The Perpetualite - Volume XXXVIII, Issue III

The Perpetualite

Empowering Students Through 37 Years of Balanced Journalism

ALTAS Pride: Men’s Volleyball Team clinches 3rd consecutive NCAA championship title

The Perpetual ALTAS Men’s Volleyball team successfully claimed their third consecutive NCAA championship title, adding to an impressive number of 13 overall championships after booting off the San Beda Red Spikers last April 16, 2023, remaining irreplaceable with the crown they held for three seasons.

In the recently concluded NCAA Season 98, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s glorious volleyball team remained at the top not

only for having 32 wins and only one loss in the league since 2018, but also for clinching the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award received by Louie Ramirez, Best Opposite Spiker claimed by Joshua Zareno, and Coach of the Year award obtained by the legendary coach, Sinfronio ‘Sammy’ Acaylar.

Despite their one crucial loss in game 2, the team did not let another opportunity be taken away from them, as proven by their three out of

four straight-set wins in game 3, projecting a score of 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, led by the finals MVP who dropped a triple-double stats of 26 pts, 13 digs, 21 receptions. “Ang dami naming pinag-usapan lalo na nung hindi namin nakuha ang [championship title] nung araw na ‘yon, nag-focus talaga kami sa pagkukulang namin, at alam namin na kayang kaya na namin iyon, nagkulang lang talaga sa nangyaring hindi inaasahan,” Ramirez said during his interview with NCAA

Philippines. Ramirez suffered an unexpected cramps in their third set in game 2, which kept him off the court and gave the Red Spikers the chance to gain momentum against the Perpetual ALTAS. “Sobrang na-down ako nung time na ‘yon kasi alam ko na tapos na ‘yon tapos biglang hindi ko inexpect na mangyayari iyon sa akin, binigay ko lahat tapos biglang ma-co-collapse lang nang ganon kadali.” He returned in the fifth set, but San Beda remained persistent

in their game, making them clutch the undefeated title and winning streak of ALTAS since 2018. When asked about this one loss and ending the winning streak, Coach Sammy Acaylar expressed that it had no bearing on him since he was more focused on obtaining the championship crown than their undefeated title. Also, bearing the weight of the three-peat is tough, but for the Best Coach of the Year, he proclaims humility above all.

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PERPSAT1: COE introduces UPHSD's first ever satellite ground station

by Nica Lauren Pancho and Xamantha Khae Villareal

For the first time in the history of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD), the College of Engineering (COE) proudly launches PERPSAT1: the university's amateur satellite ground station development for nanosatellite, with the theme "Upsurging Excellence Into the Cosmos," last April 24, 2023 at the CITHM Lobby. PERPSAT1 is a major project made possible by an interna-

is the essence of promoting self and health awareness?

tional collaboration of three universities, namely: UPHSD; Universiti Teknologi Mara of Malaysia; and King Mongkut University of Thailand. Engr. Lorena Ilagan, COE Dean, served as the project leader of this significant collaborative effort.

The three universities meticulously created the nanosatellite while also developing a laboratory dedicated to ob-

serving, tracking, and gaining data from space through the device. The data can be translated into essential information used for addressing local and international concerns such as monitoring air quality and weather conditions. Moreover, this opens a path for more research, evaluation, and application to take place for the betterment of not just UPHSD, but also for the rest of the country.

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is general trauma hard to break? does the new brand of governance spark hope for Filipinos?

by Erica Mae Tamparong

Photos by Carlos Raphael Acosta

The Perpetual ALTAS MVT achieves a triumphant three-peat under the leadership of champion coach Sinfronio "Sammy" Acaylar, claiming their 13th championship title and asserting their dominance in NCAA Season 98 Men's Volleyball.

(L-R) Director Ruby Raterta, Engr. Nializa Escorial, Dr. Marjorie Gutierrez-Tangog, Dr. Arnaldo De Guzman, and Engr. Lorena Ilagan during the launch of PERPSAT1 Nanosatellite.

Photo by John Roi Palado

UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM–DALTA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To my dear Perpetualites

As we end another school year and as the University nears it's Golden Anniversary, our thoughts turn to the legacy that we hope to imprint and leave behind to every Perpetualite that passes our august halls. When we established our institution, we wanted to equip each and every student with the necessary skills to be successful in the highly competitive job market. But most of all, we wanted to train Perpetualites as “Helpers of God” and to instill in them the proper character to contribute to nation building, as embodied in our motto “Character Building is Nation Building.”

As school administrators, imparting values is one of our paramount duties. Values such as loyalty, the willingness to help, care and compassion and service to God, country and the community.

CEO'S CORNER

Help, care and serve. All these are embodied in our mission and vision. All these are embodied in the set of values we have tried to instill in all of you during your time in our institution. Continue to help others in need as much as you can, in whatever way you can. To those we help, let us extend to them the same care and compassion that Jesus showed the poor. And finally, all Perpetualites are called to serve their country and communities as part of our efforts to build a better nation for all Filipinos.

To our graduates, as you move on to the next exciting phase of your lives, remember the Perpetualite ideals that we have instilled in you. These ideals embody our desire to mold your character to make you exceptional citizens who contribute positively to nation building. Being a Perpetualite is something that you will always bring with you wherever you go and whatever you do. Let

our Perpetualite ideals guide you in your new journey.

To everyone, let your Perpetualite values and character shine through in every opportunity. Continuously uphold the Perpetualite values that have passed down to you. Most of all, continue to have faith and pray always to our God Almighty for strength and fortitude in the coming days.

Mabuhay ka, Perpetualite!

DR/BGEN ANTONIO L TAMAYO, PAF (RES), FPCHA, PhD Chairman of the Board and CEO/ Founder

UPHSD holds Students Research Competition

by Juliana Andrea Agbulos

bini Colleges, Inc from Daet, Camarines Norte. Likewise, the three DALTA campuses namely: UPHSD – Calamba Campus; UPHSD – Las Piñas Campus; and UPHSD – Molino Campus were guest presenters.

Colleges, Inc.

With the goal of providing learning opportunities and skill enhancement for everyone, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) – Las Piñas campus conducted its first Perpetualite Student Research Competition, with the theme “Transitions: Advancing Research in Academic Disciplines,” last March 30, 2023 at the Ernesto Palanca Crisostomo Hall. Despite the fact that UPHSD had previously hosted several student research competitions, this was the first time they had invited other schools to participate. The student research competition was headed by Dr. Loureli C. Siy, Conference Chair

ALTAs Pride

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“Ang lagi kong tinuturo sa kanila is they should be humble, and they have to play for the school, and lagi ko ring sinasabi based sa skills na meron kami, hiram natin ito sa taas kaya kailangan maging inspiration tayo ng eskwelahan at sa ibang tao.”

Moreover, the graduating Best Opposite Spiker, Joshua Zareno who received his most fulfilling award before leaving the Perpetual ALTAS also gives

and the Executive Director, and of the DALTA Executive Academic, Accreditation, and Audit Center (DEAC) and Dr. Perlita C. Custodio, DEAC’s Assistant Executive Director and Co-Conference Chair.

“Research is to seek what everybody else has seen and to think what nobody else has thought of,” Dr. Siy said in her opening remarks.

The said competition was divided into two clusters: one for college level with seventeen research papers and the other for senior high school level with eight research papers. The participating schools were Baao Community College from Baao, Camarines Sur and Ma-

Three winners were awarded in the following categoriesBest Research Paper, Best Abstract, and Best Presenter. The judges who assessed the research output for college level were Dr. Josefina San Miguel, the Academic Director of National University (NU) Laguna; Dr. Josephine P. Dasig, Head of the Community Extension Services (CES) Office of the UPHSD – Las Piñas Campus; and Dr. John Robby Robiños, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Education of the UPHSD – Molino Campus.

The Best Research Paper was awarded to the College of Education in Baao Community College, entitled: “Eureka Role Playing Game: An Instructional Tool in Enhancing the Proficiency Level in Chemistry 7.” The second place was given to the College of Nursing and Midwifery of Mabini Colleges, Inc. and the third place was awarded to the College of Business Administration and Accountancy from Mabini

In addition, the College of Nursing and Midwifery of Mabini Colleges, Inc. bagged the Best Abstract with their research “Effectiveness of Ipomoea batatas and Clitoria ternatea as Alternative Regimen in Improving Body Weight,” followed by the College of Business Administration and Accountancy of the foregoing school and the College of Education from Baao Community College in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Moreover, the College of Education from Baao Community College was hailed as the Best Presenter. Mabini Colleges, Inc.’s College of Business Administration and Accountancy as well as the College of Nursing and Midwifery brought home the second and third place awards respectively

In an interview, Mr. Andrei Cronico, one of the research advisers from Baao Community College, shared that research is essential in one’s daily life. Be it in academic or real-life settings, he explained, research helps in discovering and identifying solutions to problems.

“I think this avenue will really provide the students with new techniques on research and will

guide them to become good researchers in this era, and how their research can contribute to the education landscape in the Philippines,” said Mr. Cronico.

“Research is very important in our lives because it is a formalized curiosity. Man is by innate nature curious about a lot of things. So, if necessity is the mother of invention, then research is the propeller for new knowledge, new beginnings, and new opportunities,” said Dr. Siy.

Furthermore, Dr. Marjorie Gutierrez-Tangog, the Executive Vice President of UPHSD and keynote speaker of the event, imparted how to write research papers effectively and how to properly assess sources in information gathering. She highlighted the Boolean operators which are helpful ways to connect search words together that could broaden or narrow the set of searched results.

“I think the benefit of joining this research competition is that we get an in-depth understanding of research, especially us, senior high school students, since we are only starting with a simpler research. said Ella Japson, a Grade 12 Perpetualite from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand.

his aspirations for the team.

“Sana galingan pa nila, mas makilala pa sila sa passion nila, at sana mas marami pa silang makuhang championship and mas maganda ‘yung harmony and unity ng team sa Season 99.”

On the other hand, the men’s team was not the only ones who received such glory in the volleyball competition, but also the Perpetual Lady AL-

TAS who secured their spot in the final four after missing out on the semifinals in the previous season. Despite losing to LPU Pirates in their semi-final step ladder stint, not just one, but two special awards were brought home by Lady ALTAS as Mary Rhose Dhapol and Shaila Omipon obtained the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year award, respectively.

In an interview, Lady Altas' head coach Sandy Rieta expressed his gratitude to the team for its outstanding performance this season. "Maganda ang naging performance ng team, nakapasok ng final 4 and may bonus pa na four individual awards like MVP, Rookie of the Year, Best Libero, and Best Outside Hitter. Congrats sa team and be ready for this [upcoming] NCAA [Season 99]," he

added.

Meanwhile, Ramirez, the finals MVP challenged the team to look out for their stronger performance this upcoming Season 99. “Mas solid ‘yung performance siguro namin ngayon kasi mas inimprove ‘yung samahan namin sa loob at isa lang ‘yung nawala sa first six namin last [Season 98].”

DR/BGEN ANTONIO L TAMAYO, PAF (RES), FPCHA, PhD Chairman of the Board Founder

DAISY M. TAMAYO, PhD RN Vice Chairman of the Board and Treasurer Co-Founder

ANTHONY JOSE M. TAMAYO, PhD, CPA Member

LTC RICHARD ANTONIO M TAMAYO, PAFR (GSC), REB, MBA-H, CHA, FPCHA Corporate Secretary

MARIA CONSORCIA L. TAMAYO, MBA Member

EDWIN A. MORAN, BBA Member

ANTONIO ROMULO G. TAMAYO, BSIE Member Board Liaison Officer for Sports

RACHEL ANTONETTE G. TAMAYO, RN, MD Member

JOSEFINA VIRGINIA G. TAMAYO, AB COMM ARTS Member

Dr. Marjorie Gutierrez-Tangog, Executive Vice President of UPHSD, captivated the audience as she delivered valuable insights on crafting impactful research papers and mastering source assessment during her keynote speech.

Photos by John Roi Palado

To become better and more responsible campus journalists, five student journalists from The Perpetualite participated in Transforming Advocates and Champions Inc. (TRAC) Campus Journalism Convention last April 28-30, 2023. Bannering the theme, "Forging a just and humane society through campus journalism," the three-day virtual event took place via Zoom and was attended by student journalists, campus delegates, and college media advisers from 34 Universities and Colleges from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

To train and understand the importance of journalism and strengthening responsible journalism, TRAC host-

The Perpetualite joins TRAC, PSC

by Wilson Carlo Dela Torre

ako at lalo akong nalungkot nung may mga kasama rin silang kasing edaran nila na nagkakalakal din," Uy shared when asked how he felt when he captured his winning piece.

Other campus journalists who participated in the event were Ma. Angel Nicole Rondez, Managing Editor; Erica Tamparong, Features Editor; Sean Paolo V. Resente, Artist; and Nica Lauren Pancho, Writer.

event aimed to combat gender-stereotypical reporting about female athletes.

ed competitions in different categories, including editorial writing and cartooning, news writing, feature writing, sports writing, photojournalism, and campus journalism vlog.

Justin Isaac D. Uy, the Chief Photographer of The Perpetualite, has won first place in the photojournalism category. His winning entry, in line with the theme "Human as An Instrument in Promoting Democracy," featured two children who seemed like siblings, riding a cargo cart loaded with recyclable materials.

"Kinuhaan ko 'to around 11 AM. Sobrang tirik ng araw nung time na 'yun. Kaya hindi talaga ako totally naging excited o natuwa sa picture. Nalungkot

Furthermore, five notable and respectable personalities from various disciplines of journalism, law, and academia shared experiences and techniques in their expertise, including Kara David, an award-winning documentarian and University of the Philippines (UP) Journalism Department Chairperson; Atty. Chel Diokno, Human rights advocate and lawyer; Jing Castañeda, ABS-CBN Broadcast Journalist; Abner Mercado, UP Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature Senior Lecturer; and Joe Torres, LiCAS News Editor-at-Large and National Press Club of the Philippines Director.

Meanwhile, four The Perpetualite members also participated in a two-day seminar conducted by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in Splendido Hotel, Tagaytay City, last April 28-29, 2023. Entitled "Women in Sports: Filipinas Sports Media Seminar," the

UPHSD’s non-teaching personnel celebrates Appreciation Day

Headed by PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, the event was attended by student journalists from 7 different colleges in Metro Manila, namely: University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, College of St. Benilde, and St. Scholastica’s College.

During the event, resource speakers and lecturers Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, a sportscaster, and Lito Cinco, a veteran sports writer, shared their expertise in mobile journalism and sports writing. Several Philippine national athletes also attended the event to show their support, including Elma Muros-Posadas, Long Jump Queen; Noelle Mañalac, a soft tennis gold medalist; and Thea

Ceñarosa, a netball player. The campus journalists who represented the university were Ma. Angel Nicole Rondez, Managing Editor; Erica Mae Tamparong, Features Editor; Angelika Estrada, writer; and Ellah Escasa, writer. During the event, participants were able to practice mock interviews, write sports news and feature articles, and learn mobile journalism.

"It lifted me as a woman who aims to pursue a career in the media, and it made me see a better perspective on what I would want to talk about in the future," said Angelika Estrada, one of the event participants. Erica Tamparong, on the other hand, felt that she was fulfilled having participated in the event. “Sobrang fulfilling, enriching, and enlivening. Binuhay ng seminar na ‘to ‘yung dugo ko sa pagmamahal at pagsusulat ng sports article.”

UPHSD Alumni Affairs conducts mass blood typing

by Jester Ann Jennydhie Dela Cruz

In celebration of Labor

Month, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) expressed its appreciation and recognition to the non-teaching employees' unwavering commitment to the university through the Appreciation Day event last May 12, 2023, at the University Gym 1.

Bearing the theme "LABOR: Limitless Act of Being Optimistic and Reliable," the event was dedicated to honor the hardwork and determination of the non-teaching staff who wholeheartedly serve the school. The event was also the perfect day to relax and enjoy as the Supreme Student Council (SSC) provided the employees with various activities such as zumba, raffle, games, special numbers and giveaways.

"Oo naman! Enjoy na enjoy," said Mr. Edwin Ignacio when asked what he felt about the celebration. Mr. Ignacio has been working as a housekeep-

er in Perpetual since 1995. He also pointed out that it was his second time joining the Appreciation Day celebration. His favorite part of the event was the dance contest since he was declared the winner in that particular activity.

Meanwhile, another employee from the housekeeping department, Mr. Vhan Rey Flores expressed he enjoyed the moment. "Para samin mga housekeeper, nafi-feel namin na kahit sa ganoong paraan napapahalagahan nila kami — naa-appreciate din nila ‘yung ginagawa namin."

Mr. Flores has been serving as a housekeeper in UPHSD for 8 years and counting. When he was asked if he wanted to join the next Appreciation Day event, he answered, "Oo naman. Syempre sasali ako sa bawat event na ibibigay nila [para sa mga employees], count me in.”

The event was made possible

with the collaboration of the SSC, Human Resource Department, Rank and File Employees Welfare Association (RFEWA), and the School Director's Office. There were several staff, officers, and professors who have also extended their support to make the event possible. The RFEWA officers provided gifts; the School Director's Office and the Human Resource Department sponsored the snacks and the raffle prizes; while Mr. Jojo, Mrs. Fe Alviedo, Ms. Fe Maullon-Umali, Mr. Bobby Salinas, Ms. Gigi Lenon, Ms. Joanna Bello, and Dr. Aiza Violet Alfaro also contributed gifts and prizes for the Appreciation Day Celebration.

"To all our Non-Teaching Personnel, let us always help, support, and approach our students nicely. Let us show to them that we value and care for them, and we will guide them all throughout until they graduate," said Ms. Loida Beñosa, the RFEWA President.

“A big thank you to all of you! Keep what you are doing, even a small act of service creates a huge impact to the Perpetualite Community. I hope na hindi po kayo magsawang magbigay serbisyo sa’min,” said Jay Wesley Decipeda, the SSC President, offering his sincere gratitude to all the non-teaching employees of the university.

Knowing your blood type is highly important which is why the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA's Alumni Association organized a mass blood typing event on April 12, 2023, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, at the College of International Tourism and Management building. The activity was specially arranged for foreign students, and in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

The activity was headed by Ms. Liwanag Elizares, Coordinator of the UPHSD Alumni Affairs and the Overall Chairperson, along with Gen. Rosendo M. Dial, UPHSD Alumni Association President, who served as Co-Chairperson.

“It is a request from Philippine Red Cross since they noticed that UPHSD has plenty of foreign students, and they want to have a record of their blood type, especially the Indians, because possibly most of them have rare negative type of blood,” Ms. Elizares said, as one of the main objectives of the event is to support the PRC in seeking potential donors with rare blood groups.

A total of 20 students from the College of Medical Technology volunteered to help in conducting the activity. A third-year volunteer, Ahkila Ellisse Capuno, said she was

grateful and happy to be part of the activity. "Medyo kinabahan ako at first but of course kailangan maging compose ka pa rin kasi pag nakita yun ng patient mo, pati sila kakabahan. Overall, It was a good opportunity po for us kasi syempre ito yung magiging future profession namin, so it's nice we had a glimpse kung ano yung mga dapat gawin pati yung small details na itinuro sa amin ng mga staff,” said Capuno, sharing her experience during the mass blood typing activity.

According to Hanzel Sentones, registered nurse and donor recruitment head of the PRC blood services, the PRC emphasized the importance of mass blood typing events. “As a Filipino, I think it is very important na alam mo yung blood type mo kasi in times of emergency mas madali ka makaka-pagbigay ng tulong ‘dun sa mga nangangailangan ng blood and mas mabilis ka na rin makakatanggap ng donor kung alam mo na yung blood type mo,” Sentones explained.

Even though the activity was intended for international students, local students and employees were also welcomed and accepted. A total of 225 individuals were accommodated, and six of the 225 were discovered to have a rare negative blood type.

by Paola Rigor

UPHSD’s non-teaching employees gathered inside Gymnasium 2 during Labor Day 2023.

The Perpetualite’s Chief Photographer Justin Isaac D. Uy's winning piece, "Precious Cargo," at TRAC’s Photojournalism competition.

Foreign students get their blood typed by a representative from the Philippine Red Cross.

Photo by Christian Barnachea

Photo by Norie Anne Maranan

UPHSD technology advances through Digitech Program

by Paola Rigor

guest speaker, Mr. Oliver Tian, Vice President of Global Robot Clusters (GRC), Vice Chairman of the Singapore International Alliance of Robotics Association, and the Honorary Adviser of the Asia Pacific Assistive Robotics Association (APARA). His visit allowed the students as well as the faculty members to see another perspective on the technology.

augment humans.

"Dream big, think real, and stay hungry," said Mr. Tian in his closing statement, reminding everyone with another three valuable pieces of advice. He also shared that humans should not be afraid of artificial intelligence, because artificial intelligence exists to benefit mankind.

As the technology continues to advance, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s Digitech Program Committee has conducted two events that mainly focus on the Digitech Program: a special forum on the Digitech Curriculum and the Internet of Things (IOT), and Digitech Teacher’s Capability Program, last April 11 and 17, 2023, at the New College Building room 124 and CITHM lobby.

The events aim to give the institution an insight into the recent innovations of technologies in the digital world in

preparation for the implementation of the digitech program in the university and to make the faculty members more equipped with the world's leading digital skills.

During the special forum, Dr. Marjorie S. Gutierrez-Tangog, Executive Vice President, delivered her welcoming remarks, while Dr. Arnaldo S. De Guzman, School Director, welcomed the guest speaker and participants.

Engr. Lorena C. Ilagan, College of Engineering Dean and Project Integrator of the Digitech Program, introduced the

With Mr. Oliver Tian’s 30 years of experience working in the information technology sector, which includes public services, he motivated the faculty members and the students with his “Future Work, Future Skills” lecture. In his discussion, he gave them his 10 ‘golden nuggets’ of advice, which are the following: Be AI ready, AI is here to stay; Embrace technology to be a better human; Be prepared to ‘Learn, Unlearn and re-Learn’, T-shape your skill set with deep and broad skills; Humanize the work environment; Learn how to Learn: I-Learn, U-Learn, We-Learn; Learn in the flow of work/problem solving; Be adaptive to job transformation; Evolve with the jobs-to-be-done; Leverage technologies to

SSC promotes self and health awareness with DASH 2023

by Ma. Angel Nicole Rondez

Ed) were the second runner-up winners.

Falling short of snatching the title, Dalusong managed to bag several special awards, namely: Best in Production Number, Most Dashing Attire, and Netizen's Choice titles award. Gundran, on the other hand, also received the award for the most dashing attire and netizen's choice for female category.

Moreover, the values for Digital Teacher’s Capability Program: Enabling Expertise Through International Computer Driving License (ICDL)

Certification was further explained by Mr. Joseph Mark Aquino, President of Experts Academy, the official partner of ICDL in the country to deliver Information and Communication Technologies’ ICDL certifications.

Mr. Aquino presented the evolution of the internet, as well as the four steps for students to have a future proof career: First, choose a future proof career; second, never stop studying; third, build expertise (Improve your credentials and be globally competitive); and lastly, be a hero (help others, serve your country; and live a life serving God’s given purpose).

In addition, Mr. Damien O’Sullivan, CEO of the ICDL

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Foundation, delivered a message empowering the teachers by highlighting their importance as educators. He believes that teachers are the heart of the education system and the power of the education system comes from the teachers. He also mentioned that the technology is not powered by electricity but it is rather powered by the people.

“

A program that will prepare our future professionals to face this “BANI” (Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear and Incomprehensible) future world – a digital transform world. Our teachers should be well-equipped and competent, and through our partner ICDL, we could achieve that,” said Engr. Mariciel Teogangco, Dean of the College of Engineering (UPHSD Molino), in her closing remarks. She also explained that through the vision of Dr./Bgen. Antonio L. Tamayo, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and founder, the digitech program was born.

Some students and faculty members from Las Piñas, Calamba, and Molino DALTA campuses were present during the first event, while Dr. Tangog, Engr. Ilagan, and the certified ICDL teachers also joined the second day of the event.

To emphasize the importance of self and health awareness amongst Perpetualites, the Supreme Student Council (SSC) conducted a two-day event called Developing Awareness for Self and Health (DASH) at the University grounds last May 8-9, 2023.

The main objective of the event is to develop and strengthen the Perpetualites’ sense of responsibility and independence for self-care as well as to provide knowledge and enhance positive attitudes towards health issues.

Chaired by Jay Wesley M. Decipeda, SSC President, the event was a collaboration with the Allied Health Department. "Gusto namin na aside sa enjoyment and memories but also learnings in mind, in heart, and in hand," Decipeda shared this kind of event is essential for the Perpetualite community.

There were five distinct booths in front of the grade school building, offering a variety of services where Perpetualites could avail for only 10 to 30 pesos. The following col-

leges also set up their booths: Radiologic Technology, Medical Technology, Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Respiratory Therapy.

Despite the extreme heat, students from different colleges actively participated in the activities which were full of fun and stimulating such as zumba, relay, and the most-awaited Mr. and Ms. DASH 2023.

Fourteen dashing candidates competed for the title of Mr. and Ms. DASH 2023, but only two emerged as winners.

Matthew Seth Crisol from the Allied Health Department and Nikka Francisco from the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CITHM) took home the crown of Mr. and Ms. DASH 2023.

Joshua Angelo Dalusong and Ariana Gundran from the College of Aviation were hailed as first runner-up, while Alfredo Diego Hiceta from the College of Computer Studies (CCS) and Dhiammarie Rhose Lacson from the College of Arts and Sciences - Education (CAS-

Other special awards went to Jo Mari Dobles (College of Engineering) for Mr. Darling of the crowd while Dhiammarie Rhose Lacson (College of Arts and Sciences - Education (CAS-Ed) won the title Ms. Darling of the Crowd and Best in Production award (female category).

In addition, the College of Criminology bagged first place in the zumba competition, followed by the Allied Health Department and the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CITHM) in second and third place, respectively.

Meanwhile, the students showcased their abilities in the DASH relay. The College of Computer Studies won first place, followed by the College of Arts and Sciences - Education (CAS-Ed), and Allied Health in third.

Moreover, the SSC's first face-to-face seminar was held inside the Ernesto Palanca Crisostomo Hall last May 8, 2023, where Perpetual Trackster coach Alphonso Trece D. Academia presided as he talked about emotional wellness and overall mental well-being. During the seminar, the College of Nursing received a special award for having the most number of attendees.

According to Engr. Ilagan, the use of PERPSAT1 will further improve and enhance the current academic curriculum, "This project also allows us to develop our curriculum like our Aeronautical Engineering into becoming an Aerospace Engineering.” She also explained how the satellite ground station can broaden and enrich students' knowledge and skills in space engineering projects. Meanwhile, the inauguration and dedication of PERPSAT1 became a historic event in the university which was broadcast live on several television networks. In addition to international partnerships, the project also established partnerships locally through the government, the Philippine Navy, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Microchip, Fast Logistics and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

Dr. Marjorie Gutierrez-Tangog, Executive Vice President; and Engr. Ilagan led the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with Dr. Arnaldo S. De Guzman, School Director; Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial, Deputy Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD); and Director Ruby Raterta, Chief Science Research Specialist of DOST.

Engr. Marcelo Santos, the adviser of the amateur radio club, presented the data collected from the satellite. Engr. Santos also led the oath taking ceremony, acknowledging

the oaths of UPHSD's Radio Club officers and licensed radio operators who passed the National Telecommunications Commission's (NTC) Class C Amateur Radio Exam.

Several engineering students shared their insights regarding the event. "The transition as a regular engineering student to being a part of the research team of the PERPSAT1 nanosatellite brought us to our full potential, the progress made by the project administrators kept us thrilled and determined to see what’s next," Lancelot Cajipo Pangan expressed, anticipating the opportunities the nanosatellite can offer for their college.

"As a weather enthusiast, the weather satellite excites me since it could provide a real-time satellite image of the Philippines including the clouds, and even typhoons or tropical storms if there are any. We were able to track the Typhoon Chedeng last June 10, 2023 and provided analysis of it." said John Michael Robles, being one of the engineering students assigned to the weather satellite.

With the PERPSAT1 project in motion, Engr. Ilagan couldn’t contain her happiness as she believed that it is a gateway and a starting point for more research, development, projects, and space exploration to transpire in the future. "We are hopeful that persat1 will allow us and other universities as well to start and enrich the capability of the Filipinos in doing projects related to space," Engr. Ilagan furthered.

Team CITHM performs their Zumba dance routine, which led to their third-place finish in the competition.

Mr. Oliver Tian presents his “Future Work, Future Skills” lecture to selected students and faculty members.

Photo by Justin Isaac Uy

Photo by Norie Anne Maranan

CBAA ignites the perennial flame with CBAA Days 2023

Fun-filled activities, friendly rivalries, and social occasion were right on schedule of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), as they celebrated their most-awaited CBAA Week 2023 with the theme

“Ignatius Phoenix: Igniting the Perennial Flame,” last April 11 to 14, 2023.

Throughout the four-day event, students were given the chance to showcase their skills and enjoy the week in a variety of festivities such as Amazing

Race, Phoenix Cup, CBAA Got Talent, and the highly-anticipated CBAA Gala.

Dr. Leticia C. Gmad, CBAA Chairperson, delivered the opening remarks, followed by a parade to commence the CBAA week, featuring the different teams: Eternal Black, Fiery Red, Blazing Orange, and Soaring Yellow. In addition, several teams presented their cheers prior to an excellent performance by the Perpetual Dance Company.

One of the highlights of the

Radiologic Technology students celebrate RDT Days 2023

by Kristine Clare Landicho

week was the CBAA’s Hollywood Gala-themed evening with Dr. Glenda Joy B. Lopez, Dean of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, delivering the opening remarks. She expressed her gratitude to the hardworking student councils who organized the event, as well as the students and faculty members who participated and attended.

The crowning of the King and Queen of the Night brought excitement among the participants with Ms. Donita Joie Bagas, Ms. Marilex Moreno, Ms. Catriona Gayatin, Atty. James Gregorio, and Dr. Leticia Gamad as members of the panel of judges.

In the end, John Zenric Giray and Sofhia Barilla brought home the titles of King and Queen of the Night. Arjay Alarcon received the Best Dressed award in the male category, while Samantha Abdon in the female. Meanwhile, Roland Rafael Llorente and Erika Christine Vilar were hailed as Mr. and Ms. Face of the Night, respectively.

One of the festivities for the week was the CBAA Got Talent, a competition that

encouraged CBAA students to present their unique talents onstage, whether through singing, dancing, or even acting. With an astounding performance, Stephanie Cabag-Iran was hailed as the Champion.

Furthermore, teams of different majors and year levels competed on the court and online with the basketball and volleyball tournaments as well as the e-games tournaments with the extended support of the College of Computer Studies (CCS) Student Council. Students also showed their wisdom and knowledge in the Phoenix Cup: Accounting

Quiz Bee and Business Admin-

The joint efforts of the Business Administration Student Council and the Accountancy Student Council led by their presidents, Coleen Jill Aguidan and Andrea Joy Baterisna, the event was successfully executed. “We wanted to give students an event solely for CBAA; [an event] to gather them and to allow them to socialize,” Baterisna said in an interview.

She added, “These past few days [the CBAA students] were bombarded with acads, and we wanted them to chill and have fun.”

Revitalizing the tourism and hospitality industry in the 44th CITHM days

Students dubbed it like a ‘celebration before the storm,’ as the College of Radiologic Technology (RDT) of the UPHSD-Las Piñas Campus commemorated their annual RDT Days, titled: “From Subjective to Objective,” last March 27 to April 1, 2023. The aim of the celebration is to provide students with a much-needed break from a stressful week of exams and to strengthen ties within the community.

is Vilar and Ria Paula Roxas were crowned as the King and Queen of the Night, donning magnificent attire that thunderstruck the crowd. In addition, the Stars of the Night were awarded to Llewlyn Anne Galicia and Cin Shiria Takashi, who both looked fabulous in their roaring red attire.

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The event was organized by the RDT Student Council (RDT-SC), headed by Mr. Gabriel Reyes, RDT-SC adviser, and Paul Christian Peñaflor, the RDT-SC president, alongside student leader’s other level representatives. Aside from the leisure that the RDT days provided, Peñaflor shared that the main purpose of the event was to strengthen the bond of the RDT community and provide them with wonderful memories with their friends and fellow students.

According to organizers, it was challenging for them to put together an event of this scale, but they overcame it by designating a task for each RDT-SC member, with the help of the faculty and other students from their college.

In the first two days, various exciting activities were prepared for the radtech students, which included hula relay, capture the flag, quiz bee, and basketball and volleyball tournaments. Meanwhile, the third day was designed for the awarding and the highly-anticipated RadTech Night.

In the most anticipated part of the evening, John Alex-

The search for the “Talentadong RadTech” competition was one of the highlights of the night, showcasing several singing performances that captivated the audience. Princess Nueles was declared the champion, followed by Mae Cuyos and Jefferson Tumada settling for second and third place, respectively.

Furthermore, the third year Radtech students were named overall champions, followed by the first-year students, and the fourth and second-year students sharing third place. The winners of literary competitons and Esports games were also announced before the end of the event.

Johann Sebastian Aquino, a third-year RDT student, shared his experience attending an in-person event after a long time of virtual classes and activities. “For me, the whole event is memorable because it's really a great moment, especially for us coming from a two-year virtual class. Finally, we were able to see and meet not just our batchmates but the whole RDT community of UPHSD.”

The event was hosted by Christian Joy Chee and Joan Marie Simon, first year Radtech students, who were oozed with energy all throughout the night.

When it comes to festivities and glamorous events, no one could do better than the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CITHM), as they commemorated their 44th CITHM Days with this year's theme "CITHM The Silver Lining After: The Revitalization of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry," last March 22-24, 2023.

The event aimed to have the ability to perceive silver linings; showcase different sets of skills and talents; increase awareness and appreciation of the various competitions; and improve the CITHM students' motivation, resilience, and confidence. The CITHM Student Council (SC) with the support of their Dean, Ms. Evelyn Antiporda, and their adviser, Dr. Joanna Infante, planned numerous activities.

CITHM students and professors gathered to celebrate the three-day event that fea-

tured activities such as tour guiding, flairtending, flight attendant showmanship, culinary competition, festival dance contest, digital poster making, college promotional video contest and sport competitions.

One of the most anticipated activities amongst the CITHM Days was the Hollywood Glam, and the CITHM's pageant and awards night. Hollywood Glam also served as their culminating activity where students socialized, witnessed production numbers, and discovered the winners of the different competitions.

Erwin Reyes, third-year BS Hospitality Management, and Nia Ruth Vega, first-year BS Hospitality Management, were crowned this year's CITHM King and Queen. The latter also received the titles of Ms. Wit and Best in Uniform, while the former was awarded Best in Jeans Wear and Best in Evening Wear.

Charmaine Flores, a firstyear BS Hospitality Management student, expressed her excitement about CITHM Days, "I had fun spectating and supporting the other events that happened during the days. But the most awaited and memorable event for most of us would probably be the CITHM Night where we got to dress up and have a decent time."

According to Jazel Margarette Dumasal, CITHM SC’s Business Manager, the event would not be possible without the help of everyone in the student council. She also expressed her utmost gratitude for being given an opportunity to organize CITHM days. Upon being asked if the CITHM SC achieved their objective, Dumasal replied with, "Seeing the look on the students' faces, yes, I'll say we achieved that goal."

"They can look forward to this annual event as next school year, we're aware that we know better now,” Dumasal furthered.

by Jonathan Silva Jr.

istration Quiz Bee.

Celebrating the remarkable achievement, third-year Radiologic Technology (RadTech) students are recognized as the reigning champions of RDT Days 2023.

Sofhia Barilla and John Zenric Giray's crowning moment as the new King and Queen of the Night during CBAA Days 2023.

The Ati-Atihan Festival Group (BSMT 2) showcases their vibrant dance routine at the CITHM Days Dance Festival, securing second place in the competition.

by Nica Lauren Pancho

Photo by Zachary Kyle Viloria

Courtesy of Gabriel Martin Garcia

Photo by Ma. Angel Nicole Rondez

ONE STEP CLOSER TOWARDS YOUR DREAMS

“Congratulations, you made it!”

Graduating from college is an exhilarating time for students and their families. This milestone marks the end of a long journey filled with perseverance and hard work, as well as dedication to achieving academic success. It’s not just about receiving a diploma or degree; it’s also about celebrating hard work over the years that has led up to this momentous occasion.

The day of graduation itself can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking all at once; however, it should still be enjoyed. After years spent working towards your degree, you deserve to take the time out on this special occasion to celebrate your accomplishments with family and friends who have supported you along the way. Whether that’s throwing a big party or having dinner together somewhere nice, make sure you take some time out amidst all the chaos.

However, your journey does not end after you earn your degree from college; rather, it is only the beginning of another exploration and a chance to achieve all of your dreams.

Doing well and thriving in college is not easy. You'll be swamped with deadlines, assignments, and performance tasks, to the point that it may

interfere with your social life. Perhaps, if you reminisce about your first day of college, all you would recall are the hardships, struggles, and difficulties you had to overcome to reach this significant point in your life. All of the obstacles you've overcome have shaped who you are today and the person you will become tomorrow.

Every year, the Philippines is home to many fresh graduates who are ready to start their journey in the professional world. Myriad talented individuals and bright minds have spent years honing their skills and knowledge, preparing themselves for the long and arduous path to success. With a strong foundation of education behind them, these graduates now stand at the gates of opportunity, ready to conquer whatever challenges may come their way.

As a Perpetualite graduate, it is your responsibility to uphold the values of your alma mater.

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) strives to produce graduates who are not only competent in their chosen field but also possess moral and ethical standards that will benefit the society. The pursuit of excellence in all facets of life by Perpetual graduates is one method to uphold UPHSD's dedication to creating capable citizens and

by Carl Christian Ramos

professionals. Additionally, graduates should aim towards becoming mentors and leaders, so that others may benefit from the experiences they’ve obtained while continuing the legacy set forth by UPHSD’s core values: love, faithfulness, integrity, and service-oriented leadership.

Furthermore, there has never been a better moment than today to take advantage of the career opportunities accessible in the country. You and other fresh graduates can take advantage of this by looking for jobs that match your interests and skill set. You can eventually advance professionally and financially if you are determined enough to succeed through hard effort and perseverance.

Graduating and earning your diploma means you’re halfway already to your dream success. You must continue to strive forward, be driven by enthusiasm, ambition, and optimism, not only for yourself but also to positively contribute to society as a whole. It is your duty to help build a better world by educating and inspiring the future generations. By doing so, you can truly make sure every effort made during your time spent at the university was worth something more than just a degree.

Breathe, there’s still time

In a life where uncertainties constantly unfold, there are still formidable foes who believe that there is still time for everything.

Life is short, as everyone believes, and that is why every step must be calculated, every decision must be logically made, and every path should be drawn with a straight line. But if life is perfectly crafted like this, only machines could live in this world.

Life works the other way around. Not every step can be calculated because not all feet walk deliberately. Just like you, if you feel like you are running out of time to chase your dreams and career goals, behold, there is still time to trace your steps. Maybe your dream is waiting for you at the end of your climb; you just need to stay still and embrace the process of waiting. If you feel like other people your age are starting to achieve their goals while you feel like you are stagnant, ease off because you have your own timeline. If you stopped studying to support your family’s financial needs and get anxious about reaching your college degree, breathe, for there is still time. Your turn will come, and if it is for you, the stars will align to give you that diploma.

Not all steps can be measured because different circumstances will lead one’s feet

to a path where guide steps are invisible. The same goes with making decisions; not all the time it is done logically and rationally—even if people adhere to a careful process. Most of the time, people are driven emotionally when it comes to decision-making. Some people tend to make mistakes that are irrevocable once done. Some people face failure even if they have tried to make decisions ideally. But that is the thing; it is normal. It is normal to create decisions based on what you feel. It is normal to make unplanned mistakes and face failure in the end because, naturally, people maneuver errors whether they like it or not, and that is okay. You decided on a career that will help pay your bills, that is okay. You decided to love a certain person, but they gave you heartache, and you feel like it is your fault for choosing them, that is okay. You decided to like someone, but they can’t reciprocate it, that is okay. You decided to quit your job because it drains your life away, that is okay. Not every decision is necessary to be logical, and that is okay. Sometimes, situations put people in rough decision-making, but do not be discouraged because there is still time to fix things. May it be in your career, family, or relationship, it is okay to make decisions irrationally. But in the process

of embracing these situations, never forget to forgive yourself. You decided to forget the career you once loved, forgive yourself. You loved the wrong person, forgive yourself. You quit your job, forgive yourself. Always create time and space to forgive yourself because all paths are drawn in a twisted way. You are in your current position for a reason. It may not go according to your plans, but it is your timeline to follow, and there will always be time to pursue your curved, zigzagged, and bent journey. Do not be disheartened by errors, mistakes, or miscalculated steps.

" Your time will come, and when that arrives, breathe; there is still time. "

Artwork by Claire Llamera

Artwork by Julie Ann Dela Cruz

by Erica Mae Tamparong

From VTR to Movie Star: Setting the scene for the life of a Perpetualite on the big screen

by Kristine Clare Landicho

Picture this scenario: a future expected to stay inside a familiar sphere breaks through its bounds when an unexpected opportunity for stardom arrives. When all notions of an average student's life and schedule recede from the stage, a Perpetualite attempts to balance the scales between her studies and her work on the silver screen.

Enter Shaira Diaz, also known as Shaira Mae Dela Cruz, a Filipino actress known for her roles under several television networks including TV5, Sari-Sari Channel, and GMA Network. She started out in the industry back in 2013 and finally landed her first leading role in 2019 in the film Because I Love You. Despite her rise to fame, Shaira thought that her career as a TV and film actress came rather unexpectedly. “Hindi ko naman inaasahan talaga na mag-artista ako, unexpected siya, to be honest, kasi ang gusto ko lang ay kahit commercials lang. Okay na ako don.” she mentioned in an interview when asked about the birth of her career.

Coming from a family with a background in commercial modelling, Shaira was initially content with following in their footsteps and settling for commercial acting and view-through rate (VTR) media. Her journey in VTR began when she was in sixth grade backed up with the unending support from those closest to her. Unfortunately, it did not take long for rejection to come knocking on her door. Failed VTR auditions started piling up until her manager advised her to switch targets and start auditioning for television roles. Finally, in 2012, she was given the chance to be on Artista Academy, a talent and reality show on TV5, and became a finalist. This kick-started her active years in the industry but also put a halt to her years as a regular student.

Shaira spent most of her early years in Metro Manila, specifically Las Piñas City. Thus, her enrollment in the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta was, at first, out of convenience. She enrolled in her second year of high school and did not expect to experience one of the most memorable times in her life. “Masaya!” She exclaimed as she described her time in in the university. Even though her journey as an actress still proved to be arduous, the friends she made and the experiences she had, helped to make things easier. “Nakakatuwa kasi very happy sila for me, very proud sila sa akin, and very sup portive rin.”

However, as many people know, time management is a difficult tightrope to walk. As Shaira’s career started to take off, she struggled more and more to find time to study. Eventually, she had to prioritize her role as the breadwinner of the family and chose to stop studying in her first year of college.

In spite of this decision, Shaira always intended to finish her studies. kong makatapos talaga sa pag-aaral kasi hindi ko nakikitang pang-habang buhay ‘yungshowbiz.” There is no doubt that life as an actress played a huge role in shap ing the person she is now. It certainly taught her to persevere and thrive, despite the obstacles thrown in her direction. Still, she never stopped valuing her edu cation. When she was told she might have to repeat high school because of the new K-12 curriculum, she returned to the university. She is now a third-year Marketing Management student and expecting to graduate by next year.

Shaira had no qualms about the services of the university during her re turn. “NaniniwalanamanakonaUPHSDaymabibigaysaakin‘yungqual ityeducationnakailanganko.” One of the things she really honed during her previous stay was her leadership skills, from her volleyball team to the different group projects; she is a firm believer in the university's mis sion of developing leaders.

Since her career is the source of income for her family and education, Shaira must continue her balancing act, her current job on one end and her studies on the other. In an interview, she emphasized that, daling pagsabayin ang pag-aartista at pag-aaral.” college schedule, she had to endure long periods without sleep, emotion ally demanding scenes, continuous competition in the acting industry, and the inevitable bashers hoping to tear her down. Amidst the hardships, Shai ra is thankful for her friends and family. Even on the toughest days, they offer comfort and support both on and off set.

To all aspiring actors and actresses, Shaira advises them to pur sue their dreams with passion and love for their craft. it with love and seryoso ka dapat sa ginagawa mo. I believe kung mahal mo ‘yung ginagawa mo, matatapos mo siya at makakapag-deliv er ka.”

Even with ten years in the industry under her belt and a handful of projects such as Unang Hirit, iBilib, and a second season of Lolong set to start taping in September, Shaira refuses to stop her journey at acting. She plans to one day leave the scene with the same splendor she entered it as she takes with her the lessons she's learned and the memories she'll cherish for years to come.

“Kung aalis man ako sa industry, meron akong back-up. Meron pa rin akong something to offer nang hindi as Shaira Diaz kung hindi as Shaira Mae Dela Cruz.

SHAIRA MAE DELA CRUZ

JUSTIN ISAAC UY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

CARLOS RAPHAEL ACOSTA | OBED BARRIOS

JOHN ROI PALADO | ZACHARY KYLE VILORIA

SIERRA SHIEN PASCUA | MA. ARMILLA SON

NORIE ANNE MARANAN | JOHN GENSON BUOT

CHRISTIAN BARNACHEA

HULAGWAY V I E W P

O I N T

A year has passed since President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was seated as the 17th president of the Philippines. With over 31 million Filipino votes, he promised to promote unity, guarantee access to affordable food and healthcare, create an environment conducive to investment and bring about the change every Filipino craves.

In a recent interview, President Marcos stated that he agreed with an economist who bestowed him a "incomplete" grade for his accomplishments during his first year in office. He acknowledged that he still had a long way to go and that there was still a lot of work to be done in order for his administration to be successful.

As a developing country (third world country), the Philippines must go through numerous changes and solve its own problems in order to compete with industrialized countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and others. What is truly heartbreaking is the problems that Filipinos confront on a daily basis have been there for decades: hunger,

first year: A Year of hopes and promises

poverty, lack of education and health care, poor public transportation, unemployment, unlivable minimum wages, and so on. Filipinos are barely keeping up as COVID-19 and its consequences exacerbate the country's current position.

Moreover, inflation has been circling the world, particularly among our Southeast Asian neighbors, and our countrymen are ill-equipped to deal with these global challenges. Filipino citizens, especially the poor, are undoubtedly highly dependent on the government. And if the government is incapable of relieving the people's burden, they will not survive. As a result, the standard of living will only deteriorate.

“There are many, many things that we still need to do. We have to undo 30 years, 35 years, almost 40 years of neglect of the agricultural sector. And the agricultural sector still occupies the most fundamental part of our economy," President Marcos Jr., who is also the incumbent Secretary of Agriculture, said.

One of the government's initiatives to combat inflation in the country is the establishment

of Kadiwa Centers. This project is beneficial since it connects food producers to consumers and lets people buy low-cost farm products, but some regard it as a band-aid solution to the country's ongoing shortage of basic commodities. However, it is better and wiser to impose price restrictions rather than build hundreds of centers that will only serve a few people.

President Marcos Jr. signed the New Agrarian Emancipation Act just a few weeks before his State of the Nation Address. The law forgives the debts of agricultural reform recipients. This achievement is commendable because it would alleviate our farmers' everyday strain. Prioritizing our farmers will benefit the economy and the lives of people who depend on local production. Furthermore, despite rising commodity prices, wages for workers remained stagnant until the government recently raised the minimum wage to Php 40 and Php 610 in Metro Manila. However, a study conducted by IBON Foundation in 2022, showed that a reasonable and fair income for Filipino families should be roughly Php 1,000 in

order to live a decent life.

In surveys, Filipinos' quality of life has fluctuated as well. According to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey from May 2023, 14 million Filipinos consider themselves poor. It was higher than the previous year's figure of 12.9 million self-declared impoverished families. This data is painful to look at, and we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these people who desperately need the government's help and support.

Meanwhile, the President claimed that the Philippines is now being recognized as an investment destination. According to him, anyone looking to invest in ASEAN must do it in the Philippines as well; otherwise, their plan won't work out well. He also said it was now his job to make sure the changes his government had initiated were maintained.

"The world looks at the Philippines in a different way now. You go anywhere now, and the Philippines is always recognized," he said.

Furthermore, millions of Filipinos are undoubtedly hoping and praying for better and more rapid action with only

five more years left in the current administration's mandate. Some are skeptical, saying the Philippines had made no progress at all, while others disagree. Certainly, there is room for improvement, particularly when it comes to the cost of basic necessities, the increasing fuel price, and public transportation. The vast majority of people, those who go to work every day, have these three issues as their top priorities. We may have different ideas about what it means to live comfortably, but we all want to be comfortable. Some people only want to live, eat three times a day, and have a bed and a roof over their heads; however, it's not our main objective as a nation. In order to witness the day when everyone can afford health care, education, and tranquility because we trust and feel safe with our leaders, we must all work together. As a nation known for its resilience, we hope to bounce back from decades of neglect. Maybe when there are no more hungry or poor people, we can definitely declare that "nakabangon na tayo."

"Babangon muli."

Artwork by Justine Mae Clidoro

No new angle: PH’s tatsulok justice system

CARL CHRISTIAN L. RAMOS DAYBREAK

“Furthermore, another troubling aspect of the Philippine legal system is its tendency for political meddling, where powerful individuals may use their connections or money to influence judgments in their favour.”

“... at ang hustisya ay para lang sa mayaman.”

The justice system in the Philippines is broken and desperately needs to be fixed. The country has a long history of corruption, abuse, and impunity that has resulted in an inefficient judiciary system that fails to protect basic human rights. The Philippine justice system is widely considered to be pro-rich people, which means that individuals with money and influence have an easier time navigating the legal system than those who do not. This issue led me to believe that the lady who holds the scales

of justice statue isn't actually blindfolded, but instead, her eyes were covered with a thin layer of linen.

This has long been a problem in the country because it exacerbates inequity among residents and allows the wealthy to get away with acts that would otherwise be penalized if they were not so wealthy. Even if some of these wealthy individuals are convicted, they will live like “kings” because of "special treatment" showered upon them. Moreover, with the power of the greatest and most expensive lawyers in the country, they may alter and form the

“But the problem here is not solely the design but the possibility of corruption being disguised by this government organization.”

When the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) unveiled a new logo on its 40th anniversary last July 11 at the Marriott Hotel Manila, it caused instant buzz online.

At a cost of Php 3.03 million, netizens and several graphic designers questioned it and expressed dismay on social media. Many of them were not

amused by the similarity between the logo and that of a famous oil company. Some even say that it looked like a shrimp.

But, according to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, the new logo "incorporates the element of fire associated with energy, inspiration, passion, and transformation."

With little interest in the new logo, users quickly created and

law to their liking.

"Our Criminal Justice System is broken not just in the 'how', but also as to 'why.' If it were one person, the criminal justice system is not only broken physically, but also in spirit. I would go so far as to say that it is lacking a soul,” former Senator Leila De Lima said in a press release last June 12, 2022, recalling her effort to modernize the criminal justice system.

A significant problem with the Philippine justice system is the extremely slow processing of cases, which can take years to resolve. This concern is largely because there aren't enough judges available and not enough money set aside to resolve criminal cases in reasonable timelines. People accused are often stuck waiting indefinitely without being able to clear their names while those who committed the crimes remain free and face little to no consequences right away. As a result, public mistrust of the government grows because it seems like they don't care about delivering swift justice at all.

In recent news, families of drug war victims have pledged to collaborate with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation, despite the gov-

uploaded their own version of the PAGCOR logo, turning the online world into a wide-ranging logo-making contest. Several well-known establishments have also started mocking the logo. To be fair, some people did a better job with their logo proposals. We know how creative Filipinos are, and if we are going to compare it to the old version of it, it's such a downgrade. We also know how happy people are. We know how to put smiles on our faces, even during the most challenging times. And, of course, to be liked by many on social media, you must have a sense of humor and keep up with trends. But sometimes, we need to realize that there are things that must be seriously taken. Just like this PAGCOR logo issue, we make fun of it because we think it's ugly or not that good. But the problem here is not solely the design but the possibility of corruption being disguised by

components for its full realization,” the PCO declared.

ernment's opposition to the probe. Former President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" claimed the lives of at least 6,200 people, but human rights groups believe the death toll is closer to 27,000. If injustice and human rights violations do exist, the quest for justice has continued for many years.

Not long ago, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that the Philippines is "disengaging" from any contact and communication with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the court denied the country's plea to postpone its continuing investigation into former President Duterte's drug war.

In addition, the World Justice Project (WPJ) reported in its media release that the Philippines' overall rule of law score increased to 1.4% in the 2022 index, with an overall score of 0.47 out of 1. Meanwhile, the Philippines remained 97th out of 140 countries worldwide, increasing five ranks since 2021, but remained one of the worst in the area - 13th out of 15th in East Asia and the Pacific, with Myanmar and Cambodia taking the last two spots, respectively.

Furthermore, another troubling aspect of the Philippine

this government organization. There are a lot of things that come to mind when I think about it. What is the rationale behind this agenda? Is rebranding really necessary?

Maybe we can put the money on something else instead of wasting it? As others say, why fix something that isn't broken?

The news about the PAGCOR logo came as people remember the “Love The Philippines” campaign. The budget for this logo was Php 49 million, and people have a right to be upset about the alleged use of stocked videos. The government should exercise caution when making decisions like this, particularly during the term of the Marcoses, who were widely criticized for corruption. Given the constant influx of such news on the internet, we cannot blame people if they get exhausted, then resort to poking fun at it. But we must remember that they will also not take us seriously if we always take it as a joke. We

legal system is its tendency for political meddling, where powerful individuals may use their connections or money to influence judgments in their favour. The Philippine justice system must strive to remove these structural biases in order to guarantee that future generations will be equally protected by the law regardless of social class or economic status.

It's terrifying to think that the people at the top of the triangle might regard themselves as "gods" and "kings," feeling that they are above the law due to their influence and connections in the legal justice system. The people in the office who took the pledge to serve the Filipinos were all buddies and 'brothers' who always came to each other's aid when problems arose. Everyone is happy in the end because the balance has not been disturbed - no one will break the equilibrium. It goes without saying why so many Filipinos are becoming increasingly cynical about getting fair treatment under current conditions — change must be made soon, lest more innocent lives suffer unnecessarily due these systemic flaws.

must focus on the real issue, rather than settling on superficial aspects. We need to focus on the actual problem. Laughing at it constantly will only lead to our downfall in the end.

It is important for Filipinos to continue exercising their right to express their opinions, especially when they feel that something is wrong. We must hold our leaders accountable and ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities to serve us, as our hard-earned money sustains their positions. Fighting corruption is crucial, and we can do this by electing leaders who are trustworthy and who prioritize our welfare. While it may take effort, we should always engage in critical thinking, especially for students like us, and it will pay off in the long run. Our future hinges on what we do today, and striving for a better tomorrow is important.

With the release of Memorandum Circular No. 24 from the Office of the President, ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ becomes the new theme of governance for the incumbent President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., as he aims for deep transformations in all sectors of society and government, including a commitment towards the attainment of policy reforms and economic recovery. Apart from the leadership rebrand-

ing, he also introduced a logo that incorporates the colors of the national flag. According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the logo depicts various stages of the country's development toward our aspirations for the future.

“Overall, the Bagong Pilipinas logo embodies the Marcos administration’s vision for the country, emphasizing unity, involvement and the bayanihan culture as the main fibers and

We came from Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘Change is Coming,’ and before that, we underwent ‘Daang Matuwid’ from Benigno Aquino III. This time, the mantra is for a new society, New Philippines, but with the new branding of governance, does this also mean we can have a new brand of hope? Can we have a better disaster preparation and response? Can we prioritize the human rights we have worked so hard to protect? Can we have the government’s protection whenever our country needs it? Can the brand really help prioritize the lives of Filipinos as part of a hopeful nation?

Whenever disaster strikes, we go through a tough time, but so far, we are still hoping for a better disaster response. If we are going to transform to another branding of leadership, we should emphasize Disaster Risk Reduction Management

(DRRM). Filipinos need a government who stands before and after a disaster because our archipelagic country is exposed to many hazards. Only a few people from the government do believe in the power of DRRM, but maybe this new brand of governance can help in strengthening our country’s disaster response?

What about our human rights? Mentioning the controversial war on drugs, extrajudicial killings, and repression through red-tagging would be nothing new, but how about our right to speak and express?

One instance was the case of a radio journalist who was shot dead after criticizing someone on air for corruption, but isn’t freedom of expression part of our human rights? Well, it is. Maybe the new leadership brand can help in upholding what is rightfully ours?

Maybe now is the time to meet our agricultural needs?

Smuggling has been a chronic

disease in the agriculture sector, it has been even raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros that apart from smuggling, there are issues of middlemen who exploit the high-value products of our farmers; and this case becomes a problem. When farmers get exploited, their efforts and hardwork are always paid insufficiently, and this also affects consumers, because in turn, we receive high prices in the market. Unfortunately, these are only some of the problems that our agriculture sector has, but there are several of them. Maybe this new brand of governance could emphasize the welfare of our neglected agriculture?

This message in a bottle is a representation that maybe this rebranding called ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ can somehow answer some of the issues of our nation. Maybe, this time, Filipinos can get a new brand of hope from our government.

On PAGCOR's new logo: Laugh now, cry later

MA. ANGEL NICOLE RONDEZ M.A.N

“Can the brand really help prioritize the lives of Filipinos as part of a hopeful nation?”

ERICA MAE E. TAMPARONG IRIDESCENT MOON

Message in a bottle: New brand of governance, new brand of hope?

This is not only a tradition, but it has become one of the most anticipated seasons in the Department of Communication. The one that makes people feel different emotions and the one that brings creativity to people who are hiding behind the lens of a camera. Everyone, the Cinemaskom Film Festival has returned!

The Perpetualite filmmakers had successfully captivated the audiences with their extraordinary talent and resilience as they revived the beloved tradition at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Las Piñas, led by the Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Sining at Komunikasyon (KAMASKOM).

After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival made a triumphant return last May 9 to 11, 2023, at the Ernesto Palanca Crisostomo Hall (EPC). Film enthusiasts, students, faculty, and staff eagerly gathered to witness the premier of seven outstanding films produced by communication students. Out of the initial eleven submissions, seven films were chosen as official entries, including 11:59 (by Tugmasa Productions), Aba Ginoong Maria (by AKO Films), Always Apart (by Comm Creatives Production), Box (by Wababi Productions), Panana'on (by Comm Creatives Production), Rendezvous (by

Perpetualite Filmmakers Illuminates the Cinemaskom Film Fest 2023

by Jonathan E. Silva Jr.

Blood, bullets, and swords – John Wick is back, and he’s more wicked than ever.

The highly anticipated John Wick 4 takes the action-packed franchise to new heights, delivering another thrilling installment for fans to enjoy. Directed and co-produced by Chad Stahelski, the fourth chapter continues the saga of the legendary assassin, portrayed once again with brilliance by Keanu Reeves. This movie promises to deliver a thrilling experience with its relentless action, impressive visuals, and extensive world-building.

Written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, John Wick 4 has a runtime of 169 minutes. Despite its length, the movie maintains a fast pace due to its minimal dialogue and downtime. So, to keep the fun going, most of the plot involves Wick pursuing or being pursued by fellow assassins.

Just a little fun fact, JW4's di-

Tugmasa Productions), and Surot (by First Frame Productions). All of the official entries were produced by different levels of the Communication Department.

During the three-day film showing, the atmosphere at the EPC Hall was alive with screams, laughter, and thunderous applause. The magnificence of these seven films enthralled viewers, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of Perpetualite filmmakers. Also, this experience held significance for the KAMASKOM officers, who bore witness to the last Cinemaskom before the pandemic disrupted its continuity. "CINEMASKOM is not just a filmmaking event; it's an immersive experience [where] participants can discover their hidden talents and unleash their creativity. Our aim was to make this experience accessible to all participants, including those who aren't part of the

Communication Department but contribute to each production,” Angeline Pangilinan, the KAMASKOM president shared.

The success of Cinemaskom 2023 reached its peak during the 16th Film Festival Awards Night held last May 13, 2023, when the illustrious jury faced the difficult task of selecting the winners among these exceptional films. Out of all seven films, "Box" was the outstanding winner, taking home several major awards, including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Film Concept. In addition, Box's director, Justin Lanot, was recognized for his extraordinary work and received the award of Best Director.

Meanwhile, the People's Choice Award went to Always Apart, which won the viewers' hearts. Moreover, Jerrus Pitao and Sophia Micaela Sagun received the Best Actor and

JOHN WICK 4

Best Actress awards for their remarkable performances in "Surot" and "Always Apart," respectively.

Amongst the other films that received major awards are the following: Best Supporting Actor (Ian Benedict Articona from Surot), Best Supporting Actress (Rinoa Kyle Dellomos from Aba Ginoong Maria), Best Screenplay (Rendezvous), Best Production Design (Surot), Best Musical Score (Dierolain Manalaysay from Always Apart), Best Sound Design (Keith Andrein Yvann Amosco from Aba Ginoong Maria), Best Trailer (Surot), and Best Poster (Panana’on). Moreover, special awards were also presented to the following: Best MakeUp (Aba Ginoong Maria), Best Original Theme Song (Always Apart), Breakthrough Performance (Xavier Pujante from 11:59 and Rendezvous), Best On-Screen Couple (Xavier Pujante and Ton Martinez

: A Legendary Hitman in Pursuit of Vengeance

rector, Chad Stahelski, is a former kickboxer! He was also a stuntman and served as Keanu Reeves' double in The Matrix. That is why it's no wonder that the stunts in this film are excellently choreographed.

Continuing from where John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum left off, the plot of this movie explores the mysterious realm of hitmen in greater depth.

John Wick is confronted with seemingly impossible challenges when a dangerous new adversary arises. And to add variety, it now features locations in the Middle East, Japan, and Europe, expanding its focus beyond New York. It also introduces fascinating fresh faces portrayed by an outstanding group of new and familiar actors. Ian McShane, Bill Skarsgrd, Rina Sawayama, Donnie Yen, and Shamier Anderson provide captivating portrayals, enhancing the already intricate plot of the John Wick universe.

by Ma. Angel Nicole Rondez

Moreover, this movie includes a unique action scene that sets itself apart from typical action movies. In one scene, the camera floats overhead while capturing an extended and complex fight sequence, seemingly filmed in one shot. Aside from that, John Wick boasts thrilling hand-to-hand combat and intense gunfights that showcase the series' signature style of choreographed fight scenes. Each action sequence is meticulously crafted to showcase the filmmaker's skills and Keanu Reeves' physicality. The fight choreography is expertly executed, and the dynamic camerawork and polished editing capture the intense action, immersing the audience in the heart-pumping excitement of the film.

According to Variety, John Wick: Chapter 4 has received outstanding reviews and has proven its worth by earning a whopping $73.5 million at the

domestic box office and $137.5 million worldwide during its opening. The current domestic total of the movie has broken the previous record of $56.8 million set by John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.

With that record alone, there's no doubt this show is not just any other ac tion flick. Its captivating cinematic experience deserves your undivid ed attention as it of fers exceptional action scenes, Keanu Reeves' iconic acting, immer sive world-building, intriguing charac ters, and outstanding craftsmanship, which are bound to leave a lasting impression on the action genre. Happy hunting!

from 11:59), Best Film Title (Rendezvous), Special citation for raising awareness about a social issue (Panana’on), and Best Cast Ensemble (Surot).

As a bonus, six films from Cinemaskom 2020 were also screened: Young Virgins, Silahis, Apollo, Back to You, Huling Tagpuan, and Bakit Makasalanan si Sinteya. This special showcase added to the excitement of the event, allowing attendees to appreciate past works and witness the growth of Perpetualite filmmakers over time.

Angeline Pangilinan expressed her delight at the success of Cinemaskom 2023, and stressed her pride in the terrific talent and resilience shown by the Perpetualite filmmakers. She reiterated that Cinemaskom has always been a platform to celebrate students’ creativity and passion, and this year is no exception.

Cinemaskom Film Festival 2023 has not only reignited the passion for filmmaking in the Perpetualite community, but has also become a symbol of artistic expression and excellence. It is through events like Cinemaskom that the cinematic creations of Perpetualites find a platform to thrive and inspire, both within and beyond the campus.

Artwork by Sean Paolo Resente

LALA PERPETUALISTA

Isa, dalawa, tatlo… Kumusta na ang beshy ko? Balita ko maraming ganap ang nangyari bago matapos ang semester na ‘to, kaya naman napag-isipan ko bilang Lala-lakwatsera ay maglakbay ulit sa mga ganap ng mga ka-Perpetualites ko. Hindi ako si Mr. Torres na ipapadala ka sa panahon nila Maria Clara at Ibarra, pero ako si Lala na nagpapaalala kung gaano kalayo na ang narating mo! Kayaaaa, let’s goooow!

Gradwaiting na ang beshy ko ~

Nakatumbling na ba ang lahat? Kung hindi pa ay go na mga besh at magsi-tumbling na kayo dahil sobrang layo na ng narating niyo. Sabi nga nila, malayo pa pero malayo na. Ihanda na ang mga camera at simulan nang mag-skincare dahil malapit na kayong umakyat ng stage mga mars at pars. Super dasurv ninyong grumaduate dahil finally, ‘di ba? Lahat ng iyak, pawis, at paghihirap ay— s’yempre hindi pa matatapos kasi after college life ang talagang susubok na sa inyo ay ang adult life. Pero syempre isang malaking accomplishment pa rin ang pagtatapos ninyo sa kolehiyo dahil ito ang nagpatatag sa inyo para harapin ang mas mahirap na hamon ng buhay. Lala is so proud of y’all for surviving your college life! Dasurb ninyong magjowa na

dahil wala ng activities ang hahadlang sa inyong bebe time.

An ID and Uniform a day keeps the Guard away

Oh, ayan na. Suki ka ba ng POD? Malamang sa alamang ay hindi dahil kay kuya or ate guard ‘yan. Ano nga ba ang ambag ng ID at uniform sa pag-aaral mo bilang isang ‘mabuting estudyante?’ Syempre hindi ko rin alam. Nagtataka ka ba kung bakit lagi naka-uniform si Lala? Hayaan mong ituro ko sa’yo kung paano makakadaan ng payapa sa U-lane. Una, kailangan may ID ka. Isa sa pangunahing tinitignan ng mga guard ay ang ID natin, malayo ka pa lang dapat tanaw na nila na suot mo ang ID mo na may lace ng Perps. Pangalawa ay ang uniform. Oo, alam ko naman na mainit pero alam niyo ba na ang pagsusuot ng uniporme ay nakakadagdag ng charisma? Oh, syempre hindi niyo alam ‘yan pero aminin niyo ha, ‘di ba kapag naka-uniform si crush iba ang dating?

Ang lakas maka-main character sa telenovela, kung saan kayo si Marvin at Jolina tapos kakanta kayo ng Chuva chuchu Chuva chuchu, Oh babe na-inlab ako with you~ Pangatlo at ang isa sa pinaka mahalaga, magsuot ka ng mask. ‘Lala may covid pa ba?’ Beshy, familiar ka naman sa prevention is better than cure, hindi ba? Ugaliing magsuot ng mask dahil para rin naman sa inyo ‘yan mga beshy!

Ayan, kapag ginawa niyo ang tatlong ‘yan ay for sure hinding hindi na kayo magiging suki ng POD. Kung gusto n’yo maging suki ay ‘wag naman sa POD mga beshywap, maraming tindahan, pwede kayo maging suki dun pero ‘wag naman suki sa utang ha! Pay as you buy and buy as you pay, hanue raw!?

Love the Student Leaders

Bukod sa 49 million spent budget to Love the Philippines, nabalitaan ko na tapos na ang election of college councils. Nanalo ba si crushy mo? Mga mhie mahihirapan ka na dumamoves kay student leader crush dahil malaking role ang gagampanan nila para sa ikagaganda ng college life natin. Isipin mo na lang na ginagawa ni crush ang lahat para sa future niyo, pasok mga delulu beshies! Pero ito, kung gusto mo mag ala main character sa wattpad bakit hindi mo samahan si crush sa org? Hindi madali maging student leader dahil bukod sa responsibilidad mo sa mga students ay may responsibilidad ka rin bilang estudyante. ‘Lala, paano naman si crush na student leader na nga, at the same time student achiever pa?’ Ay bhie, ikaw na! Gawin mong motivation si student leader crush para mag excel sa iyong acads or pwede mo rin siyang sabayan. Isipin mo, if pareho kayo student leader makakatulong kayo sa

OSO BEAR

In our families, many things get passed down from generation to generation, whether they be holiday traditions, treasured heirlooms, or secret recipes. These intergenerational practices help to connect the past with the present and preserve a family's story. However, similar to other stories, history only comes with its conflicts. Some of our parents, grandparents, and ancestors have experienced hardship, especially when prejudice, violence, and injustice in the Philippines were at their peak. With that, what happens when even the traumatic parts of a family's story are passed down and unwittingly kept alive?

Generational trauma refers to transferring the harmful effects of past traumatic experiences from one generation in a family to another. It is usually caused by wars, genocides, domestic abuse, or any occasion where one's older family members have experienced trauma or have lived in a traumatic environment.

Suppose an older family member has been raised amidst war or survived a natural disaster. In that case, they may suffer from long-term mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or emotional repression. These difficulties can hinder the development of

healthy intimate relationships, including relationships with their children. If their trauma remains unresolved, their kids may exhibit similar symptoms later in life, thus continuing the cycle that can affect future generations.

The methods in which older generations "cope" with unresolved trauma can have a negative impact on how younger generations deal with complex emotions and trauma. They may normalize the presence of unacknowledged emotional damage, which frequently leads to neglected mental health problems and all-around unhappy lifestyles.

Nowadays, modern media refuses to avoid portraying generational trauma, whether on the big screen or in the pages, such as in Disney's Encanto, Pixar's Coco, and Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. With each release of similar thought-provoking pieces, conversations surrounding these kinds of trauma have become increasingly relevant and difficult to ignore.

Discussing trauma is not always an easy venture. Fortunately, a few of our fellow Perpetualites took on the feat as we asked for their thoughts on how to break these cycles.

Here's what they said:

other students at the same time maeenjoy mo ‘yung bebe ti— este ‘yung experience! Kaya ano pang hinihintay mo? Gora bells na sa pagiging leader at baka ikaw na ang maging pres idente ng Pilipinas sa future, why not ‘di ba? Aanhin mo ang 49 million kung pwede ka namang mag Love the Per petualite Leaders.

Bakit malungkot ang beshy ‘ko? Kasi malung kot ang Lala mo~ Gus tong gusto ko pa maki pag chikahan sa inyo pero it’s not you… it’s me. Perpetualites, make sure to enjoy your college life to the fullest kahit pa gaano kahirap ‘yan ay yakang yaka mo ‘yan. Lahat tayo may kanya-kanyang landas na ta tahakin pero sana naman ‘wag ‘yung landas papun ta sa Pobla cion— char ot lang! See you when you see me, Per petualites!

Hasta la vista, beibeh~

Generational Trauma: Chains No Ordinary Tools Can Break

Artwork by Cyrene Audrey Villarica

Artwork by Dominic Justin De Guzman

Periculophobia

by Nica Lauren Pancho

My love, you're looking a bit down

How did your radiant smile revert into a frown?

The happiness you had that used to brighten up the room

Vanished into the darkness of your soul that's been filled with gloom

What went wrong, what went astray?

What caused your brightness to instantly decay?

You used to sing, you used to dance

But now you're so silent as if you're in a trance

You were very outgoing and incredibly kind

Always grabbing the many oppor-

Kayod

by Angelika Estrada

Ngayong araw, kailangan kong kumita.

tunities you find

You strayed away from a life that's so repetitive and boring

And yet I now see you living that way, quite dull and deploring

Perhaps you turned out this way because of me

It must have started when I told you to flee

On that fateful night that ended in tragedy

Leaving you scarred as you cried so angrily

I resume to look after you from beyond my grave

Feeling saddened and distraught from the way you behave

Guilt overwhelmed you after that risk you took

And thus here you are, frozen in a loop with that empty, far-off look

Coffee-To-Go

by Kristine Clare Landicho

“Don’t forget the sugar, please,” says the man at the counter.

The woman from the other side gives a curt nod before the receipt comes popping out from its machine. “We’ll call your name when your order is ready, sir. Have a wonderful day!”

He sits near the front, scanning the piece of paper in his hand. Did they get everything right?

A baby cries from behind him. The mother strokes its back with as much elegance as a wounded and fatigued ballerina. It’s much too early. It always is. But there’s no one else to watch over him.

The man frowns at the noise,

To What Lies Ahead

by Juliana Andrea Agbulos

Gusto kong mag-uwi ng fried chicken kay

Rhea, makapag-stock na rin ng gatas at diaper.

Para siguradong hindi na siya mauubusan.

Bukas, kailangan ko pa ring kumita.

Paubos na rin kasi 'yung mga pang-ulam sa bahay.

Kailangan nang mamalengke, para may pambaon sa trabaho at eskwela.

Sa isang araw naman, kailangan ko ulit magtrabaho at kumita. May kamahalan kasi 'yung gamot ni Nanay, niresetahan ng doktor ng maintenance. Kaya hindi pwedeng matigil o malaktawan.

Sa susunod pang mga araw, gusto kong kumita, kailangan. Para naman sa naputol na kuryente, at para hindi matuluyan ang linya ng tubig.

Kaya kayod lang.

Sa susunod na linggo, mga buwan, at taon, kailangan kong kumayod.

Para matuldukan na ang siklo ng kahirapan, at mapalitan naman ito ng siklo ng pagtatagumpay.

Kayod nang kayod lang, hanggang makuha ang tamang timpla ng buhay.

Sa susunod pang mga araw, gusto kong kumita, kailangan.

Para naman sa naputol na kuryente, at para hindi matuluyan ang linya ng tubig.

Kaya kayod lang.

Sa susunod na linggo, mga buwan, at taon, kailangan kong kumayod.

Para matuldukan na ang siklo ng kahirapan, at mapalitan naman ito ng siklo ng pagtatagumpay.

Kayod nang kayod lang, hanggang makuha ang tamang timpla ng buhay.

Gone are the bliss of the days–That tattooed her ticker in elation. April is over, So is her night of halcyon. Let it pass. Let it flutter. Even if her daylights are invariable, And even if the dusk of today is a reflection of yesterday. As they say, No two rainbows are the same; And no two minds read the same book. There are diverse people in the world, But not even the same love twice. At the end of the day, Go easy on your soul. Even when the sky exists unvaryingly, It will eventually change; Because life is and will always be a wheel.

Dawn to Dusk

by Ellah Escasa

Morning light, the youthfulness life is so serene; there's innocence under the sky, we dream a future so distant, yet radiant it seems

The afternoon began, our youth halted life turns vicious; sight is wicked dreams we once had passes future still distant, yet now aimless Now Dusk came, near to end life is beautiful and brief dreams are the present future is nowhere to spent

Then, it repeats like a cycle, like a wheel teaches us to grow, to love, and to live existence so finite, yet it's real

kolehiyo

by Carl Christian Ramos

Kumikinang ang mga naglalakihang ilaw na hinahaplos ang kanyang mukha. Ang halimuyak ng hangin ay mga pangarap na nahinog matapos ang ilang taong pagsusunod ng kilay. Tawanan, iyakan, yakapan kasama ang mga kaibigan at magulang. Makikita ang imahen bilang isang malaking kasiyahan, na mababakas ng kahit na sino sa mga mukha ng nagtapos.

Tinitigan niya ang kanyang diploma at mga medalyang nakuha matapos ang mahabang gera ng pagpupuyat at pagpapakadalubhasa. Bumalik sa kanya ang lahat, mula sa unang araw ng pagtungtong niya sa kolehiyo. Alam niya sa sarili niyang ginawa niya ang lahat, at ngayo`y nakamit na niya ang susi sa kanyang mga pangarap.

“Sa wakas, nakapagtapos na ako!” Sigaw niya habang isang kamao ay nakasuntok sa hangin.

Binuhusan siya ng tubig ng kaniyang ina, “Hoy! Kung ano-ano sinisigaw mo riyan. Gising na, unang araw mo sa kolehiyo ngayon.”

but his eyes never leave the counter where his coffee is supposed to be, haphazardly placed in a plastic bag with a misspelt name on the side. Any minute now…

He glances back at the receipt. Perhaps they made a mistake?

“What do you mean you’re sick?”

An older man complains on the phone as he bursts through the store doors. “The deadline is in two days. You can’t tell me you’re sick now.”

The baby’s cries grow louder. The mother whispers in its ears desperately.

“You know very well we can’t afford sick days anymore, Tim.”

Finally, his name is called.

He grabs the cup.

Rushing out the door, he takes a sip, barely noticing they forgot the sugar.

Gising Pagod Kayod Tulog

by Wilson Carlo M. Dela Torre

Gising pagod kayod tulog

May buhay ako

Wala lang malay

Kakagising pagod kayod tulog

Gising pagod kayod tulog

Gising pagod kayod tulog

Sumobra ako

Pero kulang pa rin

Ang gising pagod kayod tulog

Gising pagod kayod tulog

Gising pagod kayod tulog

Nasaan ako

Sino ba ako

Ako'y gising pagod kayod tulog

Gising pagod kayod tulog

Gising pagod kayod tulog

Ako'y hubog

Sa buhay na ito

Gising pagod kayod tulog

Hindi mahalaga ang mangarap ng bahagya

Tayo ay piyesa sa isang makina

Gumigising ng pagod para kumayod nang tulog

Dahil tulog lang ang marunong kumayod ng pagod

ikot

by Paola Rigor

Bagot na bagot na 'ko sa walang sawang ikot ng buhay. Tulad ng isang langgam na walang ibang ginawa kundi kumayod para sa darating na bukas.

Sa araw-araw na pagmulat at pagpikit ng aking mga mata ang syang hudyat na ako'y may malay pa upang ituloy ang walang sawang siklo.

Hindi lang ako marahil ang napapagod, Hindi lang marahil ako ang gusto ng huminto, at lalong hindi lang marahil ako ang magpapatuloy pa kahit paulit-ulit na lamang.

Hindi hihinto ang ikot ng buhay, araw-araw tayong susubukin. Ngunit isa lang ang magbabago, 'yon ang katatagan ko na harapin ang siklo ng buhay

Artwork by Luwis Arianne Sta. Elena

BY SEAN PAOLO RESENTE

BY JULIE ANN DELA CRUZ

BY DOMINIC JUSTIN DE GUZMAN BY CLAIRE LLAMERA

BY CYRENE AUDREY VILLARICA

The Dance of Victory: Altas Perpsquad finishes first runner-up in the NCAA Season 98

by Ellah Escasa

After a year of preparation, the Altas Perspsquad astounded the crowd with a heart-stopping routine, and won first runner-up in the NCAA Season 98 Cheerleading Competition last April 30, 2023 at Rizal Sports Coliseum. The squad showed their determination in every stunt, toss, and dance that they executed, leading to their victory this season with a score of 227.5, bringing home a cash prize worth Php 75,000.00, while a few points above them was the champion Arellano University which scored 245.5 points, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran was second runner-up with 215.5 points.

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Las Piñas is the home of the Altas Perpsquad, holding the most number of titles with nine in NCAA

cheerleading competition. The squad last won the title in 2016, led by coach Ruf Vandolph Rosario, 9th time NCAA Cheerleading Champion. Meanwhile, this year’s dance performance theme was Rupaul’s Drag Race, referring to the reality show, which was to perform and show their talent with elegance and class.

The Altas Perspsquad started their routine strong with every stunt and tumbling executed perfectly. They also executed their pyramids with synchronicity as they poured their hearts out on their performance and demonstrated their tenacity in pursuit of victory.

“Nawala ‘yung pakiramdam ko na kaba nung nakita ko na nagpe-perform sila nang buong puso at matalino sa loob

ng mats, with that alam ko na kayang-kaya nilang mapull off ‘yung routine nila,” said coach Rosario, as he beamed with pride and delight during Altas Perpsquad performance.

Donn James Ramos, former co-captain of ALTAS Perpsquad, was happy and satisfied with their dance routines execution, “Our performance during the last NCAA season 98 was a job well done. Even though there were some flaws, we immediately found a way to fix it, then left the mats with happy faces.

On the day of the competition, the Perpetualites stood up and cheered with Altas Perpsquad before the performance started, expressing their support for Altas Perpsquad. The coliseum was then filled with voices of hundreds of en-

thusiastic Perpetualites and overpowered those from other universities, demonstrating the strong sense of solidarity within the Perpetual community.

For the team, it was a challenging journey. The squad members fell ill, experienced injuries, and had to attend classes while training for the competition, which caused delays in their routine creation. The Altas Perspquad also shared their dismay as what they hoped to be the 10th championship of the team was snatched away.

“Masaya pa din po, pero syempre nandoon pa rin ‘yung sayang nga kasi nandoon na kami, na hindi pa din namin nakuha ‘yung pinaka-aim ng lahat na championship,” said Vanezz Rivero, former team captain of the Altas Perpsquad.

Despite not winning the championship, the squad was proud that most of their members were rookies and showed competitiveness in their performance. The Altas Perpsquad are now even more eager to grab the 10th championship of the university, much ready for the next season.

“The team and I are aiming for the championship, na mabalik namin ang korona sa Las Piñas, sa Perpetual, because medyo matagal-tagal na din kaming first runner-up. Gagawin namin lahat ng paraan, gagawin namin lahat para makabalik tayo sa championship and hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi namin ‘yon naibabalik,” said coach Rosario.

Altas Tracksters bag 2nd runner-up in the NCAA Track and Field Competition

by Angelika Estrada

gold medal in the javelin throw event, breaking another NCAA record, which helped him qualify for the 2023 SEA Games.

In addition, Jumell Gonzales and Er Yake Mengorio won the silver and bronze medals in the 400-meter dash, respectively. Jims Ceballos won a silver medal for the 200-meter Dash, while Emmanuel Medrano grabbed a bronze medal in the long jump category.

he said, reminiscing about how he became overjoyed that the team fought harder than he expected, even when three of their key players had to be removed from some of the competitions because of unexpected injuries.

With the university’s name across their chest, the ALTAS Tracksters competed with unwavering pride and a desire to make all things possible, winning 2nd runner-up in the overall ranking for the NCAA Season 98’s Track and Field Competition held last April 20 and 21 at The Ultra–Philippine Sports Complex in Pasig City. Despite the fact that few members of the team experienced injuries during the tourna-

ment, they still finished as one of the top-performing teams. The team’s journey to the finish line wasn’t an easy one, as they must perform under a little more pressure after the hiatus of the competition for three seasons was lifted just this year.

Russel Je Ricaforte took home a silver medal in the shot put category and a gold medal in the discus throw after breaking an NCAA record. John Paul Sarmiento also clinched a

Furthermore, they excelled not only in individual games but also in team competitions, as Jumell Gonzales, Jeremiah Cortez, MJ Jaminillo, and John Ruffer Pablo clinched the silver medal for the 4x100-meter relay, while Jan Gilbert Bayang, Er Yake Mengorio, Benjie Duhac, and Jumell Gonzales brought home another silver medal for the 4x400-meter relay.

Coach Trece “Power” Academia, who had already won six championship titles in his coaching career, said that the team’s performance this season was something he would always remember. "May mga talo kami dati na talagang hindi ako makatulog. Pero ito, patapos pa lang ‘yung laban, magaan ako,"

He added that their second runner-up finish in the competition is something he is forever grateful for, as he has witnessed the dedication of the players from training to the actual competition.

However, an unfortunate incident occurred when Team Captain Ceballos suffered a clavicle fracture injury after jumping towards the finish line. Fortunately, he’s okay now, has been recovering smoothly after being immediately admitted to Perpetual Help Medical Center and underwent a successful surgery. Coach Academia shared that he and the team were shocked about the accident, but at the same time, very proud of how big the team members’ dream to excel in their competition has become through the years.

In the interview, the team shared how rigorous their ev-

ery day preparation for the competition was. In addition to attending their scheduled training, they also had to attend their classes. However, they also said that Coach Academia always reminds them that careers outside the game are still important.

“Siyempre sobrang saya dahil na-break ko ‘yung record ng NCAA and looking forward po na i-break ko ulit kasi may one last year pa ako dito sa Perpetual. And then, minomotivate ko rin ‘yung sarili ko na huwag lang makuntento doon sa panalo na ‘yon, and maging hungry pa for more win,” Ricaforte said when asked how being a gold medalist motivated him to strive more.

Meanwhile, Medrano was certain that the team would come back stronger next season. “Kung ano po ‘yung nagawa namin ngayon, mas hihigitan pa po namin kasi nakikita po talaga ‘yung team na gustong-gusto mag-champion, and gusto talaga ibigay ng Altas Tracksters ‘yung unang champion sa susunod na season,” he added.

Photo by Obed Barrios

The ALTAS Perpsquad surged forward with unwavering determination, displaying their prowess at the grand stage of the NCAA Season 98 Cheerleading Competition.

Russel Je Ricaforte (middle) wins gold medal and broke the NCAA record for the discus throw. Also in the photo is Francisco Gusi Jr., UPHSD Sports and Athletic Coordinator (extreme left).

Photo by Coach Trece Academia