The Eagle Magazine PY 2021-2022 Issue 3 by The Eagle Publication

ABOUT THE COVER

It has been a year and a few months since the world has gone dim. With the ongoing pandemic caused by the virus that ravaged the streets and disrupted the usual lifestyle of many, a new normal was made. The implementation of the new normal caused the public to isolate themselves for protection and to halt the transmission of the virus. The new normal setup might be a heroic act, but it comes with a side effect. The side effect is loneliness. Being stuck inside your homes for months can cause boredom. We, humans, are social beings. We ought to be with one another. We get bored or go crazy when we are far from other people. According to Metro, 15 days days of isolation is enough to cause permanent psychological damage. But of course, as humans, we are capable of coping to such extreme measures. Maybe it goes back to our ancestors when they had nothing, so they used nature in order to create something to survive.

In a country where quality of content is compromised, a power within can spark the change.

Toxic and deceptive - but who would want a clear channel that gives you details too graphic, transparent, and real? The option to change the channel is always present - whether we subscribe to short-term pleasure that would gradually steer us off the real world or face virtual reality. It is tricky, but these channels are inescapably part of man. ARIENNE JOYCE AMODIA

However, some channels, no matter how you manipulate the angle of the antenna, cannot give you a reception. Forcibly shut, hiding all the colors, stories, and powerful desires that are meant for you to see. You will only hear the sound of static that cries for help and injustice - it is deafening.

A modern man subscribes to a plethora of channels - it is his mental escape. Imagine the synthetic preformed world and perfect men, a perception that is too good to be true. Like a plot of a teleserye - melodramatic but cliche - it leads to a happy ending. It is a virtual gateway from the gory realities of life.

The display of a modern man is a product of diverse subscriptions. It’s always a choice, but one wrong choice could narrow the channel.

The following pages are different channels curated with passion. It will give you an array of choices that will guide your subscriptions and will keep you company in the long run. Are you ready to take the remote? Navigate through these channels and subscribe - to the truth.

To our layout artists, thank you for being heads on with the task despite the minimal time given.

Living in a country that fosters ignorance and oppression, the signals present in the channels in the minds of the citizens are weak--glitchy scenery and choppy words echoing in the silence inside the homes of people hiding away from the virus. But the prolonging of the pandemic gave the channels a better signal as relaying of information became easy to access. As the pandemic extends, so thus our knowledge. We were able to hone our skills to make this publication a successful one. The graphics caught the attention of the masses. The arts were used as an instrument for a colorful information. Photos were used to narrate. The writers used their skills to voice out their concerns. Together, as a pub, we stood together amidst adversity and faced reality. The stories featured in this magazine are a glimpse of reality--of how a broken signal can rise up and changed into a better one that speaks truth. This magazine will serve as a proof that everyone can change--the way you perceive life can change. But that’s only half of it. It will always be your choice.

To our feature writers, thank you for narrating an interesting news to share to the masses.

To our photojournalists, thank you for telling us a story using pictures.

To our literary writers, thank you for sharing to us your colorful words and stories.

To our illustrators, thank you for sharing to us your creativity despite a decrease in your staff.

The Eagle would like to say thank you to everyone who anticipated our return. With shredded wings and barred voices, we were able to soar high with the help of each and everyone of you. We also would like to extend our gratitude to David Hinolan, who helped us become the best versions of ourselves by believing in us and giving us assurance that we are doing well. We also would like to thank the interviewees who gave us their time and hospitality to assist us in sharing their stories. This issue would not be successful without the help of each and everyone, especially the staffs.

To our column writers, thank you for sharing to us your honesty and opinion. To our news writers, thank you for being quick to give information on time.

a mere battle of fitness for physical strength, but the mental fortitude to sustain the journey all throughout, for the journey could become challenging as it would have curvy, rough, steep, inclined roads and even muddy roads.

Or on some days, It would be in the afternoon, at past Three O’ Clock when the sun begins its curve and not on its peak until early in the evening when the moon rises and gives moonlit to the world.

A part of the journey is meeting with friends--- friends who are already veterans. They already have gone to places farther and have experienced a lot from their rides and are already a long way ahead of us based on theirBikingexperiences.isnotjust

PANDEMIC P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 4 |Moving Forward|

Iused to believe that biking is nothing but a workout routine, a pastime. But this all changed when the pandemic came--- a time when everyone is drown into uncertainty, helplessness, and anxiety. Biking became my meditation, my stress-reliever. On most days, I wake up early in the morning just before the sun has greeted the world with its rays, where the cold breeze of the Ber-month’s air blew, where mists and morning dews were not yet vaporized by the sun’s heat.

The bicycle wheels rotation of life towards pandemic.

WORDS BY JOAQUIN ANGELO A. ALPAS PHOTOGRAPHED BY AZ RIVERA

At first, I would have not felt on how the road change for on my vision it was still flat, no signs of inclination or any indication that it was starting to get inclined, but it would be my legs telling me that there would be an inclination, we would the change on how I would pedal and that effort to keep me on balance, but my first impression was the fascination of how the land illusioned me of being flat but rather it was starting to get inclined. The landscape taught me that the farther you get the more difficult it would be.

“When we have not yet reached the halfway point of the ride and are still far from the destination that we are going, we should recognize our stops to take a break and rest to regain our strengths before finishing off the journey.”

Not all journeys would be the same. Regardless that we are in a pandemic we must balance everything for us to be moving forward for each ride can tell us a different story, but the value and bottom line is that we get to reach that destination that we want to, for we have to keep moving forward.

It always begins on a smooth ride for our start, at a constant pace. I was gaining my momentum because the road was flat and still, not a tough one yet. I was able to recognize my pacing on how I would sustain the strength for the long ride that day, until I recognized that we were beginning the climb, the first challenge.

On other days it was that of the trail, when it had rained last night, except that trail and that the journey would get a little bit muddy, and your colors would be brown at the end. When we have entered a trail that is muddy and dirty you must let go of all your worries and concerns, it teaches you solely to focus on what is in front of you. A mud is a great liar, it can look solid, but it can plunge you deep into it and make you lose your balance if you cannot maintain it, make you fall or injure you. Along the way we could meet other people who are also there on a break to rest, we could talk for a while with each other discussing how their trip has gone, exchanging stories and experiences of what the journey couldPartbe.of the trip would always be where we become appreciative of the scenery in the area that we would stop. It would be a part of the journey that we would stop giving us a chance to appreciate the surroundings that we have much more that we would enjoy the view of if we were with company. When we ride with friends we share the load with each other, we push the other when it needs to, no one must be left behind. We wait and rest, if necessary, but an unspoken rule is that to never leave somebody from the group, it is always us and others who would help us to move forward.

WORDS BY JOAQUIN ANGELO ALPAS ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELIKA ODANGO OMICRON

The virus did not only limit itself with its Alpha and Beta Variants, because as of January – May 2021 an additional two variants have been identified, the Gamma variant which was detected in Brazil and the Delta Variant which was identified in India. The vaccines that were authorized works and were proven to be effective in fending off the new variants of COVID-19, leaving those unvaccinated individuals in a much bigger demise.

But one thing was for sure. According to the WHO, “All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Most changes have little to no impact on the virus’ properties. However, some changes may affect the virus’ properties, such as how it easily spreads, the associated disease severity, or the performance of vaccines, therapeutic medicines, diagnostic tools, or other public health and social measures.”Astothe scientists’ fear, a new variant again appeared, Omicron. In which is a sleek and a wiser variant able to spread rapidly and evade the efficacy of vaccines.Theappearance of the Omicron Variant in November of 2021, which was first identified in South Africa, spread A past few years, a past more variants exist.

Almost two years have passed since the world succumbed to the Corona Virus Disease, also known as COVID-19. What could have been the merriest time of the year turned out to be the exact contrast when the Alpha variant was discovered in the United Kingdom in late December 2021, with the eventual detection of the Beta variant in South Africa. 2020 will remain as one of the darkest times of history. We hid behind our doors, locked down the cities, restrained movements, and prayed for a mantle of protection in order to not contract the virus. Moreover, medications to address the virus were one of the problems during those times as no potential vaccines were yet present, and as for preventive measures, masks and the controversial face-shields became a part of our daily OOTDs. In June of 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Virus Evolution Expert Working Group (VEWG) to specifically assess SARS-CoV-2 evolution, mutations, and variants. Good news arises when in December of 2020, when the authorized vaccines for COVID-19 were initially approved. The vaccines have been then proven to be safe and effective as it has strengthened the collective armor of our immune system

PANDEMIC P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 4

Adaptability seems to be the greatest capability of organisms - constantly changing, constantly evolving.

The end towards totally eradicating this global health crisis remains to be seen, but as time goes on, we have already adapted, moving forward towards those new channels that could not be hindered even by the unseen enemy, the virus itself.

Omicron variant is the fifth evolution or mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus that is causing COVID-19. If you get COVID at this time, there is a high chance that it could be caused by the Omicron variant. In the record of the Department of Health here in the Philippines, the amounting surge of COVID-19 patients indicated the community transmission of the new variant in the capital regions. Moreover, studies have shown that unvaccinated people are at five times greater risk of getting infected and 10 times greater risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19 than those who are fully Accordingvaccinated.toCarlos del Rio, an epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, the Omicron Variant is two to four times more contagious compared to its previous variant, the Delta Variant. As some of the things that changed in Omicron are more transmissible and better at evading existing antibodies which is why despite being fully vaccinated you might still experience some symptoms. The Omicron Variant is less severe in the way it would be attacking or would be exhibiting pneumonia-like symptoms and hyperactive immune systems, like the previous waves. Omicron appears unable to infect lung cells as efficiently, which in turn makes it less damaging and the symptoms are less severe. Yet, in the upper respiratory tract, that includes the nose and sinuses, Omicron seems to replicate more than a hundred times faster compared to the Delta. Moreover, Omicron appears to be like Cold with symptoms of congestion and scratchy throats. But to be complacent as it is less severe is not a good thing as it is still more dangerous compared to the previous variants. Studies have shown in the U.S that vaccine-induced immunity against the SARSCoV-2 coronavirus depletes in six to eight months. Which leads to essence of booster shots to restore the antibody levels at the peak values to provide that utmost protection for the Omicron Variants.

Current strategies and measures recommended by WHO that has identified since the start of the pandemic continue to work against virus variants. For now, the best way to fight off Omicron or any other variant is to get vaccinated, take booster-shot, masking properly, and observing physical distancing.

“All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Most changes have little to no impact on the virus’ properties.” rapidly, and was detected in many countries, indicating the rate of infection. In a day, 492 new cases in total of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected from the 714 samples that was sequenced by the Department of Health (DOH) last January 14.

The rise of the cases began in the middle of January and has continued to increase rapidly and that is expected to tone down in the middle of February. The addresses of the cases were in the National Capital Region, 227; Region 4-A (Calabarzon), 76; Central Luzon, 11; Central Visayas, 5; two cases each in Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Davao Region, Soccsksargen and the Cordillera Administrative Region, and one case each in Ilocos Region, Region 4-B (Mimaropa), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

POLITICS P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 Educate,discriminatedon’t WORDS BY SHANEN AIKA MARIE RODRIGAZO PHOTO MANIPULATION BY JUAN PAOLO AGAPITO PHOTO COURTESY PHILSTAR An article about voters` education. 12

Now, imagine yourself in a civil political conversation ending with pasasalamat and maraming akong natutunan, rather than bobo ka o mangmang. How would it be a whole lot different if you have responded the opposite?

Although it may be very frustrating to see voters support a candidate who lacks both credibility and competence, waging wars will only result in dysfunctional arguments. As Teodoro highlighted the significance of voter education, one must know how to educate without discriminating against theThrowingother. offensive words and insults to one another will do no good to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Instead, healthy discussion in political conversations leads to understanding not only about the candidates but also gives clearer information about the responsibilities and functions of the position they are runningMoreover,for. it is the responsibility of the voters to educate themselves every election season because voter education is “crucial to the present and future of this country.”

“Politics is divisive but with willingness withoutconsideropen-mindednessandtotheopposingviews,onecaneasilyengageinanhonestpoliticaldiscussionresultinginanyformofconflict.”

Imagine you’re standing under the scorching heat of the sun, waiting for your turn to pass the form you’ve filled out—ready to be a registered voter. And then, people behind you start to discuss whether they will cast their vote to the popular artists with no political background simply because they’re celebrities. How, as someone with enough knowledge will you respond to this? it may sound like one of your exam questions, but it is one of the unfortunate realities in the aspect of electing leaders. Many voters tend to choose a candidate without knowing its educational background, achievements, and track records as public and private officials. Oftentimes, a name easy to recall is most likely to be chosen by the“Voterpeople.education is the key that could unlock the gateway to good governance”, notable journalist Luis Teodoro said in one of his articles. A quote that is very much relevant and timely for the upcoming #Halalan this 2022 emphasizes the importance of education in selecting leaders suitable for public office. Since the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC), the internet has been filled with false information with the intent to glorify one’s own political candidate and degrade others resulting in the exchange of insults rather than facts-- making the flow of communication difficult for both sides. However, such a word as “bobotante” has been circulating throughout the net. It is all over different social media platforms; from facebook posts, to tweets, and even in the now popular application—Tiktok. It is a word referring to the people who support unqualified politicians such as those with questionable track records, and popular celebrities with no political experience. But one sociologist, Jayeel Cornelio, mentioned in an interview with CNN that calling them “bobotante” is “problematic”. Others refer it to people who “lack education” with minimal access to information—those with low-income status. The word for Cornelio, as he added, is not only derogatory but classist.

PoliticalBeyondColor

WORDS BY ALEXIS CARINGAL ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELIKA ODANGO

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

Here in the Philippines, a political ideology, movement, or party is always represented by a set of colors. The political color used by some political parties often aims to provide symbolism and the ability to communicate a message without the use of their extensive speeches.Withthe upcoming 2022 elections, the noise on social media may easily be misinterpreted as indications of a thriving political culture. There are several grounds to believe that our country is divided, and one of them is the categorization of the political color of a person. This is where labeling comes in. Since 2016, Philippine politics have been polarized into two groups: Dilawan and DDS. The Dilawan is associated with the Liberal party, most commonly used yellow as their political color. The DDS or Diehard Duterte Supporters signifies the color red, which encompasses the defenders of President Duterte and sometimes includes the influential family of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. DDS and Dilawan were usually present in online political arguments on almost every social media platform utilized by Filipinos. Both groups refer to traits in a selection that both parties label as negative. In other words, one group assigns diverse characteristics to the other that identify them as a member of the opposing group. These labels are disturbing because they conceal the richness of people’s current viewpoints. It’s easy to link with a political color that you believe respects your values. However, some individuals are becoming ignorant and judge a perspective based on political beliefs. When it comes to a person’s core beliefs, especially in politics, arrogance and pride have taken over both mind and subconscious. Most people do it, but it’s alarming to see it so widely

An article about political color labels and stereotypes.

POLITICS 14

practiced. It’s disturbing that we’ve reached this point of personality politics without considering the huge impacts for our whole However,country.wemust remember that political colors are really a means to an objective, namely, democratic national interest. Political colors have the ability to maintain the identities of politicians belonging to political parties. Since they are widely connected with a color or a symbol, they are easily recognized by the voting public. But we should also be aware that incompetence has no political color. Politicians hop from one party to the next without consideration for their platform, goal, or vision. The majority of them will always assume the color that fits best to their requirements at the moment. Their allegiance is to the cult of their personality, not to their political party. Good governance should never be affiliated with a political color. Democracy is far more beyond the political color. Our political debates should not confine to two poles. Peoples’ views of the government must include a lot of weighing, pondering, and negotiating. We need to create environments where these concerns may be expressed. Each of us has a responsibility to mold the election system, enhance the quality of political debate in our country, and raise the standard for candidate discussion. To discover the fundamental issues that must be discussed and solved, we need to reboot or reset our political culture of political color labeling.

“It is time for us Filipinos to stand together and fight for the nation. We go beyond political color in this election. It is never about the political party’s circumstances; it is always about the leadership’s ability to encourage change, growth, and, most crucially, good governance.”

WORDS BY MARY ABEGAIL D. PASTRANA ILLUSTRATION & GRAPHICS BY JUAN PAOLO AGAPITO

The Nitty-gritty of Electoral Aspirants

POLITICS P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

At the start of a new school year, one class cannot function without its class officers. The whispers among the chairs and the names written on the boards Hands are raised and counted as each name is called. The one who holds the most votes becomes the top of the chain, the President. The routine continues until the list is complete, each upholding an obligation and responsibility to keep the class in place. With elected power comes a great responsibility. Election season is finally here! Different slogans, colorful campaign posters, and even a melodious jingle, but are these enough to determine who amongst these people is the perfect candidate? Certainly not. This general election requires a whole lot of decision making, deliberating on who fits best. CANDIDATE SLEUTHING! It is important first to know what it is you really want in a government leader. It is all about what their stand is. Are they willing to fight and stand for the oppressed? Willing to be the voice of the masses in times of despair and prosperity.InPhilippine culture, individuals’ names who are eyeing a certain position will be plastered all over the media months before the filing of candidacy. This already can give you the idea on who is Things we need to know in choosing the right people to give the responsibility, role, and power.

FILIPINO ADVOCATES Having an idea on why these individuals run in the first place will give you the glimpse on how they will be as leaders. This includes how they advocate for the Filipino in the current pressing issues of the country. Addressing actions or simply crafting in flowery words to lure the people into putting their names in the ballot boxes. Showing their good Samaritan sides with or without publicity for the media will already give you the discernment if they have the Filipino people in mind or just purely for business and power. Knowing the extent of their service to the public will already hint at how wellversed they are in putting the people first before their own personal gains. A selfless leader will always push the people towards the goal of prosperity. REALISTIC THINKING Do not be tempted by what they put out in the media. See things from a bigger perspective. Keep an open mind no matter what they offer as words are easy to manipulate, but their actions after that can easily be missed if you do not keep an eye on them. Give them the benefit of the doubt but always root for candidates who can reap more benefits rather than conflicts.The government should always be a place of healthy discourse among its people. Let it be known that whoever you vote for will be your representative for a better government. It’s not about how convincing their slogans are but always look at their actions as it speaks volumes. Vote buying may be adamant now but remember that no amount of money would cover up the loopholes that need to be fixed in our political system right now.Like what the late senator Miriam DefensorSantiago once said, “leadership is the courage to take risks in defense of a position that is legal and moral. The politician who tries to become the wise guy by becoming friends with everybody - corrupt or not, is not a leader.” May all these guide you and help you keep your mind and conscience clear.

“With elected power comes a responsibilitygreat.”

adamant on getting the position, including their intentions. It is important to always do background checks on the said individuals but also make sure that the facts you are reading are valid. Be thorough in your sleuthing, Sherlock. Included in their family history, of which political dynasty do they belong? Knowing more about where they come from and their education will give you insights on how versed they are with politics, speaking well of how knowledgeable they are of PhilippineElectoralJurisprudence.aspirantsoften run either for power or for democracy. Election season often brings out several skeletons in the closet. Being apprised of their underlying issues will bring more clarity to your decision-making.

It is frustrating to feel all sweaty in your newly bought polo shirt. More so, running late because you’re stuck in a busy street of the city. Aside the heat are the honking cars, endless chatter, and congested space full of commuters—all resulting to a stressful transport. With these, established highways are important especially for the people of Negros Occidental.Theprovince known as the sugar bowl of the Philippines can offer more than its nickname. From the hospitality of hiligaynons, festive celebrations, and traditional flavors. Not only are the delicacies or the fun that most local and international tourists visit for, but the composing cities with “rich culture and historical backgrounds.” One of them lies on the northwestern part of the island. Whereas often they called, the home of smiling people – Bacolod City. Many travelers start from there moving to the northern and southern cities. But transport is not that easy, because just like any other cities in the country, traffic does not exempt the City of GoingSmiles.from south to north and vice versa takes longer than expected. During peak hours, Lacson Street where food shops, festival parties, and major gatherings take place is one of the busiest roads in the city. Vehicles are also

DEVCOMM P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

The Bypass Route

WORDS BY SHANEN AIKA MARIE RODRIGAZO ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLENE MAE CANJA With the Build, Build, Build Program of Duterte’s Administration, it initiated projects in the city.

“Highways are established not solely for vehicles, but for accessibility, comfort, and convenience of Negrosanons.” found congested in streets of Burgos Avenue and Gatuslao during mornings. Bacolod, although highly urbanized still needs to “further improve with infrastructures”. This has caught the attention of the national government. With the Build, Build, Build Program of Duterte’s Administration, it initiated projects in the city. Aiming to ease the flow of traffic, a 21.8-kilometer with 4-lane road, including 3 bridges and a 2-way bike lane project called Bacolod Economic Highway (BANOCEH) is still on-going construction. It will span Barangays Sum-ag, Cabug, Felisa, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Granada, Estefania, Mandalagan, and Bata and will be connected to Bacolod- Silay Airport Access Road. Serving as an alternate circumferential road bypassing the business central district, this project is believed to be a long-term solution to traffic problems. Engr. Jaime Javellana, head of the Negros Occidental First Engineering District in an interview with Negros Now Daily said, “it will help lessen traffic volume in coastal road for southern and northern Negros or vice versa.” After the completion of this project by 2022, travel time from southern and northern Negros going to Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road will be reduced from hours to 25 and 40 minutesHighwaysrespectively.areestablished not solely for vehicles, but for accessibility, comfort, and convenience of Negrosanons.

WORDS BY SHANEN AIKA MARIE RODRIGAZO ILLUSTRATION BY AMELIA FATIMA ALABAN MATTERSREPRESENTATION "Stigma stems anchoredmarginalizedrepresentationfactors.andmisconceptionsfromothersocialTherefore,ofthegroupinmassmediamustbeinthetruth." MENTAL HEALTH P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 What and how mainstream media portraits people with mental illness or disabilities. 20

Stigma stems from misconceptions and other social factors. Therefore, representation of the marginalized group in mass media must be anchored in the truth. Having the responsibility of educating ourselves about mental illness and stigmatization is also one of the most significant ways to fight the force of stigma that has been long embedded in society. Only then can we help them to be more open, more valued, more loved, and more included in the societal system where their holistic needs can be fully met.

In our current time, where mass media is utilized every hour of the day plays a huge role in reducing the stigma against people with mental illness. Films such as A Beautiful Mind, based on the biography of Slyvia Nasar, and books like All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven were known to depict mental health issues close to real life. With the accurate portrayal of the realities of living with mental illness, it can shed light on the general population in understanding what it really is. Dissemination of correct information to the public in the aspect of mental health can build a society filled with empathetic and compassionate individuals who know how to listen, accept, and empower those who are suffering.

Most psychological thrillers often label antagonists or preparators as “psycho” or “crazy,” whether they are or not suffering from mental illness. This kind of image has been long presented to the public, may it be a book, a film, or a radio drama that criminality is now deemed to be related to mental illness. Media portrayals are always exaggerated, if not, trivialized that it influences the perception of the general population towards psychiatric disorders, hence, increasing the neverending social stigma against people with mental illness.Mass media contributes to our expectations of mental illness in real life. Two researchers, Granello and Pauley, sought to determine the relationship between television habit and tolerance toward people of mental illness. They have found out that regular viewers tend to perceive mental illness more negatively than those who spend a short period of time watching television. But how does media influence our view of reality? Back in the 1960s, a man named George Gerbner introduced the Cultivation Theory, which hypothesized that individuals with long-term exposure to television tend to view reality with a television worldview. This is somehow a specific version of the Social Learning Theory proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizing that learning can also be achieved through observation, such as adapting what is shown in television to real life. These theories explain how mass media can shape our perception of mental illness. If we tend to see a person with mental illness as violent, murderous, and dangerous on television, it is more likely we will believe that they are what the media depicts them in real life. The misconceptions and overgeneralizations of various mental illnesses can significantly affect the person who suffers from mental illness. One of the common media portrayals is that all people diagnosed with schizophrenia experience hallucinations, when in fact, studies show that only 60%-80% are experiencing auditory hallucinations. Consequently, most films only depict the positive symptoms of schizophrenia which often include hallucinations, disorganized speech, agitation, and violent behaviors. However, negative symptoms are also usually experienced, such as lack of emotions, lack of pleasure, and trouble with speech. Another incorrect presentation in people with schizophrenia is that they are often portrayed as being possessed by some demonic spirit. These false equivocations can be highly damaging to the everyday life of people with actual mental disorders. This also leads to the incorrect perception that criminality is always linked to mental illness. Media usually portray those with mental illness have a higher chance to commit crimes because of their unpredictable violent behaviors. But in reality, they are more likely to be a victim of crime rather than be a perpetrator. These certain portrayals can mislead the general population in understanding the definition of various mental disorders, therefore, difficult to reduce the social stigma. Stigma contributes to the progression of mental disorders. Contrary to media depiction, most people with mental illness are still functional to work unless those who are clinically diagnosed to be severe. However, one of the major concerns until today is the stigma in the workplace. The 2019 report of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) stated that half of the workers were hesitating to address mental health issues for fear of getting fired. This is due to this reason why most of them are still struggling to disclose and seek support from their employers. Stigma follows by social rejection and discrimination, which restricts the persons with mental illness of resources and opportunities from accessing certain services, or worse, some of them experience public harassment and violence. These unfortunate effects caused by social stigma push them to delay treatment, self-isolate, feel hopeless, develop poor social relationships, and increase psychiatric symptoms.

“Let me tell you, depression is not beautiful; it is not something we adore, and not something one is thankful for.”

WORDS BY TRESHA NICOLE BARBOSA PHOTOGRAPHED BY AZ RIVERA

And no, depression is not a one-time feeling where people could just tell you to forget it, and the sickness is gone the next morning.

MENTAL HEALTH P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

Clear steel-grey clouds, oceans without shores, scattered scribbles on the floor, century-old cracks on the windowrelatively the portrait within the mind of someone with depression in a typical day of clear blue skies with sand as golden blanket awaiting for one to bathe, of beautiful notes penned on a glorious canvas with the perfectly reflected yellowish sunlight.

Depression can strike the girl who was provided with everything she needed in life the same way it does with people who tasted it the hard way. It is not restricted to the girl who returned half her weight but also the girl who can no longer fit in those skinny jeans.

Yet still, with all the things presumed, there are a few things we can consider as we can do something about it, we can do something about depression.

For Those Who See the Sun as Grey

Depression is not simply being sad. Even more, it is not tied with waves of emotions that you feel with someone you’ve lost, that’s grief. It is not even

(Disclaimer: This was written to educate people of Depression and not for diagnosis) confined with just losing the energy to move, that’s misinformation.Accordingto Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), depression may include the following symptoms: depressed mood evident in a person’s daily undertaking; loss of interest and pleasure in things you once loved; significant changes in weight; significant changes in sleep; psychomotor agitation or retardation; loss of energy or fatigue; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions; and recurrent thoughts of death.

And yes, depression may look like the person whose eyes reflect hopelessness, sadness, and emptiness behind that smile. The girl who stopped aiming for more; the mother who works tirelessly and no longer knows when to stop; the sister who finds comfort in not anymore brushing her hair; the brother who feels guilty of asking for your consideration; and you who no longer takes a shut-eye while feeling all of the foregoing.

Ways on how we can escape through the darkness that slightly swallowing the brightness of life.

START WITH BEING OPEN WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE Depression is real; it is not something you can repudiate after sleeping it off. According to Harvard Medical School, depression is more than just a brain chemical imbalance, but a coalescence of dysfunctional mood regulation, stress, medical problems, medicines, and even genetically-related factors. It is asserted that a considerable count of these forces work together to bring on depression. And while it may be possible that two persons may share common signs and symptoms, yet still, the problems underlying along with the suitable treatment plan may vary. Therefore, the next time you tell a person that his sickness is caused by oversensitiveness or lack of prayers, ask yourself if a dysfunctional kidney, liver, or heart is just a shortfall from faith. BE THE CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT THAT ALLOWS ONE TO HEAL One person may feel differently irrespective of how you personally feel about something. One thing that may not hurt you, can cost someone a great deal. Begin the first step on making the world a little better through understanding, empathy, and openness. Educate yourself of the things that may help you grow into a cognizant person. One of the most important keys in productive treatment for people with depression is to have people validating how people suffering with the disease feel. Choose to be the latter! REACH OUT WITH THE PROFESSIONALS

Depression is not a thing that you can diagnose someone or yourself with. Indeed, the Internet may allow one to learn about so many things about the disease, but still, professional help is made present for a reason, and that reason is for you to get proper treatment, avail the suitable medical prescriptions if needed, and help in the best way possible. Here are some of the hotlines you can contact if you know someone who may be in need of help: NCMH Crisis Hotline: 0917 899 8728 (USAP) (02) 989 8727 (USAP) The Natasha Gouldbourn Foundation: (02) 804-HOPE (4673) 0917 558 HOPE (4673) 2919 (Toll free number for all Globe and TM Subscribers)

Don’t suffer alone and do not let others feel like they have to battle it on their own. May you keep it like an oath more than a promise: to understand, to validate feelings, and to be there for the people you treasure because you cannot see depression, it is well kept. You cannot touch depression, it is felt. And depression does not have a single face; it can look like a smile, a frown, and even blank expression. As depression looks like a grey sky in a perfectly blue yonder. 23

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You say as you feel yourself overclouded by anxiety as you gaze upon the piles of heavy workloads assigned to you by your professors. “Padayon!” You repeat as you feel yourself dozing off from the tedious, lengthy lectures by your professor, cursing at the cup of caffeine in your hand which seemed to have no effect. “Padayon! Just a few more years and I will be free.” You repeat as you continuously overwork yourself. Being in college is both a fun and rewarding time in your life. You get to be in situations you’ve never experienced before, and you get to meet various personalities that you’ve never encountered in your life. It’s also a period in your life where you get to be reborn–you may have thought that you are not capable of doing such things, but life itself is a mystery, and in college, you get to unlock those skills and potentials you never knew you had. College is also a time in your life where you get to choose the path you want to take. You get to choose "Being in college is both a fun andtimerewardinginyourlife."

the future you want, and the future you will be in. It’s a very difficult period as your actions in this stage will determine your future. Unlike high school, college requires heavy studying as the subjects you’re taking are focused on the field you will be in the future. In college, there are projects with deadlines to be met, heavy studying to be done, as well as extracurricular activities. Top it off with family commitments and a social life, sacrificing rest might be the only way to make ends meet. Every college student needs an average of 7-9 hours of sleep in order to function properly. Lack of sleep or too much sleep can cause unfavorable health conditions in the long run. As college students, lack of sleep is the mantra. With tons of unfinished projects, losing sleep might be the only way to catch up with the deadlines, as well as study for quizzes and tests for the following day. Though losing sleep can benefit us in our academic requirements, it’s detrimental to our health as it can cause serious problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and heart failure. It can also affect our mental health, causing depression and Alzheimer's disease. Losing sleep is not the only thing college students do. In order to catch up with the lack of sleep they had just to pass requirements, they tend to oversleep. According to Hopkin’s Medicine, sleeping too much, or oversleeping is linked to numerous chronic diseases, and can cause irritability and sluggishness during the day. However, sleeping is just another form of resting. There are numerous ways to rest, and sleeping is just one of them. As stated by Dictionary.com, to rest is to cease any form of movement in order to relax and refresh oneself. Resting is not just vital for our physical being, it also has advantages to our mental health. Having adequate rest can improve our mood, increase concentration as well as memory retention. what are the importances and types of rest.

The Importance of Rest

Pdayon!"

MENTAL HEALTH P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 An article about

Spiritual rest just doesn’t limit itself to religion, it can also mean connecting in a community filled with people who can understand you. It can also mean participating in activities which have a sense of purpose. For religious people, connecting to God and offering themselves in church is a way to rest themselves spiritually. Just like what St. Augustine said, “Our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

Lacking in physical rest can lead to lack of energy, feeling of lethargy, a weakened immune system as well as difficulty of falling asleep. In college, we tend to sacrifice our physical rest in order to finish our academic requirements–and that is wrong. As stated above, an average of 7-9 sleep is needed by college students in order to function properly.

Spiritual rest

Social rest

This may seem unusual than your other types of rest, but our senses also need a break. Being in college, we tend to overuse our senses. We strain our eyes by continuously looking at our computer screens, we use our ears to listen to our professor’s lectures, and we burn our tongues drinking coffee just to stay awake. Our senses are overused, and are in need of resting. You might say, “How can I rest my senses? I literally need to use them.” Well, resting your senses doesn’t necessarily mean to shut it off completely. Sometimes, we just need a break from the usual. Straining your eyes to look at your computer screen? Try going outside and gaze upon the scenery of nature. Overusing your ears to note down keywords from lessons? Try to take a break for 15 minutes, or less and just allow your ear to absorb meaningless sounds. Creative rest

Just like other types of rest, we need to rest our creativity and thinking in order to produce quality work. In writing, we need to rest as well. Pressuring yourself to meet deadlines in writing can cause anxiety and a writer's block. Just like in drawing, artists also need to take a break. Boy, a graphic artist stated that taking a break can increase your creativity and can boost your concentration. Now that we’ve tackled the 7 types of rest, we can now correlate them in our life as college students. Even though we are college students, we don’t need to sacrifice our health just to pass, sometimes, we just need good time management to keep us on track. A planner helps as you can scribble tasks you need to do. And lastly, we need to rest. Sacrificing rest might seem like the only way to make ends meet, but resting can make you feel refreshed, making you produce quality works as well as increase your concentration and memory retention. Put yourself first and rest, and you will see the difference 25

According to an article published by Dr. Monica Johnson, a psychologist residing in Manhattan, she stated that there are 7 types of rest, namely: Physical rest This type of rest has two forms, the active and the passive. Active physical rest includes stretching, yoga, and breathing exercises. Meanwhile passive physical rest includes sleeping and napping.

Mental rest Being a college student, we use our minds too much to the point where we overwork it. We cram our studies, hoping it will stick with us and give us our desired score, but too much of something can lead to a disaster. Overusing our mind can lead to mental fatigue, which is noticeable by signs of irritability, decreased frustration tolerance, as well as the feeling of having a mental fog. A way to rest our mind is to have good time management. Being in college, we are overloaded with tasks, but having good time management and a planner to keep us on track can really help alleviate stress

Emotional rest

Being in college can make you experience an array of different emotions such as the feeling of sadness after failing a quiz, the anxiety of missing one class, and the paranoia of feeling like you are behind. Just like our physical and mental state, we also need to rest our emotions. First step to achieving emotional rest is emotional awareness. Are you in a negative environment? Are you surrounded by people who complain too much about literally everything? If you are, establish boundaries as people like these tend to drain their surroundings. Your feelings are valid, so that is why you need to keep it safe.

Sensory rest

This type of rest is broad as there are different types of people–introverts, ambiverts, and extroverts. For introverted people, social rest is to isolate themselves from people in order to rest. For ambiverted people, they both need to isolate and connect with people as they are driven by both. For extroverted people, they prefer to be surrounded by people in order to connect with them. In college, you will meet different types of people, which is why it is vital to surround yourself with people who will root for your success, not people who will pull you down with them.

“It is so fulfilling for my part, especially at this time of health crisis, that despite the strains and overwhelming situations, at the end of the day, knowing there is a lot of responsibility and oath for the service and care as a nurse, I’m just happy doing my job.”

Tales of Fortitude: OUR HEROES AT THE FOREFRONT P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 Capeless heroes ready for their duties. 27

“This pandemic brought a lot of highs and lows with regards to my profession.” He said. There are times when people test his capabilities in his peopleprofession,whodo not believe in the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines and those who do not think this disease exists. “Some people in the locality tend to think that medical professionals are just taking advantage of the finances of the government during this pandemic, which is not true. What I did was present the reality of the situation to encourage people to get vaccinated, much like telling the truth to people that the increasing mortality rate and cases brought on by COVID-19 are among those who refused to have themselves vaccinated,” he said. He highlighted his words of hope to continue and stay strong despite life’s challenges.

The experiences of Mark working in the front lines have been filled with challenges and worry. "Being a healthcare worker is not a walk-in-the-park job. It is a noble profession, but we are prone to dilemmas that challenge our ability, patience, and understanding."

In these times of fear and uncertainty, people tend to think of a superhero fighting against dreadful enemies, whilst such superheroes rule the world of fiction. The pandemic brought by COVID-19 reminded us that they exist. However, they are capeless heroes with the semblance of scrubs, uniforms, or just casual attire.These modern-day heroes spend countless days and nights protecting lives from the disease. However, superheroes rest at dawn after the battle with the villains. In contrast, our frontliners remain on the battlefield, passionately risking their own lives without closing their eyes to defend our rights, serve the multitude, and keep our society apprised, safe, and healthy. With these true heroes persistent service and commitment, they all deserve a raise of gratitude and honor.The story begins with Mark. Jason T. Villagomesa is a healthcare worker. He had been passionately dreaming of the profession of becoming a nurse since fourth grade, and now he pursued and stood firm in his career and service. He was a Batch 2013 graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. He is currently working at the City Health Office of the Local Government Unit of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental as a Vaccinator and a Public Health Nurse. He is also a quarantine facility staff ato moderate cases. His days often start with him preparing at home and ensuring everything is in the right place before taking off to work. On weekdays, Mark rides his scooter from his house in the city to the vaccination site for 8-hour day duty, and sometimes it exceeds 10 hours from 9 AM until 6 PM.

WORDS BY KYLE VINCENT P. PULA ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLENE MAE CANJA

“Padayon. Rest now, but done never quit.”

The COVID-19 situation in the Philippines is said to have had the most prolonged lockdown worldwide, remains distressing to our frontline workers, puts them under enormous pressure, and jeopardizes their overall well-being. Their time and total effort are their expenses to promote people’s health.

Mark expressed He reminds himself that as a nurse, it is in his job description to make a difference to people and to remain resilient, but he knows the unseen enemy is always around the corner. In what almost seems like a routine, his duty leads him from the atmosphere of a regular health center to the contagious warfare of the quarantine facilities and vaccination sites.

I cannot overlook how challenging the year 2020 and the current year have been for the country. On this course, its magnitude brought turmoil to the government, the people, and the healthcare system. The availability of resources and finances has been a significant challenge for both the public and private sectors in healthcare.

HEALTHCARE

The pandemic brought by COVID-19 is one of the most challenging humanitarian crises the country has faced. Fortunately, we are still striving and moving forward. Thanks to our modern-day heroes who are not hesitant to take the risk and put their lives in jeopardy for everyone. Nurse Mark’s fortitude and resilience, as well as that of our frontliners, keep our country sailing; they deserve better and honor after all of their strains and hard work as they put themselves at the forefront to help combat this pandemic.

Long hours, no breaks, sleep deprivation, and carrying the responsibility of another person's life behind your back are just a glimpse of what our frontliners are experiencing during this pandemic. Although the majority of the world was put on pause last year, and the "Great Lockdown" transpired, it did not apply to all of us. For the world's health workers who were vital to the core functions of the society, were still going around saving people's lives, placing themselves at risk even death. But who exactly are they? Do they even receive equal recognition and praise for their hard work and dedication in keeping the society afloat in the face of this generation's biggest adversity?

Prior to the pandemic, the world had not been fair in honoring frontline workers for their service in providing the basic needs of human health.

Frontliners life, sacrifices, and battle through the midst of pandemic.

The frontliners are the backbone of our healthcare system, and the pandemic has required their extraordinary resilience to save lives. We frequently hear the phrase “unsung heroes of the pandemic,” but somehow they receive less acknowledgement for their role in saving lives.

Grace Under Pressure: THE ROLE OF THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

HEALTHCARE WORDS BY DANIKA THERESE IGMA PHOTOGRAPHED BY FUJI JALANDO-ON & TRISHA PAULINE ADVINCULA

“Being a nurse during the pandemic is extremely difficult; we are constantly disadvantaged and underappreciated by people who are unaware of how difficult our work is because we are dealing with lives, and dealing with lives is never easy. We are saddened by the loss of many people, and we assume we have failed in our duty as a frontliner”, Denise adds.

“The most difficult challenge may be being a mother of a two-year-old while working as a frontliner. I’m always trying to figure out how to balance my time between work and family” says Denise Gallardo, a nurse working as a vaccinator in Bacolod City.

“It encourages me to keep going because I know we are getting closer to eradicating this virus, and seeing healthcare facilities receive less cases makes us happy because we know we are winning the world's biggest fight, and we are a part of it”, a hopeful regard of Denise for the frontliners. The greatest role in this pandemic belongs to those who face the enemy head-on, just like what a hero would do.

And as the world descended into a global Covid-19 crisis, the frontliners were pushed to their limits including under pressure to provide care for patients infected with the virus. Living with the virus that afflicted us for nearly two years have caused the world to adapt quite a bit. We learned how to defend ourselves from contracting this disease, and we also devised methods to return to running the world as it was before, which we referred to as the "new normal." But how do we suppose we'll get to a certain stage in our life, with an unseen enemy lurking nearby, ready to eliminate us one by one? The virus was examined and counteracted thanks to the relentless efforts of our frontliners. The medical workers' steadfastness and desire for protecting human lives brought us here, continuously surviving and fighting the war against the greatest threat that this generation will ever face. “I am a nurse vaccinator, and we are administering covid vaccine to people. I regard myself as very relevant during this pandemic since we are one of the ways to help achieve herd immunity, which will allow us to return to normalcy in the future”, Denise proudly says when asked about her role in this pandemic. Going to work during the pandemic has put frontline workers under tremendous and unprecedented pressure, compromising their physical, emotional, and social well-being. While the frontliners care for not just themselves but also the sick, it is also our job to keep what they are trying to save, our lives, safe. We are all connected, and we are all responsible for one another. We owe it to the people who risk their lives every day for us, therefore we should do everything we can to follow protocols and reduce the spread. The way out of this global crisis will be arduous, but there will be an end; and we can thank our frontliners for that.

The new normal of having a selling goods and services. P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 and college students, who once again proves that generation z is not “generation lazy.”

Some Augustinians from Colegio San Agustin- Bacolod have even opened their small businesses online. A few of them include the owners of PLRD By Tinalei and WhatMariaWears Bacolod, whose motivation to start their online businesses is to stay productive and generate profit despite being college students. When asked about the status of their business, both consider them to be successful. Despite the fact that they just started during the epidemic, they are grateful for the outpouring of support. What is also inspiring is that they can balance their time between their school work and the business that they manage.

Merchants

You may have seen the numerous flooded posts of individuals selling stuff in the social media groups you're in, or in their personal Facebook stories, where they present different products and encourage viewers to comment, "mine." These actions only serve to demonstrate the growing number of online merchants as well as the growing number of online buyers. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, over 73,000 online businesses have registered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, according to a Rakuten Insight survey, 41% of respondents said they had made more online purchases as a result of the epidemic. From plants, Day

"This shows that Filipinos have definitely exercised resiliency and the ability to adapt in the changing times, and this pandemic did not hinder them from continuing on doing their livelihood."

Modern

WORDS BY SHANNON MARIE R. LIBO-ON PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARY EDEN ORDANEL SOCIETY

GRAPHICS BY KYLE VINCENT P. PULA risks. In a 2021 survey, 56% of a total of 20,000 consumers from 12 global markets chose to buy what they need online because they can shop at any time of the day. Convenience is the primary reason why people prefer to purchase online nowadays. This may also be one of the factors why the population of online sellers has rapidly increased. If you’re one of the people who frequently come across these vendors, you can help them out by buying from them or sharing their posts. You may also leave a remark to encourage them to keep engaging because when you support a small company, you are also supporting a dream.

In relation to this, online and traditional selling still had their differences. As for online selling, the convenience of buying things with just a single click is one of its advantages. You can also utilize free shipping vouchers from online stores and have the products directly sent to your loved ones if you areplanning to send them gifts for special occasions. This made itmuch easier for them to communicate with their customers and suppliers. On the other side of the coin, there is always the risk of being conned by phony purchasers or sellers when selling and buying online.Traditional selling gives the sellers and businesses the chance to showcase what their product looks like in person. It also gives the customer the chance to check the material, and the actual design of the product. They also do not have to wait for days before they can get the things they bought. On the other hand, its disadvantages include increased COVID-19 risk due to prolonged close contact with individuals. Spending so much money on transportation fees just to find the most affordable one can also be a disadvantage on traditional selling.

The island of Negros is primarily recognized for producing the majority of the country's sugar and organic products. Negros is likewise renowned as Creating and sustaining a greener future in our business society.

ENVIRONMENT

The Role of Community Supported Agro-Food Hubs in Developing Sustainability in Negros Occidental

among the Philippines' finest culinary destinations due to its remarkable cuisine, They have become one of the commonplaces for the Negrenses, with new ones growing at every opportunity. which is noted for mouthwatering pastries and sweets such as the well-known Piaya and Napoleones, as well as a variety of other specialties.Foodhubs are also working hard in Negros to help local farmers increase crop production. They all aim to integrate food producers and consumers into local and regional food systems. They serve as effective intermediaries to institutional buyers, which then assist farmers in gaining access to larger markets so that they can concentrate on farming.

With humus on their hands and exhaustionshown on their faces, farmers are often looked down on in the Philippines. The people who are able to feed millions through their harvest are the ones who often end up in poverty.Restaurants and cafés have been rampant over the past few years, which has assisted the growing economies of places in the Philippines. Negrenses, or Negrosanons, in particular, love dining out with families and friends to spend some time together; more so, on special occasions. This circumstance has led to the expansion of globalization as it has generated more jobs in highly industrialized areas, but it has also caused the increasing financial loss of many Filipino farmers due to international trade. As a result, they would have to sell their crops at a lower price on the market to attract customers, considering that they have competitors with big names. Even before the pandemic, agriculture in the Philippines has decreased for certain reasons, such as lack of provision, weak agrarian reform, and calamities like floods. The Philippines must invest in encouraging equitable advancement and developing more sustainable agribusiness sectors that are robust to natural disasters and can efficiently adapt to the effects of climate change. Its primary purpose is to strengthen the farming industry to achieve food security, elevate rural communities, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

Several of the food hubs in Negros Occidental are Fresh Start, Farmer’s Market Food Hub, Coffee Culture Roastery, and Balai All-Day Breakfast. Fresh produce has become increasingly influential, notably when the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the 2020 Diet Decisions Survey released by HERBALIFE Nutrition, Filipinos are growing increasingly conscious of their own well-being, including maintaining a healthy diet by becoming progressively adaptable to organic and vegan choices amid the new normal. The aforementioned food hubs have been attracting customers through social media. Most recently, Fresh Start utilized its “consumer electronics industry,” which is stocked with fresh vegetables and transported throughout Negros Occidental. They are also able to distribute food through farm owners’ markets through community-supported agriculture.

WORDS BY CYLAH ANGELA M. ALEGRE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JESSIE JAMES PEREZ

"Sustainability enhances the overall quality of life while also conserving the ecosystem and natural resources for future generations."

On the other hand, Coffee Culture Roastery, located in Alijis, Bacolod City, is widely recognized by locals because of its good quality artisan and international blends. The owner, Thomas Sproten, monitors the color and aroma of the coffee beans himself at various stages of production while using a machine that schedules the roasting. Moreover, he and his colleagues buy their ground coffee directly from farmers in the Philippines. They travel throughout the country's mountainous regions, like Mt. Matutum and South Cotabato City, visiting coffee estates and inspecting the fields' surroundings. Most importantly, they establish rapport with organic suppliers and pay them fairly for their products. We will squander the resources, serenity, and variety that the environment currently provides if we do not meet its needs. Developing sustainability through food hubs reduces the carbon footprint by reverting to organic, chemical-free agriculture practices, which then leads to the prevention of soil erosion. Gradually, the hope that people would trend towards the food hub concept with respect to local food and the quality it brings is more likely to progress given that we are now moving into a more inclusive and digital era.

A Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) system allows individuals to participate in farming initiatives by pre-paying for a portion of the produce. Thus, the farmers grow specifically for this market, with members sharing in the risk of farming. Its foremost concern is to encourage individuals to become more than consumers, wherein they associate with the stake that farmers carry on behalf of agricultural production, as explained by Charlene Tan, the Chief Executive Officer of Good Food Community (GFC), which is a social enterprise that integrates consumers and farmers.Inthe case of Fresh Start, they develop sustainable food sources through fostering diversification and fixating on preserving and optimizing chemical-free, rich, and fertile soils. Farmers supplement the land and boost organic matter with locally sourced nutrient solutions such as green manure and indigenous beneficial microorganisms. They sell potted plants on their website, "Fresh Start Organic," and they also have an established café in SM North and Robinsons Place in Bacolod City where people can dine and purchase locally grown products. Some of which are their best-selling artisan Piaya made of Muscovado sugar, packed coffee beans, and organic rice. Similarly, Balai All-Day Breakfast located in Kabankalan City, and Farmer’s Market Food Hub in Bacolod City serve fresh and natural food that is also sourced from local farmers.

ENVIRONMENT NEVER TOO LATE

They have interacted with a range of humanitarian organizations like AKBAY Philippines and Negros Care, as well as several enterprises to source seedlings and locate planting areas. On August 30, 2021, a total of 3,060 saplings and seedlings in Bacolod and Bago City have already been planted. Through the help of PeacePond Farm, Eco-Folk played a key role in the Blastik Project by means of donating plastic materials. They have specifically aimed for a total of 50 kilograms of plastic waste. Empty and properly sanitized plastic bottles were obtained from different households and were then taken to Binalbagan City for upcycling. Plastic waste is turned into Kupinkupin (folding) plastic label wallets, furniture, flooring materials, and more. PeacePond then sells their upcycled products to support their farmers or to be used for future prospects.

WORDS BY CYLAH ANGELA M. ALEGRE PHOTO COURTESY OF ECOFOLK On calm afternoons, most of us have always appreciated the way the breeze seeps into our skin. The tranquil skies, with their vivid splashes of peach and mauve, often seem surreal. The term "breathtaking," somehow cannot entirely justify what nature has to give; nonetheless, the other side of the world has also been unveiled in a fleeting instant. We have plundered our home, leaving ransacked rubbish in oceans and trees depleted for greedy motives. The question is, how can we be able to address the green crisis?Itwas not an easy journey for the Eco-Folk Youth Organization in Bacolod City. The process is always challenging, as it is with whatever we do. For them, they must recognize the need for a healthy ecosystem in order for the earth to continue to create resources. That is when they are able to promote the use of sustainable livelihood and the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions. With 93 official members and 132 volunteers, they have already implemented several projects.Inkeeping with their reforestation agenda, Eco-Folk deployed project #TREEHundred, a tree and mangrove planting program aimed at planting three hundred trees across the city. Eco folk's Project TREEHundred "I want my visions turned into collective action. I want nature to thrive again, erasing the great possibility of extinction…I believe it is time for our generation to take charge of the crumbs left by predecessors."our–Ditching,D.

A never ending battle for our beloved Mother Earth. P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

In collaboration with Bascon Café & Restaurant in Bacolod City, Eco-Folk successfully completed their recent project called “Buy a Meal, Plant a Tree,” which aimed not only at reforestation but also at supporting children who were subjected to abuse and neglect at the Bacolod Boys’ Home. Moreover, donors were given the opportunity to win a planted tree that would be named after them. The organization has raised a total amount of P25, 288.00 with the help of former partners. The aforementioned home for abandoned children obtained the overall proceeds.

– Andrade, C. 39

"The earth is entering an era of environmental desolation because of the many human activities contributing to its degradation.

One of their members has also stated that through the integration of a collaborative effort, the Bacolodnon youth have an influence with reducing the carbon footprint and that their voices are being heard. Through social media, they are able to garner donations and various partnerships, which in turn aid in future projects being implemented. Their timely reminders posted on their Facebook page continue to educate people of all ages.

Many people are neglecting their responsibilities as citizens of the world, and that capitalists have been taking advantage ever since."

When asked why they joined the organization, one of their members has replied that capitalism has become rampant with the advantaged sectors having little regard to the repercussions. With this, the organization as a whole aims to demonstrate to young people how to become intuitive, proactive, and empowered when it comes to environmental awareness and involvement.

A boys' home foundation fundraising drive

Buy a Meal. Plant a tree

Just as Jose Rizal, a Philippine Hero, has said, "the youth is the hope of the nation," Eco-Folk believes in their ability to provide "a driver of change for the better future of the environment," as told by Eyak, M., one of their members. As vital members of the global community, may each individual act on what they believe to be true, as based on the common adage that states, "practice what you preach." In the same manner, it would be wise to heed a bit of advice that says, "regret happens when the damage has been done." Figuratively, change comes from within, and only you can decide whether to take action now or suffer the consequences sooner. One’s measures or approaches generate an influence on the environment, no matter how small they may be. Reading reliable information from different sources and applying the basic rule of five R’s (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurpose) can already be a benevolent step. What it means to be an eco-folk is having the courage and spirit to do so, even on days when you feel like giving up or when others mock you for it. After all, by being determined on our cause, we embody a role model who can also create an impact on how others perceive the world. If all else fails, then it is never too late to get connected with nature itself. Maybe by then, you will realize how the breathtaking seas and bewitching sun rays on calm afternoons can also become potentially dangerous to mankind.

WORDS BY THERESE MARIE BENARES PHOTOGRAPHED BY TRISHA PAULINE ADVINCULA

The aftermath. The typhoon which rendered heavy rains and gushing wind left a devastating aftermath to the state of the country. It took days and weeks for the electricity to recover due to the damage of the transformers plummeting considering the typhoon reaching Category 5, with the speed of 150 km per hour. People were also complaining about the wifi and signal being inconsistent ever since the typhoon occurred, which made it hard to communicate with family and friends, nor see updates about their state and condition.

Nature`s Cry Mother Nature`s revenge and cry for help. December 16.

It was the afternoon on the 16th of December and you were determined to end the semester as your eyes were straining from looking at the microscopic words written in your NEO LMS. Though you are tired from thinking, you are ecstatic to finish the remaining items on your exams as you had plans to hang out with your friends. While the questions are coming to an end, your excitement intensifies with every passing minute.

You also heard the news about the typhoon called Odette, but that was far from your concern as you thought it would just be a feeble typhoon that would cause minor damage. As you were on the last item of your exam, the sudden gush of the wind exacerbates. You smiled as you were free from the heat of the sun and welcomed the chilly air in your room. As you selected the word finish, you were notified of a message from your teacher. DearExamsstudents,today and tomorrow will be canceled until further notice. Please keep safe from the typhoon. Upon receiving the message sent to you by your teacher, you breathed out a sigh of relief as you are finally nearing the end of your finals. With that thought in mind, you feel overjoyed with the thought of freely going out without worrying about your backlogs. You even imagined going out to eat samgyupsal with your friends. Such positive, and uplifting imaginations, aren’t they? But with expectations, comes disappointment. As the evening of the 16th of December started to set in, the chilly gush of the wind knocked those excitement and expectations out of the windows. The air was so strong that even the trees started to dance. With every passing second, your fear intensified. You want to see updates about the current situation, and how your friends were doing but you can't log in to your computer because the electricity was cut off, and the signal was unstable. The typhoon that you thought would cause minimal damage, wasn’t so feeble after all.

Though weeks before the masses were warned about a typhoon entering the country, people weren’t prepared to evacuate themselves and their belongings due to the unpredictable speed of the typhoon. Munich Re, a Global Reinsurer considered the Super Typhoon Odette as the second deadliest natural disaster, coming right after the Haiti Earthquake.

ENVIRONMENT P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 40

In the report produced by the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), an estimated cost of P28.676 billion of damage was dealt to agriculture and infrastructure. According to an article published by Inquirer.net, the bureau of treasury has allocated a sum of P1.2 billion to assist survivors of the typhoon. Meanwhile, a sum of P1.2m was sent by the government to aid survivors residing in Negros Occidental. The aftermath of the disaster caused a maelstrom of chaos especially when the typhoon occurred a week before christmas. The descriptions and pictures painted a vivid severity of the typhoon, showing a sorrowful situation. The negligence of the government to the people whipped hungry people into a frenzy.

Anotherimpact.personality who dedicated her time to people who’ve been hit by the typhoon is Kim Ariza. She advocated for students whose situation wasn't able to withstand the severity of the typhoon. She offered empathy and lended her ears to people who needed it most. She was also active in facilitating donation drives, and was one of the pioneers of the Pledge 15, a project by the Bangon Negrosanon Donation drive, wherein your 15 pesos will be used to refill water and be given to people who need it most.

It has already been a month since the typhoon, but the aftermath sticks, especially with the victims of the calamity. Some have moved on with their lives, living the routine they had before the typhoon. Some are still in evacuation centers, picking up the pieces of fragments left of their homes. The severity of the typhoon left a devastating toll in the mental health of people, especially victims who lost their loved ones.

DESTROTED. One of the house at Taborda Lacastellana after Bagyong Odette. 41

These three people and many more have offered their time and resources just to uplift the gloomy atmosphere and alleviate the pain of the victims of the typhoon. People may be suffering from the consequences dealt by the typhoon, but thousands lent a helping hand, reliving the Christmas spirit that was blown away by the typhoon.

Many have asked “Why? Why did this happen?” And the answer is clear— climate change.

A month has already passed, but the tragedy stays. People have died, some have gone missing, some fled away from their houses to find shelter in evacuation centers, only to come back to a battered house.

And lastly, Charlene Canja, a documenter who took pictures in a donation drive held by the Nursing Students’ Organization. She captured moments wherein you can feel the expressions of the victims who smiled and even had tears on their eyes. While holding the camera and looking through the lens, she empathized with victims as she captured every fleeting moment of the activity. She also came to realize that Filipinos have the initiative to help those in need, driven by the “Bayanihan spirit.”

Mother earth has been suffering due to the negligence of the people. She suffered the unpleasant scent of pollution, the decaying fragments of plastic that clogged sewers causing heavy floods, as well as the use of heavy machineries that contribute to the melting of the ozone layer. Mother Earth is giving us a sign, and it is time for us to listen. It’s time for us to make a change in order to preserve the life we have today, and for the future generations.

In spite of that, there were generous people who decided to uplift the gloomy atmosphere. An example of this is Alecxis, an Engineering student from Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod who actively participated in various donation drives to aid people with essentials. She stated that despite the tiresome job of packing and distributing goods, she was satisfied with the smiling faces of the victims. She also stated that in times of calamities, lending a helping hand, no matter how small it is, can lead to a big

TRENDS & LIFESTYLE

We're in the middle of a pandemic. Certainly, at one point, you’ve thought: “What if I start vlogging?” Why not? You get to do something that interests you and perhaps even earn some cash. But hold your horses. Could you make the time for it? You think again, and mull over the decision—Nah, it's too much planning, no proper equipment, who'd be interested? Is it even worth a shot when you receive daily pings of piling tasks? If the lines are still blurred between a no and that solid yes, then here are some pros and cons to get your wheels turning as to why vlogging in this decade could be the best (or the most unnecessary) thing you could do.

HEY, IS YOUR ROLLING?CAMERA

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 Whats, whys, and hows of vlogging.

Vlogging—the act of video blogging, which, in practice, is the act of creating a visual diary of particular interests and topics that one share online. Be it a movement or a trend, this decade alone has intensified the competition in the ever-expanding social media landscape and made it challenging to get a piece of that limelight (Unnerstall, 2021). As of 2020, Frank (2020) states that 37 million channels populate the jungle we call YouTube. Influencers are popping up everywhere, are you the next? Now, let's dive into the pros and cons: UPLOADING...

WORDS BY KRISTINE ADRELLE MODINA ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELIKA ODANGO

37 million channels, and perhaps more by now, is not your competition nor are they for comparison. Vlogging could be for you but they are not for everyone. As people are forced to stay cooped inside their houses or even after the pandemic subsides and routines would seemingly go back to normal—it would never again reach a point of how it was back then. Vlogging will eventually be the new go-to for self-expression in this seemingly detached world that generally connects through the Web during these times.

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CONSPROS

Breaking out of your comfort zone. To the shy and timid, extrovert and boisterous, or to those in-between—this could be that empty square on your bucket list you've always itched to cross out. What are your limits? Your hidden strengths and talents? Discover something new about yourself and have that pump from accomplishing this!

Sharing what you love! Sharing content, say, as a booktuber or lifestyle vlogger is always a win-win. It gets you going without the pestering thought of “am I sharing too much about this?” Well, whether it be for entertainment or educational purposes, people tuned in for that purpose. Flying with those of the same feathers. You get the opportunity to engage with and make like-minded friends! What’s more, learning from different perspectives and enriching yours in the process. Lack of privacy. There is always a price to pay, and this is one of them. People will eventually nitpick and criticize you. Are you willing to be vulnerable and expose yourself? Clout chasing. To keep things interesting, you would probably sacrifice quality by producing vapid and meaningless content. This would eventually lead to con number 3. The spark is gone. Creative burnout tends to happen, especially since frequent posting is recommended for your viewership to substantially rise over time. However, motivation should not be something to wait upon, rather it should be the product from working in what you love.

“So, charge to experience, if it doesn’t go your way. But do get out of your comfort zone, cross out that bucket list, and try something new for a change.”

A 26-year-old young entrepreneur, Ana Patricia Non, who has been involving herself in charitable activities even before the pandemic, was tired of “inaction.” With the community lockdowns being implemented, she searched for ways to extend help to the vulnerable sectors highly affected by the pandemic and so came across to “community pantry” on the web. The next day, without hesitation, she placed the bamboo cart outside the Maginhawa Street with cardboard on top plastered with words “ Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailan” which she later revealed in an interview that it was her sister who translated it from English of “give what you can, take what you need”—a phrase also used in food banks placed in other countries.

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PantriesCommunitybuildingCommunityin

Food banks, however, are a bigger and more established version of a community pantry. It has been implemented even before COVID-19, initially in the US and now in Australia and among other European countries. It is where people struggling with food inadequacy can access free food, which is mostly donations from supermarkets and other prominent organizations. On the contrary, community pantries established in the country do not have certain partnerships for the constant redistribution of food. Instead, it teaches the people to take not more than what is needed and, if able, offer goods available in return. Now, the exchanging of goods from pure kindness has sparked a movement, which Non never anticipated. Due to inadequate support from the government, providing only a maximum of PHP4,000 for each lowincome family during community lockdowns, many Filipinos have stepped up and initiated community pantries in their neighborhoods. Undeniably, the use of social media has been an excellent influence for donations, support, and the overall success of community pantries.

WORDS BY SHANEN AIKA MARIE RODRIGAZO PHOTO CREDITS BLOOMBERG.COM

Indeed, it was the moment when farmers, youth groups, people’s organizations, and even K-pop stans whoever with means to help despite the differences have come for “mutual aid.” However, as the word has reached popularity, concerns from the authorities questioned its goal.The national police have accused Non and other volunteers that the charitable act is linked to communism—a way to recruit members to fight against the government. This was also the time when “red-tagging” was prominent, and out of fear, Non and other volunteers have closed their community pantries. However, many have rallied against the malicious statement released by the national police. Fortunately, Quezon’s city Mayor and head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government assured that each others in the midst of

TRENDS & LIFESTYLE P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 Having

back

With businesses closed, job loss and the disruption of general means of earning caused a holistic concern during the surge of COVID-19 cases back in April last year to the Filipinos—most especially to the poor. But as everyone tried their best to get through the day, a small bamboo cart filled with canned goods, noodles, facemasks, and rice was seen to aid those who could not afford food. “The Maganhiwa Community Pantry,” as they call it, radiated hope of survival, compassion, and above all, solidarity among the hearts of the Filipino people.

FILIPINOS’ ‘BAYANIHAN’ SPIRIT. A mother receiving help in time of need from the kindness of Maginhawa Community Pantry.

"But this courageous act has strengthened the faith of Filipinos in humanity. Not only did it teach us kindness, but it helped the people realize that there are no such things as small when it comes to giving."

Among the other concerns, just like any charity, is the sustainability of the community pantries. It was not guaranteed for how long it would be needed, nor if there would be donations coming after. However, the goal of the community pantry was beyond providing help to the poor. Instead, as Non revealed, her intention was never to provide food for individuals but to spread kindness in the community. And we can’t deny that the revolutionary community pantry has taught us something within.

The pandemic has caused mental and emotional turmoil to the point that we thought our situation was helpless. But this courageous act has strengthened the faith of Filipinos in humanity. Not only did it teach us kindness, but it helped the people realize that there are no such things as small when it comes to giving. In a magazine interview with Senator Francis Pangilinan, he shared his thoughts that such initiatives “warm the heart” and at the same time “fill theOtherstummy.”would view the action as an eye-opener to the existing systematic problem in the country, especially the inadequacy of resources to meet the needs of the Filipinos during the pandemic. But regardless of different takes about the initiative, one thing is for sure, as Dr. Jaime Dasmarinas of the Council for Health and Development stated that it unified the people through “collecting community effort” towards oneThisgoal.one action has set aside our differences and brought us together-the Filipino people. The impact of this certain kindness did not only end within the borders of the country, but its light has also reached other nations. And to simply put, community pantries did not only fill empty stomachs, nor have given us hope. But it has led us to work hard in building a community where kindness, generosity, and compassion are normalized with or without a pandemic.

there wasn’t any connection with insurgence, thus, allowed to reopen her community pantry

WORDS BY TRICIA NICOLE PANZO PHOTO CREDITS GETTY IMAGES SOCIAL MEDIA: A Digitalized Lifestyle A new way on how we live our lives.

LIKE. COMMENT. SHARE. Three words that embody the world of social media. How can one huge platform be the turning point of millions of people all over the globe? What is there with social media that connects us all and changes our lives in an instant? Social Media, as defined by Ben Lutkevich of TechTarget, is a collective term for websites and applications that focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. With almost 3.5 billion users worldwide according to the 2020 statistics released, social media impacts a lot of aspects in our lives, may it be with education, businesses, journalism, and personal relationships. & LIFESTYLE P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3

TRENDS

SOCIAL MEDIA LIFESTYLE. A group of diverse friends hanging out and taking a selfie at the beach.

The relevance of social media in our education system has positively affected each student’s lives. Through social media students are able to gather more information online and be able to delegate that information to their fellow students through online group meetings. Now more than ever, in this time of pandemic this platform allows the students to boost their academic performances by engaging to different interactive online school-based applications or activities. This allows a smooth flow of communication between the students and their teachers. Though some educators may criticize the presence of social media in the lives of the students considering it as a waste of time and money, we cannot deny the fact that social media gives us the technological access to communication and information, as well as opportunities and options for a creative learning experience. For marketing and business, social media has greatly influenced the marketing aspect to interacting with customers on a timely basis. A business that has embraced the use of social has a definite edge over its competitors. Online selling has been widespread especially during this time of pandemic where people are not able to go and purchase the things they need in a physical store. In addition to that, social media tools or platforms are today’s must haves in the marketing realm. Online marketing tactics such as creative posters or teaser videos of a product being endorse attract more customers into buying the product. Research shows that higher demands in the marketing of different products are gaining its way up, reaching more and more prospect consumers each day. Through social media, consumers from the different parts of the globe can be reachedConsideredeasily.to be one of the largest aspects that has been influenced by the power of social media, the news and journalism industry have been at the forefront among the mentioned aspects. Social media covers most, if not all, fundamental areas within journalism: trust of the public in media, importance of local, national or international news, and the manner of being able to deliver fresh information on a daily basis. In an instant, creating, sharing, and spreading newsworthy stories or even gossip around the globe can be done in one click. Most people turn to social media for news consumption therefore journalists are able to use the online platform to raise awareness of certain situations such as with politics, relevant causes, and even with the most followed topic of the day that would allow people to immerse and interact with them. Another relevant aspect where social media plays a great part on would be the people’s personal life and relationships. It has made it easy to connect to our family members, friends and relatives on a real-time basis. Social media has allowed us to connect ties with the people important to us even though they are miles away from us. Also, sharing bits and pieces of our personal lives on the internet seemed to be an easy thing to do. People spend most of their screen time scrolling through social media applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and such. It has been a routine for each person to constantly check the latest happenings on the net or every now and then updates that we post on our social media accounts. Day by day we tend to share little pieces of our lives with our internet friends and followers without noticing that sometimes we overshare more than what we should have.

More than a decade of the presence of social media in our lives, it has changed us a lot, from being the traditional people sending letters through post mails to being digitally inclined where just few taps and by clicking the ‘send’ button, your message can go a long way. Social Media is a privilege given to us all; a privilege we should know how to manage and balance because if we don’t, just like the other privileges we have, it can be taken away from us easily as how it came to us. The possibilities of social media are endless, with how fast paced its development is, surely in the coming years it can give us more than what we could imagine. This powerful revolution that comes with social media has changed our lives and will continue to live on and with us.

"Social Media is a privilege given to us all; a privilege we should know how to manage and balance because if we don’t, just like the other privileges we have, it can be taken away from us easily as how it came to us."

WORDS BY ACEL JONE CAYOT BY MARY EDEN ORDANEL

LAB CLASS. Medtech students conduct laboratory test as they attend face to face classes at Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod.

While the challenges of the pandemic have made it difficult to reintroduce face-to-face classes amid the challenges of the pandemic, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), along with other government agencies and stakeholders, have made huge strides in reintroducing limited face-to-face classes for students taking allied health courses. With this, after being unable to attend in-person classes or build friendships for more than a year due to the pandemic, Augustinian third- and fourth-year medical technology and nursing students of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod will be able to relive the joys of going to school once more due to the CHED's approval to reopen the campus for the limited face-toface classes in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology programs. After 15 months of remote learning, the school applied and successfully met the standards set out by the CHED and the Department of Health (DOH) under the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001, thereby having been allowed access to limited face-to-face classes from November 19, 2021, to July 22, 2022. A grasp of new normal in a new set-up of education.

PHOTOGRAPHED

TRENDS & LIFESTYLE P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 COVID PROTOCOLS. Covid-19 safety signs are placed around the hallways of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod.

Education is one of the most affected aspects of human activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which began in March 2020. It has affected millions of students across the country as schools have been shut down because the government implemented the nationwide quarantine and lockdown. As a result, students have been experiencing a learning crisis, and so, schools adapted and started utilizing online and distance learning as the limitations were eased from enhanced to general community quarantine in various sections of the country in the latter half of 2020. However, some difficulties continue to be identified, notably, the disparities encountered by the underprivileged and vulnerable aspects of society that have fewer means to fully utilize alternative learning modes, and the consequences of that experience have not been positive so far.

The Only ‘Limited’ Students Look Forward to

It is an understatement to say that the school year 2020-2021 was a daunting task for all sectors. While the country continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the government, schools, and stakeholders are stepping up to ensure that learners get to experience the essential activities in their respective fields, and the campus has managed to continue with significant upgrades that will further enhance its ability to produce competent and world-class allied health professionals.

LUNCH BREAK. Medtech students having their lunch at the Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod College Canteen. 49

In the middle of the pandemic, CSAB's Medical Technology and Nursing programs, which are under the College of Health and Allied Professions Department, spearheaded the conduct of limited face-to-face classes in Negros Occidental. Last year, the first day of limited in-person lessons for Medical Technology students and Nursing students began on December 6 and December 15, respectively. To safeguard the students' health and safety, the school devised strict measures as the students had been fully vaccinated, and they had to complete online daily health monitoring to verify that they were healthy and ready for the limited face-to-face classes. Their temperatures were monitored upon arrival at school, and they were subjected to a further physical examination at the school's clinic after filling out their health declaration forms. Moreover, inside the school, one-way traffic is also observed, and students were advised to bring their packed lunch for their safety.They

Considering all these things, the few in-person sessions were judged successful, and the school was able to function safely during the limited face-to-face classes by closely following health standards. Further, to protect the safety of the students, both teaching and non-teaching professionals were obliged to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and there were no reports of COVID-19 infections involving students and the teaching and non-teaching personnel.

"These are only temporary or supplementary approaches at best because being in school physically and studying with their peers are key elements of human development and education."

INSTRUCTORS. Two instructors inspect laboratory materials for the laboratory at Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod.

attentively listened to their teachers’ lessons inside the classroom while donning face masks and face shields; they were tasked to perform several return demonstrations, and plastic barriers separated them. These are the imageries of education in the new normal, and they are previews of what's to come for the multitudes of Filipino students in the country who have yet to return physically to school. During this epidemic, there is no doubt that something needs to be done concerning the education of students. As school closures wreak havoc on education, and online and remote learning modes prove to be inefficient, many governments and families are wrestling with this dilemma. These are only temporary or supplementary approaches at best because being in school physically and studying with their peers are key elements of human development and education. However, just as the necessity to continue lessons is critical to students' education and well-being, so is the issue of health and safety. Hence, the CHED responded by presenting the evidence on the ground to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, demonstrating that the mechanisms in place, such as Higher Education institution’s rehabilitation of facilities, adherence to health protocols, the establishment of Crisis Management Committees, and coordination with LGUs have been effective in ensuring that students get to learn in school without jeopardizing their safety.

DEMONSTRATION. A medical instructor demonstrating the use of the laboratory apparatus.

WORDS BY CHARRIZ ANN SANTIAGO PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHONAREY PANALIGAN A millennial shows how uninterested she is in the change of society. THE NATION'S DIVIDE "An apathetic voter had once insisted that there is no point in staying firm about these opinions when reality will always choose to be this way, regardless of what they stand for or not." NO INTEREST IN POLITICS. TRENDS & LIFESTYLE P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 50

There comes a time in every young person’s life when their minds begin tocomprehend the vastness of the world around them. They become self-aware of reality and little by little, start to put the pieces together based on what is happening around them. Along with the enormity of society follows the visibility of its dark corners: the crimes and corruption. Armed with fresh perspectives and a moral compass, the responsibility commences. The youth start to set out into the populace, determined to seek change, the same way the generations before them did. One of the ways to achieve this change is through the power of voting. Therefore, it does not come as much shock when 52% of currently registered voters are part of the youth group, specifically within the 18-40 year old age bracket. Belonging within this bracket are the millennials’ new breed of young adults. The millennial voter is distinct as opposed to all of the previous voters that have surpassed the generations. Along with these voters, there came the sudden integration of the Internet into society, the unique aspect of millennial voters. The formation of these stark differences creates a substantial shift in the attitudes of the people towards anything political. One millennial voter owes it to the almost free accessibility of information, instead of how it was decades ago. He states further that the only problem for society as “perfect” as ours is the split-second spreading of fake news. Indeed, social media shapes minds nowadays but it does not have to be terrifying to some.According to a couple of millennial voters, they tend to brandish their weapons against the lies. One stated that to doubt is a must, and when doubt comes, fact-checking follows. have expressed their trust in the process of factchecking. This is due to their technical experience with the clicks and taps of the web. As more information gets ingested, this consequently affects the millennial voter’s perception, not only in terms of voting but politics in general.

There are still two sides to the coin at the ongoing regurgitation of information. That is, there still exists a divide in truths and beliefs. Despite the accessibility of understanding the political world, some people make it their goal to steer clear of anything political. Although the apathetic opinions on politics are told through different people, they send one general message: Politics is a world that is too complicated and messy. When they start thinking about it too hard, it adds unnecessary stress or drama into their lives. This rising population induces a divergence into the voting population. Since it does not concern them directly, they have the option to withdraw from forming their own decisions about societal issues. An apathetic voter had once insisted that there is no point in staying firm about these opinions when reality will always choose to be this way, regardless of what they stand for or not. Because of this belief, the apathetic voter decides to steer clear of debates, labeling themselves neutral. Simply put, there are those who care about the world and those who do not. Without a doubt, the people who can truly change the world are those who make an effort to do it. The research, assess and put energy into building a country people can be proud to call theirs. Their ability to combine knowledge, facts, guts and heart impressively produce progressive results. To make this possible, people have to let apathy rest, along with complacency and punch an iron fist into societal issues. Having a chosen few fighting for the truth is nothing compared to what an entire population can do.

FRESH PERSPECTIVES WORDS BY DARLENE TOLDO ILLUSTRATION BY KYLE VINCENT P. PULA PRIDE AND NOT PREJUDICE A glimpse of pride swathes in a rainbow. LGBTQ: P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 54

Above all, it’s about “pride and not prejudice”. 55

school was the only time he eventually realized that he out and free knowing that there are still bars and glass that he needs to break. Until he was around 15 or 16, he finally and courageously told people more about himself.Withthe question, “How comfortable are you with People worldwide face violence and inequality— because of who they love, how they look, or who they are. Sexual orientation and gender identity often lead to discrimination or abuse, the reason why human rights is established. LGBTQ is an umbrella term that captures stories of strength and struggle of diverse individuals and communities that have been considered nonnormative. It is a tale of movement for justice, triumph and tragedy that we currently discern the LGBTQ have faced—and often continue to face demands for the right to live, love, and thrive.

Acceptance of our identity starts within ourselves til’ we finally untangle it publicly. Keir Bolero, a Chemical Engineering student at University of St. La Salle and Nickzvc, (pseudonym only) shared their experiences about embracing their gender identity and journey about being part of LGBTQ community. Keir Bolero shared that when he was in his preschool years, he remembered watching the TV series Dyosa and being fascinated with Anne Curtis’ character that he tended to impersonate it. He felt comfortable being himself but also faced challenges especially with the society’s perception. Still, he managed to overcome it by silencing negativity and focusing on what matters most, selfAdditionally,love.

he said that he never outed himself upon the discovery that he belongs to the queer community and not at all had an actual divulge; instead, his family accepted and supported him in his personal settlement to be a part of queer coterie. He was grateful that his coming out process was encircled with people that are proud of his femininity. Upon being asked, “How comfortable are you with your identity as an LGBTQ member?”, to which he answered,"Outoften, I would pick eleven with the comfortability of my skin. I am beyond thrilled and content with my attitude. I will always be grateful for my identity as a flamboyant gay boy because it opened a lot of life lessons, opportunities, and breathtaking moments that molded me into the person I am right now. As they said, what doesn't kill us does make us stronger. It might not be loud, but I found my sound."

FRESH PERSPECTIVES Athéisme WORDS BY DARLENE TOLDO The misconception and confusion. PHOTO CREDITS JOHN 15 ROCKS P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 56

As a person we have different perspectives in life. There are some who are born with a strong faith in God, they're religious and faithful people. On the other hand, some people believe that there is nothing to be believed at all, they don’t believe in doctrines and the bible. Those people are called atheists, which is defined as a person who disbelieves in the existence of God or anyInspiteGods.that

people have different views in cultures, norms, and most especially religious beliefs— respect is still needed to be served for how they viewed things the way they understand. Jhon Paul Lapinig an ICA (Institute for Culinary Arts) student at the University of St. Lasalle, Bacolod, shared his beliefs and experiences being an atheist. He said that he was a Roman Catholic back then but at the same time he attended other religious gatherings and christian group studies that changed his perspectives.Accordingto him one of his objections is about the sacrifice of the ten lives for proving Job’s faith as he questioned “How about the faith of those ten children? Why did God not test their faith?”. He is confused why God let the innocent children die for the purpose of faith. In his opinion, he thought that in some ways God is unfair because people are treated unequally. For him one’s life matters and he added that we are not created as an instrument in proving someone’s faith. He also believes that preachers only preach the bright side of the story rather than the unpopular part of it. Moreover, he thinks that the "Holy Bible", which is the foundation of the Catholics faith, has some hidden tenebrosity. He thinks that some verses are uncertain with its written words as stated in Genesis 32:30 and Exodus 33:11, that a man saw God face to face. Yet he is muddled why John 1:18 and 1 Timothy 6:16 have stated that no one has ever seen God. He believes that the Bible is the way of God to present himself for us to know him but it is confusing for the reason that some verses oppose others. Beforehand, he believes that the Bible was guided by God when it was passed down but has aspects that just can’t be understood. As he concluded that if the holy book of God is composed of uncertainty and some falsely so is the one he had believed before. According to the basic tenets of secularization theory, religious influence will fade with the advance of modernity. That is, the development of scientific knowledge, economic growth, and higher levels of education undermine the role of religion and religious practice in people’s lives. Atheism casts a wider net and rejects all belief in “spiritual beings,” and to the extent that belief in spiritual beings is definitive of what it means for a system to be religious, atheism rejects religion. Many people choose atheism because of the way they were brought up or educated, or because they have simply adopted the beliefs of the culture in which they grew up. In some cases people who are atheist think there’s no evidence for God’s existence—or no reliable evidence. They argue that a person should only believe in things that have evidence. Hence, some people are atheists because they just feel that atheism is right. Religion is more than just a set of beliefs. It’s also about friendship and camaraderie. It’s not just what the professors teach; it’s the activities, the people, and the feelings that make your environment great and make you feel like you belong there. People have different religions for the same reasons that people have different opinions and different tastes. “We are all raised in different ways, places and have different families—even different ways of thinking and understanding.”

PHOTO CREDITS FILIPINO FREETHINKERS 57

With chiming bells, Justine has awoken from his slumber, expecting to assist the priest in serving multitudes, but as he entered the wooden doors of the church, he was greeted with an empty pew and the lonely echoes of the bells.

The Ringing Halls

As the bell chimed one more time, he hopes for a future where he will see the church surrounded by people uniting once again to worship the Lord. To close the interview, he shared his mantra in life.

WORDS BY THERESE MARIE B. BENARES PHOTOGRAPHED BY AZ G. RIVERA & ANTHONY KYLE V. DAQUILA Churches adjusting to the new normal. P.Y. 2021-2022

With the pandemic on hand, churches have been advised to exercise safety measures to protect the public, which is why the church where Justine is assigned decided to exercise safety measures by purchasing thermal scanners to monitor the temperature of the people, as well as purchasing sanitizers so people can sanitize themselves whenever they enter and leave the church. They also disinfect the area after masses in order keep the next batch of people safe and free from theJustvirus.like ordinary people, Justine and people from church also struggled to survive this pandemic; Mentally, spiritually, and financially. As people who are used to seeing different faces everyday, this pandemic altered that. Now, they only see their fellow parishioners and a few staff that reside in the church. He expressed grief in this situation, “Kasubo” (How sad) He said. With a few people attending the mass, there is a decrease in donations, so they struggled financially because they only depend on the donations of the people. There also came a time when they reduced a few employees just to sustain the finances of the church such as, electricity, water, etc. But despite the struggles they are facing, he faced the dangers of the pandemic headstrong. We all know that the virus is dangerous, but according to Justine, as long as we observe health protocols, we are safe. Despite the dangers lurking around every corner, he compared our situation now versus the situations before—where the apostles struggled to exercise their faith. Where showing a glimpse of worship would lead to death or persecution. Where heads are chopped off and crucifixion upside down takes place. “If we look at it, this pandemic is calling for service, but with a challenge.”

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Churches have always been a place of solitude; a place where you can confess your sins in the company of strangers. A place that is crowded, but also silent. For years, Justine has been residing in this establishment where sinners seek refuge. Day by day, he would pray with distinct faces, seeing their expressions of joy, grief, and contentment. He would wander around with a smile on his face as he saw people turn to God. He loves his job as it makes him grow closer to God, while helping others to the right path. I mean, isn’t this every Christian’s dream? But as soon as the pandemic hit, his dream turned into a nightmare. Being used to seeing a crowd full of unfamiliar faces turned into a hall of only 3 people per pew. What was once seen as a festive church turned into a silent hall as people would scatter away in hopes to refrain from bumping into each other. Before, people can freely enter and leave the church; as chaotic as it may sound, it’s actually fun for Justine.

He said as I asked him his reason to persevere amidst this situation. His perseverance to continue his practice of faith is an inspiration. Here I am, using the virus as a reason to skip masses while he delves deeper into God despite the situation. But as the virus seems to exacerbate with the ignorance and carelessness of the masses, Justine still holds on to the hope for a better future. He stated that when Christianity reached 500 years in the Philippines, the COVID-19 also arrived. And just like that, the situation is like a black saturday—where Mary was longing for her son’s presence. Where misery and loneliness starts to creep in, but the hope that Jesus is God, Mary continues to hold on. Staying afloat amidst the pain of losing her son, she holds on, and after that, resurrection happens. The situation we are going through is just like that. We are going through a black Saturday where we don’t know what the future has in store for us—if this will end, or will we remain this way forever. Despite the vaccines rolled out as well as medications being produced to combat this virus, one thing is certain, “God is with us.” Justine said with tears in his eyes as he expressed his love for God as well as the sorrow of the situation. He believes that something beautiful will come out. Just like the resurrection.

RELIGION & CULTURE

SAN SEBASTIAN CATHEDRAL - BACOLOD CITY, PHILIPPINES "Whatever you’re going through, just pray, and if prayer doesn’t work, still pray, because in the end all will be well, and if it’s not well, then it’s not the end." GRAPHICS BY KYLE VINCENT P. PULA 59

COVID-19 Vaccines: MYTHS DEBUNKED The

COVID-19 vaccines include microchips. But there is no microchip or surveillance feature in the vaccine, and it will not track people or gather personal information into a database. Vaccines are made to help the immune system fight off viruses, and they are not administered to be a tracking device. COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility in women. In reality, the vaccine for COVID-19 is safe for pregnant women, as research suggests, and it is recommended to get a vaccine if you are trying to get pregnant or might become pregnant in the future. The vaccine will not affect fertility. reality beyond myths and fake information about COVID-19 Vaccine. 2021-2022

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COVID-19 vaccines result in new variants. When in fact, COVID-19 vaccines help in preventing new variants of the virus from emerging. As it spreads, the virus has more opportunities to change. High vaccination coverage in a population reduces the spread of the virus and helps prevent new variants from emerging. New variants emerge due to a natural, ongoing process of mutation.

Myths have a way of circulating, spreading, and lingering in the minds of people who do not bother enough to take counsel or seek advice from science. They do not, however, always have factual origins, and they are created solely to confuse many people. Nevertheless, hesitancy towards vaccines still exists globally. Despite the fact that these vaccinations were subjected to extensive research before they were released to the public, disinformation regarding their safety and effectiveness is already jeopardizing their availability. In the Philippines, there are over nine vaccines that are safe to use, and all of them have undergone rigorous clinical testing to determine their safety and efficacy. These vaccines, in short, are lifesavers. They are a critical piece of the puzzle to stopping new variants from developing, and ensuring that COVID-19 will no longer be a pandemic that threatens our lives. But why are vaccine myths still circulating, and how true are they?

P.Y.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY WORDS BY DANIKA THERESE IGMA ILLUSTRATION BY AMELIA FATIMA ALABAN

Many vaccine myths have persisted for decades due to the lack of understanding of how vaccines work. Social media is laced with anti-vaccine postings, but these outbursts are doing more harm than good. Accurate vaccine information is vital, and it can help put an end to common myths and misconceptions. Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, ensure that it comes from a reliable source and is regularly updated. Innovative methods of communicating information should be studied and implemented in order to raise knowledge of the scientific data that underpins public health experts' support for broad COVID-19 immunization. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but it also protects those in your community who are unable to receive vaccinations.

The COVID-19 vaccine makes you safe from the virus. The vaccine, although it reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19, does not make the body completely safe from the virus. Masking, handwashing, and physical distancing remain necessary in public until a sufficient number of people are immune. “With so much misleading information available, persuading people to be vaccinated has proven to be a big struggle.”

COVID-19 vaccines will give you COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines currently do not contain the live virus, so getting a Covid-19 vaccine will not make you sick. The two authorized mRNA vaccines instruct your cells to reproduce a protein that is part of the SARSCoV-2 coronavirus, which helps your body recognize and fight the virus if it comes along. It will take some time after vaccination for the body to build immunity against the COVID-19 virus. However, this process can cause symptoms, such as fever but these symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building protection against the virus.

The truth is that the COVID-19 vaccine encourages the body to create copies of the spike protein found on the coronavirus’s surface. This "trains" the body's immune system to fight viruses that contain that specific spike protein. COVID-19 vaccines alter DNA. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Several COVID-19 vaccine candidates rely on messenger ribonucleic acid, which carries genetic information needed to make proteins. The messenger RNA from two of the first types of COVID-19 vaccines does enter cells, but not the nucleus of the cells where DNA resides. Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ANTIBODYVacciCheck:TITERTEST Invader, alert! All antibodies line up and heighten the defense mechanism. Vaccicheck, on the way! WORDS BY MARY JANE HORTELANO PHOTO CREDITS SCIENCING P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 3 62

Antibodies were the natural warriors of the body against pathogens that found their way into the system and significantly cause disease. Recently, due to the surge of COVID-19 cases, vaccines were patterned on how antibodies work in fighting the virus. Successfully, vaccination programs were done in countries all over the world to reach herd immunity. It was an insightful method of eradicating the deadly virus. However, some anti-vaccine groups highlighted the role of natural antibodies in fighting off the virus without injecting some foreign chemicals into the body. A new test made its way into the limelight- the Antibody Titer test. Could this guarantee someone’s safety against the virus upon vaccination? Don’t be fooled; rely on credible resources. It’s time for a VacciCheck and Fact check!

Currently, due to the pandemic, serologic methods create a public health value for monitoring and responding to the disease. However, take note that antibody testing does not replace virologic testing and should not be used to establish the presence or absence of acute infection. This test may aid in confirming antibodies for protection however, it won’tguarantee treatment and full immunity.

Experts say that antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess for immunity to the COVID-19 virus after vaccination. Moreover, faults can be detected because some antibody tests will not detect the antibodies generated by COVID-19 vaccines alone. The fact is these vaccines induce antibodies to specific viral protein targets thus, there is a possibility of having a false-positive result.

Take note that time is a factor in having this test. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) appears in the blood between 2 – 4 weeks postinfection whereas immunoglobulin G (IgG) takes around 4 – 6 weeks to achieve a detectable blood level. These antibodies were the primary antibodies responding to infection. Thus, it is advisable to take the test within this time to efficiently quantify the results since the test is somewhat costly.There are a lot of available vaccines, though they differ in efficacy, they are all effective in boosting immunity. Nevertheless, there are still non-believers who neglect the advantage of being vaccinated and use titer testing to prove that they are safe from the infection because they naturally produce antibodies.

Indeed, titer testing has its faults and shortcomings however, there is no harm in trying and assuring yourself that your body is capable of protecting itself. Better to check than be sorry at the end. Have yourself vaccinated and check your immunity, warrior.

An antibody titer is a type of blood test that determines the presence and titer level of antibodies in the blood. This test is to investigate the immune reaction triggered by foreign invaders or antigens in the body. This is performed to determine if a person was infected by any pathogen in the past and how his body produces antibodies that could detect the pathogen upon re-entry. With regards to vaccination, this test gives an idea about the requirement of a booster dose. Also, the test helps determine if the vaccine can provide full protection against the disease. It is said that neutralizing antibody titers in the blood correlates with the protection provided by an effective vaccination. Hence, this test is just a confirmatory test of the number of antibodies present in an individual.

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