YAL-CBA Secures Historic 5-Peat in Animolympics 2026 Cheerdance Competition
Clinching their fifth consecutive title, the Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA) asserted its dominance by winning the Animolympics 2026 Cheerdance Competition on February 2 at the USLS Coliseum. Establishing a continuing legacy, YAL-CBA once again proved its reputation as the home of champions
With a historic 5-peat victory, a performance that stands as a tribute to their trainers, Mr. Richard Guanzon and Mr. Jazzy Magbanua. Delivering high-energy choreography and daring stunts, YAL-CBA captivated the crowd with their full-routine performance themed “TRIBE-YAL.” following their previous show-stopping themes
USLS Students shows Solidarity through Black Ribbon Protest
YAL-CBA’s Lasallian Champion, Raises Her Voice for Her Advocacy 4 3 5 AXXELERATE INTO GREATNESS DRIVING TOWARD OUR 20TH CHAMPIONSHIP — STRONGER, FASTER, UNITED.
Club Fair 2025 | Where Kingdoms Met. Memories Reigned
Following YAL-CBA in the final standings were the College of Nursing as 1st Runner Up, the College of Education as 2nd Runner Up, the College of Arts and Sciences as 3rd Runner Up, the College of Engineering as 4th Runner Up, the College of Computing Studies as 5th Runner Up, and the College of Tourism and Hospitality as 6th Runner Up.
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With hearts full of courage, six students brought the spirit of their school to the world.
Six YAL-CBA delegates represents USLS in South Korea Exchange
Last fall, six exceptional students from the Yu An Log - College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA) were chosen to represent the University of St. La Salle in the esteemed Campus Asia AIMS and CHED AIMS student exchange programs at Keimyung University in Daegu, South Korea. This was a big step in their mission to build not just outstanding students, but globally competent leaders—students ready to learn from the world while staying true to their Lasallian values. The delegation included Fraulein Soron, a 4th-year Marketing Management; Ma. Fe Sumagaysay, a 2nd-year double major in Operations Management and Business Economics; Kent Piojo, a 2nd-year Business Economics student; Jiehan Jill Navarro and Mauleen Mansueto, both 1st-year Business Administration students; and Felize Base, a 1st-year Accountancy student Before their departure, they underwent thorough preparation, including psychological readiness sessions with the Guidance Center and a pre-departure orientation led by program alumni.
Six YAL-CBA delegates pose together before embarking on a four-month academic and cultural exchange program at
They were equipped not only academically, but in spirit and purpose, embodying the heart of Lasallian formation. For four months, they lived and studied in Korea. This wasn’t just about classes—it was about growing as students, understanding a new culture, and showing what it means to be Lasallian even far from home.
Ultimately, their journey underscores that education extends far beyond the classroom. It flourishes when individuals are courageous enough to step into the world, learn from others, and bring those lessons back to their community.
October disruption prompts USLS safety-first protocol
Jimmy Sayson
The University of St. La Salle (USLS) implemented a series of instructional transitions throughout October 2025, shifting from traditional on-site classes to various online learning formats. These measures were taken to ensure the safety of the Lasallian community following several significant seismic events and subsequent infrastructure challenges. The university first transitioned to online learning on October 1, following a significant earthquake that impacted the Bacolod area. To accommodate students facing localized power outages and connectivity issues, USLS provided asynchronous learning options. This initial shift was extended from October 2 to 3 to facilitate comprehensive structural integrity assessments by the University Engineering Team.
Beyond seismic concerns, the university addressed severe weather conditions mid-month. On October 14, afternoon classes moved to asynchronous online learning due to continuous heavy rainfall and flooding across Bacolod City. On October 15, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs mandated synchronous sessions via Zoom.
This decision aimed to protect the community while allowing the Engineering Team to conduct post-flooding assessments and maintenance on campus facilities. Throughout these disruptions, USLS has emphasized a “safety-first” protocol, balancing academic continuity with the logistical realities of natural disasters. The administration continues to urge students and faculty to remain vigilant and monitor
to remain vigilant and monitor official communication channels for real-time updates and further advisories USLS has emphasized a “safety-first” protocol, balancing academic continuity with the logistical realities of natural disasters. The administration continues to urge students and faculty to remain vigilant and monitor official communication channels for real-time updates and further advisories.
Jimmy Sayson
Keimyung University in Daegu, South Korea.
Jimmy Sayson
Accountancy students shine in AFSL ‘25
The University of St. La Salle (USLS) has achieved a significant milestone in international student competition as four graduating accountancy students qualified as Top 18 Finalists in the ASEAN Future Sustainable Leaders (AFSL) 2025. Representing the university in its inaugural participation in the event, the team successfully advanced from a competitive pool of 47 entries nationwide. The finalists were officially announced on October 3, 2025, with the team’s presentation also earning recognition as the Top 6 Best Video Entry. The delegation, composed of Carl Jeric Cortez, Dexter Lloyd Juarez, Merry Juztine Villacanas, and Andrea Rose Yanzon, developed a community-driven initiative titled Paglaum
BABA4 Students Named Among Top 50 Delegates for ASSET 2025
Five standout students from the Yu An Log - College of Business and Accountancy (YALCBA) have earned prestigious placements as delegates for the Accountancy Students’ Seminar and Extracurricular Training (ASSET) 2025.
USLS Student Crowned Miss World Philippines – Negros Island Region 2025 Cindy Valencia, a fourth-year Business Economics and Marketing Management student from the Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA), has been named Miss World Philippines – Negros Island Region 2025. Representing Bacolod City, Valencia earned the crown after a strong performance in the regional competition.
A former Miss Bacolod MassKara 2nd Runner-up, she will now carry the Negros Island Region banner on the national stage at the Miss World Philippines 2025 pageant. Her achievement reflects both her dedication and the excellence of the Lasallian community she represents.
The project was created in collaboration with the Mandalagan Chapter of the Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and videographer Gabriel Dennis Tan. Paglaum seeks to empower the PWD sector by fostering social inclusion and establish ing sustainable livelihood programs. The initiative was inspired by previous community service efforts led by the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA-USLS), highlighting a continued institutional commitment to marginalized sectors
The AFSL competition emphasizes the creation of actionable projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
By addressing urgent social and economic challenges, the competition challenges student leaders to generate real-world impact within their local communities. Through Paglaum, the USLS team demonstrated that professional training in accountancy can be effectively applied to social advocacy, providing PWDs with the necessary platforms to achieve economic independence and leadership roles.
Following a highly competitive nationwide selection process that evaluated over 650 applicants, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) successfully saw five of its own named among the Top 50 finalists. The recognized delegates, all currently in their fourth year of the Accountancy program, include Dexter Lloyd Juarez, Gino Jumayao, Merry Juztine Villacanas, Aia Daniela Villarino, and Andrea Rose Yanson.
The ASSET 2025 program is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice by equipping future accountants with critical skills in leadership, innovation, and industry readiness.
This achievement not only highlights individual academic excellence but also strengthens the reputation of the USLS accountancy program within the broader national community. This participation provides a vital platform for students to engage with industry experts and peers from across the country, fostering a network of leaders ready to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape.
The inclusion of these five delegates serves as a testament to the rigorous training provided by YALCBA and the university’s ongoing mission to produce graduates who are both technically proficient and socially responsible leaders in their field.
Photo Courtsey of Watchmen Daily journal
Kleizelle Alvarado
Jimmy Sayson
Jimmy Sayson
Graduating accountancy students Carl Jeric Cortez, Dexter Lloyd Juarez, Merry Juztine Villacanas, and Andrea Rose Yanzon stand as Top 18 finalists in the AFSL 2025 competition.
Campus Crime Prevention & Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy Week ‘25
Organizers and guests participate in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to launch the Campus Crime Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy Week 2025.
USLS Students Launch Petition to Allow Visible Tattoos in Yearbook Photos
Students of the University of St. La Salle (USLS) have launched a petition calling on university officials to allow visible tattoos in the La Salle Yearbook 2025 casual portraits. The petition, which ran from December 9 to 11, was initiated by graduating AB Psychology student Paul Daniel Serrano and advocates for student authenticity and self-expression.
The initiative questions an existing guideline requiring students to conceal visible tattoos in yearbook photos, noting that such a restriction is not explicitly stated in any official university policy. On its first day alone, the petition gathered around 700 signatures, including nearly 200 from graduating students.
Serrano emphasized that the yearbook should reflect the true identities of students, describing tattoos as representations of personal growth, culture, and lived experiences. Organizers plan to formally submit the petition to the university administration, urging a review of the current guidelines.
The movement has gained positive support across campus, with many students echoing calls for a more inclusive and authentic yearbook experience.
Campus Crime Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy Week 2025 placed everyday concerns of safety and well-being back into the campus conversation. Through a series of talks, activities, and information drives, the initiative reminded students that maintaining a secure and healthy environment is not the work of policy alone, but of shared awareness and daily practice.
Rather than positioning itself as a solution to deeper systemic issues, the week functioned as a space for reflection and engagement. Its strength lay in keeping these topics visible and relevant, reinforcing the idea that prevention and responsibility are most effective when they are understood and collectively upheld.
Anti-Smoking & Anti-Vaping Talk
The Anti-Smoking and Anti-Vaping Talk approached a familiar but increasingly pressing issue with a measured, informative tone. By grounding the discussion in facts and health realities, the session shifted the focus away from judgment and toward understanding, allowing students to engage with the topic on practical terms.
In doing so, the talk highlighted the role of education in shaping healthier choices. It suggested that conversations about lifestyle risks are most productive when they invite awareness rather than compliance, leaving room for personal accountability without diminishing individual agency.
USLS Students shows Solidarity through Black Ribbon Protest
The Black Ribbon Protest offered a quiet yet visible form of student expression, using symbolism to convey concern over a broader social issue. Its peaceful nature allowed the message to stand on its own, drawing attention through presence rather than confrontation.
While modest in scale, the protest reflected how students continue to use campus spaces for civic expression. It reinforced the idea that universities remain important venues for collective reflection, where dialogue and awareness can take shape in restrained but meaningful ways.
Kleizelle Alvarado
Kleizelle Alvarado
Jimmy Sayson
Photo Courtesy of Paul Serrano
Club Fair 2025 | Where Kingdoms Met. Memories Reigned FEATURE
Club Fair 2025 was more than a convergence of organizations; it was a powerful celebration of unity, creativity, and resilience.
The YAL-CBA community came together to showcase the diverse passions, talents, and advocacies that make the college a true home that builds champions.
Each booth stood as a kingdom of its own, proudly presenting the values, missions, and dreams that drive every organization forward
As each department shone from dusk to dawn, memories were etched into moments that will be carried far beyond this academic year. At the heart of this event lies the resiliency of YAL-CBA — a community that continues to rise, adapt, and thrive. Through challenges and change, they remain steadfast in their mission to shape individuals who are not only academically competent but also courageous, compassionate, and purpose-driven.
Lasallian Entrepreneurs Take the Spotlight
In celebration of the 73rd Handumanan Week, aspiring Lasallian Entrepreneurs from the Yu-An Log College of Business and Accountancy, showcased their creative pursuits at Handumanan Alley: Lasallian Entrepreneur Expo Transforming the Room 10 Parking Lot last July 7-11, 2025 into a vibrant marketplace filled with their products and services, pastries, custom jewelry, unique clothing pieces, and other handcrafted goods.
From passion projects to thriving side hustles, the expo shines a light on the creativity, drive, and business acumen of Lasallian entrepreneurs
The event invited the community to engage with and support the student-led businesses.
It serves as evidence to how ideas nurtured within the classroom can evolve into something meaningful ventures, reinforcing the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape and strengthen the Lasallian business-entrepreneurs community.
The event also fostered a strong sense of community. As fellow students, faculty members, and visitors gathered to support student talent and ideas, and celebrate student initiative. Through encouraging consumers to shop locally and engage directly with young entrepreneurs, the expo strengthened the importance of sustaining homegrown businesses and nurturing future industry leaders.
Like an eagle, the kingdoms axxelerated, soaring higher with unwavering strength, clear vision, and bold determination. Club Fair 2025 stood as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as one community. Where kingdoms meet, memories reign, and champions are built.
More than a commercial space, the Lasallian Entrepreneurs Expo emphasized the value of experiential learning. This allows students to apply theoretical concepts such as marketing, pricing strategies, and operations management in a real-world setting. What started off as little side hustles and creative endeavours, develop into educational population that put resilience, flexibility and innovation—the essential qualities of a successful entrepreneur
Aliyah Virata
Mariel June Lanza ann
YAL-CBA’s Lasallian Champion, Raises Her Voice for Her Advocacy
A heart of gold from the golden college
As the seven colleges unite, only one legend will rise above the rest to complete the journey and claim the golden trophy. In Animolympics 2026, each representative carries the pride of their college, striving for the title of Lasallian Champion. Get to know YAL-CBA’s soaring Eagle, ready to lift her banner and lead with courage.
Passion With A Purpose
“Have passion in everything you do from the biggest responsibilities to the smallest tasks. Work passionately, lead passionately, advocate passionately, enjoy passionately, and love passionately.”
Meet Mary Felize Feria, a fourth-year LIACOM student taking up AB Psychology and Operations Management, and this year’s Lasallian Champion. Guided by passion and purpose, her advocacy supports sustainable solutions for potters facing today’s economic challenges, empowering their craft and amplifying their stories.
ROOTS: Hands of Progress centers on the potters of Barangay Pahanocoy. More than a financial literacy initiative, it is a capacity-building effort dedicated to improving their quality of life. By connecting tradition with modern systems, the program strengthens their economic resilience and transforms hardship into opportunities for growth, shaped with patience, care, and skill.
“The fact that you are a Lasallian already gives you a privileged voice that can reach a wider audience than most.”
BSEN 2A Product Testing
Feria reminds us that our voice is both a gift and a responsibility. As young Lasallians, we are called to become the change we hope to see, grounded in our values. Her mission continues beyond the competition, not as a temporary project, but as an ongoing movement to empower, connect, and represent local artisans.
In preserving art and culture, Feria stands ready, to lead her college and champion the voices of the potters. As she reminds us: Lead with passion, fight with purpose
The BSEN 2A students proudly showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial skills during the Product Testing held on October 28, 2025, at the YAL-CBA Incubation Hub. Serving as their final exam for Innovation Management, the event highlighted the students’ innovative concepts and practical business solutions. A distinguished panel composed of Sir Jojo Vito, PhD (Innovation Management Instructor), Sir Kevin Lopez, MBA, Miss LeiLani Dusaban, DBA, Sir Jose Bayona, JD, PhD, and Sir John Cariño, MBA evaluated the students’ products and provided valuable insights to inspire further innovation.
The event showcased the students’ passion for innovation and excellence, reflecting their readiness to take on real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to the business world.
Aliyah Virata
Second-year BSEN students showcase their innovative business solutions and products during their final exam for Innovation Management.
Agritopia; An Immersive Exhibit Where Cultivating Stories Come to Life
Agritopia invited visitors into an immersive agribusiness exhibit led by the Green Ranchers Club, where learning was not only acquired from books but through a farm-like experience on display. Blending animals, plants, and students’ captivating projects, the Green Ranchers Club proved that everything had value as the exhibit transformed a four-cornered space into a living showcase that highlighted the essence of agriculture, sustainability, and meaningful learning within the school community. Visitors were not just observing—they were stepping into a world alive with sights, sounds, and sensations of the farm. At the heart of the exhibit was a heart-touching space where the sights and sounds made visitors feel as if they were on a real farm. The cackles of chickens echoed throughout the room; the gentle trace of a millipede felt like an innocent “I love you” on the hands of those brave enough to try; and a rush of excitement followed when a frog leaped free. Interactive projects highlighted innovative ways to sustain farm productivity, with each section telling a part of a larger story—how thoughtful farming practices could nourish both the land and the community.
Observing the hydroponic setup, one student asked the simple yet profound question: “How does it work?” Meanwhile, the livestock area allowed visitors to interact with rabbits and different breeds of chickens, emphasizing harmony between animals and sustainable farming practices. He explained that the exhibit showcased farm animals, tools, and systems often unseen inside classrooms, allowing visitors to see, touch, and understand the true nature of agriculture. Dioquino added that the goal was to show that farming goes beyond crops, involving livestock, poultry, and interconnected sub-industries that work together to build a sustainable agricultural sector. The Green Ranchers Club was established as the official academic organization for Agribusiness students, formed to represent their professional growth and interests. Serving as a bridge between classroom learning and industry practice, the organization provides students with opportunities to lead, connect with professionals, and advocate for food security and modern agricultural management. One standout feature was the “mini glass organizer,” where agribusiness students showcased various insects, regardless of size.
According to Green Ranchers Club President John Donelle Dioquino, Agritopia was inspired by the desire to bring the real farm experience closer to the community. Agritopia was not just about showcasing what the earth had to offer. It stood as a celebration of the creativity, dedication, and teamwork of the Green Ranchers Club, including the brave farmers behind it. Through this immersive experience, visitors not only learned about agribusiness but also gained a deeper appreciation for the hard work behind every crop grown and every animal raised. Green Ranchers Club President John Donelle Dioquino noted that exhibits like Agritopia help break the outdated stereotype of farming as tiring and dirty work, allowing students to see agribusiness as a dynamic and meaningful career path that plays a vital role in sustainability, food security, and environmental protection. As everything came together, one thing became clear—Agritopia was not merely a display; it was a living story of both the living and non-living things that had long been the backbone of human life, and a testament to the creativity and passion of the Green Ranchers Club.
Fatima Duazo
La Bohéme
Isang gabi ng mahika ang bumalot sa St. La Salle Coliseum nang ito’y mag anyong buhay at makulay na Latin Quarter ng Paris noong dekada 1840. Sa pagtutulungan ng University of St. La Salle at Cultural Center of the Philippines, muling nabuhay ang walang kupas na obra ni Giacomo Puccini, La Bohème. Inanyayahan nito ang mga manonood sa isang mundong hinabi ng mga pangarap ng kabataan, pag ibig na sumisiklab sa ilalim ng liwanag ng mga lampara, at mga himig na sumasalamin sa marupok ngunit makahulugang kagandahan ng buhay.
Hango sa tanyag na nobelang Scènes de la vie de Bohème, ipininta ng opera ang makulay na salaysay ng mga batang alagad ng sining, ang kanilang mga tawa, pag ibig, at pighati, na sinabayan ng mga himig na tumatagos sa puso. Higit pa sa isang pagtatanghal, ito’y naging isang handog kultura para sa lahat, bukás, masining, at tunay na nakaaantig. Mula sa matatayog na nota hanggang sa pinakamaselang tagpo, iniwan ng La Bohème ang bawat puso na namamangha at pinapaalalahanan na ang sining ay walang hangganan, patuloy itong dumadaloy sa panahon, wika, at damdamin.
BAOM 3B AND 3D conducted their Christian Service - Learning Program( CSLP), Kabuhayang Kay Ganda
Under the course subject Productivity and Quality Tools, CSLP is an action program that third year Operations Management students organize, under the class of Dr. Jose Teody Cabantug. Both sections aim to encourage community engagement and social responsibility among Lasallian students through meaningful outreach activities The program is also to promote faith-based entrepreneurship and community development through individuals, most especially to every woman.
A program that reflects sustainable livelihood with Christian values, compassion, and integrity.
The program was held last Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Corporate Room 2, with the theme, “ Kabuhayang Kay Ganda: Women at Work, Community in Action” This theme speaks of women empowerment through livelihood training and faith-driven values and opportunities. Above all, it symbolizes unity and collaboration, and together with the support of the community, these can lead to a lasting change—through love, service and faith.
For the class’ final outreach activity, the suggested livelihood by the participating community was anchored during their business type preparation to ensure that activities are efficiently aligned. The said activity filled the Corporate Room 2 with laughter and learnings that consisted of the participants – mothers from Purok Akishola along with their children. They were able to have an interactive session through livelihood demonstrations and faith-based activities which strengthened the relationship between families, inspiring the community involved.
Mariel June Lanza
Mary Kate Sumugat
‘Champion’ means to defeat all opponents in a competition or series of competitions. A definition that transpires in an arena but goes beyond a classroom. The word, often associated with success, weighs heavily on an individual—much more of a student who balances academics, organizational responsibilities, and personal life.
The same students who are expected to be successful later in life but are pressured to be champions while being in the process of succeeding On a positive note, expectation and pressure do motivate a conscientious student to keep on looking forward as it may be perceived as a challenge. However, when pressure feels too strong, it waters down the fire through tension which negatively stresses an individual. A student who is burned out is someone who lacks the passion and the motive to soar higher. Most champions have testified to exhausting themselves with training hours until developing what it takes to be one—a process that mirrors what lies beneath student life. Ironically, this scene is kept behind the end process of achievements, overshadowing the manner of “getting there”.
From a student’s perspective, “getting there” is setting an alarm for early morning coffee runs and running after professors for that clearance signature rather than simply signing up for student-life.
Success Beyond Trophies and Titles
The YAL-CBA has been recognized as the home of the champions for the past 20 years. This indicates the victories won by the college in a series of competitions during university events.Despite these triumphs, the question remains unanswered: do trophies, medals, and titles make the YAL-CBA a champion? Retaining the title for two decades is truly remarkable. Yet this title is a combination of wins and setbacks—accompanied by a contemplation whether to attend the 3 o’clock practice or not. Let’s say the competition is still months away, why would athletes bother spending their peaceful afternoon under the scorching heat and choose to be sweaty after 5 minutes?
It is safe to say that students are advised to handle their time efficiently to ensure an easy flow of meeting deadlines and backlogs. Because of this, those who manage to balance curricular and extracurricular are taken for granted instead of being celebrated. This concept fails to recognize the effort that goes with every submitted output and organized event. In the same manner that it overlooks the truth—what goes beyond success is the success in itself.
Suddenly, determination kicks in—the drive of surpassing not the competitors but the pacing monitored last week. The urge to keep on rehearsing to discover new strategies. It is with these very situations that skills are built and routines are perfected. It is with every decision to show up that a character is honed. Trophies and titles are mere recognition of what has paid off after choosing not to give up. What makes a champion is the countless times of standing up after tumbling down and the dedication of pushing through—even if you’re the only one who believes in you.
THE TYCOON EDITORIAL BOARD NAVIGATORS OF BUSINESS FRONTIER
Shane Reycinth Ballarta Editor-in-Chief
Fatima Duazo Associate Editor
Johann Diego Cepida Managing Editor
Patricia Nicole Danao Asst. Managing Editor
Christine del Melgar External Affairs Director
Mary Kate Sumugat Feature Editor
Valerie Pajotea Literary Editor
Jimmy Sayson News Editor
Precious Esmero Art Editor
Shyla Nathalie Belicano Layout & Graphics
Mizpah Cristel Cepeda Photo/Video Editor
Photo Courtesy of Vecteezy
EDITORIAL
Productivity Culture
Numerous students believe that their worth is measured solely by grades, academic achievements, and awards. As a result, they tend to prioritize labels and recognition over genuine learning and personal growth. Some even resort to cheating in quizzes, tests, and examinations. Instead of focusing on understanding concepts, students often rely on memorization. This reflects an educational culture that values productivity over efficiency and meaningful learning. However, this culture can be transformed through improved scheduling and more thoughtfully designed assessments. By reshaping tests, assignments, and tasks to emphasize comprehension and application, students can focus more on what they truly need to learn rather than merely what they need to accomplish.
Class Suspensions and Disaster Disruptions
Natural disasters have become increasingly common, often leading to class suspensions. Typhoons are the primary reason for these interruptions, yet the announcements themselves can sometimes frustrate and anger students. In a recent event, the final day of the Animolympics was postponed due to a Red Alert warning, leaving many athletes disappointed—not because they couldn’t compete, but because the announcement came too late. Some students had already arrived at school as early as seven in the morning, while others traveled from out of town, sacrificing sleep and rest to participate, only to face a last-minute postponement. Since the Red Alert warning was issued a day before the announcement, better preparation and communication could have prevented this disappointment and discouraged participants. In situations like this, it is important to have timely and transparent communication especially in emergencies that directly affects the student’s safety and well-being. While class suspensions aim to protect the student body, delayed announcements only add unnecessary stress and confusion. Students are individuals who prepare, commute, and make sacrifices to participate in the activities. Moving forward, proactive coordination and earlier advisories can help minimize disruptions, showing that student welfare is not only acknowledged during crises but truly prioritized.
Students, especially college students, strive for one thing—excellence. A strong academic record can open doors and create opportunities after graduation. But at what cost? Many of us have been in school for over a decade, yet workloads remain overwhelming. Some struggle to manage their schedules, balancing work and academics. Sleep becomes scarce, and burnout is common. Add pressure to the mix, and the situation only worsens. Students no longer strive for excellence—they fight for survival and mental health is often sacrificed in the process.
To Those Behind The Scenes
Oh, wait! I need my stage pass before anything. Without it, I might not be allowed to enter backstage—a place that most students desire to access. Well, let’s be honest: being afforded a pass feels like being admitted into a VIP room where only elites are allowed. Yet once you’re in, you stand behind closed curtains and dim alleys, with headsets hung, notifications on, and minds in emergency mode. You really can’t slack off in these shadows, nor can you turn a blind eye to the needs of those on stage. Suddenly, reality wakes you up from daydreaming of an access that is not so luxurious after all.It sounded grand to be on the working committee. The privileges. The access. The BACKSTAGE PASS. But as enticing as it is to many, the hard work, perseverance, and above all, patience required are often overlooked. Behind those thickly laminated identification passes lie countless hours of hard labor—a testament to the unyielding talent and discipline of those behind the scenes.A creative eye, attention to great detail, and persistent work ethic earned them access that only the strong-willed can endure The quiet pressure. Long waits. Constantly on the go.All these were weathered by the linchpins. .
“Manong, bayad!” Twelve pesos. Currently the jeepney fare for students is twelve pesos—the price of a ride back home or a spontaneous trip with friends. But what if the cost to pay is not tangible, does that still count? Sometimes, in order to achieve a goal, one must be ready to endure the consequences that come with obtaining it—especially those sacrifices that go unseen. The consequences behind every medal is a sore muscle, behind every successful performance is going home late at night. For students, being in the dean’s list is rewarded without seeing the breakdowns before and after a quiz. Although being decorated with awards are fulfilling, the cumbersome pathway is often overlooked. “Yes, champion!”, only to realize the heavy bags under your eye, the times you said “next time” when your sibling wants to hangout, and the friends you once had. There is nothing wrong with surrendering what holds you down, but, at what cost?
It is with great pride and honor that the VIPs stand tall in the spotlight, but the production is carried through by those who never step into the light. The show goes on because the fourth wall is never meant to be broken. The platform shines, the rhythm hums, the audience applauds, and the illusion remains intact. But just behind the curtains, out of sight of the viewers, are the hands that hold the lights steady, cue the effects, and keep everything stabilized. They may never take a bow in front of the crowd, but let this be a reminder that the production belongs to them, too.
Shane Reycinth Ballarta Editor-in-Chief
The Price to Pay
student life depends on how much you are willing to spend.
Academic Workloads vs. Mental Health
Often, the minor subjects are the ones that inject more stress. The difficulty and workload of these courses frequently rival those of major subjects, despite their intended role as academic support. To protect students’ mental health, academic institutions should reassess the scope and demands of minor subjects, ensuring that requirements remain reasonable and aligned with their purpose. In an environment where grades are often prioritized over well-being, students are left lost within a system that rarely pauses to check on how they’re coping.
Situations like this demotivate students to be inside the classroom—an environment where only academic efforts are seen and appreciated. In fact, deadlines, quizzes, and performance-based activities continue to pile up, stretching students even thinner. While being resilient is often praised, it should not come at the expense of mental health. True excellence includes compassion—for oneself and from the institution. . A student who is mentally well is much more capable of growing, learning, and succeeding beyond the four walls of the classroom.
The price to pay for a jeepney ride is twelve pesos, but the price to pay for the
USLS-JPIAns Shine at the 21st Regional Mid-Year Convention
In a remarkable display of excellence, the University of St. La Salle - Junior Philippines Institute of Accountants has once again made its mark by securing multiple awards at the recently concluded 21st Regional Mid-Year Convention (RMYC). The USLS-JPIAns clinched the Championship title in the Academic League and claimed the 1st Runner-Up Overall position in the 21st RMYC. These outstanding achievements have brought immense pride and honor to the organization, exemplifying the distinction that USLS-JPIA consistently upholds. The team secured their position by being crowned Champions in several categories: the Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Cup, the Regulatory Framework and Business Transactions Cup, the Auditing Cup, the Taxation Cup, the Management Advisory Services Cup, and the Information Systems and Controls Cup.
Additionally, they earned 1st Runner Up in the Basic Financial Accounting and Reporting Cup, 2nd in the Financial Accounting and Reporting Cup, and 3rd in the Conceptual Framework and Accounting Standards Cup. Their achievements did not stop there, as individuals also excelled in the Management Accounting Cup: Gino Jumayao finished as 1st Runner Up, while Dexter Lloyd Juarez took 4th Runner Up. Both were recognized as Top 10 Finalists. The team’s victories went beyond just quiz bowls as they also brought home the Championship Trophy for the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports Tournament, achieved 2nd Runner Up in the Management Advisory Services Case Study, and secured 3rd Runner Up in both the Tax Case Study and the Amazing Race. Moreover, individual talents shone brightly in the Siniratura Sociocultural competitions
Kleizelle Alvarado
Julliana Renee Ogapong achieved 1st Runner Up in Essay Writing, Bhejie Antonio claimed 2nd Runner Up in Short Story Writing, and Nicole Hautea finished 3rd in the Slam Poetry Contest. The team also took part in the Pitik: Creative Photography and Re:Iconic. Hosted by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Region 6 (NFJPIA-R6), the event celebrated the talents and achievements of aspiring accountants from the region. Congratulations to all the participants and winners who have once again demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. Hats off to USLS-JPIAns for their impressive accomplishments!
YAL-CBA Dominates Men’s and Women’s Swimming Events
The Yu An Log – College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA) asserted its dominance in both the Men’s and Women’s Swimming competitions of Animolympics 2026, emerging as the top-performing college in the aquatic events held at the Br. Roly Dizon Swimming Pool. The strong showing underscored the college’s sustained competitiveness in swimming and its continued presence among the leading contenders of the annual university-wide games. Across both divisions, YAL-CBA demonstrated depth, preparation, and consistency, securing crucial points in a wide range of individual and relay races. Rather than relying on a small number of standout performances, the team accumulated points through steady finishes, allowing it to maintain control of the standings as the competitions progressed. In the Men’s Swimming events, YAL-CBA finished first overall with a total of 112 points. The team’s consistent placements across sprint and distance events proved decisive, enabling it to build an advantage over other colleges throughout the meet
The College of Nursing followed in second place with 92 points after recording several podium finishes, while the College of Computing Studies placed third with 85 points. The College of Engineering accumulated 49 points, the College of Tourism and Hospitality earned 34 points, the College of Arts and Sciences recorded 16 points, and the College of Education closed the standings with 5 points, completing the men’s division rankings. YAL-CBA carried its momentum into the Women’s Swimming competitions, opening the meet with a narrow 0.01-second victory in the 25-meter Medley Relay Building on that early advantage, YAL-CBA swimmers continued to post strong and consistent results across multiple races, gradually widening the gap in the standings. The team maintained composure in closely fought heats while capitalizing on opportunities to earn valuable points.y the conclusion of the women’s competitions, YAL-CBA had accumulated 136 points, securing a clear lead.
By the conclusion of the women’s competitions, YAL-CBA had accumulated 136 points, securing a clear lead. The College of Nursing followed with 97 points, while the College of Arts and Sciences finished with 73 points and the College of Education tallied 48 points, reflecting competitive performances across the division. The College of Computing Studies earned 20 points, while the College of Tourism and Hospitality and the College of Engineering concluded the women’s division with 3 points and no points, respectively. Overall, YAL-CBA’s commanding performance in both divisions highlighted the college’s depth, consistency, and strong contribution to its broader campaign in Animolympics 2026. while the College of Tourism and Hospitality and the College of Engineering concluded the women’s division with 3 points and no points, respectively. Overall, YAL-CBA’s commanding performance in both divisions highlighted the college’s depth, consistency, and strong contribution to its broader campaign in Animolympics 2026.
Jimmy Sayson