Special Issue | ASJ 19th Founding Anniversary

WRITERS AND EDITORS LANCE CRISOSTOMO

ROBERT BUENCONSEJO

RENZ BAUTISTA

CHRISTIAN DAVE DOMINGO

Editor-in-Chief, Batch 2021-2022

Managing Editor/Layout

MARIELLE NAVARRO BENEDICT YALUNG BEN NIVERA Writers

Editor-in-Chief, Batch 2019-2020

Editor-in-Chief, Batch 2020-2021

ATHENA SILANGCRUZ

Senior Graphic Artist, Batch 2019-2020

JULIANA TANGLAO

Senior Desk Editor, Batch 2019-2020

AUDREY ANGELES Sports Editor, Batch 2019-2020

ALLEXA PASCUAL

Graphic Artist, Batch 2020-2021

MEIGH GONZALES

Graphic Artist, Batch 2020-2021

MR. KENT COLOCADO Adviser

MS. VICTORIA GALLARDO Vice Principal

MR. RICHARD PINEDA Principal

CARIZA PASCUAL JANELLE MACARIOLA RUTHIEMAE ROMBAOA

facebook.com/Rheims2020

Senior Writers

@Rheims2020

official.rheims@gmail.com

MS. DAISY ROMERO School Consultant

Rheims Special Issue 2021 ASJ 19th Founding Anniversary

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

In one of our Philosophy classes, it was mentioned that “everything must have come from something”. A very compelling statement if we are to look deeper as it suggests that everything has its point of origin.

Indeed, a lot of things have proven that this is true.

Although the history of our existence and planet are still debated time and time again, we can look at this statement on a smaller scale. For instance, institutions, may they be big or small, came from the owner’s vision. Products such as paper or glasses come from raw materials. Both examples undergo a series of processes that takes time to fully achieve that “perfect” form.

19 years ago on this exact day, a “YES” became that “something” from what was mentioned in our Philosophy class which then changed history. This yes paved the way for two important things - the very birth of ASJ and the assurance that the Lasallian way of formation will continue in the City of General Trias.

From here on, the vision and mantra of “teaching minds, touching hearts, transforming lives” was once again reignited and has inspired educators to push through with their vocation.

ASJ’s journey is not smooth and easy. Just like what they say, every journey would be a combination of ups and downs. There are times when the whole community is experiencing problems and hardships especially in its formative years. On the brighter side, resolving these problems and achieving progress over the years overshadowed these problems and sparked not just joy but the light of hope to the ASJ community and to the city as well. 19 years later, even if the pandemic has set a lot of challenges and trials, here is ASJ guided by its experience, standing strong to continue the Lasallian Formation for the youth.

Today, it is not just about commemorating the actual birth of the ASJ. This day is about commemorating the journey that ASJ has been through over the years.

This day is about cherishing every person who has been part of the community. This day is about thanking everyone for standing by each other not just for the school but for one another. 19 years - it is just a wonderful sight to see, right? All the sacrifices of the pioneers, the trust of the parents and administrators, and the support from the whole community - all of these are the reasons why ASJ has reached this point.

As we celebrate the 19th Founding Anniversary, the Lasallian Rheims presents a one-of-a-kind release and a history maker as well. For the first time ever in the history of the organization, we are bringing

together not just selected writers and artists from the current batch but also alumni writers and artists to share their fondest memories and experiences in ASJ and in being an ASJ student. Together, let us reminisce through our years here in ASJ and cherish every bit of memory that we have with each other.

Just as we have said in our countdown captions, “ a fitting reunion for the 19th Founding Anniversary”.

To all the alumni writers and artists, thank you! Thank you for taking the time to answer our call to make this possible even if we know that you are very busy. We truly appreciate your time, efforts, and love for the school. Being able to work with you once again is an honor and a great memory that I will treasure forever.

To the current writers, layout artists, and adviser, Mr. Kent Colocado, thank you for your trust and 100% commitment towards each other and to this very special project. Amidst all the uncertainties and tight schedule that we have, we made this vision of ours materialize. As we have been saying over and over again, we are a team and every project would not be possible without everyone’s efforts, support, and commitment.

To the readers of this magazine, thank you for the love and support! We appreciate that you have taken the time to read our special work for the ASJ community. Together, let us go through our fondest memories and experiences in ASJ, laugh over our hilarious moments in school, cry over our hardships, and thank each other for staying through ups and downs.

On a personal note, I would like to greet ASJ, “Happy 19th Founding Anniversary”. It has and will always be an honor and privilege to be a part of this community.

I have seen how much we have progressed in all aspects ever since entering ASJ in 2008. We are continuously making history in the name of service not just for ourselves but also for others, for God, and for the country. Thank you for 14 years packed with memories, once in a lifetime experiences, and great opportunities.

Alere Flammam Veritatis In the name of service and true journalism,

LANCE CRISOSTOMO Editor-In-Chief, Batch 2021-2022

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AS J FO UN DIN G Written by ROBERT BUENCONSEJO Editor-in-Chief, Batch 2019-2020

“I would like to extend my congratulations to the ASJ family for their 19th year in molding such talented students and I hope that the next few batches may get to experience the true spirit of an ASJ foundation day when this pandemic blows over.”

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n the few years that I have studied in ASJ, Iealy felt the community spirit like I have studied there for all of my academic life. Now, as the 19th Founding Anniversary is fast approaching, I can see that the family is growing ever larger and more people are eagerly waiting to celebrate it. I am very fortunate to have been a part of that family for 4 years as in those few years; I’ve experienced a lot of transformative experiences and fun memories that I reminisce about to n the this fewday. years thatmemories I have studied ASJ,back These are what in I look I really felt the community spirit like I have to from time to time to remember a time before pandemic could all experience the studied the there for all where of mywe academic life. stresses and satisfactions of activities and events Now, as the 19th Founding Anniversary is as a batch.

I

fast approaching, I can see that the family is growing evertolarger people are If I were recall and somemore of what I would consider eagerly waiting to celebrate it. memories, I am verythey for-would to be my best and fondest place during our senior of high tunate totake have been a part of thatyear family forschool.

4 During that time, being only one section despite years as in those few years; I’ve the different we belonged to, we all really experienced a lot ofstrands transformative came to know one another and I became close experiences and fun memories that I with people I never would have thought I would reminisce about to this day.start These memories get along with.

At the of my senior high, are whatonly I look back tothink fromabout timewas to how timeI would to I could ever remember a time before the pandemic where we could all experience the stresses and satisfactions of activities and events as a batch.

spend my last two years in the school as carefree as I can with my friends without stressing myself; little did I know how much of our school activities really made my last two years worthwhile.

I remember the plays we watched at the CCP about amazing stories such as Noli Me Tangere and Swan Lake, something that not a lot of schools offer, and in between the breaks of those plays, we would sneak out to buy food outside of the theater and hang around before going back just minutes before the door closes again.

(Greeted by the delightful sight of our very angry advisers; but it was still a very fun experience) Another memorable moment was our work immersion in E. Contreras Medical Clinic; it was one of the most difficult experiences I ever had academically as I had to witness different medical practices that was very hard for someone as squeamish at the sight of blood as I am. (It was well worth the afternoon breaks at SM) Lastly, our Grade 11 thesis was the one that gave me the most perspective in life as we had to travel and assess the hygiene in impoverished communities, we were shocked by what we saw but it helped us realize the importance of our work to spread information about this issue.

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But if I were to rank all my past experiences, the best memories I have was all made during my time as the EIC of the school publication. During Grade 12, I received news that Sir Kent was going to be our publications adviser and that I was invited to a meeting to decide the next EIC. (This came at a very bad time because at that moment I was thinking of quitting for the year to have less burdens on my planned carefree year; although, I was proven to have mistaken) In the end, I was chosen to be the EIC, with some encouragement from a fellow senior, I accepted and as quickly as I was put in that position, I knew I had to drag my friends along for this. To our surprise, we actually had a lot of fun covering events, conducting interviews and projects, and giving creatives

as quickly as I was put in that position, I knew I had to drag my friends along for this.

To our surprise, we actually had a lot of fun covering events, conducting interviews and projects, and giving creatives a platform to express themselves. We would often relax at the cold library during breaks from projects and had the best lunches at our various “headquarters.” We had our behind-thescenes moments as well like drones getting stuck on trees, funny audition takes, and several amounts of dead camera batteries during shoots. We really bonded over this as we admittedly did not know what we were doing at the time because all of it still felt new to us, but we felt we did a good job and it really gave our odd bunch of mixed talents a sense of purpose and accomplishment in our final year. I only hope that the next batches could experience this weird but fun occurrence in my life as it really helped me grow as a person and even helped me realize what I wanted to become going forwards.

To sum it all up, my experiences studying in ASJ really helped in building my character.

Spending my time with a diverse group of classmates there made me realize just how tight-knit they are and how this school brings out their hidden talents. I am honored and very grateful to our juniors and former teachers for always remembering our batch even if it has been two years since we graduated. I would like to extend my congratulations to the ASJ family for their 19th year in molding such talented students and I hope that the next few batches may get to experience the true spirit of an ASJ foundation day when this pandemic blows over. [R]

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Great Years Written by AUDREY ANGELES Sports Editor, Batch 2019-2020

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t the start of sixth grade, I thought it would be a normal school year, just like the past academic years that have concluded. I would attend classes, do my homework, join a few contests here and there, eventually graduate, and do it all over again. A few months later into the school year, it was time for what they called “Press Conference Season.” As a journalist for The Lasallian Rheims, we conducted workshops to be prepared for the upcoming contest, and surprisingly, one of the facilitators was my brother.

My brother had been a campus journalist for The Lasallian Rheims for two years, one of which he won in the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) and qualified for the Regionals.

However, I wasn’t quite interested in the training he gave because it was about an activity that I least enjoyed, sports. I still participated in the workshop because it was required, and it was fun doing it with my friends. I can say that I’ve learned a lot from the workshops we conducted because the lessons I learned still help me today.

Fast forward to completing all of the workshops, it was finally time to decide on the line-up for the upcoming DSPC and the editorial board. I wanted to become the Layout Head because it seemed fun to do and compete in News Writing since I was used to the style. Shockingly, I was selected as the Editor-in-Chief of the paper and the representative for Sports Writing in DSPC. With nerves as I hold the highest position in the organization and a spot in a category that I knew little about, I was prepared for the worst.

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The day of the competition came and I was a nervous wreck.

Some part of me felt like I had to win this because my brother triumphed in the same category and it would be embarrassing if I lost knowing my position in the organization. Nevertheless, I was sure that no matter what the results would be, my effort would be recognized. I gave it my all and enjoyed it because I was with talented people competing alongside me sharing the same goal, which was to bring pride and honor to the Academy of Saint John.

my whole high school life and I enjoyed it even though I had to sacrifice a lot to write articles for the sports page.

I won seventh place in the competition, an award just enough to qualify me for the next contest. The training for the next level of competition was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I met friends for life and discovered more about sports writing. Though it was tiring at the same time, I would never trade the experience for the world.

Rheims and ASJ have a lot to do with the journalist I am today.

They gave me multiple opportunities to develop my writing and just enough challenges to keep me going. The school and the paper gave me their utmost support and understanding as a journalist, and for that, I am eternally grateful. My school years in ASJ were colorful and I know that the school will keep trying to offer their students the best education and experience that they can. [R]

Sixth grade was just the beginning of my journey being the sportswriter of Rheims. I served the school paper

Most of the time, it was hard to reach the venue whenever I had to cover a game in the sports meets. I also had only a few fellow sportswriters so I worked double time so we could fill a page in time for the submission of the school paper. It was hard and overwhelming but it helped me improve and toughen up. I can say that I’m practically ready for anything journ related.

“Rheims and ASJ have a lot to do with the journalist I am today. They gave me multiple opportunities to develop my writing and just enough challenges to keep me going.“

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“As the Academy of Saint John goes into its 19th year, I wish that everyone, not just students but every person part of the ASJ family, realizes what the school really means and what it really stands for.”

The Lasallian Magic Written by RUTHIEMAE ROMBAOA

Senior Writer, Batch 2018-2019

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rowing up in ASJ was the most exciting rollercoaster I probably ever was on. As a kid, my definition of being an ASJ grade school pupil was entering those white gates, greeting everyone I knew, and running in the field once the bell rang for dismissal. Through the years, that definition changed into reviewing for quiz bees and contests, practicing for performances and mass demonstrations, and joining almost every organization I could be part of. Still, these definitions weren’t what I remembered once I left ASJ. Once I left, what left a mark on my life were the little moments and the lessons the whole ASJ family taught me in between.

I will never forget how all of my teachers, from kinder to high school, were the ones who helped me build the confidence and self-esteem I held onto to survive senior high school and right now, my first year in college; how I found a family in the friends I made from my own batch and even batches before and after me; how peaceful the sunsets looked like after such a tiring day of being in the classroom for too long. This was the charm and impression ASJ holds, and this still is what I hope each student remembers ASJ as – a home.

As the Academy of Saint John goes into its 19th year, I wish that everyone, not just students but every person part of the ASJ family, realizes what the school really means and what it really stands for. ASJ indeed is a home built for excellence, but not just in academics. It is a home that creates Lasallians who embody the values taught to us as kids and teenagers, even if we do embody these consciously or not. May ASJ continue to be a home for future generations but even more, a rollercoaster ride for those who wish to believe in its magic, just as those before them did. [R]

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Written by JANELLE MACARIOLA

Senior Writer, Batch 2017-2018

“Being part of the Lasallian Rheims for almost the entirety of my junior and senior high school years brought color to my experience in ASJ.”

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hat I missed the most about ASJ is the close-knit community. Looking back at it now, it felt like everyone in the school knew each other or heard of each other due to familiar friends, school organizations/clubs, extracurricular events, or simply crossing paths in the hallway. I remember transferring to ASJ for my first year of junior high school – I was so shy back then. However, after all the theater classes, roleplaying assessments, and event participation with my peers, I slowly built my confidence and broke out of my shell.

Being part of the Lasallian Rheims for almost the entirety of my junior and senior high school years brought color to my experience in ASJ. Something is touching about writing alongside other people with the same passion for writing and amplifying voices.

I had my share of ups and downs along the way, but it had been indeed an unforgettable rollercoaster ride. I look forward to the growth of the ASJ community and the success of its future endeavors. Animo La Salle! [R]

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A S J : R E T U R N I N G S E A S O N

Written by CARIZA PASCUAL Senior Writer, Batch 2017-2018

perhaps, it’s just a season— something that comes and goes; and i kinda felt forlorn thinking about that— that it is a kind of phase in my life that might just pass by. but you know what? a season always return— it always does; it follows a cycle— and a cycle never ends. asj was the same—

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just like my “green and white” moments that i’ve dwelled for the past few years; it is those memories that i will always want to experience countless times; that i will always return to— a nostalgic juncture that will always be my rendezvous point in life that i did waive off when the time came, but the experiences it attached to me is something that will cling around; that i will always go back to. like a season— coming and going, always leaving, always returning, and never-ending.

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this language of ours could never be grand enough to speak of you with mediocre words; and by using such, only disgraces the tales of your beauty and wit, that have, by a lengthy distance, surpassed any of what i have come to hear. patent words like massive, or enormous, or infinite could never be big enough to properly depict how much my heart yearns for you, and how big you have become on my surface. so, my folks, buo de tuaz jaeti. if you feel the need to translate that, don’t bother; i made it up. for it is the only word that could ever illustrate you— none. indescribable.

H O N G G I N G S : T H E I N D E S C R I B A B L E F O L K S Written by CARIZA PASCUAL Senior Writer, Batch 2017-2018

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INSCRIPTIONS Written by MARIELLE NAVARRO

Literary and Features Writer, Batch 2021-2022

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but that never prepared me for this. I was minding my business, trying to tune out the sounds in the parking lot to no avail, when I hear a word being repeated beside me.

Actually, that’s not true, I know some other things too. I know that it’s been a very long time since I was planted in this pebble-ridden parking lot, and ever since then I have never left. I grew up with other trees, they’ve become my friends and together we watch the cars stop and go; driving away into an unfathomably endless road.

Remy. It’s a silly word, I don’t even know what a “Remy” is. It could be bad for all I know, but at that moment I was not curious of its connotations, but I was rather preoccupied from the fact I was given a name. Trees don’t get names; we get recognized by our purpose and likeness, and alas I was given a title that has nothing to do with the way I am shaped.

*

*

I don’t have a name, or at least I wasn’t given one in the beginning. Humans get attached quickly, I know that by now,

The human comes back every day, and it gives me insight on what happens inside the building which we were planted beside. Humans talk a lot; that’s another thing that I know.

I’ve noticed that they don’t like to listen, and the sounds that they love most are the sounds of their own voices.

’m a tree. That’s the only thing I know.

Yet, sometimes, when it’s quiet and the sun is beginning to set, and all we have left are the humans who have no one to talk to anymore, we shade them from their sorrows and

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soak up their tears. Most people assume that all we trees do is relieve them of natural doom, but those aren’t the only things we do.

In those silent moments, I begin to realize, they only like the sound of their own voices when they get to drown out the ones they keep inside. * It’s been almost two years since I last saw that human, but I believe I learned a valuable lesson during our time. I used to think the humans were all annoying, with the loud speakers and the star-shaped lights they used to attach to our branches, and at a certain point they are anything but a source of relief.

One thing that I know, though, is that I miss them very dearly despite my best efforts. I

miss it when they all would lean on me for shade and talk about their days when they think no one else is listening but themselves.

I miss the speakers, the lights, and even the fake metal tree they keep at the front of their building even if it doesn’t fool any of us.

I miss the shouting during sports fests, I miss the music pounding to the point that our own trunks are shaken, I miss the dancing, I miss the walking, I miss it all.

When the sun goes down in the horizon, and no car is in sight, we attempt to mourn for those who no longer have a tree to talk to when it gets too dark. *

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I will hold the ground for you, soaking the rainwater in order for you to stand on soil that will not break apart. I will shade your land, protect you from the sun even if you do shine brighter in my eyes. As long as you promise that within your walls, you will create humans who will look at a tree like me and name me and befriend me like I am more than just wood. And when I finally fall, I hope that you will still be expanding your roots like I have grown mine. You will plant more seeds than I can in my lifetime, and you will propagate them to care and cherish life in a way that a simple plant like me can’t comprehend.

They will take a thread from their hearts and leave a part of them here; a legacy that will last longer than the ground where my roots stand and bend. [R]

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, R A E Y R ANOTHE R E T P A H C A NEW What once started with a “yes”, Now a school filled with success, 19 years of ups and downs Thousands of smiles converted from frowns This year, as we turn to a new page, Do you remember your moments in the canteen or the stage?

Remember the classrooms that hold our fondest memories?

And remember the moments that gave birth to many stories?

Our journey wasn’t as smooth as a silk road, Yet, in the darkest nights we glowed Here’s to more ASJ birthdays, To more children, you shall pave ways!

Written by BEN NIVERA

Literary and Features Writer, Batch 2021-2022

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I look and I face my world This lonely scene, I take it in It’s hard to say where all of it begins And I end

EARTHBRIGHT Written by BENEDICT YALUNG Literary Writer, Batch 2020-2022

Head in the clouds Buried your feet in the ground Telling yourself it’s the world That holds you down But you’ve got your chin held high And your chest pumped up The replica of a runner-up You were made for skies You were worlds away Oh, but you had me from the vision I never looked away Again

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In ASJ, there’s a special place A place that hold a lot of space Space that’s used for events and occasions, No doubt, that in ASJ, it’s one of the best locations This special place holds a lot of memories From different programs, normal days or assemblies Memories of playing and bonding with peers Are things that I would surely remember for years The place that holds the stage and the flagpole, Without it, the ASJ campus wouldn’t be whole This place holds a special place in my heart, It’s always been that way from the very start

A S PEC I AL PLACE Written by BEN NIVERA

Literary and Features Writer, Batch 2021-2022

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Merriment among Toilsome Nights Begins at dusk; ends in night, Once energetic now languid.

Fruits of effort, months beget.

Sore from exertion, spirits rugged.

A memento of vibrant colors, A dance of light and smoke, A bombastic flair, time’s delightOf many a merry folk.

Cold wind against fervid passion, Some more than the rest.

Victors scream like loose bovids; Defeated distracted and quip in jest.

A competition in yuletide wind, Plenteous emotions cageless soar.

The adjudicators, the sky - lay witness To the toilsome and refulgent endeavor.

Written by DAVE DOMINGO

Editor-in-Chief, Batch 2020-2021

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s a former ASJ student, I have my fair share of favorite memories within the school. The days I spent with my friends and teachers in school are very dear to me. I don’t think I would’ve fully enjoyed my stay in the school without all the different experiences I shared with other Lasallians. Another part of ASJ that I hold dear would be the different areas in the campus.

The school’s different spaces made my stay in ASJ all the more memorable. One of those places is the school’s very own chapel.

I’ve always thought of the chapel as the centerpiece of the campus. As a transferee, the chapel was one of the first things that caught my eye during my first visit to the school. When I became a student, the chapel

A Shared Memory Written by JULIANA TANGLAO Senior Desk Editor, Batch 2019-2020

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became a more common sight. Its open doors would greet me as I entered the campus first thing in the morning. As a Catholic school, I also think that the chapel really grounds the school’s different values. To me, it is a representation of what ASJ truly is.

The chapel is also home to some of my fondest memories in ASJ. One such example would be the regular first Friday masses. At the end of every celebration, everyone would be singing the closing song together. Sitting next to my friends and classmates during mass also made eucharistic celebrations an opportunity to connect with them. Attending Sunday mass with my family and bumping into friends and teachers on weekends was also something I looked forward to. As other occurrences, like class pictures and assemblies, were also held in the chapel, it became a place for me to connect with the Lasallian community.

On a more personal note, I also believe that the ASJ chapel had a hand in my personal and academic achievements. No competition would be complete

without taking a moment to pray in the school chapel before leaving, and I’m sure everyone who’s taken part in interschool events did the same as well. Every victory I shared with the school began with the little prayers I said in the chapel. Looking back at it, the chapel became a place for me to reflect and collect myself before taking on challenges.

I’m positive that the experiences I recounted are not solely mine. These happenings are shared memories.

The ASJ chapel is, and will continue to be, one of my favorite places in the school, and I am sure that other students share the same sentiment.

The pandemic has left me missing the ASJ campus more than I’d like to admit. I’d give anything to spend time with my friends in ASJ again, and I hope everyone else gets the chance to do so as well. It’d be a shame if the students don’t get to sit with their friends during mass or say a prayer before taking on their personal endeavors. For ASJ’s 19th Founding Anniversary, I pray that more and more students get to share the experiences that I had for more years to come. [R]

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Art by ATHENA SILANGCRUZ

Senior Graphic Artist & Editorial Cartoonist, Batch 2019-2020

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Art by MEIGH GONZALES Graphic Artist, Batch 2021-2022