The Pime Volume V Issue 6 June-July Issue

NEWS

FEATURES

EDITORIAL

SCI-TECH

This is What We Came For

Blood to save lives

Beat COVID-19 with the new

The end of our demoracy?

Philippine Congress officially shuts down

Is campus press freedom

ABS-CBN

really protected?

Photo by Presidential Communications Group

Persistence is Our Habit

DOST app

Success No

The Paradox Call of HOMO

Matter What

SAPIENS

SONA 2020: Duterte pledges comfortable life of Filipinos ►FRANCES BRYLE GELVORIA

As the country suffers from COVID-19 pandemic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2020 at Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City.

This year’s SONA had limited number of guests of 50 includes 12 Senators, 13 from House

of Representatives and security and Palace staffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s no entourage as the President entered Batasang Pambansa compared to his previous SONA. It is also the Second Regular Session of House of Representatives and Senate for the 18th Congress.

Before Duterte disputed his pandemic response blueprint, he vituperated Senator Franklin Drilon for

S.Y. 2020-2021 enrollment decreases

for taking advantage of a preoccupied government. He even called the Senator as a hypocrite for “arrogantly” criticizing oligarchs and allegedly defending the Lopezes, ABS-CBN owners.

“One of them is Senator Franklin Drilon. In an interview, hearrogantly mentioned, among others, that oligarchs need not to be rich. Then he linked the antidynasty

dynasty with oligarchy and the topic was my daughter and son,” Duterte lambasted.

After his first simultaneous highly critical statements, Duterte opened several government measures in health and economic response to alleviate the plight of the Filipino people.

Duterte thanked the Congress for the

SONA 2020/ to page 2

►ISADORE MAY RUELO

The number of enrollees in the Philippines for the school year 2020-2021 has significantly dropped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Education is now faced with the task of supporting and congregating the learners, teachers and their educational personnel, resulting to the massive decrease in enrollment to 27,770,263 enrollees this year which is only 76% compare to the previous school year.

In a public address, the president met with several cabinet members to discuss the COVID-19 situation, Education Secretary Briones gave the president an update on the ongoing preparations of DepEd to ensure learning continues amidst the health crisis.

She also appealed to the president to allow DepEd continue further provisions forthe formal opening of classes scheduled in August.

“Our appeal is to allow us to continue our preparations based on the roadmap because our target is no face-to-face on August 24 and to allow us to continue our preparations because we SAFE.A Filipino student wears face masks to already started,” Briones keep herself safe from possible COVID-19 said. "If suddenly we pull transmission during pre-lockdown. Photo by DEPED ENROLLMENT/ to page 2 Aljazeera.com

TERROR. A protester holds a placard with a millennial joke written during the Grand Mañanita at UP Dilliman on Independence Day. Photo by John Carlo Megallon

Anti-Terrorism Act effects into a law amidst of vigorous opposition ►DANIEL CID MORIAH CARAIG The heated Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 took effect as a law on July 18, Justice Secretary MenardoGuevarra confirmed in a press briefing last July 17 without its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR).

“The effectivity clause of the Anti-Terrorism Act states that the Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the official gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation. ghh

Considering that the law was published on July 3, it will take effect on July 18, which is the 15th day,” Guevarra clarified.

“The law will take effect even without the IRR because the promulgation of the IRR is not a condition for the effectivity of the law,” Guevarra explained when asked why the law will take effect without its IRR. “We’re just about to start the drafting the IRR,” he said.

ANTI-TERROR ACT/ to page 3

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VOL V ISSUE NO 6

NEWS

SONA 2020/ from page 1 for the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and urges for faster ratification of Bayanihan 2 Act. The Bayanihan 2 Act or “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act” will have the same treatment with Bayanihan to Heal as One Act as the priority law and would entail P140 billion for socioeconomic and health programs as part of the recovery plan of the government in response of the pandemic. Duterte likewise will continue the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) admitting that the implementation was “not perfect” because opportunists were abusing the program.

He also urged the Congress for fast-track of passage of Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act and the Financial Institution Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act as part of the government’s economic recovery plan. The CREATE Act will reduce the corporate income tax rate to 25 percent from 30 percent. The FIST Act will allow banks and financial institutions to transfer bad loans to asset management companies.

In terms of education, Duterte said he will not put the lives of students and teachers at risk and will only impose face-to-face classes on January 2021.

Duterte ordered several government officials to implement programs that will ensure that TV frequencies are fully utilized and accessible for the utmost benefit of students. He also commanded Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to provide scholarship programs for qualified in needs OFWs that were greatly affected by the pandemic.

This year’s SONA also tackled the reconsideration of death penalty for heinous crimes including drug-related crimes which was also tackled in his previous SONAs. He warned that piles of dead bodies will flash again if criminals will dispute more crimes assuring that Philippines will be “peaceful” before his term ends.

In the long territorial dispute in West Philippine Sea, Duterte exposed that war will break out if the Philippines persist to take control of what China has been occupying for years now. He remarked that we can not afford war.

“China is claiming it, we are claiming. China has the arms. We do not have it. So, it’s simple as that.

They are in possession of the property. We have to go to war and I cannot afford it. Maybe some other President can, but I cannot. Inutil ako d‘yan and I am willing to admit it. Talagang inutil ako d’yan,” Duterte admitted.

[China is claiming it, we are claiming. China has the arms. We do not have it. So, it’s simple as that.

They are in possession of the property. We have to go to war and I cannot afford it. Maybe some other President can, but I cannot. I am inutile regarding that one and I am willing to admit it. I’m really inutile regarding that one.]

Duterte also added that the US wanted to return to its old base in Clark, but war will break out putting Filipinos in “extinction” as long as US rebuild its bases.

In his closing remarks, Duterte pledge a comfortable life for every Filipino. He will assure that he will make Philippines better until the last day of his term.

Bayawan City lowers quarantine level to MGCQ ►CRIXYLA HAIAZETH ANTIOLA In light of COVID-19 measures, the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) team met with Engr.

Edward Torreda to discuss the better movement of Bayawan City's status which is under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) on July 01, 2020.

Engr. Edward Torreda stated that it is more flexible and almost all activities and services are already allowed in the Modified General Community Quarantine. Beaches, water parks and resorts are allowed to operate. However, to maintain social distancing, only 50% can be accommodated. For the athletes, they are allowed to go back to their routine practices. As for ages 21 years old below and senior citizens aging 60 years old and above, it doesn't mean that they are free to go outside, they should remain at homeunless they are going out to perform

ESSENTIAL. A fruit vendor in market wears face mask to keep himself safe and to ensure that he’s at least following minimum health protocols. Photo by Reignelle Bayot

perform necessary activities with proper observance of safety protocols.

"Let's preserve this status by cooperating, let's make New Normal to be a part of our New Normal lives. And of course prayer for ourselves and that's the way to help us overcome this pandemic." Torreda stated.

to a stop, then we stumble because we are moving very, very fast,” she added. DepEd also announced the late enrollees even after Aug. 24 will still be accepted until the last week of September.

Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, Assistant Regional Director DepEd-7, said that the region has recorded a total of 417,000 learners, far from the expected 2.4 million.

In Bayawan National High School there are 3,013 enrollees evidently lesser from the 4,000-5,000 students from the previous school year.

For this school year, there are two learning delivery modalities, under distance learning, that Bayawan National High School adopted based on the COVID-19 restrictions and the particular context of the learners in the locality: First is the Digital Modular Distance Learning (DMDL), a learning modality that requires internet connection and gadgets such as PCs or Personal Computers, Laptops, Smartphones and

DEPED ENROLLMENT/ from page 1

and Tablets. Students under this learning modality will be given soft copies modality will be given soft copies of the modules through the usage of internet connection, either wireless connection or data connection.

There will be no video conferences in this learning modality. Second, Printed Modular Distance Learning (PMDL), a learning modality where hard copies of modules will be given to the learner. They will be given ample week to read, study and answer the given modules. Parents/guardians will have to go to school or a specific center for distribution to get and return the modules in a specified day for each grade level.

Based on the Learners Enrollment Form (LESF) result in Bayawan National High School, 90% learners selected Printed Modular Distance Learning (PMDL) while 10% selected Digital Modular Distance Learning (DMDL) for this S.Y. 2020-2021.

Bayawan City launches mass blood letting ►CHELSEA FLEUR SULLA

Amidst of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, Bayawan City held a mass blood letting on July 12, 2020 at Liga ng mga Barangay Building.

The mass blood letting encouraged 61 residents to join and donated their blood to the Red Cross through the eager participation of the

Philippine Army and the City Health Office.

According to Capt. Frances Salcedo of the Philippine Army, blood letting is a simple way of helping those in needs especially in this time of pandemic.

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NEWS

Photo News

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry donated washable face mask to LGU Bayawan on July 21, 2020.Photo by Media Bureau of Bayawan

DEFEND PRESS FREEDOM. Progressive groups and young activists condemns the legislation for shutting down ABS-CBN and rally against Calida’s quo warranto against ABS-CBN. Photo by Rolex Dela Peña/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Philippine Congress officially shuts down ABS-CBN ►KIM ENNICA DIANGA

The Dengue prevention awareness resulted to huge decrease of cases in Negros Oriental.Photo by Phil. Information Agency

The Commission on Audit (COA) investigated the provincial government of Negros Oriental and found out that it spent P5.67 million from its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) to buy vehicles used by local politicians.Photo by wikipedia.org

The ABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy is a national dispute in the Philippines regarding the renewal of the congressional franchise that had allowed Philippine media network ABS-CBN broadcasting rights on Philippine Television.

ABS-CBN’s petition for a temporary restraining order on the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) ceased and desist order that the Congress officially shut downed.

President Duterte has accused ABS CBN of bias, including favoring a political opponent in the 2016 election, and had earlier warned that he would not allow the renewal of its franchise. Last May 5, 2020 Philippine lawmakers formally shutdown the country’s largest broadcast network. The President has criticized the ABS CBN network for their alleged biased and unfavorable news coverage against Duterte beginning with his presidential campaign in the 2016 Philippine Presidential election repeatedly voicing his opposition ANTI-TERROR ACT/ from page 1 The Department of Justice and the Anti-Terrorism Council, in line with law enforcement and military, are in charge of promulgation of the IRR within 90 days after the law takes effect.

The DOJ chief urged to law enforcement agents “to be more prudent and await the promulgation of the IRR.”

Philippine debt swelled up to P9.05 trillion as of end of June after government borrowed more to fight COVID-19 pandemic.

Finance Undersecretary Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran stated that the Development Budget Coordination Committee projected that the end-2020 outstanding debt level is equivalent to 49.8% of our GDP. Photo by The Sun

The Anti-Terrorism Act took effect despite of vigorous opposition from human rights advocates, lawmakers, and lawyers that resulted to filing of petition. There are 16 petitions filed and challenged it before the Supreme Court (SC). It is expected that there are more petitions to be filed.

The SC ordered the amalgamation of the 16 petitions and directed to the plaintiff government officials for commentary.

against Duterte beginning with his presidential campaign in the 2016 Philippine Presidential election repeatedly voicing his opposition against the renewal of the network.

The House of Representatives just wrapped up it’s hearings on ABS CBN’s franchise renewal last July 9 and is expected to vote on the matter after, no exact date has been scheduled for the voting yet. After 13 hearings, a committee of the House Representatives- most of whose members are allied with Mr. Duterte, voted by an overwhelming majority to deny ABS CBN’s application for renewal of its broadcast franchise.

Congress members voted against giving the company another 25-year license to operate after a total of 12 public hearings and testimony establishing the channel had violated public hearings no legality provisions. Of the 85 committee members in charge of the renewal, 70 voted to deny, 11 voted for the renewal, two voted to inhibit and one abstained from voting.

Law evaluators assert that the law is a threat to constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and assembly giving it a vague definition of terrorism as preceded by the law.

The law assures that dissenters and protests are will be safeguarded as enshrined in the constitution and would only be applied when they are "not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety." However, critics claimed that the definition is too overbroad.

Dissenters argued that this law will give privilege to military and enforcers in its equivocal definition of terrorism. Even before the passage of the law, progressive groups have been red-tagged as enablers of terrorism by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflicts (NTF-ELCAC), which is until now, not yet proven.

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EDITORIAL The end of our democracy?

As the Philippines grieves COVID-19 from the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte signs “atrocious” anti-terror bill into a law known as Republic Act 11479 or “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.”

This law is a threat to human rights and will bring terror to the nation’s democracy.

The passage of the bill to become a law in a time like this has left human rights group and critics question the priorities of the governmenthow can such law help the battle to forfeit the pandemic?

The premise of this law is to ease legal restrictions on law enforcement. The definition of who is a terrorist is based by the suspicion and should be held accountable of the government-appointed Anti-Terror Council terms. To be precise, the suspicion of the AntiTerror Council will allow warrantless arrests and could be detained for 14 days that can be extended by 10 more days. In addition, it also allows secret surveillance and wiretapping of “suspected terrorists” for 60 days that can also be subject to extension up to 30 more days by the State armed forces.

The Commission of Human Rights lamented that the law’s vague definition of terrorism will give sanction to the government to tag any and all dissenters as terrorists without any judicial supervision. This is a clear statement that activism, enshrined as a vigorous movement of criticism, is considered as terrorism.

However, the government assures that crackdown on activism will not happen subject to this counterterrorism law.

On the other hand, Speaker of the House Alan Peter Cayetano warned activists to “not allow terrorists to hide within [their] ranks.” Cayetano’s statement is a proof that the regime’s mindset regarding activism boils down into ignorance whereas they concluded that activism is a matter of participation in armed rebellions, which the State recognizes as a qualification of terrorism.

With this weak comprehension and hasty conclusion of law enforcers, there is a high probability that this law will repress legal organizations and student activists who has been red-tagged as communist frontlines and target of recruitment by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF), State-branded “terrorist” groups. The argument about whether CPP-NPA-NDF is a terrorist group or a revolutionary movement has successfully altered government to red-tag these progressive legal groups and student activists for alleged link with the banned revolutionary movement even before the passage of this law.

Duterte’s looming anti-terror law will be a center of exploitation— impeding our ability as human rights

Is campus press freedom really protected?

Campus journalism is a cell of press freedom— it has always been a mandate that campus journalists should pursue and uphold the truth. On August 28, 2019, President Duterte declared July 25 as the National Campus Press Freedom Day also known as the Republic Act 1140 or National Campus Press Freedom Day Act. However, student publications remain stagnant in a repressive censorship.

Section 2 of Republic Act 1140, now on its first year of effectivity, declares that the State shall “promote, protect and safeguard the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression, speech and of the press. As part of media, the campus press is an important institution in society that promotes and protects the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression.” What went wrong is that it became an irony.

The Republic Act 7079 or Campus Journalism Act of 1991 was enacted by late former President Corazon Aquino on July 5, 1991 “to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level.” However the safeguard presented in the 1991 law became impotent throughout the years. Media repression remains a threat in the campus press freedom.

On July 24, 2020, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) filed a complaint in the Supreme Court stating that there are almost 1,000 violations against campus press freedom since 2010.

In April 2018, The Bedan Roar, San Beda Manila Senior High School’s (SHS) publication, weren’t allowed to distribute their monthly issue.

The school administration proscribed 1,700 copies of the monthly issue. The Bedan Roar presumed that the halt order was demanded because of the magazine’s front cover featuring President Duterte, a Bedan alumnus, sitting on a throne of guns over a hill of dead bodies, depicting the extrajudicial killings under his fascist regime.

PRESS FREEDOM/ to page 5

ERRATUM! Due to an error, partly editor’s confusion during the release of Volume 5 Issue no 5, sports feature story “Hirap ay Kakambal ng Tagumpay” was originally written by Hillary Marie Tabunda not

by Gemma Ammorganda. The Prime would like to apologize for this error.

impeding our ability as human rights defenders and abridging our freedom of speech, as law enforcers will have the full control to arrest and detain individuals pointed out with their mere suspicion. The law itself is a violation in our constitution and a threat to our democracy.

This hasty and uninhibited threat of anti-terror law will be a cause of terror— not from the act from a terrorist group but of state terrorism. The verge of death has come near our democracy— and to speak up is to resist.

EDITORIAL STAFF THE PRIME ENGLISH S.Y. 2020-2021 FRANCES BRYLE GELVORIA Editor-in-Chief

VAL REENJI FABURADA Associate Editor-in-Chief Chelsea Fleur Sulla News Editor

Daniel Cid Caraig Feature Editor

Kim Dianga SciTech Editor

Mars Lloyd Bagarinao Graphics Editor

WRITERS Crixyla Antiola Ariane May Gocio CARTOONIST Xian Heissen Largo

CONTRIBUTORS Andrea Joan Gura Hillary Marie Tabunda Dwin Carlos Cadayday Melvi Tumale

PHOTOJOURNALIST ReignelleBayot

Alumni

LAYOUT ARTIST Isadore May Ruelo

ADVISER Mr. Randy M. Epon MODERATORS Ms. Christine Lorraine T. Tijing Mrs. Melende P. Arcaya

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OPINION

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Homonormativity in campus is lie, there’s none ►FRANCES BRYLE GELVORIA

It has been years since I came out as a queer and everyone in school knows that. Being one of the social butterflies roaming around the campus seems like “happy-go-lucky,” but it’s not. Our school is not a safe space— there is a gender basis for tolerance. Equality was never achieved— we’re still stuck and vulnerable in a prejudice society in the guise of ‘academic freedom.’

8th grade, he was verbally discriminated by his classmates and got a disciplinary counseling after talking back which was merely self-defense. Also, during our 9th grade, our teacher once called him “wala pulos na bayot” (useless faggot) for not meeting her expectations during our classroom embellishment. That incident perturbed me, but I was left speechless.

To be honest, I had never seen myself to be an advocate until I got lectured by my teacher about the length and color of my hair. I was forced to trim and change it back to black. It’s horrible: It made me feel powerless that I can’t express myself. It haunts me.

As I go deeper with my sexuality by socializing with other LGBTQIA+ Nationalians, I was shocked that the suppression already did a profound damage.

Angel Tan, a trans-woman alumna, was boycotted from participating Senior’s Ball on the exact day (without any notice) because she was wearing a ball gown. She even clarified that she got the consent of the faculty, but she was forced to leave.

I never thought that I wasn’t alone. My gay best friend and classmate in 9th Grade Calvin Gotladera also experienced discrimination. During his

As a gender queer, who knows the struggle of trans-people, was left bothered.

Everyone in school may be okay with homosexuality, but we were just tolerated.

In education, money matters ►VAL REENJI FABURADA AND ARIANE MAY GOCIO

It has been four months since schooling got suspended because of COVID-19 pandemic. Honestly, as a teen, I should be sharing memes on Facebook or buzz out and live within the means of “YOLO,” but NO! What I’m

concerned

capitalist

about educators

are

those like

EusebioTanco, Lucio Tan, Sy family and Yuchenco family going down as a ripple effect of the pandemic. They must be hungry.

Last July 15, in a briefing with the President, Education Secretary Briones urged to push opening of classes on August 24 ‘whatever form it is.’ She even proposed to allow face-to-face classes within low risk area with the support of Health

PRESS FREEDOM/ from page 4 The Bedan Roar posted their statement — allow regarding the halt order and released the issue online which later on was taken down.

In an interview with CNN Life Philippines, San Beda SHS Manila Vice Principal Aurora L. Lincumpao said that the students were just kids and the school wanted them “to focus [on the] achievements of San Beda.”

“They are just high school students, so they need to be advised,” Lincumpao continued.

“We just asked them to temper some of the articles.”

Lawmakers are filing bills to repeal or

They plot it that way because they believed that it is a progress in acceptance. But NO! Tolerance is way far different from acceptance. They are okay with the the flamboyance we share, but will never agree to give us freedom to color our hair or dress the way we want to. Is our school a place for SOGIE? The answer remains vague.

If you’re going to examine further, you’ll be swept in the enigma of heteronormativity. To put it in a simpler context, it means “act straight,” which is the root cause of stereotypes of male corresponds masculinity and female corresponds femininity.

This HOMONORMATIVITY/ to page 6

of Health secretary Duque. Well, they we are asking help from those should push it! Those capitalist capitalists. educators are hungry— they need queer and questioning individuals’ ability to Iexpress, At some point, realized money.

I am from public school, so it orientation.

And this it’s kind would of be hard distressing for us to that continue. the In a capitalist perspective, It is visible that the public is a great progress to earn money. quality is deteriorating, but who After a long period of time, they can cares? It’s okay if that’s the finally gain profit starting from case. Public enrollees are not spending thousands to go to bourgeoisies to petit bourgeoisies school because it is free unlike down to working and peasant social in private institutions. It is a fair classes, without decreasing tuitions and square game after all— let’s agree that those private schools and include miscellaneous school fees. and their students should be Oh c’mon, we can’t just let those privileged. capitalist educators struggle in times Perhaps it is true that like this. They are the hope of our those who are strong enough nation— to save us from this will survive from this crisis. pandemic. The government already Secretary Briones already admitted that there is no mass testing assured that there are different (jargonized us with ‘targeted testing’) modalities like online and and we should leave such effort to distant learning. In distant private businesses, which means we

Lawmakers are filing bills to repeal or amend the 1991 law because of its loopholes. In 2016 Kabataan Party-List Representative Sarah Elago filed House Bill 3636 which seeks a stronger protection of campus journalists repealing the 1991 law. On the same page, Senator Leila De Lima filed a counterpart measure, the Senate Bill 1868, at the upper house, amending the 1991 law.

However, these bills are still lying in their respective houses in legislation in 18th Congress.

Campus press freedom remains threatened by the fascist ruling especially now that the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020 is taking effect— threatening the people’s freedom of speech as enshrined in the constitution.

EDUCATION/ to page 6

enshrined in the constitution.

Amidst of media suppression and censorship, campus journalists persist to uphold the truth especially in this time that all are threatened by the pandemic. Campus journalism is a critical way of telling the truth not a subject of suppression. Campus journalists should be aware of their rights to ensure that the right to do their job is in a safe place and protected.

The Campus PressFreedom Bill should be passed and prioritized now. Campus press freedom needs protection, too.

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OPINION

ABS-CBN shutdown, a threat to press freedom? ►DWIN CARLOS CADAYDAY

Being under martial law in 1972, ABS-CBN, as the largest media group, has been told to stop its operation both TV and radio broadcasts as a one-man rule of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos emerged.

We can still remember how journalists were jailed, tortured, or killed during that time. That was the time when the curtains went down on ABS-CBN Corporation.

Recently, it came as a shock when the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease-and-desist order to ABS-CBN to stop operating last May 5, 2020, the day after their franchise expired.

The NTC claimed it was following the law. But critics claimed it was a threat to press freedom and only one man is behind it. Is this repeating history?

Before all of this, we have heard several words from President Rodrigo Duterte saying that he will not allow ABS-CBN franchise to be renewed. It all started year 2016 when the network aired a 30-second ad that criticized Duterte. On the other hand, the network stated its defense that they are duty-bound to air a legitimate ad and it was also compliant with Commission on Elections Laws.

It is possible that the events from the past becomes the events of the present. But you see, the president made it clear that he is completely neutral on the status of ABSCBN's license. He may have said anything in the past but it was all for the reason that he was also violated as a human and it has nothing to do with ABS-CBN's current situation.

His spokesman, Harry Roque, said that the palace has a neutral stance on the issue as respect to the separation of powers between the two coequal branches of government.

Therefore, the judgment lies with the House committee not with the president.

Unfortunately, after 12 hearings, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises formally shut down the country's largest broadcast network last July 10, 2020. This, after they adopted a resolution of the three-man technical working group to deny the franchise application of ABS-CBN Corporation. By a vote of 70 for and 11 against, the resolution pushed through. Now that ABS-CBN stays off the air indefinitely, is press freedom being threatened?

Speaker Allan Cayetano takes on this issue declaring that Congress has never wavered in upholding press freedom. He said that the House of Representatives respects the right of members of the media and every Filipino to criticize the government. Well, we can all agree on that. The freedom of speech is what a democratic country like ours believe in. We Filipinos should know that this is simply part of this season's uprooting of the weeds and has nothing to do with press freedom. It is clear that ABS-CBN Corporation as a whole had few violations and that they should be responsible for it.

“For those who continue to push the freedom of the press card, Congress is not stifling the right of any journalist, host, commentator, talent, or employee of ABS-CBN— or any Filipino for that matter—from criticizing the government. We simply put an end to the privilege of one family in using a public resource to protect and promote their private interests,” said Cayetano.

EDUCATION/ from page 5

learning, we can choose homeschooling or we can use printed outputs by the government like books and activity sheets which they call as module learning or learning through radio and televisions. Again, the DepEd already assured that education amidst the pandemic is accessible and it is a great way to feed the money hunger of those capitalist educators. But be careful, capitalism is a manifestation and a scapegoat of incompetence.

VOL V ISSUE NO 6

HOMONORMATIVITY/ from page 5 female corresponds femininity. This extent of heterosexuality within the campus allows suppression to linger which strengthens antidemocratic education that represses gender nonconforming and queer and questioning individuals’ ability to express, unparalleled to their gender identity and sexual orientation. And it’s kind of distressing that the education system is cultivating heteronormativity.

To establish a homonormative environment, the Department of Education (DepEd) released D.O No. 32 s. 2017 known as the Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy. The order ensures that DepEd employees will uphold student rights regardless of gender identity and promote safe environment for all. That may sound promising, but let’s not fool ourselves— it has been three years since it was released and yet harassment and discrimination still foster in schools affecting the social, mental and physical health of the youth especially those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Homonormativity is yet to be established and this is a manifestation that it’s only strong on paper; it needs seriousness and should be adequately imposed.

Perhaps the reason why harassment and discrimination became rampant is because the education system and the government failed to see the queer struggles that have been paralleled to class struggles. For almost 18 years, SOGIE Equality Bill is still circulating around the legislative department with minimum support and slow progress to be passed.

And that was when it me hard to be a gender and human rights advocate. As a tibak (activist), it has always been a struggle to impel the youth towards mass mobilization, but that’s not a reason to stop, it is a rationale that there is a progress of solidarity. Let’s bring the advocacy closer to people who shares the same struggle and educate those who are still stuck in the prejudice principle. We must not forget that there is still a fight.

THE

PRIME

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FEATURES

This Is What We Came For ►CRIXYLA HAIAZETH ANTIOLA ►

Trials and triumphs may have been through their lives. Despite of it all, they believed in theirselves that they can do it. It's always too early to quit but this two are indeed strong and confident that they'll succeed.

Celso Villahermosa, former Ms. Gay BNHS 2017 believed for what he stands for, and he wanted to use that platform to become a voice to motivate and to inspire others. He wanted to show them that he can stand on his own.

John Christian Oloroso, Ms. Gay BNHS 2018 believed that he wants to prove to his family and friends that he have lots of talents to showcase and prove himself to everybody that he is confident enough to join the pageant.

John Christian Oloroso, Ms. Gay BNHS 2018| Photo by John Christian Oloroso

Hardships are very inevitable especially when joining this pageants for the first time, such as falling off on their heels during practices, discrimination, stress, trust issues with themselves and many more but they cheer theirselves up with their moto's " Do not give up because you fail, but rather use these failures to motivate you in striving hard to reach your dreams." and "Everyone should be equal, and we should all love and support each other and express ourselves that we want to express it and be whoever we want".

►DANIEL CID MORIAH CARAIG & REIGNELLE BAYOT ►

You’re not a Nationalian if you don’t know HANEG, a

prestigious dance troupe that has been an epitome of merit of Bayawan National High School. They’ve already set grounds in our hometown, Dumaguete City and in Marikina City. It’s fascinating how this group paved their way and flaunts what they’ve got, but what about now?

HANEG was doomed by the pandemic. HANEG was one of the lucky cultural dance troupes in the Philippines selected to compete in the 8th National Art Festival in Cavite, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the pandemic. As members grieve in this distressing news, Cultural Director Arlan T. Entac never failed to brighten up the troupe and stressed to think positive the other way around.

Joram Timbangan, dance troupe President said HANEG battling with HANEG/ to page 8

Well after all, they still have those beautiful smiles on their faces.

Celso Villahermosa, Ms. Gay BNHS 2017| Photo by Celso Villahermosa

PHOTO GALLERY . HANEG S.Y. 2019-2020

Persistence is our Habit in Times of Pandemic

Oloroso's aspiration is used to seek from his co candidates who are first timers like him because they conquered their fears with confidence, confidence that pushes them to join Ms. Gay BNHS and of course Celso is also looking forward to get to know with the other delegates and share some experiences. Well Celso is inspired related to fear because he's scared that one day he'll be in his death bed and and feeling like he still have life to live.

Unfortunately life is one of enormous opportunity; the thought of squandering it is what inspires him to do cool stuff. He sees it as his macro-level inspiration.

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FEATURES

8

Success No Matter What ►CHELSEA FLEUR SULLA

Spider Man's famous quote, "With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility." This young man I am going to feature is not a superhero, but an ordinary young man motivated to excel and succeed in the field of sport he has chosen. He is no other than Nationalian's pride, Jonjie Enyong.

He joined the Bayawan City Wrestling Team because he believes he has the potential and opportunity to win. In truth, he brought honor to Bayawan many times. His greatest achievement to date is the BOSS (Beat Our Streets Singapore) tournament. He brought home a silver medal, despite being pitted with American 1 to 6 top wrestlers from California.

In every tournament he competes, it is normal to be nervous, but if you are well prepared and confident, there is nothing to fear. Just don't be careless. This should apply in all contact sports. Preparation and training are essential.

During this pandemic, training was not allowed during the ECQ ( Enhanced Community Quarantine). After the ECQ, He and the other team members were just allowed to jog and exercise without contact.

This was so frustrating for him and his teammates, but what is amazing about him is his drive to achieve his goals despite this pandemic. His inspiration are the people who supported and loved Him through win or lose.

His greatest dream is to join the National Team and compete in Asean Games and the Olympics, why not? In every great success, there will always be challenges that will take a lot of pain and cost sacrifices.

You have to take risks for you to be able to achieve success. Above all, one must have a relationship with God, especially this trying time.

Kudos to you, Jonjie Enyong!

JonjieEnyong won 2nd place in Men’s Category at the Beat Our Street Singapore Wrestling Camp and Exchange Competition 2019 at Singapore on June 20-23, 2019. Photo by Jonjie Enyong

array of schedule in early 2020, members can finally take a rest and spend time with their family. In contrast, it’s a bit of saddening that they can’t gather even just for a while to have sessions a little bit or practice and even can’t compete and can’t accept invitations for them to perform. Opportunities may slip into

the way it used to, the way we used to dance, laugh and spend time together like a family. Our opportunities may also slip in our hands and turn back away from it for now, because of the pandemic we should face more and prepare for but tomorrow stands for a mystery for us, the past is called history and today is a present.” Everyone is striving to be strong as they can possibly be, like HANEG— persistent to boldly fight hardships in any form it is. The opportunity slipped into their hands but their dedication, loyalty and commitment to the group still remains like a tree standing in the middle of the storm.

HA N E G S .Y . 20 1 9 - 20 20

their hands but as what Joram Timbangan said, “We will bring back HANEG

PHOTO GALLERY .

HANEG/ from page 7 with this COVID-19 pandemic have pros and cons. Luckily, after a long hectic

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SCI-TECH

Beat COVID-19 with the new DOST app ►KIM ENNICA DIANGA

Filipino are making the adage "necessity is the mother of invention" into reality, as another weeks passes in the Philippines, lockdown to fight the corona virus, it seems prudent to highlight some of the things being done by the Philippine tech companies and organizations to help people get by.

The Department of Science and Technology Philippine Country for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) acknowledges innovative Filipinos who have come up with brilliant technologies to combat the COVID 19 pandemic.

Ranging from robotics to logistic support out of 6 there are four(4) local technologies that provide frontliners with better ways to deal with the pandemic and help save more lives in the country.

Most technologies developed by the Department of Science and Technology use local raw materials that went through innovations in terms of products or process improvements, making them distinct from their commercial counterparts.

These government-developed technologies are designed to factor in the social, economic and environmental benefits.

Nutrition as Philippine Priority

►DWIN CARLOS CADAYDAY

Nutrition has always been one of the most essential elements to being healthy and living a long life. For this reason, every month of July, the Philippines celebrate National Nutrition Month as pursuant to Presidential Decree 49, the Nutrition Act of the Philippines. Also, to urge Filipinos to take into consideration the nation's many nutritional concerns. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the government is doubling there effort in promoting nutrition.

Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives. And no one knows how long will we be living like this.

To observe public measures in the Philippines is our top concern in order to slow the spread of the disease. Likewise, nutrition is especially important to keep the immune system of every Filipino in top condition. But eating well-balanced and nutritious meals and snacks could be a challenge for most household during these times of uncertainty and danger.

As we can see, with the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) being around the corner, families are stocking up on non-perishable and ready-to-eat food, usually processed and packed with sodiumcontaining preservatives. These foods also contain high levels of sugar or sometimes fat, ingredients that are blamed for the increase of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Thus, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in partnership with the interagency National Nutrition Cluster encourages the LGU to lead healthy eating amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The LGU indeed have a big role in combating COVID-19, but as citizens of our country we should also take part. Let us start doing something to make this difficult situation as positive and productive as it can possibly be. We can do various activities while staying at home like growing our own fruits and vegetables in our backyards. The fruits and vegetables from our own garden have higher nutrients than fruits and vegetables reaching thousands of miles to reach the market. Likewise, it minimizes trips to the market which provides you less hassle and allows you to save more money.

In addition, we can start planning a healthy meal with our family. The food choices each day mainly affect our health. Planning a healthy meal is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. This also allows young children to understand the importance of consuming adequate, nutritious, and safe food. Combined with physical activity, our diet can help us to reach and maintain a healthy body. In this time of emergency, LGUs, and communities should help one another and work as one. Together, we can do more. It is all about handling the situation with ease.

Photo by DOST

The Paradox Call ofHOMO SAPIENS ►DANIEL CID MORIAH CARAIG

THERE IS NO PLANET B!END COAL AND FOSSIL FUELS NOW! ” I suddenly remembered those people having a protest for environment and climate justice. I somehow pledged myself to be an environmental advocate just like them. Shame on me! I forgot that July is the Philippine Environment Month.

Let me ask you these: What do we know about life on Earth? How many species are we aware of? What do we know about the bonds that link them?

Are we really considering the fact that we are just living and borrowing this planet? Now I'll tell you the story of how we "homo sapiens" destroyed the very cycle of life.

A miracle appeared in the universe around 4 billion years ago. And we humans have walked on the Earth only 200,000 years ago yet we have already triumphed in distorting the harmony and balance that is essential to life. Our Earth relies on a balance in which every being has a role to play and exists only through the existence of another being.

The Earth is a miracle. Life remains a mystery. If scientists were to study the very beginning of life they would be swept in a never-ending paradox of confusion. Every species has its place, none is futile or harmful.

We benefit from an extravagant and fabulous 4 billion-legacy bestowed upon us by the Earth. We have changed the face of the world. Despite our vulnerability we have taken possession of every habitat and conquered shrouds of territory for our own self-interest like no other species before.

As we evolved on to superior beings than animals, we also adapted to our new habitats and resources. But as we progressed, the excessive exploitation of our resources threatened the lives of every species living and breathing on Earth. Because of this some species could be threatened with extinction.

By making extraordinary things no being has ever made before, we flourished in the riches of the Earth.

Plastics, metal machineries, paper cartons and almost everything you see today in the modern world were all made by the resources in the Earth.

These materials take days, months, hundreds of years to decompose. For example, a plastic bottle can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills.

When plastic is thrown on land it makes soil less fertile. And they break into tiny pieces contaminating the soil waterways and oceans.

Just imagine; if the soil will be contaminated trees and crops won't grow properly-the species living on trees will have their habitat taken awaythe species will slowly be on the line for extinction- and then we, Homo sapiens, will no longer have any food to eat and will eventually die along with the Earth.

How does that sound? Bad isn't it? Well, are we people aware of this? Yes and No. Some people know but they always turn a blind eye and neglect their responsibilities as a being living on Earth. At some point, we begin to carelessly spend our days trying to make our world grow more into an existential and advanced society, not knowing that we are also destroying it.

We human beings have shaped the Earth in the image we visualize it to be. All we see today in the modern world are a reflection of human behavior. How can this century carry the burden of nine million beings if we refuse to be called to account for everything we alone have done?

These are facts and real discoveries that are acting in our planet.

I have already seen and heard of these brutal tortures happening. When are we going to take action? We’re never too old or too young to start living the life we are all borrowing. The Earth is dying and it is our duty to protect and ensure that life remains.

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COVER STORIES Life of a Debater Andrea Joan Gura

►HILLARY MARIE TABUNDA

“The Girl Scouts is where I became acquainted with the idea that women can do anything”  Lisa Ling The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) was founded on May 26, 1940 by JosefaLlanesEscoda, since then the numbers of being a green blooded gal is in increasing as years go by. This is an oraganization that will encourage girls to seek for the beauty of being a woman because there’s more of being “just a woman”. This is a family that will guide each member to explore and conquer the world without fear and to grow as a fine and independent young lady. Its mission is “to help girls and young women realize the ideals of womanhood and prepare themselves for their responsibilities in the home, to the nation, and to the world community”.

Last school year, there are more than a hundred of registered girl scouts in Bayawan NHS. The teachers and staffs of our school is very supportive when it comes to scouting activities, the reason why we did plenty of it, such as; coastal clean up, drills, camping, training, parades and giving of white gifts— a scouting activity where the girls will be going to hinterland places to give food and gifts to the children, there’s a whole lot more, too many to mention. Some of the activities might

be tiring, but at the same time we know that this is what makes our hearts happy too. During these activities we built strong bond, new friendship and memories that are worth to be treasured.

As a girl scout it is our duty to empower each other, focus on our strength and potential and boost each and every member’s confidence.

This is a big leap for women to acquire leadership and to change how the people stereotype them. Hand in hand they will show the world what a woman is capable of and together they will manifest how a scout work, think and speak.

In this organization we are given infinite opportunities to learn and help in many ways.

This scouting journey made me believe that it is important to have faith in everything, to never lose hope, to be trustworthy and kind and above all, to love your sister by blood or even not.

We may not be a girl scout for a lifetime but one thing that I am sure of is that our scouting spirit is and always will be within us. I am a Girl in Green, a scout and I am proud.

Working in progress MelviTumale, The Prime Alumna Bayawan National High School (BNHS) was founded on October 17, 1993. Its vision is to institutionalizes School-Based Management (SBM) thus produces technologically competitive and ecologically concerned learners molded with wholesome character, competent in all learning areas from well-trained and competitive teachers equipped with skills in Information and Communication Technology provided with technologically and digitally operated, functional facilities; its mission is to provide a quality education through conducive learning environmentfunctional facilities and accessible instructional materials needed by the learners by training talented teachers who will serve as molders and facilitators of learning and the community to actively cooperate and support the school's thrust, goals, and objectives.

As of now, BNHS continues to grow and develop. The school strives to strengthen the school curriculum to produce quality and globally competitive students. However, the teaching force and facilities may not be enough for the growing population. It needs additional teachers and learning facilities to ensure a good ratio in attaining a standard school for learners. Also, it is still in its developmental process, and it may take some time to achieve its goals.

All these will be made possible by the full support of the Local Government Unit (LGU), Parents, Teachers (PTA), personnel and learners, and consciously involved community. With the help of these people, and by working hand-in-hand, Bayawan National High School's educational system will become more efficient and progressive.

Given a chance to join an event bringing the name of your school, hometown or country is such an overwhelming experience. As one of the lucky students to represent the school on the last LANTUGI DEBATE INTER SCHOOL COMPETITION last February 28, 2020 I must say it was an amazing experience until the final day.

Yes it wasn't easy: the pressure (since all of us are first timer), the sleepless nights (specially the time given was a bit short), time conflict (we're all students trained by a teacher, different class schedules is one of our problem before), and lastly the secret that we've gone through (it may sounds funny but every members knee never falter to tremble during our practice). Those struggles inspired all of us to aim high and make our school be proud of us no matter what will happen on the final day.

Winning and achieving an award during the competition night would really make you cry because remembering what your team had gone through before that night was not easy. As I mentioned above, all the struggles doesn't mean we didn't have a good time together, making a family together with those strangers at first is priceless and having coaches that are so incredible is beyond everything. The laughs that we shared during a serious moment just to break the nervousness, the teasing of each other just to make them feel at ease before delivering a speech, sharing lame ideas that would turn into a brilliant one and lastly is giving each other a hand to show our support and making each other feel that we are not just a team but a family.

The entire journey of mine as an amateur debater is beyond explainable, up until now I am still thinking of an exact word to describe that experience which molded me to become who I was in the eyes of the audience while delivering my speech. The lesson was worth an arm and leg, the precious bond that we made is now my inspiration and of course my teammates and our coaches are now an extended family to me. I can still remember what motivation before and during that night was, it was a simple statement "you're all so lucky to be given a chance to represent the school and to be trained at such young age" others may hear it as a simple words from a coach but for me it was an inspiration to be better, let myself grow and make everyone who believes in me proud. A debater's life is not a joke nor easy; it passes through different levels of pressure but at the end of the day no matter what will happen it will all be worth it as long as you have dedication to what is your heart's desire.

And to my OPLO BNHS Debating Team Family thank you so much for those amazing moments that we shared.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Stand up for others!

A hero is not someone who saves. It's who stands up for others.

—Lance Lauriano No to Haircut Policy!

It is an anti-democratic policy. Students can no longer express themselves.

—Khian Jay Peñon I hope this pandemic will be over!

To be able to spend my time all day with my friends.

—Daniel Alcazar STAND WITH TEACHERS! Our teachers matter too, for they listen to students, they are heroes and lastly they educate us.

—ZyraCarriaga SOGIE EQUALITY IN OUR CAMPUS! Most heterosexual males are catcalling LGBTQIA+ Nationalians with homophobic slurs so we should teach SOGIE Equality in our campus.

—John Christian Oloroso

Canary My world is in monotone I have no one left to phone I’m trapped in cage of bone Fore years, I have been so alone ‘Canary’ is what I’m called Little bird that has been fooled Been locked in a cage so cold Weakens, as days unfold

Continuing education amidst the pandemic!

Because despite the crisis that we are currently facing now, education is something that must not be neglected or left behind. —Ryan Villamala, SSG President Free Mass Testing!

Mass Testing plays an essential role in defeating the pandemic, but the gov't lied to us about mass testing— there is none.

However, swab testing is pricey and only rich people can afford.

—John Denmark Montaño Equal treatment towards nonprofessionals and professionals!

Professionals can impose something freely even if the context doesn't have the credibility to be enacted while nonprofessionals are marginalized by the idealism of the professionals. Somehow it equals feudalism.

— Dzela Edelweiss Gotladera

Cease Discrimination and Spread Love!

Stop Discrimination to all kinds of people because discrimination is not a reverent value at all. We are all equally created by God and that makes us unique individuals.

We also have the capabilities to do good things in the community we belong to. In this case, we should educate people doing these things and giving importance to people who encounter discrimination.

—Joshua Dave Jaugan Safe Opening of Classes!

The modalities of DepEd may seem promising and feasible, but it's not! Only privileged people will have quality education.

It should be safe and quality education for all.

—Marven Francis Torres Let's not lose HOPE! It is what the world needs right now especially we're facing a pandemic everyone should be hopeful that one day the world will totally heal.

—Andrea Joan Gura

Yellow Cactus

Bird in the

I was happy to see A beautiful cactus in glee Dancing in mystery As it sways, it dies, maybe?

Cage

Maybe it’s too shallow Thorns that became hollow Soft it may be like a marshmallow Weathering in the deathly flow

"But...but I want to fly freely like them." said the little bird as he watched the others flying in the sky. But his master locked the cage and left his plea unheard.

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ENTERTAINMENT Reviews Never Have I Ever

Perfectly Imperfect -Nathalie Julia Geralde, Former Prime member 1 Once upon a time in a cliche world of heartbreaks and broken promises, there is a girl

gaze, and how meticulous you’d examine, you will recognize its imperfections. The strokes of

who survived: the temptation to give up, the excuses to stop and the doubt to continue.

Therefore, she calls herself, “half-agony and

the brush are not as straight as you have visualized from afar. Nevertheless, it was art.

She was an art, no, she was the art itself. And her

half-hope”. She deserves the title that she entitles herself to own. She’s a girl with a story.

features that made her stand out is her capability to find hope amidst the difficulties to hold on to

A background of gloom, melancholy and all the synonyms of sadness. She once believed that

one. How she was consumed by darkness and failed to see the light at the end of the tunnel, yet

her insecurities define her as a whole identity.

She once pinpoint all the flaws that she had and does everything to hide it in the closet; and she

she stood, walked without a guide, but only her belief in Jesus as her saviour. She believed that she could and so she did.

failed at doing so. Then she realized that it was not her flaws that needs to be hidden, it was entirely the whole idea of her as an existence. It was sad. She was sad. She wore a mask and saunter a facade of happiness that will only feel real when seen on the naked eyes, but beyond those smiles plastered on her face and her eyes that seems to twinkle with wonders and sunshines, is a fragile heart. A heart that is completely devoid of sadness. A heart that neglects to see the beauty that she has within. A heart that lacks to appreciate how she beats for what she loves as her passion burns brighter than all her mishaps.

2 Perhaps, she must be blind. Or maybe she looked too close; just like a painting in a museum known for defining art, the nearer you

3 Now she have learned that real courage is not on the man holding the gun and has the power to shot without thinking twice, it’s when she faced what she feared. She knew that the battle would be tough but she began anyway and she sees it through no matter what.

4 Thus, positivities are best paired with negativities. Sadness and happiness is a perfect match. Success from failures attributes something wonderful. Strength and weaknesses corresponds with one another. Fear creates bravery when conquered.

5 And agony; builds hope.

gaze, and how meticulous you’d examine, you

D I D

Y O U

• I love you in binary code is: 01001001 (I) 01101100 (l) 01101111 (o) 01110110 (v) 01100101 (e) 01111001 (y) 01101111 (o) 01110101 (u).

• The hummingbird has the biggest heart of all, for the size of the animal. In flight, it pumps 1,000 times a minute so it can hover like a to helicopter. shot without thinking twice, it’s when she • There are more cows in the world than cars: an estimated 1.4 billion cows compared to about 1 billion cars. Cows produce 20 per cent of all methane.

K N O W ?

• The biggest living thing in the world is an underground honey mushroom fungus in Oregon, USA. The entire organism covers 890 hectares – almost 1,665 football pitches.

• The oldest known goldfish was Goldie, and was owned

by Pauline Evans of Devon.

Goldie lived for 45 years after being won in 1960 at a fairground.

• The biggest television in the world is owned by the Japan Racing Association. The new Mitsubishi Diamond Vision HD LED display is over 8,000 square feet.

►RONEL BIBAL, FORMER PRIME MEMBER Never have I ever is a comedy-drama based 10 episode series starring MaitreyiRamakrishnan as Devi Vishwakumar and were written by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher. The series was a semi-autobiography of Mindy Kaling of her Childhood story living in Boston. The series was premiered on Netflix last April 27, 2020, and gain different positive review. Devi Vishwakumar is a 15-year-old Indian-American teenager who struggles to find her own identity after her horrific freshman year. But trying to change the idea of others towards her seems impossible because of her family and friends.

Devi is praying to the gods asking for her to be invited to a party where alcohol and drugs were and promised not to try, but only wants the opportunity to turn down the offer of trying them. Second, she asked for her forearm to have thinner hair and lastly, she asked for a boyfriend and not from one of her AP classes and she wouldn’t care if it is dumb but it must be a stone-cold hottie that can rock her all night long. After the scene, we were flashed back to her orchestra recital where her father had a heart attack and later died on that night. From what happened there, her life had changed. After a week she couldn’t use her legs without any medical findings and it lasted three months. Miraculously she was healed when she was trying to watch her long-time crush Paxton Hall-Yoshida a member of their swimming team in their school.

Never have I ever had real-to-life situations and problems that any normal person would face. It talks about the process of dealing with problems, especially for teenagers. It depicts the struggle of a teenager on adapting changes in their lives and on how they solve it. It also tells how the minds of a teenager can be very crazy about handling a different situation. The series opens up different perspectives of different people in different situations. Accompanied by the diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, it made the whole series more interesting and the emotions thrown by the actors were more felt by the audiences. With the balanced emotions, the facial reaction and the body movements of the actors gave more impact and gave more way for the audience to feel and know the purpose of the series.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story ►FRANCES BRYLE GELVORIA

It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a powerful story of a New York high school student has been coping up with his problems in stress and depression, that most high school teens can relate to.

Craig Gilner, a New York high school student has been pressured after he enrolled in Executive Pre-Professional High School. He’s been stressed by his grades because he believed it will affect his entire life. He should not feel any regrets.

In able to cope up, Craig took anti-depressants Zoloft for a long period of time, but it wasn’t working. On a dark night, Craig planned to kill himself by jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge. As luck would have it, he changed his mind and ended up dialing a suicide hotline and was advised to check in to the nearest hospital. He checked himself in to Six North, an adult psychiatric clinic in Brooklyn and worked his problems through. He met some individuals with different psychological problems. The stay of Craig in Six North became a wonderful yet heavy ride of emotions.

Vizzini’s intense style of writing did not disappoint us to reflect it in the real world and how teens get pressured and depressed unknowingly. Vizzini did not fail on giving us a way of realization that psychological disorders should be understood assiduously.