The Students' Herald

December 2021 - April 2022 | Vol. XXX Special Issue

VOLUNTEERISM - Student-volunteers hand around phamplets and pink rosaries to children on city streets just outside the campus in light with the Leni-Kiko campaign. Photo by Sir Jairus Sibayan

PHINMA-UPang Greenlights Face-to-Face › Classes for AY ’22-’23 PHINMA-UPang will reopen its gates to students for the school year 2022-2023 as the admin says yes to Anthea Reformado

PHINMA... | p6

face-to-face classes for all courses.

Based on the CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021 - 001, the gradual opening of campuses to conduct limited face-to-face classes for all programs is already allowed. In an interview with Mr. Lyndon Padama, Assistant COO, he said that classes for continuing students would resume in the first week of July, while classes for newly-enrolled students will resume in the first week of August.

Two New UWOs Set to Take Campus Action in A.Y '22-'23 Roxan D. Resuello

PHINMA-University of Pangasinan's Supreme Student Council (PHINMA-UPANGSSC) launches two new University-Wide Organizations (UWOs) under its wings on January 10, 2022, and January 12, 2022, respectively. Two New... | p7

ONSITE CLASS - First Year MedTech students sit one-meter away from their fellow classmates to follow safety protocols. Photo by Denisse Brillante

Keeping the FLAMES Visible and Burning in 'Operation: Bakunahan' Neil Mark L. Galvez

Between initiative and leadership, UPang students, the City Health Office, Dagupan-LGU, and the Department of Health (DOH) collaborated for Operation: Bakunahan on November 30, 2021, and January 28, 2022. In celebration of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Days, PHINMA-UPang held an off-site vaccination event called 'Operation: Bakunahan' led by the College of Health and Sciences (CHS) in partnership with the City Health Office, Dagupan-LGU, DOH, CSDL, and RSOs such as CASSC and CHSSC.

'Operation: Bakunahan' encourages and extends their way in helping eligible individuals—especially UPang students—who are not yet vaccinated. Aside from the massive vaccination drive that aims to increase the vaccine coverage concerning the health and safety measures of the patients, the event also highlighted the student leaders' initiative and the clinical exposures of nursing students who took part under the supervision of their respective instructors. According to Professor Rebenson Sison, one of the volunteers who guided the BSN students, the clinical exposure of nursing students during this event will cover the... Keeping the FLAMES... | p7

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EDITORIAL

-Steve Biko, Anti-Apartheid activist

The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 is the declared policy of the State to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth. In furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake various programs and projects aimed at improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting responsible and free journalism. Press freedom is exercised early in our schools, especially the universities. It is evident what just happened for the last 5 years and from what people feared to happen after the issuance of this editorial - the repetition of a traumatic history. Years ago, when a certain leader was criticized for the compliance of exercising press freedom, there are only two things that happened; filing for libel, cyber libel or slander, or the creation of a fact-controlled media network company. As also provided in the Bill of Rights Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. Yes, what’s happening is wrong, but resiliency still rules this country. Just like how the freedom of the press is practiced on the campus, the resiliency is also experienced in our respective schools and universities. Since the pandemic, the student publication around Pangasinan became inactive due to the lack of dedication of the students, and the motherly support of the school. How will we defend our press freedom to a dictatorial and populist government, if we are to be resilient to our campus press freedom? With the transcript of Chancellor Clement Camposano’s presentation that was delivered last Monday, February 22, 2021, on Day 1 of 'The 3rd National Conference on Democracy and Disinformation' with the theme: New Normal, New Media: Emerging Challenges of Disinformation in the Philippines, "To keep democracy from breathing its last, we need to keep our campuses alive. Alive with ideas, with disputations, with political dreams of all sorts." It is the job of the student journalists to recognize through the instrument of print and digital tabloids to be the ground-representation of the students by any means necessary. The students must be well aware of the existence of their newspaper not as a recognition of an extracurricular activity of a university, but as their instrument when there is a need for a call - call for suggestions, uncertainties, unrecognized projects of the campus or the student leaders, everything for the betterment of the academic environment.

In Igniting the Flame of Press Freedom Weakened by Propagandic Neglect "Mahirap na tungkulin ang pagiging Presidente; hindi lang ito basta basta. Sa susunod na magiging Presidente, huwag mong kalilimutan ang iyong mamamayan lalong-lalo na ang mga nakasabit sa laylayan. Pinagkatiwalaan ka ng nakararami at

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Illustrated by Jasmine Bernadette Ravarra Bembo However, the use of social media can sometimes be abusive. Everything can be written and posted, without the validation of the facts and evidence presented. Over the past months, the publication itself faced battles with regards to holding the statements of all the articles written, proofread, and reviewed during the months of preparing the digital tabloid to be readable not only for the students of PHINMA - UPang but also for those students whose flames can be ignited by the publication. The digital and print media hold the same principles that facts should be valid and reviewed, and their evidence is not just a story to tell. Despite people telling how the media should work, it is not only about the principles of journalism a journalist upholds. The representation of one's character will always be alongside what is thought by the book and by their morals. Silencing the media will never happen. Just like what happened during the 80s, it will never shut.

Anthea Reformado Neil Mark L. Galvez Writers

Karrie Anne C. Langit Managing Editor

Kisly Moira R. Pera Literary Editor

Campus journalism can help galvanize opposition within the academic community and keep the campuses free from external interference. Let the local papers from your schools and communities start the intellectual controversy for a climactic debate and intellectual contestation, to keep alive the restless spirit that makes universities what they are. This publication needs more campus journalists who are not only good at reporting what they think is going on but also the ones who will be generous with their opinion and who will not be hiding in their closets when it's time to be louder. For the students of this beloved university, now is not the time to stop reading papers. When the subject of criticism chooses to dismantle the very purpose of the piece, discredit the media, and ask the public for sympathy, think twice, observe, and read more.

Hannah Angeli F. Mendoza Feature Editor

Micah Theresa C. Pidlaoan Associate Editor

Roxan C. Resuello News Editor

sana panindigan mo ang iyong plataporma. Nagtitiwala akong kayangkaya mong iangat ang bansang ito na nalugmok sa kahirapan." - John Aldrin Balazon, CELA "I would tell whoever ends up winning and taking the seat of President to at least try and be there for the

people, in more ways than one. You can only learn much about people from statistics; so that's why you're gonna have to go out there and really understand the people YOU chose to govern. Great leader does not simply lead their subjects, they live with their subjects, and they understand."

PUBLICATION OBJECTIVE To empower the university dissemination of information with high-quality paractice of campus journalism through learning-by-doing under the principle of ethical press release.

Denisse P. Brillante Photojournalist/ Layout Artist Jasmine Bernadette R. Bembo Graphic Artist Dr. Elmer D. Noriega Technical Adviser

"To the next President of the Philippines, I hope and pray that you will make a difference and bring something new in this country. Godbless you and the Philippines" - Aira Mae Pobre, CHS

- Joshua Biagtan, CELA

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VIEWS

Trixie Ann C. Bautista Editor-in-Chief

Christian R. Hulipas Sports Editor

Ano ang gusto mong sabihin para sa susunod na presidente ng Pilipinas?

CLIMATE CRISIS: Malabo na ang Salitang Tahanan

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CO2 gaya ng pagkakaroon ng dagdag na pitong a maingay na sulok ng katotohanan, milyong sasakyan sa mga kalsada. Ang pag-aamukhang hindi na rin bago sa atin noong pumulis ng mga unwanted email ay ang pinakamatok ang balita na may ilang mga Siyentista sa daling paraan upang mabawasan ang carbon Los Angeles mula sa National Aeronautics and footprint sa computer o smartphone na isa sa Space Administration (NASA) ang naglungsad mga nag-aambag ng greenhouse gas emissions. ng nakaaalarmang protesta laban sa mga bangTunay ngang ang pagbabago ay nagsisimuko at malalaking kumpanya na nagpopondo ng la loob ng ating tahanan. Ngunit kaya ba natin fossil fuels dahil sa lumalalang kaso ng global itong panindigan at ipagpatuloy sa mas malakwarming at climate change sa mundo. Ayon sa ing tahanan lalo na kung ang pinag-uusapan na report ng The Times, ipinahayag ni Peter Kalnatin ay ang mundo mismo? Ngayon natin maimus—isa sa mga Siyentista ng NASA climate at Malaking porsyento ng pangako, ngunit isip ang laging bukang-bibig ng mga magulang aktibista na nag-protesta sa tapat ng JPMorgan maliit lamang na bahagi ang nabibigyan ng natin na maging wais at lagi tayong magtipid. Chase building—na ang kanilang aktibismo ay aksyon—na minsan ay kulang pa. Hindi natin kailangan ng sobra dahil anumang nagmumula sa isang pakiramdam ng desperasobra ay labis na makasasama sa atin. syon na makahanap ng isang bagay na aktwal Ilan sa mga klasikong paraan upang makana may epekto upang baguhin ang isang sitwasyon sa isang kapansin-pansing antas. Ayon kay Kalmus, mayroon na lamang pag-ambag tayo sa rehabilitasyon ng mundo ay ang pagtatanim ng mga puno, tayong nalalabing tatlo hanggang limang taon para maiwasan ang drastic climate pagre-recycle ng basura, paggamit ng mga reusable materials gaya ng glass at mechange. Dahil sa nangyari, marami ang naalarma at agarang naging viral sa mga tallic straws, cups, food containers, at eco bag sa pamimili, pagtitipid sa paggamit netizens dahil bukod sa pag-aresto sa mga mapayapang nagprotesta, gumawa ito ng tubig at kuryente, o iyong labis na pagbili ng damit sa mga kilalang fast fashion ng ingay na nag-ugat ng usapin tungkol sa naturang krisis na hinaharap at haharabrands na pangunahing sanhi ng daan-daang toneladang mga damit na itinatapon pin pa ng mundo sa mga susunod pang taon. Dito nagmula ang sikat na hashtag lamang sa mga disyerto (tulad ng Atacama dessert sa Chile). Magandang benengayong “Let The Earth Breathe”. pisyo rin ang paggamit ng mga bagay na nagbibigay ng alternatibong enerhiya katulad ng mga solar panels na puwede nang ma-install sa labas o bubong ng baCLIMATE CATASTROPHE hay. Bilang ang labis na paggamit ng carbon dioxide emission ang itinuturong panSa patuloy na paglaki ng ating populasyon ay katumbas din nito ang pagliit gunahing sanhi ng climate change at global warming, maaari rin itong mabawasan ng mundo. Mayroon tayong maunlad at mabilis na makinarya, ngunit unti-unti sa pamamagitan ng paglalakad at pagbibisikleta. Sa paraaang ito ay mababawasan namang kinakalawang ang pagmamalasakit natin sa kalikasan. Ayon sa ulat ng natin ang paggamit ng sasakyan na siyang reliant sa enerhiya. Sa tulong naman ng Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) noong 2020, mayroon na laEcosia application, na libreng ma-do-download smartphone, ay puwede ka nang mang tayong limitadong panahon upang makahabol sa climate change deadline makapagtanim ng puno sa pamamagitan lamang ng paggamit nito—45 searches ay para bawasan nang kalahating porsyento ang heat-trapping emissions, sa taong katumbas ng isang puno. Ang 80% ng kanilang profit ay mapupunta sa non-profit 2030 (at sa net zero sa taong 2050), upang maiwasan ang pagbabago ng klima organization na naka-pokus sa reforestation. na parehong may mapaminsala at irreversible na epekto. Ang hangarin ng IPCC Ngunit sa aking malawak na opinyon, hindi tao ang sasagip sa mundo kundi ay mapanatiling mababa sa 1.5°C average ang global temperature. Ngunit ayon ang kalikasan mismo. Ang kailangan nating gawin bilang mamamayan at parte naman sa pinaka-bagong tala ng IPCC ngayong taon, inaasahang tataas ang mga ng sistema ay tulungan natin itong muling makabangon mula sa problemang tayo temperatura nang higit sa 3°C, na siyang mabilis na magdadala sa atin sa climate ang nag-umpisa sa pamamagitan ng pagtitipid, pagbabawas, pagpapahagi ng tucatastrophe, maliban na lamang kung ang mga patakaran at pagkilos ay agarang long at pakikiisa sa mga kilusan at organisasyon na naglalayong mabawasan ang tutuldukan. masyadong pagdepende sa mga produktong labis na paggamit ng plastik, papel, at fossil fuels. CARBON FOOTPRINT Huwag nating gawing literal ang depinisyon na sa atin lang umiikot ang mundo. Bukod sa mga makabago at klasikong paraan ay may porsyento rin sa benepisyo Hindi lamang ikaw ang may-ari ng mundo. Lahat tayo ay nakikinabang dito. Sa ang pagtanggal ng mga unwanted email. Ayon sa BBC Science Focus Magazine kapabayaan ng isa, lahat tayo ay puwedeng maapektuhan. Ngunit salungat sa mga (2020), bukod pa sa carbon dioxide emission na siyang pangunahing dahilan ng sinabi ko ang ideyang hindi natin dapat ibigay ang buong sisi sa mga ordinaryong krisis sa klima, ang pagse-send ng 65 emails ay halos katumbas ng pagmamanetao na kumukunsumo lamang sa mismong articial producers. Sa halip na tumuho ng 1km sa isang kotse. Sa isang taon, ang karaniwang tao ay nagdaragdag ng tok lamang sa mga minorya, bakit hindi natin subukang mas kilalanin ang mga 136kg ng CO2 sa kanilang carbon footprint mula sa mga email na ipinapadala at may pribilehiyong magsimula ng pagbabago tulad ng mga malalaking kumpanya natatanggap nila. Ito ay katumbas ng dagdag na 320km na pagmamaneho sa isang na namamahagi ng mataas na porsyento kung bakit tayo naitulak sa ganitong sitkotse. Sa buong mundo, ang paggamit ng email ay bumubuo ng kasing dami ng wasyon— Climate Crisis... | p4

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“The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”

OPINION OPINION

OPINION

December 20212022 - April 2022 XXXIssue Special Issue December 2021 - April | Vol. XXX| Vol. Special

urbulent skies have been an inevitable occurrence for the last couple of months in the political stratosphere of the Philippines. With only just a few weeks remaining until the National Elections, the rate of voter engagement regardless of age, sex, and religion has bolstered relatively over the weeks in every possible avenue. Leading this eventful and revolutionary scene in the Philippine elections are the educated youth, who have been the most vocal and active demographic compared to others. A truly lovely sight for J. Rizal, but not for everyone, apparently. The political involvement of the youth has been continuously on the rise since the 2020 lockdown. The access to articles from verified sources and in-depth research of the current issues have transformed the young into politically aware citizens. Usually embarking on transforming the digital spaces of social media into a column of fact-based opinions, the youth also gravitate toward challenging disinformation head-on. As of February 2022, 56% of the 65.7 million registered local voters fall under the youth bracket. This data provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was further realized when the youth treaded the rallies and protests with their progressive principles as soon as restrictions on public gatherings were eased by the government. Such activities have received positive, enlightened responses complementing how wholesome it is for them to be taking a step in the country's political discourse. However, quite a few displeased individuals seemed to look at this initiative as an ill-conceived comedic matter, claiming that politics is not a conversation the youth should dwell upon because they are still young. A Case of Superiority Complex? No one will argue otherwise how much this society, the elderly, at large, tries to silence the politically active youth who seek concrete reform. The youth being labeled with numerous insults and receiving massive backlash for speaking up for the betterment of the country is not fair, especially when the 1987 Constitution itself supports such involvement. Article II, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution states that "The State recognizes the vital role of youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs." In today's modern systems and upbringing, one might wonder why a responsible act from a patriotic group of budding individuals would receive such ridicule from people of the older generation. A case of superiority complex, perhaps? Definitely. “Anong alam mo? Bata ka pa.” Shutting down a non-traditional statement by bringing up age gaps is the most traditional way of undermining a youth's progressive nature. More often than not, elders use phrases along these lines to reiterate that someone's opinions are not valid for them because apparently, they are older, therefore, wiser. This thinking might be true in some cases but definitely not in the political context, especially when one's opinion is backed by collated shreds of evidence rooted in the country's history itself.

Roots Embedded in the Past Youth engagement in politics is not a rare phenomenon in the Philippines. Tracing back the pearl's long history of colonial oppression and political repression, the youth have always been at the front line of the Philippines' nation rebuilding and fight for democracy--- from rising against foreign oppressors to ousting a thieving murderer and a power-greedy dictator. The youth of today's age can do the same; they have ideas, and they can make them work if the right people listen. For years, they have been trying to prove their relevance, only to be shut off merely because of the number of years they have breathed air. It is not fair that it continues to happen when there are numerous proofs that the proactive youth can be so much better than traditional conformists, especially if given the right platform. Just take that one young mayor in the capital as an example. "The Youth is the Hope of our Nation." Indeed, the youth is the hope of our nation. Therefore, it is important that their voices are heard. No one knows better what the future society needs than the people who would be living in it. As the bearers of the next generation, they are entitled to have their opinions heard, considered, and valued, especially because all decisions set for approval in the next couple of years would create significant repercussions in their future. In the heart of civic commitment and political involvement, age should never become a tool for shrugging fresh viewpoints down the curb. For the youth to succeed in their future endeavors, the older generation should stop their incessant trivialization of the youth's abilities and start harmoniously working with them. After all, you cannot just expect someone to take over a job and show efficiency when you have never provided them with proper orientation and basic training around the workplace.

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Shutting down a non-traditional statement by bringing up age gaps is the most traditional way of undermining a youth's progressive nature. More often than not, elders use phrases along these lines to reiterate that someone's opinions are not valid for them because apparently, they are older, therefore, wiser.

ery issue starts with an area of conflict: most especially on the mental aspect; it all boils down to the way one thinks on whether or not problems like these are slowly being resolved or taking a turn for the worse. Yes, men may still have greater chances at life than women have to this day, but there are just some situations that prove that that’s not always the case. Take the ongoing case of Johnny Depp against his ex-wife, Amber Heard—where to this day, a respectable man in the American film industry is still fighting for his name to be cleared for abusive events that have been inflicted on him from the latter— circumstances that a man would usually get called out for being in the wrong side. Through the lens of ordinary people like us, “toxic femininity” doesn’t get talked about as much as “toxic masculinity” does beyond physical abuse cases. In fact, it can even be found in the people around us more than ever: with things as simple as materialistic attitudes, the need for too much “flexing” in social media—things like these seem to make a woman feel better about themselves—an indication of assurance—especially in the presence of a man. But does it really make them any special? No, it does not. As a woman myself, I cannot fathom why a man should have to go through such lengths for a woman’s so-called “boost of confidence”. Some “empowerment” that is. May all women be reminded of this: You are a woman, not a historical figure full of filters to be displayed in a makeshift social media museum.

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But the more that this is so, the subjects “women empowerment” and “gender equality” have become more one-sided than you might think.

Modern Art Heist: An Artist’s Struggle in Digital Age

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rt is fascinating and it is everywhere. From a small craft of an origami boat to a digital art of a fictional character, these are arts that are created by their respective artist. Artists create a different world, from the films directed by Taika Waititi or a local artist that creates traditional art for fun, it’s the way they are free to manifest their imagination to reality and share it with others. When it comes to artists, they look at things differently, they see art everywhere, nature, human interactions, human inventions, and everything that exists and then they create artwork that is inspired by those. Paintings, sketches, doodles, there are a lot of things an artist can create. They see life and think that they need to create their version of it. At some point, artists will love their art so much and post it on the internet. It’s not bad, to share the things you love, but there are some dangers. Once your work is out in public, some threats will arise; reposting, plagiarism, and rude users to name a few. Art Theft

Are You Really Keeping Touch With The Feminist” Side?

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he world often hears about contemporary issues on women empowerment, gender equality, and the protests and movements that correspond with them. And in this modern day and age, citizens of the 21st century have grown to become quick to respond to social happenings such as these. But the more that this is so, the subjects “women empowerment” and “gender equality” have become more one-sided than you might think. We get that a lot of statistical data on published journals and reliable Internet sources have shown us measurable proof of this gender divide: whether it be surrounding labor participation, education, and most especially, gender-based violence. We’ve heard more than enough about these things, and I believe that ev-

To give you a simplified version of what art theft is: imagine yourself creating something, a poem, an invention, or a picture-perfect shot of your beloved pet. You are proud of how flawless and a masterpiece it has come out to be. And then someone stole it and claimed it as their own, wouldn’t that make you mad? Art theft happens once someone on the internet steals an artwork by saving it and reposting it on their social media and claiming it as their own. Some used others' art, traced it over, and plagiarized the whole thing. Actions like this are shunned in any art community that exists on the internet. Some artists despise the thought and won’t allow it because to the artist, their art is like their creation, they make it and they are proud of it. No one wants to take away their hard work; they are protective of their creation and reposting it should not be tolerated at all. On other hand, some artists will allow a repost if someone asks and credits them, though, putting ‘credits to the artist’ means nothing, you either credit the right person, ask them if you can post it, or don’t post it at all. Artists posting their art means that they are proud of what they have done and they want to share it with the people who enjoyed the same thing as them but this doesn’t excuse the reposting of their art to other platforms... Simply ask them if you will repost, but if they refuse, accept it and move on.

Intellectual Property Code Having a first copyright law made by the Spaniards and inspired by the Spanish law which was effective in 1880 and then Republic Act no. 8293 also known as ‘the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines’, we came a long way to having a legal law protecting intellectual properties. Intellectual Property is about a creation that is made by human intellect. Be it inventions, artistic work, design, and a brand name, it is a law that enforces protection for this creation from unauthorized users and protects the creator’s right toward their creations. People can’t use something they found online easily, it also won’t allow plagiarism of said works, nor let you slide easily for pirating a work online and selling it for a price. Intellectual Property Code allows creators, not just famous ones but all of them, to have their original work safe and avoid copyright infringement. The law discourages stealing because this creation, as some would think would be insignificant, is made to bring entertainment and image, stealing said creation is like stealing someone’s precious property. Artist vs. Non-Artist: Commission Problem Freelancing artists either start commissions if they need money or it is their work. Some artists would choose commission as their last resort to earning money and some artists would start a commission because they want to expand their portfolio. Riz Anne Joy Gallanongo, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Education Major in English starts commission once the pandemic started, “I have passion in making arts.” She said, “I started accepting commissions when many people wanted their portraits or group photos to be turned into art.” Commissioning artworks to artists can be intimidating, but if you, as a client, dared to request a commission, you will be helping the artist a lot. But there is a problem regarding it— it’s the way some clients treat them. “I have encountered many people thinking that drawing or arts don’t worth much since they only see the finished product and not the struggles, time, effort, and skills that the artist is putting into their work just so the client will be satisfied.” Ms. Gallanongo said. Art has worth. Artists put everything into creating something that will resonate with people and give a sense of awe to those who view it. They share a bit of their perspective but some non-artist would not pay attention to the toil an artist had put into making their art. ‘To see is to believe’ which we may call the behavior; a finished product seems impressive if people know the hard work an artist does but the figuratively banging of your head against the wall and staring blankly on your canvas just to imagine art that will satisfy your client's expectations seems to be not applicable to give to a client. Artists are quite passionate about their work, right? but aren’t we all? Rude behavior towards their work affects artists. If people don’t respect what they do for a living and have fun, they will lose interest and passion for making arts. I always see post or tweets about this on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram and it makes me wonder how an artist handle art theft and impolite clients. Artists work too, and if others think that they barely move or put in an effort, they are wrong. “Rude behavior towards the artist will impact their self-esteem, their work, and their behavior towards their passion,” Gallanongo said. People think that drawing is easy. I see comments that claim that drawing is easy but the painstaking process of thinking about what to draw, drawing figures that won’t show how you imagine it, and searching for the right reference for a pose that you need, it’s a process and you, as a client, must trust it. If the creator of the work continues to redo their creation to be perfection to their eyes, then you, as someone who commissions it, or you, as someone who views their posts, should give them a pat on the back (figuratively) for doing a job well done. Be a dear and praise the effort of an artist, it takes time to bring an idea to life.

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At some point, artists will love their art so much and post it on the internet. It’s not bad, to share the things you love, but there are some dangers. Once your work is out in public, some threats will arise; reposting, plagiarism, and rude users to name a few.

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Age? Fine… You can whine

“Hindi ka pa buhay nung panahon na ‘yan.” Some people do not think as much as they talk. In recent months, words such as this have been spoken at an indescribable rate as if articles fact-checked by verified sources do not exist. "Hindi ka pa buhay nung panahon na 'yan." is an old person's blatant attempt to make someone feel uncomfortable for being aware of political affairs without realizing that them, having been able to live through that specific period and failing to see the severity of the situation is far worse. Refusing to see the truth for what it truly is, harms us and our future just as much as not refusing to accept the lies they claim to be facts. Being blinded by one's prejudice is the reason why the progress this country desperately needs never comes.

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Climate Crisis... | p3 na dapat ay sila ang unang nagbibigay ng solusyon sa kabila ng bilyong-bilyong kinikita nila. Masyado talagang masakit malaman ang katotohanan na ang lahat ng ito ay umiikot sa mga kamay ng malalaking imperyalistang korpurasyon na siyang umaabuso sa ating mga natural resources gamit ang mga daliri ng maruming sistema ng kapitalismo. Malabo na rin ang kahulugan ng mundo na siyang ating tahanan. Ngunit bilang mga estudyante, tungkulin nating alamin at maibahagi ang mga nangyayari sa mundo sa abot ng ating saklaw. Karapatan nating mangialam sa mga isyung may kinalaman sa panahon at lipunan. Kung hindi tayo kikilos ngayon ay maaaring hindi na tayo makakilos kailanman. Seryosohin natin ang ating mga natutunan dahil hindi lamang ito iniiwan bilang requirements sa eskuwelahan—isinasabuhay ito. At kung hindi ka pa rin nababahala sa mga ingay na ito, siguro nga ay ikaw na ang may pagkululang.

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December 2021 - April 2022 | Vol. XXX Special Issue

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OPINION

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NEWS

December 2021 - April 2022 | Vol. XXX Special Issue

The Dangers of Negative Historical Revisionism and Historical Distortion

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he 2022 elections have come and gone. Despite his opponent's popularity, Senator Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. is poised to become the next President of the Philippines after years of ousting the Marcoses. It is hard to believe it for those who grew up in a time of democracy, but the same country that struggled for its freedom from Martial Law has become a breeding ground for a political dynasty. When the past is forgotten, the present and future become doomed to repeat. The real crime in history is not any particular act of war or folly — but the downfall of human civilization as we collectively forget what lessons were learned from those acts. This is the story of what happened to one country under a bloody dictatorship. History is the ultimate teacher and truth-teller. There is no better teacher, and there are no better examples than those created and happened in the past. The past, not just the present, defines us as a nation. What we think about the Founding Fathers of our country impacts how we shape the future. It may not be new to you that social media platforms were used and taken advantage of with political intent and influencing voters in the 2022 elections. Aspiring candidates have stepped up to the plate, ready to assume the presidency after President Rodrigo Duterte's term ends. The battle for power is immense, with many contenders thrown out of the race. One of the viable aspirants in the run-up to the Presidential election was Senator Bongbong Marcos, the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Revisiting The Horrors of Martial Law Ferdinand Marcos was democratically-appointed in 1965 and 1969. He then lengthened his regime by demanding Martial Law through Proclamation No. 1081 in 1972, which became infamous because of extortion and human rights violation. It followed a period of violent political unrest and economic problems in the country.

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When the past is forgotten, the present and future become doomed to repeat. The real crime in history is not any particular act of war or folly — but the downfall of human civilization as we collectively forget what lessons were learned from those acts.

Over the next 14 years, he presided over a harshly repressive regime where thousands of people were arrested without charges and held for long periods without trial. Many were tortured or raped to extract confessions. Many others were murdered with impunity. According to Alfred Mccoy, an American Historian, approximately 3,257 people were killed, about 35,000 were tortured, and 70,000 were arrested during the Martial Law. The devil is in the details: the arrest without charges, searches without warrants, the stripping of those arrested for clothing and personal belongings, the tortures—

December 2021 - April 2022 | Vol. XXX Special Issue

both physical and psychological—the cold-blooded murders disguised as suicides and accidents. The deprivation of civil liberties is carefully documented in historical accounts. Human rights organizations extensively record the political use of the military, police, and judiciary. The extensive looting of public resources had been exposed and officially acknowledged by government agencies. Why is it so hard for people to accept such claims when there is clear, verifiable evidence and scientific data pointing out otherwise? Marcos apologists have distorted the truth and created alternative facts to propagandize the Marcos administration. They will market the merits of the regime by proclaiming that no documents exist that prove Marcos's corruption, omitting the fact that it took almost three decades for these records to surface. It is somehow amusing that people think that the abomination during the Martial Law era was nothing more than defamation against the Marcoses. Mass media was one of the channels silenced by Marcos to control information. Newspapers had to get pre-clearance before they could publish anything and the same goes with broadcast media. The Golden Age.. of Graft and Exploitation The Marcos Period being the golden age of the Philippines is such a blatant lie that people still believe despite the evidence present. As if national coffers were a personal bank account, Marcos and his family plundered the national treasury, resulting in a $5 to $10 billion debt that would serve as the basis for the country's bankrupt economy. The distortions of history are the most harmful. When we deny that thousands were killed during martial law or that Marcoses stole billions from the national coffers, that's historical distortion. If you want to change your life and bring justice to people victimized by these politicians, will you stand up for them? When problems arise, and nobody seems willing or able to solve them, who do you look to for answers? If those in power don't listen, what do we do next? Never Forget? We live in a new dawn, but why did people forget the dark age that engulfed our ancestors? How could you ever again allow a regime that dragged the nation into such chaos? The 2022 Philippine presidential election is a crucial juncture in the country's fate. If a populist leader wins, it could lead to further political weakening and social unrest. However, if true leaders emerge who can rein in misinformation, this 2022 election could catalyze a rebirth of Philippine democracy. The "never again" message of martial law victims was not enough to rein in the Marcoses – the family that ruled for over a decade with an iron fist, human rights violations, and impunity. The country had a chance to stand up to the Marcoses, but it failed. #NeverAgain This is the world we live in. This is the threat we face, and our voices will only get louder. We will continue to fight back against those who threaten our freedoms and want to tear apart our communities and families. We will use the strength of unity and love to protect and preserve what we stand for. I want you to remember that strongmen cannot take our values and morals from us. These things can never be taken away by those who use gaslighting tactics to change our reality. We must remember that #NeverAgain is more than a hashtag. It is a reminder that Filipino lives matter. That better choice can be made. And it's the belief that together we can help continue to build the world we crave and deserve. In this world, surrounded by their bigotry, we will continue our work for justice.

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PHINMA... | p1

PHINMA-UPang offers two learning modalities, FLEX Learning and RAD Learning. The FLEX Learning Program combines two days of face-to-face classes and four days of remote coaching. On the other hand, RAD Learning is a remote-based learning setup for students who live far away and have difficulties traveling to school. Regarding classroom setting and schedule, “We will adopt the same shifting but with some changes with the number of days. The original intention is four days na nasa school and ten days na home-based. However, in the new version of our flexible learning, two days na nasa school ang bata,” Padama said.

Padama clarified that the guidelines for the resumption of limited face-to-face classes are consistent and that all employees, including teaching and non-teaching personnel, must be fully vaccinated. The same guidelines apply to students; however, as per CHED Guidelines, incoming and continuing college students under the FLEX Learning must have medical insurance such as PhilHealth. He also added that they are glad that PHINMA-UPang students are responsible enough to be vaccinated. Employees of PHINMA-UPang are 100% fully-vaccinated. As for the student population, 88% of students for the second semester are already fully-vaccinated, while 3% are partially vaccinated. “We are encouraging the remaining 3% of the population to be fully

vaccinated.”, Padama said. For students who will be taking their onthe-job training, the arrangement of OJT rests on the decision of the Dean. According to Padama, “Highly encouraged parin talaga na ma-deploy sa real work environment yung mga trainees natin to get the feel of the workplace” “But we are looking forward to our on-thejob trainees being deployed talaga,” he added. Padama expressed that PHINMA-UPang wants to take a stand where they balance students’ quality of learning and safety. The biggest question is, is PHINMA-UPang ready for the resumption of face-toface classes? “Definitely, the school is getting ready for it. We are excited to have all of you back on the campus,” Padama said.

Two New... | p1 Anchored within Resolutions 2021-03 and 2021-02, signed on July 2021, the University of Pangasinan Sexuality and Gender Alliance (UPSAGA) and University of Pangasinan Multimedia Arts Organization (UPMAO), with their own sets of goals and plans, are set to take action on the upcoming Academic Year 2022-2023. Come As You Are: Sulong Vaklash! Aiming to create an inclusively nurturing and accepting space for the LGBTQIA+ community on campus, UPSAGA plans to bolster the students' general understanding of the community by breaking misconceptions through seminars/webinars and publishing infographics and videos. All of which will be accessible to all students through the organization's official page. Discrimination is sought to decrease through these steps as misconceptions in the spectrum will substantially be terminated. More than a space for awareness, UPSAGA, will also be an avenue for the community to embody and express who they are by showcasing their creative, passionate, and innovative nature through their talents and skills. In an interview with Rodolfo De Vera Jr., author of Resolution 2021-03, the purpose of the newly-formed organization is "to reduce discrimination against LGBTQ+ students, promoting their well-being not just as students but also who they are, and fostering a safe and affirming school environments." When asked whether heterosexual and questioning allies are also welcome to be a member of the org, De Vera Jr. reiterated that everyone within the spectrum is welcome. "Yes, they are allowed to join since heterosexuals and questioning are still a part of the gender spectrum. This is one of the goals of the organization, to educate about their SOGIE, and should share the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance no matter who you are." The organization considers opening the screenings to call for more tertiary students as Senior High School students take the most number out of the 17 registration entries they received. A Multimedia Powerhouse Established to strengthen the students' multimedia skills, promote fact-checking, and disrupt the cycle of misinformation, UPMAO is to function by taking into account the matters that involve multimedia advertisement and information dissemination made by other organizations on the campus. The organization calls to house tertiary students with exemplary skills in multimedia arts. As per the Resolution 2021-02, its establishment "aims to have an organization that will enhance the student's capabilities and talents in . . . fields of multimedia arts." In a joint interview with the resolution's Author, Marivelle Manuel, and Co-Author, Daenica Lorraine Sebastian, they state that the programs relating to the enhancement and development of student's multimedia skills will be decided by the governing bodies of the org itself. ". . .This is an internal program which the Chief Multimedia Officer and his/her officers will work upon. The freedom and authority to create specific programs and styles of developing their capabilities are given to the future officers of the organization as they sail along the journey on this sea of ever-changing environment and set up." Furthermore, UPMAO will be the "main university multimedia conglomerate at the tertiary level." With this, the org may be seen extending a hand to other organizations in aspects relating to the field of multimedia arts. In terms of its fact-checking duties, the organization will collaborate with the University's only Student Publication, The Students' Herald. The authors note "cooperation and awareness" as keys to making the work run successfully. According to Manuel and Sebastian, the importance of a fact-checking organization on the campus is rooted in our country's general media situation. "Socially and generally speaking, as the Philippines were recognized as one of the top country of internet user, the news that comes out of this outlet should be of great concern." "We have witnessed several misinformation and fake news inside our campus itself. Without an organization that independently looks after the facts published by various organizations inside the campus, exaggerations, misinformation, fake news etc. may be prevalent which may lead to the destruction of not just a student's image but an organization's credibility as a whole. It is important to realize this fact by now specially the usage of internet is a necessity for the current learning and organizational operations' set up." they added. UPMAO is structured with 7-base core functioning jobs. Although the first assembly has already been held in February, the organization is yet to have an election. The authors say that positions will be decided either by an election in the upcoming A.Y or appointment by the next SSC admin.

Keeping the FLAMES... | p1 experiences that they would encounter in their future hospital affiliations. "Nursing students' experiences of their clinical practices provide a greater insight to develop effective clinical strategies, and it also prepares them in their future careers. As we all know that due to the pandemic, we are all affected by the virus. Medical courses are very affected because they're not able to have their affiliations in hospitals. To be exposed in a clinical setting helps them to learn and [be] knowledgeable about the procedures and hospital setups," he said. He also added that their participation would be supplemental to the nursing students, especially since they don't have enough clinical exposure and duties yet. "Due to [the] pandemic, they are not yet able to have their hospital affiliations, but we utilized this event to be part of their RLE (Related Learning Experience) duty," he expressed with positivity and high hopes. BSN students view this event as something that can ease their deprivation, especially those in their crucial year. Jamela Mae Zabala, a 4th-year

7 BSN student, shared the same sentiments. According to her, most BSN students were grateful now that they were given a chance to volunteer and experience what it is like to be on duty. BSN students and other important volunteers are assigned to perform the vaccinations with their instructors' supervision. Aside from that, some BSN students assisted patients from different stations (for screening, vaccination, monitoring, and discharging) and gave free snacks (in partnership with CSDL, CASSC, CHSSC, and other UPang staff). She added, "It was really fulfilling to help and assist [the patients]. And 'yung feeling na they keep on saying "Thank you" dahil nagkaroon ng Operation: Bakunahan sa school and how accommodating we are to them." Zabala also encourages and uplifts other students, who can be involved in these kinds of events, that they should convince those individuals who do not want to be vaccinated to help and minimize the spread of the virus. UPang will continue to offer Moderna, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), AstraZeneca, Sputnik V (Gamaleya), CoronaVac (Sinovac), Booster, and BioNTech, Pfizer for those who have at least three months in their second dose.

VACCINATION DRIVE - BS Nursing student-volunteer injects Sinovac vaccine to patient. Photo by Denisse Brillante

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December 2021 - April 2022 | Vol. XXX Special Issue

By the power vested in the council:Student-to-student FinancialAssistance Program “Leadership requires integrating support and concern for people with consideration of the environment and potential tasks.” - David Purchase, Chief Officer: Principles and Practice (2014. Third Edition)

Roxan D. Resuello

In a world where everyone seems too busy going about their own lives, either trying to make little progress for themselves or creating a path towards their successes, it is quite easy to assume that most people do not have the extra free time to embark on something that goes way past the borders of their chosen career of focus.

Runs Past the Filipino Veins The Philippines, however, as per the global pandemic special report of CAF World Giving Index 2021, proved that it is possible to juggle personal and social duties, as the country ranked 28th out of 114 countries for the most time given for volunteer work. Embedded in who we are as Filipinos are the natural sense of extending a helping hand to those who need it most. Although times have changed drastically, and we do not find it in ourselves to carry a "Bahay Kubo" from one place to another anymore, the spirit of Bayanihan's camaraderie lives on through good acts of modern volunteerism. Doing Good to Rid the Bad; Ridding the Bad to Feel the Good Third-year, Accountancy student Queenie Josh Leocadio frees some of her time to give service to the student body together with UPANG Peers Facilitators Circle (PFC). An organization that functions by addressing the students' mental health issues through webinars and providing an open line of communication to anyone who needs it. She says that her choice to volunteer as a mental health advocate was rooted in her struggles. "Maybe it was my calling to help other people not experience the same struggle as mine," Leocadio said. Usually, you don't get a prize or a medal for standing up to volunteer. However, what you get to have is the chance to grow through the process and enjoy a lifelong fulfillment of being able to help. In Leocadio's case, her good karma came when she

"[I] was able to become more aware of myself, identify my strengths and weaknesses, be aware of other people's emotions, how to respond to a person who is going through something, and be more disciplined in every action I take and words that I spit out of my mouth." With her responsibilities as a student and an advocate for mental health, she always tries to be kinder and more sensitive in understanding other people around her. She reiterates that being a Peer requires a lot of professionalism, understanding, and patience. It goes without saying that dedicating time for volunteer work, especially in difficult times such as what we are in at the moment, is something that takes a lot of selflessness and commitment. The act of volunteering is a broad nature of allocating a portion of your 24/7 into something that piques your interests and inner good Samaritan. It is not one size, fits all as it can be done in various ways for different reasons, depending on each person. There are people like Queenie who would go out of their way to become a part of an organization to confront a problem and advance an awareness to trigger change. Some people, however, would rather take little steps on their own to try and contribute to something bigger than themselves. A Bag of Blood = A Bag of Hope For Carl Jevsen Macaraeg, a second-year Medical Laboratory Science student, donating blood is something not out of the ordinary for him.

The 21-year-old Red Cross Volunteer regularly donates blood for the Philippine Red Cross every 3-4 months and to others who need it as well. His active participation in social works such as blood donation is rooted in a sensible cause. "The reason is simple, to save lives." Macaraeg expressed. It might be just a pint of blood, but he says he "always thinks of it as giving life to other people." He relates participating in social work as simply helping the most deprived and vulnerable people in the community. "It creates an effect that inspires other people to give a hand and participate.", he says. Volunteerism knows no bounds. Albeit more associated with doing community work under health, rescue services, and environmental conservation than others, volunteerism also reaches through the doors of politics, with most relevance this year due to the nearing National Elections. For the Nation: Political Participation In recent months, a huge number of people, mostly the youth, have been partaking in relevant rounds of political campaigns as they voice out their sentiments and support for their Presidential bets. Volunteerism has been essentially rampant, especially in campaign activities, including rallies and unity walks where flocks of Flames have been actively participating by performing on-stage, showcasing artistic abilities through mural paintings, and diligently volunteering to go on house-to-house visits to communicate platforms and create a more

educated voting population. The Future can Still be Bright. Flames allowing themselves to be devoted to something out of the confines of their bachelor courses is an outstandingly incredible read to ponder on. More so with the fact that they still have the time to focus on their academic lives and excel in them. Although times are becoming more difficult as days pass, knowing that some still heed each other's initiating nature gives some hope that there are people out there that are not as self-centered as this world makes us think. With the proper support and acknowledgment, surely, getting up together and volunteering for great advocacies would lead us to greater heights. Days may be dark at the moment, but the future can still be bright. With the right amount of fire, the torch that will light out the future may still ablaze. Photos from Sir Jairus Sibayan

On the 6th of this year’s April, the Supreme Student Council of PHINMA - University of Pangasinan granted financial assistance to academically competent tertiary working students from low to middle socioeconomic backgrounds presenting the SSC FAP batch 1. Justine Paul M. Ballesteros, Juliet D. Banayat, Jemalyn A. Bosante, Justine Reggie M. Mejia, and Jacqueline Mae Cuerdo Salud are all from the College of Social Sciences, while Josiephine D.Reyes is from the College of Management and Accountancy.

uncovered, the student will be automatically disqualified.

During the most difficult times of financial need, the student leaders of the PHINMA - University of Pangasinan Supreme Student Council passed Resolution No. 2021-05, providing financial assistance to working students who are genuine members of the university, allowing them to become competitive and successful professionals in the future.

The incoming President Lhae Quiles was the primary author of the resolution, elaborating the details about the resolution. “SSC Financial Assistance Program is the program for academically competent tertiary working students from low to middle socioeconomic backgrounds. It all started with Wesley Halili, our former president. He gave us, the CAS representatives, the duty of developing a resolution to assist our fellow students financially.

SSCFAP seeks to assist academically capable working tertiary students from low to middle socioeconomic origins. It also seeks to provide financial help to academically qualified tertiary students in order for them to complete and achieve a high-quality education, including the creation of this resolution to assist with their financial needs a total of two thousand five hundred pesos (Php. 2,500). This academic year, there are twenty-five (25) spaces available in the first semester and twenty-five (25) slots available in the second semester. If a fraudulent document or documents are

All applicants must meet the following criteria; a. Latest Certificate of Indigency b. Certificate of Matriculation (COM) c. A copy of your grades showing ratings no less than 2.5 as final grade. d. Application Form e. Proof of Billing • Recent electric bill f. Proof of Employment • For Privately Employed: latest payslip Except for recipients of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), MUNICIPAL/LGU Scholarship, CHED Scholarship, and DOST Scholarship, recipients who are eligible to obtain academic scholarships or other kinds of educational benefits or privileges from other external scholarship programs will continue to receive financial help from the Supreme Student Council.

The hardest part is deciding "who," but the most crucial factor is "why." Great things, in my opinion, always begin with "why." After much deliberation and consideration, we have decided to award financial assistance to academically competent tertiary working students since we know that many businesses have closed, many individuals have lost their jobs, and these events have impacted their financial ability to continue their education.” The movement for the establishment of this resolution started on March 8, 202, with the help of one student to another. “We considered ‘yung nangyayari ngayon. Pandemic. We believe na bukod sa academic challenges some or many of our students nag-struggle na rin financially. That's why we chose them.” Quiles added. In reviewing the resolution and its number of beneficiaries, the goal of 25 students were not met this semester, which is why Quiloes is also hopeful for more students to grab this wonderful opportunity despite this trying times, “We, the students, would like to encourage our fellow students as well to apply because this FAP could be a great help in their education. This is made for them. It might not be much, the slots might not be a lot, but in our little ways, we can be part of changing the lives of few. We can't provide the answer but we can be part of the solution.” As to the interview with Quiles, the outgoing president of the council Wesley Halili also shares his statement on how the SSC FAP was originally established. “I told our SSC CAS Representatives to create a resolution in regards sa Financial

By Trixie Ann C. Bautista

Assistance hindi dahil naisip lang o nagkataon lang. Kailangan ng mga kapwa natin mag-aaral ng tulong financially. Lagi tayong nakaagapay sa bawat isa emotionally, physically/virtually, mentally pero parang hindi parin sapat sa iba lalo na't maraming nawalan ng trabaho ang kanilang mga magulang, maraming nawalan ng hanapbuhay at pagkakakitaan. Kaugnay nito, marami ring mga kapwa natin UPang students na breadwinner o ‘di kaya ay sila ang gumagawa ng paraan para makapag-aral sila.Dito nabuo ang plano, dito nag-umpisa ang SSC FAP, wala mang nag-request nito mula sa community pero napag-isipan naming ito ang pangangailangan ng ilan o marami sa atin. Sa simpleng tulong na maipapaabot natin sa kanila ay malaki ang maitutulong upang makamit nila ang kanilang mga pangarap. To tell you honestly, CAS Reps did a great job patungkol sa paggawa ng buong resolusyon na ito na sinangayon ko at ng buong kataas-taasang konseho ng mga mag-aaral.” The publication was granted 3 interviews from the following beneficiaries—Juliet Banayat, Josiephine Reyes, and Jacqueline Salud. The three of them shared a similar discovery of this opportunity via Facebook. It may not be enough to fully-cover their expenses, but they are still grateful in appreciating the efforts exerted by the council in delegating funds to extend help for the tertiary working students. A resident of Cabanbanan Manaoag, Pangasinan, Banayat is an assistant in a Facebook online shop named First Choice. “To be honest po mas naging okay nung nakuha po ako as beneficiaries ng SSC FAP, mas naging magaan po yung expenses dahil kaagad agad po nilang nai-less sa tuition fee ko yung allowance na ibibigay po nila, so nakatulong po yun nung finals namin. As of now po, since hindi pa ulit nag-sstart ang A.Y medyo okay naman po and kapag mag-sstart na po yung klase we'll do our best po para mas maging okay yung expenses ko as criminology student.” Banayat stated in expressing her experience as a beneficiary of the FAP. Reyes, the resident of Brgy. Malued, Dagupan City, is an incoming fourth year BS Tourism Management, works as a saleslady of a frozen food dealer around town. “I was hesitant at first kasi po naisip ko maraming working students sa UPang na sa tingin ko mas deserving naman. Pero after ko makausap friends ko, nakapag-decide po akong sumubok.”, as she stated. Incoming 2nd year student this semester, taking Bachelor of Secondary Education, Salud resides in Brgy. Bonuan Gueset and works as a Service Crew in a fastfood chain. Through the means of social media, she expressed in an interview her discovery of the program. “Nakapag-apply po ako sa SSC FAP through their FB page, nag scroll po kasi ako sa newsfeed, tapos po nag appear po yung post nila, kaya chineck ko po agad yung post nila sa FB page, ayon po nag-try po ako.” For the incoming school year 2022-2023, here’s an additional opportunity to be added in your cart. Financial assistance in aiding educational needs may still be limited and not enough, but take this as a hope that things can be easier, with the resolution written with integrity, and established with the goal of reaching out to the students who are in desperate need.

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FEATURE

By Hannah Angeli Mendoza, Neil Mark Galvez and Karrie Ann Langit From watching the latest Disney film “Encanto”, so many expectations have been exceeded as we are able to sing and dance along to the movie’s soundtrack that truly allows us to further savor the colorful Colombian atmosphere through the lens of a staple in musical production songwriting, Lin-Manuel Miranda. And through the amazing work that he and many other talented people have put out behind the scenes, we, the general home viewers, somehow find ourselves in a therapeutic state of mind while watching the movie. So yes, let’s sit back and relax—we can talk about Bruno this time. Almost an entire family having magical powers may seem too good to be true, but like any other family, they, too, go through so many challenges and just merely try their hardest to cover up their fragile interiors. This rift is causing the Casita (The house of the Madrigal Family) to lose its magic and crumble, and it would only take Mirabel, the only Madrigal without powers, to bring out the best in each member of her family and save the Casita. This movie is well-enjoyed by a lot of people as it shares its good dose of relatability reflected in each character; but what did the students and counseling professionals of UPang think about it? We asked students from 1st to 4th year on which characters they could relate to, how similar their struggles were in comparison to their favorite character, and the advice that they could give their selected character on their most vulnerable moments. Furthermore, we also asked the school’s guidance counselor regarding their expertise on group and family dynamics.

Matthew Dela Cruz Muyano, 1-BSN Joshua Vinteres, 2-BSED-EN Carrying a responsibility requires a lot of physical and mental work. Sacrificing means having the stamina of enduring everything without complaints. And there is indeed no greater power than receiving a superhuman strength gift. Matthew Dela Cruz Muyano, 1-BSN, and Joshua Vinteres, 2-BSED-EN, shared the same sentiments with Luisa Madrigal. Aside from feeling a berserk as a tightrope walker in a three-ring circus, to them, being a lifter like Luisa equates to a tough role of being the eldest in their family. Despite Luisa standing on the middle ground and lending a helping hand in their town's burdens, Luisa never forgets her role as the tough child. She always finds herself protecting her family, especially her youngest sister Mirabel — which both Joshua and Matthew resonate the most. Even at just a young age, Matthew always feels the pressure of being the bigger person. According to him, he has to support his brother and aid him in whatever endeavors he does. Joshua also feels the same weight. He emphasized his role being the eldest and a role model of his siblings and cousins. Luisa had been conditioned to genuinely believe that she has a strong exterior, the barrier of the Madrigals — that complaints were never an option to say no to everything. And just like other people who internalize the feeling to overwork themselves in an attempt to retain their value as the primary resources, Joshua and Matthew expounded their thoughts

more through the depths of Luisa's character. When the two asked how similar their struggles are, Matthew answered: “Very, very similar. You see, La Familia Madrigal is like your any other Hispanic and Asian family. There's always this something that's given to the eldest and the one they see the most potential in. I struggle to be strong and mighty all the time; like Luisa, at the same time I struggle to be this perfect, well-mannered, and studious person my parents and grandparents see in me.” In addition, Joshua expressed his thoughts through one of his favorite Encanto's songs. And obviously, he mentioned Luisa's particular song, which he can relate to the most. According to him, “During the part of Luisa, singing Surface Pressure to voice her feelings out, she said if she could shake the crushing weight of expectations”, [Luisa expressed how it feels to have freedom even when under the surface that's crumbling]. Joshua also compared his situation to the latter, adding, “Because her family and the whole village expect her to be tough, brave, and strong — very similar to mine, there are times (as the eldest) that things are really bad, like financial crisis and family problems. And even though I'm [very] affected, I need to show to my siblings that everything's perfectly fine. As much as possible, I want them to know nothing so they won't get affected. Because I can do it, and that's how it is.” Resonating to the major exposures of donkeys, classified as the “beasts of burden”, they are only used to carry and move things for people's convenience, which make Luisa as the whole town's beast of burden. The worst part of it, she was so attached to that role. Seeing Luisa as an allegory to Matthew and Joshua, Luisa's character features a very little mental and emotional strength to handle it all as well as the fact that she never allows herself to break from what people ask her every day. In spite of having the most pressure on their tough shoulders, Joshua and Matthew demonstrate selfless advice to their selected character on their most vulnerable moments. Matthew said, “I just have one thing to say: It's okay not to be okay. Vulnerabilities do not make them weak, it makes them human. It makes them feel alive. It makes and shapes them to be the person they aspire to be and not what others perceive them to be.” Joshua adds a simple, yet striking note: “To Luisa, it's actually fine to be weak at times. Because being strong sometimes becomes a mask that covers what we truly feel — and it's unhealthy; it destroys our sanity.” Aside from Luisa as a relatable character that's a far cry from the typical Disney princesses, the two also express their adoration in recommending the movie Encanto to UPANG students. Joshua wants to tell you: “I want them all to see that life is constantly challenging everyone. And whatever happens, either good or bad, it's still part of the process of growing. The most important thing is that the decisions they make are not bound by what other people expect of them, especially their families.” Matthew also gave an assurance that: “This movie is recommendable, really, regardless of age and whatnot. As for the UPANG students, I want them to reflect on this movie. If I somewhat found myself in this movie, I'm sure they'll find themselves, too. I want them to see how we all have this growing pressure — the strive to perfection, and the need to be better and different to be acknowledged. I want them to see themselves and how these characters strive to be

themselves — much like how we should, too. I want them to see that validation does not come from others, it comes from ourselves. I want everyone that watched this movie to remember that we don't have to be the person everyone wants us to be. We just need to be ourselves, and I think that makes a person unique and content.” Isabela (3rd year Angela Tamayo, BSED English Major) Luisa (4th year, Recel Calaunan, BSED English Major) 1. Isabela (3rd year Angela Tamayo, BSED English Major) If you were considered the one that had the most responsibility to keep a good image for the family and are told to behave in a certain way growing up, then Isabela Madrigal is someone you could relate to. Outside she is considered as the families Golden Child since she is favoured by Abuela a lot on the surface on the other hand she is the family member who was told to look and be perfect for most of her entire life. To her that meant growing nothing else but pink and purple flowers and nothing else, leaving her little room to explore the potential of her gift that is vibrant, bright and colourful. To Angela Tamayo, 3rd year, BSED English Major, Isabela is a mirror image of her in the real world as she recalls: “My older relatives have always had high expectations toward me for maintaining a "perfect" image. The way I talk, act, and dress, my relatives would always have an opinion about it and they said I should look elegant at all times, especially now that I'm taking an Education course, I must look and act decent. I may be silent about it, and they may not say it directly, but I know that they wanted to. I've been like that since I was a kid, and they raised me that I should always aim for perfection in everything, considering that I'm the eldest grandchild on my mother's side, the pressure is always there.” She always had a fear of failure to the point where she looks at her older relatives accomplishments looming on her shoulders. She said: “My grandmother would always tell us, her grandkids, what to do and how to act. If you do otherwise, they would look down on you and think like you're invisible, and will only focus on relatives who obeyed them and already succeeded in life. It's also a toxic Asian culture that has been going on for the past years or even decades. This does not only apply to my case, I'm sure a lot of people like me also experience the pressure that elders give to the younger generation. When asked what she could say to Isabela during her most vulnerable moment, Angela would say something like this: “Isabela, I know you're always doing your best and even sacrificing your own happiness for the sake of perfection that your family wanted. It's okay to obey your family, but never forget to speak up for what can actually make you happy. If they truly are your family, they would appreciate you and accept you for what you want for the sake of your happiness.” From a micro to a macro perspective, as a Upang Student juggling so many responsibilities and have while being the eldest in the family she said this to anyone who would be interested in watching the movie and might be going through a similar experience: “Always remember that your existence matters. No matter how tough the The Gift...| p11

The Gift...| p10 situation is, or if you feel like you don't fit in, remember that you are important and you have your own unique gift; you may not have discovered it, but soon enough, you will. Never let anyone dictate who you are as a person because you are the only person who knows yourself wholly. 2. Luisa (4th year, Recel Calaunan, BSED English Major) If you see yourself as someone who always needs to wear a mask of strength in front of everyone to show that everything is fine while keeping your emotions locked in the closet, then Luisa Madrigal aka: the Middle child of the family could be someone you would relate to. She is basically the big and strong character in the movie whois so indestructible that she could move mountains with her bare hands. Yet outside the tough exterior lays a vulnerable little girl who just wants attention from her family even if she is treated as a slave by her own Abuela. This is the same feeling that Recel Calaunan, a 4th Year BSED Major in English has when watching the movie. Recel sees a lot of herself in Luisa in so many ways while watching the movie, to the point where it feels like she is staring at a mirror image of herself while struggling internally. While she isn’t carrying actual weights, she carries so much responsibilities by being smart, talented in singing, a great artist and a good sister, and daughter to her family. While showing the world what she is capable of based on her talents, she is hurting on the inside because she needs someone to talk to. She then continues: “Growing up as an achiever, society has always seen me as the "strong and bright" and never the weak and vulnerable one. And with how the society has always seen me, I feel pressured by the fact that if I fail, I'll disappoint everyone around me.” This could destroy a child’s self-esteem, and enforces the idea that if they ask for help, they are considered weak which isn’t true at all. The way that she explains how similar her struggles within the family are with the Madrigal family are so poignant and beautiful. In the song “All of you” Mirabel sing “The stars don’t shine they burn, and the constellations shift, I think it’s time you learn, your more than just your gift.” Which is so true and relatable for so many families especially during the pandemic.

She adds: “misunderstandings cannot be avoided. And in every "shift", I'm happy to say that we also find ways to strengthen the foundation of our casita (our family).” Luisa strikes as the person who would keep any family member at harms way and carry their burdens and let herself carry the load to keep them safe. This even extends to the towns folk within the Encanto. To her if she fails she would beat herself and call herself a looser which is so hurtful to even hear. When asked what you could say to your chosen character in their most vulnerable moment this is what she said: “I'd tell her that she doesn't always have to live up to the expectations of people around her. Whether she fails at times or she becomes weak and vulnerable, her family, and even the society, will still accept her and love her for who she is. There are these moments that we feel down because of the numerous school works we have, difficult lessons and subjects we need to pass. And sometimes these cause us to look down on ourselves and refer to ourselves as incapable, weak and not at all skilled, intelligent, nor talented. Watching the film, I'd like UPang students to also see themselves more than what they lack. I want my fellow flames to consider themselves a miracle--one who's special in their own unique ways. Proceeding with interviewing Janessa Ramiscal, the school’s guidance counselor, having confirmed that she was unfamiliar with the film, the synopsis of the film was first briefly explained before proceeding with the interview. How similar or how different were family pressures explained in the movie plot compared to the situation na minsa'y nararanasan rin ng mga Pinoy? With how similar or how different the film had depicted family dynamics compared to Filipino culture, the concept of “Family Constellation” was introduced. “For Firstborn Children, sila ‘yung may mga intensified feeling of power and superiority, high anxiety. Firstborns occupy a unique position tapos nagkakaroon sila ng feelings of dethronement kapag pinanganak yung kasunod nila—kasi nga diba ‘yung attention at first nasa kanila lang. If they have developed a self-centered style of life mag-

kakaroon siya ng hostility and resentment towards the new baby.” Ramiscal begins. ‘Yung mga second child naman ‘yung personality nila is shaped by their perception sa attitude ng firstborn. The second child may become highly competitive or easily discouraged. ‘Yung youngest children naman are the most pampered ones, they consequently run the risk of being the problem children. They are likely to have strong feelings of inferiority and have a lack of independence. They are realistically ambitious. Kapag sa mga only child naman, sila yung mga socially mature. Mero’n silang exaggerated feelings of superiority and an inflated self-concept. Mero’n din silang pampered style of life. According sa isang theory, early recollections are always consistent with peoples’ present style of life; and that their subjective account of these experiences yields clues both for their final goal and present style of life.” “Si Mirabel parang nag-susuffer siya sa isang neglected style of life—nagkaroon siya ng maladjustment. Feeling unloved and unwanted can create a neglected style of life. Nagkaroon siya ng little confidence and tended to overestimate ‘yung difficulties connected with life’s major problems. Nagkaroon siya ng feelings of inferiority kaya parang nag-compensate siya by setting a goal of personal superiority. ‘Yung mga pressures sa life, ‘yun ‘yung sine-set nating mga Filipino to strive for success.” she points out. Asking about how often Miss Ramiscal would get students with family problems in a regular workday, she explains, “Madalas na na-e-encounter ko ay mga financial problems, na isa sa mga dahilan kaya nag-wi-withdraw ‘yung mga students. Minsan din depression, sexual harassment; not so common ‘yung family pressure. Siguro ‘yung ibang students ‘di na nila gustong malaman ‘yung family pressures nila kasi they know na kaya nilang i-overcome ‘yung pressure na ‘yun by striving to become a better person. Striving for success is healthy as long as alam nila na it's for the benefit of themselves and for others. Kapag tungkol naman striving for personal gain, parang ‘yun yung compensation nila for feelings of inferiority or ‘yung mga weaknesses nila. Depende ‘yun sa situation kung bakit nila na-fe-feel na pressured sila.”

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Along the course of the interview, it was remembered that traditional Filipinos would oftentimes disown family members for their wrongdoings or unsatisfactory actions, as Abuela and the rest of the Madrigal family did towards the foreshadowing Bruno. “It's actually hard na may “patakwil portion” sa family.” Miss Ramiscal quips. “Ang kailangan nila is family counseling para ma-identify ‘yung pinagmulan ng problema. Sa family counseling, each member of the family will undergo counseling then mag-uusap-usap silang lahat on how to resolve the issues. It could be behavioral, financial, bereavement—basta issues na involved ang family. Marami kasing approach sa psychotherapy, depende ‘yun sa kung anong situation mag-fi-fit ‘yung therapy techniques. If involved ang family members, in-e-encourage ‘yung family members to undergo counseling therapy.” ‘Yung sa “takwil culture”, based from observations kasi, mas vina-value ng most Filipino conservative parents ‘yung honor and integrity nila na nakikita ng tao. That's why mas pinipili nilang itakwil ‘yung nagbibigay ng "disgrace" sa family so as to preserve ‘yung "face value" ng family.” “Enhance courage,” she goes on to advise people with inferiority complexes such as Mirabel. “lessen your feelings of inferiority; and i-e-encourage ko siya to have social interest. Everybody can accomplish everything except when faced with certain limitations. What matters is what you do with what you have. It should be more on boosting the self-esteem and courage, and also ‘yung social interest. Kasi mostly, ‘yung mga may feelings of inferiority, ‘yung energy nila is directed sa mga sarili lang nila. Remember, without feelings of inferiority, people will not strive for success . Wala namang pinanganak na perfect. Kaya ‘yung mga pressures na ‘yan, normal ‘yan, but it's up to you on how you will handle the pressures. Kasi mero’n tayong kanya-kanyang “gift” or creative power—’yung control natin sa life natin kasi at the end of the day, tayo ang mag-de-design ng life that we want to live. ‘Yun ‘yung striving force natin towards our life’s direction.

By Hannah Angeli Fernandez Mendoza Whether you may want to admit it or not, all of us have, at some point, become a slave to the sick beats, the mellow feels, and the in-betweens of this magic called music. Having one for every mood and occasion, each genre becomes a handy life companion throughout the years. But no brass, wind, percussion, or electronic instrument can ever come alive without a brilliant human mind—so virtually take my hand, or the words in my writing, at the very least—give in to the blinding lights, and let me to take you to the universe of the genius that is Max Martin. Much is being said when it comes to popular music, mostly making waves in the United States or the United Kingdom before reaching other worldly borders. But a singer alone cannot take all the credit for a song’s success, as there can be other people working behind the scenes

making a huge contribution to all the splendor. Such is the case for Max Martin, who is considered to be the greatest music producer to ever live. Born Karl Martin Sandberg on February 26th, 1971, the Swedish hitmaker has written hundreds of today’s popular songs since the start of his career in 1985. During his childhood years, a number of Swedish artists such as Abba, Ace of Base, and Roxette were taking over the international music scene, and after deciding to drop out of high school, the young Sandberg was eventually taken under the wing of record producer Denniz PoP in his label, Cheiron Records, in 1993. After 2 years of learning the ropes of the industry, Max Martin would go on to include songs by the likes of Britney Spears (with her debut song, “…Baby One More Time” being Martin’s first chart-top-

per), the Backstreet Boys (“I Want it That Way”, “As Long as You Love Me”, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back”)), Katy Perry (“Hot n’ Cold”, “I Kissed A Girl”, “Teenage Dream”), Taylor Swift (“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together), and BTS (“My Universe”, with British rock band Coldplay) in his discography. In recognition of his immense musical talent, he has won a total of 5 Grammy Awards, 9 Songwriter of the Year Awards by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2017. It can be easy for us to be able to memorize lyrics, sing at the top of our lungs, and have a good time, following the restless rhythm, but with the stories they tell, a sense of realism awakens in each of us—an element of music that only a true legend can bring to the table. Raise your

glass, as I have unfolded the tale of the Swedish Pied Piper whose hits never go out of style.

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#FreeBritney and Parental Authority: Is Tough Love a Necessity?

BR I T NE Y By Neil Mark L. Galvez

At some point in our lives, we become so overprotective when it comes to people we truly care about the most. With our human instinct, we exert dominance in the extent of our superiority complex—sure, our Filipino parents can relate twofold. Some may point out, especially in Asian and Hispanic households, that in order for us to be fully equipped with values and excellence, the majority of parents resort to ‘tough love’ as a kind of necessity—a somewhat “oneway” approach. And listening to Britney Spears' 2001 hit I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman, reading between the lines, “There is no need to protect me, It's time to learn to face up to this on my own”, who would have thought that it would hit thrice as hard, not just on our titos and titas, but to Spears herself, during the last 13 years of her life in conservatorship. While we’ll be delving into this pop star's unedited and glamorized life, two of the University’s AB Political Science students and a law professor stretched the infinity as they expressed their viewpoints regarding the ‘Free Britney movement’ and the authoritative style of parenting in Philippine mainstream. From her timeline of hits—such as ...Baby One More Time, Toxic, and Oops! I Did It Again—that gave rise to the ’90s teen-pop revolution to the early 2000s. Britney Spears is a multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning pop icon who's one of the most celebrated entertainers in pop history, with nearly a hundred million records sold worldwide. However, events in pop culture somehow went haywire when the paparazzi capitalized on a series of her life struggles and mental breakdowns. As if living as a 27year old mother of two in the year 2008—a time where mental health was really stigmatized and internalized--wasn’t tricky enough,

it would continue to progress negatively as she was involuntarily committed to rehab and psychiatric hospitals due to substance abuse and postpartum depression, eventually leading her to a state of conservatorship in February of 2008, where her father, Jamie Spears, was the main controller or conservator. Until later on the same year, Britney made an incredible career comeback and started promoting a new album (Circus), that followed by three more (Femme Fatale, Britney Jean, and the two deluxe versions of Glory), and sold out performances again—which made her a workaholic earning $100 million a year, all conforming to her conservator’s will. Many were happy and amazed to see her transition from the bare ground to the stage of Vegas. But no one seems to know her better than the Britney Army—her fans. The legal guardianship contract that controlled her finances and personal affairs made her fans skeptical, prompting them to establish a movement called #FreeBritney, which utilized social media to raise awareness of the discrepancies surrounding the conservatorship. The movement, established in 2008, staggering social media headlines in April 2019 that finally put Britney's father in suspension as her state's conservator, completely followed by the termination of the whole conservatorship on November 1, 2020. With tyrannical people preying on her blood, sweat, and tears, the Overprotected singer's career was a metaphor for a cry for help. And with authoritative upbringing that is typically associated with the very Asian line, “You aren't starving, and you have a roof over your head”, Attorney Cherish Gasmin Rufino, a political science professor elaborated on how this tough love is usually internalized in the Filipino house-

hold. The law professor explained: “It is typical for Filipino families to raise their children under an authoritative parenting style. When we say authoritative parenting style, children have little to no say from the little things in life, such as the time they should be at home to the most important decisions like the course they have to take in college or who they should date or marry. From childhood, our parents and elders strongly inculcate our values to give high regard to their opinions in every aspect of our lives and strictly follow the rules they impose on us. This stems from the belief that our parents know what is best for their children. We are taught that we should always follow their advice considering their many years of living, which translates to a wealth of experiences in life. Thus, it is considered a taboo, in many cases, to defy your parents openly and to voice out your opinions—especially if your views oppose their own. Most Filipino parent’s desire for their children to be successful in life, helping them elevate their status in life and bring honor and prestige back to them. This drives a lot of Filipino parents to give heavy demands of excellence from their children without even consulting or conversing with them about what their dreams and goals are.” Atty. Rufino also explains that many Filipino parents would prefer for their children to take courses in college which will lead them to become highly paid professionals like engineers, doctors, and lawyers. To take the artistic route is highly scorned by a lot of Filipino parents because “it will not bring in enough income and prestige to the family.” Parents often believe that they will suffer from poverty once their children take this route. From two 3rd-year AB Political Science students' point of view, Lianne Ruth Pagaduan and Danica Magpali Ormita conversed what it really means to have an authoritative parent. According to Lianne, it means that there will be a high need of responsibility on the part of the children, where there might even be a high level of expectations

from the children in the aspect of values and academics. She also stressed that open communication between parents and the child is also present in authoritative parenting. Danica elaborated that having open conservation from time to time will help their child be more comfortable around their authority, making them understand their purpose as loving parents. When the two were asked how often it happens in a typical Filipino family, Ormita believed there is no definite time to when and how it happens—that it is an instinct or a natural trait every parent has but varies on how they impose it on their children. Pagaduan firmly agreed that authoritative parenting might be a for-good style for some parents, especially in communities where strict parenting is a given social construct. All parents or guardians go through a phase where they have to exercise this authoritative parenting. She also noted: “For instance, when the child is in their teenage years, where they are curious and exploring many things, the parents will especially be strict at this point.” Scrutinizing the seemingly crucial experiences, the two students expressed distinct points on handling authoritative upbringing. To Lianne, she said: “I have to submit to my parents' rules first and evaluate afterward if my submission brought good results to the family and me. If it didn't [work], I will communicate with my parents regarding the matter.” Danica emphasized that being authoritative is their initial action, like their defense mechanism, to protect their child from anything.” The latter also added: “As for me, having a light and soft approach and conversation to start will help them understand our feelings then eventually they will know what and how they will adjust.” The two students left helpful advice for today’s children as Lianne stated: “If we are having a hard time because of an authoritative upbringing, let us communicate openly to our parents. They may have reasons for acting like that, and we may not understand it. Sometimes, the only way to realize the reason behind our parents' actions is by communicating and asking them.” Danica gave a more sisterly approach, saying: “You have to try and speak up. If you're not used to having conversations or sweet moments with your parents, maybe it's time for you to try, there's nothing wrong with trying. Don't be scared. They are your parents. Maybe you just don't see your parents trying to be close to you. It might not be possible for others, but there's no harm in trying, right? It's better than having regrets in the future where you can't talk to them anymore.” Most of us may feel restricted by unforgiving circumstances and people as we yearn for the feeling of disconnection from the toxic parental upbringings—and yet what can we do? We can, for one, learn from Britney Spears’s story that was once far from her title of “America’s Princess of Pop” and the grueling road to the redemption of her personhood; that in shedding light of such issues that bring about a person’s suffocation, we have hope that in the end, there will be a spacious morning where we can enjoy even the simplest of joys without treating it like a luxury, as well as a life that we can be able to decide for all on our own.

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LITERARY Teal Ribbons, Tears for a River by Jennica Lianne I see red, but I get chills down my spine as I keep running and catching my breath in between. How long have I been doing this? How many people have passed me by? Screw it, none of that matters anymore—what does is that the world should lose sight of me. It seems that I always have to be someone’s muse, an image of beauty, grace, and intelligence that is worth admiring. Just like the season, I may seem cold, but my charm shows through the different colors surrounding my existence, and people seem to like that a lot, whether or not they want to admit that. Figures, it’s only natural that I don’t understand the way they feel about me—I can’t even understand myself: the broken mosaic that is Autumn Gomez. …and it was those two shadows that have been chasing me all these years that left me in pieces. Twin figures that I thought had lagged way behind me, but still manage to catch up and try to grab me by the crook of my neck. “Autumn, my angel. How I wish to see you again!” One voice resounded. “Do you miss me, Autumn? I remember you telling me that I’d always be your greatest love.”, chimed the other. Who knew the undead could be so two-faced? Next thing I knew, they already had a hold on me. “Not this again, let me go…!” I struggle, squirming and screaming the entire time. I’ve honestly lost count of how many times this has happened to me, and I think half of me is already immune to this, as my screams have grown weaker and weaker with each incident such as this one. Maybe their filthy hands have rubbed off on me too much that something a 16-year-old would deem too much to handle could now be something an 18-year-old can live with. Is what’s happening a product of my choices? Maybe. Pure and innocent is just so alien to me already. I’m quite the harlot, aren’t I? I open my eyes to find that both figures had somehow vanished yet again. Slowly, I get back up and begin to walk to anywhere my feet would take me. And this time, it took me to an icecold river. “Ah, the perfect place to begin with the end in mind.” I thought. When the autumn freezes, it withers to welcome the winter. And so as I took the plunge, I assumed that I would have just faded away with time. It’s not like my circumstances would change with the seasons, right? But as I felt myself slowly enveloping in frostbite, my eyes grew wide as I heard something rather unusual. “Autumn…” The voice was different than the ones I’ve heard before, but it was also familiar to me. I’ve heard it before, but should I submerge and follow it? With all the angry and hungry voices that I usually heard, I guess it was only natural for me to be so unsure. “Hold on, and you can rest easy with me, Autumn.” Suddenly, a teal ribbon descended to where I was drowning, waiting for me to take it and be saved. But salvation is still so vague to me. Will the voice waiting on the surface finally be my safe place?

JOURNEY TO THE SUMMIT by Eileen Mendez

“A sense of wonder and fulfillment await those who enjoy the journey of life’s failures and successes. For we live a life full of peculiarity, disappointments, and satisfaction until we choose to live what we want to be and define who we want to portray to the world.” An intense yearning for success is never an easy journey. It is a process of constant learning and sound understanding to every element present around. Before reaching the top, one should start below. Before gaining something valuable, one should lose something very important. Life may sometimes seem so unfair but it is a battle and a labyrinth that we need to figure out. It is a game that we can somehow predict its result and for us to come up with a positive one, we have to hold on to our choices and embrace the process of coming out from our comfort zones including acknowledgment of our weaknesses and failures along the way. For so many instances, I have experienced circumstances where my faith was put on a test. It was a demanding effort to sustain motivation in a challenging way but the choice of being strong should be my persistent guide. When I first started the Nursing journey, I had to choose whether I would stop working and continue being a full-time student. However, I made a choice to do it both because I found myself in a situation where I have to support myself alone. The thought of no one will be there to help me in supplying my resources, daily, weekly or monthly bills, or even from buying groceries to school supplies, made me a stronger determined individual. I must admit that I have cried a lot during quizzes and examinations because I have to work first before attending my reviews or doing my home works. I often find myself asking the questions, “When will I stop working?”, “When will I feel freedom of being a full- time student?”, or “I wish there would be people who can just provide my allowance and everything just like others so I just have to study or rest if I feel exhausted.” But, there’s no one. I should understand that sometimes, life molds people on a hard way to become refined. I believe that the more hardship one experiences, the stronger he or she will become. For, success is not a cheap journey to be attained. It is priceless and someone who is patiently directed enough to take the narrow path will soon succeed. Further, we have to be comfortable with uncomfortable. Because uncomfortable circumstances teach precious lessons of life. It is a part of the process. If we experience failures and makes us uncomfortable, know that it is part of the plan. If in any part of the process makes us feel unhappy, understand that it may soon pass. What is not okay is to give up and let go of our dreams and aspirations in life. Because if you do not feel pressured, you will never learn the most valuable lessons. So yes, I have also failed quizzes or even examinations just like other students. But I am still grateful for everything because for me to know what is right, I have to deal with what is wrong and the quest of gaining lessons will be from the reminders of my failures. So, next time, I know what to do and how to do things in a right way. I have to acknowledge my weaknesses so I can turn these into strengths. This is the only way for me to be a better me. Being responsible for myself, for my needs, and in my studies are also prompts. When I started recognizing my situations, pressures, and failures, I have started gaining success and soon experienced victories both in study and work. Hence, choose to believe and put your faith on a stronger ground. A sense of wonder and fulfillment await those who enjoy the journey of life’s failures and successes. For we live a life full of peculiarity, disappointments, and satisfaction until we choose to live what we want to be and define who we want to portray to the world. It is a great motivator to think that we need to lose our fear of failure because failure is part of the plan. Without failure, one never learns to try. Sometimes, we have to fail and encounter wrong to get things right. Learning comes from failures and victories provide comfort and stagnant life. So, be strong and lowly at heart.

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AbyGVayne OS

Tumatanda na yata ako. Ewan, bawat pahayag ng kung sino, problema ng bansa—ah, basta, nababagabag ako. Ramdam kong hindi na ako ‘yong bata na sunod lang sa agos ng buhay sa paligid. Hindi na ako ‘yong batang tumatakbo salungat sa hangin na tumatama sa mukha ko. Na humahagalpak mula sa tawa, kahit pawis, madumi, at sinermonan ng magulang dahil baka kung ano ang mangyari sa akin. Tanda ko pa ang mga katagang, “halika’t punasan natin ang likod mo!” o ‘di kaya’y, “bibilangan kita, kung hindi ka pa uuwi rito, itatapon ko ang mga gamit mo sa labas!” Noon, nakakainis pakinggan, pero ngayon, parang gusto ko na bumalik na lang sa partikular na mga oras na ‘yon. Ngayon kasi, ni hindi ko alam ang patutunguhan ng buhay ko. Hindi ko mahanap kung saan ba talaga ako nababagay. Siguro itong mga problema

ko ang talagang problema ng henerasyon ko—ang bigat na pasan namin dulot ng hindi natatapos na siklo ng ideyang "ikaw ang pag-asa". Pero tumatanda na nga ba tayo? Dati, kapag sumasabat ako sa mga usapan ng mga matatanda, ang sabi nila’y ‘wag daw akong sumali dahil hindi ko nauunawaan ang mga konteksto ng pag-uusap nila. Pero bakit ngayon na nasa wastong edad na ako, hindi niyo pa rin pinapakinggan ang kahit anong hinaing at saloobin ko? Kikimkimin ko na lang ba ang lahat ng ito? Siguro rin, ang mga ito ang mitsa ng mga pinaniniwalaan ko ngayon. Na hindi masama ang tumaliwas sa nakasanayan, hindi masama ang pagpapakita ng hindi pagsang-ayon. Habang tumatanda ako, mas lalo lang nagiging malinaw sa akin na ang mundo ay punong-puno ng kapitalismo, karahasan, at inhustisya. Na tayo mismo, ay nagiging produkto nito nang walang

Andromeda to Earthly Growth

by Olis A one's spacious mind can contain a level of Andromeda Galaxy, But it seems to follow a static of wavelength connections, Those connections between ourselves from the past Can change to a sudden momentum Every earthly hour is reached— Far beyond the mortal development of our own axis; Where change is permanently developing, As we're continuously growing The soil is a vessel of species and astronomical events From the paradigms of countless paradox, Every second is a billion more reflections, That make us a special moment in every day Consuming escapism that bonds us to the moon's astral retrograde, Our actions and emotions transcend to our vibrational aura It simply tells us that never separate our souls from our feelings, Because we are a personal specimens to this planet And personal growth is indeed organic, So we must always feed our souls with growth.

ENTERTAINMENT

kamalay-malay. Pero ang mga henerasyong dumaan, alam na ito, ngunit pinili na lang manahimik dahil takot basagin ang "status quo". Sa nakikita ko, marami na ang tulad ko ngayon. Ang henerasyon ko nga raw ang pinakabukas ang kaisipan sa mga isyu. Nakikinig, nanunuri, at sumasangguni. Tumitindig—lalo na ngayon sa panahon ng disimpormasyon at pagmamanipula sa kasaysayan. Hindi na ako bata. Hindi na lang ako basta sumusunod sa agos ng panahon. Siguro ang pagsusulat ang resulta ng pagkimkim ko sa mga emosyong matagal ko nang gustong ipahayag. Hindi na ako takotsa hinaharap, dahil alam ko nandito na ako sa umpisa. Lahat ay parte ng mahabang lakbayin tungo sa pangarap. Oo nga't tumatanda na ako, kasabay magtatanda sa akin ang turo ng kasaysayan—lahat dahil at para sa hinaharap na bukas, at oo, para na rin sa bayan.

graceful violence by Calista

life is a shape shifter today an ally, tomorrow a villain if you're safe, it can take you somewhere safer yet blink once– you're trembling in fear of the uncertain i can't remember what it's like not fearing the unknown fearing i'd fail, or even start, fearing i'm missing any part doubting if from the pits i've ever grown more horribly, fearing that fear has dominated my heart what's left in my mind was a little bravery which took me time to embrace i listened to what it said, fairly carefully 'kill the fears, do it with grace.' i felt a fighter inside me rise; grace in my heart, i saw violence in my own eyes

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December 2021 - April 2022 | Vol. XXX Special Issue

"MUNI-MUNI MUNA" by Jasmine Bernadette R. Bembo

The Students' Herald

COMICS

The Students' Herald

COMICS

The Students' Herald

COMICS

PHINMA-UPang Releases 8 New Batches of Hawak-Kamay Scholars for School Year 2022-2023 By Micah Theresa C. Pidlaoan

Beginning from the 14th of January to the 13th of May, 2022, over 4000 incoming first-year students of PHINMA-University of Pangasinan have been granted the Hawak-Kamay scholarship for the school year 2022-2023. 4032 new incoming freshman grantees, all divided into 8 batches, have now been newly rewarded the Hawak-Kamay scholarship for the new school year. This has always been a notable pre-enrollment university tradition as students who are about to enter their first year in college apply and wait for their names to appear on the list of qualified beneficiaries. Once their slots have been reserved, only then can students be able to have 25, 50, or 75% of their tuition fee for that particular semester be discounted. With over 9 schools in partnership nationwide, PHINMA Education assures their learners not only quality education and experience but helping hands as well. Financial instability has been one of the major reasons for the increasing drop-out rate in schools, and so scholarships are of huge help to families, especially in a country where education is highly valued. If you are an incoming Senior High School student or College Freshman who is still on the fence to enroll in a private school, PHINMA Education has something for you. Their Hawak Kamay Scholarship offers up to 75% discount on tuition and miscellaneous fees, it is valid for the entire program duration and requires no maintaining grade. The scholarship program has changed the lives of recipients, as exhibited in the following #HKStories.

"Y our kind consideration in granting me 50% scholarship for my tuition fee has

been a very big help relative to my present condition as a solo parent who is still a student... The 50% obligation that had been freed by my scholarship is being used fr the supplies of my two-year-old daughter and for the purchase of my school supplies and requirements. I am fervently and sincerely hoping that my caring alma mater will never get tired of helping out less fortunate students like me. PHINMA UPang College Urdaneta stood strongly on my behalf and I am willing to serve my alma matter as an expression of my gratitude.

Marie Christine Rachel D. Pancho BS Criminology, PHINMA UPang

"

"Aselfs a pursuing person, I couldn't imagine mycollege when it comes

to finances. But because of my goals in life, I've tried my best. I became a working student to support my everyday allowance in school for I know that we are not financially stable. For all those hardships of mine, I can say that I am one of the luckiest students to enroll in PHINMA UPang College of Urdaneta. I am one of those students that were granted

to take a scholarship program which is the Hawak Kamay Scholarship. The 50% discount that is granted to me is a big help for me and my mom who is trying her best for me to continue college. I am a third-year student taking up a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and still a scholar of HK. I am happy and blessed for having this scholarship and will be forever grateful. Joshua L. Manipud BS Criminology, PHINMA Upang

"

Quality education doesn’t have to be unaffordable, and this is long proven by PHINMA Education, and the recipients themselves. Indeed, Making lives better through education. Submission of slot reservations is through an online application posted on the official PHINMA University of Pangasinan Facebook page every enrollment period.

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December 2021 - April 2022 | Vol. XXX Special Issue

E-Earning Through Gaming? Christian R. Hulipas Playing online games provides a fun and challenging experience. It’s a nice alternative to the daily hassles of our lives. But getting paid to play online games? That would be even better! This is a direct quote from the College of Information Technology Education, Dean Aris. According to Sir Aris, Axie, Pegaxy, and MIR4 are three of the most well-known games where players earn through gaming. As quoted by Sir Joshua De Guzman; these games use NFT or Non-Fungible Token. They are generally built using the same kind of programming as cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but that’s where the similarity ends. NFTs are not limited to digital assets like digital pets, audio, or movies that are digitally available on a computer. According to Sir John Paul

Photo from DailyGameMoments

Rodrigo, it is important to also know the use of Blockchain. He quoted that a Blockchain is a collection of data and an example of this is the NFT, which is a cryptocurrency and is managed by the uncentralized database of companies like Binance. Players of the aforementioned games earn their money through points and with these points; they will convert it to cash. They earn these points through how long they play the following games. Non-fungible tokens are cryptocurrencies that can be used to spend in real life, like actual money. There is the recent news of an Indonesian artist that only took selfies and earned thousands of dollars, just by posting them on opensea. io. OpenSea is a decentralized marketplace that allows users to buy and sell non-fungible tokens. Founded in 2017, the NFT exchange initially began as a market for CryptoKitties but has expanded beyond collectibles. It’s currently a marketplace for a wide variety of digital assets, including art, domain names, game items, and music. According to Dean Aris, he mentioned that

gaming is a marketing instrument intended to grab the attention of high school students, obviously to persuade them to enroll in UPang eventually. To achieve that, the content of the lessons should be connected to their interests, and hence, gaming is a Photo from Phinma-University of Pangasinan Facebook Page no-brainer since it will still be to earn their degree and find is very popular among kids these days. real jobs or start their business ventures. That's the real reason. He also mentioned What students are experiencing from that most kids these days are into gamNFT gaming right now could be merely ing, either via PC or mobile devices and a trend and it might be just temporary. it wasn't a long ago when people were so So the university is making the students caught up in the Pokemon Go craze, then aware of the gainful opportunities from Mobile Legends. Recently, there's PUBG NFT gaming. There is no substitute for and Wild Rift. education. But lately, the integration of The current era is when technon-fungible tokens (NFTs) in some popnology has enabled us to transcend beular games gives gamers the chance to not yond our traditional limits. Look at how only enjoy playing games but also to earn the Internet has transformed communimoney in the process. It brought gaming cation, education --- life in general. Welto a whole new level and to many kids come to the modern age, where technolwho are looking for a side hustle; it is truogy has encroached on our lives and can ly an enticing option. affect the way we do things. The best advice for students

The 31st SEA GAMES: Philippine Champions Retain Dominance Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo bring pride to Filipinos anew as they bring home gold medals from the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. Diaz, who bagged the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in ATokyo last year, ruled this year’s Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in women’s 55-kilogram event on May 20, 2022, managing a record of 92kgs in snatch and 114kgs in clean and jerk, garnering a total of 206kgs lift; 3 kilos beyond Thailand’s Samkun Tanasan who wrapped with a final record of 203kgs lift securing silver. In an interview with Olympics News, the weightlifter described her victory as “The beginning of my journey” as she looks forward to the next Olympic games in France in 2024.

Yulo on the other hand flawlessly surmounted the men’s horizontal bar event on a two-way tie with home bet Dinh Thanh Phuong with a score of 13.867 having both Olympians bring home a gold medal. The gymnast also secured a win in the vault final with a score of 14.700 surpassing Thailand’s Ikumporn Surintornta with 14.250 points and a team member Juancho Basena with 14.017 points. He exhibited an outstanding performance in the floor and ring events, and all-round. He has the most medals at the Games, so far. We can also recall that Yulo bagged a historic gold in 2019 at the World Gymnastics Championship for men’s floor exercise, he was the first male athlete to win a gold medal in the said event.

Kisly Moira Pera