumph for a film whose “symbolisms were an accident” and was built from a “vomit draft that went on to become the final story itself,” the team confided during an interview. Accidental or not, the film was still delicately detailed and meticulously produced.

Tikbalang is a thoughtprovoking movie that does not only make you question why it was titled after one of the more famous monsters of Filipino lore, but is also capable of encapsulating gender fluidity, violence, family, and being lost then finding oneself inside a horror-thriller movie. To tell you, the Filipino folklore creature has never been interpreted in this manner before. Kudos to our upcoming young filmmakers!

“What I want to convey as a director is that you will always have someone regardless of how lost you are. It takes time. It takes a tikbalang to find the one.” – Valentin Soria

ilipino music continues to thrive as independent bands bring their talents to the spotlight. Each band has its own unique identity and style in expressing their beliefs through their music. Sonder had a sit-down with two of the industry’s newcomers. One, a college favorite and the other, a band who recently just debuted.

TO THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO BE BLIND Apparently, there is a group of laid-back men who depict social issues through their music. Today’s music where “corny love songs” dominate the charts, they have found a way to make people pay attention to serious matters like the bloody drug war, poverty, unemployment, and many other issues that deal with the human condition and ‘natural order of things.’

These musicians are collectively known as Bandido. Bandido is composed of Abel Muriel (vocalist), Genaro Alvarez and Daniel Armedilla (guitarists), Marcelo Siblag (bassist), and Yohann Stifler (drummer). This band has been singing about social issues for a year now. But the thing is, it’s not easy to make people appreciate such type of music, so how do they pull this off?

Not only did Bandido remind us the good, old days of rock music in the Philippines, it slaps its listeners with some of today’s harshest and ugliest truths. Their self-titled album includes Arcie, Sorry, Unemployed, and their boldest song that brought them to spotlight, Nanlaban.

The first track, Arcie, tells the story of a guy who isn’t able to meet the standards of his rich love interest. But it is not your typical “langit ka, lupa ako” drama song because it was written with humor: “Arcie, even if I don’t have that much money/ Arcie, will you stay with me, baby?”

Second is Sorry, an apology song commendable for being relatable. It makes us realize how much it sucks to be broke and being unable to provide even basic needs: “Mahal naman kita kaso mahal din ang bigas, / Pamasahe sa jeep lalong tumataas.”

“Don’t you cry, sasamahan kang mag-apply/ Uutang pa sa bumbay, may pang gastos ka lang ngayon,” is from the song Unemployed which talks about the struggles of a working student trying to find a job all for the sake of providing for her family.

Lastly, their most popular track, the dark-themed Nanlaban has the lyrics “Sa kalsada bawal na magpa-gabi/ ‘Pag hinatid ka pa, baka ‘di na’ko makauwi… ‘di na makauwi nang buhay,” which mirrors the reality that anyone can be a victim of “oplan tokhang” -- the administration’s bloody crusade against drugs.

From the issue of social classes and the marginalized sector to unemployment difficulties and human rights, this band nailed it. They have effectively used their music to send a serious message concerning relevant matters from the past, present, and beyond, in an organically humorous style that every listener will appreciate.

TO THOSE PEOPLE WHOSE COLORS HAVE FADED “They say rainbows come after the rain. But what if they don’t?’

Hey!, We Don’t Deserve Dog’s debut single, tells us that when things get rough, it’s okay to cry because doing so will make us see clearer again. This After Laughter by Paramore-esque track borrows synths from the 80s, fused with the electronic sounds of today. Supported by the background vocals screaming the word “hey!” twice at the chorus, the song encourages us to “get up!” even when the weight of the world becomes too heavy for us to

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carry. The song says that no matter how invulnerable we believe we are, there’s always a chink in our armor and that accepting that we also need help is a sign of strength. This message is delivered through glamorous big beats that could make you throw your problems and kick your demons in the air. “The music is uplifting. You’ll notice our music is very dance-y, and anthemic. That’s our goal. We want our songs to be sang by others who are experiencing the same experiences we had when we wrote it.”

We Don’t Deserve Dogs is composed

by Jasmin Elizabeth, a proud PUP alumna, together with Adrianne Tapiador, Mykell Montana, Teddy Hablado, and JM De Ramos.

Hearing the phrase “We Don’t Deserve Dogs” will always pull our heartstrings, but the band’s name has a deeper meaning and not just an allusion to the band members’ love of dogs.

“Funny story, we walked to get food.

May nadaanan kaming dog kasi lahat kami mahilig sa dog, lahat kami ‘ah, cute’ ganyan. Pagbalik naming nando’n pa siya, nakita namin how loyal the dog is, how sweet. ‘Ugh, we don’t deserve dogs.’”

The band’s name was inspired by a heartwarming scene the members witnessed and the realization that dogs’ unswerving loyalty makes us ‘unworthy’ of their love. “We don’t deserve dogs, yet we have dogs in our life…. It’s a celebration na pahalagahan mo‘yung mga bagay na meron ka, and don’t take things for granted.”

When asked about their goal, they said, “we want to affect people with our music and the message we want to convey in our music.” Although the beaming pedestal of fame will always be in any bands’ dreams, WDDD will still choose to stick on what they believed in the first place.

“As long as we play, as long as we continue doing music and we touch other people, I think we’re good.”

ARTS IN L

BY LOUISE ANGELICA ARIOLA, ANGELIKA MAE CRUZ, BEATRICE JILLIE GUTIERREZ & JIALYN QUILAO

everything

ooking for cool ways to make your unused boring stuff stand out?

Here’s some creative yet affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) unused stuff makeover with easy to follow step-by-step tutorial that will show you how to make your old things spectacular.

Get crafty with your sneakers, bags, purse, t-shirts, and shorts by adding colors and patterns on it.

These ideas are perfect in refashioning your old and dirty stuff for a new look. Check out these fun ideas for wearable art on everything all the time!

you will need...

“Fashion is one of the purest expressions of art because it is art lived on a daily basis,” - Georges Berges.

Expressing yourself through fashion is a form of art; it reflects who we are and who we aspire to be. Fashion enthusiasts always look out for the next trends. With these trends different styles, they can re-imagine and recreate their sense of being.

COC has always been a beacon of style in the PUP community. Students from the college’s different departments have always presented themselves in distinct ways and it’s hard to miss. It’s almost as if it’s a-must to be unique. For this reason, COCians have never been shy in showing who they really are. COC isn’t just a college; it’s a huge fashion runway, an unofficial catwalk where anyone can proudly parade who they are.

If you want to know more about COCians, one way to do it is to read their fashion statements.

DEMMY “For me, marami akong fashion inspiration. Sa Western, sila Kylie Jenner, ‘yung mga damit niya kasi ang gaganda diba? Sa Asian style naman, ngayon mas nai-enjoy ko ‘yung Asian styles like Japan and Korea, si Il Byung Ah, model siya sa Korea pero ‘di sya masyadong sikat and then sa Japan, sila Nana Komatsu. Sa Philippines, si Anne Curtis.”

For Demmy Ann Britch Bautista, 19-year-old communication research student, fashion helps build her confidence. She doesn’t usually go for what’s in or trendy or what other people usually wear.

Instead, she learned to express herself through different fashion styles.

Comfortability is the first thing that comes to the mind of 19 years-old Advertising and Public Relations student, Julia Carmina M. Lucas, when it comes to fashion. She thinks that what you wear defines truly who you are. She doesn’t like the idea of “pag wala kang style, baduy ka.”

She thinks that everyone has a specific style, based on what their comfortable of.

“I advocate; I don’t want to use Chuya advocate but I guess I’ll use it.

“Do you know Little Mix? All Probably, body positivity. As you of them have different styles can see, I’m plus size. It takes a but who I like the most is Jessy, whole lot of guts for me to wear kasi si Jessy is plus size din kung something that I like.” anu-ano ‘yung sinusuot niya.

Many people have found that And since nag-grown out na ko the art they wear and surround do’n, I like Abby ‘yung fiancee themselves with affects their ni Pewdiepie, kasi ang cute ng own sense of wellness and style niya, minsan casual, minsan happiness. It is the aesthetic we NIA classic. need to avoid bad mood and “Alex Gaskarth, sa kanya “Kung style peg, I like Yami we don’t become easy target of ko nakuha lahat ng flannel kawaii; is kinda like a mix of depression. (checkered shirt). Brendon Urie, kawaii and Harajuku. I like vibrant Fashion is an exhibition sa kanya ko nakuha ‘yung pagbo- colors but that doesn’t null out of different kinds of art and boots ko lagi. Harry styles, sa the fact na gusto ko rin naman communication. It helps us iba-ibang klase ng kulay minsan ng monochromes; blacks and artistically communicate who we kapag natitripan.” whites.” are and who we want to be.

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For the Myx VJ Finalist and CommRes student, Nia Angelica Fatima Tan, fashion is always changing and we shouldn’t follow what other people says or what’s on trend. She based her style to the music she usually listens to.

According to her, you have to create your own personality, “kailangan ilalabas mo talaga ang creativity mo kasi ang daling mawala dito sa crowd ng COC.”

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NOTE. To ensure the perfect blend of colors, mix each one out with a little water. Also, most paints are darker than what you think it would be, so mix a little white before applying it to your stuff.

(An urge to create art!) * White unused stuff (wash the surface with soapy water and dry them before use) * Fabric paint (the most essential tool in working your magic; the color of your choice) * Sponge (cut into small pieces) * Tape (use it in making your outline; optional) * Scissors * Water

OUTLINE * Choose a specific design that suits your taste. It can be printed out or you can use a tape to serve as an outline.

SPLASH OF COLORS

NOTE. The tape will also help in preventing little smudges on the edges

* Dip the sponge on your desired color before gently dabbing it around your shoes. * You can also try blending two shades to give it more dimensions. * Repeat this same step until you fill up the rest of the area.

LET IT DRY * Leave your shoes for a couple of hours to completely dry and they’re DONE! NOTE. Don’t let it sit for too long below the sun. It will ruin the color.

PRESENT IT fashionably!

You can wear it on a daily basis for school, and brag it to your friends. You can also do this with your pants, bags, wallets, shorts, and anything you wish for.

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How much the clothes are

A

s you walk your way to the building of College of Communication, you’ll observe a cornucopia of fashion statements the COCians have. Even if they work hard and play even harder, all while looking they are still at their best, because they are not only smart, but also aesthetic.

Take a look on how some COCians dress up, and walk around the campus with their chins up high even on their ‘acads hell week’.

Fashion Tip

NY & CO Turtle neck (White) - $ 49.94 “Be Unique. Don’t just imitate Denim pants - Php 150 others’ styles especially if it’s too popular, because obviously there are Where the clothes were thousands of people who will be wearing the same bought clothes as yours. Try to make it your own unique style Bangladesh to be remarkable.”

Quiapo Night market

How much the clothes are Balck colored Romper

PHOTOS EDGAR EVANGELISTA JR., FRANZ ROME ROBLES & AIDGIE BARROS

All of them are ranging from Php 100- Php 150

Where the clothes were

How much the clothes are

bought

Denim Jacket- Php 75 Turtle neck shirt- Php 40 Denim Pants- Php 40

Divisoria Tiangge Taytay Rizal Handpicked Collections

Fashion Tip “You can add some spice on it.

Try something new. Get some ideas. It’s not about the brand and price, it’s in you.”

Also, “Everybody is beautiful.

Fashion is just an additional art to express and more like a way to show our own beauty.

To let them see, who we are.”

Where the clothes were bought Ukay-Ukay Divisoria Shops at Recto Japan Home

How much the clothes are Pants - Php 20 Shirt (moss green) - Php 25

Fashion Tip Where the clothes were

Fashion Tip “You don’t need to buy expensive clothing to become confident, cheap but unique and fashionable are always the best.”

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bought Ukay-ukay Sta. Rosa, Laguna Overruns sale Surplus (SM) SMYTH Uniqlo

“Never be afraid to explore yourself, wag ka matakot pagtawanan kasi once mo lang naman isusuot yun, pati minsan ka lang magiging young do everything to its fullest.”

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scars

to your

Beautiful

BY JEZREL SANTILLAN, MAE HYACINTH LUDIVICO & EDGAR EVANGELISTA JR. PHOTOS EDGAR EVANGELISTA JR.

(COCians’ Acne Stories)

A

cne is one dreadful skin dilemma we’d rather not have. Though it’s more common among teens, it doesn’t mean older people are safe from this menace.

Older may still experience the occasional zit or worse – a breakout.

Claire, 18, first year broadcasting student, has super sensitive skin; she was born premature and she believes that it’s what’s causing her breakouts. She also noted that her father has also been prone to acne so it must be hereditary.

People who have pimples sometimes become the butt of the joke. Some are even bullied for their acne problems. For others, having pimples is often equated to being ugly.

Her breakouts started in high school. She often got teased. So much so that she had to speak out, though it just ended with her being teased even more. But despite the criticism, Claire stood her ground.

“Mas lalo nilang aatakihin ‘yung isang person kapag alam nilang mas weak ‘yung isang tao, ‘pag alam nilang strong ka malaki kasi ‘yung possibility na alam nila na sasagot ka, kaya mo silang harapin, so, mababalewala rin yung sinasabi nila sa’yo and ano naman kasing judgement na ‘yan.”

She learned to up her style and how to use make up to boost her confidence even more.

Mary Rose’ case was also often teased because of her pimples.

Most of the time, it’s just her friends poking fun at her blemishes,

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other hand, goes to a dermatologist for her skin care, while Mary Rose takes care of herself more and is eating healthy food.

“At the end of the day, ikaw lang ‘yung nakakaalam kung sino ka, ‘yun nga ‘di ka made-define kung ano man ‘yang nasa mukha mo, kung paano or ano yung hitsura mo. Any shape, any size, kung ano man ‘yung meron ka, you’ll not be defined by that.”

Just like what Claire said, do not let having pimples define you as a person. Be strong and know you are a unique individual.

Having acne and scars on your face doesn’t make you any less human or any less pretty. Let us learn to appreciate the beauty of having scars because beauty goes deeper on what is seen on the outside.

You don’t have to change a thing, the world—the society rather, should change its heart and how it defines beauty.

Sometimes, it’s the scars that make us beautiful. We are all imperfect in different ways and different levels—regardless of all of this, love yourself despite your imperfections.

This is scars to your beautiful.

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but she admitted it still hurts. She would sometimes wallow in self-pity and hide from people. She also believes that her pimple condition is hereditary because her mother confessed that she also had severe pimple breakouts in the past.

Whenever she goes to the lady’s room to put on lipstick, she feels a pang of insecurity whenever she sees other women and their beautiful skin. There would also be when she could barely look at herself in the mirror, prodding her to find sanctuary in closed cubicles and fix herself there, concealed from prying eyes.

In those times, she’d often wonder why does she need to hide? They’re all just doing the same thing. Despite her self-doubt, Mary Rose tries to be confident, believing in herself more and honing her skills as a way to deal with the nagging insecurities.

“Accept mo na lang kung ano ‘yung meron ka and just exude your skills. Patunayan mo na I’m talented, may kaya ‘kong gawin, so hindi naman puro lagi ‘yan sa mukha eh, yung ‘pleasing personality’ na laging sinasabi nila, mas talo pa rin ‘yun ng skills and ng talento ng isang tao.”

Things are quite different for John Lou, an 18-year old journalism student. He blames sleep deprivation for his acne woes. He’s also suffered from being labeled ugly because of his pimples, which is why he hopes to have a clear and smooth skin, someday. For now though, he’s not losing anymore sleep because of his pimples and has decided to be happy leaving his face alone.

“Kasi everyday naman merong magjajudge sa ating ibang tao. Nasa atin lang din kung paano natin tatanggapin ‘yung sasabihin nila. In my case, as in wala lang.

Wala po akong pake sa kanila,” John Lou shared.

Apart from sticking to his skin care routine, he’s now trying to avoid staying up late at night to prevent getting more pimples. Claire, on the

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GRAPHICS KYLE GABRIELLE URETA & SOFIA SUDARIO

Beauty in Distress

BY MARY FRANCHEL SOLITARIO GRAPHICS KYLE GABRIELLE URETA

Silence

BY KEVIN

Silence.

It is a music.

The rhythmic beats of our hearts.

Tulala

BY MARILETH ANTIOLA

The lullabies of the summer breeze.

The harmony of our eyes when they greet The hymn of our skin when they meet The sharps and flats of our smile and

Sleepless

BY MARIA LUNA

The soft melody of our love.

"Use make up not to cover up your flaws but to express yourself in a fun and artsy way!" said Jin Hail Catimbang, 20-year-old fourth year Broadcasting student.

J

in Hail started to feel insecure about her looks when she was 16 years old. It was that time when she started to turn to skin care products for help. As she got older, she also started to wear makeup, something she picked up from watching beauty tutorials. For her, wearing makeup doesn't always mean someone wants to glam up; sometimes, it’s just a matter of looking presentable. Now that Jin Hail learned how to embrace and love her imperfections, she feels more confident.

For some people, putting on makeup makes them feel more confident such as in the case of Jazthine Catahan Manaloto, a broadcasting student. For Jazthine, as long as it makes you feel comfortable and confident, applying makeup shouldn’t be an issue. Ever since Jazthine started using makeup, he noticed that there’s been a huge difference in his appearance. He finds skin care is important to keep himself looking young and clean.

Itong tulang ito ay sinulat ko habang naglalakbay,

It is a music Which only our selves can hear.

When wind doesn't want to whisper Crickets singing in sync

nakatanaw sa malayo at naalala ko kung paano

Clock tik and tok and tik and tok

tayo nagkalayo.

My mind is clouded by haunting memories Faces from years ago and faces I can see for the

Isa dalawa tatlo iynintindi ko.

coming tomorrow

Apat lima anim tiniis ko.

Waiting for that moonlight to shed

Pito walo siyam pinaglaban ko,

Pouring its beam to lighten my head

Ang pagmamahal ko para sayo mahal ko.

Waiting for the wind to whisper

Pero iniwan mo ako.

Here are the tips from COCians when it comes to skin care:

Nights like this, when stars hide

Sun rise will be sooner I pray someone will say---

Kapag naaalala ko ang pangalan mo,

Come close your eyes

Sumisikip ang puso ko.

Rest your heart, be at peace with my voice

Alam kong masaya ka na at hindi na ako ang

Waiting for the stars to show

dahilan mahal ko.

And tell me,

Alaala mo'y nagbabalik, ngunit alam ko na

"You're not alone in this dark, black sky"

tayo'y di na maibabalik.

Nasasaktan parin ako pero alam ko na para sa

Now, waiting for the cricket's songs to uplift

atin ito.

What's anchored in the depths of the ocean The heart that lost its warmth

Remove any traces of makeup when you are about to sleep.

It's the number one rule that you should follow for you to achieve healthy skin because letting the products stay in your face can clog pores and cause breakout.

You can use micellar water or any toner to get rid of makeup.

Wash your face with facial wash or any soap that suits your skin type.

Use facial scrub for at least three times a week to exfoliate dead skin, but don't do it everyday. Too much exfoliating can damage skin because of some harsh chemicals that may open your pores causing you to breakout.

After washing your face with facial wash, you can use toner to remove excess dirt from the make up.

Use facial moisturizer to keep your face hydrated.

Even if you have oily skin, you should put some moisturizer because it is very important for our skin. Many people tend to skip this part because they feel greasy but you shouldn't.

Sharp

BY KEN BETAIZAR

You are sharp— not in the way you speak, but in the way you think. Often times, you would stumble over your words, landing face flat on your unspoken thoughts, tangled in between knots of unstructured statements and unarticulated dialogues. And that's all right, for

The more you take care of your skin, the less makeup you have to put on and healthier your skin would be. Do all the things you can do to improve your skin, so that you can enjoy having a clear and healthy looking skin without using any makeup at all.

you are articulate in the mind. Not to mention, eloquent in the heart.

And I know, somehow, everyone is, just like I am, bound to fall somewhere between the way you are and the way you are not. And I know for a fact that you would never catch— because that's just the way you are. You have always been sharp, whereas I have always been not.

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LITERARY

Till Death Do Me Apart

BY CARMELA 'MISSERIE' MARTINEZ

(Hanahaki Disease – a disease where unrequited love causes the victim to cough out flowers and petals until they die.)

Her gaze shifted secretly to the man she liked, not love just ‘like’.

An infatuation that would soon turn into love given how often they spent their time together.

I saw this and I felt seeds treading on my throat, ready to be coughed out and have the world know my little secret. I’ve loved her from the moment she showed me how kind and brave she could be. The same traits that would make this man fall for her.

Who could not?

When she’s as bright as the sun?

Like Icarus drawn to the scorching sun, I flew near her I knew she would not look at me the same way but oh, how I liked to burn. Every touch is electricity, every look is a lightning bolt straight to my heart.

I am her best friend and no matter how much I crave her, I would never be more than that. So I retch seeds and small petals then put them on the cold soil of small potted plants in my lavender room.

I saw her get so much closer to him and I gave my utmost support. For if there was anything I want other than her love, it was her happiness.

I wanted to see her smile so much. It was painted with red tinted lip balms and it reminded me of the brightening sky when the sun rose. I felt the blossoming petals in my lungs bristle as I coughed in secret. I oddly recognized them as yellow chrysanthemums and pink camellias. I found it quite laughable that the flowers expressed my pain in their own language.

She must not know. I would never allow her to know about this but days have gone by and it’s getting harder and harder to focus on anything. I slowly grew paler. The doctor said the moment I coughed out flower heads, I would only have a few days to live. I was fine with that. I never thought I'd be one of those people to get this rare disease, it was not part of my thought out life-plan. I thought I'd get to live my life in loneliness but that was not possible anymore. It was not possible with her in my life. She gave the grey laced vision of mine a burst of colors. I could not get enough of her light.

Summers have passed, they are now officially together and I felt the flowers bloom. Each stem threading more and more tightly in my lungs. I never knew I could love this deeply nor would I have thought that I'd experience this much pain for a love that would not be returned. The more I saw her smiling brightly with him, the more the urge to cough flower heads became uncontrollable. It would've been easier if this did not plague me. It would have been easier to love her from a distance.

Maybe having this disease was meant for me to tell her how I felt but I would not be so selfish as to make her worry about my feelings that she would not be able to return. No amount of reassurance from the one I loved can stop this from killing me, the doctor said. It was too late for that. This will kill me and it will kill me swiftly.

They say once the flowers have withered in the lungs, the x-rays would look like a lung cancer at stage 4. I begged and paid the doctor not to tell my parents -especially her, about my real condition. I told the doctor to just tell them, I didn't want the treatment.

I spewed the first few flowers in waves. I could not come out of my room. I coughed out flowers every minute and it was so hard to breathe with the stems digging on my already bruised lungs.

Oh, she was worried. She tried contacting me and for the first time in a long time, I felt tired. I loved her so much. So much. The thought of her not loving me back is terrifying, but her being unhappy and miserable because of me would be the worst. I feared her misery more than her rejection.

So I'm going to be miserable and sad and dying rather than her. I've lost it somewhere.

I coughed flower heads in the bathroom.

Soon, I couldn’t even get up from my bed. My family was worried, the doctor did his job and honored my request.

I couldn’t remember how long I stayed in my bed.

‘It won’t be long now’ I thought to myself.

I closed my eyes and smiled.

---I treaded my fingers through her long brown hair.

It was cold, just like the rest of her body.

She was the only person who truly understood me for who I was, now she was gone.

She was my best friend, I was her best friend.

Her lavender bedroom was cleared out, her pictures were hung.

Her small, potted plants were moved to the living room.

Her body laid unmoving in her black coffin.

It was unfair, so unfair.

I cried in her wake, I cried on the shoulder of my boyfriend, I cried.

She was made to move, to be powerful, but why? They say it was a stage 4 lung cancer, they explained but I still couldn’t understand why.

I sat on the sofa in the living room, staring listlessly at the window. Her potted plants stood there with tiny little pods growing in them.

I held in a sob, she was here.

Huwag Kang Iibig

ng Manunulat

BY KRISTLE ANNE HILARIO GRAPHICS KYLE GRABRIELLE URETA

Huwag kang iibig ng manunulat, Dahil magaling silang magsinungaling.

Kaya ka niyang paikut-ikutin gamit ang matatamis niyang salita at napakahusay na retorika.

Hindi niya sasabihin kung mataba ka na, At kahit mabaho pa ang iyong paa.

Hindi niya papansinin ang nanunuyo mong muta, kundi ang mapupungay mong mata.

Kapag tinanong mo kung ayos lang ba siya sa gitna ng mga problema, ngingiti lang yan at tatango.

Dahil mas mahalaga sa kanya, ang nararamdaman mo.

Huwag kang iibig ng manunulat, dahil mabilis 'yang makalimot.

Makakalimutan niyan kung kailan ba kayo unang nagkita, ngunit hindi ang suot mo noong araw na yon sapagkat sa mga oras na iyon, ikaw ang sentro ng kanyang atensiyon.

Makakalimutan niyan ang ilan sa mga habilin mo, ngunit hindi ang paborito mong awitin at pagkain, maging ang mga kiliti mo sa katawan.

Saulo niya ang hitsura mo kapag masaya ka, naiiyak at nagbubugnot.

Minsan ang akala mong katapusan, ay simula pa lang sa kanya Kahit nga nasasaktan na yan dahil nakita ka niyang may kasamang iba, sasabihin lang niyan na masaya siya para sa inyo.

Manunulat yan. At pili niya ang mga salitang alam niyang magpapagaan ng pakiramdam mo.a Ngunit kung naghahanap ka ng magandang katangian ng isang manunulat, 'yon ay alam pa rin nila ang realidad sa kabila ng pinaikot-ikot na katotohanan.

Alam niya na kung sawa ka na sa pakikinig sa mga kwento niya.

Alam niya na rin na okey lang sa'yong makatulog ka ng mahimbing habang siya'y tumatangis.

Alam na niya kung hindi ka na sabik na makita siya tuwing umaga.

At alam niya kung hindi na siya ang gusto mong makasama sa pagtanda.

Maniwala ka, alam niya kahit hindi ka na magsalita.

Huwag kang iibig ng manunulat.

Bibitinin ka lang niya dahil...

Huwag kang iibig ng manunulat.

Hindi ka nila didiretsuhin.

Kapag nalulungkot siya, hindi ikaw ang unang niyang kakaharapin, kundi si Ginoong Lapis at Kwaderno at doon niya ikukuwento ang sama ng loob niya.

Lahat ng pait at sakit na dinanas ninyo sa relasyon ay nabahagi niya na sa dalawang iyon.

Lahat ng iyon. Bago pa man makarating sayo.

Pero wag kang mag-alala, sa lahat ng obra niya, nandoon ka.

Huwag kang iibig ng manunulat Napakarami nilang palabok Malilito ka lamang

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Mahimbing

BY MARIA LUNA

Ipahinga mo ang iyong mata Matapos na patuluin ang mga luha Ipahinga mo ang pusong pagod na sa kasisigaw Kahit walang nakakarinig Ipahinga mo ang iyong katawan Na buong sigla sa panlabas ngunit pagod na pagod na sa sakit Na nadarama ng puso na tumatagos sa buong katawan Mahal, ipahinga mo ang iyong puso Dito sa aking balikat ika'y sumandal Pilit kong bubuhatin ang bigat na iyong nararanasan Nandito ako, lahat ng hinagpis na kimkim Sa akin ay sabihin Ika'y aking papakinggan Sasamahan ka sa pagluha Sasamahan ka sa saya at kulitan Hayaan mong sa iyong pagpapahinga Sa aking balikat ay dalhin kita Sa isang malayang lugar Kung saan sakit ay 'di alintana Mga matang namumugto ay malaya na At ang iyong labi ay hindi na mapapagod sa pagngiti Mahal, ipahinga mo ang iyong puso dito sa aking puso.

LITERARY

Alamat ng

You told me The first time we'd met when my world was just composed of darkness and light In this place where everything was new to my sight That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Is boundless Limitless And endless That I am contained of beautiful fishes The main source of these aquatic species That represent as my body pieces And can bring people so much happiness.

Karagatan

BY RIZELLE VALENZUELA

You told me The first time we'd met Without you in your hands a fishnet Nor a hook of bait to covet That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Must be fed And shall be nurtured and nourished and supported So you sprinkled these pieces of bread That made me stronger Bolder And clever My waves got even bigger And higher And taller And scarier!

You told me The first time we'd met when my words were just composed of three And my world was just made up of thee That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Is more priceless than the precious pearls That could be found underneath my navel The greatest gift for someone like you whom had been single In your life for less than a year After the sign that I was on my way without any gear You were in fear Trying to adhere Yes in your life it was a sudden sheer.

You told me The first time we'd met In this land full of regrets Hatreds And desertions and abandonments That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Is a way different from a land And deserved to be loved Even if I was a living proof of your past painful drowning Air gasping Struggle in breathing Splash splash!

You told me The first time we'd met in this universe full of unknowns Where you had in your mind a vast number of questions That I am beautiful like a sea

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And a sea like me Was the one who brought you to the seaside of life When you tried to commit suicide to end your time So that day onwards you decided to give me anything you would have Even if it meant everything you had had The sun was setting The sun was dawning I kept on waving And growing And expanding And manipulating—things.

They reached for the big rocks on the beach They crossed the line that divided me and the land for years I had reached the trees The buildings The city And I could hear people calling me "A calamity, a calamity!"

You told me The first time we'd met somewhere in this circle of life Where we might not be able to define what is evil from divine That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Could turn the beauty of the setting and the dawn of the sun into more aesthetic scenery I have witnessed And yes I could I did The sun and even the moon are more captivating when they stay beside me So I have become greedier I wanted to own them I wanted to reach for them I wanted to become like them—no I wanted to become them!

You told me The first time we'd met in this point of memoir Where we might own anything but not everything That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Must be contented for being a sea For being a beautiful me Because I might create a catastrophe That could ruin all you had prepared for me I didn't listen to your plea I wanted this I wanted that I wanted everything my waves in that land and heaven couldn't touch So I’ve called for the thunders And lightnings And rains And bigger waves I was in fury This. Sea. Was. In. Fury!

You told me The first time we'd met in the middle of the float That I might also get lost the paddles of my own boat While sailing in the middle of my own water flow That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Is still beautiful Even if so harmful Dangerous, And perilous The rain was extremely heavy My waves were really in fury

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You told me The first time we'd met by pure serendipity In this world that most of the people believe in destiny That I am beautiful like a sea And a sea like me Can either sustain or devastate an entire city So eventually I said sorry Because I was that sea And you were that city That I'd left devastated Unattended Dilapidated Ignored the essence Of your presence And its sense Hence Melancholy reminds of your absence.

You told me The last time you saw me The last time you held my hand with that unconditional love in your eyes That I still am as beautiful as the sea And a sea like me Even though polluted Contaminated And tainted By the humans around me I once helped and fed You still looked on me with love And for the last time you saw me You told me "My child You were the main reason why I lived my life so inspired I am so sorry for I couldn't give you everything you desired So please take this pair of feet And feel the sand and its sun heat Walk gracefully through it And reach for your dreams I couldn't give Use those feet so you can now be freed From this sea that has been your cage made up of fluid I love you You are the most beautiful sea I have ever seen The most beautiful myth I will forever believe My child."

LITERARY

Hers and the Universe's

BY HA N NAH LOUISE PASC UA GRAPHIC S KY LE GAB R I E LLE U R E TA

Once upon a time, There was a girl staring at the moon Mesmerized by its beauty, she reached out her hand and tried to hold it On tiptoes she stood Then reached and reached and reached “boom!”

There was a sudden explosion And she felt warm But everything turned dark; No signs of light Embraced by the black felt up above She wept Tears started to flow until she was shocked by the cracking sound “crack…”

She was Due to fear she fell apart.

She tried to walk back home, guided by… light?

Caressing each crack and mount, There comes the light--from her.

Later did she realize that the moon she was staring at, Was herself hiding inside.

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