Ulyaw

ulyaw.

oreword

Sa tinis ng alingawnaw at taginting ng mga pusong may pinaglalaban, katuwang ang kasaysayan at kasalukuyan sa paghulma ng kinabukasan. Dala ng bawat tagpi ng pahina ang pagsasalaysay ng mga misyon, mga kwentong nag-aabang na maibahagi, at mga larawang nahuli ng lente na naging saksi ng kasaysayan. Nakapaloob dito ang mga salita, larawan, at paghahayag na mayroong kapangyarihang magbigay liwanag sa mga bahaging salat at madilim.

Kasabay ng panahon sa mundo ng pang-aalipusta, pakikibaka, at pagbabago, ang pahayagang ito ay simbolo ng katapangan at pag-asa. Ang mga tagapagsalaysay, tagapagtaguyod ng katotohanan, at mga alagad ng yaman ng sining ay nagbubuklod upang ipagpatuloy ang matimtim na pakikibaka sa pahak ng lipunan.

Sa pagitan ng dilim at liwanag, sa mga sulok na may nagkukubling katotohanan, laging may tinig na humihiyaw ng pagbabago at naghahanap ng kakampi. Kaya samahan ninyo kaming lakbayin ang landas ng katotohanan, tuklasin ang kabatiran, at habiin ang mga hibla ng kaalaman upang mapalakas pa ang ulyaw ng pag-asa at pagpapalaya —

Para sa bayan, sa kalayaan, at sa kinabukasan.

ulyaw.

Artist: Luwy Colina

COPYRIGHT © 2024 BY WHITE & BLUE

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted including photocopying recording, or other electronic methods without the publisher, except for the use of quotations in critical reviews and other non-commerical uses permitted by the copyright law.

EDITORIAL BOARD 2023-2024

Emmanuel Gregorio Editor-in-Chief

Angely Elaine Acosta

Internal Associate Editor

Villamor Dumlao External Associate Editor

Paul David Bermudez Managing Editor

Chriselyn Alconis Exchange Editor

Angelica Christine Reyes News Editor

Kristine Piyaselli Wijayawickrama

Features Editor

Nadz Aldrin Benico

Entertainment Editor

Chrishia Mariz Mariano Literary Editor

Karylle Ann Gaoiran Sports Editor

Micko Nieves Chief Photojournalist

Raphael Jego Basangan Chief Cartoonist

Erika Dyane Corsino Chief Layout Artist

Kian Kleig Aliguyon Chief Videographer

Candise Ocampo Executive Producer

Jules Philip Tillay

Kaye Leah Sitchon, MAEd Advisers

White

EDITOR’S NOTE

White & Blue, the official student publication of Saint Louis University, has been committed to upholding the rights of the people and fighting for a free campus press. The publication continues this commitment in celebration of its 70th anniversary with the theme “Masid at Siwalat: Patuloy na Pagtataguyod sa Naratibo ng Kamalayan.”

Through the doors of SC06, pandemicborn discord server, and driveway office, White & Blue has been home

to different generations of student journalists who deeply care for pure camaraderie – igniting each other’s passion and spirit. To commemorate this milestone, the first edition of Ulyaw Magazine is presented.

Looking back to the history of White & Blue, featuring notable Bathalas who have now made their name in different industries, narrating stories and memories shared in the publication, and looking forward to a promising future of both members and alumni through a curation of their best works, Ulyaw is a reverberating voice of the past and present members of the organization in unison – a defiant chorus that echoes through campus journalists and alumni who heed and continues to heed the call to be the bearers of truth.

White & Blue has always been and will always be more than just a paper.

EMMANUEL Z. GREGORIO Editor-in-Chief

History of White & Blue

P 12

Bathala: Buhay, Hangarin, at Lathalain

P 18

Jacque of All Trades

P 20

The Bare Layout: Carlo Gatdula Before Filling in the Pages

P 22

Nurturing Artistic Insight at White and Blue

P 24

Chiki: The Walking Epitome of Time Management

P 26

Unveiling Kim’s Essence: The Path it Took to Take a Perfect Picture

P 28

Salamisim P 30

The Adventures of Steven Rosario

Steven F. Rosario P 32

Batang Analog

Triceayn Marie De Guzman-Prestousa

P 34

Kengkerveni, the koala alongside W&B’s journalistic journey

P 36

Aborted Steps and Fertilized Dreams

Meha Damiyay

P 38

To the people who helped me

Elyzsa Paje

P 40

Up in Yangbew

Emmanuel Gregorio

P 42

Asanya P 44

Effervescence

46

Monet’s Muse P 47

The Art of New Hope

P 50

Whispers of Tears and Heartbreak

Scribble Emotions

P 55

53 Missing I Am 20 Years Old P 57

Ahmed, the Young Stargazer P 58

Let us get lost together

Blossoming in the Midst of Darkness

P 59

Lasang Matapang

P 60

Butil ng Pamamahayag

Malayo sa Malaya

Aliyah Jenelle Javier

Angelo Gaytano

Arens Lauvan Licoben

Bea De Leon

Chanice Guitang

Chriselyn Alconis

Chrishia Mariz Mariano

Christianne Angel Payang

Christine Boda

Dave Adrian Ortiz

Emmanuel Gregorio

Erika Dyane Corsino

Heleina Taeza

Honey Keith Cabela

Isamarie Cerezo

Ivan Rey Cubangay

Jaivan Stiephen Ringor

Jennifer Viado

Jhanver Mallare

Jhenel Cao

Current Member

Contributors

Jim Clark Abella

John Patrick Leandado

Jon Vincent De Guzman

Josyna Gwyneth Carreon

Justine Kyle Galvez

Karen Faith Nuguid

Kassy Yana Pasiwen

Keziah Tingga-an

Kian Kleig Aliguyon

Leian Salve Destura

Leslie Mon

Marian Faith Galila

Micko Nieves

Mikaela Garillo

Nadz Aldrin Benico

Penelope Dela Cruz

Rixcielle Shaina Velicaria

Russel James Manucdoc

Tom Ancheta

Villamor Dumlao

Angellie Eunice Baluyut

Daniella Ivy Ducusin

Daryl Pangod

Elyza Paje

Jeffrey Des Binwag

Alumni

Contributors

Luwy Jane Colina

Meha Shane Damiyay

Shirleen Joy Aronchay

Sonai Longsiab

Steven Rosario

Triceayn Marie Prestousa

HISTORY OF WHITE & BLUE

History of White & Blue

Seventy years ago marked the start of a revolution for the studentry of Saint Louis University (SLU). Through the efforts of students, the year 1954 officially birthed the official student publication of the university, White & Blue.

In its early years, the university-wide publication circulated 3,000 to 5,000 copies monthly, printed by the Catholic School Press. The paper contained news articles, research, essays, and poems written in English, Filipino, Ilocano, and Spanish.

The dawn of Martial Law in 1972 silenced media in the Philippines, especially those at the campus level, including White & Blue. Press of- fices were forced to cease operations, and journalists were jailed for participating in the proliferation of press freedom. The Chronicle was then circulated in Saint Louis University.

In 1993, the strong force of student activism proved the paper to be a platform for the student’s voices and convictions. At the time, the writers were called biased, leftists, and radicals, but true to what they stood for, they were able to uphold the standards of truth in delivering the news to Louisians.

The oldest issue of White & Blue being held by the staff is the July 1958 Edition, Volume IV, Number 6 It was also in 1958 that saw the re-entry of White & Blue to the post office as a second-class publication.

Paul David Bermudez; Villamor Dumlao; Penelope Dela Cruz; Heleina Taeza; Keziah Mae Tingga-an; Jhanver Mallare

During the first semester of 1968, the publication released Sapientia I, the official magazine of White & Blue. The title of the magazine is coined from the Latin term sapientia, which meant Wisdom–an important facet of a Louisian’s identity. Sapientia I featured the life experiences of not only the campus community but also the society as a whole.

White & Blue started to rebuild by accepting applications on December 2, 1996 Following three years of hiatus, the newly reinstated publication released the inaugural issue of White & Blue, known as the “We’re Back Edition”, after several weeks of effort. On February 14, 1997, the university’s campus press freedom was restored.

As this became the tradition of White & Blue, it inevitably put pressure on the journalists, making them write for self-interest and power. Because of this, the publication was dragged down. Due to internal problems concerning the rules and policies of their Editorial Policy, the publication later faced problems. As a result, the administration shut the publication down without resolving the issue. Moreover, concerns regarding the student publication fee, increased tuition fee, and conflicts added salt to the wound of the publication.

After the fall of White & Blue under the SLU Administration’s hands, concerns were raised about the university’s adherence to Republic Act 7079, also known as the Campus Journalism Act of which guarantees press freedom on college campuses.

Due to this restoration Blue has become more firm in its purpose in serving the studentry. It started to publish once again releases such as newspapers, magazines, literary, art, photo, and comic folios annually. The publication has circulated 7,000 to 13,000copies with the help of the printing press Magicus Junctra Corporation (MJC) since 1999.

White & Blue became one of the awardees of Gawad San Luis 2009 and a recipient of the Jose Rizal Award for Competence in 2017 of the said award giving body, and correspondingly won numerous awards and received recognitions by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) annually. The publication is also known for its national cultural and journalism gathering “Lambakan”, which is attended by numerous campus journalists and speakers in the industry of Philippine journalism.

The wake of the global outbreak in 2020 provided an unprecedented turning point for the world, and student publications were no exception. As the effects of COVID-19 pervaded, the world moved to the digital space, forcing a sudden shift from the accustomed traditional practices of White & Blue, the official student publication of Saint Louis University. The pandemic brought listless adjectives to describe and illustrate White & Blue’s commitment to amplifying the voices of and for the community, “sangkaestudyantehan,” and “Puti’t Bughaw” from the start of the pandemic, during the pandemic, and transitioning to face -to-face classes.

1 Adaptive

Beyond being a publication, White & Blue also serves as a platform for academic excellence and skillset enhancement as it also conducts seminars, forums, workshops, training, exhibits, and press conferences. The publication likewise actively participates in regional and national journalism and social conferences, conventions, contests, and congress. True to its vision and mission, White & Blue is committed to supporting protests and advocacies that fight for human rights, student activism, gender equality, mental health, democracy, and press freedom, among others.

In its 70th year this 2024, the official student publication of Saint Louis University carries on its pursuit to promote campus press freedom and social awareness, enhance journalistic, artistic, and literary excellence, and uphold the rights and welfare of the students and other sectors of society.

With the theme “Masid at Siwalat: Patuloy na Pagtataguyod sa Naratibo ng Kamalayan,” the publication pays homage to its’ endless efforts of advocating for press freedom and the pursuwwit of truth through the stories of the Louisian populace, may it be their success or struggles. To this day, White & Blue stands strong and continues to strive to establish that it’s more than just a paper by promoting and safeguarding causes that affect students and the community.

No excuses were made despite the imposed restrictions and rules at the start of the pandemic, beginning with former EIC Zyra Grace Binwag’s term (2020-2021). Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were maximized, becoming the new channels for publishing. Adjusting to the limitations, leveraging on available resources, and taking risks were among the adaptive methods that drove the organization to move forward.

2 Creative

Without being creative, there wouldn’t have been new “Berries” during the pandemic. The first-ever online screening took place under former EIC Marc Jandel Buccat’s term (2021-2022), bringing the traditional face-to-face screening process to the screens. It is where creativity and online space meet. Additionally, with“Watchdogs and Bandwidths: Empowering Louisian Campus Journalists in Online Spaces”, he conducted an online seminar and workshop for White & Blue, enjoining other school publications. Thus, creativity equates to thinking outside the box. Along with this, Buccat’s term birthed the first-ever White & Blue Discord server, acting as the “onlineSC-06” where teleconference meetings, “chikahans,” and late-night talks became active. Further, to regularly monitor the mental health and state of the members, the “Wellness ng Berries” Form was also established.

3 Flexibility 4 Unwavering Pandemic era to post pandemic

Being adaptable begets flexibility. Everyone was required to keep up with the abrupt changes and uncertainties. White & Blue navigated the tides and waves to look for new approaches and methods to deliver the latest news and information to the Louisians. Under former EIC Jules Philip Tillay’s term (2022-2023), the team’s willingness to boost White & Blue’s internet presence and bring back printed magazines, including Iglap, Kuwaderno, and Spectra were effectively accomplished, as evidenced by the printing of backlog issues and a notable increase in social media engagement. Acknowledging the significance of timely news consumption, Tillay also introduced the trademark, “Happening Now”, embracing the immediate nature of digital media, enabling student writers and photojournalists to document and disseminate news as it occurred. This approach filled in the prepandemic information gap, where students learned about the events long after they had happened.

Despite necessitating adaptation to a new format, White & Blue’s spirit has persevered. Late nights writing and editing articles and making publication materials— all with the sounds of barking dogs and chirping insects in the background — became a strange yet endearing reminder of the organization’s collective effort. There were momentsof information delays due to slow internet and system errors, but each member’s patience remained persistent during these situations.

Overall, among the lists of terminologies to illustrate White & Blue’s effort during the pandemic, what stood out among the three mentioned EICs was the key to keeping the organization progressing. Having constant communication fostered a sense of community even amidst physical separation, keeping their spirits high and reminding them they were a team, not just a publication.

We are more than just a paper

W

hile White & Blue delivers in-depth journalism coverage through print, video, and social media, its impact and commitment extend deeper. White & Blue empowers vulnerable communities, advocates for social change, and cultivates a culture of continuous learning within its workforce— all driven by a relentless pursuit of truth.

Under Zyra Binwag’s leadership, White & Blue was able to allocate more than 200,000 pesos to support victims of the onslaught of Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses that devastated the areas of Central Philippines, showcasing the core of being philanthropic at most as an organization.

On the other hand, the “SC-06” Discord server during Buccat’s term as the temporary office was not solely for communication. Rather, it became a new avenue for team-building activities. The

members utilized the platform to communicate while having fun, playing games like Among Us, Genshin Impact, Valorant, and the OG “PJ-PJ” game which helped in building bonds despite the unusual set-up.

Further, as a part of fostering camaraderie within the organization, aside from catchup sessions in between assemblies and stressful exams, during Tillay’s term, the organization also incorporated social activities like hiking on Mt. Yangbew at La Trinidad, Benguet, and a trip to San Juan, La Union, as well as conducting photowalks.

Overall, White & Blue’s objective is grounded on the core values of SLU: Christian Spirit, Creativity, Competence, and Social Involvement, transcending boundaries and limitations, and making the organization’s visions a reality.

Transformation and Progress

White & Blue’s Transition to Digitization

Over the 70-year period of White & Blue, the publication learned to adapt to different platforms as a result of rapid technological advancements. From printing presses, it was able to harness the power of social media platforms and other publishing platforms, establishing its internet presence.

In June of 2009, the X (formerly Twitter) account of White & Blue was created, being the first White & Blue social media platform with 2.9k followers today, followed by the creation of the Facebook page of the publication, which currently has 31k followers.

Consequently, the publication also utilized publishing platforms such as Issuu to release digitized copies of its releases.The first published issue in the Issuu account of White & Blue can be traced back to October 3, 2014, highlighting pre- election events.

White & Blue Embraces Digital Age with New Broadcasting and Videography Departments

Just recently, under the leadership of the current EIC, Emmanuel Gregorio, White & Blue unveiled two additional departments: broadcasting and videography, aiming to revolutionize content creation, blending traditional journalism with modern digital techniques.

Positioning the publication at the forefront of digital journalism, these departments spearhead video production initiatives, which include news broadcasting, feature stories, AVPs, as well as exploratory reels dedicated to harnessing the power of video to inform and engage Louisians.

SLU alumna, Jacque Manabat, now a renowned multi-awarded multimedia journalist, was the inspiration behind the creation of the new departments due to her innovative content creation.

Investment in New equipment for Future Generations

Along with the creation of the new departments, White & Blue also achieved other notable milestones, including the acquisition of new equipment such as cameras, lenses, microphones, and laptops. This investment underscored a commitment to elevating the quality and diversity of content produced by the school publication.

With its new departments and advanced equipment in place, the publication is now capable of producing more visually captivating videos and photos that resonate with the Louisian community, reflecting a commitment to innovation and excellence in digital journalism.

Reflecting on these achievements, Gregorio described his term as a kickstart of a promising future for the next generation of White & Blue members. These advancements aim to benefit not only the current team but also the future Louisian journalists, setting a precedent for innovation, collaboration, and excellence in campus journalism.

BATHALA: BUHAY, HANGARIN, AT LATHALAIN

Aldrick Agpoa

Kim Angela Santos Carlo Gatdula

Jacque Manabat Oliver Olivete

he Philippines was home to approximately 86 million social media users in January 2024, equating to almost three quarters of the total population. And by now, it would be impossible not to get a view of Jacque Manabat’s social media uploads. From mainstream media to social media, who would have thought that a greater reach for news and journalism to thrive is possible in an entertainment-dominated platform?

Manabat was a senior multi-platform journalist for ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. She mainly produced reports on economic issues for the television, radio and digital platforms. As a reporter, Manabat was responsible for researching, gathering information, and writing news for television, social media, radio, and news websites.

It all started when she was young. For a renowned journalist like Manabat whose name was already carved in the industry, it is not hard to believe that at a young age, she already had the yearning of becoming someone who delivers the news to the public. As for her, the hobby of reading newspapers every morning in front of her lolo was more enjoyable than a recital of fables from story books or following the traces of coloring books.

Even though she originally didn’t have the plan of joining White & Blue, in the trail of Manabat’s journey as a journalist, she considers the organization as an important element of her becoming. She was already a part of the dance troupe and cheer leading team of the university before having a thought of being a campus journalist and juggling another one alongside academics would be hard to handle. However, considering that her program has a direct inclination towards journalism, she opted to join White & Blue.

She was a photojournalist of White & Blue long before she discovered her aptitude for writing. It was when her colleagues noticed her writing skill from her captions did a new found skill revealed itself. Trying this out, the regional press conference became her first ground – ending it with a podium finish. This is when she was convinced that she can not only wield a camera but also a pen.

Moreso, believing that brilliance and creativity is not confined only among the members of the organization, she pioneered Kuwaderno, the literary folio of White & Blue, to be an avenue for every student – either a member of White & Blue or not – to share their literary works, tell their own stories, and showcase their excellence and artistic intellect.

Currently, she is using her social media platforms independently to educate and push forward her advocacies for media literacy and responsible online content creation. Aside from disseminating news, she intends to inculcate the Filipinos with digital awareness to make the truth be known and inspire people.

In the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, Manabat found her space in digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She maximized the use of social media to fight disinformation in

the country by producing news contents available digitally. As she always says, “Be where the battle is. Be where the audience is. Speaking the language of the future is securing the future of journalism. So, create connections.”

This in turn made her known not only as a journalist but also an innovator on her approach to storytelling and her dedication to reaching a broader audience. She became Southeast Asia’s first journalist to use TikTok as a news platform, the first Filipino journalist verified on TikTok, and the first Southeast Asian journalist to be included in Nieman’s Lab Mapping Journalists on Social Media.

Truly, Manabat’s stride as an independent Filipino digital journalist is an inspiration that you can do whatever you want as long as you are eager to do it. Amidst the challenges and obstacles when she started exploring social media platforms and other ways on how to give out her contents with some even calling her “crazy’ and “cringey”, she embraced social media as a platform for information dissemination, revolutionizing the nature of journalism. Others might say that she is crazy while some others might say that she is cringe, but what is really certain is, Jacque Manabat is a storyteller, a journalist, and an empowered woman who carved out a door of opportunity for others to follow. Jacque Manabat is a “Jacque of All Trades” capable of bringing a unique blend of skills, passion, and dedication to her work, making her an invaluable contributor to the field. The classic idiom “Jack of All Trades” does not inherently connote a negative or a positive meaning as it depends on how one understands it. However, being a jack of all trades can be a powerful asset in the modern world.

In rapidly changing workplaces, being versatile and adaptable is crucial –especially right now in the transition to the technological period. In an instant, trends change. In a blink of an eye, directions shift. In a snap of a finger, what is current becomes obsolete.

Nadz Aldrin Benico

Carlo Gatdula Before Filling in the Pages The Bare Layout : The Bare Layout :

His story in campus journalism began a little before that: in high school. One of his seniors had introduced him to the field, and his interests were piqued through the idea of cartooning, writing, and covering school events. It started out as a self-fulfilling habit, yet it evolved to a larger investment towards the field of campus journalism. Fast forward a few more years later, Gatdula started out his White & Blue journey as a Layout Artist during his freshman year. His stay was met with its positive impacts, such as being able to meet multiple groups of people with diverse backgrounds, open up and have a wider perspective of this world around us, form valuable and precious friendships and connections, and, arguably one of the most fun experiences in the organization, meet the top-of-thetier legends.

An online post or physical copy of any White & Blue output can be accentuated with the help of an eye-catching or redirecting design, depending on the desired outcome. One of the individuals who had been part of the roster of the campus journal’s layout department is Carlo Gatdula.

in the industry with the help of events and press conferences. He found contributing to the campus paper’s newspaper to be very fulfilling and enjoyable. Though the journey has its beautiful highs, it can never be denied that there were lows in this path. Having to juggle school work and organizational work was very difficult, and though it may have been nice to be surrounded by brilliant people constantly, dealing with impostor syndrome made it harder. He had experienced being in a leadership role, yet he did not seem to be satisfied with the outcome, as, at the time, he did not have adequate leadership skills and burnt out. It all came down to needing to trust his team and be a mentor to them. It may have been a rough experience, but he was guided by his mentors to help him improve skilland competence-wise. Nevertheless, he still found a great bond in this organization. So much so that he would frequent the men’s dorm office back then to have lunch even while not enrolled; at least, until the security made him stop doing so. He still visits the White & Blue office to get a copy of the recent releases and to

catch up with his friends. It would be difficult to sum up his life as a campus journalist of White & Blue through a movie, yet the closest possible movie that does so is the movie Whiplash, a 2014 movie directed by Damien Chazelle. He, fortunately, did not have some of the misfortunes found in the movie, such as an abusive mentor figure and deteriorating relationships. However, he found some semblance in the theme of having an unhealthy obsession to proving and improving his worth.

art and animation as a medium for promoting his advocacies, which includes mental health awareness and the inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. For those who aspire to be in his position, he offered these succinct words of advice, which also serve to showcase his unique and bright personality: “Follow your heart … and yup, coffee.”

This glimpse into Gatdula’s journey makes it evident that the lessons learned within the halls of the campus paper have left an enduring mark. His experiences demonstrate the transformative power of journalism, not just in shaping the lives of those it reaches, but also in its profound impact on those who wield the pen.

Gatdula attributes developing his “taste, form language, and problem-solving skills” to his time as a White & Blue Layout Artist, which he finds to be relevant to his current career path. Gatdula is now working as a freelance visual development artist based in the Philippines. 2017 saw him embark on a career in animation as a background painter. Since then, he has gone on to work for a variety of clients, including Xentrix Studios Inc., Zigzag Studios Inc., Boulder Media, Starburns Industries, and Pure Imagination Studios. His website carlogatdula. com features some of his more recent works and are available for public viewing.

At present, Gatdula uses his passion for

Carlo Gatdula’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of campus journalism, where raw talent is honed, resilience is cultivated, and a passion for truth takes root. As he ventures forward, there is no doubt that the fire ignited within the pages of White & Blue will continue to illuminate his path, forever a beacon of the journalist he has become.

Lauren Julliene Pasagoy & Emmanuel Badua

Nurturing Artistic Insight at White and Blue White and Blue

Honey Keith Cabela

I

n the intricate weave of expression, each line bears the weight of a million thoughts, connecting the threads of countless stories and voices. These strokes unite to convey a singular yet profound idea, testifying to the power of storytelling.

Meet Oliver Olivete, the artistic luminary whose journey from the colorful corridors of Saint Louis University shaped his unique perspective on the world.

Over the years, White & Blue has undergone significant changes and moved with time by going digital with various tools. Although the shift from old-school points of reference to those on the web has widened the spectrum of techniques available for budding cartoonists, producing first-rate editorial cartoons has always been the publications’ imperturbable focus.

Oliver expounded about his passion for cartooning that traced back to his childhood. Ignited by the golden age of comics that captivated his imagination for every flick of a page, what began as his hobby evolved into his ultimate dream.

Enrolling at the University of the Philippines Baguio - Bachelor of Fine Arts right after graduating from Saint Louis University, Oliver discovered various

Oliver delved intricately into the dichotomy between traditional and modern Filipino games. Here, echoes of his youthful enthusiasm for comics resurfaced.

A year after, the Baguio Convention Center (BCC) played host to his second solo exhibition, “QR here; is no contact, good contact?” His roots as a White & Blue cartoonist alumnus found expression in a poignant commentary on the consequences of a contactless society spurred by the COVID pandemic. Indeed, the invaluable experiences he gained at White & Blue continue to resonate, shaping his art and perspective beyond the publication’s borders.

Even amidst his attained artistic feat, the camaraderie and connections fostered at White & Blue are the closest to what Oliver chooses to cherish in his day-to-day life. What began as a mere extracurricular activity blossomed into a lifetime of profound friendships, leaving indelible strokes of memory on Oliver’s escapade pages as an artist and an individual.

In essence, cartooning, like any other form of art, is a powerful medium with the capacity to inspire, inform, and ultimately, move people – including the one who practices it. Layers upon layers, brush strokes upon brush strokes, and smears upon smears, Oliver Olivete’s talent has protruded even beyond the bare manipulation of lines – it transcends into the world of storytelling, advocacy, and life itself through his unique artistic expression. As his journey unfolds, his art serves as a testament to the power of creativity in capturing the essence of existence.

Chiki:

The Walking Epitome of Time Management

Time is only a construct of mind.”

Braving through a society where boundaries are drawn in blurred lines, Aldrick Agpaoa, or mostly known as ‘chiki’ or ‘turista boy’ has been the epitome of passion as he keeps on proving how 24 hours in a day is still plentiful as long as you cater your priorities and focus on what makes your heart content.

Starting university as a humble student who thrived to reach his dreams, Chiki, like any other university student, aspired to simply survive through college in the simplest way. It was not a walk in the garden for him as his primary focus was to excel as a working scholar of the Saint Louis University (SLU) Marching Band where he was positioned as the flutist who then later became the university band’s Public Relations Officer. Despite being flooded with responsibilities at a young age, the load did not seem to faze Chiki but it only led him to open doors of opportunities to find solace in his crowded schedule.

allowed me to understand several situations from a different perspective, and it helped me to become a better person and writer.”

Indeed, W&B was the training ground that flourished Chiki to become more confident in pursuing the life that he yearned to live. Despite having a few silly setbacks as a rookie writer in the publication, Chiki was grateful for the countless things he learned when he courageously took the opportunity to craft a news article in his starting days. Despite being challenged to write in areas where he had never been exposed to, such as sports and news, his experiences in the publication had not taken the fuel out of the igniting passion he had for writing, but it had only motivated him more to shape his skills to his advantage, which led him to become the Editor of the FEL department of the W&B in his third year and eventually become part of the administrative board of the publication as the Exchange Editor in his fourth year in SLU.

matter what one’s degree is in university, it should not hinder anyone from pursuing what they love doing. Being the living embodiment of his advice, Chiki, too, did not let himself be chained only by the degree he had graduated with pleasing colors as a Magna Cum Laude in BS Hospital and Tourism Management. W&B had opened his eyes to venture out and execute his alltime dream, which was to become a multiawarded travel blogger. Regardless of being a government employee appointed as an administrative officer in the Baguio General Hospital, Chiki made sure he intensified the boundaries of ‘work’ and ‘life’ in his schedule without compromising his responsibilities as an adult, one that he had carried over ever since he was a university student and a member of the W&B.

“Whenever I see a rainbow, I am reminded of my life when I was in W&B”. There was a time that the special release of the FEL department, Kuwaderno, had a theme of a rainbow, and ever since then, Chiki would reminisce about his times back when he was in W&B since being a campus journalist had paved an escape route for him. It comforted him to be in a space where he was able to rest, away from the busy world outside the office, and it helped him nurture his personality whenever he was around the other W&B members.

Although having mastered the discipline to execute the nearly perfect ways of time management, Chiki confessed that it was still greuling to juggle all his responsibilities at once, especially when he was the type of person who wanted to live in the moment and focus on his priorities at present; which meant that he had established clear boundaries on how he should not ponder about his duties in W&B when he was doing the requirements of his course or when he was attending his practice in the marching band. Chiki stressed on the fact that if he was given the opportunity to travel back in time and relive his moments in W&B, he decided that he wanted to change how stubborn he was back then. This sentiment was rooted in the fact that he had gotten so comfortable hanging around with his fellow W&B members that he would opt to hang

At the moment, Chiki is set on completing his mission in his Project 82, where he plans to visit and blog all the 82 provinces in the Philippines. And as flexible as he was during his W&B prime years, Chiki proved that passion is a flame you keep igniting no matter how much time has passed, because he is already down to 22 more provinces left to visit before he achieves his goal.

“If you don’t like what you are doing, what is there more to life for you?”

Being a travel blogger allowed Chiki to shape his skills in writing even after graduation while providing him also an outlet to enjoy his love for traveling, exploring the diversity of cultures and traditions, and also experiencing the rich customs of food in the country.

“My greatest contribution is myself”. Chiki expressed that as much as he had gained from W&B, he believes that he too, brought joy and pride to the publication since he had dedicated his time, effort, and skills throughout his stay in the university. This indeed highlighted Chiki’s inspiring strife to commit to everything he pursued since among the various endeavors he has at the moment, he is currently at the final steps of finishing his Master’s degree in Management in the University of the Philippines - Baguio.

On top of all the bucket lists he keeps on fulfilling, Chiki said that he hoped by 2025 or early 2026 he could be done with his Project 82 and kickstart his promising project of traveling to the 10 ASEAN countries in the world. He dreams that by the time he is done with graduate school, he could devote more attention and time to the betterment of the interface of his blog so that it could be more interactive and up-to-date with the trends of the readers.

All the credits in how Chiki has grown into the person he is right now, is to the experience he had as a student journalist when he was in W&B. It taught him to expand his network and apply interpersonal skills not only in his time as a government employee but also as a travel blogger who mostly sets out on adventures alone.

Truly, Chiki had proved that time will never be a hindrance when you are living a life exactly the way you pictured it.

Piyaselli Wijayawickrama

Unveiling Kim’s Essence:

The Path it Took to Take a Perfect Picture

Embarking on an adventure distinct from the conventional trajectory, Kim Santos found inspiration in unexpected places, people, and circumstances. Raised in an environment saturated with visual artistry, courtesy of her father’s vocation as a tattoo artist, Kim’s childhood immersion in creativity foreshadowed the unique path she would eventually forge for herself.

Not something special

Her photography foundations can be traced ography back to her high school days, where she found herself enrolled in the special program in the arts (SPA). It was there that her first click with photography occurred, igniting a flash of fascination within her. Yet, at the time, she viewed it merely as a passing interest, a compulsory facet of her extracurricular pursuits, rather than something inherently significant. In her memory, she shared, “It’s just an interest, but not considered as something special,” emphasizing her approach to photography devoid of technicalities. For her, capturing moments is not about adhering to strict rules but rather intuitively sensing when the essence of a situation warrants preservation through a lens or simply “capturing moments.”

Simultaneously, she found herself drawn into the doors of campus journalism under the guidance of her mentor, Sir Richard, who allowed her to showcase her prowess as a student journalist. Her motivations were driven primarily by external rewards or a means to an end, yearning for accolades, recognition, and the adornment of medals and certificates and the significance of both photography and journalism underwent a profound transformation on her college journey. It was then and there that she realized the true value of these mediums as avenues for personal development, self-expression, and societal impact.

Ticking the time fast forward, her feet drifted into an unfamiliar place where she found herself at the doors of White & Blue, another student publication, a door she considered last to open, an option on her list of the least. As she took the courage to step forward, she found herself immersed in a dynamic academic environment and challenged to explore the depths of her creative potential and journalistic integrity. Through diligent study and the guidance of mentors like “Ate Diwa,” she discovered the transformative power of storytelling, both through the lens and the written word. This revelation transcended mere technical proficiency, allowing her to embrace the artistry of capturing moments and conveying truths. Thus, she bid farewell to her era of aimless photography, recognizing that pictures possess the ability to encapsulate truth, power, and

Reflecting on her debut coverage, it was amidst the fervor of the SSC elections that she truly grasped the distinction between campus journalism in high school versus college. Mere snapshots did not suffice in this arena, particularly with seasoned seniors setting the bar high with their passion and expertise. While this realization initially stirred nervousness and a heightened awareness of the standards to be met, it failed to dampen her enthusiasm to engage in meaningful endeavors. For her, it was an opportunity to immerse herself in the narratives of others, forge connections, and share in the camaraderie of like-minded individuals who reveled in the art of capturing reality beyond its rose-tinted veneers. Transitioning from uncertainty to initiative, her evolution from hesitancy to actively volunteering for story coverage and event documentation marked a profound metamorphosis. Her once tentative demeanor flourished into a vibrant force, surpassing even the wildest aspirations of her younger self.

“ The people understands me, my art, and the way I think”

Safe space & still my safe space

White & Blue became more than just her avocation; it evolved into her White & wellspring of passion, injecting liveliness into the otherwise mundane routine of her academics and infusing life into her most trying days. She added, “It’s a community I always want to go back to,” longing for the days of her unwavering commitment despite the demands of her hectic schedule. Surrounded by individuals who not only believe in her abilities but also genuinely care for her wellbeing, Kim found herself propelled forward, embraced not merely as a member but as a valued individual. Through her experiences at White & Blue, she honed her ability to engage in meaningful conversations, to stand for what is just, to navigate the intricacies of journalism with finesse, and, above all, to see past her own preconceived notions, delving deeper into the narratives beyond what lays on the surface.

On the same page, onto the next page

In her current role, navigating the realms of fashion, beauty, and editorials, she finds herself unpacking the invaluable lessons bestowed upon her by White & Blue. Engaging with diverse individuals through her work, she reminisces fondly about a particular project—a portrait shoot featuring women championing various causes, each contributing to a collective pursuit of betterment. This endeavor reignited her passion and fueled her resolve, reaffirming her commitment to stories that resonate deeply within her heart and soul.

As she looks back on her time at White & Blue, she recognizes it as a transformative chapter that instilled courage and decisiveness in the face of adversity while also imparting a sense of humility and a steadfast commitment to her roots. Beyond her accomplishments, she hopes that her experiences serve as a beacon of inspiration for current and future generations of White & Blue members, encouraging them to carve their own paths and discover their unique journeys toward capturing their own perfect pictures of life.

Prologue

lmost 30 years ago, I was given the honor of leading a new White & Blue staff after an illegal administrative padlocking. Apparently, our predecessors had angered the University administration, and they responded by disbanding the staff, locking the office doors, and stopping publication altogether.

As a freshman in 1994, I had no first-hand knowledge of the White & Blue nor the history of why SLU had no active student publication. It had already been several years since the newspaper was last published; thus, the students had grown accustomed to its absence.

Meanwhile, I was drawing “The Adventures of Steven Rosario”, a self-published comic series about fictionalized versions of myself and other people I knew, using real names. Think crudely drawn Archie Comics, but with way too many inside jokes and legal ramifications to go mainstream. It was featured in the newspaper of every school I had attended since the 8th grade, so the lack of student publication at SLU was disappointing.

Change came in the school year of 1996. Closing

the White & Blue constituted a violation of R.A. 7079: the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, and mounting pressure forced action. Evangeline Quinto, selected faculty adviser, was tasked with assembling the new staff from the applicant pool. Thinking only of getting my comics published, I listed the three positions that would best facilitate this goal: 1) Layout Artist, 2) Features Editor, and 3) Editor-in-Chief.

Unexpectedly, I found my name at the top of the roster when the staff picks were posted. I later learned that among those applying for Editor-in-Chief, I was the only one to present a work portfolio of school newspapers, and that had clinched the interview. I had set out to just make funny drawings, and somehow, I ended up heading a team to rebuild W&B from scratch.

Makikibaka! and The Clash of Many Egos

The White & Blue is the culmination of work from the most brilliant students at Saint Louis University. It is not surprising to have disagreement when you put a bunch of high-intelligence people together, and our first meetings were rife with arguments. It didn’t help that I had little leadership experience up to this point, or that I grew up in America and was still wrestling with language and cultural differences. I’m also an arrogant asshole. Personalities clashed, egos were bruised, factions were formed, yet we persevered somehow. One contention arose from cultural differences in campus journalism. In America I was taught that school publications should capture student life above all else. The focus is on items unique to the school. For news of greater scope, you look to a local or

national publication. In contrast, the Philippine school publication is often a tool of activism, emphasizing themes of socio-economic disparity and systemic oppression. We had an obligation to inform our fellow students of this bigger picture. Though not an absolute comparison, there is a tangible difference in tone. At a time when it felt like every campus newspaper headline in the country was “Tuition Fee Increases Again”, with a sub-story correlating impact with the plight of poor farmers, I pushed for full-page photo collages depicting ordinary students in the halls, canteens, or beside that unusually large-headed statue of St. Aloysius. We fought a lot, we learned and bonded together, and we produced a well-balanced publication.

My Tagalog is Awful

We were selecting a printing press for our first issue. We had received quotations from several printers, and the interviews followed. As we negotiated with one printer, I wanted to express that we would consider their offer, though we were also comparing competing quotes. Completely innocuous had I stuck to English and phrased it just like that… but instead, I fumbled with Tagalog. “<we’ll get back to you> kung

may silbi ang offer niyo.” I still don’t fully understand how my internal translator equated “silbi” to… the winning bid? An awkward silence followed. Ate Audz gave me a dagger stare of side-eye, as we ended the meeting, ushering them out the door. “You basically told them their offer was useless… that *they* were useless,” she scolded. We ended up using a different press.

A Legacy of Firsts, and the Original SLU e-Sports Team

Our W&B generation has many notable accomplishments:

• We established the standard style elements, the default fonts, and the masthead; even after years of modernization, the influence remains.

• We were the first to publish in full broadsheet format.

• Our staff launched the first Kuwaderno literary journal.

• Our issue overruns provided the finest tinapa wrapper ever used by the Baguio City Public

Market.*

• We were the first to prepare layout completely inhouse with graphics software.

• Our computers were state-of-the-art (circa 1996), boasting the first Windows network at SLU with 3 computers linked by 10MBps Coaxial BNC adapters.

• And what did the W&B staff do with its superior computing might?

• Duke Nukem 3D Multiplayer Death Match.

White & Methylene Blue

My features editor was the hilarious Israel Buenaobra – he has a rapier wit, always kidding around. I decided that, with his great sense of humor, he would take a prank well.

For those not versed in lab work, methylene blue is a dye that is commonly used to stain tissue for better visualization under the microscope. When dry, it is a fine, almost purplish powder, but once it is moistened and contacts something organic, like skin, it immediately produces an indelible blue.

Seizing the opportunity for mischief, I took some powder from the lab, and brought it to the W&B office.

“Izzy, wanna see something cool?”

“What?” I produced the bag of powder from my pocket.

“Hold out your hands.” He promptly complied, and I

deep blue color began to spread along his fingers and palms.

“What the f*** is this?” he asked incredulously; he was already leaving blue spots on his clothes and face through accidental touching. Through tears of laughter, I explained how the dye was harmless and it would just be difficult to clean. Israel apparently took it in stride. Feeling satisfied with the results of my prank, I left the office for my next class.

I returned to the office later in the day to find it covered with smeared blue handprints. The assignment board, the chairs, the walls – nothing in the office was spared. The computers, especially the keyboards and mice, bore the blue stain of Israel’s counter-prank. I couldn’t be angry. I had reaped what was sown. But there was more misery to be shared.

STEVEN ROSARIO

Five pesos – that was the payment for a landline phone call you can make from within SLU to the outside world circa 1998. That was how close we were in connecting to someone beyond the campus walls. During those mostly-analog-days, the closest digital transaction White and Blue staff was engaged with was the office computer and printer. Such was mainly used for encoding of articles and layouting as well. During downtime, Solitaire Minesweeper were available for those who would like to have a breather from layouting.

Back then published materials meant hardcopies of broadsheets and Kuwaderno. Editorial board meetings were all face-to-face and overnights imply staying up late in the office of the chosen broadsheet publisher. Interview details were literally written on paper. Information-dissemination is equated with accomplishing a Posting Form and seeking permission from eight school deans plus SAO Dean Gil S. Espiritu, before a truck-load of White and Blue newspapers are allowed entry to the campus. The happiest parts of these analog days were delivering the newspapers at the Silang Lobby and in the other buildings of the University. There was even a time that newspapers were delivered at bus stations to Louisians bound for home for the semestral break. Watching peers peruse over the pages of the newspaper and go crazy over Kuwaderno were more than enough rewards from the analog procedures we had to endure.

Blessed with the opportunity to be a digital migrant, I still thank the analog days. Relics of these bygone days are not exactly extinct since lessons from these persist even today. Lessons such as upholding the principles of journalism and due diligence in paper processing are still expected of student-journalists. Whenever I work with student journalists as their director for student affairs and services, I observe that their motivations are not as different as I was when I was engaged in White and Blue as well as Gasera (now known as Stellaris) activities. These student journalists are highly creative, mindful of the ethical principles they need to uphold and like any White and Blue journalist, witty and sharp. They are known and driven to be excellent in their craft and fair in the delivery of their articles. They may not be holding actual ball pens whenever they write articles these days, but they sure know the power of their recorders, keyboards, digital pens, cameras and social media.

Indeed, White and Blue's seventy year history of student journalism is characterized with a general advancement from analog to digital. To White and Blue, may you have another 70 years of advancement on both the delivery of quality journalism and the inner stirring to continuously, conscientiously and with great conviction, to write the truth.

eet Kengkerveni, the charming koala embodying the spirit of White and Blue — the official student publication of Saint Louis University. Since their arrival in White & Blue’s office, Kengkerveni has been a source of inspiration, comfort, and whimsies to the members. Moreover, Kengkerveni has been the staff’s constant companion during meetings, press works, interviews, and even leisure activities, earning their spot atop the editor’s desk.

Like other koalas clinging to a eucalyptus tree, Kengkerveni is a symbol of resilience and determination to the members of White & Blue in their journey towards achieving journalistic excellence. With their fluffy gray fur and gleaming eyes, Kengkerveni embodies the essence of the publication’s mission: to be bearers of truth and courage, to be the voice of the masses.

With these, much like White & Blue’s slogan — Kengkerveni is more than just a stuffed toy.

When my pen dropped and my passion was aborted. A new path to take, for bigger steps I timbered. A new city, a new school, and new dreams drafted.

The bigger city was amazing, like I always dreamt Towers of piled ambitions willowed and embroidered in my treck,

An audition to let your dreams be written and just break free.

SC06 it stated, it was a slippery path so I whined Yet, I still took their exam , till I became their Kinkerveni sacrifice.

The four tiny corners of Kinkerveni's coven was often filled With either the minions, the dreams, the drafts, the papers or the cries It became a boiling pot of ideas, cultures and stories that never died'

That little shade of white and blue gave my first fly, I reached a different island and had my stories blended. And I brought the stories of Baguio , with the society's continuous cry.

It was six years ago when I taught that my journalism dreams was aborted, Only for it to be fertilized in the new city I thought I'd start anew. The fetus developed, with new perspectives, ideas and principles to fight. Until it was born, a new me with that dream I held and passion developed The crib crawled on, the four corners of SC06 saw it.

To the people who helped me become the better version of me,

Hi mga berries, I miss you all! Been contemplating whether mag pass ako or hindi pero minsan lang to so go na. First of all, I just wanted to say thank you for making college life eventful, and memorable. There’s not really much of a specific experience that I’d like to share but more of my whole experience I’ve had with White & Blue.

Entering White & Blue wasn’t really on my college agenda— ang nasa isip ko lang non is pumasok at mag-aral and mag-gala. My friend and I saw their booth sa Silang one time, and we decided to check it out. I think it was kuya Amir who entertained us on what is White & Blue and ano yung ginagawa nila, and I was amazed with the artworks na naka-display, because of that, my friend encouraged me to sign up saying “pre try mo na, minsan lang naman tayo mag-college,” and so I signed up as a graphic artist. And little did I know the shy, introverted, low self-esteem, sheltered girl that I know will start to change for the better.

Didn’t really expect na matatanggap ako sa org since I have zero knowledge on newspaper layout, I barely just started graphic designing at that time, and I don’t have a laptop with great specifications. If di ko inexpect na matatanggap ako mas lalong di ko inexpect kung gaano ka heartwarming ang mga members ng White & Blue, specially since sobrang nakakatakot sila during interview. One of my core memory sa org na ‘to is yung interview, ifykyk, I remember injured pa ko that time (nadislocate knee q), so imagine hirap ka maglakad tapos papapuntahin ka pa sa SC-06 na halos puro hagdan dadaanan, and pag-pasok mo di ka pa sure kung tamang org ba sinalihan mo skskks. After non, hindi ko talaga alam if matatawa ako or matatakot, or kakabahan.

Like I’ve said, sobrang inactive ko during first two years, hindi ako madalas tumambay sa office due to acads and if I did mostly may reason (meetings, events, etc), or super saglit lang, wala din ako halos kinakausap aside sa isang kasama ko sa department and those na mga kumakausap sakin. But despite that, berries never fail to give me a warm welcome every time. I remember first time ko tumambay sa office, sa SC-06 pa, as someone na nasanay sa mga nonchalant na tao, I didn’t expect na sobrang welcoming ng mga members, so it was a culture shock for me na may pa-hug pa and small talk (since hindi normal sa province namin na mag-hug or being touchy in general whether same gender or not), and they really talk to you and include you in every casual convo. And that’s when I started to come out of my shell, I started to become more outgoing, build self-esteem,

learn how to balance life, studying, and publication works. I went from just waving and saying hi to other members to literally running up to them and giving them a bear hug, and it really is a warm feeling seeing others match your energy.

It wasn’t until 3rd year college na nagstart talaga ako na maging active, like tambay sa dc kwentuhan, laro, and many more. That year def boosted my self-esteem and it’s because of the other members, since madalas ko na sila nakakausap, I started adapting some of their mannerisms (or more like unleashes mine). I went from being a less conscious girl during the first year to someone who really doesn’t care what people talk about me. Dun din nag-start ma-build work ethics ko since naging chief ako, and I’m very thankful and blessed to my layout babies during that time since super active nila when it comes to communicating and updating— and super galing pa.

During my last year in college, and also the time na nag ka face-to-face ulit, sinabi ko na magiging active na ko like tambay ganon, life sucks but being an engineering student sucks more, I ended up having little time na tumambay, but I made sure to help every chance I could get, yun nga lang sadyang may mga times na di talaga kinakaya. During this time din na-unleash extrovert self ko everytime na may booth ang White & Blue sa Silang, from shouting, encouraging others to see what White & Blue offers, being friendly to other students, but most importantly being overjoyed seeing other members na ngayon mo lang ulit nakita after pandemic— it was tiring, but super worth it. It was also this time where we welcome new recruit *alay* sa department namin, and sobrang nakakatuwa to know that they are also active and friendly.

The past four years were definitely one of my most memorable experiences not just as a White & Blue member but as an individual— all the chika, meetings, assigned and released pubworks, events, meeting new members who will just start their journey, and many more. And if I am given a chance to go at it again, I’ll do it over and over again, and each time I’d savor every memory.

Thank you White & Blue for giving me a college life to remember, and making me realize that we are definitely more than just a paper. I’ll treasure every memory I made and people I met in this organization forever, mahal na mahal ko kayo!

Chief and Deputy Layout Layout Department, Batch 2019-2023

Love, Elyzsa Paje (Rie)

Yangbew UP IN

Emmanuel Gregorio

Mt. Yangbew, a mountain in La Trinidad, holds a special place in my life as a photojournalist of White & Blue.

I don’t know when it started, but it has become a yearly tradition for photojournalists to climb Mt. Yangbew to take photos of the stars, sunrise, landscapes, portraits of each other, and whatever interests them there. We usually go there with members of other departments who’d like to get their photos taken or just want to enjoy the company.

For the past five years of my stay in White & Blue, I only went up there three times with the group. Two years were spent at home during the pandemic. In my

first year, I went up there with my seniors with hopes of enjoying astrophotography and the sunrise, only to be greeted by strong and cold winds. Instead of taking photos, some of us had no choice but to curl up lying on the ground because no one brought any tents. Luckily, no one got sick, and we lived to see the sunrise. As soon as we felt the warmth from the sun peeking out, it was finally our time to shine, to have our pictures taken by others, posing like survivors. As I looked around these scenes, deep inside, I really felt like I survived a crisis.

Months later, our next visit to the mountain was after the pandemic. We decided to catch the sunrise this time, but — surprise, surprise — the sun was nowhere

to be found. The thick fog covered the peak, turning the usual warm dawning into a melancholic blue morning. Noticing this more, I began to appreciate

how cinematic the panorama looked. Soon enough, everyone took the opportunity to take photos. Unfortunately, right as we were hiking down, the fog started to lift.

My last visit to Mt. Yangbew with White & Blue felt different from my first two. This time, I was in my fifth year in the publication and somehow, the editor-in-chief. My first hike was with the “titos” of White & Blue — on this particular climb, I became the tito.

It was amusingly funny and nostalgic to see the juniors run around the peak, taking photos of the scene and portraits of those who were there, much like how I was when I first came, except that we were shivering from the cold back then.

Going up that mountain felt like looking back at my past self, my past life in White & Blue. I could vividly see ourselves taking photos in our favorite spots, posing for group shots at sunrise. The scene of people grouping together to have their portraits taken was all too familiar. To some, these might have only been a few hours of sunrise on Mt. Yangbew, but to me, like a film playing back, that third climb profoundly showed what my whole life was like in White & Blue.

John Patrick Leandado

Karen Faith Nuguid

GITARA

Arenz Licoben

The Art of New Hope

Jon Vincent deGuzman

Deity

Ricxielle Velicaria

The Inner Flame’s Dimming

Resembling a melting candle, the profound impact of burnout on mental well-being. Conveys the struggle of inner turmoil and the gradual loss of vitality when overwhelmed by stress and pressure.

As we embrace every color of the rainbow, we unveil the unspoken tales of those who live in the shadows of their true selves. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community are still closeted, their quiet struggles and moments of courage serving as poignant reminders of the power of authenticity and the importance of honoring one’s own journey, no matter where it may lead. Let us embrace and celebrate the hidden stories of pride as one community.

Amidst the horrors of this lifetime, it is undeniable that the warm fingers of the people around us fill the empty spaces between ours and never fail to calm the trepidation inside us. When things are a little too much, calm down and remember the 5 grounding steps; think of 5 objects you can see, and then mind 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, and 2 scents you can smell lastly, 1 thing that tastes a little too much.

Russel James B. Manucdoc

Dave Adrian Ortiz

Angelo M. Gaytano 54321 Behind Closed Doors

Gusto

kong pumunta sa dagat

lumangoy kasama ng mga ala-ala

na ‘di ko na maramdaman

nais ng mga paa kong maglakad

damhin ang init na nakikipag palitan ng halik sa aking mga balat.

Gusto kong malungkot kaya gusto kitang alalahanin

na ang kagustuhan kong pumunta sa dagat ay siyang naging dahilan

para magtampisaw akong muli sa mga ala-ala, na minsan nang nakapunta, nakalakad, nakalangoy, nakatanaw sa malayo, nakikinig sa tunog ng mga alon sa La Union.

Hindi-hindi ako makalilimot, bagkus ay pilit kong babalikan ang bawat pakiramdam ang paglangoy sa dagat, ang pakikinig sa mga alon habang tayo’y magkayakap ang mga halik sa ilalim ng tubig, ang yapos sa likuran ng yong pagsalabay ang pagtakbo na ‘di natin iniisip kung madadapa ba tayo dahil ang oras ay huminto araw natin ‘to.

Lumangoy tayong muli sa mga ala-ala na minsan nang nagdala sa atin palayo damhin natin ang mga pakiramdam balikan natin ang mga buhangin ating dinanan sinubukan

nating lumayo sa mundo ngunit mas nagkalapit tayong dalawa.

Noong oras na iyon ay payapa, ang titig mo ang dilig sa uhaw kong mga balat Ikaw ang mundo, Ikaw ang bawat emosyon, Saksi ang bawat alon

Ngunit ngayon, sa pagpunta ako sa dagat Ay lalangoy akong mag isa, babalikan ko ang bawat pakiramdam, ang ating paglangoy, ang pakikinig sa mga alon, ang halik sa ilalim ng tubig, ang mga pag salabay, ang pagtakbo sa mga buhanging ating tinapakan.

Magbababad ako muli sa mga ala-ala, lalangoy akong muli sa mga pakiramdam dumating a ko sa La Union ng dapit-hapon papalubog ang araw, ngunit walang nagsabi na di ako makaka-ahon kung saan nilalangas na ng alon ang bawat bawat buhangin ang paglitaw ng buwan ay kasabay ng paglamig ng hangin pero hindi ako malulungkot, lalayo lang ako sa mundo, pero hindi kita kakalimutan, uunahin ko muna ang sarili ko lalangoy muna ako sa La Union, at magpapakalunod ako dito.

whispers of Tears and Heartbreak

Running through the chipped floors quiet sobs through the core

loud thoughts in a bathroom stall while gentle whispers engulf the wall

pink colored ceramic tiles

pumping sadness will calm for a while heartbreak of disappointment and hurt

a gentle reminder that the pain will revert

stay there for minutes, after then wipe your tears

a shadow of deep breaths

mascara bleeds through the face

while the hurt stuck with dismay

moment of silence while the water is running

cold water and sweat, how will i forget?

pain in the eyes while crying a mirror of sadness while in a wreck

a strand of cat eye and black hair messy thoughts in despair once again, a heartbreak of disappointment and hurt a gentle reminder that the pain will revert

Sribbled Emotions

Thepen ran and danced on the empty sheets

Resonating my mind and heart to my hands

Tracing a path to convey feelings through the letters

Filling the spaces with untold emotions

The thoughts about you are kept in the pieces of papers

There may be thousands of words

But I do not know what words can convey

The sentiments my core wants to say

I hope it will never fade away

Even if dusk takes off the day

The thing I am anxious about

Will these words ever reach you?

I always hope it reaches you

As I honestly try to resonate

The feelings I am not able to communicate

Up, up, and away!

Go forth and shine upon her beautiful eyes

Longingly want to throw them above the skies

So look above at the stars, moon, and sun

As I do the same with my thoughts radiating above.

Dave Adrian Ortiz

Honey Keith Cabela

Villamor Dumlao

hallucinate

Reading within these pages,

I have perceived something between the lines; For I am a man who has a chest full of medals, but the heart beneath is empty. I have found you in my bad times when I thought of not surviving them. You are the ghost of me and I met you the other way at the crossroads. I am sure that it was not an illusion for you even greeted me with a smile.

I went back home from my daily grind, opening the fridge for food. The fine mist it held embraced metickling my skin and freezing time. Rain showered upon the streets and the lightning finds its way to the window. I gaze upon to find the beauty in it but a question flooded my mind,

“Does it mean that I won’t see stars tonight?”

The thunder then responded.

At the dining table, I prefer dim light.

I remember my dead grandma telling me not to,

“For when you do, your shadow will eat you.”

Do I think they do? They already did.

I feel alone. I feel me, a gained immunity.

Dancing leaves switches to waving branches following a single beat with my heart

As I see moving memoirs around me; the toys that used to be playing with me, the frames that hold the ones I’ve loved.

I lay down in bed like how they lay in graves while the weather sings me a lullaby.

A tight sleep quickly visited me but soon left as I heard a call below.

The inextinguishable flame I held and looked, I’ve not seen a thing but I’m sure I’ve heard it.

I washed my face and stared at my reflection.

Looking back at me is someone unknown.

He holds a butcher knife in his left

And a voice from within is crying.

He speaks to me as if I know him, but he uttered words that I needed.

“You are bigger than your inner demons.”

He said with a voice warm as a bonfire.

“I shall remember you always, even after this.”

“Memory is what only keeps me alive, and being with you is a different kind of fun.

I thank God that I shall die before you, for I am you and you hold our future.”

I am 20 years old missing

…and I will never be 17 again. No more stubborn pimples or patches, maybe a couple here and there. Gone are the worries for the next English assignment when I missed three due last week. I don’t need a chaperone to go everywhere anymore. I still can’t drive, though. Public transportation has gotten expensive.

I’m still being given allowance. The weight of the guilt of spending money that isn’t my own increases tenfold with every withdrawal. Things get difficult when you realize you have to work to survive. I’m surviving college now. High school is getting too farther in the past for my liking. Work is feeling too close for comfort.

I didn’t know anything but I knew everything at 17. I don’t know everything but I know one thing at 20.

That I will never be 17 again.

—chen

i miss a lot of things, i missed a lot of things too

i forgot how to use commas, periods and points i forgot how to pause worse, when to stop

i used to add unnecessary “s” gives me the feeling of having a lot, of possessing bounty and beautiful things engraved in letters felt like mine

i could only write but never own

i always choose poems than prose since there are small to no rules

i like breathing into pages rather than squeezing my brain out to the ink

i yearn to never put my pen in the red, few will understand there’s comfort in that

i speak in a way my tongue has no labor, and my lips rest what i am trying to say is...

Nadz Aldrin Benico

Daniela Ivy Ducusin

Christianne Angel Payang

Ahmedis a young stargazer, a boy who loves looking at the sky, searching for bright, shiny stars. His favorite constellation is Orion, but his favorite heavenly body, despite being a stargazer, is the moon. Ahmed fell in love with the moon. Ahmed made it a hobby to always look at the sky at night, using the telescope his father bought him, a birthday gift from last year. With joy and laughter, his father would join him in stargazing.

Ahmed watched the stars one by one, Ahmed watched the stars wondered how Allah had put them there, one by one

The 9th month of the calendar came; Ahmed looked into his telescope and saw the bright crescent moon. Ahmed is getting older now and must fast for Ramadan. He prayed for stars, more stars; he prayed for the moon, a bigger moon; he prayed for his father, the safety of his father. He fasted for these prayers.

Five crescent moons passed, and Ahmed looked into his telescope once again. He saw something unusual; shooting stars were traveling faster this time. He rushed downstairs, called his father, and saw him sitting in front of the television. Ahmed certainly didn’t understand what was happening.

“Baba, what’s happening?”

“Ahmed, Ya Hayati, inshallah, this will be over soon.”

Stars were replaced with bright, shining rockets. Buildings were bombed down. Terrifying cries and shouts filled every corner.

Ahmed watched the missiles one by one, Ahmed watched the missiles wondered how Allah had put them there, one by one

The 9th month of the calendar came; Ahmed looked at the crescent moon with his bare eyes because his telescope was long wrecked. Ahmed is older than last year and must fast for Ramadan. He prayed for no more missiles, please no more missiles; he prayed for the moon, a peaceful crescent moon; he prayed for his father, the eternal rest of his father. Ahmed doesn’t need to fast this year for these prayers, for no food is on the table, there even is no table, in little Ahmed’s bare-bombed house.

theAhmed, Young Stargazer

LLet us

get losttogether

Jim Clark Abella

et us get lost together in a forest filled with the greenest of trees as we revel. let us journey with the fireflies to the distant stars; to be one with the sea of lights.

there, we can be part of the vast universe; watching possibilities, learning about things we were once not well-versed.

whilst feeling the cosmos, songs of each of our journey play. each rhymes — an everlasting reminder that we have come a long way. each lines flowing freely, hope leaking from every word of glory.

the secrets of the universe left untold, are found within stories we are yet to unfold. i hope we are to write these tales side by side; in this world once again beginning to prosper and thrive.

at the end of each day, we can sit on a cliff while gazing at the endless horizon. here we are to let memories stay, as the warmth remains all through the four seasons.

at the end of every adventure, we can lie in a comfy bed; thinking about how long it has been since tears stopped to shed. watching the rare sunrise we have always loved to witness; embraced by the bluest of skies — a reflection of tranquil prowess.

this serves as both a story and a letter — a reminder that in this small of a world, we have found the way together.

now all at ease, and at peace — everything has never been this better.

we have all the time in the world to reach the sublime; to have our courage be honored.

Blossoming in the midst of darkness

Bea De Leon

Lifethough seemingly complex is merely all about time and reasons and like the golden days, even the darkest era too shall pass because this world is only waiting for the change of seasons when greater wonders are uncovered as we turn the hourglass

I know that there are many things that I still need to ponder as I open a new chapter in life, I’m still in between What could be seen are the promise of spring offer as the blossoming of a daffodil is immensely a magical scene

I completely believe that this year is the most challenging time with all the stories of sufferings and chaos all around

I also believe though that life despite all these, is still sublime because in the midst of darkness, both love and kindness can be found

Leslie Mon

Lasang Matapang

Chrishia Mariz Mariano

Hindi maikakaila na ang buhay ay patuloy na nagbubuhos ng kumukulong problema.

Araw-araw na dinudurog, pinipino, at pinapaikot ang pagkatao. Nagkakamali man sa pagtantya ng lasa, ngunit hindi matatapos ang proseso sa pagiging kulang o sobra. Nakakapagod man ngunit patuloy na babangon upang subukan ang lasa ng pagsagip sa panibagong senaryo ng buhay. Patuloy sa paghanap ng pangbalanse sa tamis at pait na nararanasan.

Maniniwalang darating din ang panahon na aayon ang paghahalo para sa kinabukasan.

Kaya naman, sa kabila man ng mga pagsubok at pag-iisa. Hindi man nasisilayan ng iba ang kirot na nasa isipan at pagdurusa. Mahalaga ang magpahinga kasabay ng pagpapainit ng sikmura. Maaaring ang solusyon ay matagpuan sa pagitan ng pagod at pahinga kung nasaan ang palagi. Palaging rason para magpatuloy sa kabila ng paulit ulit na pagkadapa. Patuloy na pagsibol sa kabila ng kinahaharap. Patuloy na pagsubok sa kabila ng ta- kot at pangamba.

At para sa’yo na kukumpleto sa tamang lasa,.. Hangga’t umuusad ay patuloy na matututo at makakaahon. Huminto pansamantala at huminga upang maipanalo ang hamon.

Kung hindi ngayon, marami pang susunod na pagkakataon.

Butil ng Pamamahayag

Kahit kinakaharap ang mundo ng mag-isa, salamat dahil ika’y nagpapatuloy hanggang sa maitimpla ang inaasam na tamang lasa.

Kumusta ka? Tara kape.

malayo

Josyna Gwyneth Carreon

sa malaya

Mistulang

namamaos na ang mga sigaw na bitbit panahon

Nang halos ang ating puwang ay lumulubog, bumabaon

Pinagdurusahan ang kalayaang nakahimlay

na sa iisang balot ng kadiliman

Na dati’y pinag-alayan ng dumanak na dugo at ipinaglaban

Kalayaang mapaniil, naghihikahos, ipinapatalos ang unos

Ang boses na tila napaos, para bang unti-unting naubos

Kaya’t mahirap nang masagip lalo pa’t nakagapos

Kung ang hinahangad nating kaayusan sa lipunan ay naghihikahos

Hindi na tayo makakawala sa kaisapang ito— nakakalungkot, kalunos-lunos

Ito’y dapat lamang matamasa ng bawat kabataang Pilipino

Kilalanin bilang obligasyon at hindi lamang basta pribilehiyo

Sapagkat mahirap maging alipin ng kamangmangan

Kung bulag tayong makita ang kakayahang kumilatis ng katotohanan

Mumunting sigalot na nagsilang ng samu’t saring bangungot

Panahon nang gumising at bumangon kung ayaw nating sumibol sa yamot

Tayo ay pawang may mga kadena sa leeg, hila-hila ng sistemang bigo nating mapuksa

Kung pipiliin nating sa harap ng inhustisya— kasalanan na ang pumikit pa

Nang pinagkalooban ng pananagutan na magsilbi sa kapwa estudyante’t pamayanan, ang mga mamamahayag pangkampus ay boluntaryo’t di nagatubiling tumugon na ihayag ang katotohanang hayag lalo na ang ikinukubli at pinanlilinlang

At ano naman ang natutunan ng baguhan, ng payak nang pumasok sa serbisyong larangan?

Ang makipagkapwa ba sa ibang manunulat at iba pang alagad ng sining sa paglimbag upang malinang ang dunong, talento, at intelekto? O ang mas malalim pang hangad at layon?

Hindi panghabambuhay ang pagiging estudyante

At ganun din ang paninilbihan sa eskwelahan

Ngunit panghabambuhay ang pagpapabuti sa sarili at sa lipunan, habambuhay and hangarin na umunlad, upang mapaunlad ang katayuan ng ibang pinagkaitan at di kagayang pinagpala

Iyan marahil ang kagandahan ng kalinangan ng suma ng mga aral sa pangestudyanteng pahayagan

Bukod pa sa samahang hinubog ng banggaan at balisaksak na palitan ng wari’t intensiyon

Ito ang butil na tinabunan ng matabang lupa

ng sadya at hayag na pagsisilbi ng higit pa sa sarili

Ang butil na nasa puso, sumisibol saan man mapadpad na hindi winawari ang lugar, estado, o kalagayan; na laging mapanuri at mausisa sa lahat ng sitwasyon; na habang umuunlad ang kabuuan ng katauhan; sabayang yumayabong, namumukadkad, at namumunga; upang makapagtanim din ng butil sa puso ng iba

Tila sapot na yumayabong sa balisa’t takot kung lapnusin ang luksang nakasasalimuot

O’ pasagip mula sa nakaratay na anyas kung pagas ng simoy at salat ang balikwas

Balang araw, tayo ay makakahinga, lilipad, muling makaaalpas

Mula sa karahasang inubos ang ating lakas, madadanas ang kinabukasang pantay at patas

Huwag na nating hintayin pa ang pagputi ng uwak

At hayaang lamunin ng sistemang pahirap— pamatay-dapulak

Hindi na tayo muling iidlip, ‘di susuko sa libong magdamag

Marami pa, hindi pa tapos ang ating gampanin sa paghubog ng banaag

Upang baliktarin ang tatsulok ng maralita laban sa marangya

Dahil sa totoo lang— malayo pa tayo sa malaya.

Jeffrey Des Binwag

Butterflies in Human Form

Earlier this year, my friends and I set a little escapade to San Juan, La Union, to get together and catch up with each other.

Walking at the beach and looking at the sunset with them made me realize I am so lucky to have them—mycircle of friends and support system.

Sonai Longsiab

Marian Galila

Urban Canvas

Emmanuel Gregorio

Bless

Harold Soriano

Hindi alintana, hindi mabigat

Micko Nieves

Salt air sunset

Romar Joshua Lopez

Kim Angela Santos

There’s an undeniable magic in uncovering new paths, ones that feel unfamiliar yet somehow guide you back to your true self – to your old habits, your first love. For me, it was a journey of rediscovery, reigniting my passion for capturing life’s ordinary moments. Over the past year, I found myself adrift, disconnected from my own existence, lured by the allure of glitz and glamour, and neglecting the simple joys that once defined my days.

But these new paths unexpectedly led me back home. They allowed me to fall in love with life again, to revel in the beauty of the mundane, to capture moments without hesitation or judgment. There’s a muscle memory whenever I see something worth capturing, and for some reason, it still feels the same. I needed this moment to reignite the fire within me.

In every way, I found myself returning to my core, no matter how far I wandered or how high I climbed. It’s familiar, it’s simple, it’s a love I’ve lost touch with. It’s a comforting realization that, when everything else falls apart, the world will always guide me back home.

Detour

In the middle of the

-every time, you are near

Sunsets are beautiful on the rivers too, like the view from Anduyan Bridge, Tubao, La Union Kassy

Near the border of Sagada and Bauko lies a small village called Balintaugan that overlooks Mt. Polis.

When Nature Breathe: The Philosophy of Living Architecture

Angellie Eunice Baluyut

Shirleen Joy Aronchay

Tampisaw

Daryl Pangod

Beyon Sagada: The Hidden Village

Kian Kleig Aliguyon

Terreces

Yana Pasiwen

COVERAGES

Strings of Passion

Amidst the floral grand floats and the lively street dancers of Panagbenga 2024, young boys embrace their inner fairies and butterflies, spreading joy and inclusivity.

Micko Nieves

Feliz NAVI-Dad

Matt Ceazar Sanio

Romar Joshua Lopez

Boombastic Perya

Kassy Yana Pasiwen

Paru-parong Bukid

Marian Galila

Pink Movement

EMMANUEL GREGORIO VILLAMOR DUMLAO

PAUL DAVID BERMUDEZ

PIYASELLI WIJAYAWICKRAMA NADZ ALDRIN BENICO

CHRISHIA MARIZ MARIANO

KIAN KLEIG ALIGUYON ANGELO GAYTANO DEO JOHN ROSARIO DAVE ADRIAN ORTIZ JULES PHILIP TILLAY

ERIKA DYANE CORSINO MICKO NIEVES KASSY YANA PASIWEN

CHRISELYN ALCONIS ANGELICA CHRISTINE REYES

CANDISE OCAMPO

KAYE LEAH SITCHON