The Friends of E attended the 26th Inkblots hosted by The Varsitarian last January 11 and 12 at the Buenaventura G i P d O.P B ildi i h
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As all know, politics is not only intended for politicians but also includes the people. We, the stakeholders of the government, have rights and responsibilities to be enlightened and informed about the issues happening to society and the basic laws of our constitution.
As all know, politics is not only intended for politicians but also includes the people We, the stakeholders of the have rights and responsibilities to be and informed about the issues happening to society and the basic laws of our constitution
K FOR
By Samantha Deray
denying what a waste that was and what worrisome it brings now that DPWH is one of the highest budget recipients of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a heavy P1 077 trillion pesos Yet, with that amount in their pockets, their projects are not maintained nor planned properly
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In a groundbreaking victory, the Philippines carved its name into the ice, securing its first-ever gold medal in Men's Curling at the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games
weathered the storm and triumphed over South Korea, 5-3, in the finals on February 14, 2025 a golden date that will be forever frozen in history
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Pageantry or in simple terms pageants or “beauty pageants” is continuously done around the world for women to showcase their different advocacies voice humanitarian issues, and become exemplars of change as they promote their cause An example of a prominent pageant held annually is the Miss Universe’ where diverse women from around the world gather on stage as one using this platform as an instrument to represent their identity and country She Empowers | Page 15
Isabela Bridge | Page 2
Lagi’t Lagi Para sa Malayang Pamamahayag
By Raizel Arabella M. Misluhani
By Heleina Lourisse Tolentino
By Mark Andrew Fulgencio
The Filipino team
Leianne Dela Cruz
Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after his return from Hong Kong on Tuesday, March 11, due to the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s “ war on drugs ”
The PCO also reported that the former president is in good health and that the PNP officers who enforced the warrant were equipped with body cameras
Prior to his arrest, the ICC had already been investigating the deaths of Duterte’s “ war on drugs,” where thousands of people were killed. Human rights groups estimate that over 20,000 people were killed during Duterte’s presidency, from 2016 to 2022
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed Duterte s arrest, stating that the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Manila received the official copy of the ICC’s arrest warrant on Tuesday morning
Upon Duterte’s arrival, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon served the ICC notification confirming the arrest warrant issued against the former president
“Sa kanyang pagdating, inihain ng Prosecutor General ang ICC notification para sa isang arrest warrant sa dating pangulo para sa
Members of the PIM stated that Duterte s arrest is what the victims of the EJKs have been waiting for They consider it an answered prayer, asking for justice for their families who have been killed during the drug war
Duterte’s supporters, however, argue that Duterte’s arrest is an injustice and a political move against him
Duterte’s arrest was considered a step to attain justice for the victims of the extrajudicial killings (EJKs), according to the members of the People’s Impeachment Movement (PIM)
Ang pagpapalabas ng arrest warrant ng ICC laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay importante at napakalaking hakbang tungo sa pagbibigay ng hustisya para sa libu-libong biktima ng EJKs na dulot ng kanyang madugong giyera kontra iligal na droga,
Catholic priest Flaviano Villanueva said, a member of PIM and the head of Program Paghilom a program that helps the victims of EJKs
On the morning of Easter Monday, Pope Francis died at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City His passing was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who stated that “The pontiff's entire life was dedicated to the service
We, the Filipino people, must stand united against this injustice We must demand accountability from our leaders, transparency in government operations, and an end to the political maneuvering that diverts attention from the urgent need to address poverty and corruption Let our voices rise in unison, demanding sanity and justice from the BBM administration The time for silence is over; the time for action is now, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod stated.
REMEMBERING THE LEGACY OF LOLO KIKO
of the Lord and of His Church He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized ” Ever since February the pope had been battling respiratory infections after his longest 38-day hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital
The pope ’ s death came as a sudden shock to the Catholic community globally, as 50,000 people had witnessed the Holy Father show up on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica just a day before his passing He was able to deliver the Urbi et Orbi Blessing for Easter in his jovial mood Afterwards, he took a ride in the square
greeting people along the way
In the Philippines, where 78 8% of Filipinos are Roman Catholics the entire community mourns the Holy Father's passing Way back in 2015, Pope Francis visited the Philippines, with 6 to 7 million people who attended his final mass at Rizal Park
HELEINA LOURISSE TOLENTINO
ARABELLA MISLUHANI
The day before, he led a mass in Tacloban City, wherein the deadly Typhoon Haiyan struck in 2013, leaving 11 8 million people affected Despite the rain, the pope comforted the people of Leyte “So many of you have lost everything I don’t know what to say to you But the Lord does know what to say to you. ”
Glyzelle Palomar, one of the five youths who met Pope Francis during the “Encounter with the Youth” event, asked him, “Why does God let children suffer?” Moved by this question, the Papal admitted he has no answer for this, but still he commends the young girl's intelligence “If you don’t learn how to cry, you cannot be a good Christian This is a challenge When they posed this question to us why children suffer, why this or that tragedy occurs in life our response must be either silence or a word that is born of our tears Be courageous, don’t be afraid to cry, ” the pope says He asserted that one ' s understanding of another's suffering is something people must not forget
BULACAN ACTIVATES DENGUE FAST LANES AMIDST RISING CASES
As dengue cases in the province continue to rise, the Provincial Government of Bulacan, through the Provincial Health Office-Public Health, issued an advisory on Monday, March 3, about the activation of dengue fast lanes in all government hospitals in the province
The advisory states that government hospitals should create specific lanes dedicated to the assessment and management of suspected dengue patients
The advisory also said that hospitals “should ensure an adequate supply of necessary medical equipment and medications, including intravenous fluids, diagnostic tools, and essential medications, to effectively manage Dengue patients ”
Governor Daniel Fernando emphasized that the early detection of dengue is crucial for faster treatment Also, he told Bulakenyos not to hesitate to be checked in health centers and public hospitals, highlighting that these services are free
According to the Department of Health, from January 1 to February 15, the province of Bulacan recorded seven dengue fatalities and 1,888 suspected cases leading Central Luzon in both categories
CEIS VALENTINE’S BOOTH FAIR: PROVIDING PLATFORM FOR STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS
In a statement by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), he looks back to Pope Francis as the “Jesus of our age ” He further states that “He was the gift of the Good Shepherd to the Church He served us with humility He showed us God’s mercy He linked us with bridges of compassion with fellow believers and with non-believers ”
For three days, around 250,000 sorrowers came to St Peter's Basilica to pay their respects to the pope, who is laying in a wooden coffin Dressed in a red chasuble with a rosary in his hands, mourners prayed until his last lying state The following rites of covering the pope ' s face with a white silk cloth and the sealing of the coffin were done before he was laid to rest last April 26, 2025 at the Basilica of St Mary Major
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) of Centro Escolar Integrated School Malolos organized a booth fair, allowing student entrepreneurs to showcase their small businesses and help various classes and organizations raise funds
The fair featured a variety of stalls that offered delightful treats, artistic crafts, and fun activities for the students to enjoy
In an interview, SSG Secretary Kirsten Cruz viewed the event as a success despite challenges:
“Of course, no event is perfect, and there were cases where some didn’t earn as much as expected However, the overall goal naman of (the) booth fair is (to showcase) and (promote) student creativity and small businesses na I think was met, making the event a success, said Cruz
When asked about the future of the booth fair, Cruz showed optimism, saying
“It’s definitely something we consider an achievement in our term, and since it brought positive outcomes, we’ll work on making it happen again and try on making it better sa mga susunod na event.”
With the event getting positive feedback from the student body the SSG aims to hold another booth fair in future events, while making improvements to provide better experiences for both student entrepreneurs and customers
The Friends of E attended the 26th Inkblots hosted by The Varsitarian last January 11 and 12 at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes O P Building in the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where renowned Filipino journalists delivered lectures centered on the theme “Campus Press as a Catalyst for Truth in the 2025 Elections ”
The event started with a keynote speech by Mr Christian Esguerra, a journalism professor at UST He discussed the political system in the Philippines, emphasizing the growing influence of political dynasties, which contribute to the ‘bobotante’ mentality
During the question-andanswer portion, the Escolarian’s Chief Opinion Editor, Ara Misluhani, asked Esguerra what laws and measures can be implemented to avoid political dynasties in the country Esguerra reiterated the need for public pressure as our power to enable a law prohibiting political dynasties He added that there is a need to improve inclusivity by voting senators per region since the majority of the politicians come from Metro Manila
The discussion about running a Digital Newsroom by Philstar’s Editorial Head, Camille Diola, then followed, highlighting the importance of creating a common dashboard to achieve a cohesive workflow
She explained that running a digital newsroom comes with responsibilities like balancing speed and accuracy, as well as maintaining integrity in storytelling amidst the rise of technology
Following this John Nery a columnist and editorial consultant at Rappler,
26TH INKBLOTS: CAMPUS JOURNALISTS’ EMPOWERMENT TOWARDS BETTER GOVERNANCE
A young girl he interviewed cries as she expresses her consistent faith despite an illness she’ll never recover from In this narrative, Esmaquel quotes, "It is the reporter that speaks to the heart of the audience, that touches the soul "
highlighted in his lecture that “student journalism is real journalism,” emphasizing its role in disseminating information to the public
After a strong address, Nery was interviewed by the Assistant Opinion Editor, Vetina Soriano, along with Ara Misluhani, Wendy Pineda, and Carnaley Geronimo, regarding his opinion on how we can fight back disinformation and misinformation Nery shared how we must first dissect the sender, message, receiver, context, and channel to understand the distortion created in the information
The entertainment columnist of Manila Bulletin, Nestor Cuartero, followed, giving a lecture about feature writing He emphasized the importance of maintaining credibility and morality, which sets journalists apart
Cuartero’s lecture included a mock press conference featuring Kokoy de Santos, who appeared in the film “And the Breadwinner Is,” and was nominated as Best Supporting Actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival
For the mock press conference, Wendy Pineda, The Escolarian’s Chief Features Editor, was able to ask Kokoy de Santos on how he perceives the evolution of Metro Manila Film Festivals over the years as it leans more towards Filipino culture
The second day of Inkblots began with Paterno Esmaquel’s Religion Reporting discussion His lecture revolved around why journalists should pay attention to faith despite facing bashers online
In a report about a church activity organized by a couple for young patients battling terminal illnesses,
The Escolarian’s Editor-inChief, Andrew Fulgencio, got the chance to interview the acclaimed religion reporter personally In this short interview aided by The Escolarian’s Technical Adviser, Mr Raymond Mendoza, Fulgencio asked when will it be the time for journalists to interfere in reportings, they humanely believe to be harmful within faith, beliefs, and religion
Esmaquel explained that as much as journalists rely on truth, it is important that we take a stand in life-anddeath situations
The second speaker for the day was Francis Ochoa, who reported on Sports Writing In his talk, he asked a significant question about media reporting, in which the public figures journalists report on have the power to write their own stories: “When everyone is a storyteller, what stories are left for storytellers to tell?”
By the end of his discussion, he highlighted how impactful campus journalism is in shaping the voting trends of the student body
After that, Lian Buan, a senior investigative reporter of Rappler, discussed how elections in the Philippines are “emotion-driven ”
“Whether we like it or not Philippine elections are emotions-driven,” she said Buan urged journalists to “listen to voters” and “listen to what their emotions are in order to resonate with them “Help people vote bravely,” she added
Finally, the former deputy editor of ABS-CBN News, Fernando Sepe Jr who discussed photojournalism, was the last to give a lecture in the 26th Inkblots Sepe emphasized the role of photojournalism in storytelling how photos can convey narratives that words alone cannot
The two-day event wrapped up with a fellowship night where Any Name’s Okay performed, followed by the awarding of certificates of participation
Centro Escolar Integrated School (CEIS) Malolos officially hosted its Open House event last March 15, 2025, providing prospective students and parents an immersive experience into the Escolarian academic environment
The event began with an orientation session led by Ms Abigail DC Espineda, featuring interactive activities to introduce attendees to CEIS Participants then engaged in on-site classes from Elementary to Senior High School, offering a firsthand look at Escolarian education through lessons, activities, and giveaways
The program concluded with a campus tour, where students and parents explored CEIS facilities, highlighting the school’s dedication to Science and Virtue The event was organized by Mr Franz German D Sebastian, Ms Diane Carmela G Galang, Ms Cariemae R Fajardo, Ms Missiah L Peña, and Ms Samantha Alonica G Watas
CEIS is now accepting online applications for its PreSchool, Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School programs
M MISLUHANI
Malolos noong halalan ng Setyembre, kung saan iisang partido lamang at dalawang independiyenteng kandidato ang tumugon sa tawag para maging lider at bahagi ng SSG
Nina: Ara Misluhani at Vetina Soriano
Bagamat naging maayos naman ang halalan, sumiklab ang mga katanungan at palaisipan gaya ng, "Kung ito nga ba ay isang malaking isyu?", "Bakit kaunti lamang ang tumakbo?", at "Ano kaya ang masasabi ng ilang mag-aaral para sa mga susunod na nagbabalak tumakbo?" Dahil dito, nagsagawa ang Opinion Department ng The Escolarian ng panayam sa mga piling mag-aaral upang malaman ang kanilang saloobin at magbigay liwanag sa posibleng solusyon
Isyu o Hindi: Sa Paningin ng Mag-aaral
Mula sa panayam, may mga nagsasabing hindi ito isang malaking isyu, ngunit mas nanaig ang mga nagsabing ito'y isang isyu Ayon sa isang dating SSG officer, hindi ito malaking isyu hangga't ginagawa nila ang kanilang mga trabaho at responsibilidad nang maayos
Sa kabila nito, may mga nagsasabing ito ay isang malaking isyu sapagkat masasalamin ang kawalan ng kabuluhan ng eleksyon at tila kumukupas na interes ng mga mag-aaral Nabanggit sa panayam na tila nawawalan ng demokrasya dahil iisang partido lamang ang tumakbo abstain o boboto ang pagpipilian, at sa huli, sila pa rin ang ma-e-elect
Binibigyang-diin na ang eleksyon ay isang pagtutunggali ng dalawa o higit pang partido at isang pagkakataon upang ipamalas sa iba kung sino ang karapat-dapat para sa pwesto Kalakip nito, nabanggit din sa isang panayam na ito'y makikita bilang isang isyu sapagkat sinasalamin nito ang unti-unting pagkawala ng determinasyon at kagustuhan manuno
Isa ito sa pangamba ni Rein Shandris Sillano, isang pinunong mag-aaral mula STEM 12-A kung saan nabanggit niya na magkakaroon ng oras na walang nais tumakbo dahil sa takot na kunin ang responsibilidad mamuno Ngunit binigyan linaw niya, na may mga Escolarino at Escolarina pa ring nais tumakbo ngunit hindi pa maipamamalas ang kakayahang ito sa takot pagsabayin ang responsibilidad na ito at ng pag-aaral
Sa kabila nito, tinanong ng departamento kung ano ang mensahe ng mga piling mag-aaral upang ma-engganyo ang iba pang mag-aaral na ipagpatuloy ang tawag sa paglilingkod Ani ng isang mag-aaral, kung may pasyon ka sa paglilingkod, sa kabila ng mga hirap, masusulit ang lahat sapagkat ginagawa mo ang iyong kagustuhan Kaakibat ng pasyon, mahalagang maging isang ehemplo na sumusunod sa tama
Nasaan Ang Iba pang Pinunong Mag-aaral?
Kaugnay ng kakulangan sa mga kandidato, may mga napanayam kaming dating lider na nagpasyang huwag tumakbo May mga mag-aaral na dumaan muna sa matinding pag-iisip at repleksyon na nagtulak sa kanila sa kanilang desisyong hindi tumakbo Ito rin ay masasalamin dahil sa hirap na taglay ng baitang 12 lalo na sa specialization kung kaya't sa kanyang pagtimbang sa mga responsibilidad bilang pinuno at sa kanyang pag-aaral, mas ninais niyang maglingkod sa kanilang silid-aralan Binanggit din ng iilan na magiging hadlang ang kanilang kalusugan sapagkat sa oras na bumigay sa kalagitnaan ng pagiging pinuno hindi lang sarili ang maapektuhan ngunit maging ang mga taong saklaw mo
Ayon naman kay Zayin Cucio, pinuno ng STEM 12-D/E, kung nagnanais ka ng pagbabago pati na rin ang ibang mag-aaral, maari mo ito simulan sa sarili
Higit sa lahat, nabubuo rin ang potensiyal ng isang mag-aaral sa nakikita niyang kapwa magaaral na namumuno
Pagpapatuloy Sa Kabila ng Takot
Para kay Neslie Fegi, isa ring pinunong magaaral mula junior high school, sa pagiging isang role model” na mayroong adbokasiya na kinikilos mo mismo, makikitang mapapagkatiwalaan ka ng kapwa mo
Para kay Sillano hindi limitado ang paglilingkod sa pagpasok sa isang organisasyon Maaring siyasatin din ang ibang mga lugar kung saan magiging masaya na makapagbibigay halaga rin Halimbawa nito ang paghahanda sa darating na eleksyon, kung saan sa pagsiyasat mabuti ng kandidatong nararapat mamuno, nakakatulong ka sa pag-angat ng buhay ng iba rito masasalamin ang paglilingkod sa ibang tao mula sa mga simpleng aksyon
Suporta Sa Mga Susunod na Pinunong Mag-aaral
I n s i g h t s
twist? You twist? You w
show Sounds familiar? That s the job description for show Sounds familiar? That s the job description for trolls online They rehearse the same lines a trolls online They rehearse the same lines a thousand times and spread them on social media thousand times and spread them on social media when it's time to perform As false information when it's time to perform As false information circulates faster than factual news, disinformation is circulates faster than factual news disinformation is an effective instrument, often manipulated by an effective instrument, often manipulated by political powers to influence people’s views and political powers to influence people’s views and twist the truth This is not just gossip this is an twist the truth This is not just gossip this is an orchestrated production to sway people’s attention orchestrated production to sway people’s attention from the real issues of society from the real issues of society
Philippines (UP) Diliman concluded that although Philippines (UP) Diliman concluded that although current pro-Marcos online disinformation does not current pro-Marcos online disinformation does not build up on written propaganda, it “saturates the build up on written propaganda, it “saturates the audience with all sorts of information up to a point audience with all sorts of information up to a point that the propaganda effort appears to be without an that the propaganda effort appears to be without an author ” author ”
The use of social media as a campaign strategy has The use of social media as a campaign strategy has proven to be effective As stated in a study by the proven to be effective As stated in a study by the University of British Columbia, social media plays a University of British Columbia, social media a significant role in the Philippines most especially significant role in the Philippines, most especially during election season It has become one of the during election season It has become one of the primary methods of production dissemination and primary methods of production, dissemination, and reception of election-related information and reception of election-related information and narratives From local posts to national positions narratives From posts to national positions, many politicians are seen advertising and many politicians are seen advertising and publicizing themselves In fact according to publicizing themselves In fact, according to research funded by Internews approximately 1 5 research funded by Internews, approximately 1 5 billion pesos were spent on online political billion pesos were spent on online political influencers by presidential and vice-presidential influencers by presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the 2022 national elections candidates in the 2022 national elections
In the past decade, the use of social media to In the past decade, the use of social media to distribute false information, particularly in politics, distribute information, particularly in politics, has skyrocketed This situation is fueled by has skyrocketed This situation is fueled by influencers, trolls, and propaganda armies It influencers, and propaganda armies It remains one of the most popular tactics to win over remains one of the most popular tactics to win over the hearts of Filipinos and tear down fellow the hearts of Filipinos and tear down fellow candidates This is done by publishing misleading candidates This is done by publishing misleading stories, fake articles, and fabricated information stories, fake articles, and fabricated information disguised as the truth to promote themselves as the disguised as the truth to promote themselves as the “better” candidate and frame others as the less better candidate and frame others as the less desirable option desirable option
With the oversaturation of information online, With the oversaturation of information online, untrained Filipino netizens are bombarded with all untrained Filipino netizens are bombarded with all sorts of data and have no idea how to check for sorts of data and have no idea how to check for credibility This is how they take advantage of the credibility This is how they take advantage of the public’s vulnerability, this is how disinformation public’s vulnerability, this is how disinformation harms the country s democracy harms the country s democracy
Disinformation is not accidental; it is a weapon
Disinformation is not accidental; it is a weapon wielded to manipulate public perception and to wielded to manipulate public perception and to consolidate power Those who use it do so with consolidate power Those who use it do so with clear intent: to weaken silence and maintain clear intent: to weaken silence and maintain ccontrol ontrol
“A democracy built on lies cannot stand, and a nation that surrenders to manipulation will never be free”
Francesca Mari R Mamaril
If we do not take control of the narrative, someone else will And before we know it, we’ll live following the script we never wrote S T I N G E R ’ S
The truth can only prosper if we choose to defend it Integrity accountability and honesty are the basic foundations that democracy should be built upon Staying silent is not an option the future of Philippine democracy depends on each one of us on our ability to think critically to question and to demand accountability from those who distort the truth for their own gain
One of the most popular instances of disinformation
One of the most popular instances of disinformation was the sudden outbreak of pro-Marcos websites was the sudden outbreak of pro-Marcos websites and social media accounts which only had one goal: and social media accounts which only had one goal: to change the public’s perception of history And it to change the public’s perception of history And it worked worked
Israelis alike were changed forever and it still continuously changes According to the Health Ministry of Gaza, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed since that day
“Now, let us ask ourselves: How many dead children does it take for the world to care, and how many more need to die to hold our leaders accountable?”
We are witnessing the systemic killing of a population trapped under rubble and a blockade for the sake of so-called selfdefense” which is backed by Israel and billions of dollars of U S military aid fresh from taxpayers’ pockets Complicity has led Israel to launch one of the largest bombardments in Gaza s history, a place already suffering from apartheid suffering and starvation all for the sake of “defending itself ”But let us be clear, self-defense does not equate to genocide
First of all, what constitutes a genocide?
According to the 1948 Genocide Convention genocide is defined by any of the five “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group ” However, in the history of the Genocide Convention, the ICJ has never found any state liable for the crime of genocide, which says a lot about the inability of the international community to intervene against and condemn this act Even the brutal killing of the Palestinians never led the global powers to take action, instead, they called for “restraint” while channeling taxpayer funds to continuously arm Israel
A UN special committee has already stated that Israel’s warfare methods during the crisis in Gaza are consistent with genocide What does the international community do? Nothing Despite the ICJ’s acknowledgement of the risk of genocide, the bombardment continues relentlessly Israel is using its blockade to starve and trap Palestinians, a method that inflicts collective punishment on the Palestinians Even now, with the current January ceasefire, Israel still found a way to massacre Palestinians before the minute it took effect
The risk of the massacre also victimizes and censors the journalists in Palestine who continuously voice the Palestinian suffering and document the genocide to the world, with many losing their lives in the line of duty Social media platforms censor and suppress proPalestinian content all while promoting misinformation due to pressure and influence from Western governments who fund Israel and the weapons used to kill the Palestinians
BY
The Western world continues to be complicit in the genocide, and the U S government under Donald Trump is planning an American takeover of the strip to “redevelop it,” cleansing Gaza of its population and sending its displaced people elsewhere The United States is blatantly endorsing and enabling Israel to colonize and ignore the fact that they’re planning to drive an entire people away from their homeland to benefit Israel and its allies This shows that Israel’s purpose is no longer bringing the hostages home or defending themselves, but just blatant expansionism and full control of the territory This colonial plan ignores the fact that Palestinians have the right to selfdetermination and that their homeland is not something to be “redeveloped” for foreign or Israeli interests What does the international community do? Once more, nothing
The international community’s complicity continuously fuels this dangerous rhetoric expansionist, genocidal, and rooted in apartheid The reactions of world leaders and intergovernmental organizations are shameful, refusing to hold Israel accountable The powerful countries refuse to impose sanctions on Israel all while, once more, arming the country As bombs continue to rain, even if there are warnings from the UN, there is not a single government has chosen to intervene
Instead of governments, the people are watching, rising, and speaking up Protests and boycotts around the world show that the citizens are not complicit Governments and states may turn their backs on Palestine but the people never will Millions around the world are standing for Palestine, demanding justice and an end to this senseless slaughter
Mhairie Mischa Paolene M Cruz
There are tons of gossips, rumors, and a never-ending saga of drama all around the internet People are always interested to know and become aware of what’s happening towards a specific person particularly public figures It doesn’t really matter if these gossips are factual as people just want to talk about something, may it be true or just a mere speculation But shouldn’t we, as human beings in a society that we live in, be catalysts for actual change rather than center our attention on nonsense issues? Sure, they keep us entertained, but societal issues are the ones that we should focus on because they are part of our everyday lives If we won’t be able to eradicate such issues, how can we have a progressive future ahead?
According to recent data from Electronic Hubs, the Philippines ranks third as one of the countries with the highest
g
Julia’s reputation cannot be erased because of the impulsive actions done from that interview
screen time Filipinos usually spend their time on different social networking sites A variety of information across different platforms can be acquired with just one scroll Because of this, people can easily catch gossip and express their sentiments with a particular topic For example last December 2024, Denise Julia, a music artist, was the center of talk throughout multiple social media platforms such as X and TikTok because of an interview circulating that she allegedly does not value the time of others, thus lacks professionalism In an interview of Killa Kush with BJ Pascual, a celebrity photographer, they talked about how the latter considers Denise Julia as the worst personality he worked with Consequently, the video garnered the attention of people, causing different perspectives towards the issue to come out A lot of people blamed and threw hate to Denise, while others sympathized with her What
Another controversy arose regarding the cheating issue involving the artists Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings which was unveiled through the courtesy of Anthony’s exgirlfriend Multiple screenshots of private conversations from the two were leaked and as a result, the public immediately threw hate and ridicule at the two People were able to connect the dots as the breakup of the female artist with his exboyfriend Rico Blanco resurfaced because of the controversy Others pointed out Racal’s explicit texts from the leaked conversation and labeled her names that are dreadful Everyone bat an eye on the two as if they were the most vile people in the showbiz industry Likewise, just with the start of the year 2025, a breakup from two celebrities sparked conversations after Barbie Forteza disclosed on her Instagram account the end of her seven-year relationship with Jak Roberto It was another talk of the town from the netizens as they assumed the different causes of the said breakup Some others say it was because of Barbie’s co-actor and love team partner David Licauco, while others supposed
p privacy from the public
“Which is more important? Is it the issues that the country faces or the lives of others?”
It is not wrong to be aware of the recent happenings within our country but it would be better that we give the same attention and energy to the emerging issues that need our participation Shouldn’t we be more alarmed of the various socio-political issues that we face as Filipinos? These kinds of issues pique our interests, but why do we turn a blind eye and go silent when it comes to societal issues? Why do we choose to focus on the ones that don't really matter? It is about time that we render our time to what is truly relevant to us instead of dwelling with other people s lives We, as society, should foster actions that can be beneficial for the sake of progression and peace in our country
CHATGPT, CAN YOU MAKE A COOL TITLE FOR THIS ARTICLE?
Land ahoy, we ' ve just landed on an island, its name is Artificial Land The name isn't all that creative because well it's just the average answer taken from the internet when asked what a cool name of an island would be We've set sail for years and we ' re almost out of rations for the crew, so it's time to stock up Luckily, the island is full of edible vegetation, mostly very sweet fruits reminiscent of honey We've hit the jackpot on this find, it's just that eating the fruit doesn't fill you up no matter how much of it you eat, I mean at least it’s tasty We then set sail again thinking we ’ ve gathered enough rations, headed towards the dangerous deep where the crew is wiped
out from starvation If you haven't noticed the fruit is a corny metaphor for AI, the ocean being the academic journey, and starvation being the lack of the necessary skills
and knowledge The problem here lies with the excessive use of raw "fruit " Students use raw AI as some sort of messiah savior that is the cure-all for the disease known as homework
Rather than treating the "fruit" as a sort of tool to enrich the journey, it is taken raw and without any benefits and only for satisfaction In return, students become unable and unprepared to tackle bigger problems and become reliant on AI
Saying AI is popular is an understatement with it finding its way to every single digital form there is, which also includes the transitioning academic scene where students are now, more than ever, using technology within their studies, as stated by a Campus Technology research article by Kelly from 2024 There is not a
IEUAN DANE ABENDANIO
“Ano na ba’ng latest ngayon?”
Leianne Dela Cruz
learning and doing work is made easier instead of learning nothing at all With the learning being easier it's easier to stay motivated and even feel like studying isn't just a chore It should be fine to use AI for ASSISTANCE but not fine to replace ourselves with AI
Constitution as an AI product It s always a pain when students who actually take the effort to do their essays get flagged by it too and get punished for it It's fine to try and make sure your student's answers are their own work but it's never fine to just take the machine's answer as
RISE OF AND
and as a result, unfairness on both sides were felt and even worse, some people intentionally simplify their what-couldhave-been well written essays for this exact reason
RAPE TEENAGE PREGNANCIES
A problem in the Philippines that we tend to overlook, is that teenage pregnancies are on the rise According to a statistic by Save the Children, there was a 35% hike in pregnancies among girls aged 15 and under between 2021 and2022 These figures are alarming, and a sign that we should focus on creating a pathway for a solution Likewise, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill has been introduced, yet, it seems that our lawmakers perceive it as a negative influence on our children showing how incompetent our elected officials are
Moreover, even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has called out the said bill, stating that it promotes a “woke mentality” and masturbation Though, upon reading the bill itself, not a single trace of masturbation can be found According to an article by GMA Network, Senator Risa Hontiveros, the principal author of the bill stated that S B 1979 is not based on the United Nations or European Standard for Sexual Education, it's based solely on our own Reproductive Health Bill Because of the backlash received by the bill, we might begin to doubt our government’s efforts in solving this problem Still, this is only the tip of the iceberg The Philippine Statistics Authority said that in 2023, around 11,000 rape incidents involving girls under the age of 16 were reported Despite that, not a single case has been filed against the perpetrators
For those reasons, the education sector must take action
re an yo “By spreading awareness at the grassroots level, we ca on the tan of s ed
bigger responsibility at home
The struggles of teenage mothers should be understood and emphasized, so that those who have the possibility of following suit, will be tempted not to do so
Kurt Krian DL Rivera
Preventing them from making bad decisions in the future is one of the things we should have our eyes on After all we can all agree that teenagers shouldn’t be involved in sexual reproduction in the first place
To be qualified as a mother, one must have the necessary age Not only that, a girl cannot be a mother if she is unable to sustain herself or if she has a
But most of the time we put the blame on women I’ve personally heard absurd statements from my family and friends, all blaming struggling women for the problem saying things like, “Oh, they wouldn’t experience that if they wore something modest or It s the girl’s fault he went with that guy ” Mentalities like these are among the bigger reasons why this problem is still around We always put the blame on the victim rather than the person who committed the act of evil
In line with this, it s not just the government that has the responsibility to prevent these problems from happening It starts in our households
Parents have the obligation and responsibility to teach their children what is right and wrong Teaching men how to treat women in the right way, and teaching women to be always careful of their surroundings is the way to go
Overall, addressing the problem of teenage pregnancy and the acts of rape behind it is necessary in this generation In the midst of the rising cases behind these terrible problems, one might be asking if a better future is certain, especially for those single teenage mothers who are struggling to provide for themselves and their children However, we should not be scared, for we have individuals in our government who are trying their absolute hardest to give us the future we all deserve And in the coming month of May, we’ll all be given the power to elect those who’ll not overlook the problem of teenage pregnancy and rape
KURT KRIAN DL RIVERA
Ieuan Dane Abendanio
Roy Pacanan addressed in a memorandum his dismay over the delay of completion and handover of projects of public markets and multi-purpose buildings As for Cebu City DPWH 7’s Second District Engineering Office will face a legal complaint from Gov Gwendolyn Garcia after failing to coordinate the National Government with the Provincial Government before the delayed road construction
With the lack of coordination in the local and national governments, along with personal political issues, how come DPWH wins the favor of the National Budget while risking vital sectors of the nation?
“ excess of the PhilHealth reserve fund shall be used to increase the Program’s benefits and to decrease the amount of members’ contributions ” The board of PhilHealth must ensure that all payment of claims has been settled before they return excess funds
After leaving the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) with zero subsidy for 2025, oral arguments were spread through the Supreme Court (SC) last March 4 The PhilHealth board and government were scolded by Justice Antonio T Kho, Jr for their incompetence after failing to secure the unutilized funds of worth P89 9 billion, which was ordered to be returned to the national treasury for “ numerous priority programs ” , Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra explains However, it contradicts the Universal Health Care law as stated in Section 11,
As for the education sector, the Department of Education (DepEd) has a total of P793 740 billion in funds for 2025 With a high budget yet still lower than DPWH DepEd continues to face education crises The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) annual report points out problems such as the 1,500 public schools without electricity while another 1,000 have no access to proper restrooms Another issue brings light to DepEd’s poor succession plans and mentoring culture for school heads, as 24 916 public schools have no principals Everyone deserves the right to quality education, but over 5,800 students are denied of the opportunity because of the Philippine Science High School system’s limited slots From the reasons cited, it should alarm the Filipinos on why we disapprove of budget cuts
To understand the gravity of PhilHealth's excess funds, think of it as your classroom auditor
“Bridges can’t carry heavy weights, but pockets of corrupt officials sure can. This administration needs to set its priorities straight. If health and education are at their weakest points, it should not blind the government to put in action, unless they have other agendas.”
Arabella Misluhani
If we want to drive towards progress, let us start to think of progressive individuals to put on the slate
RAIZEL ARABELLA M MISLUHANI
ILLUSTRATED BY
Ervin Russel M Galang
Craving for the end of impunity? Let’s make an order.
A hot topic burned the afternoon of February 5 2025 as the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte with a resolution supported by 215 lawmakers just before the adjournment of their legislative session The sudden release of the resolution was preceded by three impeachment complaints from December, pointing out Dutertes alleged misuse of public funds and betrayal of public trust
In analyzing the VPs possible removal from office we become wary of the different opinions on Duterte’s impeachment circulating affecting the division of Filipinos The impeachment has always been undermined, even by President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr himself Still when this was placed right before the official start of the 2025 midterm election campaign We The Public a youth news company deduced it as a motive to candidates and party lists while “hijacking the national conversation ” But we only order a takeout and the notion to redirect the narrative that Filipinos can use this as an opportunity to exercise their rights in proving the no one is above the law statement and finally put impunitys reign to an end
Given the result of her actions and political plans a simple question lingers: Is this the right way to lead? Is this lawfully acceptable to be pleaded? Article XI of the 1987 Constitution states that the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office, on impeachment for and conviction of culpable violation of the Constitution treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust ”
amount of tax heated the problem capturing the nations attention This matter is already a ground for impeachment as mentioned in the constitution as well as other actions stated These actions are traced from her statements which threaten the life of the president Overall, her betrayal of public trust led to the complaints The leader who was once looked upon as she advocated for unity is now being haunted by an impeachment lingering just around the corner waiting for the time to be set
Eyes closely watch the next moves of the Senate as they receive the impeachment in their hands, however, Senate President Chiz Escudero assures that there will be no impeachment trial during the congressional recess and they will not be pressured into doing so This completely contrasts Accountability Of Public Officers Article XI Section 3 Paragraph 4 Paragraph 4 in which the Constitution dictates that “the trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed ”
Aside from planning the impeachment trial, the Senate must consider reading the Merriam-Webster dictionary which entails that forthwith means that the act must proceed without delay Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III reiterates this in a letter to Escudero It is imperative that the Senate upholds its duty with urgency diligence and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution ” Time is no hindrance in this national issue involving hundreds and millions of taxpayers money mishandled with no transparent goal
on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) Ban and the West Philippine Sea
As all know politics is not only intended for politicians but also includes the people We, the stakeholders of the government, have rights and responsibilities to be enlightened and informed about the issues happening to society and the basic laws of our constitution Since impeachment is a rare practice in our democracy it can be a hard topic to understand but the University of the Philippines breaks the barrier of mother tongue as they translate the primer of impeachment into different dialects
In Lian Buans Rappler explainer video she emphasized how this impeachment is no ordinary criminal trial but a political trial in which the decision remains upon the senators and judges She ends the video by asking if the Senate deserves the taxpayer’s money to decide the result of this trial With half of the Senate rooted from the top 12 of the midterm elections we ask Filipinos to vote bravely for the candidates who have an eye for justice and good governance Now this also calls on campus journalists and writers to be an eye for the country Let us use our resources and knowledge to wake the sleeping ignorance and take the voice for justice overdue
The third complaint formulated by a union of priests stated that
The main deal that pushed the complaints transpired from the confidential funds mess evinced by the Vice President Over P125 million confidential funds were spent in 2022 by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in just 11 days While Sara served as the education secretary P112 million confidential funds were used by the Department of Education (DepEd) last 2023, which was said to be used for youth leadership summits organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Surigao del Sur Rep Johnny Pimentel said Even if thats (done using) confidential funds that is still taxpayers money P112 5 million is such a huge amount for a youth leadership summit ” Agreeing with this statement, that huge amount of money can be used on other problems faced by the education sector, such as the increasing 165,000 classrooms needed to be built to reduce overcrowding especially in public schools The questionable use transaction and handling of this large
A near majority of 47% of Filipinos oppose the impeachment against Duterte according to an independent public opinion research firm WR Numero from their survey in February In their data, it said 33% support the impeachment while 20% are undecided To change the perspective we need to delve deeper into our cultural values norms that normalize the bare minimum efforts of politicians and therefore blind us from transparent accountable and virtuous service
In our country, where the moral “utang na loob” plays a prominent role in hindering us from the good governance we have the right to Is it not tiring to dream of change yet the common ideology in terms of politics remains unchanged? Her touching the hearts of some does not hide the truth about her wrongdoings Furthermore the normalized political dynasty, which Sara is a part of, correlates to poverty and the nations decreasing growth Additionally, her father is known to be an ally to Pastor Quiboloy who is faced with different trials and cases of sexual abuse while running for senator She also remains silent not just on fugitive friends but also
“Impeachment is the necessary, ultimate line of defense against corruption at the highest rungs of officialdom ”
From Dutertes confidential funds misuse anger-fueled dispute and abuse of political power to her ties with a subpoena runaway and political dynasties she indeed burned her name indefinitely As the impeachment trial comes soon we should be reminded that we take this opportunity to end impunity and corruption For the change we order, time is ticking for it to process While waiting the pressure is on the senate to serve with dignity what Filipinos deserve
BAGUIO’S PAN DANCING FLO
By Raiza Elise Bustos
I spied with my little eye flowers twirling in the breeze oh wait those were dancers in floral costumes! Speaking of which, do you still remember our dance with the flowers in the streets of Baguio during this year ’ s Panagbenga? If so, it was indeed a lovely date we had
Hmm does a month-long welcoming party for the season of spring ring a bell to you? That’s right, folks! Once again, flowers and festivities painted the streets of Baguio The five competing elementary schools four from Baguio City and one from Rosario, La Union together with a guest performer from Pugo, La Union led the grand opening day last February 1, 2025 with a rhythm so alive that the drums and lyres resonated like heartbeats
Burnham Park was once again transformed into a fabulous garden landscape as talented highlanders showcased a spectacular display of artistry at the PanagbengaScapes
landsca Alongs and tou chance of foo stores, at the From 2025 B excitem themse festival Drum gentlem the o anticip g month-long festivities the grand street dancing and flower float parade that took place on ebruary 22 and 23 The Summer Capital of the Philippines was draped in a spectacle of color as dancers twirled in vivid costumes like flowers swaying in the breeze Golden rays illuminated the flower floats, making the parade even more enchanting
By Dana Fritzi V Pascual
Adding to the parade’s spellbinding nature, images painted by families and friends
SPORTSFEST ‘24-’25: FRIENDS OF E STRIVE TOWARDS JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time to a specific date?
For Escolarians, Sportsfest 2024-2025 is surely one of their favorite dates to look back on the calendar and wish they could go back to that moment The successful fourday event consisting of different activities and thrilling matches were always filled with enthusiasm and unwavering happiness for each individual who consistently
participated may it be a participant who ran as the representative muse or escort for a team a player or even a member of the audience from the bleachers who endlessly cheered and shouted their lungs out to support their team Singing and vibing as we jam to every song sung along with friends during the Battle of the Bands Taking a picture with our crushes made the event more memorable Every
From February 24 to March 2, visitors strolled through Session Road in Bloom and basked in the One Town, One Product (OTOP) specialties by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Baguio itself and other regions Both local and international dishes were served, and the best produce was sold in the weeklong event
Now, all the fun didn t just happen on land but in the water too! On February 27, the Fluvial Festival took place at Burnham Park; the
individual who participated in the event had a wonderful time We made our utmost efforts to help as much as possible to make this event successful But not just that, Throughout the event, The official student publication of CEIS Malolos, The Escolarian, colored the media with their bold brushstrokes of great efforts the event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of other organizations
At the same time as they celebrated the event The Escolarian staffers showcased their unwavering determination to enlighten the public on what was taking place at the event The major event served as a gateway for Escolarian staffers to freely speak their minds as well as the minds of others using countless words
freely, Baguio’s rich traditions, finesse and most importantly the city’s strong community spirit blossomed beyond borders The festival continued to enrapture the hearts of many throughout the 29 years it has been celebrated May the streets continue to be filled with dancing flowers with each passing year Cheers to many more blossoming Panagbenga Festivals!
loaded with significant information to properly convey current occurrences on campus, such as the different matches held at the Centrodome For four days the Escolarian staffers could be mistaken for all-rounder robots working and juggling tasks all at once to disseminate the latest information to the public Moreover a diligent journalist is someone who doesn’t have the time to blink their eyes; rather it’s their duty to use the time they have to constantly observe and be alert of newsworthy events As easy as it may sound, writing and publishing articles within a certain time ame is no joke As I've written some of the articles during sportsfest in the volleyball category I felt the pressure that came with it, but the burning passion to write and spread the news
with the people seemed to triumph over the pressure that I felt Despite the barriers faced during the event while upholding our duties a provoking thought crossed my mind I thought to myself, Being part of the publication itself is empowering already" It gave me the strength to continue doing what I love The event truly tapped the potential and capabilities of the Escolarian staffers from writing on-the-spot articles, making public materials capturing the present with a camera, and managing the booths all day long, it tested our overall abilities
Just like what most people say, if you work hard, you’ll eventually reap success This line alone unravels the challenges overcomed by the friends of E each coverage made during the event serves as a stepping stone as they continue to strive for journalistic excellence
Photo by Manila Standard
Cy information, identity thefts, sleep disorders social media addiction and what more? All of this, just coming from a piece of metal How can something be so damaging? The more I scroll on my device, the more dangerous, the more hurt I get
are forcefully stretched out only to end up doing no work at all It doesn’t help that hateful comments are flooding in every post that can be seen I hold my phone so tightly but want to throw it away at the same time It s getting harder to breathe, so maybe it is time to find a way to stop
DING! A single sound is all it takes to run up to my phone and stare at it for hours When should I stop? How can I stop? It seems like it can’t be helped People will keep on scrolling until their phones wear out and their eyebags darken It s basically an addiction, and everybody has it Will there be a time when people get tired of the same thing over and over again?
Tap tap tap I’ve been at it for
“PINK GOES GOOD WITH GREEN”
By Raj Cyrile Benedict B. Canals
Can Two Opposites Truly Discover a Spark?
"The Wizard of Oz" is a story beloved by many Close your eyes and you’ll likely picture a golden road leading to Emerald city, a gorgeous, pink witch floating in a bubble, and another greenskinned one soaring through the sky We all know the tale of Dorothy s journey to Oz, aided by the good witch Glinda, while the Wicked Witch of the West tries to stop her
But as they say, there’s always another side to the story and this one begins long before the yellow brick road back when the feared Wicked Witch was just a misunderstood girl Wicked (2024), directed by Jon M Chu brings that untold story to life, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo
The way to stop this is simple really The only hard thing to do is to have the determination to do it It all starts with muting applications The sudden silence can be agitating at first, but give it some time, and that silence will become calming Delete unnecessary media applications next The empty space may feel like something is missing, but eventually, the shackles of the digital world will come undone
productive thing that will keep away the urge to lookat social media again Make a planner start a schedule, and keep track of things done Adding more and more to the day will keep anyone busy
The action of detoxifying it is any form of removing negative qualities from oneself Social media is like a toxin that slowly gets more poisonous the more you consume it It may not seem dangerous right now, but every day technology improves more and becomes all the more terrifying It is at times like this where it calls for a collective detox a digital detox Clear the mind of the noise of notifications, the sensation of tapping from texting, and the blinding shine of the media’s glamorous exterior Only then will it stop and only then will it feel like you ve had enough
Elphaba Since its release on November 20, 2024, the film has captivated audiences worldwide inspiring a variety of merchandise, social media trends, and a new wave of Oz enthusiasts
At first I was amazed by the anticipation surrounding the film When it finally hit cinemas, people of all ages flocked to theaters, and after watching it myself, I
understood why it was breathtaking From stellar performances by the actors to a well-crafted storyline Wicked delivered a cinematic experience that lived up to the hype But what stood out the most? The music Each song not only enriched the story but also had an undeniable staying power, ensuring they would linger in your mind long after the credits rolled
In "The Wizard and I " she dares to hope that the world will one day see beyond her color and recognize her talent However, her arrival at school sparks an instant rivalry with Glinda, leading to "What Is This Feeling?” a hilariously dramatic duet where both witches declare their mutual dislike for each other
he seeks to manipulate her magic for his own gain
The film opens with a grand celebration The Ozians, led by Glinda, sing "No One Mourns the Wicked " rejoicing over Elphaba’s downfall As Glinda recounts Elphaba’s past, she reveals a painful truth: Elphaba was discriminated against from birth due to her green skin The scene then shifts to a flashback of their university days, when the two first crossed paths
Elphaba gifted in magic but shunned for her appearance dreams of proving her worth
Yet, fate seems to be playing with the two When Glinda found out that Elphaba had asked her mentor, Madame Morrible to teach her magic as well, she finally got a chance to change her mind about Elphaba Its the time when we met more of Glinda’s character revealing that she was more than just grace and beauty Throughout her time at university, she had a chance to please everyone but the one person she always wanted to please didn’t think she was good enough
To show her gratitude she offers Elphaba a gift: a makeover This leads to "Popular " a playful yet revealing number where Glinda tries to mold Elphaba into someone more likable The moment, though lighthearted marks a turning point in their relationship
As their bond deepens, the two embark on a journey to the Emerald City bursting into the exhilarating tune "One Short Day " Wide-eyed and hopeful, Elphaba is eager to meet the Wizard, believing he will finally see her worth But the dream quickly crumbles when she realizes his true intentions,
With her faith shattered and Oz turning against her Elphaba makes a defining choice: she will no longer conform As she steps into her power, "Defying Gravity" erupts a stunning, spine-chilling moment as she literally rises above those who have tried to keep her down It’s not just a song; it’s an anthem of rebellion, selfacceptance, and breaking free from the world s expectations Glinda torn between loyalty and survival, watches as Elphaba prepares to take flight Instead of answering her friend’s plea to come along she quietly fixes Elphaba’s cloak a silent gesture of care amidst their near separation Bound by her need for acceptance Glinda stays behind, offering one final farewell: "I hope you re happy " And just like that, their paths diverge Wicked beautifully redefines a classic tale, proving that good and wicked aren’t always as clear-cut as they seem At its heart, it’s a story of friendship how two vastly different yet deeply connected people shaped each other s lives in ways they never expected As the final notes played and the screen faded to black, one thing was clear: Wicked wasn t just a movie but an experience, one that also left audiences soaring
I was nine years old when Rodrigo Duterte was elected president of the 2016 presidential elections Looking back I was a lucky child I never had to witness the War on Drugs up close I never had to lie awake at night I never had to clutch my chest in hopes of calming down my banging heart I never had to wonder if my father would come home alive
But even from a distance I knew his presidency was something to fear During car rides I listened as my grandparents cursed his name their voices laced with anger as they discussed the latest news Words like “bastos” and “manyak” carved themselves into the image I have of him I saw how politics shattered friendships and how families turned against
faces Duterte’s leadership was a cycle, a loop of violence spinning endlessly
in a variety of contexts against his enemies."
Page 6, Some People Need Killing
KILL THE DRUG ADDICTS. KILL THE ACTIVISTS. KILL THE JOURNALISTS. KILL THEM ALL. PERIOD.
Years after Duterte left office, his shadow still looms over the nation The alliances that once secured
Did you know that the Philippines has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Southeast Asia and yet, most public schools still lack comprehensive sex education? This remains one of the most controversial and unresolved debates in the country In times like this many underage minors especially girls are easily exposed to vulgar topics such as sexual intimacy If not in schools, where else will they learn the proper and responsible ways of engaging in sex?
It was this video that shook me awake I was told not to watch it because of how violent it was, so I didn’t at least, not at first After reading about it in a book I finally did That s when I realized how easy it is to scroll past a tragedy, to dismiss a headline, to move on with your life simply because it wasn’t yours that was stolen
For most people, life under Duterte was
normal But for those who documented the killings, the silence that met their reporting was just as chilling as the violence itself
“I was furious instead at everyone who announced their indignationafter ignoring a four-year parade of coffins ”
came not when the killings were just numbers on a screen, not when they were buried in news reports written by journalists who lost sleep just to tell the truth It took a video raw, undeniable for people to finally look
As I read this book, I noticed the pattern: the same murders, the same justifications, the same uniforms only with different names and
his grip on power are unraveling, revealing deep fractures beneath their once-solid front The Marcoses that were once his strongest political partners have now become rivals Sara Duterte his daughter and the sitting Vice President has openly declared that she never trusted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr , admitting that their alliance was nothing more than political convenience What were once mere cracks in their relationship have now splintered into a full-scale political war
Tensions reached a boiling
Many Filipino women still lack knowledge about the negative effects of unprotected sex, and there are several reasons why
point when Sara Duterte allegedly warned that Marcos would be assassinated if anything happened to her Meanwhile Rodrigo Duterte reignited the flames of his past rhetoric stating that opposition senators should be killed words that have now landed him a criminal complaint for inciting sedition The violence that once defined his presidency has not disappeared; it has simply shifted The targets are no longer just activists or journalists but former allies now seen as enemies
Duterte’s time in power
may have ended, but the cycle continues The same brutal justifications the same reckless hunger for control only the faces have changed Where Rodrigo Duterte once ordered the killing of drug addicts, rebels, and reporters his daughter now echoes the same threats, wielding violence as a political weapon The difference is that this time, the guns are no longer pointed at the streets, but at the very people who once stood beside them
Patricia Evangelista carried the weight of this history to write “Some People Need
Killing” She sat with grieving families bore witness to the bloodshed and immortalized the stories that many chose to ignore Her book is more than just a memoir it is a record of a nation trapped in a loop of violence and impunity And as today’s political crisis unfolds, it’s clear that Sara Duterte is not breaking free from her father’s legacy she is continuing it The story isn’t over It is still being written, just with different names at the center of it
"LESSONS OR MISTAKES: HOW THE LACK OF SEX EDUCATION HARMS WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines has a deeply religious population and many believe that implementing sex education will do more harm than good, corrupting students' minds
For some the study of sexual intimacy is seen as inappropriate and immoral, particularly for young women It is also viewed as a violation of the
Catholic Church's teachings, which emphasizes that sex is a sacred act meant for married couples While this belief holds true for many, others argue that, although sex education may sound explicit to younger audiences, it is crucial in helping them make informed choices about their future
By Sarah B. Schwaighofer
of sex education is the persistence of gender inequality
Another reason for the lack
Despite years of advocacy and progress, women in the Philippines continue to face discrimination, often being sidelined and overlooked This marginalization limits their access to vital information about their own health and bodies, contributing to
pressing national issues such as teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive health problems
Even when sex education is taught in schools, many teachers struggle to address the topic openly and confidently in front of students who are navigating puberty The Continue on page 19
Illustrated by Carnaley Avril Geronimo
"Kill, for example. It’s a word my president uses often He said it at least 1,254 times in the first six months of his presidency,
The death toll kept rising, yet the outrage never
”
the knowledge they need to protect themselves and make informed decisions By keeping young women in the dark about their own
It’s February again, the long-awaited month of love! Stores are starting to display Valentine-themed products, the colors red and pink are everywhere, and couples are flooding everyone ’ s social media with their posts Bouquets of flowers are being handed here and there, gifts are being received, such as chocolates and stuffed bears, love really is in the air The month of February may have been labeled as the month of lovers, but this month isn’t just dedicated to couples anyone can give and receive love
First of all, what even is love, and why do we celebrate it in February, specifically on the 14th? I believe that love is a familiar feeling to everyone Everyone must have given love and felt loved at one point in their life I could feel love when I am with people I have deep connections with or maybe when I am writing something that I enjoy doing But, what exactly is this feeling? I would consider it as a deep affection, connection, and attraction towards something or someone It is what we feel when we are with someone we are fond of, or if we are doing something we really enjoy This is typically celebrated on the 14th of February It is celebrated to recognize our loved ones and shower them with our love and appreciation
THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: LOVE IS IN THE AIR
By Nicole Andre T. Gabriel
This celebration has different origin stories, but it is pinpointed to have started in Rome It is known to have originated from a martyr named Saint Valentine As time went by, this celebration became all about love, which is what we are familiar with today Isn’t it wonderful that we have an entire day an entire month, even to acknowledge and celebrate it?
When we think of the concept of love or Valentine’s Day, most would think of their significant other, their situationship–a relationship that lacks commitment–or a crush In short, it is a common assumption that Valentine’s Day is exclusive for romantic love only Most believe that February is the month for couples to take the spotlight This may make single people feel like this month is not for them However, love can come in all forms We can simply show our love and appreciation towards others by making them feel valued, may they be a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, or even people that we see at school or work every day A thoughtful gift, a warm gesture, and even a small compliment can make someone ’ s day and make them feel seen and loved
The thought of giving out love appreciation and kindness to the people
we love is nice; it’s nice to think that we managed to make them feel valued However, we should remember who we really have to shower with love during this season: ourselves It is important to give ourselves the same love and appreciation that we give our loved ones during Valentine's season Despite Valentine’s Day being a celebration of mutual love and kindness, it is best to leave some love for ourselves we won’t be able to spread love if we can’t apply it to ourselves first I believe that most people go all out in spending gifts for their loved ones during February in an attempt to make them feel seen Yet, they’ll forget to love themselves first
In short, February especially Valentine's Day is the time to show our love to those we appreciate It doesn’t have to be a significant other; it isn’t exclusive to only romantic love The month of love is also dedicated to those we love platonically, such as our friends and family It doesn’t take a lot of effort to make someone feel loved this month; all you have to do is show them that they are appreciated Despite it being a cultural practice to do this on Valentine’s season, we should normalize expressing our appreciation towards our loved ones all year round
fast-paced, could it be the end of the finish line?
Fortunately, research conducted by Swiss scientists focused on how to bring back the sensation through electrical stimulation With a few zaps in certain areas of the brain, one may be given the chance to snap back at their feet once more
Through the “brain-wide atlas” that used machines for 3D imaging and the help of mice’s brain activity while sharing common physical injuries, the researchers were able to spot the region that is most effective in pioneering the recovery from spinal cord damage
Surprisingly, a group of neurons, cell units of the brain, found at the sides or the lateral part of the hypothalamus a vital organ of the mind that not only maintains a balanced internal environment in the body through a process called homeostasis but also acts as a cable that connects the endocrine system in producing hormones that affect the autonomic nervous system to automatically continue actions like breathing was where they found the jackpot
Neuroscientist Gregoire
Courtine of Switzerland’s Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne hypothesized that the area may play a role in the rehabilitation of walking after spinal injuries
With this, the team aimed to strengthen the neuron once more using a technique called “deep brain stimulation” that was typically a treatment intended for people suffering from movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease
The neurosurgical process involves implanting thin wires called electrodes in the brain and attaching separate ones onto the chest The electrodes under the collarbone will then send a wave of pulse that will be converted into a weak impulse stimulating a specific region in the brain
RAMSAR SITES: GUARDIANS OF THE PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, the Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR) and the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve (DCMR) in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) have been recognized as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention This designation highlights their crucial role in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services
SWNR and DCMR serve as habitats for migratory birds fish, amphibians, and endangered species They also benefit local communities by mitigating floods, carbon storage and the maintenance of water quality to the fertility of soils and reliability of water
By Marccuz Mendoza
The Sibugay Wetlands were noted for their significance as a habitat within the East Asia Australasian Flyway for migratory birds, which fly out to different places usually when seasons change
The 4,871-hectare Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve provides a habitat for species that are endemic or only exist in the Philippines which is at risk of global extinction
These wetlands sustain biodiversity, protect endangered species, and contribute to local livelihoods
This theory was first applied to rats and mice, which was found to be highly effective
It did not take too long for the method to be tested on humans, with a Swiss woman experiencing similar problems in the spinal column volunteering in the first trialand-error experiment on 2022
Neurosurgeon Jocelyn Bloch reported that the woman immediately stuttered I feel my legs” just after turning the device on After increasing the current, the woman felt the urge to walk again
After a series of recovery sessions with the neurostimulator, as well as months of muscle rehabilitation and strength training, both patients reached their motile goals
break free from dependence on others was exhilarating
As more time went on, he added that better feats were reached such as moving faster and longer even without the help of the device
Despite this invention in the field of medicine, some people are still irked with the thought of having people drilling into their brains Still, the h t d ith th i
The designation Ramsar highlights that this area is important in maintaining ecological balance and breaking livelihood-enhancing opportunities in nearby communities
Their Ramsar status aligns with the Philippine Climate Change Commission’s National Adaptation Plan which aims at ensuring protection of biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem services
Wetlands play a key role in climate adaptation, protecting communities from natural disasters while enhancing livelihoods as stated by the Vive Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Robert E A Borje
Ultimately, the recognition of SWNR and DCMR emphasizes the importance of wetland conservation in balancing ecological health and sustainable development Protecting these ecosystems strengthens biodiversity and resilience against climate change
Communications Technology Management student at Ateneo de Manila University, emerged as the first-ever Filipino to win the Red Bull Basement World Final held at Tokyo on December 5, 2024 By competing against innovators from across the globe Gamayon won by showcasing AgriConnect, an app developed to empower farmers and provide them with the resources aimed towards better farm management
This achievement was made possible by the Red Bull Basement competition launched in 2015, the platform has since grown to attract over 110,000 entries from innovators around the globe with 3 600 submissions from the Philippines alone in 2024 This year, the platform encourages young entrepreneurs and innovators to harness the power of AI in developing solutions that address realworld challenges
The winning app, AgriConnect, will operate using devices that can see colors outside the visible color spectrum such as infrared and ultraviolet light these devices are called Multispectral IoT sensors Those tools input the data into an AI algorithm to generate insights With this, farmers can improve their farm risk management
Gamayon developed AgriConnect for Filipino farmers, inspired by his experiences growing up in a
wanted to make an impact for the Filipinos I do acknowledge that flying to another country to study is a privilege and I feel that there is a responsibility for me to give back Piecing that together with my experiences and the things I really feel strongly (about) led me to the farmers ”
Gamayon also encourages aspiring innovators to take the leap and start He said they should “not think, just do ” , and grab opportunities provided by platforms like Red Bull Basement to showcase their ideas
As Gamayon moves forward, he focuses on creating partnerships to bring his AgriConnect app to Filipino farmers He plans to do networking and mentoring with Tech and VC leaders in Silicon Valley, California during his three-week program, an opportunity provided by the Red Bull Basement
“It’s vital for the next steps for my startup (to get it out there) to develop partnerships or collaborations with people that could help me further the idea I firmly believe that I could not do this alone; it takes a village And I ll do whatever it takes to make it successful '' stated Gamayon
AgriConnect s purpose goes beyond technology it’s a means to address the challenges the agricultural sector faces, by equipping Filipino farmers with
ved with Scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak have discovered the presence of two species of Pseudonitzschia diatoms, or microalgae, in shellfish farms in Luzon Last November 2024, scientists discovered the presence of these amnesia-causing diatoms in shellfish farms around Bacoor Bay and Pagbilao Bay
A statement by Ateneo de Manila research is as follows, “An international team of scientists has just confirmed the presence there of two species of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms capable of producing a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause severe sickness and memory loss ”
According to research made by the Diatoms of North America Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms are a different branch of phytoplanktons, also known as microalgae They are known to produce the potent neurotoxin a substance that can damage the brain and nervous system Out of 60 species of Pseudonitzschia, nearly half of them are able to produce what is known as domoic acid
Filter-feeding organisms pump water through their systems, filtering out and eating algae and other food particles Domoic acid accumulates in filter-feeding organisms that consume diatoms, such as zooplankton, finfish, and in this case, shellfish When shellfish eat these diatoms the biotoxin can accumulate in their tissue
If someone consumes an organism contaminated with domoic acid then they will experience the sickness termed ‘Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning Stated by the Washington Department of Health, symptoms of this include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within 24 hours of ingestion
In more severe cases, neurological symptoms develop within 48 hours and include headache, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, short-term memory loss, motor weakness, seizures, profuse respiratory secretions (airways being clogged with mucus), cardiac arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, coma, and possible death Short term memory loss can be permanent
The Washington State Department of Health also mentions that the presence of biotoxin-producing algae is normal They are in low concentrations and are harmless But when the algae ‘blooms,’ the amount of biotoxin-producing algae can increase The increased algae become a greater food source for shellfish The more algae the shellfish eat, the more biotoxin they accumulate Because of this the scientists who discovered the diatoms highlighted the necessity to monitor harmful algal blooms or ‘red tide’ in shellfish farms
In addition, the scientists conducted a study on the physical and genetic characteristics of diatoms in the water samples found in the aforementioned bodies of water
“To our knowledge the molecular taxonomy of Pseudo-nitzschia in the Philippines is virtually nonexistent,” the researchers added
From their research, they have found the presence of Pseudo-nitzschia pungens and Pseudo-nitzschia Brasiliana “They also noted that this is the first time that P brasiliana has ever been found in Luzon ” the statement read
It is important to be aware of the toxic potential of these diatoms and to monitor them accordingly, but such efforts must begin by establishing their presence in our waters,” said researchers Lorenzo Botavera, Janice Ragaza, Hong Chang Lim, and Sing Tung Teng
TB diagnostic and antibiotic susceptibility test to meet WHO s strict standards
This approval ensures quality, safety, and efficacy, enabling its global distribution, particularly in resource-poor regions
The rapid test for TB is a key step in addressing one of the world's deadliest usable infectious diseases, with 1 25 million lives lost last year and a record of 8 2 million new cases diagnosed
It detects the genetic material in the cell that carries all information specific to an organism, of the TB-causative bacteria from sputum or phlegm samples and takes hours to provide definitive detection
This rapid test is extremely important for the detection of drug-resistant strain TB allowing early clinical decision-making for appropriate patient treatment The prequalification of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra is crucial for improving TB care, prevention, and access to high-quality diagnostics WHO Assistant Director-General Yukiko Nakatani supports this milestone, emphasizing its role in accelerating access to effective TB tests and enhancing public health outcomes
Philippines, and Pakistan accounting for over half of the global TB burden, with India housing over a quarter of the cases Early detection, like with the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test, is crucial for effective treatment and prevention
Furthermore, with the introduction of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test, the global TB control efforts poised to change the stage It will help in reducing the transmission of TB and improves the patient outcome by providing quick and accurate diagnoses, especially in resource-challenged settings
WHO's support to this test goes a long way to evidence the organization's commitment to innovative diagnostic tools meeting the stringent quality standards necessary in the fight against TB for the world at large now and beyond, in building public health resilience
LISA: THE GENERATION’S BAYMAX 2.0
By Xia Ballesteros
‘LISA’ from BLACKPINK? Not Quite! The Logistics Indoor Service Robot also known as ‘LISA,’ is a newly developed robot designed to help healthcare staff with a variety of tasks within the hospital constructed by a team from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas
According to Game Changer, the latest feature in 24 Oras on Monday, LISA, can disinfect, deliver files or medical supplies, and enable a remote consultation via a tablet that is installed on its upper body
Anthony James Bautista and the team developed the LISA robot while being in the peak of COVID-19 in 2020 The reason for designing the robot was to help the doctors communicate with their patients He further added that since their project has progressed, it is now available for customization according to the needs of the hospitals
On April 6, 2024, there is an estimation of 190,000 healthcare worker shortages within the country shown by the data provided by the Department of Health
The robot’s abilities were enhanced to deal with the shortage using the funding received from the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Council for Health and Research Development
The robot, LISA, has a key characteristic: its sensors which could map out the entire facility Once the healthcare center is ingrained within its memory, it can navigate around the hospital and assist with the various tasks
Additionally Bautista says that the robot’s latest edition utilizes SLAM or Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, through its lidar sensors
In layman’s terms, localization refers to the ability of a machine robotic or autonomous to determine its location or position
LIDAR sensors, short for Light Detection and Ranging Sensors, are exactly what their name implies It uses laser lights and bases off the reflection that it detects to determine the location of an object It calculates the time when the reflection returns back and, with the data assesses how far the object is from its reach LIDAR also helps in creating a more detailed map of the surrounding area, aiding in LISA s localization
There is a mobile app that allows the users to view the different places or areas LISA goes Another feature that the robot possesses is its proximity sensors, which allow for the detection of objects that could hinder its path
Bautista states that those are the basic services that the robot could do to assist in easing the burdens and routine chores of the medical field’s workers
By Mark Andrew Fulgencio Mark Andrew
After years of coming close, but falling short, the UP Fighting Maroons finally reclaimed the UAAP championship, defeating the DLSU Green Archers in a hard-fought 66-62 victory in Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals on December 15, 2024, Sunday The win marked a moment of redemption for UP which had twice finished as runners-up in previous seasons
The third and decisive game was a high-stakes battle not only for the players but also for the fans, who set a record crowd of 25,248 at the Mall of Asia Arena From the opening tip-off, both teams displayed relentless energy, with DLSU keeping the game close through their efficient outside shooting and tight defensive plays
However, UP controlled the pace by dominating the boards with a 42-36 rebounding advantage This edge gave them more second-chance opportunities at 12-7 and allowed them to score more inside the paint, outscoring DLSU 36-26
The Fighting Maroons relied on key performances from Quentin Millora-Brown Francis Lopez, and JD Cagulangan to secure the win Their collective efforts helped UP withstand DLSU’s attempts at a late-game comeback
Cagulangan, a crucial player in UP s previous championship run, once again delivered under pressure He finished with 12 points and was named Finals MVP in his last UAAP season, leaving a lasting mark on the team
Millora-Brown contributed a solid double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds His most crucial moment came in the final seconds when he sank two free throws to extend UP’s lead to 66-62 with 11 seconds left
Lopez also played a key role in the win, bouncing back from a tough Game 2 He finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds, including a crucial layup that gave UP a 64-60 lead in the closing minutes
Despite the loss, the DLSU Green Archers put up a strong fight Back-to-back Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao led the team with 13 points and three rebounds, consistently challenging UP’s defense with his sharp offensive plays
Meanwhile, Mythical Five member Mike Phillips contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds, making his presence felt inside the paint and keeping DLSU’s hopes alive until the final moments
With this victory, the University of the Philippines secured its fourth UAAP championship under head coach Goldwin Monteverde This win adds another milestone to their history, proving their resilience and determination throughout the season
For UP this championship is not just about reclaiming the title, but about having concrete in their status as a dominant force in UAAP basketball, with a bright future ahead
Volleyball team is on a roll as they grabbed consecutive wins this week Both the Golden Tigresses and the Golden Spikers had a perfect week from February 26 to March 2 by sweeping their respective two games after splitting their opening two games of Season 87
Golden Tigresses roars against La Salle
The Golden Tigresses prevailed over La Salle as they create the first winning streak in UAAP season 87 women ’ s volleyball tournament after defeating La Salle, 25-15, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13, on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena
The UST winners gave it their best effort but with one standing out among the rest, the season 86 rookie of the year Angge Poyos led UST with a stellar 28-point performance, including 24 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while also contributing 16 digs Regina Jurado added 17 points, and rookie Marga Altea chipped in 10 despite playing off the bench
Setter Cassie Carballo recorded 22 excellent sets, while libero Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 24 digs and 16 receptions
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers dominated La Salle, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 87 men ’ s volleyball tournament despite missing twotime MVP Josh Ybañez due to an ankle sprain Poy Colinares led UST with 17 points, while Jay Rack De La Noche and rookie JJ Macam contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively UST improved to 2-1, tying National University and Ateneo La Salle’s Noel Kampton struggled, scoring only six points, as the Green Spikers dropped to 1-2
“We just showed who we are, and our composure on the court made the difference Communication was the most important thing We may have lost the second set, but we just went back to our system and trusted each other,” Poyos said
Meanwhile, Adamson claimed its first win by defeating the University of the East, 27-29, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17 Leo Coguimbal led with 16 points, including eight blocks, while Jude Aguilar added 17 points Adamson rookie coach Raffy Mosuela credited their blocking strategy for the victory
UAAP: UST Golden Spikers Spikes La Salle
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By Mark Andrew Fulgencio
By Kiel Emmanuel Caballero
By Ralph Theo Kim
Literary Phases
My
SBrightest
un
ByAngelikaDio
You’re like the bright, blazing su So high, blinding, and far beyond m I hope that feathered wings will help High enough to feel the warmth in you
I am drawn to the light that you emit, I do not mind if I get blind or burned, So let me look at you without limit, For your light and warmth are what I long yearned
You’re my light after the long, darkest nights, You’re my warmth after the cold, harsh winter. I’m safer with you than a thousand knights, I’m comforted even in your banter
I do not mind being like Icarus, Just to get close to you, just like Venus.
ByAngelikaDionisio
ToSummer
By Xia Ballesteros
SM I ETT N
The moon is not always whole and complete, But I still love to look at it at night. Darling, you don’t even need to compete–In my eyes, you’re brighter than any light.
Every time I look at the moon above, In its reflection, it’s your face I see, It always reminds me of you, my love, For its phases are just the same as thee.
Darling, do not fret, and be assured, For I’ll always love every phase of you Your bright light always makes me feel allured, And your darkest times do not scare me too.
Here’s to the person that I adore A face so cute I can’t ignore
To that my friends, they all implore My old self, I should restore
It’s not my fault you’re irresistible My heart just becomes uncontrollable
Falling for you was inevitable The way you make me feel is incredible
I think I might go insane.
Drowning in feelings that I can’t contain. It’s difficult for me to explain.
Every time I try to confess it I fail and it’s all in vain.
Days and days I pine.
Okay, maybe I’m not fine.
FromaSinner
I long for my Summer–-
But soon I will make you mine.
Just wait until valentine’s.
ByGioNethanielDelaCruz
I gaze uponthe heavens above Tosearchfor the star I yearnandlove. Your gentle light, a comforting glow, Your pretty sight is all I know
I wait eachevening for your beauty, Your eminence, a call toduty. Youwere my comforting notion Ina worldfull of constant motion
Staring at youmade my fate found Forever boundinthis solidground. Never toholdyour warmthandlight, Only anadmirer, eachpassing night.
Astar knownfor its purity andguidance, Trappedinanendless cosmic dance. ChainedtoEarth, I’ve come tosee My Polaris, for all eternity.
To see her, to breathe her, To feel her warmth arising from within.
Ruddy cheeks, sun-kissed skin
Tell me, Lord, is it a filthy sin
To yearn for my Summer’s coming?
When even the birds start humming
And the flowers begin blooming, Whenever on the horizon, Summer stays.
Ever so beautiful in my gaze .
No years, months, weeks, or days Will be enough for my love to cease
Warm Summer’s breeze Summer, pretty please. Summer, never leave me.
If a dirty sin is what they see, Just turn your head and let them be A poem to Summer, from a sinner like me.
