Starlight Vol. 28 No. 6

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOL. XXVIII NO. 6

S.Y. 2016-2017

Art by Frenz Palomares

ARTWORK

ABOUT THE COVER

Infinite options are the roots of choices.

It is in this embodiment of decisionformulating ideals that we define how our roads shall go, but despite the infinity, the factors that barricade the freedom to choose are just as limitless. When difficulties in choosing escalate to a point where passion becomes a compromise, it is when we encounter twisted fates. It is when we should suspend our own crises.

VOL. XXVIII NO. 6 MARCH 2017 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MARIELLE D. MAKILAN

Editor-in-Chief

JUNLENE BLESS M. ESPISO

Associate Editor

CHARLES GABRIEL V. GELOTIN

Feature Editor

LYNROSE D. TORDESILLAS

News Editor

Associate News Editors JHENNY S. ALVAREZ EDGAR PHILIP T. DE ASIS

Editorial Correspondents KATHLEYA FAITH H. COBING ALEAH ANGELI GLENN M. DE LEON

Staff Writers

Photojournalists

KRISHA FAYE E. BOLIDO ANDREI JOHN P. EA KRISTINE JANE V. GUANCO ICAH MAE F. SALO KRISHA MARIE G. SEMELLANO

ANDREA BEA J. ARCA JAN FEDERICK L. BANTAY JUAN CARLOS R. MAGALONA CEDRIC JAMES N. MIATAPAL

Graphics Artist

WINDSOR LINUS R. SUMBILLO JOSE MIGUEL V. SUPEÑA

FRENZ E. PALOMARES

Cartoonists

Advisers METHOZELA P. ILIGAN MA. ALON C. SONG

Starlight is the Official Senior High School Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos High School Department. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Editorial Board.

Illustrations and contributions become Starlight property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

E-MAIL unorstarlight@gmail.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/starlightunorhs

contents

21

15

KEEP ‘RIGHT’

When and how do you know you made the right choice?

PASSION VS. PROFESSION

Be inspired by the stories of deviants to their initial career path

COVER STORY

7

19

Paano ka nagdedesisyon araw-araw?

SPOKEN, UNHEARD

Destroying Stereotypes: Youth and Politics

12

SI PIPAY SA PAGTUKLAS NG MGA KATANUNGAN

27

PH: IS THE MINE MINE?

Will we compromise the environment for economy?

THE MASKED MASK

The symptoms are not always seen.

Stop the stigma.

30

REVIEWS

MOVIES INDIE-SPUTABLE MUSIC

editor’s note Our batch resembles the activities we perform in the Bio-Chem laboratories. Undeniably, we are experiments to a curriculum that, until now after a year has passed, still remains cloudy and blurry. Mind you, it is just like our favorite approaches whenever we space out in our Mathematics examinations: trial-and-error. But being subjects isn't all about being in the pioneer batch. Let's draw the line here.

Human as we are, we are gifted with the wisdom to choose and decide what we deem is best for ourselves. We are not like the laboratory subjects that remain and react accordingly to what the procedure commands.

This magazine is crafted out of the need to sort things out independently as we struggled to compress and capsulize what you, the whole studentry, deserve into what the publication can deliver, all in the never-ending pursuit of excellence and competence. It tackles issues about the eureka moments most of us have taken for granted, and the occasions uncelebrated.

As it revolves around Choices and how grave its impacts are to careers as a staple subject in Senior High, I encourage you to take your shoes off and walk with the bare feet of a student torn between PASSION and PROFESSION. With the articles complementing the cover story, we hope we will have cleared the shroud about the abstract Choice and made way for better choices. Your choices.

asterisk The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines asterisk as: n: the character * used in printing or writing as a reference mark, as an indication of the omission of letters or words, to denote a hypothetical or unattested linguistic form, or for various arbitrary meanings The pioneering stage always comes with a lot of introductions, some unnecessary and some even missed out. In this first magazine issue of Starlight in the Senior High School Department, we introduce ASTERISK, a foresight of what the issue speaks for and about, and a flashback to acknowledge the people and inspirations behind the creation of the piece. Starlight illuminates ASTERISK's arbitrary meaning as the points not to be missed out in order to appreciate the whole of the magazine.

It may come as an overrated concept, but its abstract nature will be given light upon after it has been acknowledged as a completely natural phenomenon most of us fail to comprehend.

Making choices as a major part of our lives range from very easy to very difficult, sometimes a little too quick in transition. We often mistake deciding for choosing, thus the notion that we are served a dichotomy of choices all the time, but when we turn to look at all directions, it is when we acknowledge that options exist only for themselves if we don't learn how to manipulate them.

Starlight would like to acknowledge Miss Methozela Iligan and Mrs. Ma. Alon Song, for being our constant go-to persons, for giving us liberty to manipulate the magazine while teaching us the ropes, and for being the flames that ignite us, the torchbearers of truth; Salvador Sillador III, for undoubtedly accepting our invitation to be the face of this issue; and all our interviewees who willingly shared their expertise and sentiments in order to help us deliver the truth and inspire the change we want to induce. Because of these people, we are more confident that the message we want to deliver is clear and sunny like the best choices one can ever make.

SPOKEN, UNHEARD

8

LOQUI TUI VERITATI

OF STEREOTYPES AND DEVIANCE, YOUTH AND POLITICS

BY EDGAR PHILIP T. DE ASIS ILLUSTRATED BY FRENZ E. PALOMARES

“

INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICAL MATTERS HAS NEVER BEEN A NONO, BUT HAS RATHER BEEN PART OF THE LEARNING PROCESS.

H

OW RAMPANT IT IS TO SEE MILLENNIALS involve themselves to protest regarding political issues arising in our country. Still under debate is what a local high school’s students have done with regards to the late president Ferdinand Marcos’s burial on the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani. This called the attention of most scholars and professionals—seeing these high school students do protest after classes just to show and fight for what they think is right.

Politically speaking, does this protest damage the image of millennials in our country in terms of their social and political involvement to national issues? Is there such thing as right age in the aspect of being politically involved?

The youth today have devoured themselves into the digital world. The advent of technology has brought the mindset of the country’s future into a more concrete and mature understanding.

As early as grade school, some schools, private institutions in particular, make use of the advantage of technology in educating students. In the course of learning, students tend to explore more since they usually possess devices that could easily navigate or lead them to more exploration, thus resulting to too much knowledge they can have.

In contrast to the social behavior of the youth before, Dr. Julio Jude S. Rosales, a professor from the College of Arts and Sciences in the university said that Filipinos have been really into political rallies since then. Our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal is one iconic example for this. He said that Rizal, at an early age, joined in the 1st national movement which Filipinos organized in 1888.

This shows that even way back then, the attitude of being tangled to social issues among Filipinos has never been new. Technology has just modified its course of letting millennials be informed in a way that they will be more mature in accepting one’s view

with regards to certain issues.

The prevailing issues regarding the high school students served as an eye-opener for the Filipino youth. This group of people has somehow represented the view of many which most scholars are even in favor of.

The standards set being politically involved starts at home. Parents decide if they are going to let their children be involved in that kind of movement or protest, which then gives the children a hint that their parents would permit them to be mature enough as early as possible in these scenarios. The limit goes as the age of maturity comes. Decisions spring in the minds of the youth as they try to balance things and prioritize them according to their purpose.

According to Dr. Rosales, involvement in political matters has never been a no-no, but has rather been part of the learning process. It is just that students tend to explore more about their innate capacities wherein they sometimes go beyond what is expected from them. In this case, the choice they usually end up with is being with organizations

where they think their area of freedom to express is most likely, like fraternities or brotherhoods.

Some of which are recorded to have killed thousands due to initiations while some have a better purpose. In connection to this, some sororities were just being asked to join protests just to show opposition to certain issues. Going back to the root, these millennials lacked parental guidance in their process of learning. Supposedly, their first learning in this matter should start at home, being modified and improved in school and applied in the society.

This current administration promised huge changes to the nation, and the political involvement of the youth has served as one of the voices in speaking out perspectives from the citizens’ points of view. Millennials are part of the ever growing and indisputable change that may happen in this country. They are the bridge that connects different generations in informing about the sudden shift of knowledge in our country’s politics.

MARCH 2017

STARLIGHT

9

10 LOQUI TUI VERITATI

Words and art by Marielle Makilan

t. terne he In

t from aken oto t

Ph

HOW HAPPY IS GAY?

BY JHENNY S. ALVAREZ PHOTO BY JAN FEDERICK BANTAY

A PRECURSOR TO ACCEPTANCE

UNDER THE GLARING HEAT OF THE SUN, banners hang from posts and strings of lined the streets, all painted by the colors of the rainbow.

Upbeat music blaring from the speakers filled the air. People of different ages, young and old, flooded the streets. Couples parading hand in hand. Proud smiles decorated their faces.

One was wearing a t-shirt with #LOVEWINS plastered across the his chest.

S

eeing same sex couples expressing their love towards each other is no longer a rare sight, be it holding hands, wrapping each other in a warm embrace, or casually walking down hallways. Today, the freedom of professing one’s gender is a lot friendlier than ever.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of being male or female, or something else. Despite the sex assigned to them at birth, some people choose to defy the norms by expressing themselves through gender expression. Their sexual orientation is influenced by their environment and by the society. There is a point in life wherein some people experience identity crisis, as Erik Erikson, a notable Psychologist, believes. This usually happens at the peak of their youth, wherein they get to explore their sexuality, their preferences change,

and friends influence their choices as they venture out to the world. The choices made at this stage become critical to establishing identity.

For Joseph*, 17, an aspiring philanthropist, filmmaker and designer, his sexuality does not hinder him from achieving his goals and to rise against all odds despite the criticisms he receives from other people. He never gives up despite the things he lacks, but rather considers his failures as an avenue to make himself a better person, believing he can stand tall and fill the world with awe. For someone who is being looked up to, he takes himself an instrument of change that can radiate correct morals in the student body.

A joker to his friends and known to have an exceptional sense of humor, he is considered as life of the partysomeone who has the party going character wherever he goes. Despite his outgoing attitude, he is also like

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11

other teens: awkward, shy and a bit unsure of themselves.

Some may determine their sexuality as early at the age of 6 or 7, some later discover their sexual orientation in their late 30s, or even 50s, according to Case Western Reserve University, although some studies indicate that sexual orientation is determined between birth and age 3, thus pointing out that fulfilling one’s sexual identity does not happen at a particular age.

Despite the ever unending satisfaction requirement from the society today, people have considered the idea of accepting Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, and Queers (LGBTQ) community. Contradictorily, this sensitive acceptance remains a stagnant choice among conservative, often religiouslyconcerned individuals. Although the society is becoming more tolerant of the LGBTQ people, some react to this issue radically, says Mark Potok of Southern Poverty Law Center. Such radical acts toward the gay community resulted to almost 6 thousand single-bias incidents of hate crimes, which 17.7 percent of it is due to sexual orientation, based on the Hate Crime Statistics of 2015 released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Some countries are opposed to the concept of same sex marriage, thus, choosing not to legalize same sex marriage despite the increasing trend. Countries like the

12

LOQUI TUI VERITATI

“HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOT A SIN, AND IS NEITHER A FAULT. PEOPLE SHOULD RATHER CONCENTRATE ON MAKING PEACE RATHER THAN POINTING EACH OTHER’S FLAWS.”

Philippines and Australia are of those that chose not to legalize same-sex marriage. Based on the report of Pew Research Center, there are a total of 23 countries that same sex marriage is legal, the United States being the 23rd after it legalized gay marriage in 2015.

Despite the society’s criticism, having a different sexual orientation does not entitle a member of the LGBTQ community to be discriminated and be judged.

Gay people should not be ashamed of what they are, who they are. After all, they are still people who need love and acceptance, and they can’t have this unless the ones that surround them will accept them for who they are. They are people who strive despite the obstacles they are facing ̶ people who aim to make a difference in the world and change it for the better. Take the Philippines’ First Transgender Congresswoman, Geraldine Roman for example, who proved that sexual orientation is not a hindrance to make a change.

Sexuality only comes second to personality. No one was born already belonging in the LGBTQ group. It’s a choice they have come up with in accordance to the skin they’re most comfortable with. For Joseph*, it is time to open the minds of people to reality. He believes homosexuality is not a sin, and is neither a fault, and that people should rather

concentrate on making peace rather than pointing each other’s flaws.

The need to be sensitive regarding this issue arises due to the inevitability of the circumstance. The population of LGBTQ people are gradually increasing and the society needs to wake up, for this reality is growing—a reality in which everyone is concerned and involved. Acceptance is a choice everyone has to make for the sake of the society. This is not an outbreak that needs to be stopped or terminated; this is not just a trend that would eventually cease; not a hot topic that would go cold and eventually be forgotten; and definitely not a disease that needs to be cured.

Homosexuality is something to be accepted.

HOMOSEXUALITY IS SOMETHING TO BE ACCEPTED. *NOT HIS REAL NAME

THE MASK

BY KRISHA FAYE E. BOLIDO PHOTO BY ANDREA BEA J. ARCA

LIFE

has offered every reason for the 21-year-old Niall Parakos* to be happy and grateful. He was among the

geniuses who gathered trophies for his collection and even graduated as Valedictorian in high school. He was the boy who enjoyed music and reading having quoted his Twilight and Harry Potter favorite scenes—a bubbly and kind young man so all-encompassing with passion and dreams one would never think he carries a heavy secret he has well kept hidden behind his perfect facade.

Every day feels like any other day for Niall. He greeted the rays of the sun

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13

that pierced through his curtains with his usual smile and hello. It is still the

depression can take over. It is not a condition

routine of his every day until the ‘unimaginable’ happened. He started to

that can be taken lightly, since its impacts can

feel the exhaustion from bottling up his emotions. He is stuck in this hole

go a long way, dragging other aspects of our

of unqualified darkness—alone, trapped and terrified. In blackness, this

life down. Though depression is evident among

complete even sound suffocates. He screamed and pleaded and begged for

adults around the world, the extent of its impact

anyone to help him feeling desperate to spill everything out to his family or

among teenagers and young adults are more

his friends or even anyone who was willing to hear him out, but after all the

apparent. A significant increase in the number

measures, a voice still kept whispering, ‘You’ll be a burden,” over and over

of youth nowadays are struggling to manage

again that he decided to keep it a little longer. But the weight was just too

the overwhelming emotions they feel. Unable

much and he couldn’t bear it any longer.

to point out any rational justification that could

After three years of solely harbouring chronic depression, Niall had tried

let them comprehend what they’re dealing

every medication and counseling sessions with hopes of getting better. It

with seems a lot more unreasonable. This can

was a battle that he couldn’t fight alone. When it seemed like he was already

eventually trigger more underlying symptoms

on the verge of losing the war against himself, he sought other means to

of depression.

help himself survive. He let himself be a prisoner of legal highs. It was meant at first to simply keep his splintered mind occupied until adding a little more

Several factors can furnish the probable

dose every day and trying new stimulants; he wasn’t himself anymore. This

existence and development of depression.

lasted for quite some time.

Sumbillo identified some of the most common

One night, all his aspirations and dreams and promises vanished with this

contributing factors of this mental

young man who everyone seems to look up to. He knows too well that

illness which includes genetics,

somehow taking his own life is a selfish act. It would mean passing on all his

brain structure and chemistry,

struggles to the loved ones he left behind. He knows too well that no matter

trauma,

how much he wanted to stay with the cruel grasp of life, he couldn’t. If only

abuse. Tracing the main

he could claw his own heart from his chest just to relieve the pain. But it was

roots of why a person

too late. The stature was too enticing, luring him to the stillness he always

is

longed for, almost calling out his name to take a closer step—closing the

depression can be

distance, getting nearer to the edge until finally plunging to his death. Just

a bit challenging.

before he took that leap off, he left a note saying, “I’m so sorry everyone

D e r i v i n g

that I couldn’t be stronger.”

conclusions

Every one of us has a different degree of pain threshold which as well

from depressed

corresponds varying ways of coping with it. Mr. Lino Sumbillo, the director of the Student Development and Placement Center of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, emphasized that when the amount of pain exceeds the capability of an individual to deal with it, that’s when

14

LOQUI TUI VERITATI

and

suffering

substance

from

individuals as to the things they are

the tight choking grip of this mental illness.

callous beings are consuming your final

depressed about would often lead to bland

Lastly, depression is real, but treatable.

sliver of hope, your last piece of sanity. The

answers such as “I don’t know” or “Nothing.”

Sumbillo reiterated that while a person

next thing you know, it didn’t fail to make

According to Sumbillo, this is not surprising

cannot just snap out of it whenever he

you pull the trigger.

because depression doesn’t always need

wanted to, depression can be effectively

Who would want those monsters to live

a cause. A common misconception is that

cured. Counseling can be provided in mild

inside your own head? That’s the worst

a person can only be justified in their

cases of depression while therapies and

about depression: it is not plainly a choice—

depression if there are enough reasons for

medications are for those suffering from

that no matter how much optimism you

him to be depressed. But for the vast part of

severe lasting depression.

fuel your mind, or how much effort you

the population of people with depression,

Depression

a

put into encouraging yourself to cheer up,

there is no straightforward reason or cause

monochrome scenario with hollow eyes

to be happy or to get hold of yourself, it

for their hollowness. It is still that very

evident of grieving and crying or scarred

simply won’t work. Depression is not just

same crippling weight of hopelessness

wrists and shattered mirrors from all the

something you can decide on whether to

and misery that would remain a prevalent

pain and exhaustion or even lurking under

feel happy or sad, it’s not something you can

yet misunderstood epidemic. In addition,

the shadows of solitary and constant agony.

control, and it’s not just a figment of one’s

depression is involuntary. This is to say that

Sometimes, depression might just be with

imagination, something that’s all in your

there exists no switch that turns depression

that quiet kid beside your Calculus class, or

mind. Depression is an underrated serious

off if an individual cannot bear

that smiling girl you catch a glimpse of as

mental health disorder, so prevalent yet

the agony any longer. In

you pass by the hallway, or that teenager

remained well-hidden behind the perfect

most cases, depression

who loves to paint or draw or read or even

facades of people not brave enough to

doesn’t just go away

do anything that can momentarily keep her

reach out for help and not strong enough to

on its own. A

doesn’t

always

paint

mind off reality. The thing is, depression

face their enemies. Its monsters are preying

needs

doesn’t look like what we always thought it

inside so many Niall’s out there, and it might

undergo

would. It is just a quiet and ruthless monster

be living inside you too.

s e v e ra l

scraping its claws inside you, seeping all the

We may not yet fully understand the kind of

therapies

feelings and emotions you have. It is like a

battle the people suffering from depression

person to

free

parasite hiding behind every fake smile and

is trying to win. At the end of the day, all

himself

every forced laugh draining its hosts with

they ever need is for you to realize that

from the

the life they should’ve enjoyed.

their battle is real. You need not to try to

Slowly and silently, these

fix everything. Just let them hold your hand

to

in a tight grip, as if to say you won’t let go.

Nothing seems better than feeling your presence assuring them that somebody, just someone... is willing to listen.

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KEEP ‘RIGHT’

WHEN YOU KNOW YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE, YOU FEEL FULFILLED, LIBERATED AND HAPPY. BUT THERE’S MORE.

BY ICAH MAE F. SALO PHOTOS BY ANDREA BEA J. ARCA AND CEDRIC JAMES N. MIATAPAL

A

world that offers nothing of “all-of-the-above” oblige every human being to decision making. Everyone has different perspectives in life, path to take and decision to make. As you delve in this world of options, it is substantial to be aware of the actions and consequences that you fashion, being the designer of your own life. Choices is defined as the range of things that can be chosen. It suggests the possibility of more than one event to occur. But it can be connoted as a fuel that drives people to function and perform its daily routine. Life offers us endless choices but there will be that one question that

16

LOQUI TUI VERITATI

boggles of even the people with the greatest minds, when will you know that you made the right choice?

Choices come in different forms, sizes and colors.

And determining the right choice lies upon the person facing the challenge of making decisions. Out of 100 Senior High School students who were asked, “How would you know that you made the right choice?” 45 answered, if the decision or choice that they picked made them happy or that certain decision draw smiles and laughter to the facesof the people around them. Meanwhile, there are 30 students responded to the question and answered, if it made them feel satisfied and contented wherein they don't feel doubtful and were able to face life head on and heels up high. Other answers are all-encompassing of various reasons and inferences. Like, if their decision is beneficial to them or to the other people and some answered if they're decision is embodied with God's imparted values and morals.

Despite the varying answers of SHS students, one thing is for sure, our choices and decisions are the main ingredients in defining who we truly are.

1

“LED ME TO HAPPINESS, CONTENTMENT AND THE FEELING THAT TELLS ME I COULD NEVER ASK FOR MORE.”

Making decisions is a daily responsibility. We do have limitless options and all we have to do is to choose the path that will make us feel relieved, satisfied and not able to crave for something more.

DOMAR JOSEPH CABUTE STV-01

3

“WHEN I FEEL LIKE A WEIGHT HAS BEEN LIFTED FROM MY SHOULDERS.”

For all the burdens that you’ve been carrying at the very moment at least try to consider when to weigh your options. That feeling when you know it’s right because it loosened up a bit. In the same manner, this would help you realize that life is not the antagonist, the precursor to all problems you may face, because what matters most is your perspective towards these challenges.

STEPHANIE DAWN MONTEBON SRC-01

2

“IT IS WHEN I GET THE FEELING OF EXCITEMENT.”

Imagine yourself at the starting point of a race the moment you decided. It will be a long run until you reach the finish line—your goal. Along the way, there will be hindrances that would make you lose your way.

You will need an inspiration. By magic in the palm of your hands, in a second or two, you will see yourself back on track because of your excitement and your eagerness to push it and defy limits.

ANGELICA VEGA SRC-03

4

“IT IS WHEN ALL MY SACRIFICES HAVE PAID OFF.”

To achieve greater things one must sacrifice things of lesser value. Sacrifice is a twin word for success. There are so many forms of sacrificing may it be on love, family, even in your studies, it comes with different form but derived as one. You’ll know it is the right choice when all your sacrifices already gave you back the glory.

MARY CLARICE DAJAY SJ-07

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5

“WHEN YOU FEEL IT IS GOD’S WILL AND WHEN IT STRENGTHENS YOUR FAITH IN HIM.”

Surrendering your plans to God is truly the key to a right choice. But when do we know that it’s God’s plan?

According to Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths,” it simply implies that you must walk with God and not just with your own. Make God as the center of your life for in Him nothing is impossible.

6

“THE FEELING OF CONFIDENCE IN ME, THAT WHATEVER I’VE DECIDED, I’VE DONE IT WITH OPTIMISM.”

Think a thousand times before you take action and consider the millions of possibilities encompassing your situation. Set your heels up high and be bold to take the sea of troubles and the battles life has to offer.

JOSE LEVY BIOJAN STV-01

JOSE MARIE LABANSUAN SJ-06

8

“IT IS WHEN I HAVEN’T HURT ANYONE ALONG THE PROCESS.”

There will never be more soothing than causing a no-harm decision. Wherein you haven’t caused any damage to anyone even if it means that you suffer the consequences.

If you’re the kind of put-others-first person this usually tops your preference in making concrete choices in your life. But always keep in mind that there is always an end for everything.

KRISSA VILLANUEVA SRC-01

10

“WHEN I AM ABLE TO PRAY ABOUT IT AND MY WORRIES DISAPPEAR RIGHT AFTER.” Prayer is our most powerful weapon for us to win over the toxic substances and negativity entailed in our life.

Prayer gives guidance for us to deliver ourselves to the best decisions we could ever make.

ALLIA ANGEL LOUGH ZAMBALES STV-01

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LOQUI TUI VERITATI

9

7

“IF MY PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND I AM NOT GUILTY.”

Family is the basic unit of society; it is where we develop into an individual who is equipped in facing battles and attaining triumph. It taught us to build in ourselves the right conduct, moral values and even conscience to know what is right and wrong. And in making decisions, the happiness and satisfaction of our parents have always been a big aspect.

KYLA JOEMELA CARMONA STV 01

“WHEN I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE ENGAGED IN THE HAPPINESS BROUGHT

BY MY CHOICE.”

Happiness is what people seek. True happiness is found in doing a job well, knowing that there is a purpose in every doing and seeking others’ benefit from the accomplishment. It may sound selfless but it’s true, somewhere in this world there will always be that one person searching not for his own happiness but for others. It as a way of giving back to the society. Taken for instance, in choosing our courses, we always consider the recommendations of our parents which in fact contribute to our own growth and their happiness.

RENEE MAE GERONIMO SRC-01

11

“IF THAT CHOICE TAUGHT ME A LESSON.”

For in the end, lessons are the fruit of our labor. It leads us to be great warriors of life accomplishing deadly and bloody battles and achieving the peak of success.

KAYLA GRACE ARRIBAS STV 01

12

“I JUST KNOW IT.”

You are not the only one questioning yourself of “should I or shouldn’t I” because it’s an all-season dilemma for everyone. You, being in control of your life, can always come up with a choice.

In deciding , you are the one responsible for the consequences.

DELFIN EDUARDO DINSAY SRC-01

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Art by Frenz Palomares

BY KRISHA MARIE G. SEMELLANO GRAPHICS BY FRENZ E. PALOMARES

I

KA NGA NILA, "Ang buhay ng tao ay

a sister, a daughter, and a friend at the

to have other than doing what we are

pawang isang gulong. Minsan nasa

same time," pahayag ni Krisha Faye Bolido

tasked to do as we are bombarded with

itaas, minsan nasa ilalalim."

ng St. Joseph 01.

them every grading. Although it's up Angelina

to us to do it as soon as possible which

napagkalooban ng walang katapusan

Dimagiba o kilala sa pangalang "Pipay"

could give us more time to do other

at hindi maubos-ubos na hanay ng

ay isang Senior High School student

tasks." Sa kabilang banda, si Jose Enrique

pagpipilian. Bawat nilalang ay may

na inatasang lakbayin ang bawat sulok

Guimbal ng St. Joseph 01 ay sumagot

kanya-kanyang kapangyarihan na pumili

ng UNO-R upang alamin ang Top 10 na

sa katanungan ni Pipay na 'Bilang isang

at magdesisyon para sa kanyang sariling

araw-araw na mga pinagpipilian ng SHS

mag-aaral sa SHS, ano-ano ang pang-

kaligayahan o kabutihan. Lahat ay may

Students.

araw-araw na pinagpipilian ang iyong

Ang

buhay

ng

tao

ay

Si

Maria

Christina

kakayahan na pumili ng daang tatahakin,

Sinuong ni Pipay ang nagtataasang

hinaharap? "So far as a Senior High

pagkaing kakainin, gulong papasukan, at

mga kabukiran, kinalaban ang mga

School Student probably is to keep on

taong iibigin. Ika nga ni Albus Dumbledore

matitinding

at

trusting someone or whether to continue

sa librong Harry Potter and the Chamber

tinahak ang kadilimang nakakubli sa

believing on a certain principle because

of Secrets, “It is not our abilities that

mga kagubatan. Ang lahat ng ito ay para

as we are exposed in this fast paced

show what we truly are. It is our choices.�

sa pagkamit ng kanyang mithiin, ang

society we tend to learn different ideas in

Sa daan-daang estudyante sa Senior

matuklasan ang kasagutan sa kanyang

a different perspective. Mainly the reason

katanungan.

why as we grow or develop rather, the

High School na pumapasok sa Unibersidad

agos

ng

karagatan

more we distinguish ourselves from other

ng Negros Occidental-Recoletos, ang

Nagbunga ang paghihirap at ang

bawat isa ay may natatanging pang

matinding paglalakbay ni Pipay. Sa

araw-araw na pinagpipilian. Lahat ay

kanyang pagbabalik, dala-dala niya ang

Sa nalalapit na pagtatapos ng S.Y

may kakayahang pumili at magdesisyon

mga sagot mula sa mga mag-aaral ng

2016-17 kaakibat nito ang samu't saring

para sa sarili o para sa kabutihan ng

Senior High School ng UNO-R.

kwento ng mga mag-aaral sa Senior High

people."

lahat. "Decisions are part of everyday

Nakamit ni Pipay ang tagumpay.

na bumubuo sa hugis at kulay ng taong

life regardless if I'm a senior high school

Ito ang patunay na bawat isa sa mga

ito. Iba-iba man ang istorya ng bawat isa

student. But as one, I'm dealing mostly

estudyante ng SHS ay may natatanging

at sari-sari ang mga bagay na nakalista sa

with how to manage my time. Choosing

pinagpipilian na humubog sa kanilang

kanilang pinagpipilian araw-araw, hindi

between the responsibilities I needed to

pang araw-araw na pananalagi sa UNO-R.

maikukubli ang katotohanang hinubog

prioritize. In addition, I also have to learn

Dagdag ni Diego Sebastian ng St.

ng bawat isa ang kanilang pagkatao

how to decide on the things that could

Thomas of Villanova 01, "As a senior high

gamit ang kanilang kakayahang pumili at

help me fulfill my duties as a student,

student, there's really not much choices

magdesisyon.

20 LOQUI TUI VERITATI

SA SAMPUNG PANG ARAW-ARAW NA MGA PINAGPIPILIAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL SA SENIOR HIGH NA NATUKLASAN NI PIPAY, SAAN KA KAYA NABIBILANG?

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COVER STORY

PASSION VS. PROFESSION Marielle Makilan and Lynrose Tordesillas set foot in the shoes of two individuals who have encountered a forked road in building their careers. Find out which way they went.

PHOTOS BY MARIELLE D. MAKILAN AND CEDRIC JAMES N. MIATAPAL ILLUSTRATION BY FRENZ E. PALOMARES

22 LOQUI TUI VERITATI

When the love for photography becomes the study of optics; the love for painting becomes the study of chemicals; the love for dancing becomes the study of human kinetics; and the love for singing becomes the study of waves, passion draws a thin line as it crosses the boundary towards profession. The list for these socially-constructed and deemed impractical professions goes a long way, but that’s not everything.

When data encoded in the calculator seem inadequate; when ruled pads are supposed to be bond papers; when balancing shifts from accounts to chemicals or society; and when detours lead to paradise, it is when one truly acknowledges the uncertainty of plans, hence the notion that a battle between passion and profession can be won with a heart that perseveres. But that’s not everything.

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DUBBED AS THE DEPARTMENT IN-BETWEEN, SENIOR HIGH POSES A CAREER PATHING DILEMMA, BUT SHIFTING STRANDS IS NOT AS MUCH THE NEGATIVE CONNOTATION IT OFTEN RECEIVES. A WELL-KNOWN FAIRYTALE about a duckling who was mocked by other animals because he does not look like them does not only give a moral lesson about not judging a book by its cover. When the ugly duckling tries to fit in with other barnyard animals, he gets a lot of advices on how to become one of them. But in the end of the story, he decides to follow his passion for swimming. Though he does not know what his destiny will be after joining the flock of swans, one thing that the ugly duckling knows for sure is that he followed his passion.

Having added 2 years to basic education, the K-12 Curriculum serves as a bridge to the career of an individual’s choice. To some, however, it may serve as an exploratory period of establishing identity, hearing callings and discovering passion. This becomes not any less of a reason for some students to be frustrated about their career paths.

Dorothy Pradela, a 16-year old Senior High School student, is an epitome of a strong-willed and goal-oriented 21st century learner aspiring to be a Psychologist and a defender of justice. Dorothy is all-encompassing of bright and sparkling colors which signify her eagerness to set her feet up higher and be a beautiful butterfly that

24 LOQUI TUI VERITATI

hovers and shines above others.

But who could have thought that this psychologist and lawyer-wannabe was a former ABM student?

It was one sunny morning when she arrived at school passing by students along the hallway.

The moment she reached the 3rd floor of the LC building, she walks into her room hearing calculators click and welcomed by a bunch of yellow papers scattered in her classmates’ desks, bustling with unfinished performance tasks. “Yes! Finally,” she would hear from some of them, rejoicing after balancing accounts in the worksheet. But then in this usual scene, she finds herself unlikely to have the same reactions as theirs. Something was different as it has always been. What she felt was terrifying yet indignantly amazing at the same time; and that was when she knew that what she was about to do was right. It may sound regretful for some, but for Dorothy, it was one of the decisions that led her to finding that missing piece she has been looking for.

Just like a typical Junior High School completer shocked with the sudden change in the curriculum, Dorothy was also confronted with a lot of possibilities in choosing among the strands to take up in Senior High. “Interesado gid ko ya nga mag abogada but ka ambitious

paminsaron, amu na nga gindisregard ko ang thought.

By then grade 7 pa lang ko to [I’m really interested to become a lawyer, but I think it’s too ambitious, that’s why I chose to disregard the thought. I was in grade 7, by then],” she said. Upon entering Senior High School, she decided to take the ABM strand where she was embraced by experiences. “Gin consider ko mag business kay tungod sa history sang akon family [I considered business because of my family’s history],” she added.

The first few months were filled with excitement and fun, and among those are the experiences and struggles of having heartbreaking moments when the accounts were not balanced. The eagerness of the students to prove their capabilities in the field and the teachers expecting excellence were just some of what would be taken as pressure, or otherwise, motivation.

Amidst her first ventures in Senior High, one day, something bothered her. Little by little, that something began its invasion through her thoughts. The sounds of calculators clicking and the sight of numbers written neatly in different columnar pads were not as satisfying as it was before. It became a scenario of going to school and wishing that time would run fast that the day would immediately pass. “Daw ka plain na lang sang feelings mo, wala bala passion nga ga duso simo,” she mentioned.

These thoughts triggered the feeling of emptiness towards her. Soon, she finally uncovered the meaning behind the peculiar picture that she has been seeing in her dreams, that something which was deeply buried in her heart. She believed it was time to face the truth that was once a blurry image—that in her journey, she should take a new route. It was a route where they talk about people and the government, and not accounting rules; where they talk about laws, not numbers; where they deal with different aspects of politics, and not balancing accounts in the yellow ruled columnar pad.

DOROTHY BELIEVED IT WAS NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE HER PATH AND BUILD ANOTHER CASTLE OF DREAMS AND GOALS IN LIFE.

In the first day of the 2nd semester, Dorothy was preoccupied with a lot of what-ifs as she walked along the hallway towards her new classroom. Shifting to another strand was not that easy for her. “Damo ko may ginconsider like, ang mga advices sang mga mas magulang sa akon, basi ma budlayan ko mag shift, basi mabudlayan ko mag adjust na naman sa surroundings, basi ma delay ko, basi ako na lang isa ma shift, basi ndi ko pasugtan sng parents ko, basi maging different ko sa mata sang iban, basi wala ko to miga,” she said.

It has been months when Dorothy took a step backward from the business world she had once entered.

Despite that she found herself having fun and willing to learn new things as she transferred to the Humanities and Social Sciences Strand, she believes it is not easy, but is neither hard. “Indi sya amo na kahapos pero indi man sya amo na kabudlay. Ka exciting everytime magstorya na about sa laws, sa mga psychological disorders, etc. Everytime kag permi gid ya I learn something new, something different.”

Dorothy believed it was never too late to change her path and build another castle of dreams and goals in life. Others may face a series of options and challenges to choose from, but for her, it’s better to live a life full of ‘oh well’s rather than a life full of ‘what-if’s. The moment she decided and took the risk, she knew what she did was right, for she was able to make a choice that will forever remain as one of the greatest choices she has ever made—a choice that holds the molding and shaping of a brighter and better tomorrow. She knew it was where she finds herself having fun because she loves what she does. After that turning point in her life, she realized there was nothing to regret, because her journey through a completely different world have made her to be perfectly and incandescently happy...

“...because it is my passion.”

Even though it meant Dorothy was going to fall behind in time as she struggles to catch up with the semester she has missed, she stormed the front of her battle in pursuit of her passions. She believes it was a worthy battle to choose, but acknowledges that it demands her efforts to fuel her fire and keep going.

Chiara Gargar, also a former ABM student, believed

that it’s time to face the truth that was once a blurry image. Like Dorothy, she decided to travel a new path that leads to the journey that she really wants. She says she has since wanted to enroll to the TVL strand but because she didn’t want to disappoint her brother, she enrolled in ABM. Though she was afraid that she might disappoint her family, she continued to pursue and follow her passion where in the end, she finally had their support.

For Chiara, passion is way more

important that profession. “Indi mo pag i-force self mo sa iban na strand or course na indi mo gid gusto kay ikaw lng mabudlayan (Don’t force yourself to fit in a particular strand because you will only bring it upon yourself).”

Just like the tale about the ugly duckling, these students never gave up on following his passion and finding her place. He may not fit in and be like those barnyard animals, but then together with the flock of swans, the duckling knows it is where he truly belongs.

ANOTHER BOLD STORY comes to prove that a well-kindled will goes beyond transcending into passion for ego-constructed reasons. It is a story of productive deviance, and the merits that come with it.

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“

NOT EVERYONE CAN BE BOLD ENOUGH.

Jermaine Lamboso, class valedictorian of UNO-R High School Batch 2012, narrates a story of—what is in a bird’s eye, an unanticipated move—sharp turns in her career path.

Jermaine begins the story with her fascination of Physics when she was in fourth year high school. Back then, it was considered a non-stop red light subject for graduating students, not to mention the terror Physics teacher who made bladders loose and nerves rack. As a model student, it was normal for Jermaine to excel not only in academics, but also in extracurricular involvements; not only in the sciences, but also in business. It was her established dream to become a CPA Lawyer nine years from her high school graduation.

Coming from a family of accountants, Jermaine had the lifeblood of being in the field of accountancy, but because of her fascination with Physics, she found herself listing it next to accountancy as her options for college. It was when she has already been enrolled in accountancy when she found herself doodling her professor’s eyeglasses, which she found odd. “I have never doodled, once, in my classes before,” she quotes. At that moment, her Basic Accounting professor mentioned the Higgs boson particle, astonishing her and capturing her attention. “I thought, ‘Hala, kabalo man ni gali si sir’ [Oh, our prof knows about this, too],” she says, especially she did not expect an accounting professor to be updated about the sciences and Physics. It was when she felt she was destined somewhere else, balancing chemical equations and not accounts.

Two weeks after having been enrolled in accountancy, she decided to shift her lane and change her course. Because a degree in BS Physics wasn’t available, she found herself enrolling

26 LOQUI TUI VERITATI

in BS Chemical Engineering, which she deemed was closest to what she truly wanted. Her scientific calculator was not supposed to calculate millions in Pesos, but to calculate definite integrals and to solve equations involving the Euler’s number. She found another purpose for her items.

Like any other student in a Filipino household, it was not easy for Jermaine to confront the terror of deviating from the lifeblood of her family. It was her burning passion and wisdom that drove her to pacify the premature expectations and get in line with where she felt occupied. “Not everyone can be bold enough,” she said, about going after one’s passion rather than simply pursuing a career for profession’s sake. Although her deviation and every other similar situation appears to many as a sign of disrespect and pride, her story marks the significance of acknowledging the grays between black and white. It enlightens about the possibilities and options available, even if none of them were given. In addition, the grays between black and white also count as the uncertainty of endings.

Jermaine’s decision, though self-fulfilling, led her to tread a rough

road. Along the way, her conscience knocked on her as though telling her she chose the wrong path. At some points in her college life, the difficulties triggered her to frustrations. She found herself saying she should not have left accountancy, but then withdrew it and kept on in order to keep her will firm with her decision. Her shortcomings and the barricades she stumbled upon molded her to nail her choice not only in plain success, but in success coated with a huge dose of chemistry. She finished Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with Latin honors, having been awarded as a Magna Cum Laude among her batchmates.

Just like how the Little Prince jumped from planet to planet in pursuit of his fulfillment, a student has a minimal margin of error when he/she chooses to tread the career path with passion as his/ her footwear. As for Jermaine, even though the insights of the people who cared for her led only to tell her how grave it would be to deviate, she believes it was a choice that would make them a lot happier than if she remained stagnant where she feels empty.

BUT THE BATTLE BETWEEN PASSION AND PROFESSION IS NOT ALWAYS AS VICTORIOUS AS IT SEEMS.

A PAINTBRUSH SUBSTITUTED FOR A PEN in taking notes is more than just unusual for a student who studies mathematics and the sciences. This artist’s story is one to evoke the emotions especially that of those who partake in this particular method of confinement.

Fiona*, a STEM student, has a different story. As an artist by nature, she uses her hands to create art that any normal student would not only appreciate, but also hail. Her story traces the line to how much she wants to add the 21st century language, programming, whilst not leaving the art she has always loved. She wanted to pursue Computer Science or courses in the same field that tackled Media Arts, but her fate is not going towards that direction. Stereotypically, because of the artist she is, her mind overflows with ideas beyond the mediocre human imagination, but she is channeled to a different dimension where technology and logic are the norm.

Due to family reasons, she is left with options that were deemed acceptable; these are engineering and architecture. Although the fields are not entirely of different natures, there are major and notable differences in the two paths. Fiona now faces the reality of the difficulty of pursuing solely her passions: art and programming. Her personal struggles to stay in the course she is expected to take escalate to alarming extents, though she is pacified by her art.

However, Fiona’s story rings a bell to those stricken with the same fate and teaches them a lesson that will linger until the end of one’s career has come. As she wholeheartedly accepts this twisted fate, she addresses it wholly by acknowledging that it is for the people she loves, and that stopping at the junction does not mean the end of her passion.

Art or science, or information technology or engineering it may be, Fiona believes it is a noble talent to accept the diversity of one’s paths and to continue embracing one’s passions while pursuing the professional world. *not her real name Perspective boils everything down to how a choice defines the path of an individual. It is when the moment to decide arrives that one acknowledges both the prerequisites and consequences of his/ her choices. In this particular aspect, Senior High School students having similar dilemmas still have a long way to walk, and it is upon how they view and absorb their learnings and experiences that they get to decide on what path to take The battle between Passion and Profession is an open-ended story. From person to person, varying perspectives and ideals create diverse endings; all of which serve as lessons to what beginning the end shall commence. As individuals go along in the pursuit of happiness, shortcomings and downfalls along the way are pacified by the aftermath of these battles.

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PH:

IS THE MINE MINE?

BY MARIELLE D. MAKILAN

G

IFTED WITH NATURAL RESOURCES, will the Philippines’s natural resources be well taken care of by the ones who hold power?

Since the foreign occupations, especially that of the Americans, the mining industry of the Philippines has been blooming to provide just as much (or more) tons of money as the minerals mined, thus, the phrase "mining money" explains the industry. The industry composed of numerous firms and companies has razed majority, if not all, of the country's many mountains in order to expand its horizons and bomb, both literally and figuratively, the resources they earn and compromise.

But we are no longer in the American occupation; our natural resources are no longer exploited by colonizers, yet we find our mining provinces still in a critical state of poverty—living in areas prone to hazards and living in exposure to harmful chemicals from years of mining.

Most of us weren’t born yet, but the 1996 Marcopper mining disaster in the province of Marinduque, which made nearby inhabitants lose their fishing livelihood because of the toxicity of the tailings that spilled into the bodies of water, is not a mining issue to dismiss and flush away in history. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) still holds this as the biggest mining disaster in the Philippines in terms of toxicity, after the several mining disasters that followed. Also recall the Philex mine spill in Benguet, where 20 million metric tons of mining tailings and sediments flowed out into the nearby bodies of water, thus making it the biggest mining disaster in terms of volume.

However, these two major unfortunate events have not yet been grave enough to make mining officials halt mining firms and companies.

For reasons unbeknown to us, there has not yet been a more sensationalized approach to address these mining issues than Environment Secretary Gina Lopez’s

28 LOQUI TUI VERITATI

audacity and action to go against the extraction of natural resources. More than just the downfall of the economy due to the disasters to the industry, there is a treasure beyond the sight of money-blinded individuals who go the extra mile to protect profit: nature and the environment. Our environment is no longer exploited by colonizers, but by our very own people now.

Global warming and climate change is not anymore alien to our knowledge. For the past years, we have been witnessing the books come to reality by suffering the consequences of ignorance, indifference and inaction.

Moreover, most of us do not see how gravely the mining industry contributes to the global phenomena that alarm the society and take measures to mitigate the destructive effects to our planet. General knowledge will tell us what mining is and where it occurs, and from that point on, connecting the dots will trace us to knowing, and hopefully, moving.

What measures exactly can the youth engage in just so to contribute to addressing these environmental issues? Gat Jose Rizal’s adage, now cliche “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” calls on the youth not only to be diligent and informed, but to be eyes-wide-openvigilant and active in taking part on preserving what little resources the Philippines still has, and be advocates of protecting the environment for the welfare of their fellow citizens especially those exposed to the hazards of the industry, as well as for the betterment of the nation’s future. This kindles the youth’s hearts to choose to serve for the society and for action, not for satisfaction and not in vain.

For a nation blessed by natural resources, Lopez’s course of action, although criticized by many, serves as a huge step for preserving and protecting not only the environment, but also the citizens. Lopez’s audacity and action is what the DENR should have possessed years, and years, and years ago.

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Set in an imminent future, this sci-fi, romance movie directed by Peter Chelsom has the capacity to entice YA fans with its fitting blend of interplanetary theme mixed with a sentimental attachment of two hearts that belong in different worlds. The story revolves around a young boy, Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield), born in Mars after her astronaut mother embarks on a space mission pregnant.

He was raised by a group of scientists confined on a space laboratory on the barren red planet where he was discreetly having a visual online chat with the only friend he has back on Earth, a girl in the foster home named Tulsa (Britt Robinson). The unique twist of having to conquer their love for each other despite his heart being too fragile to handle the real world take young love to literally new heights. “The Space Between Us”, spiced with dramatic revelations and appealing soundtrack, would furnish a substantial dose of teenage romance and space adventure capturing the hearts of its viewers.

30LOQUI TUI VERITATI

LA LA LAND

A reincarnation of Singing’ in the Rain of its own sort, filled with vivid and nostalgic cinematography this paints the picture of the city of angels. This movie will surely tug hearts through its spectacularly arranged sequences and scenes. Composed of musical numbers and ingenuous costume designs La La Land will enrapture viewers of different genres.

Set in a city known to be apathetic towards hopes and dreams, an aspiring actress, Mia and a jazz musician, Sebastian meet to make their unfulfilled dreams a reality. An intoxicating concoction of a struggle between love and dreams, Mia and Sebastian must face the challenges to have both. Will they?

INDIE-SPUTABLE MUSIC

THE SPACE BETWEEN US

REVIEWS

MOVIES

THE

XX

“If I scream at the top of my lungs, will you hear what I don’t say? If I dance like I’m on a stage, will you see I seem out of place?”

–The XX, I See You Track 5 The XX is an English indie band that debuted in 2005. Their music is often described as “minimal” and possess peculiar traits that can either come across as enticing and pleasing, or completely distasteful for the listeners.

They perfectly capture drama and emotion in their subtle lyrics, giving them the nickname of being one of the most histrionic bands to exist. It seems as if they introduced a new genre created from a combination of soul, guitar-pop, and R & B. On their first xx album, they are noted for having a unique style in their arrangements, with the instrumentals purposely distanced to give the impression that less is more, incorporating periodical silence inbetween.

If you are in for soothing music that reverberates your unspoken thoughts, The XX is perfect for you, with their vocals expressing something between hurt and hope, their lyrics, a modern noir romance that yearns to be heard and consumed by the soul.

PHOTOS TAKEN FROM THE INTERNET

IRON AND WINE Lazy afternoons of sunlight passing through your window. Warm orange rays of silent happiness caressing you. Feelings of nostalgia, of swings under the trees and falling leaves. Cool wind kissing your skin and the warm sun hugging you. A feeling of discovery, of love in the most unexpected time and place, is what Iron and Wine introduces you to.

Iron and Wine or Sam Beam in real life is a singersongwriter who has been creating music for over a decade. Through the course of his career, he has written five albums, EPs and singles. Sam’s masterpieces has captured not only the imagination, but also the hearts of his listeners. Through the captivating lines of his songs, the imagery and metaphors used in his lyrics would leave listeners to further savor the true essence of his songs. With each pluck of the guitar strings has a calming effect that his lyrics inflict on the strings of the heart of poetry lovers. You might have heard one of his songs on the radio. His song “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” was featured in the movie “Twilight” which can be heard playing in the background as Bella and Edward dance to it in the prom scene and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One” as Bella walks down the aisle on their wedding scene. His lyrics would leave listeners delving deeper to search for the meaning and try to read between the lines. The melody of his songs alone can bring you the feeling of peace and brings back memories of childhood in playgrounds.

If your yearning for a moment of peace and silence; background song for reminiscing those old times, this indie artist is worth a shot.

ALLIE

X

Allie X is the black slits in the eyes of a snowy maiden in all white and Collxtion I is the musical narrative of her sentiments.

Allie X is a prime of the generation seeming to be a tumor of metaphors and existence and vision, roundabout a b*tch of spontaneous artifice. She only tries to be Good for the Sanctuary (she provides) she needs.

In polychromatic trills in mellow tunes of whispers and drums, she sings. A distress of a damsel stuck between running away and chasing for the rabbit but fell down the rabbit hole, instead. With muffled cries and screams she pleaded from underneath. Striking a perfect irony in her happy tunes and toxic truths.

Under the hole she told her story, she can’t help but let on swallowing about her words, saying that the hole was too dark and uncomfortable yet made a fire and tucked herself in. She speaks of viciousness, goodbyes, medicines. A few (but the children) hear her pleas, but still she waits. With crackles of woes and falling earth, she awaits for someone to heed her call.

For three years, she was stuck inside the hole (and still continues to dwell, but tries to climb back to reality).

Colors drained out of her. Long and longer, she settled to assume the fetal position in protection.

Collxtion I is like a little girl playing with Virtual DJ on a unattended laptop in a party of the 80’s. And its lyrics are random footnotes of a teenage hopeless romantic cynical in a persona of an obsessive psychopath.

Whenever one wears a mismatched pair of printed socks, it catches attention faster than fire—the wearer gets mocked, insulted, labelled. But try to look closer and you’ll appreciate the difference it makes NY just simply being socks.

You’ll never get away with murder, just wait until this madden catches her breath.

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LOQUI TUI VERITATI.