Seasons

TOLENTINE STAR Truth as it happens Since 1947

EDITORIAL BOARD E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F A LY S S A M A R I E A R C E Ñ O M A N A G I N G E D I T O R LY K A D E L A T O R R E DESK EDITORS MAGAZINE EDITOR ELLA JANE MERCADO N E W S PA P E R E D I T O R J U S A L A N N E M AT U L A C LITERARY FOLIO EDITOR LESLIE MARIE BANABAN TECHNICAL EDITORS S E N I O R M U LT I M E D I A E D I T O R LO U R D E S A N G E L I N E S E N D I C O J U N I O R M U LT I M E D I A E D I T O R J O C E R M A C A L I S A N G I N F O R M AT I O N M A N A G E R ROM C HEL L E C HRIS DA N IE LLE WAMINAL STA F F W R I T E R S CRISHA ARROYO JOE ARNEL CELESTIAL JR. C H A R L E N E G R A C E G E LO T I N JOSEPH LETRAN JADE CHRISTINE ORQUIA CARLA JOANNE ROBLES KRISHA MARIE SEMELLANO ALEA JEN VILLAHERMOSA N I N A A I R A V I L L A N U E VA CA RTO O N I STS R H E Y M A R CH UA J OS H U A G A RI TA R E N E E S UA L A C A R L A N DRO VA L L EJ E RA

H U M A N R E S O U R C E C O N SU LTAN T K AY E E UN I CE L A M ERA , RSW

PH OTOJO URNAL I STS JOEL L E M ARIE L PADE ROG RA EV ERLY E LE NA RAMIRE Z GODWIN ROBE RT TAN VID EOJO URNAL I STS JOS HUA DUHAYLONGSOD DAV E EVA NGT E LISTA A LV IN ZULUE TA LAYO U T ARTI ST CRISTOPHER VILLARUEL W EB AD MI NI STRATOR M ERL H C RIS CE LE ST E CO N T R IB UTOR REIN HA RDT F IRME Z A PRINTED AT IMPRESS QUALITY PRINTING PHIL.INC.

TE C H NI C AL C O N S U LTA N T E NG R . ASH RA F K H ATE R, C hE, M EnE

impress box here

TE C H NI C AL AD VI S E R I V Y G O N ZA L ES A BOY, PhD

MAGAZINE THEME BY LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO

0ffice:

Contacts:

1st floor, St. Thomas of Villanova Building University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

(034)4589838 tolentinestar@gmail.com Tolentine Star (Facebook Page)

University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines Tolentine Star combines the united desire to serve the UNO-R college student body and the Filipino people. This is a society with the prowess of each individual to spearhead proactive change in the community by upholding the highest standards and ethics of campus journliasm.

MAGAZINE CONCEPT BY ELLA JANE MERCADO FRONT COVER MODELS SAMANTHA CERBAS MICHAEL BWAMBALE DAVID GABALES BIANCA CATLEYA CABABAHAY FRONT COVER PHOTO BY ALVIN ZULUETA JOCER MACALISANG GODWIN ROBERT TAN

From the Magazine Editor

It has been said before that the one constant in life is change. Just as certain parts of the earth experience spring, then summer, then fall, and finally winter — your own life cycle has its seasons, sometimes making you ask yourself, “Which season am I in?”

Whatever season you find yourself in, embrace it and appreciate the unique gifts it has to offer.

Is it the spring time? If it is, enjoy this time as it is the season for development — a wonderful season of budding and becoming into your own self.

Or perhaps it is the summer time? If so, go hard. Build, create, and repeat.

This is the time for creating your legacy. However, take note that the summer sun dims at some point.

Maybe the time for fall? In the fall, the focus is less on doing and more on allowing and reaping the benefits of what you sowed during the summer.

Or it may be time for winter? Winter is a time to reflect and meditate on your life. Rest easy and recover, so that we may come to life again in the spring.

In this issue, we set out to find passionate individuals who are going through a transition of seasons — to heal and grow every day of the year. From the infinite chains of our being for a better living to the real truth of your cup of rice.

These seasons will come and go many times throughout your life. Embrace each changing of the seasons. To fully experience and appreciate what the seasons have to offer for us, it is in our hands to take privilege from them.

As we embrace every season of our lives fully and without resisting, we become more alive.

From the Chief

The thing about change is that it is part of every thing in our everyday lives — from the time we were born or even the time before we were born. Change has been with us through war, revolutions, triumphs, and defeats. It is the master of events and a neveraging teacher. Yet, sometimes, we fail to acknowledge its presence. We even shut it out or despise its presence among the most important elements in our lives — family, friends, significant others, and ourselves.

In this chapter, we show that change is but a faithful companion, guiding through our lives. It is a beautiful reminder that we are just instruments of what is destined to happen to us and the rest of the world. We may alter what is going to happen but change will find its way to keep the course running. We are here. We are us because of the things that help in our transition to be different, better, and more to what we were.

Until then, let us enjoy what we have before they change to what they are to be.

about the cover

Different hues, different blues; too brave, too loose; let it be or choose — the time for each one of us is different than the other. We are all but instruments of humanity gifted with logic, ethics, and consciousness to be used as effective tools in living. Embracing our own selves despite noticing each of our own differences makes us who we are. If we love our own selves, love for others will follow for love knows no form, disability, and boundary. Before others, we must start with ourselves. Together, regardless of time, speed, or destination, let us speak the Universal language of love.

contents

01 05

THE INFINITE CHAIN OF OUR BEING FOR A BETTER LIVING It is heart-warming to understand that most people are all painfully yet excitingly striving to survive their day-to-day lives.

out of the box

SICKNESS NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON If you take a look at the mortality rate of the Filipinos on diseases annually, you would see that there is a bigger picture on health care.

07 11

TREASURE ISLAND

Humans live their lives reaping memories of the moments they sow. Yet, as a person ages, those memories may be forgotten and, for some, they are remembered religiously like a broken record.

NO PAIN, NO GRAIN These farmers endure a multi-faceted pain, physically, emotionally, and financially – to bring you the cup of rice you so eagerly feast on every meal.

19 · 33 · 49 · 57

15 17

ANG HULING PAGGAPAS Hindi pagod. Hindi init. Hindi ang malayong lalakarin kundi ang karaniwang araw na ito ang totoong hamon.

Susubukin ang tibay ni Helen hanggang sa muling panahon ng paggapas.

MILK TEA: THE ROOTS AND CRAZE Nowadays, it is not surprising to see someone you know drinking milk tea at least once a week, lining up for hours, or having it delivered to their doorstep.

25

55

SEE ME HANGING ON THE WALL? We envy portraits as if they can scream, shout, provoke, and be free even static and by just merely hanging.

43 27 37 39

CIUDAD, LAO DIAT Bacolod is not only home to Masskara Festival but also to the famed Bacolaodiat.

ILLUSTRATING THE ILLUSTRATOR Read about what Charlie Co has to say about art, life, and passion.

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING “SANA ALL” This viral phrase spreads like wildfire. Let us figure out how it reaches a Gen Zer’s vocabulary.

41 45

BAYBAYIN AY BUHAYIN Bago pa man dumating sa Pilipinas ang mga banyagang mananakop, mayroon nang sariling salitang panulat na ginagamit ang mga katutubo – ang Alibata o sa pagkakaalam ng karamihan ay ang Baybayin.

FLOWER POWER What else speaks volumes of visual beauty other than mesmerizing, multicolored flowers?

15

20 cover spread

47

RICH SHAMING: A TEASE WITH MALICE Rich shaming has been rampant on social media. Let us figure out how it runs around with today’s generation.

49 51 55 59 61

THE SHADES OF BLUE AND GOLD Know the journey behind the representative colors of the University imprinted on the linen of a UNO-Rian uniform.

CAN-C FOR COMFORT The aroma of boiling beef soup filled the entire resto. People are busy slurping and blowing off heat off the soup from their spoons, enjoying every beef strand partnered with rice.

NO TRAIN, NO GAIN It is sometimes inescapable to look past a sweat-soaked selfie of a co-worker or high school classmate bragging about their Workout of the Day and professing their love for CrossFit.

PHASES, FACES Take a peek in the life of a person living with bipolar disorder.

LET’S PLAY ANOTHER ROUND Gather around, roll the dice, move your piece, make a choice, or take the risk. It is only a matter of luck to win.

68 ROLEPLAYS

35 · 63 REVIEWS

65

SENIORITY RITES

68

society

Hustle and bustle. Libertad Public Market patrons and vendors spend some time on the streets buying and peddling for a living.

THE INFINITE CHAINS OF OUR BEING FOR A BETTER LIVING WORDS BY ALEA JEN VILLAHERMOSA PHOTOS BY RAEVERLY ELENA RAMIREZ

Walking down a street, hearing the non-stop questions of street vendors asking if one would want an apple or an orange, seeing the splashing of murky grey waters as vehicles pass, and smelling the scent of sweat filling the air – a place where it is unpleasant to the senses – has been a normal part of our everyday routine.

The busy streets of Libertad South Market, Bacolod City, reflect the continuous struggle of its people – a home for laborers. And, sometimes, it feels heart-warming to understand that most people still strive to survive a day-to-day life despite the painful struggles.

In a year, people often work for 8 to 10 months while others would have to work all year round; they are the non-seasonal workers.

Have you ever thought of how it would feel to work during Christmas day or New Year’s Eve? Doleful, it is.

DIFFERENT FIGURES, SAME WEIGHT Hunger, disease, and lack of employment are rotten fruits to the society. A study published by the Asian Development Bank states that the causes of poverty include high inflation during the crisis period, weakness in employment generation, and the quality of jobs generated.

1 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Amidst the poverty, Filipinos still uphold resilience and hard work – the policeman securing everyone’s safety, the jeepney driver completing routes for the whole day, the vendors selling until nighttime. They may have different faces to show yet it is the will to go on that connects their fates in life.

WHEELS OF TIME Trisikad rides are a relief to frustrating times of walking not-so-far destinations. As the drivers’ services are a holy grail for passengers, their continuous patronage is also the drivers’ blessings.

Jaype Clavecillas, a trisikad driver for 12 years, stations near Mang Inasal-Libertad with his fellow trisikad drivers.

The bicycle he drives is worn-out that it cranks and the handles show slight rusting.

In his long years of working, Manong Jaype has almost encountered every personality. The most common is a stingy passenger which he often lets them slide. Huya runs in his veins that he does not ask for more payment and is unable to say no to them.

As a father of two elementary students and a husband of a part-timer in a local hotel, Manong Jaype bashfully shares the burden and bliss of raising a family. The hours between four

o’clock in the morning until four in the afternoon are sacred to him as his feet continue to push the pedals, enduring the numbness on his back, legs, and shoulders.

He can only muster two days of rest at most in a year – a cherry on top of his bittersweet life.

“You are already set for a living,” Manong Jaype shares as he gazes at the streets where the revving noise from the engines permeates.

As he talks about his priorities in life, Manong Jaype lets out a soft laugh as if he were searching for it, too.

“I am happy that I do not have to pay rent [of the trisikad].

I earn so that we have food on our table – I think that is the most important thing,” Manong Jaype says.

Like reading a storybook to a child, he continues telling details of his life. Words escaping his mouth can be compared to the wheels of Manong Jaype’s trisikad – neverending and

full of twists and turns.

A LOT IN STORE Convenience stores become everyone’s daily mini-mall when rushing to buy a few stuff. The time spent by every customer is the exact opposite of the workers’ – short as to neverending.

Phillip John Pajari-on, a young man working at 7-Eleven Libertad turns nights into days in his shifts in the 24-hour store.

“Tiring but you cannot do anything but to work overtime because you do not have a choice,” he shares his situation as a part-time shopboy, working to send his younger sister to college.

Surprises come in different packages, either neatly wrapped or oddly taped together, and John is not an

“I’m happy that I don’t have to pay for a rent [of the trisikad], I earn for the sake that we have food on our table – I think that’s most important.”

Beating the heat. Manong Jaype’s looks for passengers while ignoring his unsolicited sun-bathing.

Seasons 2

Alone in the aisle. John arranges snacks and other goods for customers to see what is new in store.

exception on receiving the latter. It was Sunday morning when a tough-looking man entered the store with nothing and left with a handful. All employees had no choice but to accept the punishment of paying for what was stolen which was hard on their part for their salary was not that big.

To add to John’s awful experience, during one of his shifts, an older man approached him to pay for his cigarettes. He was not in charge of the counter, so he refused. Like a burning cigarette, John’s refusal triggered the man’s anger resulting in shouts and curses echoing in the four corners of the store.

Embarrassed in front of the customers, “I’m sorry sir,” was all John can say.

After that, John went to the racks and arranged the groceries as if it were his way of putting back the pieces of his life.

ON RAINY DAYS AND NIGHTS La Niña in the Philippines is one of the things Filipinos commonly dread, especially Manong Jaype and John.

On rainy days and nights, the flood in Libertad South Market gets sometimes knee-deep that it leaves them with the only option of walking through it. Perhaps, they

3 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

could relate to the flood – a dark life that still continues to flow.

On sunny days and warm nights, the heat of the air may remind them of the tender embrace of their loved ones waiting at home.

Life in the city’s gritty parts such as Libertad South Market warrants recognition for it is one of the things that fuels our daily lives in the urban jungle. Lives like those of Manong Jaype’s and John’s represent the daily struggle of the average Filipino and, more importantly, that of the laborers. People like them are the reasons why we are not short of convenience. For that, we salute them.

photo by Lourdes Angeline Sendico

Seasons 4

health

SICKNESS NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON WORDS BY CARLA JOANNE ROBLES GRAPHICS BY RENEE SUALA According to the Department of Health (DOH), there are a number of diseases that emerge and re-emerge in a year.

At times, they greatly affect Filipinos when it comes to preparedness, economic balance, and, most importantly, their overall health. The diseases are very clever as they do not leave the arms of Filipinos. They stay even when the seasons change from wet to dry.

HOT DRY SEASON

ea

sles

h ly

h ea t

pric k

m

so r

yes ee

eat

oke str

5 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Sore eyes, also known as conjunctivitis, is more than just mere irritation in the eyes. DOH says that it is mostly caused by bacterial or viral infection that is easily passed onto other people. If you catch sore eyes, DOH advises that you should stay home for at least four to seven days to fully rest your body accompanied with proper fluid intake and diet.

Proper washing of hands is also strongly advised to prevent passing on the sickness, especially before and after making contact with objects such as pens, computers, and other handheld devices. The use of eyedrops without prescription from your doctor is a big no. Be careful when you get sore eyes because, if mistreated or untreated, it can lead to blindness.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the rubeola virus. The virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of an infected child or adult and it is normally passed through direct contact and through the air.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first signs of measles is usually high fever which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and lasts four to seven days. Runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage.

After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck.

No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus but there is the supportive care provided by hospitals for the treatment of symptoms plus preventive measures such as vaccines.

Prickly heat is a type of heat rash characterized by tiny bumps or even watery blisters caused by the clogging of sweat glands that is commonly instigated when it is hot and humid.

The common sign is the feeling of a ‘prickly’ sensation and rashes commonly appearing on the forehead, body folds, upper back, and chest and the arms.

Good measures to counter the heat of the sun like taking a bath everyday and wearing light and loose clothing is one of the good preventive measures of prickly heat. Another one is limiting exposure to the sun. Cleansing the skin gently and then applying corn starch or baking soda powder to the affected area help soothe the irritated skin since corn starch absorbs moisture and sweat.

DOH says that heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body temperature rises and cannot cool down. The body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration or humid environment.

The common cause of heat stroke is the prolonged exposure to the sun, commonly in combination with dehydration brought by vigorous activity under the hot weather. It may start with heat exhaustion, with warm, flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, very high fever, rapid heartbeat, convulsion and unconsciousness. If you think a person shows signs of heat stroke, immediately call for help. Heat stroke can lead to serious injuries and, worse, death.

Setting limitations to outdoor activities and drinking plenty of water are on top of the preventive measures for heat stroke. A person should also keep away from tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol since it contributes to the increase in body temperature.

e

ue ng

is ros pi

lept

os

d

RAINY SEASON

he p

t y ph

oi

ever df

A itis at

According to WHO, Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection aused by any of the five closely related dengue viruses DEN1, DEN2, DEN3, or DEN4. There are two types of vector of the dengue virus; the infamous Aedes aegypti and the lesser known Aedes albopictus. Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bites of infective female Aedes mosquitoes. The disease is spred only through mosquitoperson contact andcannot be spread directly from human to human.

The usual signs and symptoms of dengue include the “dengue triad”: fever, rash, and body pain. If you have these three, never wait for another day to let the fever subside, Consult a physician right away.

There is no approved vaccine yet for preventing dengue or a treatment but increased fluid intake, proper diet, and rest usually win over the signs and symptoms.

The DOH always reminds us to follow the “4S strategy” against dengue. 4S stands for “search and destroy” mosquito-breeding sites, employ “self-protection measures” such as wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts and applying of mosquito repellent, “seek early consultation”, and “support fogging or spraying” in areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the genus Leptospira spirochetes transmitted by many animals such as rodents and other vermin through their waste produccts that contaminate the soil, water, and vegetation.

People who have broken skin or open wounds who come in contact with contaminated water or soil are the most prone to acquire this waterborne disease.

If someone experiences fever, muscle pain, headache, and has reddish eyes after wading in a recent flood or any suspicious waters or soil, it may be the early signs of Leptospirosis. Early consultation is highly recommended to prevent complications like kidney failure and body discoloration. In addition, a patient should be responsible of taking antibiotics and finishing the treatment prescribed by his or her attending physician.

For preventive measures, always wear waterproof footwear and clothing to protect the body from suspicious waters. Always wash vegetables and other raw food throughly before cooking . Also, pest control may ease the problem at home.

Typhoid Fever is a gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria Salmonella typhi. It is transmitted from person to person through the fecal-oral route. People with poor hand or body hygiene are most probable to pass the infection to another person after handling food and water.

Typhoid Fever is characterized by extreme fatigue, increasing fever, headache, and lack of appetite.

On some cases, people infected experence diarrhea, constipation, or have rashes on the buttocks. Some people who recover from Typhoid Fever continue to be carriers of the bacteria and can potentially infect others.

Treatment includes antibiotics and the most important preventive measure is proper hygiene in cleaning yourself and proper hygeine in handling and preparing food.

WHO describes Hepatitis A as a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that is primarily spread when an uninfected and, typically, unvaccinated person ingests food or water that are contaminated with the feces of an infected person and may also happen though dirty hands when an infected person prepares food for family members. Hepatitis A is closely associated with unsafe water or food, inadequate sanitation, and poor personal hygiene.

The most common symptom of Hepatitis A is the yellowing of the skin which is also called jaundice.

Other symptoms include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dark-colored urine.

Just like with measles, Hepatitis A can be prevented with vaccination. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an unvaccinated person with Hepatitis A should get the hepatitis A vaccine or a shot of immune globulin to prevent severe illness. Clean hygiene is always a must to prevent hepatitis A as well as food safety and immunizations.

Prevention is indeed better than cure - economically and physically. More importantly, as Filipinos living with moody seasons, our health should be on our watchlist and should be our top priority since diseases and sickness do not go out of season.

Seasons 6

experience

TREASURE ISLAND

WORDS BY CRISHA ARROYO PHOTOS BY GODWIN ROBERT TAN

Focused. Nanay Tes shares about her work routine and how she graces her work everyday as a top employee.

Memories are timeless treasures of the heart.

Humans live their lives reaping memories of the moments they sow. Yet, as a person ages, those memories may be forgotten and, for some, they are remembered religiously like a broken record.

“I am 32 years old,” Nanay Tes*, a woman in her 60s, says.

THE X ON THE MAP In Barangay Alangilan, away from the bustling life of Bacolod City, pavements are covered with mosses and grasses, no sound of vehicles is heard. There stands the St. Mary’s Home for the Aged Foundation, having only an estimated number of 20 patients diagnosed with mental illnesses and were left abandoned by their families. The function hall of the institution is filled with chairs and tables with a television set where melodies can be heard, getting drowned by the giggles and whispers of the old folks.

Amidst the peaceful mayhem, Nanay Tes walks around looking for a comb as she has just finished getting herself dressed. In her tucked-in, striped red shirt and blue kneelength pants, Nanay Tes sings along with the song played on the television.

“And I meant every word I said that I love you and I

7 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

meant that I love you forever,” Nanay Tes chuckles as she sings the lyrics of the song “Keep on Loving You” by R.E.O. Speedwagon.

After Nanay Tes’ retirement, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease surfaced. She was sent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development by her friend – the person she is living with – and was sent to St. Mary’s afterward.

“I almost do all the jobs here because my boss is strict – he is Chinese,” Nanay Tes shares about her job like it just happened yesterday. This 67-year-old grandma became stuck at a point in her timeline when she is still working.

Nanay Tes still acts that she is a lady working under her Chinese boss and who ranks as the number one employee.

Rosel*, a social worker working in St. Mary’s, shares her thoughts about what could have caused Nanay Tes’

“NanayTescanseeminglyidentifywhatAlzheimer’s patients feel and how they should handle it, but she remains unaware that she, too, is a victim of the disease.”

condition. “Nanay Tes was once working under a Chinese boss. But a certain incident happened that caused her so much stress that I am not certain if it is one of the causes that developed her Alzheimer’s. Because, when we stress our brain too much, it eventually breaks down,” Rosel adds.

Nanay Tes can seemingly identify what Alzheimer’s patients feel and how they should handle it, but she remains unaware that she, too, is a victim of the disease.

NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND Meanwhile, in a small cozy home in the rural part of Talisay City, Lucita Pancrodo, an 83-year old woman also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, is able to feel the support from her family. In other words, her family did not send her to nursing homes.

“Where is Piping?” Nanay Lucy asks in a loud voice, looking for her late husband, unaware of how much her

world has changed after she came back from America.

Ivy Orquia is a 42-year old niece of Nanay Lucy. From the day Nanay Lucy came back from America, Ivy started taking care of her. As for Ivy, Nanay Lucy is better to be taken care of by her family members rather than sending her to a nursing home.

According to Ivy, it is essential to engage with Nanay Lucy even as her communication skills slowly decline. “It was advised by aunt Lucita’s doctor that she has to be with the people who are close to her to talk about her past with – to somehow recall her memories with,” Ivy shares.

From Nanay Lucy’s enjoyment of her hot chocolate in the morning to the her stolen moments of dancing with Ivy, Nanay Lucy’s giggles can be heard all over the place as she dances and sings to the tune of “Turagsoy.” Through this, Nanay Lucy lulled with love from her niece ever since from the start.

Therapy. Household chores ease the stress of Nanay Tes , a self-confessed workaholic.

Seasons 8

Confused. Nanay Lucy, after frantically looking for her husband, Piping, is being comforted by her grandchild .

Some families can easily think of reasons for sending their aging relatives on a nursing home. However, for Ivy, being busy with her business can only be considered as the only hindrance in taking care of her aunt, “As long as I can, I will take care of her,” Ivy insists.

THE TREASURE TROVE “Nursing homes are not a trend for us Filipinos. For me, it is still better to have their families to take care of them and not to be abandoned by them because they (elderly) become hopeless when they start to feel like they have been cast away,” Teresa Gasper, a health aider, says.

For 16 years, Teresa had encountered different types of patients including ones who are bedridden, cancer patients, diabetics, and ones with Alzheimer’s. And, according to her, taking care of a bedridden patient is more complicated as it requires carrying the patient from one place to another. On the other hand, patients with Alzheimer’s can still walk on their own.

People like Teresa take care of older adults they are not even related to. Yet, they must be patient enough to handle each of them, memorize what they want, their mood swings and temper, and their frame of mind. In an amount of time, these strangers who are taking care of

them become more of a family for the elderly folks – more than their blood and flesh can be.

“As time goes by, you will be able to build a connection with them and start to see them as one of your own family,” Teresa adds.

Humans are voyagers. We explore the world full of discoveries as lessons dressed as mistakes and conquer the sea called fate. Above the waves in one’s journey, one will realize that the real treasures in life are not those earned inside the four corners of an office or the money received every month but, instead, they are the timeless memories that are kept inside a chest called the heart.

* Not her real name

9 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Dancer. Nanay Lucy dances and sings along to the tune of Turagsoy.

Seasons 10

society

NO PAIN, NO GRAIN:

THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT YOUR CUP OF RICE

WORDS BY CHARLENE GRACE GELOTIN PHOTOS BY GODWIN ROBERT TAN

On top of everything. Farmers in Napoles rejoice as they get hold of the season’s harvest.

Rice stalks cast such sharp shadows in the asphalt roads of Brgy. Napoles in the City of Bago. The sun may be harsh in an October midday but a handful of local men are out in the rice fields with no regard for the heat.

Armed with razor-sharp binangons, donning their reliable caps, these farmers are ready to start the year’s third cropping season with a quick clearing. With cotton t-shirts worn as face coverings and dark long-sleeved tops, it might be hard to see beads of sweat running down their bodies but the circles around their eyes, the callouses on their hands, and the wound marks on their feet are hard to miss.

These farmers endure a multi-faceted pain – physical, emotional, and financial – to bring you the cup of rice you so eagerly feast on every meal. At most, a cup might cost you 15 pesos in a nearby carinderia. Is that price worth the farmers’ pain?

ALL TIME LOW Hernani Gonzales, 61, prepares his land for the third cropping season of the year. Born and raised as a farmer, Hernani knows no other source of living, “My father was a farmer. My sons are also farmers. It has been 40 years since I have been a farmer, ma’am.”

With every hit from his sharp binangon, Hernani is an image of Filipino hard work and strength. However, when he started to regale his story, tears well up in his eyes.

11 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

“It has been a bad situation for farmers lately, ma’am,” he says.

In his worst days, Hernani could sell a 50-kilo bag of unmilled rice for 500 pesos. If you were to do the math, a kilo costs a surprising 10 pesos. Just a three-peso increase of Central Luzon’s seven.

Carlito Indencia, the city agriculturist of the City of Bago since 2016, reveals that Hernani’s rate of 10 pesos per kilo is not just a mere statistical outlier or an isolated case. In fact, it is the norm. “The price of chemicals and fertilizer have gone up and, during harvest, prices are too low. Sometimes, we have 550 pesos per sack. Sometimes, they sell them at 480. Farmer’s go through tough times nowadays,” Indencia shares.

He explains that, if a farmer harvests 4.2 tons of rice per hectare and he spends 40,000 pesos for the production, the price of a kilo exactly falls at 10 pesos. Hence, if it is sold at 11 or 12 pesos to millers, the margin of profit, if any, is extremely minimal.

AT THE MILLERS’ MERCY The rice farmland in Brgy. Napoles is undeniably suitable to grow rice. Acres after acres of green are cool to the eyes and the brown earth is warm to the soles. The fields are definitely abundant. However, farmers in Napoles are abundant as well – not just with love and family but also

with debt.

Farmers like Hernani are imprisoned in the cycle of acquiring debts from millers. Millers are businessmen who buy and process un-milled rice in order to sell it.

“Farmer’s nowadays, even before harvest time, have debts already because, if you have no financial support, you are done for,” Hernani says.

In order to purchase fertilizer and chemicals needed to kickstart the cropping season, Hernani loans money from the millers. “The ones who we are indebted with, they are also the ones who buy our product. So, when harvest time comes, you have no choice but to give them whatever they are willing to buy.”

He adds that farmers offer no resistance if the miller decides to buy the product at a much lower price, especially if their debts are significant. No complaints. No objections. No negotiations, “We cannot do anything since we are indebted to them. We cannot complain. Most of us experience this.”

“It has been that way ever since,” Indencia confirms. “That is why we help them have access to agencies that can provide them with capital.”

Indencia refers to conduit agencies and authorized associations where farmers can avail of loans with an interest of six and a half percent per year. “The interest rate is much lower compared to the millers’ since the millers can give an interest of five to six percent per month.”

“But, sometimes, because of a lot of requirements, farmers often leave the offers unbothered,” he adds. “They always want a quick process.”

He says that, among all documents farmers have difficulty accomplishing, the Business Plan tops the list. “That is why we made it easier for them. We carry out information drives on how and where should they get their loans.”

RAGE AND RACE AGAINST FOREIGNERS Aside from the neverending cycle of lending, the farmers face another threat – the flooding of cheaper alternatives in the market. Cheaper rice alternatives are mostly imported from neighboring agricultural countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

This influx of imported rice is caused by the Rice Tarification Law or Republic Act 11203 signed into law

by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 15 of 2019 and implemented in March 3 of the same year.

This stemmed from the October 2018 crisis when Duterte declared the issue “urgent” saying that, with the rising prices of gasoline, electricity, and other commodities, the price for rice will balloon up to 70 pesos per kilo in 2018.

Now, because of R.A. 11203, the quota or limit in rice importation was lifted. This means businessmen can import almost an unlimited amount of rice. Because of this growing supply and increased competition, prices plummeted.

In comparison, Filipinos’ rice sells at a much higher price compared to its Taiwanese and Thai counterparts because Filipinos produce rice at a lower rate. Farmers cannot access high-tech machineries and equipment that their foreign competitors use. Hence, they are forced to sell their harvests at extremely low prices in order to take some money home.

Ten pesos a kilo is better than nothing at all.

In the years since Indencia took office in Bago until 2018, he reveals that the lowest price of un-milled rice dropped to 16 to 17 pesos per kilo while the highest price was pegged at 20 to 23. “The lowest was last quarter of 2016 in terms of average yield per hectare of 3.92 tons per hectare. Last year, they

Sack by sack. Grain is being extracted by a rice mill from piles of rice stalks.

Seasons 12

acquired 4.43 tons, so the farmers really did profit somehow.”

He explained that, in 2019, even if rice production of farmers were to increase, if the relative price of un-milled rice were still at rock bottom, farmers still realize little to no profit.

CRIPPLED WITH FEAR There are three cropping seasons per year according to Benge Siasico, 42, one of Napoles’ homegrown farmers. He admits that they incur losses in the first but gains in the next two.

But now, he shares his fear for the future. “My feart is filled with sorrow and fear. The profit I had from the second harvest only went to unapid debts. I am not even sure if I will still have profit from the next harvest.”

He fears one thing – the price of Filipino-grown rice will not increase in the coming seasons. “This year ‘s harvests had been especially unprofitable when compared to last year’s,” he adds. “Sometimes, when we are at our worst, we roam around the farm, go house to house, and ask for what they can offer to us.”

From the plate to your stomach, a rice grain’s journey is pretty straightforward. But, from a seed to a sack, it is a completely different story. Remember this next time you enjoy your cup of rice.

What is left. Discarded empty rice stalks lay in piles as farmers plunge more grain and stalk in the rice mill.

“My heart is filled with sorrow and fear.

The profit I had from the second harvest only went to unapid debts. I am not even sure if I will still have profit from the next harvest.”

13 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

photo manipulation by Joshua Garita

Seasons 14

experience

HANGGANG SA MULING PAGGAPAS

Isang hagis, higa lahat. Mga tubong handa nang ikarga sa trak ay nakalatay sa buong Hacienda Hermilinda.

SULAT NI JOE ARNEL CELESTIAL JR. MGA LITRATO NI GODWIN ROBERT TAN

Nakahalik sa labi ni Helen ang tilamsik ng pinalamig na tubig-balon. Sabay pahid ng pumapatak na pawis, nakapatong ang kaniyang mga paa at nakasandal naman ang likod sa gawang kahoy na upuan. Nang maibsan ang gutom na ramdam, kumain muna siya sa loob ng kaniyang munting bahay kubo. Matapos ang ilang minutong pag-idlip, handa na muli siyang sulungin ang gawain sa malawak na tubuhan sa ilalim ng matinding sikat ng araw.

Hindi pagod. Hindi init. Hindi ang malayong lalakarin kundi ang karaniwang araw na ito ang totoong hamon. Susubukin ang tibay ni Helen hanggang sa muling panahon ng paggapas.

PATAY NA PANAHON Nakaatang na sa bawat manggagawang-bukid ang katotohanang sila ang tagahain ng pagkain sa hapag-kainan.

Kasabay nito ang tadhanang kinatatakutan nilang lahat – ang patay na panahong kung maituturing ay Tiempo Muerto.

Ang Tiempo Muerto ay ang panahon bawat taon kung kailan kakaramput lamang o minsan wala talaga ang kinikita ng bawat manggagawang-bukid sapagkat walang puwedeng maaani.

Para sa masaganang anihan, mababatid ang panahon ng paghihinagpis. Dito gugutumin, susubukin, at pipilitin si Helen na labanan ang naghihingalong buhay nila sa tubuhang wala pang aanihin.

“Pagtutubo na ang bumubuhay sa aming pamilya sapagkat ang asawa ko ay magsasaka ng tubo – tatlumpu’t isang taon na,” ani ni Helen.

Mula noon hanggang ngayon, nanatiling malalim na krisis ang Tiempo Muerto sa bawat Pilipinong naka-angkla ang buhay sa pagsasaka.

15 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Ika nga, mailalarawan na sakuna ang matinding hambalos ng kahirapan. Ang masaklap pa, kaya nitong humantong sa kamatayan.

SA LUPA NAKABAON Sa bawat araw nilang pagkayod, walang pagsubok ang makakapigil sa paghahanap-buhay ni Helen at ng kaniyang asawa nang dahil sa kanilang siyam na anak na naging kaagapay na rin nila sa tubuhan. Mula nang makilala ni Helen ang kaniyang asawang nabuhay sa pagsasaka, niyakap na nila ang kinabukasang nabuo kasama ng tamis na dala ng tubo.

Malayo sa sentro ng lungsod ng Bacolod, mapapasok ang ekta-ektaryang pribadong Hacienda ng Hermelinda sa Barangay Granada. Tuwing pagsapit ng alas kuwatro ng umaga, masigasig na gumigising na si Helen upang masimulan ang kaniyang araw. Mula sa pagkukusot ng lalabahing damit, sa

pagwawalis sa loob at labas ng bahay, hanggang sa paghahanda ng kakainin ng kaniyang mga anak, ang bawat oras ng buong araw ay na bilang na ni Helen. “Salat man ako sa pahinga, wala akong magagawa sapagkat ako ang ilaw ng tahanan,” sabi ni Helen.

Pasikat pa lang ang araw mula silangan, nililisan na ni Helen ang kaniyang bahay ng may maladobleng lakad. Sa haba ng tatlong dekada, ito na ang buhay na kinagisnan niya .

Pagkatapos ng masaganang ani mula buwan ng Setyembre hanggang buwan ng Abril, darating ang ilang buwan kung kailan wala na namang trabaho at maghihintay na naman ng susunod na anihan. Pagsapit ng buwan ng Hunyo hanggang Agosto, haharapin ng karaniwang magsasaka ang bawat oras na kakaunti ang gawaing pagsasaka – at kakaunti rin ang kita.

Susubukin ng panahong ito kung paano nila mapagkakasya ang kanilang suweldong ‘di hamak na makapagbibigay hustisya sa labinlimang malulupit na mga araw.

Tuwing Tiempo Muerto, ang limang libong kita sa pagaararo at dalawang libong kita sa pamamatdan ay magiging walong daan na lang; kinsenas, galing sa pagdadamo.

“Naranasan na rin naming walang suweldo,” patuloy na kuwento ni Helen. Isa si Helen sa maraming Pilipinong magsasaka na hirap maiangat ang buhay kahit isang agrikultural na bansa ang Pilipinas. Kayod-kalabaw ang pagpupursigeng ginagawa ng mga magsasaka para sa pagkaing mailapag lang sa kani-kanilang hapag-kainan.

PAMATID-UHAW Gayunpaman, salamin si Helen ng positibong pananaw sa mabatong daanan ng buhay. Sa taun-taong pagdalaw ng Tiempo Muerto sa kaniyang buhay, kabisado na ni Helen ang kaniyang dapat gawin upang maungusan ito.

“Kung marunong ka lang maghanap ng paraan, tiyak na hindi ka magugutom,” pagbibigay-diin ni Helen na kahit anong klaseng trabaho ay kaniya nang nasubukan.

Walang mahirap na buhay sa taong hindi nanahimik ang kamay. Kasipagan at pagbukas sa iba’t ibang ideya ang solusyon. Matapos man ang trabaho sa sakahan, mayroon pa namang ibang pananim na siyang puwedeng pagkakitaan gaya ng mga pananim na gulay at prutas na saging.

“Sapat naman ang naiipong ilang sakong bigas mula sa aming maliit na palayan at tama na rin ang kinikita sa [pagtutuba] upang makapamili ng pang-araw-araw namin na gagamitin,” dagdag ni Helen.

Sa kabila ng mapanghamong, pabago-bagong panahon sa buhay, ang kuwento ni Helen kasama ang kaniyang pamilya ay isang magandang halimbawa ng pagharap sa kahit ano mang balakid ano mang oras.

Init man o ulan, anihan man o walang pananim, ang pinakamalakas na sandatang mayroon ang isang tao ay ang paniniwalang walang mahirap sa taong masipag at maparaan.

Sapagkat ang buhay ay parang Tiempo Muerto. Dadaan ang mga araw na mahihinto ang kasiyahan, mahaharap sa pagsubok, at kailangang maghintay sa panibagong panahon ng pag-ahon – ang panahon kung saan pawis ay mapupunasan na rin, ang uhaw ay malulunasan, at mayroon na muling aanihin.

“Kung marunong ka lang maghanap ng paraan, tiyak na hindi ka magugutom.”

Magdamagang kayod. Hindi matatapos ang araw kung hindi rin matatapos ang trabaho sa tubohan.

Seasons 16

trend

MILK TEA: THE ROOTS AND CRAZE WORDS BY KRISHA MARIE SEMELLANO GRAPHICS BY LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO

The sheer number of milk tea fans keep growing as milk tea shops keep popping up with their extensive menus that ensure that anyone can find their exact, perfect cup.

Nowadays, it is not surprising to see someone you know drinking milk tea at least once a week, lining up for hours, or having it delivered at their doorstep.

ROOTS: THE TAPIOCA BALLS China has a rich history with tea. The Philippines and other neighboring countries, rich with Chinese influence, also developed a taste for the drink. Filipinos even have versions of tea such as salabat or brewed ginger tea. Let alone the love for milk tea. In fact, milk tea has always been there even before the craze. So, what exactly caused the sudden spike in fame?

It was December 2008, when milk tea shop Serenitea opened its first branch in San Juan, Manila by founders Juliet Herrera-Chen and Peter Chen. Peter, who spent some time in Taiwan where milk tea originated, thought that us Filipinos were going to want in on it, too. Lo and behold, they were not wrong.

FEEDBACK: THE ADD-ONS Maria Pichina Gerbolinga, a college student from University of St. La Salle admits that she is an avid consumer of milk tea, buying the drink three times a week from various shops near her school. “As I am not fond of other sort of drinks, I became enthralled with milk tea. It satisfies my cravings,” Pichina shares.

For Pichina, milk tea shops complete the overall vibe of the drink as it affects her preferences. She frequently opts to study there, to scribble through her notes, hang out with friends, and, of course capture Instagram-able photos.

In 2016, a study was conducted to examine how much sugar milk tea drinkers were getting. In their study, they found that Asian Americans in Southeast Asian communities (which includes the Filipino community) were not only prone to binging on milk tea but that they were also prone to diabetes.

“I noticed that I am actually gaining weight. I think it started when I frequently have it. Probably, it was the sugar that milk tea contains,” she adds.

Nevertheless, Pichina remains to love its taste despite its downside.

As Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray said, “Everything is good but in moderation.”

17 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

CRAZE: THE FLAVOR Milk tea shops, after all, carry a similar ambience; a casual space where customers can stay for long periods to hang out with friends, chilling, even studying, and holding business meetings as they are built to have a conducive environment.

The massive number of young people getting in on the trend, buying milk tea as both a caffeinated pick-me-up and a sweet treat allowed these milk tea shops to thrive. Ma. Cynthia Francisco, who works in local mil tea shop Poi Poi Bubble Tea, shares that people around ages 15 to 21 are the frequent buyers of milk tea from their shop. “Milk Tea is basically for all. Kids drink it the most,” Cynthia says.

In SPOT.ph’s Top 10 List in 2013, you’ll recognize most of the shops as household names with Serenitea ranking at #9, Happy Lemon ranking at #8, Tokyo Bubble Tea at #5, Chatime at #4, Dakasi at #2, and Gong Cha at #1.

Obviously, the milk tea trend reached its first peak in 2013 when everyone was drinking milk tea and the number of milk tea shops began to grow.

The combination of milk and tea creates a synergy of flavors.

As what Cynthia of Poi Poi Bubble Tea would say, it is what their costumers want. Pichina, on the other hand, shares that its combination adds sweetness and a unique taste.

Imagine how much time and satisfaction people nowadays invested into milk tea. We are not quite sure, but admit it, it reaches a great amount by the end of a year.

A simple mixture of two complete varied substances turns out to become today’s drink. From Taiwan to the expansion of milk tea colonies conquering millions of islands and billions of avid consumers, today, milk tea is not classified as a trend anymore. It has become a staple.

Seasons 18

out of the box

CEBUA-NO!?

“Stereotypes and prejudices are brought up because certain groups tend to look down on what is different from their own.”

ELLA JANE MERCADO MAGAZINE EDITOR

Bisaya people are continuously depicted on TV as stupid and strange and cannot do much by just being a mere house helper. Most of the time people ridicule our language and people make fun of our accents. Radio broadcasts use words from our language just when the aim is to make a joke or state something funny at any rate.

“Ati” and “Koya” are just two dead giveaways that the speaker is Bisaya (Visayan). Those from “down south,” be it in the Visayas or Mindanao group of islands, who are living in Metropolitan Manila, take pains to hide their regional accent in case they become the object of jokes. The popular Bisaya articulation is fundamentally the exchanging of vowel sounds “e” to “i,” “o” to “u,” and the other way around – a joyful misunderstanding.

Going back to my first day in the school where I transferred, my classmates laughed at me because they thought that I was forced to transfer to Bacolod to escape terrorism in Mindanao. It took me months to cope with the Bacoleños. I had a hard time understanding people around me even when taking a jeepney ride. I never thought that saying “manaog ko” would make myself have a hard time. I was ashamed that people might label me as Cebuana because of my accent. It led me to crying every night, calling my mom and begging her to take me back to Mindanao but she refused.

The discrimination against Bisayas has gone too far, In the recent Miss Universe pageant, Gazini Ganados,

19 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

a Cebuana, represented the Philippines. And, by that, Gazini was bashed for being unable to bring home the crown. People often blamed the pageant management that Gazini being Bisaya was the reason behind losing.

Magbinisaya sa ko diring dapita no. Kabalo ko nga dummy account ra ‘to ang nagpost sa facebook nga nagingon ana nga statement ba. Pero murag dili naman jod lain kaayo paminawon nga basulon tungod kay bisaya ka – ingnon na dayon ka ug low-class – baduy.

One time, I overheard a conversation between two women in a jeepney I was in, “Our Cebuana helper is really loud.” “Why are you even shocked.”

This has to stop.

Stereotypes and prejudices are brought up because certain groups tend to look down on what is different from their own. Manileños and others tend to classify themselves as different as their Cebuano counterparts.

Of course ethnic groups view themselves better than any other ethnic groups. With this given fact, Cebuanos are not spared from such biases.

In all actuality, no language is second rate or better than the other. Diversity is, with all things considered, what makes our nation remarkable and welcoming to the world. Most Filipinos are bilingual or even multilingual as the Philippines flaunts in excess of 100 dialects or vernaculars. We should all be glad for all of our languages and all of our people.

cover spread

Seasons 20

21 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Seasons 22

23 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Seasons 24

trend

SEE ME HANGING ON THE WALL? WORDS BY NINA AIRA VILLANUEVA PHOTOS BY JOCER MACALISANG The myriad figures of hues and lines occupy the empty spaces of the white walls and, despite the dim complexion of the surroundings, you can see that the frames are glaring full of rage, sadness, and beauty — filling up the empty holes within you. By this moment, you envy the portraits because they can scream, shout, provoke, and be free though static and just merely hanging. Here, in Bacolod City, people who associate themselves with art or the socalled “artsy” see galleries and bistro bars as sanctuary for their nostalgia and melancholy on a sunny afternoon or on a chilly night.

Orange Project is located at Art District, Mandalagan.

It is a collaborative engagement between visual artist Charlie Co and businessman-artist Victor Benjamin Lopue and is the first professionally-run gallery in Negros which showcases various art, mainly for visual art such as wall work, sculpture, multimedia installation, performance art, conceptual art, textile art, political art, and other forms of creative expression. Maegan Joy Matamoro, an Orange Project goer, sees the gallery more than just a place to take instagrammable photos. “It’s a venue for Bacoleños and other locals to appreciate art in a way that they establish it as a place for all,” Maegan says. Art is drawn out of man’s frustration, joy, guilt, and, for other reasons, to express himself before a blank slate. It became an extension of themselves in which the need for aesthetics has become a commodity. For some, the vibe of artistry identifies them as divergent as they deviate from the usual cut-outs of the society.

In the advent of technology and empowerment of art, aesthetics where defined to its limits, settling only to what is trending in Pinterest, of 90s vibe, and neon lights, of walls and hues of sunsets. “Aesthetics are not limited to minimalism. It is not something that people base their standards on. It has a wide scope. It is subjective and relative,” she adds.

Through time, as the universe stretches to its unforeseeable ends, man needs to evolve with time and so does the standards of aesthetics. It is undeniably true that the impact of mainstream media influences the idea of what is appealing to the eye and what is not. And it is easy for man to absorb the idea to fit in. Yet, a moment of melancholy or nostalgia from a single portrait for a fraction of time distracts them from the realistic occurrence of what is being displayed in a monotonous white wall that reflects the deepest woes and laments that this abstract façade of this fast-paced world cannot fathom. Beyond brush strokes and shades lies the bare nature of aesthetics much more than fashion trends and presets. It is man’s desire to mimic art to break through from the altered standards of the society.

Places like Orange Project and other galleries give people either a breathtaking picture or a breath of fresh air – either way they simply forge a gift for people hungry with inspiration, hope, love, or peace – our melancholy and happiness intertwined.

25 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

photos by Joelle Mariel Paderog

Seasons 26

experience

CIUDAD, LAO DIAT WORDS BY ALYSSA MARIE ARCEÑO PHOTOS BY BRIAN ROA

Ever since most of us were kids, we grew up with a lot of Chinese influences around us – our classmates have Chinese last names, we had pancit canton for merienda almost every day and begged our parents for siopao or our favorite Chao Fan. Streets and places around us, especially in the downtown area, screamed of Chinese names: Lacson, Locsin, Gatuslao, Singcang, and the list goes on.

The rich heritage of the Chinese was purely welcomed in the City of Bacolod as if it was our own. Many of Bacoleños went to Filipino-Chinese schools and learned the art of culture diversity and authenticity. Some of us even studied Mandarin in college as it is the Universal language in business transactions. We included the culinary splendor of the Chinese and adapted our own.

As a nod to Filipino-Chinese or Fil-Chi friendship, the City of Bacolod started to commemorate Bacolaodiat Festival every Lunar New Year with “Baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat”, a Hokkien phrase for celebration. This 2020, the Bacolod Fil-Chi community decided to hold the festivities after the Chinese New Year’s Day, January 25. Instead, they extended the celebration of the Year of the Metal Rat to January 31 until February 2, yearning for a new year as similar as the Rat’s qualities: confident, positive, and adaptive.

27 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

A CONFIDENT START Bacolaodiat 2020 carried on with its traditional flow of activities. The traditional Lantern Dance Parade marked the start of the celebration wherein Filipinos and Fil-Chis watched in awe as colorful lights danced with Chinese hymns and symphonies. The Dazzling Grand Motorcade wherein Fil-Chis, city officials, and students from Chinese schools graced the streets of Bacolod to the tune of the Symphony of Lights and Sparks, the festival’s official music, while being mesmerized of the fireworks display.

“The festival started in 2006 where the first people to participate are students from Chinese schools in Bacolod,” Mary Christine Milan, deputy stage manager for the Bacolaodiat 2020 opening ceremony, shared. According to Milan, students from Bacolod Tay Tung High School, Trinity Christian Academy, and St. John’s Institute were among the schools who annually participate in the festivities. Since its founding, the Catholic Ming Yuan College in Murcia also joined the celebration.

The Imperial Village and Chopsticks Alley are also the mainstays in Bacoloadiat. Chinese calligraphy, wishing tree, and Chinese zodiac are among the attractions in the Imperial Village whereas a mix of Filipino and Chinese food can be found in lining kiosks along Lacson Street or also known as the Chopsticks Alley Atbp. Of course, chicken inasal grills

Red and gold. Lantern Parade dancers stomp to the beat of gongs and chimes while clad in the lucky Chinese colors of red and gold.

complete the alley every year.

The Yuan Thong Temple along Burgos Street also joins in the annual celebration. Cultural events such as the Chinese Dynasty Culture Contest, lantern, dragon, and lion dances, and the Light Offering Prayer became highlights in the temple’s way of celebrating Bacolaodiat.

ADAPTIVE IN TRYING TIMES It was February 5 when the city was hit with news surrounding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) entering with two persons under investigation or PUIs quarantined in Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

According to Dr. Grace Tan, spokesperson of the city’s interagency task force against nCoV, a 67-year old Canadian who had a layover in Taiwan and a 12-year old boy who had traveled recently to Macau and Hong Kong were tagged as PUIs. Neither of the two resided in Bacolod but in areas in Negros Occidental.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that nCoV is spread in close person-to-person contact within six feet through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Eventually, the virus manifests as acute respiratory disease with fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

With the daily updates of possible cases reported in

the country and all over the world, people are frantic and very cautious to the point when surgical masks and other protection such as rubbing alcohol went out of stock and people are seen less in public spaces. Viral spread of nCov was not that fast-spreading but the seeming spread of xenophobia went around the world with harassments towards, discrimination against, and distancing from Chinese people and citizens from neighboring countries became rampant not only online but also through personal encounters. Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong even called for the stop on spreading fake news and racism amidst the nCoV scare. He said that, instead of stereotyping and giving hurtful remarks on our Chinese neighbors, we should give encouragement and moral support along their country’s recovery.

Regardless of the nCoV scare, Bacolaodiat still found its feet in celebrating the Year of the Metal Rat. “The coronavirus news did not really affect the celebration. However, the students and other festival-goers were wearing face masks and bringing rubbing alcohol [for precaution], Milan shared.

Although, according to Nancy Pestaño, coordinator of Bacolaodiat 2020, there was a noticeable decrease of the festival-goers when compared to last year’s festival, “The general public is being warned from going to crowded areas

Seasons 28

but they proceeded to [attend] the festival, thinking that we are still on the safe side. I was asking some people who were here last year. There are more people last year on the first day I think because they see on the news reports that [they should observe] proper caution. Maybe they followed the advice of the news,” Pestaño said.

POSITIVITY AMIDST PROBLEMS Ronnie Baldonado, a photographer who has been capturing Bacolaodiat moments for over 12 years already, said that people did not really take the scare seriously and that they preferred enjoying the celebration. “When it comes to news on the coronavirus, they are just a little bit concerned but not really afraid of getting infected,” he said. Although the merriment continued with fewer patrons, it did not stop the life of the party. Culture appreciation, celebration of diversity, and acceptance of friendship peaked in the threeday celebration.

Growing up with Chinese influence helped us with who we are right now. Elements of our lives are embedded in Fil-Chi traditions and values. It will be such a shame if we turn ourselves against the people who have shared a part of them with us throughout centuries because of only a viral scare. Celebrating Bacolaodiat reminds us that we should look back to our roots as Filipinos, especially as Bacoleños – a mixture of culture and friendship.

“With the daily updates of possible cases reported in the country and all over the world, people are frantic and very cautious to the point when surgical masks and other protection such as rubbing alcohol went out of stock and people are seen less in public spaces.”

On the streets. Lacson street carries on with Bacolaodiat 2020 even with lesser party-goers.

29 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

photo by Lourdes Angeline Sendico

Seasons 30

photo by Kaye Eunice Lamera, RSW graphics by Lourdes Angeline Sendico

out of the box

FIRST, I CHOOSE ME

LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO SENIOR MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

“Selfish ba na piliin ko naman ang sarili ko?” Joy Marie Fabregas once said in the movie “Hello, Love, Goodbye” while she was arguing with Ethan del Rosario, who gave his everything and poured all his love for her.

Same goes with the thought, “Is it a question about love?” Does choosing yourself over everything else mean that you are already selfish? The answer is a resounding “no.” You must love yourself first over everything else for your happiness even at the cost of upsetting other people.

It might sound narcissistic but choosing yourself means that you value your own wellness. In a situation where you gave most of your time for academics – after that frustrating four-hour exam, you deserve a treat regardless of the outcome of the examination. You deserve to rest instead of cracking your brain until the sun rises because you need to cram for the next exam.

Doing these will eventually calm yourself and be more productive. It is just good for your body and mental health as well.

Just like they said, “Love yourself before loving others.” Not in a romantic way but you should attend to your own needs. If you feel tired in the middle of a social gathering, go home and rest. You do not need to stay there just to complete your “social life.” Follow what your heart desires in achieving your goals. At present, many of us are stuck up in a program that

33 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

“We don’t need the judgment of other people or their approval in doing the things that we love, the way we look, and the way we believe in life. ”

we don’t even love. For example, a student dreams of becoming a famous artist but ends up enrolled in a Civil Engineering program because society tells us that taking up professional programs will give us better lives.

Is it not too sad for a student to take his or her passion for being an artist? I think it is way better to be enrolled in the field where you love the most so as not to waste so much money, time, and effort just for compliance of having a degree.

Loving and accepting who we are is the key to happiness. We do not need the judgment of other people or their approval in doing the things that we love, the way we look, and the way we believe in life. We must allow ourselves to accept our own flaws to learn and grow from those flaws. What is important is that, in accepting our negatives, we follow what our heart desires without stepping on others’ dreams. From these, everything will fall into place and, one day, we can learn to love other people.

trend

photo by Lourdes Angeline Sendico

Seasons 34

roleplay

OF CLEAN HANDS AND DIRTY ICE CREAM WORDS BY LYKA DE LA TORRE PHOTOS BY LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO

The sun was scorching. The air of Bacolod city plaza smelled of car smoke and sweat. The afternoon breeze was bare. It was a sleepy hour. The sweltering weather screamed for one thing – ice cream.

I pushed a colorfully painted cart of Asuncion’s D’ Best Ice Cream. Although heavy, the hard part was not the act of pushing but controlling the urge to eat the sorbetes I was supposed to sell. I held a bell in one hand and rang it. It was old and tarnished yet the ringing sound it made resonated of nostalgia – a chime that meant mamang sorbetero, the ice cream man, is nearby.

THE SCOOP Today, however, I was ateng sorbetera. The ringing sound I made had the people of Bacolod City Plaza turn their heads like products of classical conditioning.

Not all was enticed to buy the soft served goodies I had prepared. The plaza hustled and bustled with pedestrians rushing by, bystanders, and my fellow peddlers of local street delicacies. Most gave me glances but ignored my enticing cart of sugar cones and dirty ice cream. I rang the bell every few seconds, gave strangers my most inviting smile, and circled around the Plaza under the heat of the scorching afternoon sun.

In my few minutes of roleplaying ateng sorbetera, I had served scoops of cold sweetness to students passing by, a pair of teenage lovebirds, and two local titas inquiring to rent the cart for a birthday party.

The scorching heat was becoming part of the job and so was getting ignored by people passing by. However, one goal ahead was clear – to empty the cart by selling it all.

35 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Into the cup. Lyka begins to scoop her first servings of sorbetes.

THE DAIRY STRUGGLE For such a straightforward goal every day, local peddlers of dirty ice cream like Tiyoy Grego Mercado wake up as early as 6 am every day to get to the nearest local high school.

Every morning, Tiyoy Grego arrives by the school gate even before the students do. He will rest his cart of dirty ice cream at a spot nearby and ring his bell along with any passer-by in need of an early morning sugar rush.

However, most of the time, this daybreak gig of Tiyoy Grego is not enough to empty his cart. When the students stop arriving, he will then proceed to walk the streets of downtown Bacolod, pushing his cart and reverberating his trusty bell until the contents of his cart sell out.

When the afternoon comes, Tiyoy Grego will be at the Bacolod City Plaza, still trying to empty either his cart from that morning or a new one. On good days, when customers are plenty, he even stays out until seven in the evening to empty his second or third cart of that day.

Depending on how much he sells, Tiyoy Grego earns a profit of around 400 to 500 pesos each day – just enough

for him to raise his five children and to provide additional support for ten grandkids.

A downside, though, is that he can barely sell anything on rainy days. At worst, he has to stay home, not earning a single peso on days when the rain gets pretty strong. You see, cold ice cream really is not as enticing on cold weather as it is on sweltering heat.

AS THE BELL RINGS The sun was gone. The air of Bacolod city smelled of rain and earth. The wind was strong. It was a quiet hour as the pitter-patter of rain drops on concrete silenced other clamor.

The cold weather screamed for one thing – warmth.

“The scorching heat was becoming part of the job and so was getting ignored by people passing by.”

I was on my way home when I saw him – mamang sorbetero – on Araneta Street, under the heavy rain with nothing but a raincoat and a roof attached to his small ice cream cart that barely sheltered him. It was not the weather for sorbetes but he stood there, waiting for customers.

As the jeepney I was on passed by him, I saw him chime a bell in an effort to be noticed amidst the heavy rain. No one approached him. It got me thinking on how much the seasons – the weather – mattered more for some people than it does for others.

The sweltering heat we complain about – the one that melts our ice cream, makes us sweat, and annoys us with blinding sunlight – is the same weather that feeds the children of Tiyoy Grego and sends his grandkids to school.

Learning from the pioneer. Tiyoy Grego gives a proper demonstration on how to serve customers.

Competition. Tiyay Juanita and more other sorbeteros pose as competition to Tiyoy Grego’s sorbetes business around the Plaza.

Seasons 36

personalities Among his work. Charlie reflects on his life dedicated to art and loving life.

ILLUSTRATING THE ILLUSTRATOR, CHARLIE CO WORDS BY LYKA DE LA TORRE PHOTOS BY JOCER MACALISANG

The board in front was obscured with notes and pointers. For hours, his teacher had been spurting out words that entered his one ear and rushed out the other.

The discussion was all white noise as young Charlie Co doodled on his notebook.

Decades later, to no surprise, Charlie, who has dedicated 40 years of his life to the arts and still is not tired of it, has become one of the nation’s most renowned artists with several of his masterpieces being displayed in prominent galleries inside and outside the country.

When asked about who or what inspires his works, Charlie, 59, shrugs.

“At my age? I am the one that inspires,” Charlie showcases a proud grin.

NAME: CHARLIE CO Charlie has worked with oil paint, formed sculptures, shaped terra-cotta, and has doodled in class. Having dedicated decades of his life to the arts, he knows the struggle. Once upon a time, his artworks practically screamed to be noticed, too. When showcased in galleries, beside compositions of artists greater than him, Charlie’s works were overlooked – unnoticed.

37 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Charlie’s father is a Chinese man who wanted him to follow the corporate path. Like most Asian parents, his father believed there was no money in art. Charlie was very good at being hard-headed though and still pursued his passion, developing his skills as a self-taught artist – no art degree, just pure commitment. “I cannot be Charlie Co without 40 years of hard work,” Charlie says.

A great number of years later, Charlie realizes all of these to be humbling experiences and that his dad has really been supportive of him since day one. Although his father may not have bought him paint, but, at the very least, Charlie never starved.

“You know why? Anytime of the day I went home, I had food waiting for me at the table. Anytime, even at three in the early morning that I went home, sometimes drunk, I had a bed to sleep on. That is support, is it not?” Charlie shares.

Now, Charlie has given 14 years of his life to the Orange Project, a collaborative effort between him and businessmanartist Victor Benjamin Lopue, III as a tangible contribution towards the elevation of arts consciousness in Negros.

Charlie continues to commit his life to the arts and, as he, himself, said it, he “will never stop.”

FAVORITE FOOD: ART “Breakfast, lunch, dinner – all I think of is art. Even before I sleep – maybe I should drink sleeping pills later – my eyes are closed but my mind is wide open. Oh, this could be bad,” Charlie flails his arms in the air, worried for his sanity. With a laugh, he imitates his wife, Ann Co, scolding him in the middle of the night because he is practically talking to himself.

Just by the way he walks and the way he talks, Charlie is clearly a storyteller, and it is one of the many reasons why his art has a broad spectrum of subject matter – his nightmares, his dreams, hopes, and life in general.

As can be seen in his book, “Guerra Guerra” that showcased a few of his many masterpieces, Charlie’s paintings encompassed the universe and the emotions in it – love, frustration, even anger.

Take Boiling Point, his acrylic painting flaunted in the Orange Project gallery, for example. It is inspired by frustrations – towards the government, yourself, happenings in the world, the fact that there will always be war, that plastic, once ignored, is now ruining the future, and many others. “These are life stories that can inspire you to paint and to tell a story – questioning the people looking at your artwork if this is really what they want to happen,” Charlie says.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE: LIVING It comes without saying that Charlie’s own life stories have been reflected in his works.

When he had to have a kidney transplant, Charlie flew to Manila and, in one week, should have gone back home. He had a round trip ticket. That was Charlie’s plan – man’s plan.

Yet, after three or four days there, he had to be rushed for emergency treatment because of dehydration. He was operated and connected to a dialysis machine repeatedly for seven months. That was God’s plan. “Any plan I plan, if God wants to tamper it, everything flips.

There is nothing to do. Just face it. So, what I did, every

Boling Point by Charlie Co

Embedded in pages. Charlie proudly shows what is inside his book Guerra Guerra..

time I was hooked to the dialysis machine, I would draw,” Charlie says.

For hours, the sound of the beeping of hospital monitors entered his one ear and rushed out the other.

It was all white noise as Charlie Co doodled while connected to the dialysis machine. “My healing is my art. Imagine me, four hours with the dialysis machine.

My blood was being pumped out of me – maybe to get washed by the laundrywoman out in the back, then pumped back into me. The experience was horrible,” Charlie looks back, laughing at his own unfortunate experience. He has been diabetic for 40 years and insurance companies steer clear of him because of high risk of losing affluence. Thus, Charlie considers his paintings as his insurance.

“How did Charlie Co survive the past years? I navigated,” he says.

“If you want to live, you have to think positively,” Charlie says, adding that what keeps him alive between life trials is the thought that he still has a lot of things to do.

Charlie Co dances on top of tables and on top of beds.

He does not nurture depression because he believes the exit becomes harder to find the longer someone stays in it. “You don’t have to look and look and look. ‘What am I? Who am I?’ Enough of those questions. Enough. You are here with a purpose,” Charlie says.

As for him, he will never say no to the call of being an artist and continue to paint even as his hands wrinkle and he finally steps on the stage of senior citizenship.

“For hours, the sound of the beeping of hospital monitors entered his one ear and rushed out the other. It was all white noise as Charlie Co doodled while connected to the dialysis machine.”

Seasons 38

trend

Sana nawa ang lahat ay magkaroon ng tulad niyan

Sana lahat may ganiyan

Sana lahat maging ganiyan

Sana lahat ganiyan

Sana lahat

Sana all

39 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING “SANA ALL” WORDS BY ALEA JEN VILLAHERMOSA

Filipinos are fond of doing twists and turns in verbal and written communication which gave birth to acronyms, slangs, and colloquialism in their language. A few examples of those are SKL or share ko lang, RLMSC or react, like my status chat, charot, walwal, edi wow and a lot more. Along those comes the expression, sana all. Commonly used by the millennials and generation Zers, it rose to fame online and offline and can be heard and seen almost anywhere.

It all started in the noontime show It’s Showtime which is known for its various segments. During the runs of the show sprouted the phrase “Sana lahat.” It reached social media, mostly on Facebook, where the phrase turned into the nowinfamous sana all.

“I think the expression is, to be brutally honest, a sorry expression of discontent badly masked as an innocent attempt to be cute. Its ubiquity is sickening to the bone,” shares Nikko Paolo Calumpiano, LPT, MAEL, an English professor at the College of Education.

Although welcomed by the crowd, the overused expression also welcomes discontentment from its speaker. Some say it out of envy, disappointment, or even frustration.

DISSECTING SANA ALL Luis Azcona, a social media influencer, shares his take on the origin of sana all. Here is what the expression means: sana nawa ang lahat ay magkaroon ng tulad niyan (wishing all can ave something like that) to sana lahat may ganyan (wishing all have that) to sana lahat maging ganyan (wishing all could be that) to sana lahat ganyan (wishing all are like that) to sana lahat (wishing all...) to sana all.

He explained that shorter words make it easier for us to communicate thus Filipinos enjoy making their sentences short. The inclusion of English word “all” is a result of our history as an American colony.

Azcona’s video garnered 74,000 views on Facebook and 1,489 on Youtube. Sana all’s rise to fame is short-lived as new expressions came. Just like hyped expressions buried from decades before, sana all earned its place in the Filipino vocabulary as either most used or most distasted.

artwork by Renee Suala

Seasons 40

culture

BAYBAYIN AY BUHAYIN SULAT NI JOE ARNEL CELESTIAL JR. GRAPIKS NI LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO

Alam mo bang hango sa giant shells o Taklobo ang sariling panulat na ginagamit ng mga sinaunang Pilipino?

Bago pa man dumating sa Pilipinas ang mga banyagang mananakop, mayroon nang sariling salitang panulat na ginagamit ang mga katutubo – ang Alibata o, sa pagkakaalam ng karamihan, ang Baybayin. Ngunit masasabing unti-unting nawawala ito nang dahil sa hindi na ito ginagamit.

Hindi ka ba nagtataka kung ano at paano tayo namumuhay kung ginagamit ito hanggang ngayon?

41 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

“Hindi ibig nitong sabihin na nalilimutan na natin ang sariling atin. Ito ay patunay na kaya nating makipag-usap sa banyaga na nananatiling Pilipino pa rin.”

Marahil maraming bagay ang maaaring magbago kung magiging bahagi na ito ng pang araw-araw na gawain ng mga Pilipino. Kung sa kalakalan at pang-komersyo, maaring magkaroon ng sariling pagkakakilanlan ang mga produktong Pinoy kung saan mas mabilis itong makikilala sa buong mundo at makakatulong sa pagpapa-angat ng ekonomiya ng bansa.

Maaaring mas mapapabilis din ang komunikasyon sa buong bansa kung iisang panulat lamang ang ginagamit ng mga Pilipino. Kung sa paaralan, marahil ay hindi na mahihirapan pang intindihin ang mga samu’t saring banyagang alpabeto at magkakaroon lamang ng isang panulat sa buong bansa na tiyak makakatulong din sa pagpapaunlad at pagpapakilala ng panitikang Pilipino. At, siyempre, hindi na rin matatawag na ‘gaya-gaya’ sa kahit anong aspeto ang mga Pilipino dahil magkakaroon na ng sariling salitang panulat na papahalagahan, gagamitin, at magpapakilala sa orihinal na mga Pilipino.

Ngunit, kahit na ang pagsabuhay sa Baybayin ay mayroong maraming pakinabang, mas mainam nang ibaon na lang sa kasaysayan ang paggamit sa magagandang titik bilang tanging paraan para

maipakita nating kaya nating makipagsabayan sa mga mauunlad na bansa o kaya nating maging maparaan sa sining ng komunikasyon.

Ang paggamit ng alpabetong Filipino na may impluwensya ng alpabetong Ingles ay hindi rin masama.

Hindi ibig nitong sabihin na nalilimutan na natin ang sariling atin. Ito ay patunay na kaya nating makipag-usap sa banyaga na nananatiling Pilipino pa rin.

Sa kabila nito, mahalaga pa rin na isapuso natin ang yaman na idinulot ng Baybayin sa salitang panulat ng Pilipino. Marahil na isang pangarap na lamang ang maibalik ang yaman at pamana ng ating salinlahi. Katulad ng pagkakaroon ng computer font na baybayin, untiunti itong nabubuhay sa kasalukuyan sa pamamagitan ng paggamit nito bilang disenyo sa iba’t ibang mga produkto at pagkakaroon ng mga maliliit na kilusang nagsisikap panatilihing buhayin ito.

Kung may Kanji, Katakana, at Hiragana ang bansang Hapon, Han na mga karakter ang bansang Tsina, at Hangul ang bansang Korea, mayroon ding pagkatao ang Pilipinas - ang yaman ng samu’t saring paraan ng wika.

Katulad sa mga bansang nabanggit, magagawa rin ng mga Pilipino na patuloy na mahalin ang sariling nating pagkatao.

Seasons 42

society

A floral symphony. A customer caresses a bouquet of fresh orchids.

FLOWER POWER:

MARRIAGE OF COLOR AND CULTURE WORDS BY CHARLENE GRACE GELOTIN PHOTOS BY DAVE EVANGELISTA

Humans have a natural inclination to beauty.

The complexity of human social interaction has revealed people’s knack for all things luxurious and pleasant. People want the best and grandest of things; the most sweet-smelling perfume, the juiciest choice cut of steak, the recently released high-end phone.

What else speak volumes of visual beauty other than the mesmerizing, multicolored flowers?

FROM WOMB TO TOMB Through the years, flowers have been a key icon in human interaction. Giving of flowers has marked special occasions from the womb to the tomb. From weddings and baptisms, to birthdays and funerals, flowers are in perfect attendance.

One person who can attest to this is Helen Policarpo, a flower vendor down Palanca St., a block from SM City Bacolod. Helen has been in the business for a decade and a half and is no stranger to Bacolod’s love for the colorful blossoms.

“For any occasion, people really buy flowers; for weddings, for the dead, for Christmas. The days we are most busy are November 1, February 14, and Mothers’ Day,” Helen shares.

For weddings, she says flowers are usually worn by both male and females. For the males, boutonnieres are demanded, which are typically pinned on the suit of the ring bearer, officiant, and ushers, as well as fathers and grandfathers. The boutonnieres are matched by the corsages that the bridesmaids and mothers tie around their wrists. These are, of course, on top of the compact bouquet the bride holds throughout the ceremony and throws afterwards. Tradition promises that the woman

43 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

who catches the flailing set of flowers will be the next wedding’s bride.

For grieving families, Helen reveals that customers buy flowers set up with towering stands as a sign of anguish and respect. “Usually, for the dead, we set [flowers] up with a stand because it shows respect to the dead and it comforts the family. The beauty in the flowers remind the family of the beauty of life despite their grief,” she continues. Helen says that the flowers best used in this occasion are simple ones such as roses, lilies, carnations, and sunflowers.

CULTURE OF COLOR Philippines is a predominantly Christian country. With most of its populace being Roman Catholics, the celebration of Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan can be over the top.

During the yearly catechism of Catholics in their respective communities during Flores de Mayo, their students, mostly between ages 6 to 12, offer flowers to an image of the Virgin Mary. This rite of marching down the aisle to offer a flower at the foot of Mary is done every day.

Good thing, there is no shortage of flowers in the country, says Vivian Yulo, 31, another vendor in the block. “During

For any season. Malaysian mums are highly regarded as one of the bestselling flowers because of their affordable price and suitability in any occasion.

Seasons 44

A handful of romance. Roses are often associated with romantic and passionate love and are in high demand during special occasions.

May, it is one of the seasons to grow flowers, so there is no shortage. Anyway, these kids do not buy flowers. They just pick it as they go. They even offer flowers such as santan.”

While kids can offer such tiny flowers, the indulgence during the highlight of Flores de Mayo, the Santacruzan, is unparallel.

Arches after arches of beautifully arranged flowers as equally beautiful maidens walk underneath them is one of Filipino’s knack for the flowers’ beauty. “For the Santacruzan, it is more like a decoration for the procession but, deep inside, it speaks of the people’s religious devotions and culture,” Vivian, a mother of two daughters who help in organizing Santacruzan yearly in their parish, says.

SHADES OF LOVE Every color, every hue – flower shops got it for you. There is no shortage of the bright yellow daffodils, inviting purple boat orchids, white-pink ombre Lily of the Incas, and the usual carnations, parung-parung, and gold wonder.

Jay Bee Fernandez, a grade 11 student of the Humanities and Social Sciences Strand of La Consolacion College Bacolod, acknowledges this parade of colors. “Flowers are beautiful because they are pleasing to the eyes. They are warm to the senses. That is why I am attracted to them,” Jay Bee shares.

A day before the World Teachers’ Day on October 5, Jay Bee with his classmates decided to purchase three plump red roses for their class adviser alongside doughnuts and cakes. “We chose to give flowers to show our sincerity. We want to show our adviser that we care for her.”

It is embedded in the Filipino tradition that three roses are an “I love you” without a sound. That’s why, on Valentine’s day and anniversaries, Helen’s and Vivian’s flowers are bestsellers. “Here, we do not arrange bouquets usually. We just sell the flowers and people can buy individually and arrange themselves. That’s how you show love, right?

Through effort,” Vivian heartily laughs.

Vivian also adds that her usual buyers are not only those who buy for their romantic partners. Most are children, students, friends who want their parents, teachers, and best buds have a little surprise. “Those who really want to give their girlfriends really buy in flower shops at Lacson but some also buy here. There are many choices for them.”

Flowers carry a different message every time. May it be an “I love you” or “I’m sorry for your loss” or “Congratulations”, there is a perfect message for every occasion. So ,next time you cannot utter a word, let the flowers do the talking.

45 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

photos by Godwin Robert Tan

Handom

Seasons 46

experience

RICH SHAMING:

A TEASE WITH MALICE WORDS BY CARLA JOANNE ROBLES

ARTWORK BY CARL ANDRO VALLEJERA

“Wow! Rich kid!”

These words may often be said as a joke simply to ease the tension between people of different backgrounds or just to close the distance – a mere effort to converse.

Rich shaming has been one of the terms that this generation has coined. This has often been referred as an unhealthy mentality towards the general population, an attempt to verbally discriminate people who are and appear to have extra means for a living. Let us find out why.

VIA ELECTRONIC ENCOUNTERS Although rich shaming does not seem to be a common issue, it has caused many people to rethink their choice of words.

A Facebook post of a graduate from De La Salle UniversityManila went viral after disclosing experiences of wealth shaming in his workplace. It was posted in DLSU-Manila Secret Files back in May 2018 as a mere rant by person aliased as Elitista.

It started when he was introducing himself and as he mentioned DLSU, someone from the crowd says ‘rich’. As he continued his words, the boiling anger raged through his fingertips. “Never have I ever thought that I would get wealthshamed. We have all heard about fat shaming but wealth shaming? Is this really a thing now?” he says.

Elitista’s post gathered 1.3 thousand reactions that said, “I am completely oblivious to the privilege I was born into and stubbornly remain ignorant when faced with the plight of the average Filipino.”

There are also netizens that instead of dwelling into these matters, they just brush it off as a compliment. A PinoyExchange user pong_padour shares that Filipinos and Singaporeans would comment on his shoes, clothes, or wristwatch that he would wear when he goes to restaurants to eat.

Journey Gesta, author at the DailyPedia, mentions in his article that, in order to truly assess ourselves as good people, we should learn to embrace a notion of inclusiveness.

“We can never judge anyone for feeling so much about the issue. Shaming is shaming — regardless of what kind it is. We should never invalidate someone just because we think our pain is greater than theirs,” he says.

BELITTLED, MISUNDERSTOOD It has been a while since Maria Clara* met up with her friends and, as they are casually talking, their silly old memories light a small fire within her, warming up her smile until she remembers how her friends had joked about her being a rich kid. Just then, the fire that was lit has been extinguished.

47 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

“It is unfair, indeed, to be addressed and labeled names, to be excluded, and pushed on edge.”

Just after the project was decided, her group members flock around her and simultaneously ask her to pay for the group’s expenses but, of course, she declines. Spending for the whole group’s expenses is preposterous, plus the fact that she is living in a dormitory and has to budget her allowance.

However, her group keeps on insisting that she has enough to pay the necessities.

“I did not know what to say, so I just cried deep inside.

The worst thing was when my own friend gossiped about me being rich even if I was not,” Maria Clara says with a faint smile.

As Theo* hands the pair of shoes to his friend, he forces

a smile and clasps his hand on the back portion of the box, inhaling his final moments with his shoes. He says, “Here.”

Looking at dozens of shoes that lined his closet, his smile reaches his eyes but the sudden thought that he could not wear them brings him distress, as wearing one would trigger rich shaming among his peers.

“I just wanted to be simple and to be viewed equally with other students,” he says.

On the other hand, while Jean* walks down the streets with her Kate Spade bag and neatly ironed clothes, she struggles to keep her composure as her friend kept calling her ‘rich kid’.

“It’s very unfair. There’s nothing special if you’re actually rich,” she says.

BEHIND CLOSED CURTAINS “Actually, they just put a certain term for discrimination,” Mark Jasson Garcelan, MAGC, RGC, guidance counselor for the College of Allied Medical Health Sciences students, says.

He shares that the new generation and the short attention span brings many changes – a new term called rich shaming for one. The same sort of discrimination existed even in his time but only as a tease.

“There is no definite cause,” he answers when asked what the possible cause of rich shaming could be.

“Because of the existing variables that can contribute to that action, it could be their past experiences and other factors.” He reveals that there are instances that the level of seriousness depends on the person’s acceptance of being rich shamed.

“To those rich shamed, whatever you have, you must be thankful for it and must be careful with it. It is not your fault that you were born with that,” he continues.

Success comes with great discipline and perseverance and not with putting down the people who are on their way. Why not make it an inspiration to achieve greater heights? Start with small things, recognize feelings, and interact respectfully. Taking this small step can help the society see that anyone can be treated like a normal human being.

It is unfair, indeed, to be addressed and labeled names, to be excluded, and pushed on edge. Perhaps, we need to shape our minds to think of the bigger things ahead of us –that we may find ourselves aware and sensitive when what was behind closed curtains are revealed.

*Not their real names

Seasons 48

out of the box

LYKA DE LA TORRE MANAGING EDITOR

RESPECT IS RATED G. IT’S FOR ALL AGES. “Actual display of disrespect is not allowing another person to be listened to, name calling and cursing, mocking, and not allowing them from completing their sentences – things that some older Filipinos believe they are entitled to just because they are older.”

It’s another family gathering. You, a young adult at the age without much experience but is socially aware, once again face unsolicited confrontation.

“Boyfriends are not for your age yet,” one tita of yours insists.

“You got fat,” another tita states.

“Haven’t you graduated yet?” one tito raises an eyebrow at you.

“You did not vote for this politician last elections?!” another tito questions then begins pushing his ideals onto you.

“My child, on the other hand...” another tita goes off.

You only smile at their words. Filipino culture dictates that you not answer adults back with statements as confrontational as theirs. It’s disrespectful. Yet, what about you who feel disrespected, too?

You grit your teeth, open your phone, and release heat on social media. “Bato-bato sa langit,” you rant on Twitter, message your friends on Facebook, or publish cryptic online posts. As you scroll on, you see so many others rant the same thing online.

It is crazy how many adolescents and young adults are unable to speak their minds. The very few that do get reprimanded and an even more selected few actually walk away with their thoughts out and recognized. This has got to change.

This toxic, over-the-top, respect-the-elderly Filipino culture is exactly why some kids grow up to be quitters, insecure, and even suicidal if not disobedient, aloof, and secretive.

Some adults need to know that when those younger than them state opinions that oppose theirs, it is not a display of disrespect. It is a courageous demonstration of progressive, intellectual thinking of which should be

49 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

considered a catalyst for rational, unbiased debate.

At this period of time, education is available in platforms outside the four corners of a classroom and, when learners are exposed to the reality of misogyny, racism, sexism, and other relevant issues, they begin to hear it from the mouths of people around them – from parents, friends, teachers, to extended family members – and those who know better would not be able to ignore them.

Yes, not all those younger know better, but that is when the art of listening comes in – not the Filipino culture of “Do not answer back to the ones older than you.”

Age gap between generations does lead to conflict between ideals in culture, religion, politics, and more but can be easily bridged by, as stated before, rational, unbiased communication.

Actual display of disrespect is not allowing another person to be listened to, name calling and cursing, mocking, and not allowing them from completing their sentences – things that some older Filipinos believe they are entitled to just because they are older.

It is never justifiable to shut down a person’s right to self-expression. Again, not all those younger know better, but not all those older know better either. Simple logic dictates that age and wisdom are not directly proportional.

In a perfect family gathering, one hopefully considered the norm in the near future, family members may ask the same questions, but with different undertone – one without judgment but with legitimate curiosity and the willingness to listen – and, when they ask you, you do not rant on social media but get to actually communicate with them about concerning issues you know could influence society bit-by-bit, exponentially.

artwork by Carl Andro Vallejera

Seasons 50

history

THE SHADES OF BLUE AND GOLD: A HISTORY WORDS BY KRISHA MARIE SEMELLANO GRAPHICS BY CARL ANDRO VALLEJERA

Blue and Gold - the representative colors of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos which are imprinted on the linen of a UNO-Rian uniform. In its specks were engraved the distinct underlying prowess, legacy, and identity.

A uniform is an embodiment of the institution’s soul and core. It flaunts the apparent pride and glory of the University.

It invokes the integrated UNO-Rian legacies and core values.

It signifies a distinct identity and it tags each student as a fullfledged member of the UNO-Rian community.

THE FORERUNNERS (‘40s–’60s) In the history of the University, there were various designs created that represented the different stages of the evolution of a UNO-Rian uniform. These are the colorful strokes that were added to the beautiful canvas of historical development.

According to the Director of External Affairs and an alumnus of the university, Dr. Carlos Eduardo Legaspi Jr., during the founding years of the institution, students do not wear an official uniform bearing the identity and colors of the school. Instead, boys wore light brown pants and a blouse with skirts for girls.

It lasted throughout the 1950s but not until the Department of Education mandated academic institutions to design and demand school uniforms from their students, particularly those under the Basic Education program. This prompted schools around Negros Occidental, including UNO-R, to take a detour and begin a new era through establishing the very first shades of blue and gold.

In the 1960s, UNO-R launched its ‘blue jumpers’ for the Grade School and High School students. Meanwhile, college

51 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

students opted to have segmented uniforms with varying styles.

However, in the 1990s, the segmentation of college uniforms became more diverse as administration prompted each department or program to have an eminent uniform design with its representative colors. All of these courses of action went down for a specific objective which was for the students’ immediate identification.

Fernando Flores, an alumnus of UNO-R from batch 1980, shared that, during their time, they were so proud of wearing their white tops and black slacks as uniform as it serves as an identity as a UNO-Rian student.

“I had friends who could not afford the uniform but what we did was we helped each other through lending our uniform to those who do not have. We secretly exchanged our uniforms from their civilian clothes for them to enter the school premises,” Flores shares.

Flores also expressed how significant their uniform was. For him, their uniform made him feel belonged and it established an identity both for the students and to the university.

BLUE JUMPERS (‘80s-Early 2000) After the Filipinos’ historic EDSA revolt in 1986, UNO-R launched one uniform design for all tertiary levels deviating from the past segmentation and division. With this, the University embarked on another journey imprinting a whole new shade of blue and gold.

College students started to wear barong and black pants for boys and blouse and skirts for girls. However, another change occurred as the administration imposed another uniform

complementing the blue jumpers of the Basic Education Department. The tops became sky blue and the pants were navy blue. Girls did have discretion about whether to wear a skirt or pants. However, in 1998, skirts became slim-fitting with a straight and narrow cut.

College of Education batch 2003 alumnus and currently the principal of Romanito Maravilla National Highschool, Herbert Tecson, strongly expressed his pride in their on-thejob-training uniform. “I was so proud wearing our uniform .

It was as if we were already teachers,” Tecson shares.

With this, uniforms also emit a sense of pride and confidence towards the students and imprint memories on their college journey.

THE GEN ZS (2016-present) As the pioneers of the K-12 program, UNO-R launched a gala uniform mainly designed for the very first batch of Grade 11 students. This is under the order of former Vice President for Student Welfare Rev. Fr. Louie Gabinete, OAR and the current Director of Student Affairs Dr. Dexter Paul Dioso.

However, this was short-lived as administrators brought the blue jumpers for girls to the Senior High School department when they officially established the UNO-R Integrated School.

Alongside this, in 2018, UNO-R changed its course and unveiled a whole new college uniform that was carefully designed to become one and complementary to other Recollect schools in the country. UNO-R successfully embroidered the distinguished symbolisms and the ensued shades of blue and gold.

In the 2019 edition of the student manual, the official UNO-Rian uniform consists of cream polo barong with the University logo and monogram on the upper left breast matched with plain black formal pants for male students.

As for the female students, their uniform is composed of a cream three-fourth sleeved blouse with the University logo and monogram on the upper left breast, a waistband, and paired with a checkered semi A-line skirt. This is the newest shade of blue and gold.

UNO-R has been more than an academic institution for Charles Gabriel Gelotin, a second year Mass Communication student. “Uniform is both a responsibility and a privilege,” Charles shares.

Wearing uniforms becomes a student’s responsibility because, by wearing it, students will automatically embody

the characteristics and teachings of the University. At the same time, it depicts a sense of belongingness to the UNORian community.

“Uniforms can be great channels for students to bear economic struggles as it deviates the students to have a luxurious and grandiose lifestyle and prevents them from prompting themselves to shop for varied clothes to wear,” Dioso says.

For identity, security, attitude-formation, and as mirrors of a Catholic University, these are the functions of a UNO-R uniform according to Legaspi.

As the current UNO-Rians take their voyage to their dreams and aspirations, uniforms are their armors. To look back at a historic journey is a gift but to become witnesses of the all-encompassing stories of how these shades of blue and gold turned into reality brings forth a tremendous UNO-Rian glory.

“With this, uniforms also emit a sense of pride and confidence towards the students and imprint memories on their college journey.”

Seasons 52

food

CAN-C FOR COMFORT

WORDS BY NINA AIRA VILLANUEVA PHOTO BY RHEYMAR CHUA

THE BOWL Discovered during the 1980s in Bacolod, Cansi is a fusion of Bulalo and Sinigang, containing boiled beef shank, with yellow marrow inside in the bone or the so-called, “utok” in Hiligaynon. The utok has a creamy, brain-like texture. At its best times, Cansi is often served during rainy days - more treated like comfort food.

According to Chef Glennuel Paul Velasco, a culinary instructor from La Consolacion College Bacolod, one of the most vital ingredients of Cansi, aside from the beef shank is batwan, a souring ingredient which helps make Cansi have a distinct taste among other soups. “The broth is sour-based from batwan,” Chef Velasco says.

Batwan is also present in various Negrense dishes such as KBL or Kadios, Baboy, Langka and Fish Tola which are also known as mainstays in Negrense cuisine. Batwan can be found in tropical countries such as the Philippines, particularly in Negros and Panay. The mildness of the said ingredient soothes to the bones and gently spreads its flavor in the broth.

Another component that gives Cansi a captivating appeal is the yellowish to orange-like color from anatto or locally known as atsuete. Atsuete is an orange-red condiment that is used in coloring and cosmetics. Aside from coloring, it gives a slight sweet-peppery flavor to the soup. It comes in different forms such as in oil or powder form.

Next is tanglad or lemongrass that gives a zesty aroma. It is also used in the famous chicken Inasal of Bacolod, considered as one of the most renowned street food in the country. Chili fingers or locally known as paitan brings more spice to the broth.

The broth of Cansi is created through a slow-cooking process to get the flavor that takes four to six hours to get the bones softened where the meaty flavor comes from,” Velasco explains.

“The texture of the marrow is somehow similar to the brain, giving a slightly rough and soft feel that slides in your throat.

Because of the collagen from the deeper part of the bone, when it softens, brings a significant impact in the flavor after long hours of boiling,” Velasco adds.

Oftentimes, Cansi is served in barrio fiestas or big family dinners in Negros for Negrosanons are known to be pasabaw.

People usually slaughter their finest domestic animals such as cows in honor of their patron saints or for thanksgiving.

53 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

As the clock strikes 12, people wander along the streets of Bacolod on a rainy day as they rush to the nearest restaurants, fast food place, or carinderias to fill their empty stomachs with food that draw closest to their home-cooked meals. Yet, surely no one can resist from a bowl of piping hot beef shank soup.

The aroma of the boiling beef soup fills the entire resto. People are busy slurping and blowing off the heat off the soup from their spoons, enjoying every beef strand partnered with rice. There is no room for chatting - only the clanking of utensils and bowls can be heard for everyone is pre-occupied with the food in front of them. After a while, a waitress with a red apron greets a shivering customer at the door with a smile, asking, “Sir, utok or unod?”

THE STOCK Cansi’s appeal to local cuisine makes it more evident in Negrense culture. Its patronage surpasses all classes - from the working class to the richest people in the province.

One of the most prominent Cansi houses in Bacolod is known and considered to have an authentic Cansi recipe. Sharyn’s Cansi House was included among the Top Five Eateries in the Philippines and the Top 50 World Street Food Masters, placing 32nd. Located at Narra Avenue, Bacolod City, the Cansi house serves traditional Cansi recipe to Bacoleños, using batwan their souring ingredient.

“Batwan removes the slimy smell of the raw beef and provides sour taste. If we don’t have batwan, we use sampaloc mix as an alternative but we always prefer batwan.” Delia Yanguer, owner of Sharyn’s, shares amidst the clanking noise of utensils and chatters inside the Cansi house.

The hours that it takes Cansi to boil down to its serving in our porcelain bowls are time spent by those who make Cansi for a living. “Cansi indeed originated here in Bacolod. Here in our block we sell Cansi. You will only know if the food is good if the customers keep on coming back. They do food tasting to know which is good,” Delia says.

THE MEAT Behind the boiling soup of success of the Cansi industry are hardworking culinary experts who extended the table from local to global by serving Cansi in Metro Manila.

As for the tourism aspect, one of the most visited things here in Negros is the food. “Tourism-wise, we do not have a natural or physical tourist attraction here in the city. Therefore, food is what we can offer,” Chef Velasco shares.

Negrense Cuisine provides a complete and diverse composition of dishes and flavors from viands to deserts. A Negrense eat-out starter pack consists of eating chicken Inasal partnered with Cansi, garlic rice, and napoleones or piaya for dessert – the best of meals.

Negrenses are known to have a sweet flavor profile for its abundant sugar cane industry. It shows the craftsmanship and values of the sakadas in incorporating their harvest into dishes in celebrating their most valued moments. Although unsweetened, as a symbol of warmth and care to our families and visitors, we often serve love and care in a bowl of piping hot beef shank soup.

Seasons 54

health

NO TRAIN, NO GAIN WORDS BY JOSEPH LETRAN PHOTOS BY JOELLE MARIEL PADEROG 55 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Workout ritual. Jalssen suits up before his crossfit training exercises.

It is sometimes inescapable that you’ve looked past a sweat-soaked selfie of a co-worker or high school classmate, bragging about their Workout of the Day and professing their love for CrossFit. Take it from 21-year old Jalssen Ian Dumancas, a certified CrossFit athlete, specializing in weight lifting.

CrossFit is a form of high intensity interval training, It is a strength-and-conditioning workout that is made up of functional movement performed at a high intensity level.

As a graduating Electrical Engineering student and a fulltime boyfriend to his girlfriend, one could argue that he is a professional juggler as well. Despite his busy schedule, Jalssen does his CrossFit training in North Fitness Hub with no hesitations.

Jalssen started his CrossFit training at the age of 18 after shifting from Mixed Martial Arts, his first sport at the age of 16. Throughout his CrossFit career, Jalssen has already joined and won various CrossFit competitions on different places. Last year, he was able to notch the 2019 Dumaguete Throwdown.

To maintain the body he needs for his competitions, Jalssen follows his routines religiously and without excuses. Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays to Saturdays are his regular training days at the gym. While Thursdays and Sundays are his active rest days that include light workout routines.

“My motivation in maintaining my overall wellness is through vigorous training for me to make it to the nationals and compete on a higher level,” Jalssen shares.

Sometimes, Jalssen admits that he feels like quitting because his body could not keep with his trainings, experiencing nausea and blackouts.

In overcoming the above-stated struggle, he just prepares his mind for any possible outcome and sticks to his motivation, “No excuses in life. Stay happy and always be hungry.”

One has to push their limits in order to achieve the happiness they desire. Indeed, when you do not train, you will gain nothing. Next time, when you a workout selfie from an online friend, take it as a motivation to push your limits harder - may they be physical, mental, emotional, or even your life goals.

Flexin’. Lifting weights is part of Jalssen’s workout routine to build muscle mass and endurance.

“My motivation in maintaining my overall wellness is through vigorous training – for me to make it to the nationals and compete on a higher level.”

Seasons 56

out of the box

ROMCHELLE CHRIS DANIELLE WAMINAL INFORMATION MANAGER

BAND-AIDS DON’T FIX BULLET HOLES “Rehabilitation programs, coastal clean-ups, and clean-up drives are good ways to kickstart the community participation that is badly needed in today’s waste-infested world where collaboration is one effective kind of action to take.”

You can feel the sun on your face, salt in the air, and sand in your hair as you walk the shoreline of a wasteridden beach. You carry a huge bag oozing with putrid stench from years of plastic waste mixed with that distinct smell of the sea that makes you want to vomit yesterday’s meal but, hey, small sacrifices are needed for a greener planet. As they say, pain today is hope for tomorrow. But, are we really making progress?

Punta Taytay Beach is a go-to spot for coastal cleanup efforts due to its huge piles of trash in its shoreline.

Very often, different organizations hold clean-up drives in the area where money, people, and time are lendt for a hope to lessen its amassed waste. But there’s a reason why they are go-tos. A single-use lifestyle is rampant in that community and those nearby as well as unaddressed improper waste disposal. A few days later, a different wave of trash will be brought again on the shorelines and people will come back flocking and find themselves picking up a different set of trash but facing the same waste problem like no previous clean-up ever happened.

Rehabilitation programs, coastal clean-ups, and clean-up drives are good ways to kickstart the community participation that is badly needed in today’s waste-infested world where collaboration is one effective kind of action to take. These steps taken for the environment are highly valued and can spark inspiration for more people to take action but these efforts merely become Band-aid solutions unless the primary source of the problem is properly confronted.

57 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Like, when a sink overflows, fix the faucet first before mopping the floor.

Stemming from a lax ordinance on proper waste disposal and our obliviousness to where our trash goes, we suffer the consequences of deep-seethed, enormous piles of junk as precursors of diseases and an increase in carbon dioxide emission.

Education among the people in a highly-polluted community should be a priority as they are the ones who have most access to the area. May it be in the form of seminars, strict integration of the CLAYGO method in their schools and establishments to train them to be accountable with their wastes, or to raise awareness on different sustainable products and how to use them.

Government bodies specializing on the environment should be more hands-on in establishing protocols when it comes to clean-up efforts so that, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations or NGOs , they can assess the clean-up performance and collaborate on more concrete and long-term plans to fully address the looming problem.

Taking small steps is indeed important in our journey towards a cleaner and greener earth, however, paired with consistency. We also need to make these actions relevant and loud. In a world of temporary fixes, be an advocate of permanent healing.

photo by Romchelle Chris Danielle Waminal

Seasons 58

experience

PHASES, FACES: LIFE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER WORDS BY ELLA JANE MERCADO ARTWORK BY JUSALANNE MATULAC

Maybe you have heard of the term “bipolar” being used to describe someone who is moody or who has mood swings but this colloquial use of the term is really different from the real bipolar disorder.

HOW IT ALL STARTED People tend to have a lot of friends; a childhood friends, friends during high school, and friends in the neighborhood.

But, Eddie* thinks that he was an exception as he has only one friend. He even described himself as picky with friends. “She was my best friend. We go to lunch together and, mostly, we were like each other. I think I was too clingy with her that I was not able to open up myself to others,” Eddie shares.

In their third year in high school, Eddie and his best friend had an argument that forced his best friend to transfer schools. It was a big downtime for Eddie, knowing the thought that the moral support from his best friend was the only one he looked up to.

It was then that Eddie started to feel depressed because of the thought that his best friend left because they fought. Little did he know, the depression that he felt back then was the start of his mental disorder.

The depressed phase of bipolar disorder manifests in many ways: a low mood, dwindling interest in hobbies, changes

59 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

in appetite, feeling worthless or excessively guilty, sleeping either too much or too little, restlessness or slowness, or persistent thoughts of suicide.

“I was not being able to sleep for days that maybe caused my hallucinations. It was then followed by my loss of appetite.

I also had some euphoric episodes, causing troubling symptoms like racing thoughts, sleeplessness, rapid speech, and impulsive actions,” Eddie continues.

A MENTAL DISORDER IS NOT A CHOICE With the lack of knowledge about such mental illnesses, Eddie’s parents thought that their son was talking to some kind of evil spirit for talking all by himself. They sent Eddie to some known faith healer or albularyo in the city.

“It was the craziest idea realizing it now but, since I was still 15 at that time, I just followed mom with her alternatives to cure me. I think she was really desperate to find a cure to my craziness as what they would describe about my mental illness,” Eddie shares. After several months, Eddie’s parents realized that the things the albularyo were doing does not cure their son’s condition. Up until a family friend suggested that Eddie should consult a psychiatrist as they think that

Eddie’s mental condition is the problem.

A newsletter of Medical News Today written by Tim Newman states that, in reality, the causes of bipolar disorder is a complex problem. For example, the brain’s amygdala is involved in thinking, long-term memory, and emotional processing. In this brain region, factors as varied as genetics and social trauma may create abnormalities and trigger the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

“Realizing it was a mental disorder, I learned all the symptoms, causes, effects of different mental disorders after taking Psychology 101 back when I was in college. It was then that I cannot help but relate them with mine,” Eddie says.

THE TRUTH BEHIND ITS MEDICATION A 2018 study published in Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research states that diagnosing and living with bipolar disorder is a challenge. Despite this, the disorder is controllable. Certain medications like lithium can help manage risky thoughts and behaviors by stabilizing moods.

These medications work by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain thereby strengthening the viable neural connections.

Other frequently used medications include antipsychotics which alter the effects of dopamine, a neurotransmitter.

Also, psychotic symptoms like disorganized speech and behavior, delusional thoughts, paranoia, and hallucinations can emerge during extreme phases of bipolar disorder. These are attributed to the overabundance of dopamine.

“My psychiatrist advised me to take some medication for manic episodes; worst case scenario are for seizures which help to calm the brain down. Also, I take medicines for sleeping problems and to control mood swings and hallucinations and other symptoms of depression,” Eddie shares.

When Eddie is on the state of the disorder, the medications just makes the disorder feel worse due to hallucinations and euphoric episodes. But, in the long run, it does help manage his sleeping disorder and manage his depression episodes as a whole.

HOW IT BECAME WORSE After Eddie’s family transferred to another city, he coped with a different kind of life. His language shifted from Bisaya to Hiligaynon. He dealt with a different culture – a life that Eddie cannot imagine to live with.

Acording to him, he had a lot to stress about that caused a higher level of depression. It was then when Eddie was diagnosed with a worse kind of mental disorder.

In a 2017 study published in Healthline Media, schizoaffective disorder is a psychiatric condition. People with this condition experience both psychosis and mood disorders. Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality and mood disorders may include episodes of mania or depression.

“I was just in shock upon knowing it,” Eddie shares.

THE COPING MECHANISM It took years in order for Eddie to fully embrace the disorder that he even nicknamed himself as a BipolaroidSchizoaffective outcast in order for people to be aware that he was diagnosed with these mental disorders and still get to live the life he wanted.

“It was just the thought of being a mental disorder awareness advocate – to remind myself that I had been on my worst, and now I am at a better state. I will even strive harder to be at my best,” he adds.

As of today, Eddie is 26 years old, working in a call center agency. Despite of the unhealthy sleeping patterns caused by his work lifestyle, Eddie, with his yearly checkups, was able to fight with what he would describe as “demons” inside his head.

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition. It is not a person’s fault or even a person’s whole identity. It is something that can be controlled through a combination of medical treatments, doing their work internally, friends and family’s acceptance and understanding on the outside, and people with bipolar disorder empowering themselves to find balance in their lives.

“It was just the thought of being a mental disorder awareness advocate – to remind myself that I had been on my worst. and now I am at a better state.” * Not his real name

Seasons 60

alternative

LET’S PLAY ANOTHER ROUND WORDS BY JADE CHRISTINE ORQUIA PHOTO BY MERLH CRIS CELESTE

Onscreen. Board games has since evolved to appeal the taste of youngsters who are stuck on their phones nowadays.

Gather around, roll the dice, move your piece, make a choice, or take the risk. It is only a matter of luck to win.

Head-spinning challenges and out of this world consequences and dares result deafening silence, serious concentration but are easily replaced with roaring laughter of the winner and shrieking cries of the losing side.

Experience once again the fun of good old days where enjoyment lies on the simple pleasures of board and other family games - the countless memories of losing and winning that test the strength of friendship and the importance of social interaction. Let those bring you back to nostalgia and good old times.

GAMES OF YESTERYEAR Walking down memory lane, back to the days when board games were still being played by kids, 42-year old Meriam Rojo Dusaran, recalls the experience she had with playing board games back when she was 12 years old.

“There is thrill and excitement in playing board

61 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

games,” Dusaran shares.

Madeline Urpiana, a guidance counselor from the University Student Development and Placement Center, has been observing how children nowadays are being dependent on their mobile devices. She concluded that technology has reached a wider range of connection.

Unfortunately, it does not depict the real form of communication.

“Personal interaction improves the communication skills of a person,” Urpiana shares.

Like technology, board games modernized its content that it became more challenging. With a bit of role playing, it improves the vocabulary and communication skills in line with the attention of young Gen Zers.

“I started liking these kinds of games when I was 10 but I only started playing them seriously and put more time into them at 15 years old,” John Matthew Tabligan, an 18-year old college student, shares.

Tabligan is having fun with his friends while playing board games during vacant hours in

school. They make their own rules or search new ideas on how to make an ordinary board game exciting and enjoyable.

VIRTUAL VERSUS ACTUAL Loud shouts with a hint of harsh words, sounds of the keyboards being smashed by overwhelmed players are mostly heard inside – a computer shop.

Virtual games became the most addicting games.

Despite of the violence and its dark concept, people, especially, young ones are devoting more attention to it.

Raymund Dominic Aguanta, a 20-year-old college student spends 12 hours a day in playing and surfing on the internet during his free time.

For Aguanta, computer games could easily teach people to create communities ona larger scale. In board games, on the other hand, you will do the traditional and manual style of entering a community.

“There are still similar skills that you have to know and develop in playing either computer or board games. They are based on the player’s preference on where they should, would, and could excel,” Aguanta says.

“There are still similar skills that you have to know and develop in playing either computer or board games.

They will be based on the player’s preference on where they should, would, and could excel.”

PLAY AND DINE To relax, have fun, and dine with families and friends are elements combined by the people who cherish the importance of board games and made it to be a successful business.

Along Rizal-Lacson Street is the first ever boardgamery and cafe owned by Marc Montalbo - the Arcanopolis-Bacolod Games and Hobby.

Driven by his passion for tabletop games when he was a child, Montalbo decided to open this kind of business for everyone to enjoy the quality moments it offers.

“I have noticed that children nowadays are more engaged to computer games. I want to encourage them to play board games that will help them in socializing with others,” Montalbo shares.

Inside the café are different sizes of tables, perfect for a small or large group to play whether board or card games. Snacks are available as well for the hungry players. Dozens of table top games, from the classic type to a more modernized concept, line up in shelves.

Meanwhile, Allons-y, located along Mabini Street, is also a newly built boardgamery and café in the city owned by Brandon Sajo and his wife Diana Jean.

Their goal in establishing this business is to strengthen the communication between people who, instead spend hours talking and texting on their phones, will enjoy their personal bonding time with their friends.

Despite of having financial difficulties, it did not stop them to pursue their goal and little by little they gained friends and customers that indulged to the nostalgic yet modernized feeling of playing board games.

Board games offer a rich gaming experience for those who love strategy games, role playing games and tactical games. There is no age limit in playing them.

There are a lot of child-friendly games that the children and their parents can play to help stimulate kids’ minds and imagination as well as develop their relationships with their parents.

Playing board games allow the players to learn to follow rules and directions, learn social skills, learn to take turns, and to be gracious winners and losers - in short, some old school fun.

Seasons 62

roleplay Himig ng pasko. Namuno si Tito Rico sa pag-ensayo ng aming karoling routine.

ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT SULAT NI LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO MGA LITRATO NI EMMANUEL PLOMANTES

Heto na naman tayo sa buwan na ang malamig ng simoy ng hangin ay humahaplos sa ating mga mukha.

Buwan na maririnig na naman natin ang mga awiting Pamasko sa bawat tahanan. Tuwing Disyembre, kasama na sa tradisyon ng mga Pilipino ang pagkakaroling.

Ito ay ang pagkanta ng mga awiting pamasko sa bawat tahanan na mapupuntahan. Siyempre, naaayon ang mga mangangawit ay hindi dapat sintunado e para tuluyang iyon maaliw ang mga tauhan sa bahay na kinakantahan.

Tuwing may kakanta nang hindi naaayon sa nota: “Sharp!” pabiro na pasigaw ni tito Rico Plomantes, isang elder at musikero ng Kids of the Kingdom Community (KOK) sa San Sebastian Cathedral. Para sa kanya, maganda pakinggan ang isang grupo na balanse ang lahat ng boses kapag magkakaroling. Gamit ang kanyang gitara at matalas na tenga, siya ay naging gitarista ng simbahan tuwing Linggo para sa 6:30 pm na misa.

AWIT NG PANATA SA PANGINOON Labinlimang taon pa lang ay sumali na sa choir group ng KOK si tito Rico. Siya ay naging parte ng ibat-ibang organisasyon sa San Sebastian Cathedral. Sa choir niya na rin nakilala ang kanyang napangasawa na si Mary Grace at nagkaroon ng tatlong anak na hanggang ngayon ay kasama rin nila sa pagkanta sa misa. Panata na niya noon pa man na siya ay patuloy na magseserbisyo para sa Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng pag-awit at pagtugtog sa simbahan dala ang pangalan ng grupo. Kahit nagkaroon na ng krisis na konti na lang ang miyembro na pumupunta sa simbahan, dala niya pa rin ang kaniyang pamilya para kakanta sa misa.

Tradisyon na ng grupo na, tuwing Disyembre, magkakaroling ang grupo sa mga bahay-bahay bilang isang fundraising para sa feeding program ng simbahan na “Adopt a Family.” Bago magkaroling, nag-eensayo ang mga miyembro ng grupo ng mga kakantahin. May ibatibang range ng boses na ang bawat miyembro at si tito Rico ang nagtuturo kung ano ang dapat na tono sa mga aawitin.

63 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

TUGTOG NG ANGHEL Matagal na rin akong miyembro ng KOK subalit hindi ko pa nasubukan ang pagtugtog sa harap ng maraming tao. Pero napasubok ako nung sinabihan ako ni tito Rico na ako muna ang tumugtog para sa karoling kasi may pupuntahan siya. Nabigla ako kasi hindi ko alam ang chords para sa mga kakantahin namin. Ang sabi niya lang sa akin, “Kaya mo yan.” Hindi ako nakapaghanda kasi ang tinakda kong petsa para sa aking roleplay ay matagal-tagal pa.

Sabi ko, para naman ito sa grupo at para makapagipon kami para sa aming fundraising. Kaya, kinabukasan, pinag-aralan ko ang mga chords ng mga awiting pamasko.

Na-pressure ako kasi hindi ako marunong mamuno sa grupo. Hindi naman ka-sing tining ang aking boses sa mga soprano subalit kinakailangan ko nang magsimula na mag-ensayo kami kasi tumatakbo ang oras.

Sinimulan kong tugtugin ang awiting “Silent Night”.

Kahit hindi sila nakikinig, nagbabasakali pa rin ako na maakit ang kanilang atensyon. Ilang minuto lang, untiunting sumabay ang iba sa pagkanta ng awitin hanggang ang lahat ay sumali na rin. Ayun, nakining na rin sila kaya kinuha ko na ang pagkakataon na mag-ensayo na. Nagreview kami ng voicing ng iba pang mga kanta para handa na kami sa pagsapit ng gabi.

Alas-sais na ng gabi at kami ay pupunta na sa unang

bahay na kakantahan namin. Pagdating namin, nandoon ang isang pamilya na nanonood ng TV. Binati namin sila ng isang Maligayang Pasko at nagpaalam na kami ay tutugtog. Pumayag naman sila at sinimulan kong tugtugin ang unang kanta. “Uy, babae ang gitarista nila. Mas malaki pa ang gitara kaysa sa kanya,” sabi ng isang mama na nanonood sa amin. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang naramdaman ko na dapat ba isang puri ba yun o isang insulto.

Nanlamig ang aking mga kamay sa gitna ng kanta nang napaisip ako na baka magkamali ako at, hindi nagtagal, talagang mali na chord ang napindot ko.

Pero, sa wakas, nung natapos na namin ang huling kanta, hindi napansin ng lahat na talagang nagkamali ako.

Pumunta na kami sa iba pang mga bahay at, sa awa ng Diyos, nakaipon na kami ng kakaunting pera para sa programa ng simbahan. Papunta na kami sa isa pang barangay na kakantahan namin subalit, pagdating na namin sa isang bahay, sinabihan lang kami na hindi na kami tutugtog dahil istorbo lang daw sa natutulog kaya binigyan lang kami ng isang daan. Nagulat ako na, sa unang pagkakataon, may masungit palang tao na hindi gusto makarining ng aming awitin. Pasalamat naman ako na kahit ganoon siya, nakapagbigay siya ng donasyon para naman sa fundraising namin.

Alas otso na ng gabi at matatapos na kami sa aming karoling. Nararamdaman ko na nanghina na ang aking kamay sa kakatugtog ng gitara pero, sige lang, matatapos din ito. Huling bahay na ang aming kakantahan at, sa wakas, natapos na rin. Napangiti ako ng pauwi ako sa bahay dahil naramdaman ko na nagampanan ko ang pagiging isang gitarista ng grupo kahit isang gabi lang at alam kong matutuwa si tito Rico kung malaman niya na nakapag-ipon kami ng marami para sa fundraising. Natapos na at nakaya ko rin na tumugtog sa hindi ko pa kilalang mga tao.

Hindi ko inakala na ang pagkakaroling ay nakakatuwa at nakakataba ng puso; na may mga pamilya na nasiyahan na awitan sila ng pamasko at nagbigay din ng donasyon. Masaya ako na hindi pa pala patay ang tradisyon ng mga Pilipino na, para mas maramdaman pa ang simoy ng hangin ng Pasko, may nagkakaroling sa kani-kanilang bahay. May mga taong hindi man gusto pakinggan ang awitin dahil siguro na pagod na galing trabaho. Sa mga nagbigay sa amin, thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo! Ang pagkakaroling ay isang sining na nawa’y hindi lumisan sapagkat it ay nagbibigay buhay sa diwa ng Pasko. Sa pagsuot ko sa responsibilidad ni tito Rico, natutunan kong maligaya talaga ang Pasko sa Pilipinas.

Ensayo, ensayo. Sinimulan na ni Lourdes and pagkabisado ng mga tutugtugin at kakantahin.

“Nanlamig ang aking mga kamay sa gitna ng kanta nang napaisip ako na baka magkamali ako at, hindi nagtagal, talagang mali na chord ang napindot ko.”

Iisang boses. Mga batang miyembro ng KOK ang nangunguna sa pagkakaroling.

Seasons 64

Reviews movie review

by Jade Christine Orquia

Bring back childhood memories with the Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin Disney has been part of our childhood days and, now, it lets us all witness the adaptation of all the animated movies we loved and Aladdin got the chance to have one.

Egyptian-Canadian theater actor Mena Massoud brings the requisite playful charm to Aladdin, the street rat with a heart of gold, alive while the Princess Jasmine is played to life by Naomi Scott, a British actor of Indian descent, and Dutch-Tunisian Marwan Kenzari plays the villain Jafar.

Will Smith relives the role of the ever eccentric Genie as he incorporates his Fresh Prince of Bel Air shenanigans into the well-

Getting robbed by a billionaire mindset in Money Heist How many hours of TV can you spend focusing on a single robbery? Halfway through the first season of Spanish TV series Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), all episodes tackled only one robbery scene reflecting different societal perspectives such as capitalism, a love affair, and power.

Inspired by his father, “Professor”, the leader, creates a band of robbers consisting of different personas including a hacker, veteran robber, locksmith, bloodlust, and sociopath who hide their identities through names such as Tokyo, Berlin, Rio, Nairobi, Moscow, Denver, Helsinki, and Oslo.

The band of robbers’ main goal is to infiltrate and rob the Spanish National Mint.

They appear to bungle it, however, ended being holed up in the mint with 67 hostages.

But it’s all part of professor’s plan, thinking that, if they succeed, they will make off with over 2 billion euros.

65 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

loved character. Yet, in the film, Smith’s Genie gets a twist in the storyline as he also gets a love interest in the form of Jasmine’s servant, Darla, played by Nasim Pedrad who gets a few good comic lines of her own.

Director Guy Ritchie remained faithful to his concept in remaking Aladdin, imparting morals in self-realization, fighting for what is right, and being contented with what you have. With new additions to the classic Aladdin soundtrack, Ritchie captures the scenes with playful colors jiving with the songs and exhilirating score. Middle Eastern colors are highly projected in scenes and

color play is extensively shown. Also, the unrealistic around-the-world magic carpet ride of Aladdin and Jasmine is replaced with a legitimate tour around Agrabah.

Just like live-action remake Beauty and the Beast, plot holes were answered through extensive storylines to address the miscalculations in the storylines the animated films conjured.

Overall, Aladdin did not only fulfill nostalgiacraving but also gave a new look for its audience as it provided a relevant appeal to modern society.

tv series review

by Cristopher Villaruel

Unravelling the story, you will get to know the individual characters of the robbers as well as who they were against with. From here on, you will expect a taught, gritty battle of wits and wills between robbers and cops.

You will start to love and curse at some characters as they reveal their selves from being the protagonist into the villain.

This Spanish series is a game changer of the TV shows Netflix is offering. Its plot twists and the justifiable mind of the professor give a click to the series. For some, it may be just a robbery show with dumbasses but, trust me, it is not. This show has a different flavor worthy to be added to your next watchlist.

Bella Ciao.

Defying Expectations with Undertale game review

by Reinhardt Firmeza

SPOILER WARNING: THIS GAME SPOILS THE OPENING ACT OF THE GAME. BE WARNED. Do not let the old school looks deceive you. Undertale, created by the single mind of visionary Toby Fox, is a one-of-akind experience that could shatter your expectations about this game forever.

Breaking all RPG tropes and conventions with a simple yet unconventional RPG battle system and enemies with unique attacks, a colorful set of characters, and music that could cover the vast spectrum of emotions and settings, Undertale offers so much in one game that it stirred the game industry forever in 2015 and became a revered game by all.

You, a renamable protagonist, stumbles upon a flower named Flowey. He reveals himself to the player as friendly first then reveals his true nature and tries to kill the player. On the process, however, a woman named Toriel saves the day and helps the player. She invites the player to her home,

however, because he wants to get out and go home, Toriel stops the player to protect the player from all the dangers the player could face. Your choice during these moments could alter the whole game in its entirety, possibly leading to one of the three different endings.

The battle system does more than just defeating enemies. Each move you make in the battles during your playthrough; you can fight, act on different enemies, use an item, or spare an enemy from defeat. Each enemy has a different requirement in fighting or sparing the enemy. The challenge is evading attacks from enemies. Each enemy has a different attack that can be evaded easily or requires timing and precision. This game can infuriate, yet challenge players to the fullest.

Overall, Undertale is a game that can be enjoyed by all. With its engaging story, unique battle system, and amazing replay value, Undertale is a game that defies players’ expectations.

Keeping the Magic Alive in Magikland Situated at the “Paris of Negros” and just a bus ride away from Bacolod City, Magikland, the first outdoor amusement park in Negros, offers a different take on the classic R&R experience fit for the whole barkada and family. Offering 12 different rides within a picturesque landscape with instagrammable attractions and folklore themed shows, you can never run out of things to do. For the bravehearts and thrill-seekers, make sure to try these spine-chilling rides: the Disk’O, Sky Tower, and Crazy Trail. While those who want to opt for a more lax experience, ferris wheels and carousels never go out of style.

Don’t worry if you go hungry after hopping on every ride and basking in the scenery.

There is a food hall and kiosks inside the park selling all-time favorites like fries, nachos, and rice meals that are sure to fill you up ( but don’t eat too much if you plan on having a second round of rides). The Magikland staff are very accommodating and are friendly and professional enough that they make you feel safe as you stand on the brink of deathdefying rides. Also, watch the park come to life in a plethora of lights as the clock strikes at nighttime and get bedazzled by the neon

glow of the attractions that will transport you to a seemingly different place.

Though it may not be on par with the likes of bigger theme parks, it still offers lots of activities despite being on its soft opening stage and lives up to the magic in its name.

Kudos to the efforts of the live performers and production team that gives Magikland its unique local charm to a world-class audience.

All in all, a trip to Magikland surely deserves a spot in every Negrosanon’s 2020 list of travel destinations. What are you waiting for? Take the day off and hop on that bus.

place review

by Romchelle Chris Danielle Waminal

Seasons 66

Cheat day at Zark’s food review

by Crisha Arroyo

You stroll around SM City Bacolod with 250 pesos left inside your wallet but, suddenly,you crave for a huge, generously loaded, greasy, and top-quality burger. Crave no more. Try Zark’s Burgers!

Zark’s Burgers is located at ground floor of SM City, Northwing. A restaurant that is known for their vast choices of burgers and beautiful food presentations that made them an instant hit to the meat-loving crowd.

And as you wait for your turn to order, Thunder Mac ‘N Cheeseburger with Fries catches your eye. It is one of the best-sellers and it only costs 240 pesos.

I believe it is a perfect meal for those who are so done with those bitin eating moments.

For a price of one, you can already suffice your cravings. This beef burger is generously topped with macaroni and cheese and two strips of bacon. The friesare delicious despite being a little bit salty but it complements with the cheesy flavor of the macaroni, especially

when paired with their thirst-quenching iced tea. The flavors play around your taste buds and, in a heartbeat, you’re full.

Not to mention, customers are invited to take the challenge on the Tombstone and the Jawbreaker. I they could finish one with the french fries within the allotted time., the meal will be free of charge and you will be one among the others on the Wall of Fame.

Other than the burger craze and the burger eating challenge, they also serve rice meals, desserts, drinks, and their “pre-game sharing” that include more finger foods.

Indeed, your cravings had flown away together with your 240 pesos. But, hey, I believe it is worth it, right? You might have a cheat day for today but who knows when the next time will be.

Munimuni: Kulayan Natin (2019) Indie pop foursome Munimuni is now slowly hitting mainstream air with their latest album Kulayan Natin. Having popularized the genre “makata pop”, Munimuni goes strong with their full-length Kulayan Natin – often connecting some songs as if they are dialogues. The eleven-track collection features “Solomon”, a new ensemble from the band and local artist Clara Benin, and a 10-minute arrangement of “Kulayan Natin.”

Kulayan Natin captures the soul and lulls it to sleep, late night realizations and inspirations, and often transcends the listeners with

tracks of hope and moving on with their signature draggy-but-chill rhythm.

1. Simula 6:47 2. Bakunawa 3:06 3. Oras (Remastered) 5:21 4. Bahay na Puti 5:19 5. Tahanan (Remastered) 4:13 6. Solomon (featuring Clara Benin) 6:18 7. Pagsibol 6:53 8. Bawat Piyesa 6:26 9. Kalachuchi (Remastered) 7:12 10. Banaag 5:56 11. Kulayan Natin 10:14

Barbie Almalbis: Tigre (2019) We can say that Barbie Almalbis came short with her latest offering, Tigre, to her loyal listeners. Tigre greets the listeners with short and sweet tunes from tracks “Cover”, “Ghost”, and “Tigre”. Nonetheless, Tigre gives fuel to the typical hopeless romantic adult in the shoes of Almalbis – not a bad thing about it but a reminder that Almalbis kept being consistent in her themes of lovehate-hope monologues.

1. Cover 3:26 2. Ghost 3:24 3. Tigre 3:26

Ben&Ben: Limasawa Street (2019) Ben&Ben has finally done it. The Filipino indie folk-pop band set out a new wave of emotions with the release of their debut studio album Limasawa Street which features hits “Pagtingin” and “Araw-araw”.

While frequent in releasing popular EPs and singles before, Ben&Ben decided to make a bold move by recording raw tracks in Limasawa Street which, with some songs, did not really get the expected appeal and feels when compared to their previous releases “Kathang-isip”, “Maybe the Night”, and “Ride Home”. Instead of focusing on happy, hopeful themes, Limasawa Street has a lineup of songs full of whys, hows, and what ifs. Although mellow and, sometimes, 67 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

sorrowful in its nature, Limasawa Street may be giving the heart of Ben&Ben in its entirety as it is, so far, a collaboration of compositions between the band members.

1. Limasawa Street 3:46 2. Pagtingin 3:48 3. Fall 4:01 4. Talaarawan 3:35 5. Hummingbird 4:25 6. Mitsa (Salamat) 4:26 7. Baka Sakali (featuring Ebe Dancel) 3:19 8. Lucena 3:41 9. Sampaguita 3:09 10. War 3:48 11. Godsent 4:38 12. Roots 3:14

album reviews

by Alyssa Marie Arceňo

Seasons 68

69 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Seasons 70

71 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

Seasons 72

73 Tolentine Star truth as it happens

photo by Romchelle Chris Danielle Waminal

acknowledgement

truth as it happens in just one touch.

Tolentine Star extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following people: Samantha Cerbas, Michael Bwambale, David Gabales, Bianca Catleya Cababahay for gracing this year’s magazine cover; the interviewees for inspiring us with their stories; Engr. Ashraf Khater, ChE, MEnE for the encouragement and undying support that help us strive only for the very best that no one ever was; Kaye Eunice Lamera, RSW, for all the peptalks and the massage sessions that we need; Ella Jane Mercado and Lyka De La Torre for their meticulous attention to making sure that this magazine comes into fruition; Dr. Ivy Gonzales-Aboy for always being there to motivate us; Mr. Conrado Gen Tomas for accommodating us in every possible way; Dr. Dexter Paul Dioso for always believing in all the publication’s endeavors as we fulfill our goal to publish and display truth as it happens through our outputs; Rev. Fr. Amadeo Lucero, OAR for imparting and entrusting us with the holistic development of the student body through campus journalism; and God Almighty for His guidance and gift of wisdom and creativity.

We could not have done this without you!

facebook.com/TolentineStar twitter.com@TolentineStar tolentinestar@gmail.com

©2020 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Tolentine Star. Copyright reverts to the respective writers, cartoonists, graphic artists, and photojournalists whose work appear in this issue.