The Students' Herald

July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue no. 1

Ensuring safety in every way: Amidst the enrolment inside the University of Pangasinan campus, Mr. Bernardo sternly watches and maintains the students' adherance with the safety potocols against the COVID-19 virus. Photo by Denisse Brillante

UPANG Empowers Students as CEA Effectively Made EE Licensure Standards Higher this Year Trixie Ann C. Bautista

Commitment, Excellence, and Achievement – the formula of the College of Engineering and Architecture in succeeding excellent results this school year 2021-2022.

On September 16, 2021, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the Electrical Engineering Licensure Examinations list, including the proud Flames of PHINMA-UPang (First name, Middle Initial, Last name); Engr. Jordan S. Aquino, Engr. Christa Joy A. Arias, Engr. Prince Sam B. Bautista, Engr. Jim Samson T. Briones, Engr. Noel A. Casillan, Engr. Brando N. Naoe,

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Flames are back, Reaching Ultimate Goals for A.Y. 21-22 Micah Theresa C. Pidlaoan

"For together we stand. Divided, we fall." - To begin the first semester of this school year, UPang Flames embarked on their First Week Hi on August 02, 2021.

sion Sunday.

“We Are Back” is the general theme for this semester’s First Week Hi. “We are back to achieve our dreams, ito ang It is its third time to be napiling theme dahil kahit na celebrated virtually due to the mayroong pandemic/covid, kahit outbreaking of the Covid-19 may mga problema sa buhay, Virus. The UPang Flames mahirap ang pinag dadaanan ay went back to school, and they walang makakapigil sa ating mga were all welcomed by different panagarap. Maa-achieve natin student councils led by the ito, so we are back, the Flames Supreme Student Council are back." According to Francis (SSC), who conducted various Ranelle Sta. Cruz, the chairman activities for students to join. of the event.

The activities were open for

The SSC has its one all students, available for goal purpose of the First Week First Hi, first impression: Through expressing different personalities, students of Phinma Upang participated in the First Week Hi conducted by the Student Council.

Registered Student OrganizaHi, is to activate the feeling of tion (RSO) and Inter-College the students that we are here Competition. again to continue reaching our goals, reaching our dreams to make The activities open for one and all were the E-Poster-Makit possible. Ito ‘yung magiging start para sa kanila, ito na ‘yung ing Contest, Get-to-know-me challenge, and CODM tournaumpisa ng panibagong chapter ng buhay nila/ko bilang student ng ment. For into RSO competition, we have Creative photography Phinma-Upang.” with one representative per organization and one activity for The SSC, personnel, and committees appraised and evaluated Inter-College Competition, the Lip sync battle. For the student the activities to be enjoyed by the students in showcasing their engagement activity, UPang Flames savored and showed off skills and talents online. Student organizations and people behind their fashion senses for the OOTD challenge in line with the this event were thankful for the UPang Flames to make this Firstcelebration of First Week Hi prepared by the SSC with the Week-Hi successful. enactment of weekly dress codes: Best OOTD Monday, Stripes Tuesday, Uniform Wednesday, Floral Friday and Future Profes-

UPANG... | p3

NLE 2021 Results to Challenge Every Admission and Retentions?

Roxan Resuello

“Our societal commitment is to meet the needs of our community by producing conscientious, competent, and industry-ready nurses who value integrity and professionalism.”

CAHS (College of Allied Health Sciences) Dean, Dr. Maria Teresa Fajardo, says as she relates the university's NLE (Nursing Licensure Examination) achievements to PHINMA Education's mission of "making lives better through education."

Dr. Fajardo stressed that, despite the feats of the university in both recent and more previous Nursing Boards, CAHS would remain firm in imposing the PEN mission and ensures exams not required for admission under the program.

“Everyone is welcome, as long as they are properly guided and advised.”, she adds.

However, CAHS would strictly observe current retention standards. During the 2021 Nursing Boards, PHINMA-University of Pangasinan (PHINMA-UPang) performed well with a Flames topnotch, 96.08% overall performance rating, and a place on the list of top-performing schools.

The department plans to maintain these successes by entrusting board courses to teachers with broad expertise in the field.

To further equip students with needed knowledge, CAHS’s dean says they will continue to propel their current programs, including webinars with leading medical institutions, such as the Asian Hospital, to “bridge the gap between books and bedside especially during this time of the pandemic.”

They also plan to extend through more connections to cater to students' preparedness for the boards and the industry setting.

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EDITORIAL

Political Awareness in this Time of the Pandemic

As the famous quote states, "Fake it 'till you make it," you can never fake the reality that Filipinos are unaware, misinformed, but contented with what they know about Philippine politics. In this pandemic, political awareness is a significant threat to politicians, for this could raise the democracy we should always practice.

Political awareness refers to one's sensitivity to public policy, government, politicians, or organizations.

In its simplest form, political awareness means you know what is happening around you politically.

People may have put off the idea of being politically aware and consider those who are loud to express their political biases using fallacies in a discussion or a debate. You may talk a lot about your favorite politician, and that will never make you someone aware. Hence, you are just a fanatic.

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SOCIAL MEDIA AS A MEDIUM OF PUBLIC OPINION

While experiencing the horrors of the pandemic, physical newspapers are slowly dying, and some media companies have switched to publishing online articles.

GlobalWebIndex shows that Filipino residents spent around 4 hours on social media channels. There is no way a netizen can skip a politically related post because they are everywhere!

The majority of 80% of all internet users, according to TechJury, are engaged in social media. But if social media is the medium, who sets the mode of public opinion?

• TROLLS THAT KEEP ON TROLLING

Trolls are people behind pseudonym accounts who wave the administration's flag with pride and attack the opposition leaders without revealing their real identity to the public. These trolls set the mode on where to put their grudges and often mislead the people

Illustrated by Christian Hulipas with their biased inputs.

The concept of troll is not synonymous with someone who has an opposite belief from you. Most people label each other trolls when they're opposed to the presented idea during a heated argument. To be politically aware, you must know who's knowledgeable and who's pretending to be one.

• ONE FALLACY TO ANOTHER

Fallacy, according to Oxford Languages, is faulty reasoning. The conversation given above is a fallacy after Fallacy. If we are going to resort to Fallacy at all times, then we will never reach the goal of making the Philippines the better place for every Filipino.

One example of Fallacy visible to social media is Ad Hominem or the argument against the person.

It is never healthy to debate publicly on the comment section whenever a political post appears on your Facebook newsfeed. Instead, it only promotes chaos when one attacks the other person viciously, and the main issue is out of the radar.

We are not that underprivileged, unlike before.

Internet is within reach of the majority of humankind.

It should not be a burden to practice the proper way of debating without sorting to personal attacks, topic diversion, or worse, using your religion as a shield of weak reasoning.

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HOSPITALITY TO SELECTED POLITICAL HISTORY

To know your country is to learn its history. This practice is common to Filipinos since we're learning about the history of the Philippines, especially in politics. However, we also practice our common trait into being politically aware – hospitality.

Filipinos are hospitable. You can read and hear it everywhere. The problem of applying hospitality to politics is how we easily accept unverified information about our country's political history.

We quickly say yes if numbers are present that you didn't bother to verify. We agree because someone quoted a name unknown to many. We pick our side of history depending on what kind of environment influences us.

Gather facts to have a better understanding.

There is no black vs. white situation. People of the Philippines should be in the Gray area of politics.

• TO MY FELLOW FILIPINOS

Political awareness can be our greatest weapon towards fighting our right to vote. Voting who will be the next leaders of our country is choosing who can handle even the worst situations our country could experience, re: Pandemic.

Be politically aware of knowing where to cast your votes in 2022. For our right to vote empowers democracy.

Trixie Ann C. Bautista

Micah Theresa C. Pidlaoan

Roxan C. Resuello Hannah Angeli F. Mendoza Anthea Reformado Neil Mark L. Galvez

Associate Editor

Writers

Karrie Anne C. Langit

Denisse P. Brillante

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor Christian R. Hulipas

Sports Editor Kisly Moira R. Pera

Literary Editor

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.

Photojournalist/ Layout Artist Jasmine Bernadette R. Bembo

Graphic Artist Dr. Elmer D. Noriega

Technical Adviser

NEWS

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July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

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Why is this Year's UPACSkuhan More Than Just an Exciting Event?

UPANG... | p1

A. Casillan, Engr. Brando N. Naoe, Engr. John Paul R. Sarmiento, Engr. Mark Jayson C. Narvasa, Engr. Renz John L. Quinto, Engr. JC A. Penullar, and Engr. Krisanto P. Toralba.

"We put strong emphasis on mathematical, scientific,engineering principles, and their applications in electrical engineering. This is to adequately prepare the graduates to pass the requirements of becoming licensed electrical engineers." As stated by Dr. Gisela Jasmin Siapno, the Electrical Engineering department chairman, regarding the licensure examination preparations for September 2021.

Siapno also stated that the before pandemic and up until today, the whole department focuses on emerging application areas of electrical engineering to enhance the graduates' career opportunities.

Dean John Zamora of CEA states the target rate of the department is to have at least an 80% passing rate on the board

Kisly Moira Pera

Going virtual for the second time, the UPACSkuhan 2021 gets more exciting and thrilling as they set off a more creative and engaging production this year.

Upacskuhan is an annual event conducted by the University of Pangasinan Association of Communication (UPACS). The goal is to showcase the variety of talents by the Mass Communication Students of the University.

This year, they'll be going beyond entertaining by turning into a charity event where they'll be choosing a beneficiary, as stated by the organizer, Ms. Angelia Amor Quiming.

The date of the event is yet to be announced by the organization. Still, they assured that the event only goes

"Wherever you are in the world watching, we are still going to do everything we can to give not just entertainment but help and hope, for the people watching." Quiming stated with full enthusiasm and hope.

Christmas made better: Mass Communication Students set the date for the year's virtual UPACSkuhan.

Last year's event blasted in success. UPACSkuhan went virtual for the first time with the theme: "Ang Pagkutitap ng Pag-asa Ngayong Pasko - Let's Sleigh It!" garnering a total

premiered the said event with the talented Mass Communication Students of PHINMA-UPang.

Neil Mark L. Galvez

Despite these trying times, COMM-CAST's FUN-DEMYA successfully re-aired their virtual benefit show with the theme "Hello, Self: Warm Embrace for a Weary Heart" via Facebook from October 28 to 30, 2021.

COMMCAST's FUN-DEMYA is a virtual concert led by UPang's Association of Communication Students (UPACS) in partnership with the

Warm Embrace for a Weary Heart: AB Communication Students re-aired FUN-DEMYA in hope to raise financial help for the beneficiaries. "So, as our way of giving back to the community through a virtual show, we wanted to spread hope and joy amidst the pandemic," the director added. Photo from Facebook

In an interview with the resource speaker Dr. Gladys Navarro - Dean of the College of Social Sciences (CSS), she pointed out that her realization when she entered PHINMA UPang was that there is not much attention put into research. "Students see it as an academic requirement, but what they do not see is it provides them a sort of skill," said Navarro.

She developed a tool to assist students in understanding research fast effectively, which she imparted during the webinar. Moreover, she said that this simple activity "serves as a guide to a lot of opportunities to come up with several titles."

Conducting academic-related webinars is of prime importance nowadays beDr. Gladys Navaro introduces research with the theme "New Normal: Crafting a Good Research" held on cause, in her opinion, it bridges the gap of September 6. Photo from Facebook a physical classroom. Students are too overwhelmed knowing that pieces of information are at the tip of their fingers.

"Webinars are a good venue for this because a resource speaker put lots of information in just 1 or 2 hours, which you could have wasted 5 hours, or even Anthea Reformado days searching for this information." Navarro stated.

"I'm not saying that webinars are a substitute to your learning, but webinars are supposed to complement whatever the gaps that you miss in your classroom."

College of Management and Accountancy Student

Sapera noted that the CMASC is already Council (CMASC) of PHINMA - University of Pangasinan working on virtual activities that will be of great help (UPang) conducted a webinar via Facebook on Monday, Septo students, like the CMA Research Webinar 2.0 and tember 6, with the theme "New Normal: Crafting a Good RePersonality Development and Entrepreneurship Week. search.”

The CMASC will also be conducting the CMA Pal According to Sandrea Carms Sapera, Governor of the akasan, which was a virtual success last school year.

CMASC, it is difficult for students to research with this new setThe students received their E-Certificates of attendance up, so this webinar aims to give students a better insight into reafter completing the online Evaluation form of the search. "We wanted them to feel na hindi naman nakakatakot ang CMA Research Webinar. research," she said. In preparation for the event, CMASC administered a dry run to ensure a smooth flow.

CMASC Holds a Webinar to Educate Students Effectively on Research

of 4,000 views on Facebook. With UPACS and College of Social Sciences Student Council (CSSSC), they

COMM-CAST Astoundingly Embraces Modernity Over Yearly Traditions

Master Electricians: First-time takers reached a 100-percent passing rate in RME licensure exams.

exams coming from the different colleges under CEA. "We need good teachers. Sila ang backbone ng success natin." As also stated by Zamora, in highlighting the importance of teachers in nurturing the students to be the best version of themselves.

Zamora believes that there are ways to make the best out of it, even in the online environment. One of which is having other expert teachers who can share their expertise by having webinars and other virtual materials using technological advances.

Other programs under CEA were able to hit a 100% passing rate this year, and this is what the university stands for. We are always ready at all costs.The subsequent licensure examination excites the department reigning the first batch of K-12 to take the big step in conquering the real world, having a lot of examiners to look forward to. For the latest update, Civil Engineering licensure exams will occur this November 2021.

bigger despite it being virtual.

project COMM-PASSION — a student-run foundation of AB Communication Students. Through sponsorships, the virtual benefit show aimed to raise funds for their chosen beneficiaries who are in dire need and at risk of dropping from school because of the pandemic poverty.

According to Irish Stephanie Caoile, Production Director, the initial plan was to re-air the FUN-DEMYA staged early this year.

Still, due to the online obituaries — especially during the surge of Delta, FUN-DEMYA, the COMM-BACK took place as the podcast was additionally suggested.

"So, as our way of giving back to the community through a virtual show, we wanted to spread hope and joy amidst the pandemic," the director added. The virtual show was aired for three days and split into three episodes, namely Fun (with 2.3K views), Faith (with 970+ ideas), and Family (with 1.2K views).

Following the event's success was not only for the chosen beneficiaries but the positive and rewarding feeling of the staff that was passionate behind the scenes. "Talaga namang helpful ang prod not only sa target beneficiaries, pati na rin sa viewers (sa pamamagitan lang ng panonood).” John Ren Tabor, participant, expressed.

Director Irish hoped for the next batch to continue and have more consistent financial help from the beneficiaries. "God will make a way for that to happen po." she replied with optimism. The next COMM-CAST will be expected next year, along with the possible reopening of classes and other much-awaited events and activities.

Undying compassion: AB Communication students continue to offer motivsting performances despite the pandemic. Photo from Facebook

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NEWS

July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

Flames’ Musical Prowess gets Spotlight as SSC Spearheads First Music Fest Roxan Resuello

With the theme "Music: A melody of hope and joy that fuels the heart and soul.", PHINMA-University of Pangasinan's Supreme Student Council (PHINMA-UPANGSSC) held the first music festival during the Flames OctoberFest Music Encore on October 25-30, 2021.

The event took place at the PHINMA-UPANG SSC’s Official Facebook page, where winners are chosen based on Facebook interactions, including reactions, shares, and views. Thirty-eight tal-

his musical habits. “I try to get ideas from them and apply them to make my music as well.”

Tamilag has his own Youtube channel where he showcases and uploads his cover videos. Although he is not a regular gig performer, he mentions that he sometimes gets an invitation to perform alongside a group called “POSITRIBO.”

Louie B. Coronia (Drummer), Andrey Bryice Calabines (Keys, Pad, and Effects), and Edward Clarence B. Quinto.

Ecclesia went on a rigorous 8-day prep time of brainstorming, practicing, and composing. “First, we thought of many ways on how to execute our “Arreglo” on the piece/songs we played. We rehearsed many times until we mastered each part. We prepared the recording equipment and venues where we shot our entry. We gave our best shot on the final recording.” K. Cruz says.

When asked about the inspiration behind the song “Sandalan,” K. Cruz shares it is about his emotions and experiences with music. He further explained that the message of the song echoes the power that music holds.

“It brings “liwanag at tuwa” in our hearts. Lahat tayo ay napadpad sa kawalan at masasabi kong hindi iyon ganun kadali.

May mga bagay na hindi maalis sa isipan, at sa huli, marerealize nating ang musika ay pwede nating maging sandalan.”

The band also shared tips for a powerful performance saying, “Just be yourself and of course, be sure that you are prepared, and you know what you are playing. You must be in-tuned with your bandmates and to the song that you are singing/playing.”

Winners of both categories expressed their gratitude and delight for this music-centered event. Einjel F. Tamilag, notes

ented students participated in the Song Cover Competition, and nine video entries were posted for the Online Battle of the Bands (OBOTB), respectively.

Song Cover Champ Talks Performance and Musical Upbringing

Freshman Nursing student Einjel Tamilag bags 1st place for the Song Cover Competition. Tamilag impressed the Flames community with his one-person band rendition of Ben&Ben’s “Arawaraw," gaining 15k heart reactions on Phinma-UPANG SSC Facebook page. In an interview, he says, "This is the song that I've been wanting to sing for the public," after attending the band's live performance during PHINMA-UPang’s Foundation event in 2020.

Tamilag says he spent 14 hours wrapping his performance. “It’s truly difficult for me because I’m already rushing and did everything . . . literally on the spot. I didn’t have any time for prepaMelody of Hope: PHINMA-University of Pangasinan's Supreme Student Council (PHINMA-UPANGSSC) held the first music festival during the Flames OctoberFest Music Encore on October 25-30, 2021. Photo from UPANGSSC Facebook page rations because I’ve also been busy on other activities on acads and outside our school.”

Ecclesia: Gathering of those Summoned

His video performance, where he sang and played the gui“We, the contestants of this OctoberFest Music Encore event, thank tar and keyboard simultaneously, garnered the most interactions out all of you for supporting us in this event. Without all your support, I

6-person powerhouse band, Ecclesia, rose as the OBOTB of all the entries with approximately 15k love reactions, 1k shares, doubt that this event will be a success. You encouraged us to pursue champion with a solid 6-minute performance. Covering “Umagang and 127k views to date. and give our best shot for this event to be a wonderful event for evKay Ganda,” “Liwanag sa Dilim,” and the band’s Bass Guitarist

The 18-year-old, who sings for the Music Ministry of Our eryone." and Vocalist, Keanu N. Cruz’s composition called “Sandalan,” Lady of Purification in Binmaley, carries a substantial musical back In a Facebook post, Ecclesia’s Drummer, Louie B. Coronia, their entry gained 5.8k wow reactions, 392 shares, and 66k views. ground on his plate. When he was eight, he started playing the guitar wrote “Salamat din sa UPang sa ganitong event. Music talaga ang

Other members of the band include Alfonso Louise and learned to play the piano with the mentorship of his choirmaster. stress reliver ko. Thank you po sa opportunity na makasama sa ganiLimon (Lead and Rhythm Guitarist), Marisol V. Cruz (Vocalist), He shares that listening to film and game music scores are part of tong event.”

And The Clock Struck Twelve with the Crown on Her Head—Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Wins 2nd Crown for PH Hannah Angeli F. Mendoza

October 31, 2021 - True to her namesake, Cinderella Faye Obeñita won the second crown at the Miss Intercontinental 2021, at the Sunrise Diamond Beach Resort, Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.

Pageantry has been considered a beautiful fairytale now more than ever with the victory of Cagayan de Oro's Cinderella Faye Obeñita at the Miss Intercontinental 2021 pageant. A tourism officer in her community and a cervical cancer awareness advocate, Cindy has had her work cut out for her from the beginning. She was once shrouded with doubts when she joined the Bb. Pilipinas pageant last July, as she was only a wildcard contestant, beat the odds by coming out on top and earning the coveted crown that would take her to this year's Miss Intercontinental pageant.

On the question and answer round, she was asked the same question that was asked to Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner Up Janine Tugonon on the Miss Intercontinental pageant, "As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English is important for Miss Intercontinental? Why or why not?" to which she delivered her winning answer, “As an ambassador, I don’t think that speaking a specific language is very important here in Miss Intercontinental or any pageant at all."

“As long as that woman is a woman of power and grace, commitment, and intelligence, no matter what language she speaks, then she can win any pageant or any endeavor that she is into.

Also, it's essential, I have learned here actually in Miss Intercontinental that a woman should be or should possess power of substance, and I believe I am that woman because that is the essence of a modern-day Miss Intercontinental, that we are living in a world wherein it's very hard to survive.

And as Miss Intercontinental, I would like to be that source of hope, that source of inspiration on the true power of beauty and that is felt on the kindness of our hearts and definitely on the sincerity of our loving actions."

Indeed, she did not let her countrymen down by maintaining her stance as a frontrunner in the competition.

Applying a more student-centered approach to Obeñita’s win, both the Chancellor of the Association of Political Science Students (APSS), Lianne Ruth Pagadian, and the President of the Society of English Writers and Speakers (SEWS), Mary Ruvi Tercero Nicolas, on whether or not they agree on Cindy's winning answer, and what measures should a global ambassadress make if they go to a country with English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers.

“In respect to being a global ambassadress, I do not agree with her answer. Although the English language is not really everything to being globally competitive and inclined, the ability to speak the world's language. One of the tasks the winner will acquire is to unite the people of the world. [Of] course, as I believe that linguists and some sociologists will also agree upon, the medium to attain unity among people is through language—on this page, the English language.

If the global ambassadress herself cannot communicate to the people with the language that almost everyone uses, she cannot really help in achieving the unity we are aiming to pursue. That is the reason why I do not agree with her answer." Pagadian points out.

“English does not have to be a country's primary language to connect to the people from other parts of the world. Communication has a more comprehensive scope and is even becoming broader as time passes by.

Regarding putting out advocacies being forwarded by the global ambassadress, there are other mediums of communication that can be used in communicating the advocacies through the English language can be a little challenging.

Nowadays, it is not difficult to communicate through nonverbal cues.

Pictures and signs can be used if the ambassadress can be really creative. I still presumed that English, though not a primary language for some countries of the world, is being used. So, of course, it can be as material as to forwarding advocacies.” She concluded.

Nicolas, however, shares opposite sentiments as an English Education major.

"As a President of an English-subject based organization, I serve as one of the people who promote English to

achieve global competency since English is a language that is known and spoken worldwide.

However, we live in a country that only embraces English as a Second Language. Not all of us are proficient in English Language communication. Therefore, I definitely agree with the answer of our Miss Intercontinental 2021, as not all of the countries across the globe can speak English fluently.”

“English may be known globally, but it cannot erase the fact that most of the people in a non-native English speaking country can speak this language accurately and fluently. It's evident that the number of non-native English speaking countries is larger than those native English speaking countries.

In addition, the English language is not the basis of our knowledge. We cannot measure one's intelligence and wit just by speaking in the English language. Among the above, being a global ambassadress does not mean that you only have to know how to speak one specific language. The message you express, your leadership, and the compassion you have for the people will make you a good global ambassador.”

She then expounds with an old saying, adding, "There is a proverb that says "action speaks louder than words," which is a helpful belief to all of us in proving ourselves in a small or large audience. If a global ambassador cannot speak English fluently, he/she can express her advocacy through actions.

For example, I have the advocacy of taking care of the senior citizens, I will show my community that I am respecting and taking care of the senior citizen inside or outside my community, but it does not have to be posted online to be broadcasted or such.

As long as I am putting my advocacy into actions, I can prove the worldwide community that I am doing something good, and I will continue doing it no matter what circumstances may occur."

With Cinderella Obeñita’s win, the Philippines now has its second Miss Intercontinental Crown after Karen Gallman, who won the title last 2018.

Kung maaaprubahan ang face-to-face classes, papabor ka ba dito? O pananatilihin ang Flex and Rad Learning sa ating unibersidad?

“Pabor ako sa face-to-face classes sa mga estudyanteng kailangan ng hands-on experience/learning gaya ng mga student interns (kahit anong kurso). And dapat manatili sa FLEX and RAD learning ay ang mga lower years.”

– John Ren Tabor, CSS “As a medical student, it is a burden for me to take our classes at home since we badly need various laboratory executions to hone our skills and acquire deeper understandings that highlight our professionalism in the future. Cafes, malls, and other tourist attractions are open but Philippine universities are still intact in following national guidelines, such as having online teaching for their students to at least take their courses and spe-

cialties. In my opinion, the opening of schools for face-to-face learning must be exercised immediately because the boundaries of learning are soaring high resulting in constricted treatment for the students. I believe learning is an active process. Amidst this pandemic, educational institutions, as well as students should take the risk of returning to the typical modality of education to procure effective wisdom and become a globally competitive individual that will lead to the betterment of our country.”

– Irish Tisha L. De Vera, CHS “No, it'll be risky for students to attend face-to-face classes. Since there are a lot of families who suffer financially because of the pandemic, it will be hard for them to sustain their financial needs especially if their child is attending a school far away from their place. That's why in this situation where COVID -19 cases are still rampant, it'll be safer for

VIEWS

students, as well as teachers to maintain the FLEX and RAD Learning.”

– Shane Missy Bayani, CMA “Under my contentions, I'm on neutral ground. For face-to-face, the purpose is to externally find errors to convert them into a new core lesson coming from my professors. Since the so-called FLEX learning, A.K.A. online class, for the record, it has relevant contexts, but it's a bit too far from face-to-face class the pressure, the ambiance inside the classroom, and also the external activities that are relevant to the grounds of architecture. Since the pandemic was raging, the impetus of community quarantine endeavors the compelling proclamation of face-to-face classes.

I will not throw the dice and risk my life just to engage in face-to-face, thus, a decent education will never be a substitute for good health.”

– Desiry Arboleda, CEA

“The trends on TikTok about the situation during face-to-face classes are enough reasons for me to push the idea of bringing it back. One thing we miss deeply, aside from the efficient and practical learnings, is the fun and bond created inside the four corners of our room. Indeed, we would be safe from viruses, but we cannot escape from anxiety. I would gasp for that air, no matter how awful it smelled, rather than let it pass and ran out of breath.”

– Maica Joy Eslao, CSS “Personally I believe that online learning was and is better than face to face classes. Online learning is easier and safer for everyone because of the whole Covid-19 situation, people with weak immune systems, asthma and other health problems would find online learning easier because they can stay home and stay safe knowing they have less of a chance to contract the virus. Also, going to school during this pandemic can be scary for

some people because of school protocols and people in their classes not abiding to them. School is a challenging time for everyone at the moment and I know everyone is trying their best to get through it but online is the only way everyone is going to get what they want. I believe we should learn online in Zoom meetings or live classes where the teacher is online to help people if they need it. Besides, the ratings would be higher for people attending classes if they're online rather than face to face, that's what I believe anyways”.

– Roland Jan Claridad, CHS “No, because opening face to face classes can cause many risks such as the transmission of the virus and lack of health protocols. Students may be careless during classes that can cause harm and the fast transmission of the virus.”

– Harvey Angel Andrada, CITE

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July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

Walang Hangganang Political Neutrality

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a dekolor o sa puti, sa pula o sa dilaw. Tuwing may eleksyon, lagi nalang nating hinihimay ang lahat sa dalawa. Pero marami-rami pa rin sa atin ang hindi kayang bumuo ng paninindigan at nananatili pa rin sa gitna. Akala ko rin noon, sapat nang mamagitan at tignan kung sino nga ba ang gugustuhin ng karamihan. Ngunit ang hindi pagpili ng sariling paninindigan ang siyang daan ng mga sakim upang magmalaki ng tagumpay.

Neutrality – ayon sa Merriam Webster’s dictionary, ito ang refusal to take part in a war between other powers o hindi pagpili ng papanigan sa pagitan ng labanan ng impluwensya. Hindi ko mawari kung bakit kailangang mamagitan sa dalawang kulay na magkaiba? Sa tama o sa mali? Kailangan pa bang pag-isipan ang mga bagay na kitang-kita naman na ng dalawang mga mata ang pinagkaiba?

Trending nitong mga nakaraang araw ang ating unibersidad sa paglalagay ng pink lights sa itaas ng main entrance na hinihinalang simbolo ng pagbibigay suporta sa mga adhikain ng tumatakbong presidente na si Gng. Leni Robredo. Umani ito ng 14 thousand reactions sa Facebook page ng What’s up Dagupan na siyang nagpost ng litrato sa Facebook page noong ika-19 ng Oktubre.

May mga natuwa, at meron din namang bumatikos.

Napakagulo at napakaingay kung magkakaroon ng boses ang comment section. Ngunit kung iisipin, ‘di hamak na mas mabuti na mayroong pinaniniwalaang prinsipyo ang isang tao kung kaya’t nakakapagsabi siya at nakapagbabahagi ng saloobin sa larangan ng pulitika at kung sino-sino man ang dapat na mamuno sa ating bansa sa darating na eleksyon. Sa madaling pahayagan, walang masamang isalang sa debate ang paniniwala natin.

Balikan natin ang Tug of War. Ang pagpili sa gitna ay gaya lamang ng panonood sa kaganapan ng nagtatalong panig. Ang pakialam lamang ay nananatili sa kung sino ang panalo at sino ang talo. Wala kang pinanghawakan. Walang

pinaglaban na tela ng paninindigan. Kung mayroon mang dapat ng puksain, 'yun ay ang pagtrato sa eleksyon na akala ng karamihan ay sapat na ang maging neutral – maskara sa likod ng kawalan ng sariling paniniwala.

Isa pang halimbawa ng hindi pakikilahok ay ang pagiging tagapanood sa isang talastasan. Pumapalakpak, nakikinig, ngunit wala pa ring pinaglalaban na paniniwala sa buhay. May mga pagkakataon sa buhay natin na kailangan nating makinig. Ngunit hindi ito habambuhay na pagtikom ng bibig at tamang dinig nalang sa pintig ng dibdib.

Tumayo ka riyan at pumili ng lubid na hihilain.

Hindi ito binabase lang sa lakas at bangis ng mga kaalyado.

Tungkol ito sa pagkapit mo sa iyong paniniwala na alam mong tama at hinding-hindi dapat bitawan. Gamitin ang boses at makipagtalastasan. Tantyahin mo kung hanggang saan nga ba aabot ang iyong prinsipyo. May dapat bang baguhin sa paniniwala mo, o may dapat kang ibahaging kaalaman sa mga utak na musmos pa?

Salain mo ang iyong prinsipyo at tignan mo ito sa mga nanganganditato. Ano ba ang nararapat na para sa ating bansa at sa mga kapwa nating Pilipino. Kapag nakita mo iyon, ibahagi mo kung bakit. Ganun talaga ang pagpapakita ng malasakit sa bansa. Sa panahon na hinuhulma natin ang ating karapatan na bumoto, malaya kang manaliksik at magsaad. Huwag kang matakot na ikaw ay puksain, o kaya sa Gen Z terms - #cancelled.

Ngayon mo ibahagi na isa kang Pilipinong naninindigan sa bayan. Kung para sa’yo ay hindi dapat ginawang pangkalahatan ang kulay ng unibersidad, gamitin ang boses mong malayang magbahagi ng katotohanan. Hindi mahirap mamili. Binabalot ka lamang ng takot.

Magbahagi at makiisa. Sa darating na eleksyon, iyong political neutrality dapat ang una nating kinakansela. Sa panahon na nakikita natin ang dalawang kulay na magkaiba, hubugin ang opinyon sa mga bagay na suportado ng facts at

hindi dala ng Fake News o ang makabagong pamamaraan ng black propaganda. Hindi ito palakasan lamang ng naglalabanang impluwensya. Ito ay patungkol sa’yo, sa akin, at sa buong Pilipinas.

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Salain mo ang iyong prinsipyo at tignan mo ito sa mga nanganganditato. Ano ba ang nararapat na para sa ating bansa at sa mga kapwa nagting Pilipino. Kapag nakita mo iyon, ibahagi mo kung bakit. Ganun talaga ang pagpapakita ng malasakit sa bansa. Sa panahon na hinuhulma natin ang ating karapatan na bumoto, malaya kang manaliksik at magsaad.

Huwag kang matakot na ikaw ay puksain, o kaya sa Gen Z terms - #cancelled.

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OPINION

6

July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

"Vote wisely." This word always serves as a reminder to all citizens. We know that whenever elections are near coming, all people are being tested on whom they will vote to lead their respective places. Change in society is what all people are trying to look forward to being done. All are seeking the best candidates to rule and make a difference. Still, before choosing a representative, the Filipino voters should rethink and start asking themselves, "what can be done?" before passing their choices.

Are you content with your representative in congress?

Election for local officials is easy for a person to decide who to vote for. The scope is only at a small area where you can quickly identify the running candidates. People can easily gather data and check information about the candidates. Do voters know the right and well-thought-out decision when it comes to voting? How can you make sure that your candidate deserves your vote? Let's cite some ways and guide. This will only serve as a guide to rethink if who deserves to get in the position. In the end, voters and their wise decision will choose the next leader.

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PLANS AND VISIONS We need to know the platforms of each candidate. We understand the needs and problems of our community, so it is better if we stick to someone whose platform suits what is needed and someone who is concern in our society. But keep in mind, just because they offer good plans doesn't mean it will be fulfilled. Don't be a fool. Think critically.

There are some promises, only to get the attention of people. Choose someone that you think has a broad vision to conduct and to share in society.

A Wise Vote is Next to a Big Change ication to lead a community. We should also choose a leader who has an excellent education. Without proper education, how can a politician address society's problems, and how can he carry out development in any aspect?

- PERSONALITY TRAITS I think this is the most crucial part when choosing a candidate. We need a leader in mind, heart, and deed. We need someone reliable, predictable, and trustworthy. A leader who has a pure heart and good intention to a society. A leader who can build companionship between people. We need a knowledgeable, open-minded, hard-working, responsible, and more significant in honesty-humility. A good leader comes with a good and great personality.

We can say that the responsibility of the Local Government Unit (LGU) during the

- FAMILY AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND We need to know where our candidates came from. Does he belong to a prominent or ordinary family? We need to know the backgrounds and records of his family, for it is a significant impact.

We need to know our candidates better to see what they can and see if they have the passion and ded-

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pandemic is significant and crucial. Students and school closure reflect failed management of the health crisis. Students have been kept and stay at home to study online with the new learning system and modules.

It has been criticized for its poor implementation.

The national government could not extend its efforts to fight Covid-19 if LGU's would not do their part. According to Philip Dave Magsanoc, 4th year Accounting Information System student, concerning the role of the LGU in combatting the pandemic. The local government units must have the responsibility to take extreme measures such as inspecting all business establishments and schools within its municipality or province if they are ready for F2F classes/OJT's; providing disinfections in all public areas; and providing financial assistance

We can say that the responsibility of the Local Government Unit during the pandemic is significant and crucial.

Students and school closure reflect failed management of the health crisis. Students have been kept and stay at home to study online with the new learning system and modules. It has been criticized for its poor implementation.

J

uan de la Cruz wouldn't be so tired of yearly elections if most candidates would come across as genuine and transparent towards their promises to the people. Every time the students express their concerns and opinions, all they want is to be heard by those supposed to help them, especially when they are at their most vulnerable.

Isn't the job of a student officer to look out for the best interest of the people they serve? I'm not looking for superheroes, but what we need is student leaders who have morals and compassion for the people's needs.

Dissemination of Information: Being a student does have its ups and downs.

The primary job of a student officer or student leader is to find ways to make every student experience manageable and comfortable.

For a functioning administration, there needs to be well-structured dissemination of information.

It would mainly start with college councils. The data is sent to the mayors of a section, then sent to the Registered Student Organizations or RSO, then finally relays the information to the students.

It seems pretty systematic. Unfortunately, specific issues seem to slip through the cracks.

Students had difficulty obtaining a loan to pay for school expenses, particularly enrollment, which is unfortunate because students would do anything to get a loan. Sadly, the information on applying for a loan didn't understandably reach them for both students and parents/guardians.

The power of knowledge is vital, especially during technological advancements on how we communicate with each other. In a world where limited people can move about, it would be very confusing to apply for a loan if the information they receive is misconstrued. That's a disadvantage on the part of the student, parent, or guardian and the student officers.

Even worse, if the information isn't distributed well, it could even affect an entire class. Some

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Transparency to EveryJUAN I would like Student Council officials to be more empathetic towards the people they serve while also being transparent with them about specific issues concerning a more engaging school projects, seminars, programs, etc. If there’s one thing that this pandemic has taught us all, it’s to take care of the people surrounding us.

students didn't even enroll because there was no information about how they could register.

The main point here is that most students' situations should be taken into account because their parents are working extra hard and struggling with their jobs these days. In short, they should learn how to adapt to the students' needs and give them options to choose their way of applying for loans.

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Payment System When it comes to the payment system, it appears to be pretty simple because the entire process is carried out through online channels such as Gcash, Paymaya, Landbank, and Chinabank. However, things may become complicated if you must go to school and have it verified by the finance team even though you have already paid for enrolment.

That may be acceptable to some, but ask a student who doesn't have a re-

or additional resources to all sitios and barangays.

People must focus not only on the national government but also on the LGU's if its actions or responsibilities are being taken or not. If not, people have the right to voice out and have a stand because LGU needs to address its community's problems and concerns, enforce policies, and hold influence over its communities. With the elections being near, people today must need to reconsider and focus more on its LGU's as to who they will vote for because it is for sure that the people have already seen what actions or efforts did their LGU's make amidst the pandemic - in the first place until today.

This 2022 election, do you think voting is enough? We citizens need to exercise our power to vote. We have to take our politicians to account.

Filipino voters should know their roles, and they should be smart enough to elect politicians. They should choose the best option and start electing capable politicians. Some Filipino voters stopped voting because, for them, they see no change at all.

Voters should know the importance of their votes and know that their votes can make a change. Voters should understand that their vote is their voice for choosing who will be the next leader to take place. Voters should know that voting is their right and duty as Filipino citizens. If you don't vote, it's like you made others decide for your future. Your votes matter; it can make a change.

Voting is not enough. Thus the role of the citizens in terms of the vote is the most important thing. The progress of our country is based upon the hands of our government leaders. Election day will only happen on one day, and that one day can serve as a way to change our lives. Have you already chosen whom you will give your vote to?

Or do you need more time to know them better? It is hard to decide, and we should scrutinize closely. We need to choose the right people who will lead next, to be the next leader in our country and local states and districts. Remember that a good government makes a nation better and improved.

The beginning of a change that will strengthen our economy's condition, which will help us reach our goal to become a progressed district, will start with that shade of ballot. Once again, you should think, rethink and vote wisely.

liable internet connection at home or a student who lives far away from school. To summarize, payment convenience is time-consuming.

Problems like this require student officers to take the podium, commit to the promises they made and put their words into action. This is how you become a great and effective leader who doesn't lead with their pockets but leads with a balanced mind and heart. Listen to the suggestions of your beneficiaries and make their voices be heard.

In the case of the payment system, why not design a more adequate system that eliminates the need to travel long distances for us to pay for enrolment, tuition fees, and other necessary payments? What if the school came to them and not students’ having a need in going to school to get things done? This is less hassle and more convenient for everyone.

I would like Student Council officials to be more empathetic towards the people they serve while also being transparent with them about specific issues concerning a more engaging school projects, seminars, programs, etc. If there’s one thing that this pandemic has taught us all, it’s to take care of the people surrounding us.

Think of it as a plant. Student council officers are the gardeners. They ensure that the plant grows and succeeds by providing what the plant needs.

If any of these elements are lacking, the plant will wither in the dust. If they leave it without that much care, we need to change the people who take care of us.

I have faith in the Electorate system since this is a great training ground for us to exercise our right of suffrage or the right to vote even at a University-wide level. The lessons we have learned from previous elections have made us wiser and can help us choose the right people who have the best interest. It's all up to you to make the right decision.

OPINION

7

July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

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ng pagboto ay hindi lang karapatan ngunit pribilehiyong parte ng sistemang demokrasya, nagsisilbi din itong boses ng mga tao sa lipunan dahil sa pag-pili ng ating gustong plataporma natin naipapakita kung anong kailangan ng bansa. Ang konseptong ito ay unang naipakilala sa atin sa paaralan; sa pagboto ng mga Class Officers.

Mahalaga ang kanilang papel sa Unibersidad at sa kapakanan ng mga estudyante dahil sila ang unang himpilan ng kanilang mga pangangailangan, sila rin ang nagpapalaganap ng mahahalagang impormasyon o mga anunsyo na nagmumula sa mas mataas na antas ng Student Supreme Council at ng mismong Unibersidad.

Kaya’t dapat lang na hindi basta-basta ang pagpili sakanila, importanteng makilatis kung mayroon silang katangian at potensyal na maging epektibong lider at kinatawan ng isang buong block.

Sa panahon ng pandemya kung saan lahat ng mga aktibidad sa loob at labas ng classroom ay isinasagawang birtuwal bilang bagong sistema, iba’t ibang klase ng mga alalahanin ang maidudulog ng mga estudyante. Ito'y patungkol sa mga technical matters, fees, at questions o inquiries sa mga professors o instructors sa kanilang paraan ng pagtuturo o pagbibigay ng marka. Bago tumungo ang estudyante sa adviser, una itong nagtatanong sa class mayor.

Bilang estudyante, ang pinakamainam na paraan ng pag-pepresenta ng isang klase ay ang pag kausap muna sa buong block upang maiaddress lahat ng saloobin, bago ito maiparating sa adviser ng mahinahon at may pag-galang para mailapit ang mga ito sa mga karapat dapat na himpilan sa loob ng Unibersidad. Ang class mayor ay hindi lang dapat maagap o active sa pag-aanunsyo, handa rin dapat itong mag build ng strong student-teacher relationship sakanilang adviser at mga instructors, upang magkaroon ng harmony sa bawat klase, given na hindi lang ang mga estudyante ang naninibago at nag aadjust ngunit pati na rin ang mga instructors.

Isang pag-aaral mula sa Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development na isinulat ni Robert J. Marzano ang nagsasabi na sakanilang meta-analysis ng higit sa 100 mga pag-aral (Marzano, 2003), ang high quality relationship ng estudyante at guro ay ang keystone para sa iba’t-ibang aspeto ng classroom management.

Kung kaya’t para saakin, isa sa katangian ng karapat-dapat na student leader ay ang kakayahang makipag usap sa mga instructors sa ngalan ng block. Isa lang ito sa mga katangiang dapat

gayahin ng mga naghahangad maging student leaders kasama ng pagiging maagap sa impormasyon, maasikaso, responsable, mayroong time-management, at tapat.

Ang mga katangian na ito ay personal kong naobserbahan saaking mga nagdaang Class Mayors sa loob ng apat na taon sa UPang. Napatunayan ko na hindi mo kailangang maging sobrang galing na lider para maging effective, dahil ang importante, iniisip mo ang kapakanan ng mga kapwa mo mag-aaral.

Isa pang mahalagang eleksyon sa Unibersidad ang pag elect ng CAS Governor.

Malawak ang sakop ng departamentong ito at tulad ng iba pang eleksyon sa loob ng Unibersidad. Mahalagang mamili ng karapat-dapat na Class Mayor dahil sila ang

Ang Ugat ng Ating Karapatang Bumoto kumikilala sa mga tumatakbong kandidato at namimili ng lider ng buong departamento.

Ang collective concern ng mga estudyante ang siyang magiging boses ng bawat Class Mayor sa CAS Department na maaring magresulta sa pagbabago ng sistemang nais ng nakararami. Isang halimbawa ng collective concern ay ang hindi pagbaba ng tuition fee sa kabila ng pagpapatupad online classes, o hindi pag-untag ng mga hindi kailangang miscellaneous fees na ikinababahala ng marami dahil sa maramihang pagkawala ng pinagmumulan ng kita o trabaho ng mga magulang o guardian.

Kailangan ng mga estudayante ng lider o grupo ng mga lider na iaakyat ang mga concern kagaya nito nang may intensyong isulong ito para sa kabutihan ng mga estudyante at mga stakeholders. Madali lamang banggitin sa pangangampa-

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Bilang estudyante, ang pinakamainam na paraan ng pag pepresenta ng isang klase ay ang pag kausap muna sa buong block upang maiaddress lahat ng saloobin, bago ito maiparating sa adviser ng mahinahon at may pag-galang para mailapit ang mga ito sa mga karapat dapat na himpilan sa loob ng Unibersidad.

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Tips and guidelines are mere words; the students need help to ease their pain, like having an academic break. They even offered hotlines for students to call, but that was not enough to help the exhausted students.

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cademic breaks can help prevent study fatigue and help keep students focused on their physical and mental health. These breaks allow them to refresh their minds and improve creativity and help them maintain their attention and regain motivation. For students, it can be easy to burn themselves out while studying – spending hours working on an assignment or project without respite.

One courageous 3rd-year student from CHS pointed out that the school neglects the students' physical and mental health because they are rushing the enrolment schedule wherein students are still taking their final exams and finishing their requirements.

Despite the numerous conditions and exams to be completed, some students

PHINMA UPang Students Urging the School for an Academic Break have personal problems that they could not deal with anymore. The university's way of answering this issue is by sharing tips and guidelines to stay healthy mentally and physically, but that will not help the students.

Tips and guidelines are mere words; the students need help to ease their pain, like having an academic break. They even offered hotlines for students to call, but that was not enough to help the ex-

nya ang mga pangakong mapanghikayat ngunit kaya ba talaga itong gawan ng aksyon?

Ang ating matalinong pagpili sa ating classroom officers ay repleksyon ng ating kakahayang mamili ng mga karapat-dapat na mga iniluluklok sa pwesto sa mas mataas na sangay ng politikang pampaaralan. Dahil sa parehas na paraan, isinasaalang-alang natin ang kaayusan at kabutihan ng nakararami higit pa sa ating sarili.

Paano nito nabubuhay ang karapatan ng iba?

Simple lang. Ang kakayahan ng nasa posisyon ay ‘di hamak na mas maimpluwensya, kesa sa iisang estudyante lamang.

Kung ang mga naitalaga sa posisyon ay may malinis na intensyon, pagmamalasakit sa mga kapwa estudyante, at binibigyang halaga ang edukasyon at magandang karanasan ng mga estudyante sa loob ng birtuwal na unibersidad, ang bawat karapatan ng mga estudyante ay hindi maisasantabi at ito ay ang resulta ng ating karapatang mamili.

Kasama sa karapatang ito ang reponsibilidad nating seryosohin ang iba’t-ibang klase ng eleksyon. Hindi dapat ito ginagawang play-time.

Mayroong posibilidad na ang iyong boto ang maging tie breaker sa pagitan ng isang karapat-dapat at hindi karapat-dapat. Nakasalalay dito ang long term effect na hindi na natin maiiwasan sa sandaling ang mga nahalal ay tanggalan tayo ng karapatan o kalayaang maghayag.

Hindi lamang ito maaring mangyari sa classroom o sa student council kundi sa mas malaking antas ng politika. Pag-aralan ang mga plataporma at wag isantabi ang kasaysayan ng mga tumatakbong kandidato sa loob at labas ng paaralan upang maiwasan nating mailagay ang nakararami sa posibilidad ng kapahamakan.

Hindi lang iisa ang maaring maging masamang epektong maidudulot ng pagboto sa maling opisyal, ngunit madaragdagan pa ito sa posibilidad ng pag-abuso ng kapangyarihan. Hindi na bago ang mga ganitong klase ng galawan at katiwalian sa larangan ng politika.

Marahil marami na ang hindi naniniwala sa kahalagahan ng pagboto ng tamang kandidato at hindi mga sikat. Hangga’t may henerasyong dumaraan, hindi nauubos ang pagkakataong mapalitan ang gabinete o grupo ng mga lider na makasarili’t gahaman.

Bumuboto tayo hindi para sa atin, o sa ating pamilya’t mga kabigan lamang ngunit para sa lahat ng tao sa ating paligid, kaya hangga’t tayo ay nabibigyan ng karapatang pumili, kumilatis, at bumoto, gamitin natin ito sa matalinong paraan.

hausted students.

In Saint Louis University, students trooped to their campus to call on the school administration for an "academic break."

According to Mystica Rose Angelica Bucad, president of SLU's student government, the reported suicide of at least three students triggers the candlelight protest.

Meanwhile, in Phinma UPang, the SSC president addressed this issue to

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the courageous student by scolding and bragging about his achievements, which solved nothing.

Another thing also that is very evident to this day, was the motivational quotes being posted to social media pages, which doesn't solve anything at all.

Instead of showing empathy to the students regarding this matter, what we have is the enrollment for 2nd semester, which occured on November 3, 2021.

What is the point of increasing the board rates of courses if the school cannot provide students enough rest to rejuvenate themselves to keep moving forward to success? Even successful people need a break to make sure that their progress is as smooth as it is lenient. Progressive.

DEVC

8

July 2021 - November 20

Through the Lens of a Working Student

Trixie Ann C. Bautista

"There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits."

- Michael Phelps, American Swimmer, and the most decorated olympian of all time.

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n today's time, everyone lives in a state of genuine insecurity. Young or old, adults or children, all encounter novel approaches to overcoming daily obstacles. Students that are working while studying provide a unique lens through which to view the corporate experience. It might be hard for some on a regular set-up.

However, contrary to the dull predicament, there were still people who rose from the agony of today's situation and made their lives fruitful in this time of the pandemic. Whether with friends, classes, or jobs, all working students know how complicated things can get. It is a significant concern for students who are also working while pursuing an education. Given the obstacles of working while pursuing education, the featured students of PHINMA - University of Pangasinan manage the weight of academics and the corporate world.

Time as the Ingredient of Management

According to the research of Jimbo Antipolo entitled Balancing School and Work Amidst a Pandemic: Working Student's Time Management, there is a shortage of literature on time management. Every working student should examine their time management skills to improve their performance at work and in school.

In this research, there are forty-three males and fifty-eight females among the respondents in this survey. Its findings revealed that male working students have slightly more stressful time management than female working students. Any active male students never declare that organized time management. In contrast, some of their female counterparts have stated that they have arranged time management.

Angelica O. Sison and Ysa Mae L. Villanueva, female students of PHINMA-University of Pangasinan, emphasized the importance of time management to make the working-student arrangement work. With this information, the mentioned research aligned its facts regarding how female working students manage their time.

Adventurous Advantage

Angelica O. Sison works as their family's business manager, and Ysa Mae L. Villanueva works as a crew in a fast-food chain. As these women share their stories, they both believe that the pandemic challenged working students during these trying times. The divided attention was there - attending to video-conference classes, submitting modules, and following their working shifts that might occur in the same event of their lives.

These women never visualize working while studying as a hindrance. It is the opposite as they can control their time due to shifting online sessions from regular face-to-face classes. According to Sison, having the right attitude, mindset, and clear goals in life, the set-up is possible. Including the words of Villanueva, always look for an opportunity for every difficulty in life.

Hidden treasures of the Technological Age

The Covid-19 pandemic limits the opportunities of the regular life that existed before and was not the event to be thankful for. People might think that it is a disadvantageous time. Still, with the dependency of the majority on modern technology, it's visibly possible to make the most out of it.

Freelancing is a trend in the Philippines. According to the Digital Platform Label in the Philippines: Emerging Configurations and Policy Implications, one and a half (1.5) million Filipino digital platform workers or online freelancers engaged in various project-based services.

It ranges from software development and writing to, more commonly, administrative support, virtual assistance, digital marketing, content moderation, data entry, and language instruction for overseas clients.

Jiving with the potential success of freelancing, PHINMA Education Career Linkages conducted webinars to help students launch their digital careers. Its previous webinars include Technopreneurship, Acadsoc's Technical Writing Strategies, and Logicbase Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

These webinars opened the door of opportunities to students, especially those graduating this academic year.

Freelancing is not the safest career but an extension to what the pandemic limits corporate humankind.

Embrace and Empower

According to the July 2021 data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the unemployment rate was 6.9 percent. It was the lowest level when the pandemic began.

The country's employment rate rises by 93.1 percent. It was the highest employment rate when the pandemic started.

8.7 million people were estimated to be unemployed, accounting for 20.9 percent of the 41.7 million employed individuals during the period. It has been the highest rate of underemployment since the pandemic. Different variants of viruses are arising worldwide, and there's no guarantee when it will end. Some students are unprivileged enough not to work, and some are eager to earn employment experiences.

I n t h i s modern age, individuals and businesses shift their passage of income through advanced technology. Income opportunities do not limit this generation by only working in offices, food chains, and other business establishments.

Freelancing is almost everywhere in different freelancing farms such as Freelancer.com, UpWork, GoLance, and OnlineJobs.ph. However, not all educational institutions like PHINMA provide training and webinars to adapt to employment trends.

If people are ready to adapt to the situation right now, when will they see the open doors? When will they learn their advantages in these kinds of circumstances?

This is the situation right now. The Filipino people cannot sit down and wait for the local job openings in its nearby places.

Options towards potential income and corporate experiences are everywhere. Institutions must implement courses embracing and empowering the e-commerce world. Especially to the working students exposed to the modern media, it would help enlighten them on what they can learn amidst the pandemic.

Photo Sources: Trello

COMM

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021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

Before 2019-2020, the school year ended, the disruption of the covid-19 pandemic affected the last few weeks of classes and put them into the online realm. A literally "life-changing" is what this covid-19 pandemic has given us. Students and most significant challenge in terms of online classes were linked to their learning environment at home.

This Covid-19 pandemic had much impact on students' learning experience, which created a massive disruption of the educational systems. Over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom. Schools closed temporarily, and schools started preparing learning systems and established new teaching protocols. Online learning uses relevant technological devices, the Internet, and teaching tools such as modules.

Student Experiences in an Online Learning Environment It includes students' home learning self-regulation, virtual learning environment, and students' overall learning experience. The new standard in terms of education is a significant impact on students.

Online learning is the best option to continue education. Still, the challenges of higher education students vary in terms of type and extent. They are facing the challenges of unexpectedly switching to online classes due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Students felt at least somewhat prepared for the change and to expressed concerns about being able to focus and maintaining the self-discipline needed to study remotely.

Switching from the traditional classroom to a virtual classroom makes the learning experience entirely different for students.

Common E-Learning Challenges: • • • • • •

Without proper environmental background or limited learning space at home, students can easily distract.

Internet connection Technological devices Distractions and time management Lack of in-person interaction Visual learning Lack of Motivation

The Students 1. The Acads is Life

Impact of the Pandemic on Students

Students have been struggling to adapt and cope with the order of online learning. This pandemic also made it difficult for financially struggling families. Most of the students were shocked and could not fully adjust to the sudden transition from face-to-face to pure online learning.

Most students say that skills acquired virtually might not be enough and must be balanced with real-life applications.

This pandemic lockdown impacts students' learning capabilities and performance and causes disruptions in students' learning experience. Poor internet connection, home learning environment, finances, interaction, mobility, etc., are some challenges students face during their online classes.

Still, one of the massive impacts of this pandemic on students' is their mental health. These include anxiety, stress, and depression among students. The pressure that students experience comes from social and physical restrictions, unfamiliarity in delivering online learning, limitations in mobility, technical issues, and concerns about financial resources.

Teaching and learning quality and students' mental health were the most affected. The imposition of this pandemic lockdown restricted students' learning experience.

Situations of students in an online class

A phone/laptop, a pen, and modules are on the table. Google classrooms are replacing school classrooms, from lectures to recorded lectures and classes to a camera lens.

A whole academic year came to pass with distance learning as a solution to continuous education. Students are faced with challenges to cope up with the demand of e-learning.

Every student has different situations in dealing in an online class.

Some are privileged, and some students are less fortunate. With the right technology and access to e-learning, students are being able to learn faster online.

Getting up at 7:00 a.m., classes beginning at 7:30 a.m., watching recorded lectures/attending lectures, reviewing, scanning modules, a short break, reading books, classes ending at 5:00 p.m., and sleeping between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m.

This is the routine of Philip Dane Magsanoc, a 3rd-year nursing student. “Iba talaga ang environment sa bahay at iba rin sa school. May iba’t-iba rin tayong style ng pag aadopt ng learning" he stated.

For Magsanoc, time scheduling is essential.

There's allotted time for studies like watching lectures, answering modules, and a time to rest/short break. As a Nursing student, it is not just about the knowledge aspect but more about skills.

2. The Space Seeker

"My current situation is that I am having difficulties learning online. Although I have all the things I need, that's not always the case. Since our place isn't that big, I struggle to find a peaceful place to study my lessons." Richard Gee Mariano stated, a 3rd-year Civil Engineering student.

One thing that makes online classes difficult for him is having a slow internet connection. He was only able to study at night and finish his works in the morning.

3. The Data and Gadget Spotter

Dhinessa Mae Tagulao is a 3rd-year Criminology student struggling with the poor internet connection, household chores, and lack of gadgets/devices in an online class.

"Sobrang daming disadvantages ng online class para saakin, unlike sa face to fafe class talagang nakafocus 'yong utak mo kasi ‘yong mga effective ways to communicate based on public speaking will be used. ‘yong gestures and eye contact ng prof is present. While sa online class absent-minded ka and 'yong number one problem is the poor internet and the device I am using in an online class," she stated.

Is it effective?

Some students lack financial resources to access the Internet, online learning resources educational materials for online learning. Adjustment under the new modes of learning is said that students don't learn as much. Learning face to face is way better and the best way to go. At some point, students are learning, but nothing can beat face-toface learning.

Respond

As of May 2021, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced that flexible learning would be the new normal for tertiary-level students.

As of now, PHINMA-University of Pangasinan still doesn't announce when will the limited face-to-face be implemented. Students, teachers, and school administration are doing their part in this new normal system (Flexible and RAD learning). It is not easy for everyone, but all are doing their best to smoothly get through every semester/school year. Despite this pandemic, we can see that everyone has dreams that they want to achieve. Everyone keeps on fighting and paddling for success. Flames, together with PHINMA-UPang and its motto #SasamahanKita will do their best that everybody is doing fine and No student is left behind.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING;

STUDENTS’ SITUATIONS AND CHALLENGES Micah Theresa C. Pidlaoan

10

FEATURE What Blue Actually wants us to gain genuinely?

By Karrie Anne Langit

For 25 years, this adorable blue-spotted puppy named Blue has been a massive part of so many people's childhoods.

From sneaking into Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper’s kitchen to get a snack to skidoo into painting the moon, stars, and different planets. Blue and her owner Steve truly made our childhoods worthwhile. As we grow up, so does the world around us. So much confusion, sickness, pain, suffering, loss, and sadness has made the world we live in lose its color and sheen.

Thanks to the 25th-anniversary video where Steve checks upon us, it felt like the kind of talk that our generation needed. While some smiled at the sight of seeing Steve after leaving the show for so long, others couldn't help but an ugly cry when he uttered the words, "I have never forgotten about you." That honestly hit different, especially what we are all dealing through right now.

Which brings me to the question, if Blue could talk, what do you think she could tell us? Well, get your handy dandy notebooks and crayons because there is only one way to find out. We need to play Blue's Clues to figure out what blue wants to tell us.

1st Clue: Scrapbook A.k.a. Memories Since the show aired on Nick jr. on September 8, 1996, Blue's Clues has garnered many young and old fans. Many kids who are now adults have so many fond memories of the show. These memories make them miss the good old days.

Recel F. Calaunan, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English, said, "My favorite memory of the show "Blue's Clues" is Steve's notebook. I remember my younger self using this small notebook of mine, and whenever Steve draws in his notebook, I draw too."

"My favorite memory of the show Blue's clues is when I wake up every morning, our TV is already turned on cause my parents are watching the news. But the moment I wake up they immediately change the channel to Nick Jr. where all my childhood TV shows are especially Blue's clues because I admire that dog so much and how Steve interacts and make my morning fun. I remember I had toys like Blue the Dog, Tickety Tock, and Steve's notebook." This is what Ira Asuncion, a 3rd Year AB Mass Communication student, shared with us when it comes to her favorite memory.

When asked about Ira's favorite memory, Katrina V. Meneses also recalls her childhood memory when she was in Preparatory. "My favorite memory would have been around those times in Preparatory. Blue's Clues was very influential among children ages 3 years old that my Preparatory school installed this Blue's Clues game, I believe it was Blue's Clues Art Time Activities for the class to play with. We were influenced to create the following activities during our free time as well, picking up the trashes that we see could turn into "art.""

Unlike most kids' shows during the 90s and early 2000s, Blue's Clues encouraged its tiny audience to join the colorful home of Steve. Where there's an adventure in every corner, even in mundane situations like reading bedtime stories or spending the holidays with your loved ones. A lot of those kids who watched the show when it aired are now all grown up. They continued their studies in college and are now off to solve more problems. However, as they grew up, the problems might have started to catch up in ways we didn't expect.

2nd Clue: Unfinished Puzzle Set a.k.a. “Problems

To no one's surprise, the problems we face have evolved. From Helping Magenta decide a costume for Halloween to the increased tuition fee. From determining what experiment blue wants to make to try to solve Climate change. From helping Magenta get glasses to the increasing social unrest and racism.

It's not just the big problems we face; there are also personal demons, like the wave of anxiety you feel when taking a quiz or exam. Facing online bullying over a slight mistake or just expressing who you indeed are. The cloud of depression that weighs heavy on our heads because of the unpredictable nature of the world we're living.

Yes, there have been a ton of sad and distressing moments that make us feel like we could never finish our puzzle set.

However, there was this one episode that had a massive impact on a lot of kids watching it now with a broad perspective, and it's called "Blue Gets Frustrated. After getting the following clues: sink, water, and a toothbrush, it was confirmed that Blue had difficulty reaching her toothbrush. So Steve and the viewer suggested that Blue gets a stool to help her reach it, and just like that, the problem was solved.

The world is filled with things that can frustrate us these days. Instead of running from the stressor, blaming yourself, or let-ting that negative energy overcome you, Steve teaches us mindfulness, which isn't taught in schools, let alone preschool.

It's done by stopping whatever you are doing, take a few deep breaths, and give yourself time to clear your mind to think better. As quoted by a YouTuber named Phantomstrider: "We can't always see the right answer when our heads are clouded by anger, misery, frustration or grief. But when we manage to find that calm, we can do things with more clarity and a better understanding of the right thing to do." Digesting and simplifying the show effectively is the most important and memorable lesson both kids and adults could learn.

Yes, these problems may seem complex at first, but things like this take time to get right; all you have to do is use your mind and take a step at a time, just like Steve and Joe taught us. Once our minds are clear and we find the right pieces, we will eventually finish our Puzzle.

Did you know? know?

One of the producers and co-creators of Blues clues is responsible for Blues voice. Traci Page Johnson has played the Blues voice since 1996. She ran around the studio and asked if anyone knew how to bark, and then they decided that she should voice Blue.

3rd Clue: Thank You Card A.k.a. Gratitude and Lessons Learnt

As much as we want to be kids forever and join Steve and Joe on their many adventures, there is nothing permanent in the world except for change. Through those days when we watched Blue and the host, we learned a lot more than just our ABCs and 123's.

The show taught us things that we didn't realize could help us, especially during college.

For Katrina, "The show helped me not only in some areas of decision making but more on looking for efficient ways to produce an outcome, with the available materials I have.

In my field of studies as an Education student, I try to sync

the idea that learning is best when you interact with your learners. similar to how Blue's Clues was able to get their young viewers' engagement." In the case of Ira, the show taught her to look not just with her eyes but with kindness, gentleness, patients, and self-control.

As for Recel: "The show helped me navigate college life by teaching me the value of "finding clues" before jumping to conclusions. It has helped me even with the little things, such as making decisions or identifying the key terms in a test question to help me find the best answer."

Thanks to the adventures of Blue and her friends, kids nowadays can learn a lot about the fundamentals and how to take things step by step before making up their conclusions. It teaches them to trust the process. The reboot now named "Blue's clues and You" rekindles and ignites the love for the show to the new generation. And with a host named Joshua Dela Cruz, who looks just like us. Chances are kids would be able to see themselves reflected on TV. It would have a significant impact on many generations.

"Now it's time for so long, but we'll sing just…… Wait, I think Blue has something to say:

Blues Message to You:

Hi, it's nice to see you again. I'm so glad that you came. You know, I love the fact that you came into my life when we were younger. Every time I would leave out clues for Steve and Joe to figure out, it would make my heart filled with joy, and you were very clever when it came to solving those clues. I even miss our playdates with Tickety Tock, Slippery Soap, Mailbox, and everyone else. It just makes me smile, and I'm glad you enjoyed all of those memories we had together.

However, I am devastated sad when Steve decided to go off to college, making me feel sad. But I realized that I needed to remain hopeful that one day Steve would return to see me again after I was well taken care of by Joe and during those days.

Look, I know that things have been tough for everyone lately. Things like college, Thesis, graduation, a future career, and family could be very daunting at first but look how far you have come. You have gone from helping me with my snacks to being where you are now. I'm so happy that you took my advice after all these years, like using your mind, taking a step at a time, and eventually, you can do anything you want. So for that, Congratulation for making it this far. All I can say is I'm so happy with the person that you are right now. You have been a massive part of my life and mean so much to me. Oh, one more thing, just so you know, never forget about you Thank you for being a good friend. I'll see you soon.

By Roxan C. Resuello

Nothing seems to bring pandemic-weary audience together like a well-written,high-octane survival of the fittest series. Living a thrilling adventure while sitting motionless on a couch is what entertains viewers these days. Some productions stepped in and provided what everyone didn't realize they needed.

The release of the highly-rated Korean series "Squid Game" in mid-2021 had people binge-watching for hours in many countries. The thriller-fueled vibe of the show, combined with the right emotional and logical stardust, propelled the 2020 Japanese fiction drama "Alice in Borderland" back up the charts.

As both shows offer almost the same adrenaline and tear-jerking scenes, the buzz is stuck on whether which of the two Asian prod screams "best." One might argue one is better than the other.

Some might say both are unique in their own way, and indecisive viewers would say both are equals. Nonetheless, here is a rundown of the significant differences between the two shows.

Gameplay Mechanics Few details revealed the plot of "Alice in Borderland" in the series. The origin of the game, its purpose, and the player selection process remain a mystery.

Yet, the players must keep playing to renew "visas," a primary key for their survival. The lack of knowledge about the situation enhanced the viewers' consumption experience.

This creates a sense of curiosity and anticipation.

Unlike in "Alice in Borderland," "Squid Game" provided a more concise background of what's at stake and what profits there is to gain. In a game consisting of 456 participants, the player who will beat the odds would be taking home KRW 45.6 billion.

The gameplay revolves around the idea of "best one, takes all." More so, K-series gave a highlight to morality and decency. A set of rules propels the game. Before participating, all the players must sign a legal

Detailed information like this is one of the determining differences it has against "Squid Game." The Korean survival drama is more straightforward.

It is well known that the games in "Squid Game" are a hybrid version of Korean childhood games—-a little gorier and graphic at all times. Even so, as compared to "Alice in Borderland," no distinct clues differentiate each game.

Visual Aesthetic

Set in dystopian Tokyo, "Alice in Borderland" gives a futuristic, urban-tech vibe throughout the show. The set design incorporates much of what Tokyo looks like these days---LED screens in every corner and somber-lit buildings poking the skyline.

The city is empty of civilians, marking the difference. The eerie ambiance it presents matches the intense playoffs they have in every passing episode.

Its blue color scheme plays a vital role in the dramatic insinuation that the players are in a harsh life and death environment.

Squid Game pays homage to the childhood games of the past.

Their visual aesthetic is carved out to be livelier and more enthusiastic compared to Alice in Borderland's dark, rigid tones.

The use of chromatic color palettes is noticeable.

It is presumed to or show what theme the show is trying to portray. Playful, solid shapes were also a sight to see in the series. A unique prop is the pink stairs shown in most of the episodes.

Unlike "Alice in Borderland," everything on the set seems to be a live-action representation of the virtual gaming world. Squid Game's stages switch from a cheery playground atmosphere to a surrealist, pastel-colored interior.

Character Arc: The Protagonist

Aside from a tuned storyline, another element that keeps viewers sit back for another episode is a lead figure of great dynamism and relatable persona. Arisu, who appears in Alice in Borderland, is a stereotyped Asian video-game fanatic who suffers from a quarter-life crisis. Slim-framed, shaggy hair, and most, unemployed.

Although Arisu's character is introduced to be wholly

contract, which "Alice in Borderland" lacked.

Game Variations One of the things that differentiate both Asian series is the concepts behind the games. To categorize each game type, "Alice in Borderland" makes use of the suit marks in a deck of cards.

Each pattern corresponds to what aspect of human nature the game requires most. As the show progresses, players become aware of these variations.

Spade Cards are physical strength games that involve agility, endurance, and the like. Heart Cards, though, are games that play with the emotions of the players. Diamonds need sharp intellect, while Club Cards are team battles.

devoid of real-life ideals, his character arc began to move up when he battled his way into the Borderland. Him, regaining his will to live after embarking on a heart-wrenching face-off with a couple of players, triggered the button for this development. His early 20s character is not as likable as Squid Game's Gi-Hun, who bids fairer grounds of survival motivation.

Gi-Hun, a financially challenged divorcee living off his mother's house, has many characteristics of someone going through a mid-life crisis, similar to Arisu. As seen in Japanese and Korean hit shows, the more signs the protagonist exhibits are wrecked, the more attractive they appear.

Gi-Hun appeals to the majority of the viewers because of his backstory. Most of his drive comes from his intention of becoming a better father to his child.

Unlike Arisu, who had a complete change in his arc, Gi-Hun did not reach that point because he changed his mind at the end of the series. Nonetheless, audiences prefer him because of his exceptional emotional touch and relatability.

characters. Audiences' favorite, Ali Abdul, a somewhat naïve, soft-hearted Pakistani, gained sympathy from his tragic encounter in one of the show's last games. Viewers have been taking in Ali's demise as a life lesson and a reminder never to be too trusting, for the world is harsh, and so are its people.

The Shows' Heroines

Series Cliffhangers

"Alice in Borderland" and "Squid Game" both presented a powerful portrayal of women in their series. These heroines owned the spotlight with their well-placed traits, deductive game-sense, and pure boss energy, bringing more tension and a flare of excitement to the show.

Alice from Borderland's Usagi captivates audiences with her independence and exceptional physical prowess. Wrapped in apparent ingenuity, it goes without saying that she would bring a lot to the table from her first appearance, despite her quiet nature.

Squid Game's North Korean defector, Sae-Byeok, shares the same subtle trait. She places a closer space in the audiences' heart and gains much more attention than her Japanese parallel.

Though reserved and distant, she is revered for being her brother's loving and selfless parental figure.

Something similar between both characters is their ability to stay somewhat focused while being in the heat of the game. With their flamboyant demeanor and charismatic upbringing, they've had a sensational run in both series.

Ending with an abrupt turn of events, "Alice in Borderland" and "Squid Game" left viewers awe. Each of their final episodes concluded with an open-ended act. The premise of the games and its "game makers" laid out gripping revelations without giving away too much before the frame cut to post-credit.

With some of the questions answered, there's more left untended for viewers to theorize in anticipation of another season.

Netflix confirmed that the second season of "Alice in Borderland" is in the works, with a teaser trailer uploaded in December 2020. Still, no official word has been spoken of Squid Game's renewal as of date.

Both shows excelled in telling a compelling story set in a gruesome backdrop. With the attention "Alice in Borderland" and "Squid Game" is gaining, it is not a surprise to see comparisons floating around. Not everyone has the same media preference anyway.

Have you watched it yet? Which show do you vouch for?

Character Appeal: The Supporting Characters

Sure, the main characters will always be the backbone of every story. But the unusual grip supporting characters hold over the audiences never fails.

Both shows introduced a roster of unique characters with distinctive personal histories and a sense of style. One of the remarkable people presented in "Alice in Borderland" is the silver-haired, cunning player named Chishiya.

Although not much is revealed in his backstory. Chishiya is well-accepted by viewers primarily due to his striking gaze and unfazed bearing---a common trope for mysterious characters of significant importance in animes and mangas.

"Squid Game" also has a list of emotionally investing

Emotional Punch

In a survival game, betrayals and manipulation are bound to be present just as much as the bloodshed. With all the cerebral scenes making up both shows, emotional scenes come in handy to maintain the balance in the plot.

Japanese manga writer Haro Aso, and Korean-born writer, Hwang Dong-Hyuk, delivered an emotionally wrecking twist. They kept viewers successfully ingrained and involved. Even though the emotional punches in each series range in rigor and frequency, it's clear that "Squid Game" has more dramatic baggage in its tale than "Alice in Borderland."

12 ABNSKMeRPLAko? Everyjuan’s Take on the Pandemic Student Life Gel Mendoza

were definitely several elements that represented this time frame—Nutri Buns, Old-School punishments (pun intended), and quite outdated-school curriculums in play.

Some readers may find it nostalgic to look back at how free a student in the 80s was.

And then, here are the students of this generation, somewhere in the 21st Century, stuck in an ongoing global pandemic.

What we now see in all kinds of media regarding the Philippine education system includes the implementation of various learning modalities such as

This pandemic has made most of us realize that reminiscing can become our new favorite hobby. Memories of our glory days when we were free to live our lives outside our homes, through the lens of a student like me.

Including also what could've helped me better remember those sweet moments than reading through the comical life of a student, too.

Bob Ong's debut novel and most successful one to date, "ABNKKBSNPLAko?!" is a comical autobiography that depicts the ordinary mishaps of a typical Filipino student, most especially during the 80s. There

Readers’ Choice: BOOKS BOOKS

printed modules and virtual online classes.

Simple rooms at home are now literally where homeroom meetings and subject classes take place. Many students missed the excitement of their first day of school already, looking through the list of sections where they belong for the whole year.

It's also something as rambunctious as meeting up with friends to decide whether to attend classes or ditch them to head to the usual arcade.

VS E-BOOKS E-BOOKS Christian Hulipas

BOOKS Ereca (CMA) I can focus on wh physical book at I am reading using than ebook. should I say Minsan or madalas naka katamad mag basa sa eboo k, bukod sa m asakit sa Mat you can't high a light some im portant term although Mer s on namang hi ghlighter din.

Tyaka mas nakasanayan ng gumamit mg physical book, magag amit mo pa matagal unlik ng e sa access lang Ng ibang ebook na may mga 1yr.or more.

John (CITE) prefer to use a For me, I'd rather E-books since Physical book than ibilities that ss po there are more tampered with online books can be ents than ones to change the cont . po in a Book itself na

Angelica (CSS) I prefer physical book po kasi it's easier for me to read the texts.

Minsan kasi nakakahilo po kapag hindi kasi printed yong material.

Recel (CSS) am able to po kasi when I Physical book les me to en le on it, it ab write or scribb e a tangi y learning. I se personalized m and the way I talk iend, Jannel (CHS) ble book as a fr g notes onto Physical book. Kasi mas feel mo to him is through scribblin between me yung binabasa ganon. Iba yung every page. Conversations e more at feeling kapag yung book mismo ang and a tangible book make m t I'm read ha nahahawakan mo. Mas nakaka-eng- tached and interested in w anyo magbasa. ing.

Chyl (CEA) For me, I prefer using physical book than e-book in learning. I find it more convenient to use for a student like me. We can say that in learning in this current academic year it's much easier to access e-books because you only have to search the keywords and it will pop up quickly. But the main reason why I choose physical book over e-book is that we always get to engaged on our phone every single time, once in a while in learning you have to do it in a traditional way, thus, for me one hour of reading pdf (e-book) can give me headaches and cluster headaches. For me books are more satisfying to read and I can absorb information easier. It's not a matter of majority here; it’s the comfort that matters.

Erika (CHS) I prefer books because I'm mor e into reading on a physical book than e-books and people nowadays can't really afford buyi ng gadgets that can support e-books and to add up in my rationale it's quite more accessib le when you use physical book than e-books to be honest and it's less expensive that e-bo oks as well and it is a lifetime weapon whe n you take care of it.

E-BOOKS

Kate (CHS) Mas prefer ko po ebook. Kasi sa physical book limited lang ang nandun na mababasa kaysa sa ebook na maraming maidownload na ganyan and also mabigat kasi ang physical book lalo na kapag nagtratravel po ako and kapag may free time po ako pero wala ako sa house namin. Hindi naman po ako against sa physical book. Mas prefer ko lang talaga ang ebook po. Sana makahelp po. Thank you.

Tsaka po disadvantage ko lang po sa ebook madali po ako nagkakaroon ng headache after kaya may limit lang po ako. Bale alternate ko lang silang dalawa po. Thank you ulit.

12.5% EBooks

87.5% Books

To read books or to read e-books, that is the question. Reading is described as a cognitive process that requires decoding symbols to arrive at meaning and is a current process of constructing definitions of words. Two of the best materials for reading are books and today's E-books.

PHINMA University of Pangasinan students are well acquainted with reading books related to their course and chosen professions. However, because of the pandemic, the school didn't require students to avail themselves of some physical books. The teachers ensured that students maintained decent reading when it came to reading. They provided them with E-books because it is also free compared to availing physical books.

For Ereca, a CMA student preferred physical books over e-books because physical books can be highlighted whenever students review for an upcoming quiz or exam. For Recel and Jannel, both fourth-year students from CSS and CHS, physical books make them feel confident and focused and provide personalized learning. They view physical books as "friends" because when they scribble their knowledge on the pages, it felt like they were conversing with

the book as a friend or companion for expertise.

Nevertheless, Kate from the CHS Department preferred the knowledge provided by E-books because they view physical books as limited knowledge. Simply searching for a free website that offers E-books can provide vast knowledge than physical books.

For Kate, e-books are more convenient to bring rather than carrying five to six books every day. Still, for Chyl and John, a CEA and CITE student, E-books can be tampered with by random people, and that the battery life of their devices would not last long, unlike physical books. E-books can also ruin students' eyes at a very young age unless they wear anti-radiation glasses.

Physical books and e-books are both relevant in students' learning process. It all depends on how students use these two learning materials to gather the necessary knowledge for their life-long learning. In the end, it's not a matter of majority; what matters is the comfort that knowledge can be obtained either through physical books or e-books.

13

VACCInformation:

A Quick Guide to COVID - 19 Vaccines Anthea D. Reformado

It is truly alarming how the Philippines is experiencing a continuous increase in COVID-19 cases. Due to the pandemic, people deal with uncertainty and fear of being exposed to the virus.

That is why it is important to take precautionary measures to protect yourself, your family, and your friends.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines train our immune system to recognize the targeted virus and create antibodies to fight off the disease without getting the disease itself. After vaccination, the body is ready to fight the virus if it is later exposed to it, thus preventing illness.

COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and highly effective as they undergo extensive clinical trials. Vaccines save millions of lives each year. Being vaccinated does not mean only protecting oneself, but also the people in the community who are unable to be vaccinated.

Here is a quick guide on the list of COVID-19 vaccines with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approvals by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

VACCINE NAME: BNT162b2 / Comirnaty MANUFACTURER: Pfizer - BioNTech COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: US, Germany TYPE OF VACCINE: Encapsulated mRNA Vaccine AGE GROUP COVERED: 12 years of age and older EFFICACY: 100% against severe COVID-19, 95% against symptomatic COVID-19 PRICE: P2,379 for 2 doses NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 21 days apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: -80°C to -60°C COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Pain at the injected site, headache, nausea, chills, and fever.

PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: January 14, 2021

VACCINE NAME: ChAdOx1 / AZD1222 MANUFACTURER: Oxford - AstraZeneca COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: UK, Sweden TYPE OF VACCINE: Viral Vector Vaccine (Non - replicating) AGE GROUP COVERED: 18 years of age and older EFFICACY: 100% against severe COVID-19, 81.3% against symptomatic COVID-19 PRICE: P610 for 2 doses NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 4-12 weeks apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: -25°C - 15°C for 7 months, +2°C - 8°C for 30 days COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Pain and tenderness at the injected site, fever, headache, fatigue, chills, and muscle ache.

PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: January 28, 2021

VACCINE NAME: Sputnik V / Gam-COVID-Vac MANUFACTURER: Gamaleya Sputnik V COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: Russia TYPE OF VACCINE: Viral Vector Vaccine (Non - replicating) AGE GROUP COVERED: 18 years of age and older EFFICACY: 100% against severe COVID-19, 91.6% against symptomatic COVID-19 PRICE: P1,220 for 2 doses NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 21-42 days apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: -18°C below COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Pain at the injected site, colds PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: March 19, 2021

VACCINE NAME: mRNA-1273 MANUFACTURER: Moderna COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: US TYPE OF VACCINE: Encapsulated mRNA Vaccine AGE GROUP COVERED: 18 years of age and older EFFICACY: 100% against severe COVID-19, 94.1% against symptomatic COVID-19 PRICE: P3,904 - P4,504 for 2 doses NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 28 days apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: -25°C - 15°C for 7 months, +2°C - 8°C for 30 days COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Pain at the injected site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: May 5, 2021

VACCINE NAME: Sinovac - CoronaVac MANUFACTURER: Sinovac COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: China TYPE OF VACCINE: Inactivated Virus Vaccine AGE GROUP COVERED: 18 years of age and older EFFICACY: 100% against severe COVID-19, 83.5% against symptomatic COVID-19 PRICE: P3,629.50 for 2 doses NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 28 days apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: +2°C - 8°C COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Fatigue, headache, muscle pain (mild symptoms) PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: February 22, 2021

VACCINE NAME: Ad26.COV2.S1 / JNJ-78436735 MANUFACTURER: Janssen / Johnson & Johnson COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: US TYPE OF VACCINE: Viral Vector Vaccine (Non - replicating) AGE GROUP COVERED: 18 years of age and older EFFICACY: 85.4% against severe COVID-19, 66.9% against symptomatic COVID-19 PRICE: Approximately P487 for 1 dose NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 1 dose STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: 2°C - 8°C for 3 months COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Pain at the injected site, fever, chills, headache, nausea, fatigue.

PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: April 19, 2021

VACCINE NAME: BBIBP-CorV MANUFACTURER: Sinopharm COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: China TYPE OF VACCINE: Inactivated Virus Vaccine AGE GROUP COVERED: 18 years of age and older EFFICACY: 79% against severe & symptomatic COVID-19 NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 21-28 days apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: +2°C - 8°C COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Pain at the injected site, headache PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: June 7, 2021

VACCINE NAME: COVAXIN MANUFACTURER: Bharat BioTech COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: India TYPE OF VACCINE: Inactivated Virus Vaccine AGE GROUP COVERED: 18 years of age and older EFFICACY: 93.4% against severe COVID-19, 77.8% against symptomatic COVID-19 NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 28 days apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: +2°C - 8°C COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fatigue, nausea, body ache, fever PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: April 19, 2021

VACCINE NAME: NVX-CoV2373 MANUFACTURER: Novavax COUNTRY OF VACCINE DEVELOPER: US TYPE OF VACCINE: Protein Subunit AGE GROUP COVERED: Awaiting EUA Approval EFFICACY: 100% against hospitalization PRICE: P366 for 2 doses NUMBER OF DOSES & FREQUENCY: 2 doses, given 21 days apart STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: +2°C - 8°C COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, muscle pain, fatigue, fever PHILIPPINE FDA EUA APPROVAL: Awaiting EUA Approval

In WHO’S Vaccine Explained Series, mild-to-moderate side effects caused by the vaccines, such as fever, pain or redness at the injection site are normal and should go away on their own within a few days. The prices of different COVID-19 vaccine brands indicated above were from the data released by the Senate committee on finance chair Sonny Angara.

Always remember that the best vaccine is the one that is available to you. If you are eligible, get vaccinated.

14

From a Tangled Rope to Greater Heights Kisly Moira Pera

We are all impacted by the Pandemic in one way or another; people losing their jobs, conversion of face-to-face class to online learning, source of income. Most people are slowly dying.

All of these happened in a blink of an eye. Although staying at home is beneficial to mitigate the virus, there is an underlying cost that most people find too difficult to handle; isolation. Resourcefulness and determination never left the hearts of some people managing to thrive and go further - proving that no virus can stop them from chasing their dreams.

One of these people is Linkin May De Leon, a 19-year-old, 2nd-year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) in PHINMA-University of Pangasinan. I am personally moved by her story simply because of her bravery. We cannot deny the risks and possibilities of failing in the starting line of establishing a business, let alone doing it online while studying simultaneously.

The beginning is always the hardest, they say, and when asked what does the beginning looks like for her, she claimed, "It’s like a tangled rope waiting for you to untie the steps, the progress and little wins.” Her small business is called "Thrifted Gems," which has been remarked for being a well-known online shop in her town.

Although it's not the beginning of her business career, this seems like a second shot.

She had a small shop in 8th grade but was not consistent in selling pre-order items. Her current business results from her love for secondhand clothing, which she came up with during the lockdown, along with thinking of what would ease her boredom.

She describes it as an "old passion" she didn't know would ignite again. When asked if she had a go-signal from the universe or in the

same way within her belief that made her decide that it's time to get back, she replied, "Yes. I do love what I’m doing and this business made me more independent (than) I am before.”

Like any other person who aims to start a business, she also had doubts, especially in the beginning and now. Still, she believes that learning comes after failing, and “when you learn you win." It might be just a matter of courage and love for what you do that would take you higher than you expected.

Most of the time, we could just use some help from people we know we can rely on, people we love and trust, and people that inspire us to believe in ourselves. For Linkin, these people are her family, true friends, her boyfriend, and those strangers she met online who reiterates that they get inspired by her, which she's grateful for.

Linkin does have a bunch of people who believes in her together with those she inspires. Juggling her studies and her small business might be a difficult feat for her, especially because she's at the collegiate level.

Still, she says she has learned to discipline herself and balance her time for academics and business. She also explains that it's fun and beneficial for her to run a business.

Linkin keeps in mind her priorities- to graduate and pass the board exams. These victories don't mean getting into business is always sunshine and rainbows. Inevitable struggles are always present in any field.

But this is what she has to say about how she handles them; "Most of the time I don’t really mind negatives, my business, dreams and goals have my focus, not them.” Running a business or not, we all have our own weapons against these struggles.

As for her, those are her prayers, patience, discipline, and humility. Inspiring indeed,

the only competitor she considers is herself. The evident mushrooming of online sellers around town is one of those I have observed upon the reasons why some people withdraw from selling online.

Linkin eliminates this view as she explains, "Truth to be told (the) market is such a place where you find people outworks another.

But like what I said, my business only has my focus. The only competitor I have is myselfto be better than who I am yesterday. It’s not my loss if I see others doing better than me, or not my gain if I’m achieving greater things than the rest. I only focus on what I have and what’s up to improve.”

And since we're confident that "Thrifted Gems" is on to the "Greater Heights," I asked her what's next for her business, she unravels, "There’s a lot, that I pray, work and prepare for.

Actually, thrifted gems is the root of my cosmetic line, branded and brand new apparels, jewelry and shoe line. And by the end of this year (hopefully) we’ll have our own bodega of secondhand clothing.”

Establishing a business doesn’t mean you need to have tons of money before deciding to get there and start. Hold your positivity, purest intentions, passion, and hard work on your right hand and your courage on the other, and don't look at temporary setbacks as failures.

As a cue to stop, you could go beyond Linkin's "Thrifted Gems" as one of the living examples with consistency and discipline. If you are someone who is in doubt about starting your small business, this is what she has to tell you; “You’ll only know if you try, this is the sign.”

An Outlet of Misery; Music Micah Theresa Pidlaoan Do you ever feel like sitting in the corner of a room and suddenly a melody popped up in your mind and just continuously humming in your head? And the thing you would do is to voice out that melody, pick up your guitar and pen, and start making a song. Jessie John C. Bautista, known as JJ Bautista, is one of those kinds of people. He is a 19-year-old 1st-year college student and taking a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English.

His love for music started in seventh grade when his teacher told them to share their talents in front of their class. He left with no choice, so he tried to sing. His teacher and classmates saw his potential in singing. From that moment, he started to have a passion for music. Since then, he also began to play instruments like guitar

and piano, mix music, and write songs.

JJ, a singer-songwriter, had released two singles on Spotify. His first released song was “Nahuhulog sayo” he said that this song was dedicated to someone. “Tungkol ito sa kaibigan ko na nagkaroon ako ng feelings para sakanya, natatakot akong aminin sakanya ‘yung nararamdaman ko kasi if ever na ireject niya ako is masisiira yung friendship naming which is very important to me.” he said that he need to take the risk, he expressed his true feelings towards his best friend and turned it into a song.

No doubt that some days we feel empty about life and everything. Do wanna be motivated?

I suggest you listen to the song "Ituloy mo 'yan," JJ's second released song. This song caught many people's attention, and many were touched and related to this song.

“Sige lang, ituloy mo ‘yan. Huwag kang susuko sa bagay na gusto mo” this is one of the lines/lyrics of this song. It turned out great that this song was nominated on Spotify “sobrang nakakaproud sa feeling na yung gawa mo, nakapasok sa playlist ng spotify” he said. His music made

a significant impact on many people who need the motivation to pursue the things they want to achieve.

He is a musician and student at the same time. JJ doesn't have any worries like having conflicts in his studies and with music. He said that he could smoothly manage it both, and whenever he feels stressed in his studies, he needs a little break to play music to make him feel relaxed and clear his mind. It is his way to meditate and restart his mind to study and do his school works. Music makes him make things more manageable. JJ also stated that he will choose to be a musician if he succeeds in the music industry. Still, if not, he said that It will always be okay, and he will continue to be an educator.

JJ enjoys listening to OPM music, and some of his favorite musicians include Ben&Ben, Arthur Nery, Munimuni, and Ed Sheeran.

For him, music had helped him from depression way back when he was left with no choice.

When he and his ex broke up, he made music as avoidance or distraction to help him move on. He also stated that all his emotions were expressed in music. JJ also gives some advice to people who are just starting to build and create their music and also to all aspiring musicians like him. “Maging confident lang sila sa talent nila kasi sakanila yuin,binigay sakanila ‘yun kaya kailangan nilang I-express or I-share sa iba”. He also said that don't be afraid to take risks, and the most important thing is you should always trust yourself that you can make it, never doubt yourself.

And now let’s have a sneak peek to his next song to be released. “Malapit ng matapos, hindi gaano ka instrumental, acoustic parang chill lang. Fewer instruments," he said. It is like soon we'll hear a chill vibe song from JJ. Suppose you haven't listened to his music and songs.

In that case, you can visit his youtube channel @ JJ Bautista, and you can also stream “Nahuhulog Sa'yo” and “Ituloy mo 'yan” on Spotify. JJ is genuinely a brilliant musician who can inspire and motivate people with his music. Let's support his music and happy streaming, Flames!

Trip Down Memory Lane:

15

Noon at Ngayon…

Temporarily Trixie Ann C. Bautista

Isang taon na rin ang nakalipas mula nang mag-umpisa ang online classes noong ika-2020 ng Setyembre. Lahat ng estudyante ay nasa sari-sariling bahay, nag-aaral kaharap ang laptop, o kaya ang selpon na mortal enemy ni mama noon ‘pag lagi mo ‘tong hawak.

Isipin mo noon, ang laging litanya ng magulang sa tuwing masama ang iyong pakiramdam ay “Kaseselpon mo ‘yan kaya masakit ulo mo!” Ngayon, kailangan mo nang magselpon dahil nag-aaral ka na sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya.

Ang pagmamadali sa pagpasok sa eskwela noon ay ang pagmamadaling maligo, magbihis, mag-almusal, minsan pa nga sa sobrang pagmamadali, bubble gum na ang kapalit ng toothbrush.

Ngayon naman, ang paghahanda ng gadget pang-aral, at pag-click sa binigay na Zoom or Google Meet link ang makabagong prepasrasyon natin sa klaseng kailangang pasukan. ‘Pag ten minutes late ka na sa klase, makiusap na sa groupchat – “Ma’am/Sir, pa-accept po.”

Hindi rin maiwasang balikan ang mga masasayang araw ng Faceto-Face classes. Ang siksikan sa entrance, ang mahahabang pila sa registrar at teller, ang mala-zumba na tugtugan sa Gym dahil sa P.E classes … Sa maikling salita, nakakamiss tignan ang kanormalan ng sitwasyon kapag maraming tao sa loob ng paaralan.

Matatawa ka na lang dahil nakakamiss pala ang mga kaganapan noon na minsan mong kinainisan.

Naiirita ka sa siksikan ng mga tao sa Students’ Plaza – ‘yon bang hindi ka kaagad makabili ng burger. Minsan, masisingitan ka pa. Irap na lang ang pambawi mo dahil nasingitan ka pa rin naman kahit baliktarin mo pa ang mundo.

Kung noon ay naiingayan ka sa mga naghihiyawang estudyante sa tuwing may tumutugtog na banda ng Life’s Sound Society (LSS) o kaya sumasayaw na UPang Dance Crew (UPDC), ngayon naman ay kapitbahay mo nalang siguro na walang konsiderasyon ang ayaw mong marinig na nagkakaraoke sa tuwing may online classes ka.

Siguro bilang dating Facilitator ng Handog Kaibigan Scholarship, minsan ka rin sigurong nakapagbantay ng maingay na klase. Ingay na nagpapahiwatig noon na malaya tayong lumapit sa isa’t-isa ng walang inaalalang pandemya.

Nakakapagod man at nakakahingal ang akyat-baba na eksena sa mga building, nakakamiss din pala na aakyat ka sa 2nd floor o kaya 5th floor para sa susunod na klase. Hindi gaya ng ngayon na liliban at lilipat ka nalang sa bagong Meet link para sa susunod na klase.

Ang saya rin magfastfood minsan pagkatapos ng klase noh? Yung tipong dadaan ka sa McDonald’s UPang para magiced-coffee, burger at fries.

Pero maiinip ka bigla at manlulumo kapag nakita mong may mga estudyanteng nagtatawanan sa long table habang nagrereview, o kaya naman may pinag-uusapang prof o kaklase.

Kaso kung babalikan ang McDo UPang, wala na ang dating eksena na maraming mga nakaunipormeng estudyante na kumakain habang nagrereview, o kaya naman magiliw na nakikipagkwentuhan sa mga kaklase. Grabe ‘noh? Tunay ngang nakakapanibago ang lahat.

Kung isa ka man sa mga estudyanteng hindi talaga big fan ng mga events na may maramihang tao, pwedeng wala talaga sa’yo ang mga panahon na nagpunta ang mga kilalang banda gaya ng The Session Road, o kaya ng Ben&Ben. Pero hindi rin naman siguro masakit aminin sa sarili na nakakamiss ang mga nakaririnding hiyawan sa mga ganitong okasyon tuwing UPang Night Run.

Marami-rami pa ito, at malamang may sarili ka ring version ng memory lane ng UPang na nakaukit sa iyong mga alalaa. Kaso ang hirap iwasan, na nakakamiss ang mga bagay noon na nakakairita sa normal na sitwasyon.

Nakakamiss ang kumpulan ng tao sa iisang lugar. Nakakamiss ang mga mahahabang pila sa registrar, teller, students’ plaza at canteen. Nakakamiss ang boses ng mga nagtuturong propesor sa bawat classroom tuwing dadaan ka sa mga hallway. Nakakamiss ang dating mundong mayroon tayo noon.

(Wait lang po, Freshmen can’t relate ... )

Hindi pa rin matukoy kung kailan babalik sa dati ang lahat.

Kailan nga ba babalik sa dati ang pagpasok sa eskwelahan? Kailan isusuot ang mga uniporme at ID na hinding-hindi mo dapat makaligtaan? Kailan ulit ang pagpasok sa silid-aralan at binibilang kayo ng student-faciliator isa-isa? Sana’y magbalik na sa “Guys, pasuyo naman, pakibukas ang pinto,” imbes na “Guys, pasabi kay Ma’am/ Sir na iaccept ako sa GMeet.”

Kailan ba babalik sa airconditionedna silid-aralan ang mga classrooms natin with armchair at whiteboard, mula sa Google Classrooms at FB Groupchats? Kailan kaya ulit tayo makakatapak sa mga hagdanang nakakahingal? Nakakapagod man, pero nakakamiss ang mga panahong walang pag-aalinlangan.

Kailan kaya babalik ang mga events ng hindi na natin kailangang iFacebook Live ang lahat? Yung tipong mapapanood mo talaga ang The Juans sa PHINMA Avenue, at nakukuhanan sila ng mga litratong pasok sa Instagram? Grabe noh, sinong mag-aakalang ito pala ang papalit sa mga kwentong “Kami ito noon, ano kayo ngayon?”

Nakakalungkot na pangyayaring inabutan ng mga Freshmen students ang online classes ngayong umpisa ng kanilang college years.

Gusto mang hangarin ang Face-to-Face classes upang makahabol sa mga bagay bagay na ito ay, mukhang mahirap pa ring isaalang-alang ang buhay ng bawat isa laban sa pandemya.

Hayaan niyo sana ang sulating ito ang magbahagi sa’yo ng mga pahapyaw na kaganapan sa ating unibersidad noong normal pa ang lahat.

Sa ngayon, mukhang kami naman ang magbabahagi ng mga kwentong magpapamangha sa inyo. Paano ba kami nagmamadaling magsuot ng ID kapag papasok na sa main entrance, paano nakakalusot ang mga walang ID (pinagbabawal na teknik, huwag gawin!), at kung anu-ano pa.

Ngunit sa kabila naman ng lahat, natuto pa rin tayong makibagay at makisabay sa makabagong teknolohiya na natutunang nating gamitin sa panahon ng pandemya.

Maaring malapit-lapit na rin ang pagbabalik ng Face-to-Face classes, at maging normal na ang lahat, siguradong hindi na tayo babalik sa pinakaeksaktong noon. Maaaring bumalik tayong mas masinop sa oras, mas organisado sa mga kagamitan, mas marunong mangalap ng datos sa tuwing may mga akdang-aralin o kaya pananaliksik na kailangang tapusin.

Babalik man sa dati ang lahat, maging aral sana ang pandemyang ito upang maging mas magagaling na taong hinuhulma ng panahon. Sa ngayon, manatili muna sa tahanan, magpabakuna upang maging ligtas sa puot ng pandemyang dinaranas.

Makinig muna sa mga kwentong ate’s and kuya’s na dinaraanan ang mga alaalang hindi malilimutan noong hindi pa tayo nakafacemask at faceshield sa labas ng tahanan.

Ikaw, ano bang mga alaala mo sa UPang na namimiss mo na? Halika’t daanan natin ‘yan!

16

LITERARY

The Virtual l a u t r i V e h T l e r g n o MMongrel

By Jennica Lianne

It’s 2021, and we’re still in the middle of this Coronavirus pandemic.

“Damn,” I thought. “I guess this is what some inmates feel like when they’re serving their time for a crime they didn’t do.”

But enough of my whining. Just between you and me, let me introduce myself.

I'm Macy Xiu. Yes, as my name implies, I'm of oriental descent. I'm Filipino-Chinese, 18, and barely hanging in there, to say the least. I've always thought moving back to the Philippines after living in China for so long would be such a bad idea. I never really believed in my Filipina mother's long-standing philosophy of "Filipinos stick together beyond the family tree."

Ambivert instinct, I guess.

For those who didn't know, or somehow forgotten, in most parts of the world, such as the Philippines, people blamed the Chinese for spreading the Coronavirus back in early 2020. Numerous posts on social media would bring my race down to the lowest of the low. And as my freshman year at university was about to begin for me in my mother's homeland, I already knew what to expect.

I guess I had face masks and face shields to thank during the enrollment period, having to sign up for all of my classes while being barely noticed. "It would've been better back in Guangzhou," I thought to myself. Really, people back there wouldn't care what they thought of me without me ever having to hide who I was. And that, to me, spoke about the "Beyond Family Tree" philosophy better than anyone else could.

Weeks passed, and regular virtual classes were starting. I'm not at all happy in any way about this pandemic and all the academic adjustments everyone has to make. Still, if there was anything I was grateful for, it was the fact that students could either turn on their cameras or not, depending on the circumstances. Mine could allow me to. But suppose anyone finds out about my identity. In that case, I might just put up an online business until I could earn enough for the next flight back to China without my parents knowing.

“Macy? What can you say about the Great Depression?” I heard my professor speak into her microphone.

"Fake it till you make it" would have to be the most cliché yet most applicable mantra for my life while I'm here. I would have to blend in with the other kids who don't have stable internet connections and type in my answer to my professors' questions. I just couldn't let my whole being get out into the open.

Why can’t I just let myself be me?

It's harder to make friends; it's harder to make impressions. It's harder to speak; it's harder to breathe. Everything, just everything, is more compli-

I Am To My Méabh I am the rain to my sun The thing that I wish to come When everything is burning When everything is too much Rain that washes everything Rain that soothes the burning Rain that covers the sun Rain that calms the sundown I am the star to my moon The thing that I long to see When a part of the light is covered When clouds scatter at night Star that illuminates the sky Star that makes the sky prettier Star that creates fate Star that stays by the moon I am the melody to my lyrics The thing that paints my time When everything is bland When everything is muted Melody that gives color Melody that inspires Melody that amplifies emotions Melody that intertwines with lyrics I am the film to my video The thing that lets me see When I am lost in the void When I can't seem to find something Film that decorates space Film that holds memories Film that stores emotions Film that carries a lifetime

cated when you're not one of them. And in my case, I'm not entirely one of them.

I stare into my Meet Icon. Just a plain letter M, for Macy.

And M, for Mongrel, a word I remember from a book I read. Someone of mixed descent. It's a word that may sound fascinating to people unfamiliar with this term but trust me, it summarizes everything else that's going on, other than a multi-variant disease.

It reflects the people who have been discriminated against for their race. Those who have felt like me, afraid and abashed to reveal who they are to the rest of the world, are a manifestation of two different worlds molded into a single person.

You might want to know what I look like, huh? Would you really want to get to know someone like me? Please.

People like you make your own pandemic.

So what do I do? Isolate.

1371 Ashley Russel S. Baysa

The nooks and crannies of what I see have never felt so the same, Yet the wind still roars as it marches forth— a loving breeze I cannot tame; Only when it was quiet— it knocked on my door, And when it called— need I say more?— “The mailman doesn’t come here anymore.”

With intent, I stared at what it left.

Nothing— it left nothing, But something was there The heavyweight of thought— luggage no tin man can bear; But steel does not suffer, steel cannot feel— Steel cannot heal, and yet it is there; it is real.

PACE

By ZAKI

I am the album to my photo The thing that stops time When something seems missing When something needs to be filled

Lest coming the day, I forget the times my soul grew weary Then grab ahold of what I've left, and whisper not an elegy Elegantly, fare me with what's passed that was once dead to me Aid me in making peace with my beautiful, dark, twisted fantasies.

Album that clasps relationships Album that grasps ties Album that bears souvenirs Album holds onto the past

And maybe then will I see; I would not have done anything differently If it was another choice, it could never amount to a difference All that I have become is nearing me such a distance In sinking it all in love, those days I once believed were my deep ends.

I am the protagonist to my antagonist The one that always gets in my way When I am close to breaking down When I am about to go Protagonist that imprisons me Protagonist that smiles at me Protagonist that changed me Protagonist that turned me into a lead

Days I was bleeding sugar, days I asked for the stars Were days I’d stayed too far, days I laughed with scars Days I didn’t care at all for who and what you are Maybe so I won’t forget, I’ll keep those days in a jar.

I am the universe to my earth The thing that makes me live When everything seems like a blur When everything is confusing Universe that gives hope Universe that continues to expand Universe that is full of discoveries Universe that holds the earth

As for when I was troubled, I was with a smile.

For when the time was wasted, it felt seemingly worthwhile Because for what was, was what held me up today For what I did before, life stopped feeling the same.

Only now do I understand; you're the one I call for power You, strolling beside me in my deepest and darkest hours Nothing can stand against me, just as long as I remember Everything that had happened will free me from disaster This is an ode not to whom but to a moment in history A blissful bittersweet bloom of times before was ecstasy Now to torment all of that would then call for the end of me In facing tomorrow that is today, I will fight along with my memory.

‘‘

17

LEAD THE LEADER By: Reticent Candor

Under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace - Preamble, 1987 Philippine Constitution

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The government is an essential body of a nation that carries the power of implementing, making, and regulating laws. These powers hold an immense authority for

a person to handle. These powers can be used in a way that will build the nation, help its people, and grasp the actuality of a progressive country or otherwise. Throughout the past years and decades, the Philippines has observed different leaders taking the highest post in the government and had the power to steer the wheel of the country’s future. But, we had leaders that used these authorities to pleasure their greediness of power, serve their own interests, and keep the country under autocracy and absolutism.

Their hands were stained with red, together with their big sinister clan. They took interventions that suppressed the rights of factions of people or, worse, the whole citizenry. These leaders had made sweet promises to the people that got them to the higher and highest seats. But, later on, the hidden agendas of these opportunists had transcended through the sweet lies and promises. Every citizen is a victim. Nobody can be blamed for wishing for a better present and future for themselves and the country.

The Philippines has witnessed countless status quos from the past that is still the present's status quos. These existent and recurring issues might not have been

solved given the shortcomings, lack of plans, incompetence, and indifference of an administration. Leaders aren't born; they are made. The people, the constituents, choose these people to represent them and achieve their dreams and aspirations for their present and future. Reverie of a country cruising through waves of crises, social, and political affairs to the land of equity and justice. With the right leaders, right commanders, lawmakers, and adjudicators, the people and posterity can relish an actual state.

The end of another regime is approaching. Another set of people to lead the Philippines for the following years will be seated, will have the power. But before they

have the ability, the body politic will use their control first — suffrage. When opportunists try their best to have the post, the thieves rob the nation, but still, some candidates have the same dream as the people, a better country, and they should win. Compassionate, wise, and passionate leaders must yield the power and hold the post. The Philippines has suffered through the years of bad governance. It is time to heal a thousand cuts of inadequate leadership.

Take the fight outside. Choose the leaders who will truly fulfill the oath, “…to the service of the Nation.” To have a government with no graft and corruption and will

lead the nation to a better tomorrow is a dream not so hard to achieve. Pens up and shade the ballot!

“ITAMA MO ANG IYONG KASAYSAYAN”

By Olis Sinimulan ng langit at lupa ang mga mortal ng siglong ito, Ang araw, ang buwan, at ang mga bituin ay muling liliwanag sa darating na eleksyon, Ang kanilang kaluluwa na humahawak sa dignidad ng bawat tao at bata sa buong rehiyon, Isinakripisyong matatag at hindi umuurong!

Mag-aalsa para sa mga bayang natupok ng kasinungalingan, Pagpapalain ng buwan ang katotohanan, Na walang iba kundi ang katotohanan lamang.

Tayo ang napiling maglalaro sa apoy na ito, Ito ay sa atin na noong tayo'y ipinanganak upang maging tubig, hangin at lupa, Tayo ang mga anak ng bansang ito; Ang magdadala ng hinaharap; Ang mga manunulat ng henerasyon!

Tayo ang mga mabubuting ehemplo ng dugo, Ang mga dugo natin ay magmamarka sa lupa ng ating mga ninuno.

Ang magbubuhos ng laman nito, Ang ating pakikibaka para sa pang-aapi at paglaban sa mga maling gawain at doktrina, Ang walang katapusang ito ay hindi itatapon sa limot!

Tayo ay kumuha ng sandata laban sa mga buwaya!

Tayo ay maghahanap ng landas ng bagong rehimen na ito— Ang magtatakda sa makabagong Uniberso.

Tayo ang mga alipin— Ang mga alipin na hindi kailan man maililibing; Ang mga alipin na hindi makakalimutan, Tayo ay mga anak ng mga magsasaka, Ang mga anak ng ating mga ina, Ang mga anak ni Rizal, At ang mga anak ng bawat bayani!

Lahat man ay hindi naging saksi sa pag-usad ng pagbabago, Ngunit tandaang nariyan pa rin ang pag-asang mababago, Silang mga nag-alay ng buhay sa pinatay na kasaysayan, Mga bayarang kasinungalingan na muling binubuhay, Ikaw na bata at ikaw na matanda!

Ang iyong boto ay sandata para sa iyo at sa kanilang mga karapatan!

Itama mo ang iyong boto!

Itama mo ang iyong kasaysayan!

Ang ating kabataan na may magagaling na pag-iisip,

WONDER

By PEN N PAPER

One of the greatest fears that people might agree with is being lonely – by being just yourself alone. Most people used to be with their respective families, friends, or even their loved ones. We get to know ourselves comfortably when we are not alone. How we should feel, see, hear, communicate, or do always depend on people close to us. We are living our lives together but not alone, and that must be true. Do you know someone living alone without being attached to someone? Possibly, we don't, did we?

Just like what ancient philosophers reiterate, human in nature is never alone. We people stick with someone we knew we could depend on for a purpose and in exchange for something to survive. Unfortunately, there is always a limit in every perspective. More likely than not, we are solely responsible for doing some tasks that only we can do at some point in our lives. The question is – are you ready to do it yourself with no hands except yours?

As students, we have all these people around us that we could lean on to ask for a favor or get along with something important to us.

But being a student would be a great responsibility to uphold. We are drawing our path towards our own success but not others' success. It is we that make it to fulfill our own dreams. Therefore, if people are afraid to be alone, who would be responsible for doing their task with complete competence? Otherwise, who could be called professional with credibility and integrity? It is not about being afraid to be alone, but about what would bring you up there – self success is self-love.

OF RIVER THATTHAT FLOWS LIKE LIKE LAVA LAVA OF RIVER FLOWS OF RIVER THAT FLOWS LIKE LAVA

By Alistair

Friday the 13th has long been deemed to be bad luck. Well, it might be true as students are nearing going back to school on Monday after a week of suspension. Little did we know, what we expected to be the conclusion of the rest, was in fact, only its inception. A misfortune disguised with a deceitful image had brought an onslaught of chaos in our life's holistic cycle. In a quick turn of events, everything has been immobilized, and tomorrow is not a promise.

The transition we are facing right now has made it difficult for us to adapt and adjust. However, this adversity has reminded us something about life—any break from our usual pattern will require force. With risk, we have a choice whether to step in or detach our feet. But with changes, it is out of our control. Maybe, as we ponder our thoughts in the dark corner of our room, we realize that life is not made to be counted; it has to be lived.

We lost count of the days this situation will finally cease. We were already too invested in calculating our future and focusing on what tomorrow brings us, even before this occasion. It is beyond regretful to have been forgetting to live at present because tomorrow scares us. We anticipate things to mitigate potential damage, but life always throws an unexpected curveball.

It is with great nuisance to stay in a situation we are not used to. But cliché as it may sound, growth takes place when we force ourselves to be uncomfortable. Life brings eccentric yet repeated patterns of events.

While we are in the process of dreaming, may we never forget to put forth effort in our every undertaking. Because when we get tired, we learn the best things.

How we play and persevere in the process will dictate whether we deserve the things we desire or are bound for more incredible things we never imagined Continue to page 10...

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to attain. We never fail when we do our best. From the good, we learn what to do. From the bad, we know what not to do.

riors even before we became dubious.

Time after time, we will contemplate our skill sets and feel uncomfortable with how things flow. It will break us, consume us. But it is not the purest intention of life to fail us. The most certain thing to be at the top of the mountain is to try just one more time.

It is not the date that brings bad luck. It's our choice. Because if we keep on fearing what's ahead of us, we are just wasting our lives for nothing. After a couple of years, you'll look back at your decisions, and you'll taste bitterness.

Regret is a form of misfortune because you just let time pass you by instead of taking that time to make your time come.

We may think that we're no longer learning anything from this setup.

Still, the character we have built-in forging our goals is way more important than quantitative evidence.

Be present. The energy you are overthinking would be more beneficial if you use it in the here and now. You may be slower than others, but a single step is one great leap.

Instead of fearing transition, you welcome it. Because even if you abhor it, it will always be part of your journey. You cannot appreciate the result if you haven't gone through pain. It may not always be smooth, but it will always make you stronger for your unrealized purpose.

Transition is inevitable. One day, we'll look back at how we struggle to overcome it, but all we'll see is magic. In fact, us standing here is evidence of progress. We would hate these seemingly jeopardizing phases as much as we want, but in the long run, we won't remember how stuck we are or how far behind we are from the doors. We just see that within the uncertainties was also our potential and within the element of agony was a chance to see what we needed to change.

Those who attribute themselves to be trailblazers tend to go far in life.

Because it is in those decisions to not go after the majority. Walk a path no one else has ever gone that will make you discover your fullest form. Suppose you are skeptical about welcoming peculiar phases of life and avoid taking the time to build your ambitions. In that case, someone will hire you to take the time to build theirs.

Life is dynamic, and we can't afford to stay in the same position. A dream without any effort is just imagination. Be the change. We are not just a package of one item. We are the whole marine transport.

You owe yourself the chance to see your life better than you first saw it.

What comfort can only do is to maintain the status quo. It won't catapult you in a better light. The transition has always been there to serve not fear but an opportunity.

Comfort is where dreams go and die. If you feel like you're wasting your potential, you are. To get to somewhere you've never gone, you have to do something you never did. The shift you fear might be one of your most significant turning points that will change your life forever.

We've always had a lot of tomorrows, but today only happens once. Don't count. Live. Don't follow, be the first.

While most people avoid transitions and deny chances, don't be the "most people." It's already crowded there. Remember that this crisis does not create a character; it reveals it. It may shake to the core, but it will help you see things in a better light. Be your own North star. It will guide you in finding your way back to your whys and success in your pursuits.

Stop looking for reasons to justify you don't deserve the unwanted shift of events. But have a voluntary response to accept things you know you have no absolute control over.

Our dreams may have been slowed down or perhaps, paused, but it is never denied. We shall never let this pandemic decide that we are incapable.

We've been through a lot, and it has taken a toll on our mental health. The online class had drained every bit of energy and productivity in us. But we were war

Growing up… it's scary

Whenever someone asked her, "how are you" she would always answer, “I’m fine! I’m doing great.” But she wasn’t.

She never felt great about herself. She was never fine by herself.

“I’m just scared that I might mess up and then I will lose everything that I’m fighting for.” She said to herself while looking at the pile of books in front of her.

It’s scary… to grow up and look at things differently.

From being a child who dreams freely, not thinking about anything, just wanting to do something out of love, no pressure, no buts, no what-ifs.

Just pure love for something and investing your time with it. Just a child who wants to pursue the dream she first wanted, without thinking about whether it

"When I grow up, there would be people lining in front of me, waiting would feed her, pay her bills, or support a family. Because what would a child for me to sign their books.” know about those things, right? She, as a kid, just dreamed of something to

She flinched. She fell asleep again while trying to understand her fulfill her love for it. lessons, which made her stay up all night for how many days now. She tried to It feels nostalgic for her. forget the dream she had, but it is evident that it greatly affected her.

“I can’t do this.” The only thing she could utter.

A tear fell on her cheeks, one… two… three… then she lost count of it. She smiled as she wiped those tears. She thinks she's crazy because she's

A sign of giving up for today, as she lives up understanding her book. giggling while crying. It was never new to her; the pain, the tears, the pressure, She wanted to start again, but she kept on spacing out. She suddenly realized they were never new — they just get worse every time, that's why she could that the dream she had, was more of a memory… not help herself but to just let it all out.

2013. She was 12

The days where you could see her reading novels, poems, or any October 2023. written outputs that she could encounter. That was also the time when she

“CONGRATULATIONS, YOU PASSED THE CPA LICENSURE dreamed of being a novelist one day. She knew that she was not that good, but EXAM!” she also knew that she could improve, given that she was still young at that She just stood there. She gasped as she could not process what she had just time. read. She passed the exam. She started crying again, but this time, it was But, we all really grow up and tend to mess things up a bit. because of joy. She finally did it. After her 4 years of punishing herself because she thinks she's not doing great, she's here. Now, a CPA. 2016. She was 15

She can't explain how happy she was, but it was a huge relief. Finally,

For the past years, she was sure that she'd pursue writing. But during after those countless breakdowns she had during her college days, her hard those years, as she aged, she began asking herself if that was what she wanted work paid off. to do in her whole life. There are days that she answered "yes," of course, but

Remembering how she dreamed of being a writer one day when she surprisingly, she was starting to say "no." was still a child, now she's an accountant. She smiled, and she felt like she had

She began looking at her future. Imagining the life that she always come back to her younger self. A child who is now freely dreaming. She still wanted. She doubts that she would like to write her whole life, and what if she wanted to pursue writing, so … just wants it because she grew up loving it?

She did.

Then, she chose a completely different path. The myths that writing could not sustain you also affected her decision. She gave up the supposed to

After 5 years, she worked hard as an accountant and pursued writing. be the career that she wanted to pursue. The years she spent loving stories and She’s happy about it. It was exhausting, but she loves it so much that she’s okay words were not a waste of time because she became genuinely happy and free with it. Whenever a friend asks her if she’s doing just fine, she would always in those days. answer, “I waited for how many years just to be able to do what I love, now is Going back to the present, she closed the book. She went to her bed and tried not the time to be exhausted.” to borrow time for just a short rest. Tired is an understatement because she

As someone who has gone through battles that she just kept to heris extremely exhausted. This course that she pursued was really tough for her, self, she wanted to reward herself by being happy with her work. She has also especially because she has her class online. The pressure she feels whenever forgiven herself for all those years that she was in pain because of self-doubts. she takes activities is really overwhelming. She knows that if she messes with Growing up was terrifying. You may lose yourself if you let it eat you. But one this one, it will affect the future just years away from her. thing she learned is that to never let go of what you are fighting for. You did not win those battles just to give up in the end.

She admits that she's just barely having passing grades. Barely waking up to attend class, take the quiz, and take the exam. But also, she's scared that

“After all, we are all just humans. We breakdown, we struggle. But she may fail the only thing that she fought hard for how many years. She's hurt those doesn’t make us weak. Those are just indications that we, as humans, we to see herself losing interest in the future that she is trying to build. She's in get tired too. After everything you’ve been through, the most important thing pain because she may disappoint everyone that is rooting for her. She's suffer- is, to never give up what you’ve been fighting for. Because in this battle, being from the thoughts that she may be unsuccessful in the future because she tween you and yourself, it’s either you win, or you try again. You never lose.” is not as great as what other people think of her. She is punishing herself for She then pressed the save button as she finished her first-ever manuscript that not doing her best. And it was terrifying. was soon to be published…

-endSpelle

knowing the great unknown Knowing the great unknown By: Reticent Candor

It It Begins Begins Here Here

By Anthea Reformado

Brick by brick built my fortress no more damsel in distress this time I wear this white dress I will be my own countess

Most days, I think about what the universe holds for me.

Each time I think I had it figured out already, The road becomes a dead end -- again.

I close my eyes, and I'm safe won't let these words make me chafe leaving the daft little waif won't allow another strafe

I was frantically seeking an answer, that it became a repetitive cycle.

And suddenly, it hits me The answer to my question will unfold on its own.

I sat on this calm meadow vanishing all these shadows a sweet and charming hello to a brand new place I go

So each day, as I wake up, I remind myself that I have so much potential within me.

I saw the magic in small beginnings.

Little by little. Inch by inch. I felt free.

in this garden, I'm alive let my flowers bloom and thrive slowly breathe and count to five wide awake, ready to strive

Be still young one, For beauty arrives after a storm.

I found solace in the uncertainty.

After all, I'm only twenty.

ENTERTAINMENT

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20

ENTERTAINMENT July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

"New Normal: Crafting a Good Research” conducted by CMASC UPang on September 6, 2021, live via Facebook.

Students fight the obstacles between studying and working amidst the pandemic.

APEC launched its 2022 CASSC Election on September 10, 2021, via Facebook Live.

“Technopreneurship” with speaker Eng. Victor Ochave, on August 10, 2021, was showcased on Facebook.

As first semester starts, enrollments increased and safety protocols are strictly observed.

UPACSkuhan commenced its preparations on November 17, 2021.

Fr. Socrates Villegas presided over the PHINMA ED Mass of the Holy Spirit on September 10, 2021.

Nursing Licensure Exam 2021 remains stern with retention standards.

Mass Communication students reaired FUNDEMYA with the theme “Hello Self: Warm embrace for a weary heart.”

UPang SSC premiered its Flames OctoberFest Encore online on October 25-30, 2021.

The Supreme Student Council led back to school First Week Hi on August 02, featuring different activities for the students.

Human rights advocate Atty. Chel Diokno guested in #MulatInAction on June 11, 2021.

AB Communication students set the UPACSkuhan on December 22, 2021, live via Facebook.

Online multiplayer game, Pokemon Unite, launched on July 21, 2021 exclusive for Nintendo Switch users.

"Equivalence": The event that strengthened the bond of AB Communication students.

Einjel Tamilog won 1st place on Song Cover Competition at Flames OctoberFest Music Encore on October 25-30, 2021.

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July 2021 - November 2021 | Vol. XXIX Issue No. 1

Are you In or Out? Limited face-to-face Sports Events

dents hands-on training and laboratory classes in a limited face-to-face system.

If Phinma-University of Pangasinan were to conduct limited face-to-face sports, on the other hand, the best bet for this event is games that do not require physical touch like chess and scrabble. Nevertheless, suppose students want

An organized and well-structured youth sports and ongoing physical activities can contribute many perks for students and teachers alike. Positive occurrences that sports and active lifestyles bring play a crucial role in a young person's life.

Playing sports demands a lot of time and energy. Some people may think this would perplex student-athletes from schoolwork. Though, the opposite is true. Sports demand memorization, repetition, and learning — skillsets that are directly relevant to class work. Also, the perception and goal-setting skills a sport requires can be essential to a classroom setting.

Sports can help reach one's fitness goals and preserve a healthy weight. However, it also encourages healthy decision-making, such as not smoking and not drinking.

Watching one's hard work pays off, and accomplishing goals develops self-confidence. Achieving a sport or fitness goal boosts students to attain other goals they have set. It is a fulfilling and exciting learning process.

About 24 universities will conduct limited face-to-face classes that have been fully complied with the CHED-DOH guideline. CHED and their LGUs have inspected them, so they can now bring their 3rd and 4th-year stu-

POKÉMON UNITE? Christian Hulipas

Pokemon Unite is said to be the franchise's first-ever multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. As of July 21, 2021, the game was available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.

Still, the developers thought of releasing the game for iOS and Android users to gain more players. Fans of the Pokemon series were delighted to learn that the game launched on both iOS and Android platforms on September 22, 2021.

You can play the game in groups of 3, 4, or even five players on each team. People may have played League of Legends, Mobile Legends, and other MOBA games. Still, Pokemon Unite is a game where players can choose their favorite pokemon of the franchise, like Charizard, Blastoise, and everyone else's favorite, Pikachu.

to have more fun. In that case, the school will have to make sure that basketball, volleyball, and other physical sports are only and should be played by fully vaccinated students. They will limit the gym occupants to 50% and observe social distancing.

As of October 30, 2021, there are total cases of 5,390, 133 active cases, 150 deaths, and 3 new cases. Because of these results, the university will have difficulty conducting the said limited face-to-face sports events, but that will not stop the school from trying.

SPORTS EDITORIAL

POKÉMON ALRIGHT!

The objective of the game is not just defeating multiple opponents, obliterating monsters, and claiming victory. The game's main objective is to strike goals on the opposing team's area and do so. Players need to attack other pokemon scattered in the field.

The game has the potential to be an Esports, and gamers should consider playing the game themselves. Players can customize the avatars that look like themselves, and there are limited pokemon choices up to date. Still, the developers will consider adding other pokemon from the anime.

The game also introduced Unite Squads, which allow players to team up with friends. According to The Pokémon Company, Trainers can create their squads with this feature or search for other existing ones.

Parties will be able to make "tags" to describe themselves and give people with the same interests a way to find them. The game's new update brings a second battle pass with all-new cosmetic items, recent in-game events, new held items, and support for more languages.

According to IGN, Pokemon Unite may be a "play to win" kind of game, but it all depends on how you outsmart and out-skill your opponents. Players can upgrade their items to gain the upper hand, but the game is mostly about skill and how you use your pokemon to the player's advantage. So, go and unite with your first pokemon.

I choose you!