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VOLUME VII ISSUE I

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Giving Faith a Drag Makeover Lance Lester Givanim CARTOONIST

Faith without practice is just false reverence.

Recently, the art of drag has been threatened by efforts made to criminalize this art form, particularly in the USA. It was only in 2022 that drag stepped into the mainstream in the Philippines thanks to reality competition shows such as Drag Den and Drag Race Philippines, which served as platforms for showcasing the excellence of Filipino drag artists. With the rise of the drag scene in the Philippines comes the disdain of conservative groups, given that the country is predominantly Roman Catholic. However, the art of drag has always been an outlet for queers to express their lives and difficulties in society about gender constructs.

Hence, art, no matter what form, should be free and liberating, but on the other hand, the former Drag Den contestant, Pura Luka Vega led Pura to imprisonment.

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ura Luka Vega dressed up as Jesus Christ performing a rock rendition of Ama Namin (Our Father, a prayer) drew flak on social media as many individuals saw it as disrespectful, and religious groups deemed it blasphemous.

The local government officials declared Vega a persona nongrata in several different areas in response to this. It is easy to pass judgment on the content across social media, and it is also important to consider understanding the context of events before making negative and cruel statements about them—this is what most people who know about the issue fail to comprehend before leaving threats and condemnation under posts about the performance of Vega.

Understandably, some people felt angered upon watching the Vega act, especially devotees of God, though, that not all people have the same way of worshiping.

Under Vega’s circumstances, who is queer and Catholic as well, it can be an insufferable journey navigating life when a part of someone’s identity somehow contradicts the other.

It is no secret how some religious groups view and treat LGBTQ+ people—condemning their mere existence to eternal damnation for simply not aligning with their belief system. It may be baffling to find the connection between drag and faith, but identifying the intention behind the performance would help better understand the thought behind the act.

According to Vega, the performance is “really just telling a story where I envisioned Jesus being one with the queer people.”

It shows just how many people quickly reacted to their feelings without seeing the performance for what it was. It also reinforces

the idea that the religious forces of the Philippines refuse to understand the perspective of queer people; thus, no major political milestones attained by the community’s rights and protection as long as these forces continue to influence the country’s legislation and see themselves righteous enough to be superior amongst queer people, thus, unfair to read it right?

LGBTQ+ has always had a complex relationship with religion, yet the views of religious individuals and groups in the Philippines toward them remain clear—they will burn in hell for their sins of homosexuality. Because of this, queer people are crucified by people’s prejudice and discrimination. However, is it not hypocritical for some people to claim to be adherents of Christianity, the belief that is grounded on faith, hope, and love, while being the first to chastise people who do not align with their belief system? It only shows how some religious people see themselves as righteous enough to make judgments and weaponize their faith against other people, particularly the community. Mockery and satirical posts about religion have long existed on the internet, yet people only feel agitated when they see queer people do it, which in the performance, is not Vega’s intention. Remixes of gospel songs, particularly Papuri sa Diyos Remix have been used as music that people danced to and were even having fun doing so; influencers and content creators made materials from religious contexts and also impersonated Jesus; people took part in using minus ligtas points jokes; and even the anti-church tirades made by former President Rodrigo Duterte, also referring to God as “stupid”. None of these actions were called out and seen

as blasphemous, yet people were quick to draw the line between expression and reverence when a drag queen dressed up as Jesus and performed the Lord’s Prayer. It is easy to point fingers and jump into hate trains without carefully understanding the context of the situation.

It is also aggravating that some people saw this situation as an opportunity to deny the approval of the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill. People commented that they should not be given the acceptance and respect they are asking for if they cannot simply respect other beliefs, but this situation is not a mere case of “respect begets respect”. It is a complex marriage between art and faith with underlying conflicts of expression. It would be cruel and unjust to deny the rights and protection of the entire community solely because of misinterpretation of actions. Is this only emphasize the point of condemnation of the performance was influenced by people’s prejudice against queer individuals?

There are different ways of practicing faith. The methods practiced in one place might even be unorthodox for other religions in other parts of the world. Faith and religion should redirect the lives of people and should not be used as a weapon to intensify the lashes some think other people deserve. The Vega act was no more than just a creative expression of their faith, vision, and experiences as a queer person.

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Digital A[I]rtist Wannabe:

A Bold Approach of Existing AI Artists

T Asliah Gubat HEAD CARTOONIST

AI generates art, but human creates them—AI could never replace real hands.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a formidable player in the dynamic intersection of technology and artistic expression, offering both a catalyst for innovation and a source of contemplation.

Through sophisticated algorithms and learning machineries, AI provides artists with unprecedented tools to explore uncharted creative territories, pushing the boundaries of traditional practices. For instance, the first two sentences written above are one of an evident sample of AI-generated work, generated to the knowledge of making an introductory paragraph that introduces how it contributes to art. The rise of AI and technological innovation can be beneficial in various fields. However, its contribution to art has been controversial because of claims that AI will replace traditional art. How its advancements affect the creation of art, and how it would replace artists of skills with AI artists—as they call themselves. Thus, two questions become clear: Are AI artists on the same level as traditional artists? How does AI-generated art benefit the world of art?

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he perception of arts often links to subjective self-expression that leads people to convey messages and ideas through their creative means. Although art has objective fundamentals, elements, and basic rules to create a good judgment of art, it still depends on an artist to decide what art can be. Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) advanced its presence in the digital world and created a platform for itself, gaining popularity and enough attention. AI usage has been evident in various fields like education, research, and art. Along with its popularity, AI artists appeared in the creative industry, alarming other artists about these artists’ “legitimacy” and “genuineness” to their works. Since AI artists would use programs such as Midjourney or DALL-E 2 (some of the most popular programs used for artificial art) to generate an aesthetically yet precise image from different databases available online using a few text prompts, samples will get generated within minutes, and the “artist” will have options to choose from. This form of art-making produced several questions about its process of making, wherein it takes small snips and parts of existing art online while constantly learning and adjusting to prompts given, resulting in a human-like output. AI’s practical and ethical issues involving copyright and licensing have caused questions about how the artificial art generator program operates.

Another issue with these AI artists is how they overthrow other artists with the fast production of their art compared to other artworks created with skills and human craftsmanship.

One of the most controversial issues was the 2022 Colorado State Fair’s annual art competition, in which an AI artwork won first place entitled “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial”

by Jason M. Allen. He generated his entry using Midjourney. This entry caused such backlash among other contestants, asserting that Allen “cheated” his way to win; however, the entry seemed to gain approval

of submission under the category of “digital art/digitally manipulated photography.” It is usual to confuse AI art with digital art since the two categories share similar principles— digital software and programs. It has been a long debate that AI art still falls under the digital art category, defending its legitimacy in the creative field as something that can be as original as what digital artists can create. However, comparing the two, AI cannot be as similar in digital art for obvious reasons such as its authenticity and sources of making. Although traditional artists also criticized digital art and experts, similar to the fact of innovation of digital technology, digital art still encompasses a wide range of conventional art fundamentals, designs, and the artist’s skills to be able to create artwork—so long as the works become created, enhanced or exhibited digitally.

On the other hand, AI art imitates existing artworks that have been created and regurgitated in another format, therefore not an original creation of an artist. It might contain visible signs of art principles and techniques but only acquired using existing works from other artists.

Are AI artists on the same level as traditional artists? Yes and no; AI art differs from conventional art since it is a product of digital advancement. It shows massive improvement for the different uses. AI art is convenient, but it could never replace artists. For instance, a generated work would still depend on a prompt given by a human idea generating several attempts to perfect a piece from an AI program, will only function with the use of human-produced learning and understanding, even though it can create exquisite outcomes, there will still be flaws with an AIgenerated work. While traditional and digital artists of any medium could use AI for other purposes, such as referencing or assisting in producing a base for first-pass conceptualization for clients’ preferences, authentic art will always start from scratch—a rough

sketch of fundamentals, render, and attempts of skill honing to create an actual piece that has original features compared to imitated computer-generated work.

Even though many amateur artists use AI to generate work without setting an idea and principle, resulting in the misuse of its benefits, AI significantly contributes to various movements involving art history. An art exhibition named “Wisdom of Da Vinci: An Immersive AI Experience” made its way to the Philippines in collaboration with Ouchh, an awardwinning art studio from Istanbul, Turkey. The art exhibition resides at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The impressive exhibition brought back some famous paintings of the artist Leonardo Da Vinci, showcasing the significance of artificial intelligence in creating a closer connection between a classical timeframe of art and the masses. Ferdi Alici, the director and founder of Ouchh, stated that during the creation of the exhibit, the idea came before the technology. It is one of the prominent examples of good use and benefit from AI and other digital advancements to create change in the best manner.

The advent of AI has been a remarkable technological advancement and a great digital tool; however, it is still incapable of replicating the human aspect at the core of art. While algorithms can process vast amounts of data and generate outputs quickly, they lack the emotional depth and intuition crucial to artistic expression. The creative process of art requires a unique set of skills and experiences that only human beings possess.

Therefore, AI can never replace the authenticity of art created by artists.

The human touch and passion in art are irreplaceable; they make art unique and timeless.

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You’re Canceled, Cancel Culture

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Princess Janneah Matta OPINION WRITER

The tragedy of the mediocres; the fervor to throttle other’s down Deflecting what seems different from the cultivated idea of the principle of “right,” pushed to walk the plank you will go, when the vital social agreement differs from yours. As Demetria Slyt defined, cancel culture refers to the mass withdrawal of support from public figures or celebrities who have done things that aren’t socially accepted today. This practice of “canceling” or mass shaming often occurs on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

n this age, an era of canceling has begun. The term cancel existed and was known from a misogynistic joke in the 1991 film New Jack City, where screenwriter Barry Michael Cooper scripted Nino Brown to act the statement “Cancel that *****. I’ll buy another one,” and it became viral during a reality show called Love and HipHop: New York, in which a cast member heatedly tells his love interest during a fight, “you’re canceled.” Resulting in its evolution into slang to express disapproval as a joke or seriousness.

Known public figures have been canceled in the past for their revealed unfaithfulness to their marriage, sexual misconduct, predatory behavior, social misbehavior, and cultural appropriation.

Although the culture became a sensation for celebrities to live with integrity and righteousness to be role models, it has also become shackles, making them prisoners and puppets of the mass crowd.

Weirdly, the public has enjoyed watching the downfall of public figures despite the reasons being socially debatable. The hypocrisy of canceling has to be acknowledged, as the disapproval of their sexual identity, plastic surgery, and interests. Despite the public not being physically or mentally affected by these people’s decisions in their lives, it becomes a reason for them to make erroneous actions and make them vanquished.

An example of these would be the continuous rumor wars on Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Nadine Lustre, James Reid, and Issa Pressman.

Coming from this country, you must have experienced hearing a crowd of women gossiping about the wildest news regarding their neighbor or in social media that has no relation to them - “Mare! narinig niyo ba?

Nag pa-ilong daw yung anak ni aling Mirna, hay nako ‘di naman siya gumanda sayang lang pera niya.”

In Philippine culture, there’s this toxic habit of “Marites” [a Filipino term for a person who is into

gossip] becoming too comfortable to comment on an individual’s appearance, decisions, or beliefs, and this could be categorized as “cancel culture” as well. A mass group bringing down a person. As defined in Merriam-Webster, cancel culture is the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling by exerting social pressure.

Cancel culture resulted in engagement in proper demeanor; nevertheless, every rose has its thorns, the abuse of social pressuring. In a generation filled with various platforms to express your thoughts and opinions, it has been beneficial to protest around the globe to fight for justice, yet without also throttling you down to the ground without proper conduct.

That leaves the question, do you, the reader, perceive cancel culture as justifiable or unjustifiable?

What if there’s No Entrance Exam?

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Dave Justin Desilos OPINION EDITOR

Education is not always a right.

Universities open their doors again for students who aspire to be in their dream schools, and one of its requirements is the somehow termed scary also known as entrance exams.

ntrance exams have always been a way for most universities, especially state universities, to measure students’ aptitudes. Although its existence is not much of a deal for others, there is still a large chunk of people, especially students, who intensely dissent against the traditional entrance exams because, viewing it through the lens of the poor and oppressed, there are angles that need to be pondered.

The Philippines’ notorious heritage among families is poverty. We cannot deny the reality that most Filipino families

remain unprogressive due to particular reasons, may it be their choices, lack of opportunities, or oppression. With that, students’ experiences in learning vary—one might be lucky enough to meet the needs of going to school, and one might be unfortunate enough to learn by themselves without guidance from a teacher and an organized curriculum.

There is this notion that education is a right, not a privilege; however, this system proves otherwise.

Students with the luxury of quality education and the money to enroll in tutorials and review centers have a huge advantage in contrast

to those students forced to learn by themselves, for they can’t afford and reach the financial demands for the education that everyone has the right to.

Looking at the bigger picture, it is somehow understandable, given that some universities lack equipment and adequate facilities to accommodate all students who have the right to it; taking them one by one would be a total crisis.

Both schools and students have a reasonable take on this issue.

If people were to point fingers between them, it would be an unending conflict without resolution because they are both

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victims of the real oppressors, which is the government that cuts budgets for the education sector.

An illustration would be the 2024 budget for State Universities or Colleges (SUCs), which will only be 100.8 billion pesos, unlike last year’s 107 billion. The dwindled budget would not only limit the schools,

especially state universities, to enhancing their facilities and curriculum but also restrict various students to the education they are worthy of.

If this system persists, the immense gap between those privileged and the unfortunate, who are stuck

with nothing but to be left behind just because of an aptitude test that sides with elites and does not truly define one’s capability, the pivotal role of education among students lies in the hands of the higher-ups. An ally of education inside the government must protect and restore what needs

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to be restored and uphold what is stated in the Philippine constitution for students and schools to gain more opportunities, leading to a successful educational system.

Kings of the Road No More?

Lifesavers’ lives are on the line.

Dave Justin Desilos OPINION EDITOR Jeepneys, dubbed as the Kings of the Road, with their reasonable fare and capability to accommodate many passengers, have always contributed to the daily lives of commuters and drivers. Despite the income and convenience it provides, threats of phaseout and modernization transcend.

Nonetheless, during the 2022 presidential campaign period, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised that he would prioritize a bill setting a public transport consumers tax to fund the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP); however, the said promise remains unfelt by most of the jeepney drivers, resulting in a constant transport strike.

An illustration would be the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), which kicked off another transport strike on Monday, November 20, protesting against the consolidation of cooperatives under PUVMP and its given deadline on December 31.

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he PUVMP is a government initiative.

Some of its clear objectives are to organize the country’s public road transportation system and provide safe rides to the public. It claims to have various phases, and the first phase would be the phaseout of the old public vehicles considered as no longer road-worthy and the emissions it contribute to the environment, which most of the jeepney drivers are against. Although the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) insisted that the PUVMP does not intend to phase out the jeepneys, PISTON, especially its national president, Mody Floranda, is still unconvinced as he perceives it as a government scheme. If phasing out or improving barely functional and not environmentally friendly PUVs, why do most people, especially drivers, protest against it? It’s not just a matter of modernization and organization but also the underlying financial and economic dilemma that comes with it that will cost jeepney drivers beyond their expenses.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTR), each unit of the modernized PUV

costs around 1.4 to 3 million pesos, depending on the unit.

Meanwhile, the average daily gross income of a jeepney operator is only 2,500 to 3,000 pesos—this includes fuel, maintenance, and payments for the jeepney driver, which only costs approximately 500 pesos. With such low income, divided into many considerations, it will never be enough to suffice their livelihood. Besides, not only the drivers are affected, but also the commuters because of the possible jeepney fare hike to meet the demand for modern jeepney units.

Because of the failure of President Marcos to prioritize the grievances of most jeepney drivers, address the main blindside of the program, and fulfill a promise to set a bill setting a public transport consumers tax to fund the program, strikes are everywhere, resulting in transportation crisis that affected several student commuters, universities system shifting, and employees resorting to absences, especially that transport strikes lasts for days.

With these circumstances affecting the lives of many

commuters and drivers, providing solutions to the root cause, which is the jeepney phaseout, is necessary.

This can be done by proper legislation. Authorities that consider the life and situation of the drivers must come up with bills, laws, or programs that meet the demands of jeepney drivers. Furthermore, modernization can be manifested if the higher-ups can reach a compromise, such as sustaining the function of the Jeepney without threatening the lives of drivers and the environment, so long as studies, research, and agencies perform their jobs to produce a win-win solution for the government, environments, jeepney drivers, and commuters.

Phasing out jeepneys is the first step of this modernization process, yet it inflicts many crises and chaos in society.

Imagine what the lives of these drivers and commuters could be if they were incapable of complying with the cost the modernization demands.

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Unfair fares, unfair fates:

Student commuters’ peepers for more passengers. This lack of solidarity among drivers and commuters threatens the willingness of commuters to understand the plight of drivers.

Emerson Gallego OPINION WRITER

A worsened transport crisis is imminent, and student commuters are at the forefront to bear this.

Many Rizalians frequently commute to José Rizal University, where jeepneys exhibit the essence of Filipino hospitality.

Whether it is the exchange of commuter fare, assisting with groceries, or making way for older people in rear seats, these vehicles embody thoughtful community living.

H

owever, dear commuters, do we extend this hospitality to fellow jeepney drivers?

Do they think about the income drivers bring home amid societal challenges like price increases, oil hikes, and burdensome policies, or even in the strike where drivers protest for their livelihoods?

Complaints about drivers have become commonplace – Drivers doubting whether or not their passengers are students entitled to a discounted fare, especially on weekends, the all too familiar jokes about crowded seats, and unfortunate instances of commuters berating drivers for their lengthy wait at stops

Financial interests also take center stage for these drivers who strive to maximize regular fares, aware that a mere two pesos could make a significant difference. There is also a necessity to stop and fill jeepneys as much as possible, given the already burdensome cost of gasoline. On the other hand, commuters struggle with inflation, striving to save on daily or weekly allowances while desiring swift journeys to their destinations.

In the backdrop of these daily struggles, the shadow of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, commonly known as the Jeepney Phaseout Program, looms large. There are several concerns with this failed, burdensome, and inhumane program.

Modern jeepneys.

These vehicles cost around P1.3 million to P3 million per unit. The transport charge for commuters can range to P36.40 for drivers to pay loans and operate and maintain their vehicles.

Insufficient subsidies. The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board can only provide up to P260,000 subsidy for affected drivers, barely enough to reach the required amount.

Liberalization.

Foreign corporations, such as Hyundai, Hino, Isuzu, and Mahindra, may exploit Philippine natural resources and produce jeepneys at higher costs. That means every maintenance repair part

has to be ordered from abroad, adding to the program expense.

Deregulation.

Foreign corporations can control the price of petrol products without government intervention or price controls.

Denationalization.

This program will ensure society remains dependent on foreign corporations, hindering local industries from developing and building modernized jeepneys.

As a cultural issue, Jeepneys were born from the innovation of the Filipino people utilizing surplus jeeps into what is now known as the iconic jeepney.

The vehicle is unique, even more so as drivers personalize their own. The modern jeepneys plying the roads today lack this creativity. It is white, bland, and boring. As a cultural issue, with this program, Filipinos are bound to lose one of their identities.

The Jeepney Phaseout Program is disguised with the guise of “modernization” along with all the benefits that seem appealing to commuters: Comfortable seats, big spaces, air conditioning, GPS, and even Wi-Fi. But this is deception.

The current guidelines for this program will not only massacre the franchises and livelihoods of drivers and their families but will also strain commuters as routes become limited and fares increase amidst rising commodity prices. It will not benefit commuters nor drivers but the politicians and the business people who work hand-in-hand to exploit as much as possible from the Filipinos.

government must junk the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines.

The 5-year franchise and all canceled routes must return.

Second, all drivers must have adequate financial support.

In addition, the government should promote their rights to organize and recognize all other human rights.

It all comes back to the hospitality commuters show to one another. A challenge arises where the student commuter is in the opportune position to give a platform for drivers to heed their calls, talk to them, understand their objectives, listen to their calls on social media, donate when on strike, and discuss with classmates and friends to garner support.

“Sa mga kabataang commuters, makiisa tayo sa laban ng mga tsuper at operator para sa kanilang hanapbuhay.

Ang modernisasyon ay hindi dapat biased para sa mga malalaking korporasyon. Sa darating na Lunes, tumungo tayo sa strike centers, kausapin ang mga tsuper, at dinggin ang kanilang mga panawagan.” — Cong.

Raoul Manuel, Kabataan Partylist Modernization is not a bad thing, but the implementation is. If commuters wish to see better mass transportation, it is up to them to support the strikes and stand with drivers.

Do not be blinded by ignorance and fail to become the hope of the nation Dr. Jose Rizal once envisioned.

There are some possible solutions to this. First, the JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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Rizalians into the English World of Communication

By Sophia Charlize Perez

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n the epitome of Talentong Rizal, all Rizalians gathered in the Centennial Auditorium last November 15 for the English Week celebration with the theme “English as a Global Language: Discovering the World Through Communication and Expression” to exhibit Rizalian talents.

This year’s celebration involved the entire Senior High School Division in its success as it held a series of activities that challenged the wit, creativity, and expression of the Rizalians involved in three highlighted

competitions: Bee, Declamation and Character

Spelling Contest, Portrayal.

In elimination for the finals, Spelling Bee participants were the top three of each grade and strand; the judges picked the top 10 for the Declamation Contest; and the performers signed up to embody a character of their choice from a given category of literature related to their strand for the Character Portrayal.

The culminating activity was held at the JRU Centennial Auditorium and hosted by Beyonce Guray of T11A and Sophia Charlize Perez of H11A. The judges for the declamation

contest were Ms. Carissa Enteria, Ms. Rovelyn Arcilla, and Ms. Bernadeth Bustillo, while for the character portrayal were Mr. Kurt James Adducul, Mrs. Danica Jesusa Dela Cruz-Quejadas, and Mr. Jefferson Tayongtong.

The winners of the Spelling Bee Competition were the following: Third place - ABM 12, Vera Trinidad (M12A), Kyle Almaden (M12B), and Raffee Kunting (M12C); Second place - AAD 12, Lance Givanim (D12A), Genesis Magbuhos (D12B), and Alexandra Baluyot (D12B); and the Champion - HG 12, Albertha Suansing (H12A), Radjah Herman (H12B), and Dave Cajanding (H12C).

For the Declamation Contest, the third placer was Aaliyah Dela Cruz (D12A), the second placer was Alyssa Buenaobra (D12A), and the champion was Kristina Topia (H11A).

For the character portrayal winners were Brandon Mesina (D12A) as Draco Malfoy for third place, Justine Bueno (E12E) as Apolaki for second place, and this year’s champion is Lorraine Benedicto (H12A) as Medusa.

Mrs. Mylove Abanador, Chair of this year’s English Week celebration, thanked the audience and participants for their great effort and utmost support.

English Week 2023 Captured by Paul Rainier Joshua Go JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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TechVocAD Week 2023 Spark Potential To Students!

By Asliah Gubat, Mark Rosadeño, & Marzel Sabile

nlocking their creative U and innovative superpowers, students

from the TechnicalVocational and Ar ts and Design track of the JRU SHS flaunt their talents as they celebrate the three-day event in the series of activities and events, TechVocAD Week, with the theme ‘Molding Modern Heroes: Elevating Technical-Vocational and Ar ts and Design Skills with Creativity, Innovation, and Excellence held via Hyflex setup from November 29 to December 1.

The Kick-Off officiated at the Centennial Bldg Auditorium on November 29. The activities and competitions were as follows - Art Exhibit, Design Workshop, On The Spot Digital Poster Making Competition, Food Wars, Commentary Competition, Tech Awareness Seminar, and Culminating Activity.

These ventures have occupied three consecutive days of the TechVocAd Week 2023, providing a new experience with the fresh-comic theme of this year’s celebration.

Along with this year’s recent activity, Grade 11 Arts and Design students participated and represented the JRU SHS in the interschool EcoFashionista along with 12 schools in Mandaluyong last November 24. Ms. Tatiana Eron Gene Adrias (D11B) and Mr. Cyrill Pohl Quizon (D11A) showcased their costumes inspired by enchanting elements of flowers and oceans.

Last November 30, student chefs navigated the kitchen inventory and delivered descriptive content as it is time for TechVoc track to unleash their gems.

Dannielle Barcelona from D12A and Cris Zechariah Enon from T11A hosted the Food Wars competition. It began with opening remarks from the Food and Beverages Club President, Nickia Azlee Guerra.

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competition for inter-school category was Highway Hills Integrated School (HHIS) with their student chefs; Stephanie De Vera, Cleofe Jane Escoto, Alexander Vincent Rombaoa, and Clarissa Amor Moquite. The winners for the inter-strand category was Group 1; Sheik Ahmed Mathew Sagnip (D11A), Leonnah Marie Albarico (A12A), Gabriel Cagalingan (C11A), Khate Jimenez (F12A), and Nicole Taray (T12A). The SHS faculty were invited too. The winners for faculty edition was the LSS Department; Mrs. Cecil I. Dona, Ms. Jurelle Kylle Salandanan, and Mrs. Mylove B. Abanador.

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The Commentary Competition set off at the Centennial Auditorium hosted by Ma. Janea Teresa T. Llanes from T12A and Charlene B. Callada from T11A. It began with an opening remark headed by the President of the Tour Guiding Club, Ms. Charlene T. Lacsamana, followed by mechanics and criteria led by Razel Jade G. Delgado. The winners were Cheena Venice L. Japzon as the champion, Farah Jeirah T. Galang as 1st runner-up, and Aaliyah P. Malaque as 2nd runner-up.

They are all T11A students.

To showcase how creative the students of the TechVocAd strand are, the poster making winners for the inter-school category were the following: Darren Marc Cervas and Shelliah Sanz from Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales (MPNAG) as the champion; Mitzi Cyzarine Ong and Angel Heart Hernandez from José Rizal University (JRU) as 1st runner-up; and Unalian Angelito and Jayann Bunda from Highway Hills Integrated School (HHIS).

For the faculty category, Mr. Arvin Fernando and Mr. Arveen San Jose were the champions.

Delving into the depths of technology, the last day of the week-long event started with the Tech Awareness seminar held at the Centennial Auditorium, with Mrs. Precious Joy G. Cauntay.

She talked about the technological advancement of Artificial Intelligence and its impact. Mr. Jomual Bryan Fernandez hosted the second half of the seminar.

Mr. Fernandez discussed the development of technology that students must observe good values. Ms. Leila L. Roxas, the Department Chair of the TechVoc and Arts and Design and Specialized Subjects, awarded both speakers a certificate of appreciation.

Rain or shine, the Culminating activity was held on the Main Quadrangle. The program was started by Ms. Leori Ramonette C. Ignacio, Chair of the TechVoc and Arts and Design 2023.

Moreover, each strand arranged various booths: Arts and Design with an exciting photo booth; Animation offering an eye-catching exhibit of art; Food and Beverage students giving classic beverages; Tour Guiding with their thrilling game booth; and CSS with their exciting beer-pong and PC simulator.

Following the climatic performances, the week-long event concluded with Ms. Roxas’ closing remarks and words of gratitude.

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Deja Blue: The Golden Memories

By Sabrina Aiko-Mari Santos

J

osé Rizal University kicked off Frosh Day, the annual tradition for the first day of classes, with a bang last August 14 in the JRU Quadrangle to welcome Rizalians for AY 2023–2024 with the theme Deja Blue: The Golden Memories.

The kick-off began at 8:00 a.m. as the JRU drummers enthused the crowd with the big blast of their bass, unleashing their inner Husay Rizal that hyped the crowd.

Student organizations set up several booths and sell products that appealed to the tastes and preferences of the students.

The Indayog sa Ritmo and JRU Dance Troupe grooved to launch the much anticipated Frosh Night at 5:00 p.m.

The DJ started playing music that set Rizalians’ souls on fire as they moved to the beat.

FROSH DAY 2023 José Rizal University FB Page

Mass Induction: Student Leaders Stepping Up

By Elize Miel Caranza

T

o officially induct the 2023-2024 batch of student leaders, the Senior High School Council initiated the Mass Induction for club officers last September 6 at the JRU Centennial Building Auditorium.

Mr. Romel C. Navarro, the JRU SHS Principal, administered the oath-taking for the SHS council, officers, and advisers.

He hoped for future leaders and advisers as they fulfill their promises through quality education.

The Student Affairs and Discipline Coordinator, Ms. Gilnella S. Astilla, stated,

“Leadership may be overwhelming, or sometimes suffocating, but still, it will provide you with a meaningful and rewarding experience.”

The event inducted 20 clubs and organizations: Academic Clubs; ABM Club, ANIMACSS Cybercrew, F&B Club, HG Club, Sports Club, STEM Club, and

TG Club; Non-academic Clubs; Callidus Loquentium, Dulaang Rizaliano, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Harmoniya, Indayog sa Ritmo, MAKAMIT, MAPANSIN, Rizalian Valors Club, Researchers’ Club, We Care and Claygo Club; and Official Organizations; Senior High School Student Council, The Blue and Gold Seniors, and The Scribe.

Mass Induction Captured by Romula Josef Agana, The Scribe JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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Saving the World…

Powerpuff ‘Chers!

By Noreen Perlado nspired by the Powerpuff IHigh Girls theme, the Senior School Student

Afterward, the Chairman of the Board of Committees, James Gutano, and the Co-director of Student Welfare, Ian Agustin, hosted a bingo game with prompts like ‘Danced While Teaching’ and ‘Sung During Class’ which provide teachers with reflections on their experiences.

Ms. Gilnella Astilla, the Student Affairs and Discipline Coordinator, masterminded the surprise by assembling teachers in rooms B20 and B21 under the guise of a department meeting.

The event officially began at 10 a.m. The Masters of Ceremonies—Vice President External, Shereene Ali, Secretary and Assistant Secretary, Grace Feudo and Avrille Edles— instructed the teachers to form groups and create cheers to be performed in front of their colleagues.

For the final surprise, the SHSC officers handed out sunflowers with QR codes bearing messages from students accompanied by Harmoniya Club’s renditions of the songs ‘Pasilyo’ by SK Lola and ‘Binibini’ by Z. Tabudlo.

Council organized a surprise celebration for World Teachers Day on October 4 to honor the relentless dedication of our academic heroes.

The SHS Principal, Mr. Romel Navarro, thanked the teachers and event organizers. The program ended with a photo opportunity.

Captured by Ethan Dreiz Baltazar, The Scribe

Cosmic Carnival: Fantasy to Reality T

he SHS Council with AnimaCss CyberCrew organized the “Cosmic Carnival: D-Day of Excalibur Get-Ups” last November 8 in the JRU Main Quadrangle to foster an environment of entertainment, social interaction, and a creative platform for the Rizalians.

The students had fun and were enchanted as they encountered their favorite fictional characters in the quad. The participants ramped around the campus in a cosplay costume.

Ms. Ivory Joy Malinao, Director of the Marketing and Communications Office, and Mr. Roberto Layague Jr., a faculty of JRU-JHS, judged the event. They also award the following winners:

Cosmic Carnival Senior High School Student Council SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

By Princess Janneah Matta Ysanne Shimae Pagaran of H11A placed 1st as Maxine Minx from X; Miguel Garcera of D11A placed 2nd as Freddy from Five Nights at Freddy; and Justine Bueno of E12E placed 3rd as Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton.

The SHSC and AnimaCss Cybercrew organized three segments.

The SHSC PRO-Internal, Radjah P. Herman, hosted the tarot reading booth.

The organizers also operated a photo booth during the whole event. Furthermore, a movie booth was also set up in room B-16, featuring hit horror and thriller movies like Talk to Me, Happy Death Day, and M3gan.

Each segment was fund-driven, and the collected payments were all donated for the Paskuhan event of the SHS division.

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SULO: Interschool Leadership and Camaraderie O

By Maria Paemma Medina

n October 7, Senior High Student Council (SHSC) with the Humanities, Social Sciences, and General Academics Club hosted two events called “SULO: A Follower’s Guide To Leadership” and “Rizalian Leaders Congress” and with the invited student councils from Centro Escolar Integrated School-Manila, Kapitolyo High School, and San Beda University to promote leadership and teamwork.

SULO: A Follower’s Guide to Leadership Official JRU Senior High Student Council FB Page

Ms. Gilnella Astilla, Student Discipline Coordinator, started the program with a message, followed by Atty. Edgar Feliciano Aringay. He discussed civic education. Afterward, Mr. Jose Alberto Jimenez III talked about the history of leadership.

Student leaders Mr. Moises Leonard Gregorio, Ms. Tiffany Nicole Gabo, and Mr. Radjah Herman shared their experiences of being a part of their respective councils and how they managed to lead and inspire their teams.

The students were divided into four teams - Team Red, Team Blue, Team Yellow, and Team Pink. The groups played intense matches in Tug of War, Capture the Flag, and Scavenger Hunt.

The camaraderie among student leaders formed.

Before returning to their respective schools, they shared their reactions to the event and even exchanged social media accounts. After that, Ms. Gilnella Astilla and Mr. Dwight Esteves, JRU SHSC adviser, gave the closing remarks.

Seremonya ng Pagkilala: Hudyat ng Bagong Simula

By Pretzel Eve C. Dela Cruz

I

pinaabot ng José Rizal University Senior High School Division (JRUSHS) ang kanilang mainit na pagtanggap sa mga bagong mag-aaral sa pagdaos ng Welcome Pinning Ceremony na ginanap sa Centennial Building Auditorium noong ika-anim ng Setyembre.

Ipinakilala rin ang mga tagapamahala ng ilang departamento ng SHS, sumunod ang mga tagapayo ng bawat klase sa ika-11 at ika-12 na baitang.

Nagsimula ang seremonya sa isang pambungad na pananalita ni Bb. Gilnella Astilla, Student Development Coordinator.

Isinagawa sa tatlong batch ang programang ito na kinilala ang partisipasyon ng parehong regular at irregular na mga mag-aaral, kabilang din ang mga bagong mag-aaral mula sa ika-12 na baitang.

Nagbigay naman ng makabuluhang mensahe ang punong guro ng JRU SHS na si G. Romel C. Navarro para sa mga bagong Rizalian.

Ikinabit ng mga tagapayo ng mga mag-aaral ng bawat seksyon ang kanilang pin na sumisimbolo ng kanilang pagiging opisyal na mag-aaral ng JRU.

Pinning Ceremony Captured by R. Agana, The Scribe JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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Promoting Advocacies Through Art

By Marc Niño Marasigan & Maria Paemma Medina

O

n October 20, the Centennial Building Auditorium buzzed with unity and creativity as the Senior High School Division celebrated United Nations Day with the theme Equality, Freedom, and Justice For All to promote the values, equality, and importance of justice for all.

Mr. Romel Navarro, the SHS principal, started the program with his message and was followed by Ms. Gilnella Astilla.

The students expertly crafted and choreographed an interpretative dance aligned with this year’s theme. The whole SHS

Division went through elimination and the top five groups went head to head in the competition. They performed and shocked the audience with their different gimmicks and costumes.

The judges were Mr. Jomual Fernandez, Ms. Airah Antonio, Ms. Gilnella Astilla, Mr. Wilson Mones, and Mr. Romel Navarro.

The winners of the event were the following; M12D for fourth runner-up, H12A for third runner-up, E12G for second runner-up, H12B for first runner-up, and D12A as the champion. As for the parade, Vincent Torres from the Tour Guiding Strand was crowned as champion.

United Nations Day Captured by Romulo Josef Agana

Sustainable Youth For Future Generations!

By Maria Paemma Medina

T

he 4th International Sustainability Summit, themed “Journey of Future Generations,” brought together students from various schools in Mandaluyong at the José Rizal University Centennial Auditorium on December 2 to address and inspire youths for a sustainable future led by Ms. Gem Brion Zabala, the President and CEO of ACG Human Capital Solution Corp.

Fr. Emmanuel Cuello started the event by leading a prayer, followed by the National Anthem. The host, Mr. Owie Mariano, was introduced; after, he invited Ms. Gem Zabala to the stage for the opening remarks.

After the remarks, Ms. Hiromi Lascano gave an inspirational talk to the audience.

Then, they presented the recorded speech of Ms. Danica Natividad, where she discussed and explained Sustainable Development Growth one by one and elaborated on how we can help to achieve them. Mr. Akira Furumoto (who was in Japan) virtually joined the summit to talk about innovation and things SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

we can learn from Japan, such as ikigai.

Ms. Ceidge Razon, a corporate sustainability manager, also spoke about innovation but elaborated more on proper waste management. She also introduced the ‘My Basurero’ app, described as “grab but for your trash.” The founder of Green Antz, Mr. Rommel Benig, talked about their company and their Lego-looking bricks made from recycled materials.

Ms. Earth Philippines Water Jemimah Joy Zabala held the final talk for the morning session, where she shared stories about her pageantry and how she promoted sustainability.

Tempra and Ricemob Bossing also had booths that students could look at and shop at.

Before entering the venue, they had to wait in line to confirm their attendance and claim their food stubs before being guided to their designated seats.

Eventually, Mr. Sam Garcia from Jam Seafood talked about how their company contributed to sustainability through innovative methods. They were also collecting waste in the ocean to preserve and help the environment. Keeping in line

4th Internation Sustainability Summit The Scribe FB Page

with the theme of all the talks, Mr. Saar Herman educated the attendees about the differences between garbage and waste, presenting ways where we can lessen them. Then, Ms. Liezzel Aquino had a quick discussion about renewable energy. After that, Vivere Salons Director Ms. Haydee Evangeslista shared how their salon is sustainable in style.

After the break, a panel discussion by Mr. Dessie Dayo, Ms.

Sam Acosta, Mr. Jose Batac, and Ms. Gem Zabala commenced.

There were questions for them, and they took turns answering the questions ranging from their products to advocacies and opinions.

There were raffles every after-talk where Greenwich, Ideal Vision, and Vivere Salon provided prices for the students, and then Dr. Daniel Dasig led the event’s closing remarks.

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Wikang Katutubo Pangkatarungan at Kapayapaan Ni Adrienne Jeanne Abenio

B

ilang paggunita sa Buwan ng Wika, nagsagawa ng programa ang Senior High School na may temang “Filipino at Mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, Ingklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan,” noong ika-29 hanggang ika-30 ng Agosto sa JRU Centennial Building Auditorium.

Nahati sa dalawang araw na sesyon ang mga patimpalak; ang Pagkuha ng Larawan at Aktuwal na Pagbabalita sa silid ng GCL4 at Speech Laboratory noong ika29 at isang workshop at Dagliang Talumpati naman noong ika-30.

Sa unang sesyon, nagtagisan ang mga piling mag-aaral mula sa Junior High School, Senior High School, at College of Education ng kanilang kahusayan pagdating sa Pagkuha ng Larawan na may Kapsyon. Ang mga kalahok ay binigyan lamang ng isang oras upang kumuha ng larawan at lumikha ng kapsyon batay sa tema ng Buwan ng Wika.

Hindi rin nagpadaig ang mga kalahok sa Aktuwal na Pagbabalita sa ikalawang bahagi ng unang sesyon.

Binuo sa limang miyembro ang bawat pangkat, at binigyan sila ng dalawang oras upang magsulat ng kanilang iskrip sa pagbalita, limang minuto naman para sa pagbigkas ng balita.

Nilahukan ng mga mag-aaral sa ikalawang araw ng sesyon ang isang workshop na pinamagatang “#HusayRizal: Kabahagi sa Pag-uswag ng Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika,” na pinangunahan ni G. Juan Manuel Banquito mula Languages and Social Sciences Department bilang tagapagsalita. Layunin nitong dagdagan at palawakin ang kaalaman ng mga Rizaliano sa tunay na estado ng Pilipino

at ng wika sa

mga katutubong bansang Pilipinas.

Sunod na naganap ang Dagliang Talumpati pagkatapos ng workshop na nilahukan ng mga indibidwal na mag-aaral. Binigyan ang bawat kalahok ng isang minutong pagkakataon para bumunot ng paksa at maghanda para sa mabilisang presentasyon na nagtagal lamang ng isa hanggang dalawang minuto.

Bilang pagtatapos sa dalawang araw na programa para sa Buwan ng Wika, matagumpay na naitala sa pagtitipon ang mga nagwaging mag-aaral sa iba’t ibang kategorya ng patimpalak.

Si Margarita Ysabel Trinidad (E12B) ang itinanghal na kampeon sa Pagkuha ng Larawan, na sinundan nina Bernice Bianca Tan (E11B) at Dannielle Zhyrille Barcelona (D12A).

Sa kategoryang Aktuwal na Pagbabalita, itinanghal na kampeon ang pangkat nina Lance Lester Givanim, Hazallene Kristell Go, Zyrish Anne Isidro, John Clark Juguilon, at Lou Brandon Mesina (D12A), sa sinundan nila Irvin Argel, Czaryna Avila, Veronica Bernardo, Marcus Dwein Ferrer, at Charnest Khaye Garcia (H11C), at ng pangkat nila Shariffa Jayani Abirin (E11A), Dennis Earl Bobis (E11E), Charlene De Guzman (E11H), Gabrielle Elyza Marie Famodulan (E11J), at Janrhex Pascual (E11H).

Kinilala naman si Jasmine Garganta (H12A) na sinundan nina Paolo Andrei Cruz (H12B), at Andrew Emmanuel Tubello (M11A).

Sa huling parte ng programa para sa Dagliang Talumpati, nagpahayag ng isang panapos na mensahe si Bb. Airah Murielle Antonio, Department Chair ng Languages and Social Sciences, upang pormal na wakasan ang selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wika.

Ang mga guro ng palatuntunan sa nagdaang pagdiriwang ay sina Princess Laurice Buwan ng Wika MAPANSIN Club FB Page JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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Find Your Interest @ the I-KAISA Club Fair

By Princess Janneah Matta

T

presidents and representatives to introduce their respective clubs.

The event featured participation from ABM Club, AnimaCss Cybercrew, F&B Club, HG Club, STEM Club, TG Club, Callidus Loquentium, Dulaang Rizaliano, Harmoniya, Indayog sa Ritmo, MAKAMIT, MAPANSIN, Researchers’ Club, Rizalian Valors, Sports Club, We Care and CLAYGO Club, Girl Scout of the Philippines, The Scribe, The Senior High Student Council, and The Blue and Gold Seniors.

AnimaCss Cybercrew showcased cosplay characters like Maid Venti from Genshin Impact, Power, and Makima from Chainsaw Man. ISR enthralled the crowd with a dance performance to Confident by Demi Lovato and Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé. Harmoniya courted the crowd with their voice and instruments to the songs ‘Fallen’ by Lola Amour, ‘Mundo’ by IV of Spades, and ‘Party in the USA’ by Miley Cyrus. They also performed an encore and jammed with them until the end of the event.

he Senior High School Student Council (SHSC) kicked off the school year with a club recruitment fair entitled “I-KAISA: Pagdiriwang ng Pagkakakilanlan,” last August 16, to invite SHS students to join clubs and organization of their interest.

SHSC P.R.O.-External Noreen Perlado and SHSC Assistant Treasurer Cassiopeia Antoinette Mamato initiated the event by calling all club

Each club and organization advertised itself through engaging games, photo booths, flyers, posters, bookmarks, freedom walls, and food in their tents.

I-KAISA: Pagdiriwang ng Pagkakakilanlan JRU Researchers’ Club & Dulaang Rizaliano FB Page

ASEAN Youth Week at JRU!

By Maria Paemma Medina osé Rizal University J hosted the ASEAN Youth Week with its theme ASEAN

Youth Rising Together: Shaping Catalysts and Building Communities on August 5, 12, and 26 at the Centennial Building Auditorium.

The event invited students from various universities and organizations to participate in insightful talks, interactive activities, and fundraising merch.

Ms. Hiromi Lascano kicked off the program, followed by messages from Atty. Chel Diokno, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Ambassador Agys Widjojo through video recordings.

The first speaker, Dr. Brian Poe Llamanzares, talked about our economy and partnership with other countries, followed by Atty. Josiah David Quising discussed the importance of fact-checking, and Mr. Teddy Baguilat shared ways to help the environment.

In

the

afternoon,

SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

Atty.

Agnes Bailen restarted the program with her topic all about the ASEAN youth.

The last speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Mirus Ponon, emphasized the sustainable development goals.

Vice President Sara Duterte gave a solidarity message, while the project leader, Mr. Ralph Kenneth Sebastian, led the closing remarks.

On August 12 was the “ASEAN Youth Advocates Summit Speak Your Truth: Empowering ASEAN Youth for a Resilient Future.”

The panelists, Dr. Jerome V. Cleofas, Ph.D., RN, Mr. Melchor Cayabyab, Ms. Nikki Phinyapincha, Ms. Leah T. Villalon, and Mr. Mark Conrad Ravanzo, were introduced for their discussions.

The groups then proceeded with their presentations.

SDG 4 was the best paper, while SDG 8 was the best presentation and speaker.

On its last day, August 26, Ms. Anna Patricia Q. Dimaano performed with Querico and Angelo Ziacita.

ASEAN Youth Week Captured by Mary Grace Feudo, The Scribe

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The Rizalian Variety Show!

By Maria Paemma Medina

he Marketing and T Communications Office (MCO) orchestrated an

electrifying variety show for the senior high school students on November 28 at the JRU Centennial Building Auditorium, kicking off promptly at 8 a.m. to showcase the talent and camaraderie of Rizalians.

The first game was Tumpakners; in this game, a pair of participants got a question, and the two had to answer the same thing simultaneously while

Pass the Baton, Continue the Legacy By: Mary Grace Feudo

“

Even if we fail or fall, always get up and serve what we promised.” - Jourvy F. Gavino, Former SHSC President SY 2223.

On September 28, the SHS Division organized a ceremony for the newly elected student leaders, “Passing of the Baton 2023,” to make the transition and continue the responsibilities to the new batch of officers of the academic and nonacademic clubs and school organizations via Zoom meeting.

Each club presented its accomplishment report to pay homage to everyone’s efforts last school year.

standing back to back to earn a point. The champions for this game were the pair from the Sports track, Junard Labador and Carl Tamayo.

The next game, Everybody Sing.

The representatives had to line up as they listened to the live band sing, waiting for the moment they stopped so that they had the chance to continue the lyrics. The champion was Dannielle Barcelona, D12A. Finally, the game people looked forward to the most was Family Feud. The champions were the Humanities and Social Sciences

group consisting of Jasmine Garganta, Albertha Suansing, Paolo Cruz, Maria Medina, and Angela Amido. They also got gift cards and merchandise. The rest of the groups also received consolation prizes.

There were additional Kahoot rounds, where the audiences who were not part of the game still had a chance to win prizes.

This event truly entertained and delighted all Rizalians present.

By noon, all games had ended, and all the contestants were given a photo opportunity before leaving the venue.

Rizalian Variety Show Captured by Margarita Trinidad, The Scribe

Narrating Worlds Beyond Reality

By Sophia Charlize Perez

The Book Talk Showdown “making,” is almost 15 years in the - Mr. Romel C.

Navarro, JRU Senior High School Principal.

The University Library held the Book Talk Showdown last November 29 at the Building H Auditorium to promote reading books and encourage students to share and retell their favorite stories.

Six Senior High School students took the podium and used their voices to inspire others to suit their love for books.

The Basic Education librarian, Mr. Charliemagne Padernal, and CLAYGO Club Adviser, Ms. Mylove Abanador, headed the event, inviting Ms. Maria Lilian Matutina, Ms. Eleanor Robles, and Ms. Cristina Avila as the panel of judges.

The winners were Francis Faye Mangaliman (D12A) with her novel “The Little Prince” for the second runner-up; Jazmine Garganta (H12A) with the book “Nimona” for the first runnerup; and this year’s Book Talk Showdown Champion, Dwyneth Abigale Madayag (E12H) with her exemplary presentation of the novel “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker.

Book Talk Showdown JRU Library FB Page

Mr. Gavino gave a farewell speech and shared his experiences as a leader.

Afterward, the SHSC Vice President External, Shereene Ali, administered the pledge.

Eventually, the Student Affairs and Discipline Coordinator, Ms. Gilnella S. Astilla, closed the ceremony and thanked everyone. She also awarded Mr. Gavino a certificate of appreciation.

The event left a mark by emphasizing the importance of resilience and commitment in leadership. The passing of the baton of responsibility and inspiration from today and to the next generation of leaders ensures a legacy.

JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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Empowering Minds of Future Innovators with CASIO

By Ranmark Calupas & Noreen Perlado STEM Week 2023 JRU STEM Club FB Page

A

midst the nationwide transpor tation strike, STEM Week kicked off their week-long celebration with a theme, Innovation: Powering Future Industries for a Brighter STEM in collaboration with CASIO via Zoom to feature Rizalians’ inventions and knowledge and offer students with great deals of scientific calculators last November 20.

Ambassador and Ambassadress 2023.

Mr. Romel C. Navarro, SHS Principal, started the program with his welcome remarks. Since students were not able to go to school, Sabrina Martin, the VP Internal of the STEM Club, gave a brief overview of the STEM Exhibit along with the announcement of the Top 10 Finalists of the SDGoals

During the afternoon session, To Infinity and Beyond: Movie Marathon showcased two movies, WALL-E and Interstellar via Zoom. It aimed to immerse students in different stories while learning and appreciating about life.

SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

On the other hand, the STEM Club’s Bright Innovators: STEM Week Quiz Bee Elimination Round began right after the opening ceremony facilitated

by The STEM Club Adviser, Ms. Ivee Nocon. It has three categories: Mathematics, Science, and Technology. There were three participants from Grade 11 for each section and one from Grade 12. The top 10 finalists have proceeded to the semi-final round.

November

23,

the

Bright

Innovators: STEM Week Quiz Bee Finals Round happened at the JRU Auditorium. The top 5 finalists from both Grade 11 and Grade 12 competed. E11I and M12A secured third place, E11B and E12C claimed 2nd place, and E11A and E12B emerged victorious in first place.

Eventually, the STEM-TAC-FEUD Faculty Edition commenced with Team Ang and Team Eyy Team Eyy as the winner.

The STEM Grows: Exhibit 2023 featured numerous projects from STEM students and highlighted various artworks created by participants during the Ka-Peace-Tahan event held last September 27.

The STEM-TAC-FEUD Student Edition started off in the Centennial Auditorium with Team Yey and Quizly Bear - Team Quizly Bear was the winner.

The search for the SDG winners was the following: 2nd Runner Up were Mr. Charles Kevin Sabulao from E11I and Ms. Lovely Crystal Cantiga from E11I; 1st Runner Up were Mr. Bryan Joseph Arcangel from E11B and Ms. Samantha Marie Castillo from E12E; and the SDG Ambassador and Ambassadress 2023 were Mr. Alain Paul Auman II and Ms. Aliah Gabrielle Arcangel.

“We are still able to survive, strive, and innovate this year’s STEM Week... I witnessed my team, club, students, coteachers, and chair head, work hard to make everything work and make everything possible,” said Ms. Nocon and left everyone with a quote, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

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Ka-Peace-Tahan: An Action for Peace

By Marcus Dwein Ferrer

o commemorate the T International Day of Peace, the SHSC and STEM Club held the first-ever Ka-Peace-Tahan Fair in the CB last September 27.

The fair with the theme, “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals” began with the Ngiti Para sa Kapayapaan photobooth and the Ipalaganap ang Kapayapaan freedom wall set up on the CB 8th floor.

During the morning session, the STEM club spearheaded the Likhang Kapayapaan poster-making contest. Marky Cielo Tugbong of D11B was declared the champion, while Jenidhanes Sarmiento of D12A and Shawn Lawrence Dablo of E11F came in second and third place.

The PEACE Tayo! seminar was held at the Centennial Auditorium in partnership with the Women and Gender Institute

(WAGI) and the Center for Peace Education (CPE). It featured two speakers from WAGI, Ms. Shenina Badua and Ms. Gracia Francesca Abuel, while Ms. Bianca Dominique Reyes is from CPE. In the afternoon, the SHSC conducted another seminar entitled Ka-Peace-Tahan: A Fair to Enlighten Tranquil Perspectives. The SHSC invited Ms. Marienelle Lara, JRU-JHS Social Studies Department

Chair, as the resource speaker.

She highlighted the pursuit of peace and promote peace. She mentioned prominent figures of peace in history and encouraged students to be peacemakers, too.

Ka-Peace-Tahan Fair JRU STEM Club FB Page

RISE: Empowering Tatag Rizaliano

By Paul Rainier Joshua Go and Marcus Dwein Ferrer

T

he Guidance and Testing Office (GTO) of JRU organized a twoday seminar with the theme R.I.S.E. (Rizalian Innovative Self-Empowerment) to help the students develop their self-esteem and improve mental health in celebrating the Mental Health Day with the theme Building Self Esteem: Learning to Put Your Best Self Forward last October 3 to 4 at Centennial Building Auditorium.

The resource speakers were Mr. Enrico C. Rayos, Auditor of the JRU Alumni Association, and Ms. Hannah Nel P. Inocencio, former president of the Central Student Council.

On the first day of the seminar, Mr. Rayos shared his insights and tips to improve and empower one’s self-esteem.

He encouraged the students to celebrate small wins and satisfy their needs to boost their confidence. He also shared his personal stories to inspire the students and showed them the values of Tatag and Taos-Pusong Rizal. He left with the saying, “Make yourself feel that you are being rewarded for all the hard work that you are doing.”

On the second day, Ms. Inocencio shared different approaches to fortify one’s inner hero. She emphasized the importance of grit in developing resilience to persevere through adversity, saying, “Life is

challenging, but grit must prevail.” In line with this, she also highlighted that to prevail with grit, they must acknowledge imperfections and empower self-affirmation.

Ms. Lorraine R. Parangue, the GTO Director, delivered the closing remarks and emphasized her enthusiasm and support to all the students.

Rizalian Innovative Self-Empowerment Captured by Adrienne Jeanne Abenio, The Scribe JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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A Step Towards a Greener Campus

Entrepreneurship Goes to Charity

By Paul Rainier Joshua Go

By Paul Rainier Joshua Go

23

O

n October 21, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Club, Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP), and Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) Club of the JRU SHS division organized a campus planting event with the theme “Working Together for a Cleaner and Greener Campus,” at the garden beside rooms B-13 and B-14.

The program aims to administer a sense of environmental responsibility among club organization members and the wider community.

The participating club officers held an opening program before the planting event.

Guest speaker Ms. Shirley May Dizon, the City Environment Management Manager of Mandaluyong City, delivered her insights and emphasized the importance of planting.

After a question-and-answer session with Ms. Dizon, the program proceeded with the certificates awarded to the guests, recognizing their participation and contributions to the event.

The program ended with every participant planting in the garden together.

Urban Planning Captured by M. Trinidad, The Scribe

L

ast November 6 - 10, the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) track students showcased their skills and talents in competitions and activities in ABM Week to inspire and empower future entrepreneurs and accountants to chase their dreams and aspirations at the JRU Auditorium.

The event featured a quiz bee competition.

Organization and Management and Business Marketing is the topic for Grade 11 students, while Fundamentals of Accounting, Business, and Management and Business Finance are for Grade 12 students.

Meanwhile, were the winners for Grade 11; Leenox Esteves in 1st Place, Mark Deniel Betorio in 2nd Place, and Lourize Anee Malonesas in 3rd Place. Shereenne Ali in 1st Place, Kim Louise Roldan in 2nd, and Andrea Bughao in 3rd Place for Grade 12.

Grades 11 and 12 compete again in a role-playing competition with its theme Ethics Explored:

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Role-playing Real-World Business Ethical Quandaries. It challenged the students to form production teams and create videos depicting various ethical issues in the business world.

The teams showed the problem and solution with assigned topics such as fraud, misleading advertisements, harassment, discrimination, and gambling.

The Grade 11 group Mystic Guild won the 1st Place and Popularity Award. Despicable Me got the 2nd Place, and The Rising Bomb for the 3rd. For Grade 12, Mcddy Productions won 1st Place, The Biz Builders in 2nd Place, Team Yey in 3rd Place, and 7TEEN for the Popularity Award.

SHS principal, Mr. Romel C. Navarro, and other faculty members inaugurated the Business Fair with a ribboncutting ceremony on the last two days. Grade 11 sections taking Entrepreneurship classes with MAPANSIN Club and GSP set up the booths. The products ranged from food, accessories, clothing items, and more.

Profits from the thrift shop,

ABM Week 2023 Captured by Michaella Sto. Domingo, The Scribe

organized by the ABM Officers, which has pre-loved clothes donated by the students, will be used to fund the future outreach programs of the SHS Division. The other participants also pledged to donate a percentage of their profits to the cause. The fair was a great way to showcase the entrepreneurial skills and social responsibility of Rizalians.

The event recognized the best and cleanest booth and the best promotional video. For the Best Booth category, F11A took 1st Place, while H11C and C11A came in 2nd and 3rd Placer. For the Best in CLAYGO category, C11B won 1st Place, C11A and H11A secured 2nd and 3rd Place.

Finally, for the Best Promotional Video, H11A Group 3 won 1st Place, followed by C11A Group 2 and D11B Group 5 in 2nd and 3rd Place.

Mr. Edmundo Abad Jr. thanked everyone for their support and participation.

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NEWS

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

Gabay sa Akademiko: Patnubay sa Tagumpay P

Ni Irvin D.C. Argel & Duztin Andrei Guevara

inangunahan ng Senior High Student Council (SHSC) ang paglulunsad ng The Zen Approach: To Senior High School Academic Excellence nitong ika-16 ng Setyembre, ika21 ng Oktubre at ika9 ng Disyembre bilang paghahanda sa papalapit na preliminary, midterm at final examination.

Inumpisahan noong ika-11 ng Setyembre, Lunes ang pangangalap ng mga sagot mula sa sarbey na inihanda ng SHSC para sa mag-aaral ng ika-11 at ika-12 baitang ukol sa asignaturang nais nilang magkaroon ng review session para sa preliminary examination habang noong ika-19 ng Oktubre naman inilabas ang ikalawang sarbey para sa midterms at nitong ika-6 ng Disyembre naglabas ng sarbey para sa ikatlo at huling termino ng semestra.

Makaraan ay inilabas kaagad ang mga palatuntunan, petsa, lugar at ang mga guro na magiging kabahagi ng unang pagbabalikaral; G. Eusebio M. Basas para sa pagtururo ng General Mathematics na nilahukan

ng 22 mag-aaral mula sa ika11 baitang at si G. Brayan M. Luciano na guro sa Fundamental of Accounting, Business, and Management na dinaluhan ng 87 mag-aaral sa ika-12 baitang.

Idinaos sa silid ng B-20 ang pagtuturo ng General Mathematics sa ganap na 9:00 nang umaga na nagtagal ng tatlong oras habang sa Zoom isinagawa ang pagbabalikaral para sa ika-12 baitang na inumpisahan sa ganap na 2:30 ng hapon na tumagal nang mahigit apat na oras.

Nagturo muli si G. Basas ng Statistics and Probability sa ikalawang review session. Ilan sa mga paksang tinalakay ay Random Sampling, Sample Mean, at Estimation of Parameters habang nagkaroon naman ang diskusyon para sa Integral Calculus sa hapon na pinangunahan ni Bb. Ivee Meanne Nocon.

Ika-9 ng Disyembre nang pinangunahan muli ni G. Basas ang pagtuturo ng Statistics and Probability sa ikatlong review sessions para sa Final Term sa pamamagitan ng Zoom mula 1:00 hanggang 3:00 ng hapon.

The Zen Approach: To Senior High School Academic Excellence Documentation

Ikinatuwa naman ng isa sa mga miyembro ng SHSC na si Mary Grace Feudo ang matagumpay na pagsasagawa ng tatlong review session at sinabing masaya sila at nakatulong ang student leaders sa mga magaaral na maghanda para sa first semester examinations.

did our best,” ani ni Feudo.

Sa likod ng matagumpay na proyekto ng SHSC ay umaasa pa rin ang ilang mag-aaral na ito ay maipagpatuloy pa sa mga susunod na semestra upang lubos silang matulungan sa mga darating pa na pagsusulit.

“Always value the core values of our school specifically with integrity because the sole purpose of these exams is for us to learn, we must be able to cater to these values for us to be assured that we

Karera sa Pag-aaral, Ating Pagkatutukan!

Ni Romulo Josef Agana

S

a pangunguna ng Guidance and Testing Office (GTO), dinaos ang isang seminar na pinamagatang “Career Landscape 101,” na ginanap sa Auditorium Building H noong ika-25 ng Setyembre na naglalayong mabigyan ng maayos na direksyon ang career ng mga mag-aaral sa ika-11 baitang ng JRU sa kanilang pag-aaral.

Ang seminar ay nahati sa dalawang sesyon; ang pangumaga ay nagsimula ng 9:00

a.m. hanggang 12:00 p.m. at sa panghapon ay nagsimula ng 1:30 p.m. hanggang 3:30 p.m.

tamang paraan sa paghahanap ng trabaho, at pagtukoy sa piling larangan.

Dahil ang paaralan ay nasa Blended Learning, ang mga mag-aaral ng STEM at ABM strand lamang ang dumalo sa mismong sesyon sa paaralan, habang ang mga mag-aaral ng HG, TECHVOC, AAD, at SPORTS strand ay nakibahagi sa Zoom Meeting.

Ilan sa mga bagay na kanyang itinalakay sa seminar ay ang 12 Study Hacks for Optimal Results at 7 Stages of Career Path.

Kanya ring ipinaliwanag ang mas malalim na kahulugan ng career at ang Career vs Job.

Sa pagsisimula ng programa, ipinakilala ng GTO ang kanilang panauhing tagapagsalita na si G. Enrico C. Rayos, isang alumni ng JRU upang ibahagi sa mga magaaral ang kanyang kadalubhasaan pagdating sa karera ng pag-aaral,

Mas lalong napukaw ang interes ng mga mag-aaral sa seminar nang inisa-isa ni G. Rayos ang ilan sa mga In-Demand Careers at Jobs sa bansa.

Hindi rin kinalimutan ni G. Rayos ang pagsisiyasat at pagbibigay halaga sa kung ano ang mga

dapat na taglayin ng isang magaaral sa panahon ng new normal.

Pagkatapos ng kanyang pagbabahagi ng mga dapat malaman ng mag-aaral pagdating sa career, nagkaroon ng Q and A sesyon upang ang mga magaaral naman ang makapagbahagi ng kanilang mga pahiwatig at katanungan patungkol dito.

Sa huli, nagpasalamat ang GTO kay G. Rayos sa kanyang aktibong pakikilahok bilang panauhing tagapagsalita.

Kanila ring pinasalamatan ang mga magaaral na dumalo sa naturang seminar.

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NEWS

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

25

Season of Giving: Showcasing Taos-Pusong Rizal

By Czaryna Avila & Jomira Feonna Moreno fter the opening Handog: Paskuhan sa A and ribbon-cutting Nayon ng mga Rizaliano,” ceremony last November 15, to share blessing and the university commenced festivities last December 1, inviting a total of 120 families from Barangay Bagong Silang, Daang Bakal, and Harapin ang Bukas to partake in the culminating activity titled “Pamaskong

community for the thanksgiving.

extend gratefulness of the university to its neighbor townfolks.

As part of the celebration, the Indayog sa Ritmo showcased their dance moves and filled the air with holiday spirit and joy in their opening performance.

Richie Bassig, Ricky Ogbac, and Kristofer Dominguez, captains from participating barangays, thanked the JRU

The Callidus Loquentium, HG Club, and Sports collaborated to set up booths, helped preparing the foods, and

hosted games. They encouraged families to participate in various activities and win prizes.

Finally, the elementary students performed a song for everyone.

Then Harmoniya and Indayog sa Ritmo showed off their talents again with a performance as the invited families were given grocery packages as a token of appreciation and solidarity.

Paskuhan Thanksgiving Captured by Carissa Enteria SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

26 22

SCIENCE NEWS

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n July 22, 2023, five deaths related to the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Titanic after OceanGate’s state-of-the-art deep-sea submersible, Titan, imploded under the Atlantic Ocean during an expedition to the sunken ship.

News of the imploded submarine shook the world as it increased the count of deaths related to the RMS Titanic to over 111 years after it sank on April 15, 1912. The U.S. Coast Guard announced that after they had recovered debris from the imploded submersible, ending the fiveday search for the vessel ended.

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

OceanGate stated that there were no survivors among the five men aboard Titan, including the company’s chief executive officer, Stockton Rush, who was piloting the vessel, along with his coexplorers Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

The company charged up to USD 250,000 per person for a chance to visit the remnants of the sunken Titanic. Years before the catastrophic implosion, OceanGate had received warnings from dozens of industry leaders and deep-sea professionals that the expedition may pose risks to its explorers. However,

the company declined to comment on these critiques.

Documents show that the ship was certified to operate at depths of only 1,300 meters, far less than the 4,000 meters where the wreckage of the Titanic happened. The U.S. Navy shared acoustic data that detected “an anomaly consistent with an implosion or explosion” near the vessel’s last known location before it lost communication above the sea.

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SCIENCE OPINION

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

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aia at Marco, iyan ang pangalan ng mga bagong tagapagbalita na ipinakilala ng GMA sa publiko. Sila ay inatasang maghahain ng mga balita patungkol sa kaganapan sa National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99. Subalit, sa halip na ipagdiwang ang kanilang pagdating sa mundo ng pamamahayag, sila ay pinaulanan ng mga batikos at samu’t saring reaksyon mula sa nakararami dahil sa halip na tao, sila ay pinapaandar at ikinabubuhay ng sistemang tinatawag na AI o artificial intelligence.

Sa mga nagdaang taon, nasaksihan ng lahat ang patuloy na pagyabong ng teknolohiya sa pangaraw-araw na pamumuhay ng tao. Kabilang na rito ang pag-usbong ng artificial intelligence.

Nag-aalay ito ng malaking benepisyo sa nakararami at nakapagbibigay gaan sa ilang mga gawain. Ayon nga sa isang artikulo ng isang sikat na global publishing company na Forbes, ito ay maituturing na isa sa

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pinakarebolusyonar yong pag-unlad sa kasaysayan at nasaksihan na ng lahat ang abilidad nitong ihulma ang pagbabago.

Sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, nararapat na nga bang tuluyang mapalitan ng AI ang trabaho ng isang tao?

Naging banta ang pagpapakilala kay Maia at Marco sa mga mamamahayag dahil ninakaw nila ang oportunidad ng isang tao upang makapagtrabaho at magbigay balita sa publiko.

Hindi madali maging isa jorno.

Maraming mga hakbang, pagsasanay at mahahabang proseso ang kinakailangan upang mabiyayaan ng titulo na ito ayon sa Zippia (2023.) Ilan nga sa mga mamamahayag sa Pilipinas ay inilalagay ang kanilang buhay sa kapahamakan para lamang gawin ang kanilang trabaho. Kaya’t isang malaking sampal ang presensya ng AI reporters sa mga mamamahayag na ibinubuhos ang kanilang oras at makakaya upang makapagbahagi ng impormasyon sa lipunan.

Sa kabutihang palad, inilinaw ni Oliver Victor Amorsolo na siyang GMA Network Senior Vice and Head of Integrated News na hindi tuluyang papalitan ng mga AI reporters na tulad ni Maia at Marco ang mga broadcasters na nagsilbing dugo at buhay ng kanilang organisasyon.

“Masama ang sobra,” isang pangaral na laging naririnig ng karamihan habang tumatanda.

Nararapat lamang na ang lahat ng ating isinasagawa ay may kapalit na limitasyon; kabilang na rito ang paggamit ng artificial intelligence dahil hindi sa lahat ng oras ay inihahatid tayo nito sa landas na mas nakabubuti para sa sarili at sa mga kapwa taong nasa paligid natin.

Kaya’t kung ikaw ang tatanungin; sang-ayon ka ba na ang taong nagbibigay impormasyon sa iyo ay isang kompyuter na nagbabalatkayo?

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SCIENCE NEWS FEATURE

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VOLUME VII ISSUE I

Balita ko mawawalan daw ng internet sa buon mag-first move ka na kaya sa crush mo

arahil hindi lang sa social media feed ko nagkalat ang mga ganitong pahayag. Kaugnay ito ng kumakalat na balita ngayon na may nagbabadyang malakas na solar storm ang tatama sa mundo, na anila pansamantalang makapagpapabago sa paraan ng pamumuhay nating lahat. Tila sinuman sa atin ay walang ideya kung ano ang mainam na gawin at maaari nating sapitin sa oras na maganap muli ang ganitong uri ng trahedya.

Hindi maikakaila na ang internet ay maituturing na tulay. Ito ang pangunahing tagapagdaloy ng impormasyon at komunikasyon sa modernong panahon.

Bagama’t maganda ang mga pangunahing dulot nito, may mangilan-ngilan pa rin itong masamang epekto, higit lalo’t ginagamit itong instrumento upang maipakalat ang mga maling impormasyon ukol sa mga seryosong bagay na naging dahilan upang mabilis na mapaikot ang mga tao na maniwala sa mga detalyeng malayo sa katotohanan. Maituturing na halimbawa rito ang tungkol sa pagtama ng solar superstorm sa mundo, na ayon sa mga sabi-sabi ay magaganap na ngayong taon, partikular sa ika-24 ng Nobyembre.

Mariin namang pinabulaanan ng mga siyentistang pinag-aaralan ang mga ganitong natural na penomena, ang mga haka-hakang nabubuo sa isipan ng mga tao. Datapwa’t, malaki ang tyansa

na maaaring maulit muli ang naganap na solar storm o carrington event noong 1859 na nagpahinto sa paggana ng mga telegraph system, sinabi nilang hindi basta-basta matitiyak kung kailan ito eksaktong magaganap.

Subalit puspusan pa rin ang paggawa ng mga eksperto ng early warning system, instrumento na maaaring makapagbigay ng abiso nang mas maaga sa loob ng 18 hanggang 24 na oras, bago pa man mapunta sa mundo ang mga parte ng solar storm, partikular ang bunga ng Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) na kung saan pangmalawakan ang pwersang pagtanggal ng plasma at magnetic field sa corona ng araw.

Pinaniniwalaang ang pagpasok ng CMEs sa ating planeta ay maaaring maging sanhi ng geomagnetic storm na posibleng makapagdulot ng anomalya at pagkagambala sa modernong pamumuhay natin ngayon. Gayunpaman, kinumpirma rin nila ang posibleng pagkawala ng internet connection na magtatagal ng ilang buwan. Anila, ang solar superstorm ay nangyayari kapag labis na ang enerhiyang inilalabas ng araw sa pamamagitan ng solar flares, na siyang makaaapekto sa magnetic field ng mundo na maaaring magdulot ng pagkagambala sa paggana ng satellites, mga aparatong ginagamitan ng elektrisidad at maging sa sistema ng komunikasyon.

Marahil marami sa a ngayon ang hindi na lumabas ng bahay na dalang cellphone n connection o ‘di nam signal. Kaya naman g ang naging pangamb nang ibalita ang tungk na may magagan malawakang pagkawa kung tawagin ay “inter nangangahulugang munang matutuldukan internet bilang daan u ng impormasyon at komunikasyon sa mg milya man ang layo s na kumalat ang mg tungkol sa nagbabad pagtama ng nasabing mundo, na itinuturi dahilan ng nasabi Maraming indibidwal ngayon sa pag-aakal na pagtatapos ng ta mga buhay nila dahil p ang internet na kas araw-araw na pamum pang kasiguraduhan maibabalik.

Sa patuloy na p teknolohiya at modernisasyon, matu isa sa atin na gamitin responsableng paraan ang lahat ng bagay ka mapakinabangan ito n

JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

SCIENCE NEWS FEATURE

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

ng mundo, mo?

atin, sa panahon a kinakaya pang ang walang dalana may internet man kaya’y data ganun na lang din ba ng nakararami kol sa posibilidad nap na pangala ng internet na rnet apocalypse”, pansamantala n ang paggamit ng upang makasagap pagkakaroon ng ga taong milyasa isa’t isa. Agad ga impormasyon dyang malakas na g solar storm sa ing na magiging ing pangyayari. ang nababahala lang sa nalalapit aon, hihinto ang posibleng mawala sangga sa pangmuhay at tila wala kung kailan ito

tayong lubusang dumepende sa mga ito, na para bang hihinto na ang mundo kung sakali mang ito’y maglaho.

Bagkus, magtiwala tayo sa kakayahan nito at ng inobasyon na balang araw ay maaaring makapag liligtas sa atin sa mga bagay na hindi naman natin kontroladong mangyari.

pag-usbong ng pagyabong ng uto sana ang bawat n ito sa maayos at n. May limitasyon aya’t mabuti nang nang tama. Huwag

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COVER STORY

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

I

t’s t finall Chri for t as we h hand in of aca futures

JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

COVERSTORY STORY COVER

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

time! Mariah Carey lly unfreezes! istmas came early the JRU community, have gone hand-inn decorating the halls ademe with bright and colorful dreams.

The campus has never looked more enchanting, adorned with sparkling lights and ornaments, adding red and green hues to the school colors. These alone reflect the effervescent spirit of Rizalians. The heart of the celebration lies in the traditional lighting of the campus grounds.

This spectacle draws students, faculty, and alumni alike, symbolizing the unity and warmth of the JRU community.

But it’s not just the decorations that lit up the campus. The spirit of the yuletide season is evident in every corner, with students engaging in various charitable activities during the annual Pasukhan event, embodying the true essence of the season— giving and sharing. Rizalians are committed to spreading joy beyond the university’s walls by organizing donation drives for underprivileged c o m m u n i t i e s .

The holiday season at JRU is more than just a celebration;

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it’s a time for forging lasting bonds. From caroling nights to festive competitions, each event was an opportunity for students to create memories that will last a lifetime. In the upper quadrangle, each division has taken up the challenge to contribute unique elements, creating vibrant decorations that tell a story of unity and creativity.

the

The SHS Division fashioned a captivating archway embellished with flowers, golden stars, and blue diamonds, illuminated by twinkling lights. This tunnel pays homage to 2019’s tunnel of flowers, intertwining past and present in a visual spectacle and creating a tingling sense of deja vu.

Christmas 2023 at JRU will be remembered as a time of festive splendor, community spirit, and a celebration of the achievements of the recent year. As Rizalians look forward to the year 2024, they do so with hearts full of hope, dreams, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.

Down the archways, the Elementary, JHS, and College divisions crafted hanging lanterns, Belen, and eco-conscious Christmas trees, capturing the youthful vibe and a nod of sustainability and innovations into

holiday

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ambiance.

In addition, the year 2023 has been remarkable for JRU after proudly hosting the NCAA Season 99.

This prestigious event has added extra excitement to the holiday season, bringing together students and athletes in a grand celebration of sportsmanship and talent.

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SPORTS

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

JRU Kontra Letran Letran.. Unang Laro, Unang Panalo!

Isinulat ni: Romulo Josef Agana asabog ang hatid ng P JRU Heavy Bombers sa opening game ng men’s

basketball tournament kontra sa three-time defending champion na CSJL Knights, sa iskor na 85-79 overtime win na ginanap sa Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City noong ika-24 ng Setyembre taong kasalukuyan.

Pinangunahan ni Agem Miranda ang Heavy Bombers na lumikom ng 17 puntos, siyam dito ay mula sa kaniyang rebounds.

Nagpaabot din si Marwin Dionisio ng 17 puntos habang may 12 puntos ang rookie na si Shawn Argente at tinanghal bilang player of the game.

Bumuwelta para sa Knights si Kurt Reyson na may 18 puntos, apat na assists at may anim na rebounds.

Habang si Kevin Santos naman ay nakapagtala ng 16 puntos, siyam dito ay galing sa kanyang rebounds at dalawang steals.

Agad namang nagpakitang gilas ang Knights sa unang quarter ng laro na nakapagtala ng 24 puntos upang palakihin ang agwat sa Heavy Bombers na may 16 puntos.

Subalit hindi hinayaan ng Heavy Bombers na lamunin sila ng Knights, naging madikit ang kanilang laban sa ikalawang quarter sa iskor na 39-40, na mas lalong nagpaingay sa manonood.

Sa kalagitnaan ng laro pinakilala ng sports anchor na si Martin Javier ang mga bagong courtside reporter na makakasama sa coverage ng season at kanya ring pinakilala ang kauna-unahang AI sportscaster sa Pilipinas na sina Maia at Marco.

Buong tapang na hinarap ng Heavy Bombers ang 10 puntos na agwat nila sa Knights sa ikaapat na quarter, gayunpaman nagpakita sila ng katatagan at determinasyon upang makabuo ng maayos na regulasyon.

Nagpasiklab ng 3-pointer si Argente at isang two-pointer naman si Dionisio upang pantayan ang puntos ng kabilang kuponan.

Subalit ang 3-pointer ni Vince Cuajao ang nagdala sa Knights sa overtime, ngunit bigo nilang natibag ang Heavy Bombers sa dagdag na limang minuto.

Sapagkat nagpakita ng kahangahangang koordinasyon at pagtutulungan ang Heavy Bombers nasiguro nila ang kanilang tagumpay kontra Knights sa overtime period.

“It’s for us setting that tone on our first game. Siguro yong na-

witness na lang naman natin ‘yong depth noong bench right now. Kasi that’s one thing na trinabaho namin during the offseason. We wanted to be unpredictable in terms of player usage. So kahit sino pwede pumutok any time,” ani ni Louie Gonzales, na ulong-tagapayo ng Heavy Bombers.

Dagdag nito, hirap man silang makuha ang tamang kombinasyon hindi ito naging hadlang upang makabuo ang Heavy Bombers ng tamang koordinasyon at magkaroon ng chemistry.

Matatandaan na nagtapos sa ika-siyam na puwesto ang Heavy Bomber sa huling season ng torneo na may 7-11 win-loss record.

Sa parehong araw na iyon, inabangan din ng manonood ang pagharap ng LPU Pirates kontra sa CSB Blazers.

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SPORTS SPORTS 35

VOLUME VII ISSUE I

GILAS, Ang Makasaysayang Kampeonato Isinulat ni: Romulo Josef Agana

Isang kasaysayan ang pagkapanalo ng Gilas Pilipinas matapos ang mahigit anim na dekadang paghihintay upang masungkit ang pinakaaasam nilang gintong medalya sa naganap na 19th Asian Games Men’s Basketball Tournament kontra sa koponan ng Jordan, sa iskor 70-60, na ginanap sa Hangzhou, China noong ika-anim ng Oktubre.

Pinangunahan ni Justin Brownlee ang Gilas na kumopo ng 20 puntos at 10 rebounds.

Sinundan ito nina Chris Newsome na may 13 puntos, at Scottie Thompson na nagtala ng 11 puntos at limang rebounds.

Naging maganda agad ang simula ng tropang Gilas na tinapos ang unang quarter sa iskor na 17-12.

Sa ikalawang quarter, naging mahigpit naman ang laban na muntik pang maka-abante ang SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

Jordan, subalit sila ay napantayan sa iskor na 31-31.

Sa ikatlong quarter, hindi nagpasindak ang Gilas na nagpakawala ng tatlong tres at talunin sa puntos na 20 to 10 ang Jordan, dahil dito angat na ang Pilipinas ng 10 puntos, 51-41.

Sa huling quarter, sinubukang kumama ni Rondae HollisJefferson para sa Jordan upang tapyasan ang lamang ng Pilipinas.

Bigo itong tapatan ng Jordan nang

nagbigay ng magkabilaang backto-back shoot sina Ange Kouame at Thompson upang panatilihin ang 10 puntos na lamang.

Tanging ang Jordan lamang ang tumalo sa Gilas noong elimination round ng patimpalak sa iskor na 87-62.

Sa huling mga segundo ng laro, hindi na ito nadepensahan pa ng Jordan at natapos sa iskor na 7060, na siyang ikinapanalo ng Gilas.

Dahil sa panalo ng Gilas, nakumpleto ang apat na gintong medalya ng Pilipinas, kabilang dito sila EJ Obiena (Pole Vault), Meggie Ochoa at Annie Ramirez (Jiu-Jitsu).

Sa ngayon, maraming preparasyon ang ginagawa ng kuponan para sa FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament sa susunod na taon.

Kung ating babalikan, huling naiuwi ng Gilas ang gintong medalya sa Asian Games Men’s Basketball Tournament noong 1962 matapos nilang talunin ang China.

SPORTS

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VOLUME VII ISSUE I

Junior Athletics Team, Lumikom ng mga Parangal Isinulat ni: Romulo Josef Agana

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umikom ng mga medalya ang dalawang atletang Rizaliano na sina Randy Degolacion at Rhannie Pilaspilas sa naganap na Elite Division ng 2023 CEL Logistics Inc. Weekly Relay Finals na inorganisa ng Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) noong ika-29 ng Oktubre at ika-lima ng Nobyembre sa PhilSports Track and Field Stadium, Pasig City.

Nag-uwi ng dalawang gintong medalya si Degolacion sa 2000m Steeplechase at 800m Run Under18 Men’s Category, at kumopo rin siya ng isang tansong medalya sa 3000m Run. Samantala, umambag naman si Pilaspilas ng isang tansong medalya sa 800m Run Under20 Men’s Category, at bigo itong makakuha ng podium finish sa 5km at 1500m Run na nagtapos sa parehong ikaapat na puwesto.

Kalahok dito ang mahigit kumulang isang libong mga atleta mula sa malalaking unibersidad at mga manlalaro sa National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), at State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA).

“Sobrang saya ko, syempre nagbunga rin iyong efforts namin na makuha ang gold medal” ani Degolacion nang siya ay tanungin matapos ang nasabing kompetisyon.

University (JRU) School Division.

Senior

High

Ayon din sa kanya, puspusan ang kanilang naging pag-eensayo sa Track and Field Stadium ng Pasig City, sa mga buwan bago pa man inanusyo ang kompetisyon sa pangunguna ng kanilang tagapayo na si Coach Jojo Posadas kasama ang kapuwa nitong mga manlalaro ng JRU. Payo naman ni Pilaspilas sa mga ninanais na maging atletang mag-aaral, “Ang daan ay hindi laging madali para sa mga nagsusumikap na maging mahusay sa loob at labas ng larangan ng paglalaro - mula sa mga klase sa umaga hanggang sa mga internship sa hapon at pagsasanay sa gabi - ngunit ang gantimpala sa finish line ay maaaring maging mahusay.”

Sa kasalukuyan, ang Athletics Team ng JRU ay naghahanda na rin para sa nalalapit na torneo ng Track and Field sa ikalawang semester ng NCAA Season 99.

Ito rin ang kauna-unahang kompetisyon ni Degolacion sa pagrepresenta ng José Rizal JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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VOLUME VII ISSUE I

Ruiz Clinched 6th Place at Malaysian Chess Festival

By: Jhon Marc Austria

ayne Diaz Ruiz, the MandaluyongW based chess player, represented the Philippines and the Rizalian community in the Malaysian Chess Festival 2023 at the Cititel Midvalley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ruiz competed alongside 39 chess players from Malaysia and the Philippines in the 12th Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Foundation Open Rapid Age-Group Chess Championship on Sunday, August 27.

He opened his campaign with a three-win streak over Ee Hong Chuah, Siang-Zhe Chua, and Darrius Sim Yu Xuin of Malaysia.

Wayne suffered his first loss in a close board game against his fellow Filipino chess player, SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

Christian Mendoza.

He bounced back on his 4th match with a win over Chen Xi Koh of Malaysia.

His last match was against another Filipino, Mark Gabriel Usman, resulted in a tightknit battle at the board - draw.

With a 3-1-1 record at the end of Wayne’s campaign, he accumulated an overall 4.5 points.

The Mandaluyong-based player

settled for 6th out of 39

place players.

All Filipino players occupied the higher places at the end of the tournament - 1st to 6th rankings. “Out of more than 30 players, syempre masaya na ako kahit konting rounds lang nalaro namin.”

Wayne on his campaign at the tournament.

The promising chess player is also grateful and honored for representing the Philippines and the Rizalian community in the

international tournament.

“This is my first time to represent JRU as a chess player internationally, and of course, I am happy to represent my country and university at the same time.”

Ruiz is also part of the Junior Chess team as a rookie and had competed at the recently concluded 99th edition of the NCAA Chess tournament in which they placed 7th place as a team.

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New Heroes of the Game ‘99

By: Jhon Marc Austria

“Continue championing new heroes to carry the legacy of NCAA!” - Dr. Vincent K. Fabella

he Mall of Asia Arena T witnessed a fiery, star-studded, and jam-

packed crowd as the National College Athletics Association (NCA A) kicked off its 99th season on Sunday, September 24, hosted by José Rizal University (JRU) with its theme, New Heroes of the Game.

Matteo Guidicelli, Arra San Agustin, Faith Da Silva, and Martin Javier hosted the program, while Alden Richards led the prayer; Julia Montes was also present at the event.

As the season fires back in the court, José Rizal University, the

host, with GMA Network and GMA Synergy artists, showcased a star-studded performance: Sparkle artists, Ysabel Ortega, Zephanie, Lexi Gonzales, Thea Astley, and P-pop boy group 1ST. ONE opened the show featuring SB19’s songs, What? and Gento.

Additional performances to the blaze - Rita Daniela, Jessica Villarubin, Thea Astley, Mariane Osabel, and Hannah Precillas gave a soulful performance. The highlight of the show was Julie Ann San Jose’s performance of the season’s theme song, New Heroes, accompanied by the participating school cheerleaders and dancers.

JRU President and the season’s Policy Board President, Dr. Vincent K. Fabella, gave a

message to seize the season’s journey. He ushered the NCAA community to “Find the inner hero within each of us.” He underlined the league’s long-term role in building unity and greatness, “Ninety-nine years don’t come by so fast, so easily, and it takes a community in which all of you are a part of. It takes a community to build this greatness,” he added.

Heavy Bombers’ Captain, Ry Dela Rosa, led the NCAA pledge and the oath of sportsmanship.

Eventually, the most awaited first ball game between the JRU Heavy Bombers and the three-time defending champion, Letran Knights.

In a separate interview, Dr.

Fabella revealed the message of the season 99 themed “New Heroes of the Game,” and highlighted the league’s role in shaping the youth for the betterment - not only in the athletic landscape but also for the country. As the long-running athletic league in the Philippines, it is important to find new heroes within the youth that could create an impact in the NCAA community.

He also shared that the season’s theme is to “Continue championing new heroes to

New Heroes of Fly High Bombers, the Game ‘99 Soar to Victory JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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VOLUME VII ISSUE I

Fly High Bombers, Bombers, NCAA 99: Soar to Victory John Lomio’s first Juniors Chess Gold I

By: Romulo Josef G. Agana & Jhon Marc Austria n a thrilling showdown Both teams demonstrated that electrified the remarkable sportsmanship and virtual realm, the José determination, displaying skilled Rizal University Senior gameplay and team fights. The teams kept the viewers High School (JRU SHS) two on the edge of their seats Sports Club hosted throughout the exhilarating its inaugural E-Sports series of matches.

Tournament, culminating in an intense finals clash However, the Fly High Bombers clinched the between the “Fly High ultimately Bombers” and “Galit na championship title, showcasing their mastery of the virtual Yana.”

By: Jhon Marc Austria

arena and securing their place in JRU SHS esports history.

he Juniors Chess T Division team captain, John Marcus Lomio, emerged victorious as he bagged the gold medal at the Chess Team’s Event after the NCA A Season 99 Chess tournament last November 30 at St. Thomas Building, Colegio de San Juan de Letrán, Intramuros, Manila.

The Mandaluyong-based player topped the Board 3 at the tournament, outlasting eight other players.

Lomio opened his campaign on Board 3 with a dominant win over Asher Magalong of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

His second match was a tight-knit battle against Mark Jovan of San Beda University the match ended as a draw.

After his forfeited third match, his next two also resulted in a draw against John Matthew Alvarado of Mapua University and San Sebastian’s Alexis Jade Saballe.

Lomio didn’t show any signs of weaknesses with another dominant win over Jayvee Carino of Emilio Aguinaldo SEEK STORIES. WRITE LEGACIES.

College. His seventh match resulted in a draw against another frontrunner, the University of Perpetual Help System Daltas’ Cedric Daniel Macato.

He capped off his performance with a close-call win over Charis Leandro of Arellano University.

Lomio’s campaign ended with a 4-0-4 record and accumulated 6 points. Lomio’s performance in Board 3 catapulted him to take the prestigious gold medal as he outnumbered his opponents in the records.

Over his win, Lomio is overjoyed and proud that he was able to follow his brother’s footsteps.

“Masaya ako sa naging performance ko, nagbunga lahat.. lahat ng pagsusumikap, pag-eensayo, at paggabay ng mga coaches ko. Excited ako dahil dati nanonood lang ako sa kuya ko, ngayon ako na naglalaro para sa university.”

The 18-year-old team captain also dedicated his triumphant win to his family, coaches, and brother, who have previously played for the university.

“Dine-dedicate ko po itong gold medal ko para sa pamilya ko, sa coaches ko, and sa kuya kong walang sawang sumusuporta sa akin.”

The club featured a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, which unleashed the participants Husay and Talentong Rizal through an online game.

The esports athletes showcased their prowess on December 2, marking a landmark event in the university’s competitive gaming history. Although there is already an existing esports club in the university, the Rizalian Esports League (REL), the inauguration of the game marked a potential start for the esports scene to rise in the home of the bombers.

The Fly High Bombers, composed of Ken Pelonia, Lucas Arandia, Mikhell Nalaunan, Crystal Lamprecht, Sander Barroga, and Nayomie Lacaba, emerged triumphant as the undisputed champions of the tournament.

Their strategic gameplay and exceptional teamwork propelled them to a well-deserved victory, showcasing an impressive display of skill and coordination.

The finals witnessed an intense battle of wits and teamfight prowess as the Fly High Bombers faced off against the formidable team Galit na Yana, led by Andrei Duquiatan, Lyle Tristan Rivera, Jenaysa Vender, Alfred Reyes, and Fharees Lorence Facun.

The quarter-semi finals saw intense clashes between teams like “Yaku Aca”, “Dvhaim Yaksha Elites”, “Golden Lions”, and “Alagad ni Mojeen”, showcasing the diverse talent and competitive spirit among the participating teams.

Ms. Renalyn Dela Cruz, the Sports Club Adviser, expressed her elation at the successful tournament, emphasizing its role in providing a platform for students to exhibit their gaming skills and fostering camaraderie within the JRU community.

The event, which commenced with preliminaries on November 17, unfolded as a testament to the growing significance of esports in educational institutions, offering students an opportunity to engage, compete, and excel in a digital sporting landscape.

As the virtual dust settles on this thrilling tournament, the JRU SHS Sports Club looks ahead to more exhilarating events, aiming to further elevate the platform for aspiring e-athletes and enthusiasts within the campus.

The Fly High Bombers victory is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and skill, marking a defining moment in JRU SHS esports history and inspiring future generations of gamers to reach for the stars.

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Eala on Silver Paligsahan ng at ITF W40 mga Batang Kyotec Open Atleta, Larong Pambansa

By: Jhon Marc Austria

lex Eala fell short of a A comeback for the finals against Oceane Dodin

of France of 2-6, 5-7 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World 93 opened at the Club Pentage in Luxembourg on Sunday, November 19.

The 18-year-old tennis player, Alex, had difficulty keeping up with Dodin’s quick services.

After the two consecutive points, she broke the youngsters’ serves and banked on it to take the first set, 2-6.

The second set was close as power smashes and hits came from both sides of the court. Alex kept up with Odin on the first three points and eventually got two consecutive points to lead the set, 5-3.

In the second half, Dodin banked on her serving prowess and broke Alex’s strong services

- she used to get her to the finals. The second set concluded with a score, of 5-7.

Dodin bagged the ITF W40 Kyotec Open Championship, while Alex Eala settled for silver.

Even though Alex settled for silver, she was still happy and grateful for her achievement. “I enjoyed every match this week and am more than delighted to be going home with a trophy,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, November 20.

It is Alex Eala’s last tournament for this year. She also achieved a feat for the country with the recently concluded 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. She bagged a bronze medal. She finished in the singles and mixed doubles categories. It is the country’s first Asian Games tennis medal since 2006.

Eala climbed up on the ITF World rankings from 204th to 190th. It is her second-best finish - her best ranking was 189th.

Isinulat ni: Romulo Josef Agana agsipakitang-gilas sa habang ang mga swimming event Opening Ceremony ng ay isasagawa sa Teofilo Yldefonso Center, Manila at Philippine National Games Aquatic Philsports Pool, Pasig.

(PNG) at Batang Pinoy (BP) National Championships Dinaluhan ang seremonya ng mga ang 18,000 na mga atleta kilalang personalidad sa larangan pampalakasan tulad nila mula sa 193 lokal na ng Philippines’ first-ever Olympic sangay ng pamahalaan, gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz, upang ipamalas ang Eumir Felix Marcial, Rising Tennis kanilang giting at galing Athlete Alex Eala, at Karl Eldrew na nagdagdag ng prestihiyo sa iba’t ibang larangan ng Yulo, sa kaganapan. pampalakasan na ginanap sa Rizal Memorial Sports Binigyang-diin ni Bachmann ang Complex, Manila noong kahalagahan ng pagtitipon, “It is truly an honor to witness the ika-17 ng Disyembre. convergence of our nation’s

N

Ayon kay Richard Bachmann, Chairman ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) “I stand before you with immense pride and excitement as we gather for the opening rites of the 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games.”

Payo rin ni Bachmann sa mga atleta “embrace the lessons and cherish the experiences” ay sumasalamin sa kahalagahan ng pagiging mabuting kasama sa larangan ng palakasan at pagiging matatag sa harap ng mga hamon.

Ilan sa mga multi-sport event na bahagi ng torneo ay ang mga sumusunod; athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, football, gymnastics, judo, karate, kickboxing, lawn tennis, muay thai, pencak silat, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, beach volleyball, wrestling, weightlifting, at wushu.

finest athletes, representing the wide spectrum of talent that makes our country unique and vibrant.”

May pagbabago naman sa kwalipikasyon ng edad para sa parehong event, pinalawak ang kategorya ng BP para sa mga sumasali hanggang 17 taong gulang, nagpapalawak sa saklaw ng mga kabataang may talento na kasali.

Nagtatakda ang PNG at BP National Championships sa mga atleta ng isang entablado para sa mga nakakaagaw pansin na pagtatanghal ng galing sa pampalakasan at pagmamalaki sa ating bansa.

Sa iba’t ibang disiplina ng pampalakasan at matibay na pangako sa pagpapalago ng talento, ang mga torneo tulad nito ay nagiging patunay sa kahusayan ng pampalakasan at sa dedikasyon ng mga atleta sa bansang ito.

Pinangalanan ang Philsports Oval sa Pasig na magsisilbing lugar para sa kompetisyon ng athletics JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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VOLUME VII ISSUE I

S

a larangan ng chess sa National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99, hindi matatawaran ang determinasyon ng Junior Chess Team ng José Rizal University (JRU) sa harap ng mga pagsubok at kompetisyon.

Sa bawat hakbang, ipinapakita ng koponan ang kanilang kahandaan at dedikasyon para sa laban.

Sa pagtatapos ng Elimination Round na ginanap sa Colegio de San Juan de Letran sa Intramuros, Manila mula Oktubre 28 hanggang Nobyembre 26, hindi naging madali para sa JRU ang kanilang laban. Sa harap ng iba’t ibang koponan, tila isang kwento ng pagtitiyaga at pag-aaral ang kanilang pinagdaanan.

Kasama sa koponan sina Jiffer Emmanuel Magante, Mark Jerald Aldover, John Marcus Lomio, at Wayne Ruiz, na

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patuloy na nagtataglay ng galing at giting sa bawat laban.

Sa kabila ng mga pagkatalo, patuloy silang lumalaban at nag-aalay ng kanilang kagalingan sa bawat yugto ng laban.

Sa kanilang mga laban, kahit may ilang pagkatalo, hindi sumuko ang koponan. Sinabi ni Magante na mahirap ang laban kontra Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) dahil sa kanilang malalakas na manlalaro, at kinumpirma ito ni Aldover na nakaranas ng pagsubok laban sa isang National Master mula sa LPU at San Beda University (SBU).

Sa panayam sa mga miyembro ng koponan, nabatid na ang kanilang preparasyon para sa torneo ay naging mapanuri at masigasig. Sila ay naglalaro ng mga chess puzzles arawaraw at nagtitiyagang magtraining tuwing Linggo. Kasama rin sa kanilang paghahanda

ang pakikipaglaban sa isa’tisa bilang isang team, kasama ang Senior Chess Team, sa pagsasanay.

Higit pa rito, sinunod nila ang mga payo at estratehiyang itinuturo ng kanilang mga coach na sina Head Coach Nelson Mariano III, Assistant Coach Abigail Tamundong, at Jeremy Jabson. Ayon kay Aldover, nag-umpisa ang kanilang pormal na pagsasanay noong Abril-Mayo.

Isa sa mga pangunahing punto ng paghahanda ng koponan ay ang araw-araw na paglutas ng sampung chess puzzles at pagsasagawa ng dalawang rapid games ng chess, ayon kay Magante at Aldover.

Dagdag pa rito, sila ang mga baguhan sa larangan ng chess, subalit hindi ito naging hadlang upang maipakita nila ang kanilang determinasyon sa pagharap ng mga pagsubok sa gitna ng kompetisyon.

Sa kabila ng ilang pagkatalo, patuloy ang determinasyon ng JRU Junior Chess Team na patunayan ang kanilang kakayahan at sumulong patungo sa tagumpay. Sa bawat hakbang, patuloy nilang pinatutunayan na ang kanilang koponan ay hindi lamang isang samahan, kundi pamilya na nagtutulungan at nagbibigayan ng inspirasyon para sa isa’t isa.

Sa mga darating na laban at torneo, ang JRU Junior Chess Team ay puspusang magtatrabaho upang maipakita ang kanilang husay at ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-akyat patungo sa tagumpay. Hindi lamang sila naglalaro para sa kanilang sarili bagkus para rin ito sa kanilang paaralan, komunidad at pamilya na patuloy na sumusuporta at nagtitiwala sa kanilang kakayahan.

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Strive, Strike, Gold, and Goal. n facing adversities, the Philippine I(PWNFT), Women’s National Football Team Filipinas is no rookie.

To run a hundred yards on the field and come out on top as the only Philippine football team to bag medals in recent years is an achievement already. To cement themselves in the footprints of Philippine sports and prove the naysayers wrong, the Filipinas debuted on one of the biggest football stages this year and made history atop HERstory.

A ticket to FIFA World Cup 2023 Before qualifying through the FIFA World Cup 2023, the Filipinas faced the football powerhouses countries in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022. They competed in Group B in the group stage with two football powerhouses, Australia and Thailand.

To qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, they must reach the semifinals and beat another contender. Luckily, Filipinas finished 2nd in the group stage with two wins and a loss against Australia Matildas. Their performance enabled them to secure an outright seat through the knockout stages.

Eventually, Filipinas have to beat Chinese Taipei in the first round of the knockout stages. Chinese Taipei was also vying for the last seat for the World Cup. With competitive moves, after 90 minutes, the scores were tied at 1-1 and was yet moved to a decider penalty shootout. The shootout ended with a 4-3 score in favor of the Filipinas. The 4th goal was courtesy of Sarina Bolden, who sent them to New Zealand and Australia for the World Cup. This news sent hope throughout the Philippines, marking another HERstory set by women in the sports field.

The World Cup Debut The FIFA Women’s World Cup was in New Zealand and Australia from July 20 to August 20, 2023. The Filipinas debuted in Group A with high-ranked teams - Switzerland, Norway, and New Zealand (as the host.)

They lost in their first game against Switzerland (0-2). The second game was a historic win against the host country, New

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Zealand. In the 24th minute, Bolden threw her header inside, lifting the Filipinas in 1-0.

It made Bolden be given the alias The Golden Girl.

The historic win debuted The Filipinas at the World Cup. Though an underdog, they still proved that getting the gold is a passion accord. Although stooped down to Norway (0-6), the Philippines still cheered for the golden girls.

The Filipinas concluded their World Cup journey with (1-0-2) a win, draw, and loss record as 4th in their group. Despite this, they assured that this is only the start of their long journey in achieving and bringing the football scene to the spotlight.

The conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 enabled Filipinas to move up in rankings from 46th to 44th.

Filipinas were ranked 7th in Asia and 3rd in the

What’s next?

A lot to expect from the Filipinas after their World Cup stint, and they look forward to defending their AFF Women’s Championship title. In the recent Olympic qualifiers this November, the Filipinas came short of knocking out the stage, missing the chance to qualify for Paris 2024. They ended their Paris 2024 qualifiers with a win against Iran (1-0).

The Philippines Sportswriters Association (PSA) named Filipinas as nominees for Athletes of the Year with other Filipino athletes.

In an interview with Vogue Philippines, Sarina Bolden highlighted the importance of the HERstory of women shaping the sports field in the Philippines. “We’re in the moment right now. Women in sports are just booming. And I’m so honored to be even part of that conversation in that way,” Sarina said. She played a pivotal role in making the herstory for Filipinas with her golden goals together with the help of her teammates.

During the interview, Bolden and the girls promised to anticipate more for the Filipinas.

The Filipinas’ story embodied the spirit to keep running for passion and love for the country. Even in public scrutiny and challenges as a team, the hundreds of yards emboldened the Filipino spirits in serving as a beacon of hope and putting the country in the new avenues of sports.

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VOLUME VII ISSUE I

n a world that can appear chaotic and unpredictable, many seekers turn to ancient rituals for direction and clarity.

One timeless practice that has stood the test of time is tarot reading.

Tarot is an instrument, contrary to the mystical assumptions often associated with it, which promotes introspection and self-discovery.

Tarot is fundamentally an effective tool for introspection. The cards act as a mirror, reflecting a person’s innermost feelings, ideas, and desires. People are encouraged to adopt a mantra to interact with the cards and extract insights that align with their journeys. Through this, it fosters a strong sense of self-awareness and selfempowerment.

The 78 cards in each tarot deck are divided into major and minor arcana, resulting in a unique visual symphony.

Classic depictions of human experiences, such as love, loss, success, and hardships, can be found on the card illustrations. People can connect with the image that speaks to their soul directly by using the “Take What Resonates, Leave What Doesn’t” technique, which allows for a personalized and nuanced interpretation.

Tarot provides an antidote to a fast-paced, instantaneous world by giving a contemplative and reflective sanctuary. Its ageless wisdom adjusts to the contemporary seeker’s search for purpose. It also offers a haven for people looking for direction amid uncertainty.

their quests for selfawareness. The maxim “Take What Resonates, Leave What Doesn’t” serves as a beacon of guidance, urging seekers to follow their intuition and look within the cards for their truth. Tarot is a timeless companion on our journey through life, providing knowledge and insights to those open to exploring their inner selves.

So, my dearest friend, take what resonates with you, leave what doesn’t, and let the cards reveal the unique tale of your life.

With its rich past and symbolic vocabulary, tarot cards never fail to enthrall and motivate people on

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L

eenox Champ Esteves shines in the academic realm of José Rizal University, not just for his brilliance but also for his unwavering spirit. His recent gold medal win at the Philippine International Mathematical Olympiad (PHIMO) 2023 Final Round concluded at the Jose Maria College Foundation Incorporated last September 22-25 is more than a mathematical feat; it is a story of personal heroism.

Leenox marked his climb to PHIMO success with careful planning and relentless dedication.

“Every day, I set aside at least 30 minutes for my review amid other responsibilities,” Leenox shared.

This disciplined

approach helped him overcome challenges, including the obstacle of non-cooperative study groups. Anticipating and adjusting showcased proactive problem-solving, a skill beyond mathematics.

As an ABM student and math enthusiast, Leenox mastered the art of balance.

His constructed schedule guided him through academic responsibilities and fueled his passion for mathematics. This routine refined analytical skills and enriched communication, fostering connections with peers and enthusiasts alike.

In the competitive world of math contests, stress is a constant companion. Leenox found solace in parental support and wisdom.

Instilled with a philosophy valuing improvement over achievement, he emphasizes giving one’s best regardless of outcomes. His advice for budding math enthusiasts is to view competitions as avenues for personal growth.

Looking ahead, Leenox envisions merging mathematical acumen with

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45

legal expertise, aspiring to become a CPA Lawyer.

Acknowledging potential challenges, he remains steadfast, leveraging skills acquired through his mathematical journey to navigate the opportunities and obstacles on his legal and financial path.

Leenox’s perspective on math is refreshing. He sees it not as a burden but as a mentally electrifying puzzle.

Inspired by his mother, a math teacher who imparted the idea of viewing math as a friend, not a foe, Leenox aims to reshape the narrative around mathematics. His participation in competitions like PHIMO signifies his belief that embracing mathematical challenges is crucial for success.

Leenox Champ Esteves is more than a Rizalian with a gold medal; he’s an inspiring figure, a testament to potential unlocked through dedication, planning, and a positive mindset. As his journey unfolds, Leenox encourages students to embrace their inner heroes, one mathematical puzzle at a time.

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he sa of ex that ar with th of life. and cou unequivo of prey an correspo encapsula vulnerabi posed by harm to o awarenes wherein p these sothis requ oneself a The con defiant m lethal me and harm intrinsica human in record in wherein i on nefar bullying, genocide, the prin contradic evil. In d question, to be obli

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Public Kil The relen killings in casting a condition though ve Recently, in Nueva wherein u passenge that this shooting vicinity. T two victim already a they susp incident.

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VOLUME VII V ISSUE ISSUEI I

e concept of evil shares the ame thread as the concept immorality. This concept xists to condemn the ideas re seemingly incompatible he philosophical ideology The concept of aggression unteractions towards such ocality relies on the recognition nd the lurking presence of their onding predator. This thought ates the idea that realizing one’s ility and the potential threat y those who seek nothing but others accompanies living. This ss creates a sense of conflict, people must be vigilant against -called predators. As a result, uires the preparation to defend against any form of aggression. ndition of being aggressively may result in defensive and even easures. This ideology of living ming others to survive is linked ally to the idea of evil acts and nstinct. While evil is a broken n religious and secular contexts it attributes individuals to act rious deeds such as stealing, murder, mass killing, and e, the main idea surrounding nciple of predator and prey cts the wicked description of doing so, this leads us to the , “Is it paradoxically righteous liged to kill for survival?”

concept of evil and the ntal system of predator-prey that you either kill or be killed) o practical ethics and becomes d by the public gathers of the , an ethical dilemma arises. To ent can some evil be redeemed considered unforgivable in the e?

llings in The Philippines ntless moral evilness of public n the Philippines has been a long history of terror and ning of Filipinos for decades, ery few have had a resolution. , a shooting happened in a bus Ecija on November 15, 2023, unidentified gunmen killed two ers. Police authorities suspect incident links to three similar incidents within the area’s The police presumed that the ms, identified as a couple, were a target of hired gunmen; thus, pect that this was a planned

A month after, yet another incident occurred: the Catholic Mass bombing at the gym of Mindanao State University (MSU). The incident resulted in at least four fatalities and injured more than 40 students who attended the said mass. Fear grew drastically for the students, considering that the university was supposedly secure. These kinds of unsolicited killings have brought a narrative of fear and uncertainty in public gatherings or even in everyday life. As each incident of public killing unfolds, the collective perception and trust of the masses shudder, questioning the security and protection that every individual is entitled to. This ripple effect of public killings, recognized as one of the acts of moral evil, extends far beyond the immediate victims. In the face of such immoral acts, the onceassured safety of the public shakens, leaving a void with an undercurrent of anxiety and mistrust.

Extrajudicial killings The extent of Public killings crosses beyond the borders of mere civilians possessing the urges to cause detriment, even extermination, on others. If anything, such occurrences are enacted by those we perceive to be the protectors of public safety: Public Safety Officers. When combined with malicious purpose, the philosophy of evil recognizes that its impact may affect all living things, leaving no human being immune to such notions. It is in line with the fundamental qualities of human nature, whether it is hidden in our subconscious goals or manifest through our actions. It does not absolve those wearing the distinctive blue uniforms of the Philippine Police. These people are still fundamentally human, even in their capacity as defenders. They struggle with true human inclinations as well. Even as society tries to place its reliance on these uniformed individuals to safeguard shared welfare, the underlying uncertainty remains. Nobody is immune to the intricacies of human nature and the possibility of deviating from expected responsibilities in the end.

In August of 2017, during the period wherein the peak of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s infamous campaign on the War on Drugs transpired, a shaking incident took place. The perturbing case of a seventeen-year-old young man named Kian Delos Santos arose, wherein he was mercilessly shot and killed by Caloocan policemen. In this

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case, the surveillance cameras encircling the scene of the crime showed that three armed police officers heartlessly dragged him to a secluded area, a place where it was evident that no soul could intervene. In a heartbreakingly violent conclusion, a barrage of gunshots claimed Kian Delos Santos’ life.

However, what makes the case more gut-wrenching to reminisce about is the fact that, according to the latest news, the autopsy of Kian Delos Santos was inaccurate from the established information. It confirmed that his autopsy did not have a proper examination by the authorities handling the case. With this, presumably, it was within their intentions to keep the truth of this case hidden from the eyes of the general public as a means of cleansing the names of the institutions responsible for these purported protectors. Although the License to Kill was provided by the former President, it is undeniable that such activities violate moral principles given that they constitute taking another life.

Some tend to question and criticize the independence of some people when it comes to depending on those who have a higher authority. Unfortunately, these individuals appear to be deluded by the idea that it is in everyone’s best intentions to prioritize public safety to those unqualified for the position.

Not everyone aspires to preserve what little of a cruel world remains, for most tend to be more focused on their selfcentered goals and humanistic impulses that result in the affliction of others.

“Upon whom shall we confer our trust if even those entrusted to keep us safe prove to be incompetent?” is the question that possesses no true answer.

Media Killings Amidst the history of public killings in the Philippines, the press and media still find themselves tangled in a complex stand between commitment and the undeniable fear shrouding people over their endeavors. Media grapples with the risks of exposing the realities that unfold in broad daylight. While they continue to uphold their heroic commitment to integrity in pursuit of the truth, the essence of their work grows unsafe and risky. However, the press and media happenstance within the fields of war, witnessing the firsthand blood and death to gather news, should be resistant to threats by now. They trained their minds to condition themselves to

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death. Yet, the continuous number of unsolved cases of media killings (and public killings in general) is something intrusive to public safety-- it poses not only a threat to singular life but also to the lives of many.

For the 16th consecutive year, the Philippines holds a place in the list of countries with no evident cases solved for explicit public killings, including those involving members of the media.

There have been various recorded unsolved cases of public killings these past few years, wherein records have determined most of the cases are radio journalists. Despite the slight improvement in the impunity rate of the country released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in 2022, the threats remain dire. Individuals in number may lower, but it remains a fact that the threat to journalistic lives is a persistent and alarming issue. Up to this day, 4 out of 5 media journalists still receive death threats.

One of the most recent cases surrounding Media Killings in the Philippines is the recent murder of radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon, an esteemed and well-respected radio journalist. Described as a man of robust character, he could speak for the truth while never ceasing to put a smile on faces. Also a politician, he bolstered his reputation as a fierce advocate for free speech. As a Radio broadcaster, he was able to brighten the days of his audience with his impeccable humor and wits. However, his motives drove him into uncharted territories, pursuing the truth, igniting a ceaseless struggle for justice that the modern media shows no resolution to.

The ambiance enveloping the radio station oscillated with the echoes of narratives awaiting disclosure: the euphonious cadence of candor.

Despite the embodiment of his resolute fortitude, his voice that seemed unparalleled to the concept of ligatures fell silent as the blast of an explosive gunshot ruptured what was once an idyllic abode for the souls that sought what was universally deemed righteous.

As this ghastly escapade penetrated the innermost recesses of the media, the outbreak of disinclination towards the narrative of what is morally sound had yet to resolve. Therefore, one question lingers within the minds of many: to what extent can the nature of man surpass in the name of the truth?

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It is without question that there are people who possess immoral intentions that seek to penetrate the truth by all means necessary; they will stop at nothing until they have achieved their malignant desires.

Juan Jumalon’s gruesome death, which was unintentionally aired on his radio station and live-streamed on the 5th of November, shocked his devout listeners in this instance of media killings. In addition to being present when this tragic and traumatic event occurred, his avid followers also experienced this sentiment of widespread terror for the nearby radio stations within the vicinity of Misamis Oriental.

The threatening atmosphere surrounding these events places an oppressive silence on truth-seekers facing hardship. The dread constantly being spread in the media and journalistic fields results in this.

In those moments, when people choose not to pursue the truth and objective reporting, no matter how controversial it may be, some people change their editorial stance because they fear that their beliefs and viewpoints will cause an untimely and catastrophic demise. As always, there will be differences in people’s perspectives on any given issue. Achieving a consensus will never be possible.

Consequently, the public’s general impression of journalists and other media professionals frequently stems from naivety and disdain. However, one must not undervalue the persistence necessary to firmly maintain beliefs that live up to the standards of what morally good is considered to be. The final victory of truth, unshaken in the face of misfortune, is guaranteed, even in those heartbreaking situations in which some people, motivated by a strong dislike of what they see as falsehoods, will do everything they can to destroy what they believe to be false.

Driving Force for Public Killings in the Philippines It appears questionable for a hefty percentage of the populace that some people go beyond moral and ethical borders to achieve malicious deeds to satisfy their innermost impulses. Thus, an underlying idea of what constitutes “Evil” permeates all of the public killings described prior.

There are two versions of theories of evil, and in every instance of the previously discussed occurrences, the idea of Moral Evil is conspicuous. The core of this idea is the desire to inflict physical harm on other people, even to the point of ending another person’s life and eliminating their mortality.

The philosophy of moral evil frequently uses different ethical frameworks to evaluate and classify varying behaviors. In doing so, it also examines moral conundrums that result from immoral behavior. It entails evaluating competing rights and obligations under intricate circumstances—such as the mentioned Public Killings instances.

Within the realm of public killings, those who commit these heinous acts appear

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to be motivated either entirely by selfinterest or by a complete lack of purpose.

Serial killers have a wide range of wants and desires that drive them to take other people’s lives. Accordingly, a “murderer” would have a range of characteristics, such as mental stability, upbringing, and even how they perceive their environment and other dreading issues. Some public killing cases, such as acts of terrorism, wherein a group or two carry out attacks and perform ambushes with the intention of rebellious political ideology by causing widespread fear amongst people. In these cases, possible motives of public killings may extend beyond self-interest and personal desire or mental stability since they involve complex socio-political and anti-governing factors.

Getting in-depth with the possibilities of driving forces behind public killings provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of such acts, considering its moral principles with how a killer thinks.

The legal framework carefully spells out the situational requirements to assert the right to self-defense, highlighting how crucial it is to follow set rules. The rationale has several complexities and restrictions, necessitating absolute comprehension of the legal constraints of its implementation.

As a result, self-defense is permitted under Philippine law as long as the person using the force is proportionate to the perceived danger and there is a reasonable fear of death or mutilation. This sophisticated strategy emphasizes the fine line between upholding public order and safeguarding individual rights. When a court deals with a matter involving self-defense, the accused must have had no other way to avoid punishment.

Philippine’s Criminal Justice While the Philippines suffers from a poor and deeply flawed criminal justice system, the threat of public killings and other acts that are considered “evil” against the protection of many remains undismayed.

The incompetency and inadequacies in the system only contribute to a prevalent spread of the culture of impunity, as well as the concept of prey and predator under the act of killing, allowing perpetrators to recommence the cycle of public killings or the act of killing itself. It is undeniably evident that the majority of the investigations into these cases of public killings are often detracted by inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of resources and conviction from the higher-ups, thus hindering the pursuit of justice and peace for everyone and, most importantly, for the victims of public killings.

Considering how some interpretations of such an issue are fundamentally subjective, law enforcement undertakes a reasonably arduous task when attempting to reach objective conclusions regarding the utilization of fatal force under unclear circumstances. This uncertainty creates an illusive environment of supposed responsibility. Consequently, this does not just complicate the first evaluation;

it extends into later investigative and legal procedures. The lack of a uniform assessment system to distinguish whether lethal force is justified only adds to the complexity, leading to inconsistencies in court findings, thus increasing public mistrust of the fairness and objectivity of those who stand in higher power.

Public confidence in the criminal justice system is depleting because of this widespread ambiguity.

The general public’s faith in the system’s unwavering commitment to justice appears to be rapidly dwindling at the mere sight of a glaring lack of accountability and transparency in handling the cases of public killings in the country. This apparent disgruntlement feeds a ferocious cycle of skepticism toward the ability of the current justice system to resolve these unsettling acts of crime. The outpouring impact of such also weakens the public support for efforts to prevent and prosecute outlaws. It endangers the credibility that, traditionally, has been supplementary to the legal system and law enforcement.

sinful acts lies the funda whether the concept of despite the reevaluation along with the parado killing as a means of sur moral evil and systema driving force is always rooted to the very cor government and malevol entrusted with the public all, pursuing an indisputa justify embracing anoth salvation remains an elus

Another issue with the Philippines’ criminal justice system is the ineffectual and biased “task force” units or authority for specific crimes and positions, for it works for the rich and powerful who need security more than the general public. The wealthy often feed, and perhaps house, people with power in exchange for protection, something impossible for the middle-class part of society to keep up with. Additionally, the slow pace of processing trials creates an impression on communities to leave in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty with the service of the said system. The fright associated with the country’s failure to strengthen the criminal justice system intensifies the vulnerability within the society. The fear is not solely born from an individual but forged by the failure and incompetence of the justice system to counteract immoral acts and face the masses’ needs for protection and safety.

The governing leaders only reinforces an atmosphere within a society wherein the concept of evil acts becomes inseparable from the very fabric of the criminal justice system.

As the Philippines struggle against the dread that public killings bring alongside the deeply flawed criminal justice system, the threat of moral evil grasps a complex narrative and perception of immoral acts.

While it is true that the concept of evil is recognizable subjectively with the various cultures and systematic societies that may have varied perspectives on what constitutes moral evil, understanding the driving forces of public killings delves into numerous underpinnings. Considering the impact of societal influences on shaping the perception of immoral acts, this also leads to the confused formulation of moral judgments. In the conceptual level of understanding man’s driving force of JRU SHS • THE SCRIBE

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amental question of f evil is redeemable n of societal values oxical approach of rvival—in the face of atic failure, a man’s and will always be re of poor societal lent service of those c’s protection. After able desire does not her’s moral views— sive illusion.

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