SHS STARLIGHT E-NEWSLETTER VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 1.

VOLUME XXXII, NO. 1.

NEWS

EDITORIAL

FEATURE

ENTERTAINMENT

DIGIFEST 2022: The Making

Santa-mental Time of Christmas

The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12

DIGIFEST 2022 kickstarted with an interactive virtual event casted via the UNO-R SHSSAO Facebook Page on November 14, 2021.

Mr. Harry Magluyan, Grades 11 & 12 principal, delivered his opening statement, setting significance on the provision of opportunities to the development of a person and molding Christians dedicated to the service of community.

“Looking beyond the performances and activities, DIGIFEST implies creative fidelity to our core values through our efforts of connecting with others, conceptualizing innovative concepts, choosing appropriate materials, finding effective means, and

sharing our best ideas which in the process, friendship is nurtured and Recoletos spirit of community is exercised,” Mr. Magluyan said.

ZMr. Marc Alex Caballes, Student Affairs prefect, presented the DIGIFEST Houses, highlighting the declaration of the official commencement of the event.

The program ended with a concluding speech from the Academic Coordinator, Ms. Joy Borcelas, as she emphasized the essence of camaraderie, building friendships and trust, and developing the sense of belongingness.

DIGIFEST 2022 set in motion BY: MARY KATE CARMONA

SHSSAO NATIONALS AND LOCALS

ASSUME OFFICE FOR S.Y. 2021-2022 BY: XAVIER EMNACE

CLASS OF 2021

HONORED FOR THE 4TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES BY: MARY KATE CARMONA

University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Integrated School’s Senior High School graduates were acclaimed and given tribute through the inaugural virtual ceremony streamed via Heart Media Productions, 29th of May. The ceremony marked the university’s 4th commencement exercises having 689 graduating students— 96 from the Accounting, Business and Management (ABM), 115 from Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), 256 from Science,

Technology Engineering and MathematicsEngineering and Information Technology (STEM-EIT), 193 from Science, Technology, Engineering and MathematicsAllied and Medical Health (STEMAMH), and 29 from Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL) strands.

Faculty and parents saluted the 184 academic awardees: 16 first honors; 119 second honors; and 49 with Honors along with the 65 special awardees from the different strands that were moreover given Cont. p. 2

OATH TO SERVE.

Myka Manderico, recites the Students Affairs Organization (SAO) Oath in front of mass goers and newly elected SAO Officers as the new SAO President at the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos Oratory. September 5, 2021.

Photo by Lance Satojito.

Newly elected Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (SHSSAO) officers and strand organizations were formally installed in the induction ceremony held at the Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Oratory on September 5, 2021.

Education Director, presided the Holy Mass and the induction of officers.

SHSSAO President Geamaika Marisse Manderico led the A.Y. 2021-2022 officers and delivered her thanksgiving speech during the event.

Yuval C. Adera Vice President

“I can’t say thank you enough and all we could do is to treasure your trust and prove our words with our actions by bringing you a senior high school experience that you deserve,” Manderico said.

Rev. Fr. Persiuz Joseph M. Decena, OAR, the Basic

Below is the list of the SHSSAO Nationals for S.Y. 2021-2022.

Geamaika Marisse Manderico President

Princess Mika Gaudiano Secretary Denise Francine Dianongco Treasurer Ma. Katrina Therese Habana Auditor Jhayne Imbong P.I.O. Maria Beatriz Dianongco Leiryn Kate Magalona Business Managers

02NEWS acknowledgement by way of the virtual graduation rites.

In the valedictory address of Hazel Lorraine G. Herida, the class valedictorian graduate from Accounting, Business and Management (ABM) emphasized her heartfelt appreciation towards her success and being an integral part of the university through the years.

“May we all strive and reach our dreams with the “Tatak Rekoleto” spirit.

Strengthen by faith, courage, and love. Through God’s help, we persevere and now we are celebrating the fruits of our determination and dreams,” she proclaimed.

Moreover, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated held in the morning of the same day, prior to the virtual commencement exercises and was attended by loyalty awardees, top 5 students of every strand, and their parents.

UNORIAN BAGS SILVER IN THAILAND INTERNATIONAL MATH OLYMPIAD BY: RENEMAE MIALEN MATH BRAWL. Jeniña

Claire Yulo, poses with opponents at a high school in Hong Kong during the Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad Final Round 2019, August 31, 2019.

Photo from Jeniña Claire Yulo.

Jeñina Claire M. Yulo, Grade 12 STEM-AMH student of University of Negros Occidental Recoletos (UNO-R) triumphed as she claimed the Silver Award in the Senior Secondary Category of the recently concluded Thailand

UNO-R CELEBRATES THE CULMINATION OF THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY BY: PAULINE MAE JURISPRUDENCIA

As October comes to an end, the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (UNO-R) marked the Culmination of the Month of the Holy Rosary by praying the Living Rosary and celebrating the Holy Eucharist at the

GIFT OF THANKS. Rev. Fr. Amadeo Luceo, OAR, honors the Blessed Mother through the Holy Rosary Mass last October 29, 2021.

Photo from Heart Media Productions.

International Mathematical Olympiad (TIMO) Heat Round 2021, held on November 12.

Yulo also received a bronze medal at the International Vedic Mathematics Olympiad (IVMO 2021) last September 11.

The UNORian community expressed pride and gratitude to Yulo for bringing the school’s name to various competitions in the international arena.

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

MONTUYA: JUNIOR DELEGATE REPRESENTS PHILIPPINES AT 5TH AUSCU BY: LOVERNNE AN MONTALES

University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos (UNO-R), April Therese Montuya, Grade 12 St. Augustine-01; HUMSS governor, proclaimed as the selected delegate to represent the Philippines in the 5th ASEAN University Student Council Conference (AUSCU) affixed with the theme ‘’Youth Engagement Prosperity of ASEAN in the New Normal’’, that will take place at Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on December 5-8, 2021.

M o n t u y a ’ s determination for learning earned her spot as the youngest of the 10 official delegates to represent the Philippines at the said event.

‘’As the youngest delegate, I feel a lot of pressure since most of my fellow delegates are already

SAMARITAN. April Therese

Montuya, facilitates Baligyafor-a-cause, donation drive, and financial aid assistance for a child with Cerebral Palsy from Barangay Pahanocoy last June 1, 2021.

Photo from April Therese Montuya.

in college, but it does not hinder me from pushing my limits and getting myself into new exploits. This is an achievement, not for myself, but yielding my school’s pride, and the country,’’ Montuya said.

In connection, the virtual conference aims to offer a platform for ASEAN youth to exchange experiences, views, ideas, opportunities, and as Montuya further iterates, ‘’As a person who dwells within the corners of compassion, respect, responsibility, and bravery, it is my honor to represent as a delegate of our country to share the beauty of our culture, the potential of our future, and the leadership of our people,’’

UNO-R INTEGRATED SCHOOL (11&12) HOLDS ROSARY RALLY 2021

Oratory of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, October 29, 2021.

The celebration started with the solemn prayer of the Holy Rosary honoring the Blessed Mother, followed by the Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Amadeo Luceo, OAR.

“This law of the Sabbath does not forbid anyone to do good,” said Rev. Fr. Amadeo Luceo, OAR on the Gospel from Luke, emphasizing Jesus’ act of curing a man even on Sabbath Day.

BY: PAULINE MAE JURISPRUDENCIA

In celebrating the month of the Holy Rosary, the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos Senior High School Department (UNO-R SHS) held their Rosary Rally 2021 with the theme “Mary, Our Model of Seeking the Truth,” via Heart Media Production on Facebook last 29th of October, 2021.

Various religious clubs, Recollect Augustinian Youth de Bacolod (RAY de Bacolod) and Children of Mary (COM), participated in jumpstarting the event with dance interpretations and energizers.

The

event

was

preceded by a sharing on the theme by Yuval C. Adera, a Grade 12 HUMSS SA01 student.

“Out of all of us, she is the first one who sought the truth. She is the first one to ask the truth, and she is the first one who defended the truth,” Yuval said, reflecting on the theme of the Rosary Rally.

In connection, winners for the SCAPortray a Saint were announced, an activity spearheaded by the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines UNO-R SHS unit wherein student representatives from each section portrayed a particular saint.

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

GRADE 11 ACADEMIC AWARDEES RECOGNIZED

NEWS 03

BY: JOSH ALDRICH DIOLA

Senior High School Department’s Grade 11 students’ reaped fruits for Academic Year 2020-2021 were honored and recognized during the Recognition Rites held online via Heart Media Production, May 28, 2021.

Academic awardees, both gold and silver, were honored, as well as those who

have garnered other awards namely Best in Mathematics, Best in Science, Religious Involvement Award, Literary Award in Writing, Literary Award in Speech, Leadership Award, and Service Award.

“No matter how severe our everyday battles are, I know that we will not back down,” Jeniña Claire M. Yulo,

an Academic Distinction Gold Awardee from SJ01, remarked during her words of gratitude.

“We have experienced a lot, even though I know that a lot is such an understatement.

We have bravely embarked ourselves on a long adventure,” Yulo further stated.

UCDO HOLDS ONLINE BENEFIT CONCERT BY: KEZIAH PATRICE JOCSON

The concert was divided into three acts based on the theme “2020, the perfect vision,” namely; The Foreshadowing, The Adversities and The Rebuilding.

Kasadyahan Dance Company and Izzy Verdeprado opened the program with their synchronized spoken word poetry and dance.

Jaylloyd Garche, Kokoi Baldo (both were artists from the Voice of the Philippines) and the university’s very own Jubilee Deo Chorale touched the viewers with their voices.

University Community Development Office (UCDO) hosted “Caritas: One Love UNO-R,” an Online Benefit Musicale oriented to support

the affected members of the UNO-R Community despite the continuing pandemic, this December 5, 2020.

MANDERICO, SELECTED CANDIDATE IN UN ECOSOC

part as a delegate in Model United Nations wherein approximately 740 youths from 58 countries around the globe were given the opportunity to engage in this formal simulation of the actual United Nations conference.

BY: ABBEY GALE CORDERO

Not failing to raise the banner of the University and the country, Senior High School department’s Geamaika Manderico participates in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) at Asia World Model United Nations Virtual Conference MMXXI, a three-day event which occurred last March 26-28, 2021.

Manderico, along with 79 Filipino youth, took

As talents were showcased, funds collected from the event were donated to the Recollect Educational Assistance for Deserving Students (READS) scholars, security personnel, janitorial staff and RESOURCEHandumanan families.

Furthermore, besides the ECOSOC, the Model United Nations is also comprised of other councils namely World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and more.

“It was something new for me, so at first I was also confused, but with the help of fellow Filipinos who were seniors in the field of Model UN, I was able to actively participate and was lucky enough to be assigned with an approachable Board of Directors,” Manderico stated in an interview.

The UNORian delegate also claimed that the event definitely opened new doors such as being able to be part of unity in diversity and bringing positive change.

BEADS OF GENEROSITY. Geamaika Marisse Manderico, 17, handed out rosaries and facilitated an outreach to senior citizens under the care of St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged, December 8, 2019.

Photo from Myka Manderico.

PAGPASIMPALAD 2021 LAUNCHES; “HEART ATTACK” PREVAILS BY: HANNAH LAVADIA

As Pagpasimpalad 2021, a culminating virtual business presentation activity conducted for grade 12 students, was launched, and STEM-EIT’s Heart Attack garnered first place among all business idea presentations last May 10, 2021, via Zoom.

The presenters who advanced to Pagpasimpalad were Eden’s Closet, Heart Attack, The Cravery, Homebrew Exports, Brew Ha! Coffee Lounge, Safe_Tee Prints, HappiDoor, and Physcycle.

Along with bagging 1st place in business plan presentation, Heart Attack also gained the overall best in business concept award, followed by ABM’s Brew Ha! Coffee Lounge came in 2nd place, and STEM-AMH’s Physcycle came in 3rd place and also received the most innovative business idea and the best business plan awards.

F u r t h e r m o re, HUMSS’s HappiDoor was best in company tagline, HUMSS’s Homebrew Exports garnered the most practical business idea, STEM-AMH’s The Cravery was overall best in TV advertisement, and Hazel Herida from ABM’s Brew Ha! Coffee Lounge was hailed as the best presenter.

“We all know that the trends in the business world are ever-changing, and we cannot predict people’s wants and needs, but by analyzing the market, for example, the geographical, psychographic, and demographics, we could determine the most unique business idea we can think of,” Justin John Velez, leader of STEMEIT’s Heart Attack stated.

“Entrepreneurs must do rigorous research work to analyze the available data and draw a plan out of those conclusions,” he further said.

Pagpasimpalad is a program conducted in partial fulfillment of the entrepreneurship course and enabled Grade 12 students to showcase business plans of their own to various panelists and their respective entrepreneurship advisers.

04NEWS SHS STEM ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS BY: KRISTEN THEA LOZADA

Officers of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand engaged STEMinistas with a webinar in line with October as the Mental Health Awareness and Prevention Month, entitled “Overcoming Toxic Emotions: Come Back Stronger.”

The webinar featured a talk session with Ms. Rose Jessica Octavio on how to overcome toxic emotions and Ms. Red Dawn Laurante on stress management in online learning.

ABM-TVL WEBINAR UPLIFTS CAREER INDUSTRIES BY: BEYA CATRINE GARBANZOS

With the determination and hope for success, students took a leap in reinventing themselves as the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Accountancy and Businesses Management and Technical Vocational Livelihood Strands held their ABM-TVL Day Webinar with the theme PERSONA: Reinventing Yourself in this Time of Pandemic, November 12, 2021.

For the first talk, Mr. Lance Vincent Llamas, CPA, shared his advice to the Accountancy students while Mrs. Kathreen Alcantara Juen, MBA, CDPO, conveyed lessons she learned about her career in Business and Management.

The last speaker, Mrs. Charissa Mider Martinez, imparted her inspiring experiences in the field of Hospitality.

As the webinar closed, it also had trivia games and Q&A forums that allowed the students to expand their knowledge about the several industries.

Opisyal na sinimulan ng ika11 at 12 baitang ng Unibersidad ng Negros OccidentalRecoletos (UNO-R)ang pagdiriwang ng birtwal na Araw ng Lahi na may temang “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino”, ika31 ng Agosto, 2021.

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

BIRTWAL NA ARAW NG LAHI,

SINALUBONG BY: KRYSTEL FELICISIMO

Ang pambungad na panalangin ay pinamunuan ni Krystel Felicisimo, at sinundan ng mensahe ni Ginoong Harry Magluyan, punongguro ng departamento.

Binigyang pagpugay ang mga nanalong kalahok sa mga patimpalak ng pagsulat at sining, kung saan, hinirang na kampeon si Charesse Moral na nasundan ni Kryzell Mugemulta, Miles Benedict Vargas at Shawn Marie Montuya sa pagbuo ng Digital Poster.

bilang kampeon sa pagsulat ng tula si Alexandra Dean, mag-aaral ng St. Augustine 01, at ginawaran rin ng parangal sina Karen Shyne Silva, magaaral ng St. Augustine 01 na Nakuha naman ni Mark nasa ikalawang puwesto, na Anthony De Paula ang unang sinundan Lisbeth Iya Soriano, puwesto sa pagsulat ng mag-aaral ng St. Augustine sanaysay at siya ay sinundan 02, sa ikatlong puwesto. ni Nherwyne Jude Yusoya, Geryne Velasco, Steve John Nasungkit ng St. Ezekiel Cuenca, at Glyzamyca Castor. Moreno 05 ng Ika-12 baitang ang kampeonato sa Abilidad Ginawaran ng parangal si Rekoleto na kinabibilangan Krystel Felicisimo, mag-aaral nina Timothy Banay, Alliah ng St. Nicholas of Tolentine Eupratan, Keziah Jocson, Tiara 01 sa ika-12 baitang, ng unang Limpangog, Ethan Lumauag, gantimpala sa pagsulat ng Scent Octavio, Chelsea Tasic, editoryal, pumangalawa sa Jude Yusoya, na ipinakita ang kabuuan ang mag-aaral rin ng kanilang talento sa pagkanta St. Nicholas of Tolentine na si at pagtula.

Paul Daniel Serrano at nasa ikatlong puwesto naman si Sa pamamagitan naman Marisse Baxter, mag-aaral ng nang pagkanta at pagbahagi St. Magdalene of Nagasaki 01. ng musika ay nakatanggap si Maria Carmela, mag-aaral Kaugnay nito, nanguna ng St. Joseph-07 sa ika-11

baitang, ng unang puwesto.

Sinundan ito ni Xavier Emnace, mag-aaral ng St. Ezekiel Moreno 06, na pumangalawa sa puwesto, kung saan ay naipakita ang kaniyang talento sa larangan ng sining.

Dagdag pa rito, nakuha ng pangkat mula sa ika-11 baitang ng St. Joseph 01 ang pangatlong puwesto sa ipinamalas nilang talento sa pagsayaw. Dahil sa galing sa pagkanta naman ay napanulan nina Jomil Aro at Katrina Jordan ang pangapat na puwesto, mga magaaral ng ika-12 baitang ng St. Ezekiel Moreno 01.

Ang kulminasyon ng Araw ng Lahi ay opisyal nang natapos sa pamamagitan ng pampinid na mensahe ni Gng. Rowena Mider, LPT.

UNO-R SHS DOMINATES FIRST SNRA BY: MARY KATE CARMONA

Researchers hailing from varying strands of the UNO-R SHS Department showcased their talents and presented their innovative works in the Sebastinian National Research Assembly (SNRA) last April 29-30, 2021 with the theme, “Redefining Senior High School Excellence through Research in the New Normal” via Zoom meetings.

UNO-R SHS brought home two prestigious awards namely, the Early Bird Award for the event registration and the Best Research Paper Award under the STEM Category for the study entitled “COVID-19

Performance Management on Local Response of Selected Barangays within Bacolod City” by Samantha G. de la Paz, Benz T. Minanga, Nicole G. Bucayani, Ericka B. Cuenca, and Kaye Anne Macalandong of SEM07 under the supervision of Ms. Andre Louise B. Dayap.

“After learning that we had won as the best research paper in the STEM Category made it all worth it,” said Minanga, “At the end of that experience, I gained new skills, learned more about the type of environment that I enjoy being in, and explored further my

strengths and interests. Also, having my group experience everything alongside me was appreciable.”

Each of the strands had a chance to flaunt their skills in research as led by their respective leaders, Kylene Shane B. Solis (ABM), Esther Joyce M. Limbaña (HUMSS), Justin John M. Velez (STEMEIT), Althea N. Barin (STEMEIT), de la Paz (STEM-AMH), Lora Mikaela C. Dela Rosa (STEM-AMH), Carlos Manuel O. Guimbal (STEM-EIT), and Abrielle Kaye S. Barayoga (STEM-EIT).

OPINION 05

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

BALANCING EQUATIONS Constant uncertainty rippled among the society---a byproduct of the pandemic, making it so that the gone days of memories are one we could only think of. We wish we could halt the chaos, but it just keeps coming, word after word, broadcast after broadcast.

Tracing back the threads of 2019, we recall that moment where we have come to grips with new teaching techniques and new uses for the technology.

It began as the scourge of quality education. It started and became a band-aid solution to replicate the traditional classroom methods that are now unsuitable to the new normal. A solution lacking with what the generation requires to access high and standard knowledge, something that has never been thought to balance the equation.

by the worrisome mind made us go downhill from then; these implied thoughts resulted in m a n y

For many years, the pandemic has been shaping the course of education, but do those times never bring us the benefit of the doubt?

questions and hesitancy. Loud noises have casually conversed between the nook and cranny of Filipino households and other nations alike. Some had even protested, expressing their sides across various social media platforms through shares and light mockery.

It has been a game of trial and error, a conclusion we can derive from the three years we have spent educating our minds locked up inside our rooms. Perhaps the underlying anxiety brought

The sudden shift brought by the pandemic without adequate and concrete opportunities to design a new medium became a struggle for both educators and learners. For instance, the

move to synchronous online video conferencing creates a division among those who have access to the internet and those who rely on free data consumption.

The migration creates a tangle of problems despite the numerous seminars for adjustment.

Alongside the burden of internet connection, modulemaking or coursepacks have shown the gaps between the privileged and those who belong to marginalized communities. Worse, this initiative to continue learning was only for the sake of completion.

In these current circumstances, we re-embrace the sole purpose of our education.

Through the share of times, we have slowly been regaining the level of competency in our education to fulfill its goal of sparking the “Padayon lang” mantra in each student. Have we ever thought to balance the equation?

Online learning methods and virtual classrooms were pushed through to pursue and foresee the future in the field of academics. Its conduct was abrupt and unfamiliar, yet it was perhaps molded into reality with a new mission and vision dedicated to improving the already outstanding standards of education in the country. We overlook

HALT!

these ideals and meticulously question its efficacy where it stills as a work-in-progress.

If these conditions remain insatiable, we will become ignorant of what we need, and that is to attain an education that targets both intellectual and principle. Our education would not depend on the classrooms we are residing in, but it would be in the hands of the system and the students.

The difficulties students had endured will eventually result in progress that would not stop at an abrupt end, as promised. As face-to-face classes are still limited only to a few universities, online synchronous learning may have to continue to branch out and work for improvements to retain its stand in the future of learning methods. So we, as the pioneers of education, must be the very ones to balance the equation.

The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12

EDITORIAL BOARD Kristen Thea A. Lozada EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Keziah Patrice S. Jocson ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Krystel I. Felicisimo MANAGING EDITOR

DESK EDITORS Mary Kate B. Carmona Jaira S. Panaguiton Beya Catrine L. Garbanzos Xavier Romeo C. Emnace Lance Joshua P. Satojito

NEWS EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR LITERARY EDITOR ASSOCIATE LITERARY EDITOR MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

NEWS, OPINION AND Jochelle Francinne Arlos FEATURE WRITERS Ellia Caress Buenaventura

THE GOOGLE MOUTH

THE CAITIFF

THE OVERACHIEVER

It cannot be denied that HALT! are as nerve-wracking as face-toface classes. From students who meticulously HALT! to top the class discussions to those who HALT! wholly on their internet capacity to reach out to HALT! Perhaps, they have developed the characteristic of having a HALT!. Isn’t it wise not to waste more time HALT!ing and just train the speed of their HALT!ing ability to have reliable HALT! during oral recitation? Though not all from the class HALT! them, but HALT! students would rather seek answers from HALT! than not have HALT! at all.

In the face of a HALT! age characterized by modern HALT! that introduces a new medium of learning HALT! needed amid this pandemic, there will always be HALT! who would escape the trenches of HALT! recitations and would choose to become HALT! even when it entails disrespect to the teachers. These HALT! are HALT! people that are not brave enough to admit the lack of knowledge and are HALT! about the teacher’s need to do recitations.

Ring, ring, ring! There goes the HALT! as another HALT! day awaits.

The dread of HALT! assignments and performance tasks curdling on HALT! belly. Fingers twitching to type HALT! that will determine the grades to be HALT! by the end of the HALT! Then, HALT! asks themselves if every drop of sweat, every HALT! night, every effort will be enough.

Pushing through HALT! limit just to HALT! the desired success. It’s almost, almost there. HALT! can lick the surface of it but still so HALT!, yet so far. Until then, HALT! strives HALT! than before because once HALT! finally HALT! a glimpse of it, you just HALT! to achieve more.

Jopay Dante Jell Hucalinas Pauline Mae Jurisprudencia Maria Renemae Mialen Lovernne An Montales Ariane Tagulalap

LITERARY WRITERS Alexandra Dean

Eshey Reign Embon Bien Ellysa Garbanzos Ly-ian Lynn Hervias Reashelle Royce Tampos Geryne Velasco

LAYOUT AND Selwyn Jaco GRAPHICS ARTISTS Princess Alexis Moraña Kryzell Mugemulta Vanessa Tortal

PHOTOJOURNALISTS Christy Sofia Abiol Ashlyn Villarias

CARTOONISTS Shiphrah Bless Basiya Jan Bryan Laporno

CONTRIBUTORS Abbey Gale Corderov Josh Aldrich Diola Hannah Lavadia John Lester Trafiero

Methozela P. Iligan, MAEd

PUBLICATION ADVISER Harry S. Magluyan

PRINCIPAL Rev. Fr. Persiuz Joseph M. Decena, OAR

BASIC EDUCATION DIRECTOR

06OPINION

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

COLUMN

TWO-MONTH GOAL FOR A Takipsilim LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

KOLUM

KRYSTEL I. FELICISIMO krysteinfelicisimo@gmail.com

Classic Escapist KEZIAH PATRICE S. JOCSON keziahpatrice4@gmail.com

For almost two years of pandemic, face-to-face classes in the country have been put to halt and are yet to be re-established.

As all the other nations in the world resume their normal education setting, the Philippines is still in its starting line. The Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) supervised a twomonth monitoring period for limited face-to-face classes in selected areas of the state.

Recently, 100 public schools with 90% above preparation for controlled inperson classes started their pilot run last November 15.

On the same note, 30 private schools followed a week later, November 22.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones announced the three to four hours of time allocation for the classes per day. The changes, risks and developments will be examined throughout the conduction of the program.

Nonetheless, confidence issues regarding the safety of the persons involved emerged, together with the attempt to relaunch face-toface classes.

The barriers regulated during the pandemic influenced a number of individuals to feel uncertain of the country’s capability to shift back to the accustomed classroom set-up.

Whilst DOH declared that testing is not mandatory in reopening of schools, ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio suggested that weekly screening testing for faceto-face classes should be instituted as a national policy since it would lessen the probability of COVID-19 outbreaks in schools.

As advised by InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases(IATF), there should be no opposition from local governments, since the reopening would be limited only to those fully vaccinated personnel and students.

Maintaining protection measures is yet to be guaranteed, thus, this gives adversities in ensuring the safety protocols on a scheduled basis. The demands of the faculties, students, and parents must be appraised to build confidence in class resumption.

If the pilot run will be deemed effective, limited in-person classes will extend in the areas with Alert Level 1, 2, and 3. President Rodrigo Duterte has already given authority to DepEd and DOH to determine the schools qualified in participating in the future nationwide expansion in all grade levels. Also, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved limited face-to-face classes in tertiary education in all degree programs, last November 2, in regions under Alert Level 3.

The small steps taken by the country are evidently slower than the others, yet, this is better than not having stepped at all. The request of the citizens to go to schools in uniforms or experience the tension in a four-walled room will soon be granted. As this gradual process continues to take place, the feasibility of achieving the normal classroom setting is next door: one day, it will come in front of the porch and assure that everything is finally in place.

MALAYANG WALANG SENSURA:

MABUTI BA O MASAMA? Sa halos buong araw na panahong nagugol ng mga kabataan sa paggamit ng internet at mga dala ng teknolohiya, pinaniniwalaan ngang may kaaya-ayang bunga ngunit may kaakibat ding hindi kanais-nais na dala.

Masasabing dahil sa kaunlaran ng teknolohiya ay naipagpatuloy ang hangad ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyong makapaghatid ng epektibong pagtuturo sa lahat na mga mag-aaral sa Pilipinas sa gitna ng kasagsagan ng pandemya.

Kalakip sa mga pagbabagong ito ay ang mas napalawig na paggamit ng mga gadyet at mga tampok ng internet upang makipagsabayan at makapagaral. Datapwat, sa halip na para lamang sa karampatang edukasyon ang layunin, hindi maiiwasang lumayo ang atensyon sa kinakailangan.

“Social media can affect the study habits of learners.

They can be distracted with the many available materials posted on social media,’ saad ni Education Undersecretary Alain de Pascua.

Sa katunayan, dahil sa untiunting pagkawala ng mga balakid sa pagkamit o paggamit ng mga pagkukuhanan sa iba’t ibang midyum kagaya ng sa social media at mga sites ay hindi maiiwasang makakita at makapagsubaybay ang mga kabataan ng mga hindi karapatdapat na nilalaman.

Sa karagdagan ng salita ni Education Undersecretary de Pascua, “Social media has a group chat feature that has adult content, which can elicit malicious and incorrect values to learners. Social media may open doors for cyber-bullying, identity-theft, online gaming, pornography and market fraud that can cause self-isolation, humiliation and trauma among learners…”

Tiyak ang hindi responsableng paggamit ng social media accounts ay makakapagdulot ng masama sa mga kabataan lalong lalo nang sa panahong ito ay mas

nangangailangan sila ng kalidad na edukasyon at tamang pananaw sa mga bagay-bagay sa buhay.

Kasama sa mga tampok ng mga makabagong midyum na bukas sa lahat maging sa mga menor de edad ay ang mga bidyung madali nang makita kahit ano pa ang mga nilalaman. Hindi mapipigilang maging unang plataporma ng promosyon ang social media para sa mga palabas o pelikula galing sa mga streaming sites kagaya ng Vivamax na para lang dapat sa mga may hustong gulang na. Si Darryl Yap, isang kontrobersyal na director sa kaniyang virtual press conference para sa 69+1 ay matapang na nagsabing, “I don’t think kahit may TV casting ang Vivamax, it’s included in the scope of MTRCB. So once they revitalize the agency, then maybe they have the jurisdiction. But as of now, it’s MTRCB, it has no Digital so I guess they have nothing.”

Sa pagtugon, inihayag ni Jonathan Presquito, MTRCB chief legal counsel sa senate panel na, “Registering videoon-demand services with the MTRCB and subsequent regulation would ensure films are given age-appropriate classifications, no prohibited content will be shown… In Korea, all Netflix content goes through prior review…” Gayunpaman, ibinunyag ni Benjo Benaldo, ang bagong executive director at tagapagsalita ng MTRCB na kanila pang pinag-uusapan ang magiging papel nito sa mga streaming sites.

Malabo pa man ang magiging bukas sa industriya ng libangan ng Pilipinas, ngunit mayroon pa rin itong katiyakan, ang mga dulot na maaari nitong maihatid sa mga mamamayan lalong lalo na sa mga kabataan ay nakabatay sa kanilang pagiging responsible sa paggamit ng mga tampok ng social media o maging ng web. Sa madaling salita, ang desisyon sa paraan ng paggamit ng mga ito ay nakasalalay sa pagsubaybay ng mga magulang at ang wastong pag-iisip ng mga kabataan para sa kanilang kinabukasan.

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

BY: JAIRA PANAGUTION

Trying times call for appropriate measures that make amends for the adverse effects caused by it. Challenges arose when the pandemic occurred that has hindered the normal functioning of society and the people. However, we choose to not succumb to the catastrophe and seek ways to promote the concept of resilience, community spirit, innovativeness, and unity.

As the much-anticipated DigiFest 2022 officially opens, we, UNORians, are once again reminded how school is not just a place to sharpen our minds and intellect but is also a venue for showcasing and honing students’ talents and skills through various activities guided with the theme “Camaraderie: Onwards to Victory.” Literary competitions bring out the best in students’ power to play with words, unleash their artistry, tell stories, and set their freedom of expression ablaze to convey essential messages needed during these desperate times. Musical contests allow gifted students to touch other people’s souls through finesse shown in melody and lyricism. The E-games tournament creates an opportunity for players to unite in the venture of accomplishing a common goal and, in the process, fostering collaboration and sportsmanship.

FEATURE 07

Through friendly competition, the team spirit will be harnessed through the active participation amongst the four houses that will compete against each other in these various contests, aiming for the title: CHAMPION. Will it be the ferocious Yellow Jaguars who will eat their competitors alive and leap toward victory? Will it be the mighty Green Stags who will once again prevail and make their opponents bleed green? Will the blazing Red Stallions’ burning desire for glory help them dominate the scene and gallop their way to triumph? Or will it be the elegance of Blue Peacocks that will reign and let them leave the competition with flying colors?

More than showcasing the remarkable capabilities of UNORian learners, DigiFest strives to accentuate the resilience and excellence of students, teachers, and staff alike to make this activity possible by connecting with others, conceptualizing innovative ideas, and defying inevitable circumstances brought by nature and mankind. As all these categories and competitions have yet to unfold with the anticipation of every student heightened, the real question is: Are you ready?

ill Battles of Online Learning

Surmounting the Uph

BY: ELLIA CARESS BUENAVENTURA

“Defer no time. Delays have dangerous ends,” world’s famous writer William Shakespeare has said.

As the world started to prohibit people from going outside due to an unexpected widespread of a deadly virus, similar to a ghost town, students are no longer to be found in school. It was two years ago when institutions from different parts of the world announced a week-long suspension.

From then on, things have changed—establishments were forced to stop their operations, employees were terminated, hospitals were filled as healthcare became jeopardized, but the normal functioning of the world was not entirely eradicated. The Department of Education insisted that “Education cannot be delayed.”

Just as how it always has been, teachers need to teach, and students need to learn. As the option for the traditional faceto-face classes was preposterous, modular and online learning were the best choices for alternatives, which is why mobile phones, laptops, and other products of technology were put to use. Although students are no longer allowed to go to their respective schools, education and learning will be continued with the gift of the advancement of modern technologies, proving how it has become more beneficial to humans.

Instead of seeing them inside a classroom, they are now found fixated in front of their screens, listening to their teachers. Gone the century-old tradition of the usual classroom set-up, students were forced to adapt to a new learning environment. The internet replaced physical books, mouses became the new ballpens, and in-person conversations turned into discreet online messages.

Welcome to online learning!

Day by day, they sit in front of their laptops, computers, and cellular phones, yet the daydreaming of the past would suffice from time to time. Some probably miss hanging out with friends after classes, going to their favorite after-school hang-out place to gossip about the happenings of their eventful day. Some are maybe reminiscing the feeling of butterflies they get in their stomachs after stealing a glance from their crushes as they walk past each other through the corridors during face-to-face classes. Some are thinking of what they would have been up to at school if it weren’t for the pandemic.

Despite all the difficulties, new things were discovered, new experiences were made. Feeling drained, tired, and exhausted is expected, considering that the transition to the new learning modality was abrupt and caught us all off guard. Students might still be adjusting, but never forget to look at the bright side. There is more than just staring blankly at the light coming from those rectangular devices. Come to think of it, with the help of online classes. We can still connect with friends, have group works, and engage with other people even if we are just sitting in the comfort of our precious homes.

As Kakuzo Okakaura has said, “The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Changes are inevitable.

All we have to do is program ourselves, adjust and adapt to those changes.

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From Starlight, To You to those who doubt themselves but strive otherwise BY: JAIRA PANAGUTION

The clock’s hands read 3:00 A.M., a marker of the darkness that envelops the surroundings while the pale crescent moon shines like silvery bijou.

Amidst the silence that fills the house, there you are, staring at the screen of your computer, trying to comprehend the words written on your notes while questioning if you’ll ever reach the stars you yearn for. Uncertainties taint the pillars of your mind, yanking you to a dimension of doubt and a neurotic level of fear. You are left with an exhaustive feeling of emptiness and a constant dubiety of self-worth. However, you choose to channel your attention on the letters etched on the reviewer, reminding yourself of your inspirations and purpose. You remain doubtful; nevertheless, you push through.

To you, who has pursued despite the despites, may you grow conscious of how you are more significant than your fears, braver than you feel, and stronger than you think. Through the sleepless nights and caffeinated mornings, the times you had to give up a proper meal to do your outputs, decline hanging out with the people you love to study—all the sacrifices you have made are all stepping blocks to get where you are headed. You may not have it all figured out, and the days might feel more burdensome as they pass, but it will all be worth it.

Trust the process.

May all the flowers you plant radiantly bloom in a path that will lead you to where you want to go. You will make it, and when you do, be sure to thank yourself.

Educators enlighten us with the light of knowledge and wisdom --- wishing us immense joy, success, and prosperity in our future endeavors. Our parents may have given us life but our teachers taught us how to live it. In what instances have your teachers molded you to become a better person?

Yuval Capablanca Adera (HUMMS-SA01) All teachers had been a part of me one way or another. I am the product of all the teachers that mentored me and formed me to be what I am today. They formed me to become the person that I am today.

Arno E. Mananquil Jr. (TVL-SMN01) By teaching me what’s beyond the subject. They taught me the values of life whereas I can use them in the near future while chasing and building the foundation of my dreams.

They taught me to be a better influence to my fellow students. They also mold me as a righteous student and also as an individual.

Teachers have pushed me to become a better person than I already am. They pushed me in ways for me to succeed even when I thought I couldn’t do it. They work so hard for us to have a chance for a better future and a better life.

Anne Margarette Ymballa (STEM-SJ07) I remember hating a certain subject. It’s not that because it’s hard, but probably because I never really tried to listen. A few years ago, I met a teacher who really changed my perspective.

This teacher made me appreciate the subject I hate the most, he made me see how beautiful the subject is and made me realize that maybe I should start appreciating it more. It made me rethink my whole life, that maybe everything is easier if we listen, not just on that subject tho but to everyone around us. He encouraged me to become better, and for the first time in a very long time I got high grades on that subject.

To those who would rather tolerate pain than express it BY: JELL HUCALINAS AND ESHEY REIGN EMBON “Your vulnerability never made you less than anybody. Not everyone can have a brave and wise soul like yours.”

Give it a break. Your mind seems restless. I wonder what it’s like to get in there, in your alluring yet delicate mind. If I ever had the key to open it, would you let me inside? It seems like there’s a grand party going on in there, a mysterious and secret one. When was the last time you told anyone about your troubles? I was hoping that your mind may pave a way and light me a candle. Teach me which path to take to reach your heart. Your braveness inspires me to face uncertainty. And so, I will walk, and walk along with the difficulties I had to face to seek the troubled, restless pang of pain in your heart. I will listen to you. Have you lied to yourself as you look in the mirror muttering the words “I am okay”? You tell yourself that everything doesn’t bother you, everything will pass, and what you are feeling will disappear as fast as blinking your eyes. Each day passes with a repetitive cycle of constant lies you feed to yourself to temporarily mask the feeling of you not being okay with everything. Each of us differs by the weight we carry on our shoulders.

We carry troubles and burdens we never speak of as we all consider that everyone fights their silent battles. Comparisons between situations exist, and this feeds the idea that what we feel is insignificant.

Some endure the heaviness up to

a point where they can no longer carry it on their own. To bear the burdens we have for ourselves and reject help, we torment ourselves to pain. Pain goes beyond the context of discomfort or suffering. It exists in all forms depending on a person’s perception of pain. People may tell us to open up; however, in reality, it’s hard to express what we feel when all our lives, no one listens to us.

Have you tried to understand someone who’s having a hard time expressing themselves? Trying to get them to talk to you about how they feel is somewhat similar to opening a box you can’t find the key to. You may try to search for the key to help them express the feelings they have for themselves. Yet, they themselves can’t find the key to set them free from the emotions that enslave them to pain.

Have you opened your heart already? What is it that I am listening to without seeing you speak? Closer, I come, only to find the voice of your weeping heart suffering in silence. You are hurting, but everyone makes your suffering go unnoticed. You became the wax of a candle flaming up with everyone’s light while you melt from your agony. The sound of your laughter mastered concealing the cry of your pain. You felt the world around you became deaf because no one was listening.

All lessons learned, you made rules for yourself and became silent.

If you were to write every curve and line of letter from the words you always wanted to say, it would take you a sea of ink and countless envelopes to seal your letters. If it’s hard to speak, then let it be expressed in letters. But what if you can’t even fathom your own unbearable emotions? I want to reach out to you and caress the chains surrounding your wounded heart. I knew it won’t be easy to open up your heart. The world had been a little cruel to you, and you just got older and wiser.

“Expression of pain is never a sign of weakness. You are not weak for feeling pain. If anything, pain is part of life that will make you a better version of yourself. Embrace what you perceive, speak up, let it go, and let it be.”

NEWS 09

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

PINK SMILES.

Leni Robredo, 2022 Elections Presidential Candidate greets hundreds of KakamPinks along Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road near the New Goverenment Center last November 5, 2021.

HOUSE OF STAGS AIDS BENEFICIARIES

Photo from Facebook.com

BY: KRISTEN THEA LOZADA

As victors during the awarding ceremony of DigiFest 2021, Stags led by the House representative, Mr. John Lloyd Belbar, and the SHSSAO chose one beneficiary and took part in a worthy cause.

ROBREDO-PANGILINAN TANDEM PAINTS BACOLOD CITY PINK BY: JELL HUCALINAS

“It’s a very happy occasion that I am back, especially because the welcome that we received has really been heartwarming”.

Leni Robredo painted Bacolod city pink as a stationary caravan of supporters welcomed the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem on November 5, 2021.

The caravan consisted of 1, 200 stationary vehicles with 5, 000 supporters

on board which slowly traverse the 15-kilometer stretch along the BacolodSilay Airport Access Road.

Pink tarpaulins, flaglets, stars, and balloons filled the vehicles that joined the stationary caravan while supporters danced beat drums with the MassKara dancers along the side of the highway from Silay City all the way to Talisay City’s border with Bacolod City.

Former Negros Occidental Govemor, Rafael Coscolluela, Negros for Len convenor, described Robredo’s feelings of joy as supporters displayed their outburst of support for her during the onset of the caravan.

The caravan came to an end when organizers chose to stop at the city’s border to observe health protocols as mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) who placed the city under Alert Level 4.

UCDC JUNIORS CLUB INITIATES CARITAS COMMUNITY PANTRY

The pantry aims to create a chain of motivational and inspired actions in the

The Recollect community effort worked to give back to students who have made the event a success and provide aid even in small and simple ways.

In line with this, the House of Stags, the HUMSS community, and the SHSSAO provided a brand new phone, ring light set, WiFi, grocery pack, and sanitary products.

UNO-R TO LEAD TWO-DAY VACCINATION DRIVE BY: JOPAY DANTE

University of Negros Occidental Recoletos (UNO-R) will conduct a COVID-19 Vaccination Drive in collaboration with the City of Bacolod’s Local Government Unit (LGU) on November 25-26, 2021.

BY: RENEMAE MIALEN

University Community Development Center Juniors Club organized its “Caritas Community Pantry; #WalaUsikPantry”, a zero-waste initiative in collaboration with the SHS Student Affairs Organization (SAO), May of 2021.

Gestures of generosity were manifested in kindness and charity as the House of Stags turned over their prizes to their beneficiary, Ms. Althea F. Vasquez of Grade 12-SA01.

ONE COMMUNITY.

Sean Patrick Tan, former SHSSAO President aids in distributing goods the Caritas Community Pantry, May 2021.

Photo from Facebook.com

midst

of

the

pandemic.

Sean Patrick Tan, former SHSSAO president, spearheaded the distribution of goods along with the volunteers while practicing safety health protocols.

“This kind of action shows the importance and value of giving and uplifting the essence of humanity,’’ Tan stated.

The vaccination drive is primarily for UNO-R personnel and students of legal age, but it will also include students between the ages of 12 and 17 who qualify under the pediatric immunization category.

Family and household members of UNORians are highly welcomed to participate in this event, with the main goal of increasing public health safety in COVID-19 immunizations and administering the vaccine to those who need it.

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VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

NEWS BITS CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS ASSEMBLE FOR PARANGAL REKOLETO BY: MARY KATE CARMONA

Members and advisers of University of Negros Occidental Senior High School Department (UNO-R SHS) gathered for a virtual “Club Day” activity as various special interest clubs along with the religious and affiliated organizations for updates and preparations in the upcoming Parangal Rekoleto last November 2, 2021.

Clubs and organizations discussed agenda that shall be implemented as part of the department’s student activities for the subsequent months.

MEDCON 2021 STRENGTHENS MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY BY: MARY KATE CARMONA

University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos (UNO-R) launched an inaugural event marked as the 1st Media Conference 2021 streamed via Zoom, Nov. 22, 2021.

Mr. Harry S. Magluyan, MAEd, principal, commenced the event as he stressed on the integral role of media and information literacy course in addressing the growing desires of learners, stated in his introductory speech.

“Media and information literacy which we call “MIL,” is a combination of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices required to access, analyze, evaluate, use, produce, and communicate information and knowledge in a creative, legal, and ethical ways that respect human rights,” Mr. Magluyan said.

In line with this, Atty. Cesar Beloria Jr., the first speaker, highlighted the outline on the cybercrime law with concern to the engagement and exposure of younger people in social media.

“Very important that we have to understand the salient features of this law, although we cannot discuss thoroughly all the provisions, but what is important is we will have an idea of what is really this Republic Act No. 10175, so commonly known as

“Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”

Furthermore, he elaborated the effectuality of the law to which the punishable acts linked to being dismissed by the legislation.

The second discussion focused on the protection of creations concerning the intellectual property code in the Philippines discussed by the second speaker, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo.

“We will try to focus on the basics of this intellectual property code, and we will try to learn how our creations will be protected, and how or what are the remedies in cases where our intellectual property will be infringed by others or used without our consent,” Atty. Mayo said amidst the beginning of his talk.

As each discourse ended, open forums were followed and participated by students with communicated queries addressed to the speakers.

The event closed as Ms. Beegee Michelle Lucero, media and information producer from 94.3 IFM Station, discussed the functions and operations of the particular station, followed by a concluding speech of Ms. Joy Q. Borcelas, MAEd, academic coordinator.

UNOR-SHS DEBATERS’ LEAGUE LAUNCHES D’CONVERSATION PODCAST BY: RENEMAE MIALEN

Debaters’ League initiated “The Conversation” podcast, a platform amplifying the voices of the students and faculty of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos on societal issues, via their official Facebook page.

The Conversation’s pilot episode titled “What are Podcasts?” was hosted by the Debaters’ League officers under the supervision of Mr. Lourd John Diaz and Mr. John Lloyd Belbar, the league advisers.

Mr. Harry S. Magluyan, the SHS principal, graced the second episode of the podcast, which discussed the adjustment of the UNOR-SHS Department to onlinebased learning, with questions coming from D’Voices, a platform provided by the league for voicing out audience questions.

VARGAS, DIAMANTE HAILED AS MR. AND MS. UNITED NATIONS BY: JELL HUCALINAS

Social Science Club of the Univeristy of Negros Occidental- Recoletos (UNO-R) spearheaded the annual culmination of the United Nations celebration anchored with the theme “International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development,” October 19, 2021.

The event kicked off with the launched activities for the UNO-Rians to participate, along with the highlights on Mr. and Ms. United Nations composing the different strands and with their chosen country—Ethiopia, France, Greece, Philippines, Spain, and Thailand.

As the culmination closed, Christine Jules P. Diamante, Grade 12-ABM-SRC01 candidate, was hailed as the Ms. United Nations 2021 representing the country, Philippines, together with the Mr. United Nations 2021 representing the country, Greece, Miles Benedict P. Vargas, Grade 12- TVL-SM01 candidate.

MULTIMEDIA’S SINEMEET DIRECTS FILMMAKING BY: ARIANE DIANE TAGULALAP

Multimedia Club cues in with their “SineMeet” Filmmaking Webinar held through Google Meet, November 5, 2021, aiming to hone participants’ skills in filmmaking.

The event started as the webinar tackled the basics of film production with Mr. Bryan Karl Latoza, the guest speaker, along with the Senior High School students.

Club Advisers Mr. Arvin Navarro and Mr. Kurt Mayang Barrioga, hosted the event and was further facilitated by SHS Multimedia Club Officers.

VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

ENTERTAINMENT11 But just like any other dream, this one must come to an end Leaving the poor victim with wounds that are hard to mend When day breaks the dazed soul must face reality And return to its monochromatic society For reality kills all illusions within the human mind And replaces them with the truth that lies behind

Dark and hollow this lone soul’s world has been Filled with nothing but emptiness within A world painted through a white canvas That depicts a masterpiece that is pointless And the people around are a crowd of onlookers Whom are mesmerized by a cold and void universe

An explosion of color seeped into the dreams Of this unsuspecting soul it redeems Painting a world that is far different from its own A world where this lost soul could create a home One that is filled with joy and happiness That fills a hole within full of emptiness

And hollow did the lone soul’s world stay For the same pattern occurred night and day The same old story told in every page Written in pages that have long since aged Little did this sheer soul knew that things were about to change Within a single slumber the stars have arranged

Little by little the vision grew into a large empire Where the lost soul reigns with thousands of admirers Exceeding higher than it ever had before Within this dream it had achieved more With a vision of a paradise it had longed for The longer the dream lasted, the higher its spirits has soared

SURVIVING THE STORM when a storm knocks i don’t let it in, ‘til water runs through the gaps in the spaces between. when i shiver and it is dark, i close my eyes and let it sink ‘til lightning strikes inside my head– i fight every inch of it. then silence prevails as the loudest sound, can’t hear my voice i almost drown– i only want to shut it out. time continues to move so fast i count to ten, wait for it to stop and finally when the blinds open up, no one knows i went through so much.

Words by: ARCHER

ILLUSTRATED BY: SELWYN JACO

As the poor soul faced the truth of reality Its mind overflowed with uncertainties Conflicted by the emptiness it had forgotten With the illusions of the dream that had fallen One thing was now clear towards the blinding eyes That dreams are for mortals because they must die While walking along a winding deserted path The wandering soul searching for answers have passed By a mere fellow surrounded with piles of wood and stone Working every piece to create a structure yet to be known Curious he approached the artist in the making And asked what that fellow was creating The fellow replied to the wandering soul

This pile is the base of my goal To complete it, I must give my all ‘Tis a work in progress, but soon it will be whole For to achieve what the heart yearns Hard work shall be done for triumph to be earned Then it hit the foolish soul at once The answers it had been searching for months Had realized what was missing all along From the illusions the soul dwelled on for so long It was the action that needed to be done For the dream to come undone

Dreams must die for they are merely visions Illusions that manifest the true attribution A blueprint of the initial structure However it is the work that makes you the victor Yes dreams are for mortals because they must die But success is for legends because they remain alive.

Words by: Alexandra Dean

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VOLUME XXXII NO. 1

Santa-mental Time of Christmas

ILLUSTRATED BY: CARYL JOYCE ANDARZA

ILLUSTRATED BY: KARYLE CASSANDRA ALVAREZ

ILLUSTRATED BY: FRANCINE FILOTEO

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: RHAILEY MASCUÑANA

ILLUSTRATED BY: LILY ERNESTINE TOMESA

NEXT ISSUE, COMING SOON! SCAN HERE! TO CHECK OUT THE DIGITAL ISSUE

ILLUSTRATED AND WORDS BY: JAN BRYAN LAPORNO & XAVIER EMNACE /unorstarlight