Broadsheet 2024, Vol. 18, No. 1

Raising Tides of Resistance

Against China’s Aggression “

SLU

hosted the fifth run of the Climate Change Summit with the theme, “Eco-consciousness and Technology: Exploring Sustainable Living in the Digital Era” at Fr. Gevers Conference Hall on October 24, 2024.

SLU organizations, including SLU Research and Innovation Center, SLU Office of

SLU

Bahaghari-SLU marks First Anniversary, amplifies importance of LGBTQIA+ Rights

Penelope Dela Cruz

To celebrate their first anniversary, Bahaghari-Saint Louis University (SLU) staged a ‘Blindfolded Free Hugs’ campaign to amplify their call to protect the rights and freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community around Main Campus on November 16, 2023.

In an interview, Bahaghari-SLU spokesperson Ralph Lauren Lagamia highlighted the importance of expanding the organization’s reach and impact on campus to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

“Gusto naming ma-achieve is lumawak ang hanay ng Bahaghari-SLU, dahil gusto naming maipakita na it’s not just them; there’s us, there’s this collective of LGBTQ+ people inside a Catholic Institution,” Lagamia said.

Further, Michelle Sanchez, a second-year Psychology student and one of the participants, shared her thoughts regarding the campaign.

“Para sa‘kin, ‘yong simple hug

gender na society is used to, does not make them any less,” said Sanchez.

“LGBT Right is a Human Right, and I believe we all deserve to be treated equally with respect regardless of our gender identity. If we deny the rights of others, then they cannot live their lives to the fullest,” Sanchez added.

Following the theme “Tayo-tayo: the youth’s involvement in synodality and social transformation,” Atty. Robredo, as the keynote speaker, highlighted topics such as progressive learning, youth empowerment, economic growth, and sustainable practices.

Moreover, the keynote address was followed by an open forum where the audience composed of student leaders and organizations representing the different ACUP participating schools, among which was Saint Louis University (SLU), were given the opportunity to raise questions.

Progressive over traditional: a way to enhance educational systems

Drawing on her experiences abroad, Atty. Robredo shared her insights on the ineffectiveness of traditional learning methods and advocated for a more progressive approach that fosters critical thinking, aiming to enhance educational systems.

“‘Yung tingin ko na maganda roon [education in the US] sa kanila ‘yung tinitignan nila ‘yung education from a more holistic standpoint. Hindi lang siya ‘yung academics and kung titignan natin ‘yung how they are faring, mukhang maganda siyang standpoint in the sense na nadedevelop natin na ‘yung mga bata mas confident na magcontribute to social change,” Atty. Robredo said.

“Yung rigidity sa atin, parang nawawala ‘yung confidence ng mga kabataan, napupushback, kasi parang ‘yung mindset natin, ‘Wala pa tayong boses kasi bata pa tayo.’ Pero ‘pag mas binigyan ng espasyo ‘yung mga bata na mahalaga ‘yung boses nila, mas confident sila. Para sa kanila lagi siyang bahagi ng pag-aaral na binibigyan ‘yung

/lanternlightsofSLU P1

mga estudyante na lumawak ‘yung horizon and matuto outside the classroom,” she added.

Further, she emphasized the importance of schools providing spaces and opportunities for young people to engage using the US education system as an example, where students have lighter course loads, allowing them greater time to participate in causes they are passionate about.

“Dahil gano’n ‘yung sistema, maraming pagkakataon for them to involve themselves in causes and advocacies they are passionate about and ‘yung pag-involve na ‘yon binibigyan ng malaking value. Sa atin kasi parang very academic lahat. ‘Yung Asian perspective punong-puno talaga. Parang andoon ‘yung rigidity na parang ‘yung involvement sa community tinitignan siya as a requirement nalang. ‘Yung rigidity, hindi siya nagbibigay ng parang innovativeness at creativity tapos ‘yung sinasabi kanina na ‘yung ishshape-up ‘yung system dahil ‘yung mindset sa atin parati [ay] sumusunod [sa] kung ano ‘yung requirement,” she said.

Aside from discussing topics related to the educational system, Atty. Robredo also addressed queries regarding economic growth and sustainability, explaining that addressing the root causes of societal inequities is essential before discussing sustainability initiatives.

Empowering youth involvement in pressing issues

During the open forum, Atty. Robrebo encouraged the students to focus on the things that need to be done instead of being overwhelmed by the problems from a macro level point of view as a response to a question regarding possible

Since the previous Lantern parade was non-competing, Father Sales further implied that they made this year a friendly competition among schools to boost the Louisians’ creativity.

“I think this is to encourage creativity and also a little energy from our participants. Kasi, ‘pag hindi competition, siyempre ‘yung mga participants natin, walang energy to be creative. So, that is why we decided that it’s going to be a competition, pero friendly competition, because Louisians naman tayong lahat,” Rev. Fr. Sales said.

CICM Mission Stations in the Philippines

For the parade of 2023, participants represented the provinces and cities in our country that the CICM missionaries visited through their lantern designs and individual performances.

Representing Cebu, Basic Education School (BEdS) showcased lanterns inspired by emblems of the province’s rich cultural heritage: the Sinulog Festival, Christianity, and Kalasag.

Meanwhile, the School of Medicine’s (SOM) lanterns reflected the historical significance of Manila as the Capital of the Philippines, a melting pot of diverse cultures, and the influence of Catholicism through the CICM congregation.

Highlighting the rich history and culture of Cagayan, the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) featured the importance of the Cagayan River, its produce and festivals, and Our Lady of Piat.

Moreover, the School of Law (SOL) showcased the resiliency of the people in Bacolod, the City of Smiles, through lanterns that depict crises that these people experienced.

Further, the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) danced with their lanterns that exhibited La Union’s renowned pristine beaches, iconic surfing waves, and grapevine landscapes.

Encapsulating the essence of the Kalinga tribe, the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA)

actions other than raising awareness to contribute to the alleviation of the crisis on making education inclusive for all in the country.

“‘Drown out the noise,’ kasi there is so much that needs to be done, and para sa‘kin, just look for the spaces that are available for us and fill out those spaces. Parang don’t imagine that you can change the world – lahat tayo may ambisyon to change the world ‘di ba pero ‘pag tinignan natin kasi from a very macro-level, parang everything is hopeless already,” Atty. Robredo said.

Moreover, the Former Vice President urged school administrators to also take part in standing against social concerns as a stepping stone in protecting students, most especially those who participate in social causes in response to a student leader who raised concerns about the safety of students who volunteer for social justice programs, and are subjected to red tagging.

“Halimbawa, issues on the environment, issues on social justice, issues on gender, mining. Ako, ‘pag ang paaralan mas aktibo sa pag-advocate ng issues na ‘to, parang it becomes second nature to the students so sa‘kin siguro ‘yong advice ko sa mga eskwelahan [ay] parang alisin ‘yong mindset na ‘pag sinasalungat natin ‘yong gobyerno, kapag sinasalungat natin ‘yong status quo, masama tayo,” she said.

“‘Yong manahimik parang nagiging contributory ka sa injustices ‘di ba? So, para sa‘kin, dahil marami namang representatives ng schools dito, pag-usapan ‘yong issues that students are passionate about. Pag-usapan and provide a space where students are given safe spaces to discuss these advocacies,” she added.

crafted lanterns adorned with the CICM’s legacy, local produce like oranges and chili, indigenous craftsmanship, and Kalinga’s esteemed tattoo artist, Apo Whang-Od.

Deriving from Nueva Vizcaya’s diverse tribal communities and agricultural heritage, the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) highlighted the region’s bountiful cultural legacy.

Moreover, a grand University Float created by the Architecture Department of SEA highlighted the theme “Missions on Horseback” representing the legacy of Rev. Fr. Florimund Carlu, CICM, in his Catholic missions in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Lantern Parade Competition Comeback

After the performances, Fr. Sales, along with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, awarded the trophies to the recipients of the different award categories.

For this year’s competition, SOM bagged the award for Overall Champion along with the minor awards “Best in Illumination” and “Best in Field Performance”.

In an interview, Don Gabriel Beronilla, SOM’s Head of

SCHEMA bags overall champion

With an overall score of 417 points and winning a cash prize of P20,000.00, SCHEMA, the official student publication of the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) hauled podium awards to claim the overall champion in the White & Blue’s first-ever Inter-school Publication Press Conference (ISPC) held at Saint Louis University (SLU) Gonzaga Campus, April 19-20, 2024.

Following the theme, “Masid at Siwalat: Patuloy na Pagtataguyod sa Naratibo ng Kamalayan,” the event aimed to deepen the knowledge of student writers about the topics in line with the theme through a series of lectures and workshops, showcase the skills of each student publication fostering good relationships within student journalists, and to enhance skills as the sentinels of truth for the student body.

Among the participants are the four official student publications of the undergraduate schools of

and Daily Dose of the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) who took fourth place with 220 points and took home a P5,000.00 cash prize.

Choreography, expressed happiness for their success, which they attribute to their hard work, sacrifices, and the support of their seniors.

“Very happy kami kasi sobra ‘yung pinagdaanan namin dito. May klase kami mula umaga hanggang gabi, tapos magpa-practice pa kami. So, really the effort and the sacrifices. Very thankful din kami sa mga seniors namin na tumutulong sa‘min, so we’re very happy. This is a success not only for the first year but for the School of Medicine talaga na buo—- lahat ng doctors and all,” said Beronilla.

Further, awards for first, second, third, and fourth-runner up were given to SEA, STELA, SOL, and SONAHBS, respectively.

Other minor awards were given to SAMCIS for “Eco-lantern Innovation,” BEdS for “Most Colorful Group,” STELA for “Best Rhythmic Accompaniment,” SONAHBS for “Most Disciplined Group,” and SEA for “Best Parade Concept” and “Best in Street Parade.”

To end the night, the audience were entertained once again with a fireworks display sponsored by SM City Baguio.

Faith Revaño and Angelica Christine Reyes

To commence the second day of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc. (ACUP) first-ever youth gathering, Atty. Maria Leonor

“Leni” Robredo, Chairperson and President of Angat Buhay and Former Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, addressed various topics on youth empowerment and social transformation at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen Center for Culture and the Arts Theater last July 24, 2024.

With the conclusion of the three-day Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) Elections,

Elections (SLU COMELEC) officially proclaimed the new set of officers on October 11, 2023 at the P700 Audio

Following the results, sole candidates from Partido Reporma ng mga Mag-aaral ng San Luis-Alliance of Concerned Students (REPORMA-ACS) were able to secure all the positions of the KASAMA/SSC Executive Committee.

The elections ended with a voter turnout of 26.36%, with 6,364 students casting their votes out of 23,471. As specified in the breakdown per school, the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) garnered the highest turnout with 37.16%, while the School of Law (SOL) garnered the lowest with 1.37%.

Christine Faith Mallillin, COMELEC Chairperson and School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) Commissioner, shared her thoughts on this

SLU

holds

year’s voter turnout.

“To be realistic kasi, last year, five days ta’s naging 29 point something [percent] ‘yung turnout and this year, nag-risk kami na three days lang kasi still talagang nakalagay sa Omnibus is one day. However, with the online voting, we tried three days and right now doon sa voters turnout natin we’re already happy with that,” Mallillin said.

Moreover, Mallillin added that the abstain option is for the formality of refraining from voting especially for the unopposed candidates.

“With the unopposed candidates, it’s really take[n] a toll with the number of voters kasi there’s the thinking na mag-aabstain ka rin… I hope that the students would know that

Gawad

within the website, there is an abstain vote para mas formal ‘yung pag-abstain nila kasi, naka-count ‘yung votes nila,” Mallillin added.

Meanwhile, Engr. Erwin Posadas, COMELEC Adviser, cited frustrations regarding the student body’s lack of participation in this year’s elections.

“Actually this particular exercise is one of the things that students must already be learning so that by the time [that] they will really be voting for the national elections and even local elections, they are ready, they are well-prepared as to how to choose a particular candidate that can really be of help to them, who can help them, who can support them, who can serve them,” Engr. Posadas stated.

Villamor Dumlao

Student leaders from various publications and organizations assembled for the Louisian Convergence spearheaded by Office of Student Affairs (OSAS), Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW), and Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center (SCYWC) at Fr. Francis Gevers Hall last January 29, 2024. Following the theme, “Inclusivity & Digital Citizenship Journeying Together Towards Catholic Integral Formation and Global Excellence,” the event aimed to promote inclusivity, awareness of mission, and digital literacy among Louisian leaders by series of symposiums.

Executive Assistant to the President Joselito Gutierrez and Community Extension and Outreach Program Office Chairperson Charmaine Mendoza kicked off the convergence with the talk regarding the role of the student leaders in promoting Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) advocacies and involvement to the community.

Further, OSAS Assistant Director Romano Bulatao inspired Louisian leaders as he tackled inclusivity in the eyes of faith that reminds Louisians

bythenumbers

Voter turnout of

Moreover,

26.36%

with 6,364 students casting their votes out of 23,471

San Luis 2024, recognizes outstanding groups and individuals

Reyes

To recognize the exceptional skills and achievements of the students in leadership and their fields, Saint Louis University

Daelen, CICM Center for Culture and Arts Theater on May 8, 2024.

Rev. Father Gilbert Sales, CICM, University President, welcomed the awardees in his opening remarks, highlighting the four core values of the university: Competence, Creativity, Social Involvement, and Christian Spirit, on which the given awards were based.

“It is apparent that our students have imbibed the Louisian culture of excellence, one that makes use of excellence not only for our own benefit but more importantly, for the benefit of others, may that be their school, their community, or even their country… May you always foster your creativity, competence, social involvement, and Christian spirit within and more so beyond the nook and cranny of Saint Louis University. As Louisans, do not forget that you pursue Missio et Excellentia at all times,” Father Sales said.

Major awards were given to the SLU Political Science Academy Society for the Jose Burgos Award for Christian Spirit, the School of Engineering and Architecture Honor Society for the Fernando Amorsolo Award for Creativity, and the Young Entrepreneur’s Society for the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Social Involvement and the Jose Rizal Award for Competence.

Further, the Presidential Awards were also given to the School of Engineering and Architecture Honor Society for Best Extra-Curricular Organization while the Young Entrepreneur’s Society was awarded Best Co-Curricular Organization.

Meanwhile, Lea Nexei Emiliano, President of the Psyche Society, received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Leadership.

“I think it’s really a testament for all our hard work, not only me but the (Psyche) society, our adviser, our officers, our committee members, and the students who participated in our events is the proof that we really did our best for our department,” Emiliano said on winning the award.

Emiliano also explained that the driving forces for a student leader to persevere during trying times are motivation and passion.

“Do it scared. Your motivation, your passion to be a student leader is really a strong driving force to work for your community, may it be an extra-curricular or a co-curricular, a publication – do it scared. Natural na as a student leader, nakakapagod pero ‘wag

ka panghihinaan ng loob... takot ka man pero kung maniniwala ka sa sarili mo, it would happen,” Emiliano said.

Moreover, Triceayn Marie Prestousa, Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Director, expressed her message to the awardees, encouraging them to continue living out the Louisian core values within and outside the campus.

“For our student leaders and awardees that they may continue to live up to the four core values of the university. You know when they get out from our campus portals, those are the basic things that will stay with them— Creativity, Competence, Social Involvement, and Christian Spirit. Hopefully, this one-of-a-kind Gawad San Luis for students will leave a mark on them that wherever they go, they carry with them this missionary excellence in terms of leadership,” Prestousa said.

LPT, Bro. Jonel Damilag, CICM, and data privacy and cybersecurity advocate Sam Jacoba ventured on topics highlighting gender inclusivity, principles of the CICM mission, and privacy concepts in cyberspace, respectively.

Montañosa Film Festival Campus Caravan visits SLU

Angeline Fajardo

In partnership with the Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) Campus Caravan, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Lakbay Sine held a film screening at the Saint Louis University (SLU) Fr. Gever’s Hall yesterday, March 21.

With the theme “Building bridges beyond boundaries,” the film screening featured two LGBTQIA+ themed films, namely ‘All The Things Left Unsaid’ by Josh Van Ulric Ocampo and ‘Distance’ by Percival Intalan.

Mae U. Caraldem, Division Head of the CCP Film Broadcast and New Media, elaborated on this year’s MFF Campus Caravan theme.

“Ang film ay isang bridge to create meanings, and once we have crossed that bridge, we embrace the film, tayo na mismo ang author ng pelikula. Binibigyan nating kahulugan batay sa ating background,” Caraldem explained.

Moreover, Caraldem conveyed her joy to be able to organize the Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) Campus Caravan for the second time at SLU.

“The feeling was really great, ‘di ko malubos-lubos ‘yung pasasalamat namin, specifically to the Louisian audience. Kasi, when we launched Lakbay Sine last year, kabadong-kabado kami kasi it’s our first time… maraming doubts, but then that first run nailed it– natuwa kami. Gusto naming ulitin, parang we owe it to you na mas marami pa kaming mapupuntahang lugar, mas marami pang kabataan kasi gano’n naman talaga ‘yung objective,” Caraldem said. Angelica Christine Reyes, Faith Revaño and Keziah Mae Tingga-an Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) Executive

of the Academic Year 2022-2023.

In a recent consultation with the Office of the Internal Auditor, KASAMA/SSC ExeCom President for A.Y. 2023-2024 Ashli Sophia de Castro shared that they reached a resolution in addressing the problem.

“They were told that the university will be accepting scanned copies for reimbursements, whether they were processed during the previous term or the current term, given that they were activities conducted during the previous term. Also, they still had to comply with other requirements aside from the receipts,” de Castro said.

Accordingly, in the Minutes of the Meeting report held last July 21, KASAMA/SSC identified improvements and suggestions, including a request of easing document processing, utilizing online platforms for communication, providing a budget and reimbursement overview, empowering existing finance and auditing positions, and assigning a specific office to the Committee on Budget and Appropriations in the next Congress of Louisians.

Prior to ExeCom’s resolve on the matter, Josh Andrei Guevarra, former KASAMA/SSC School of Engineering and

Architecture (SEA) Assembly Governor for A.Y. 2022-2023, released a Facebook statement last July 18 concerning the prolonged reimbursement and budget release system due to ExeCom’s refusal to set a meeting.

KASAMA/SSC officials, COA share stance on prolonged requests, point out admin’s rigidity

During a Messenger-based interview, de Castro identified factors for the prolonged reimbursement request.

“The university previously allowed scanned copies of receipts and also e-signatures during the pandemic, but upon backtracking, they reverted back to physical copies and signatures in early 2023,” de Castro stated. “It didn’t help that there were also problems encountered in identifying whether or not the stores some offices transacted with were BIR-registered.”

In line with this, de Castro also shared that the School Assemblies had to resort to reimbursements due to the delay in their budget requests, highlighting the administration’s “ridiculous bureaucracy.”

Per the issue, Guevarra illustrated instances that complicated the implementation of some projects due to discrepancies in the budget release during his term.

“Nagulat na lang kami na ‘di pa rin na-release [‘yung budget]… Doon na namin nalaman na biglang need ng physical copy [ng receipts],” Guevarra shared. “Other projects kasi namin includes cash prizes and honorarium. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin naibibigay sa mga recipients since wala pang nare-release na budget.”

Further, both de Castro and Auditor-General of the Commission on Audit (COA) Marcus Etham Villegas pointed out the Internal Auditor’s inflexibility regarding rules and policies.

“The process of budget requests in the council is rigorous as it is,” de Castro said. “It was a challenge finding an opportunity to negotiate things… as the Internal Auditor of the university is strict in his imposition of policies and rules.”

“No matter how much we disagree with this strict policy, wala rin kaming magagawa but to follow this if gano’n sila ‘katigas’ sa admin,” Villegas added.

Kamal Khaled Kamal Khedr, Jhanver Mallare, and Faith Revaño

Saint Louis University Commission on

Room (AVR), Perfecto Building.

Angelica Christine

(SLU) held Gawad San Luis 2024 at the Fr. Joseph Van den

THE FRUIT OF LEADERSHIP. Gawad San Luis award finalists grace the stage of CCA Theater, last May 8, 2024. Photo by Villamor Dumlao

SLU celebrates 112th Foundation Anniversary; Louisian Community welcomes Yuletide season

In line with the celebration of the university’s 112th Founding

Christmas Tree lighting ceremony to welcome the Yuletide

grounds last November 28, 2023.

SLU lights up SONAHBS-sponsored Christmas Tree

Prior to the Lighting Ceremony, the SLU Symphonic-Marching Band performed traditional Christmas songs to embrace the Foundation Week’s theme: “Cor Unum et Anima Una: Journeying Towards Catholic Integral Formation and Global Excellence.”

Thereafter, SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert Sales, CICM, assisted by University Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Feline Espique, Vice President for Administration Atty. Shellah Yzanne Merced, and Vice President for Finance Dr. Roberto Arguelles blessed the Christmas tree sponsored by the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) shortly after the Liturgical readings.

In an interview, Dr. Allan Jay Espiritu, SONAHBS Associate Dean, revealed the inspiration of this academic year’s Christmas tree.

“Cordilleran Christmas; so kung titignan ninyo mayroon siyang G-string, tapos si Santa Claus naka-bahag din. ‘Yong flower, flowers of the Cordilleras. Gaya ng sabi noong host natin, we are trying to inculcate simplicity and humility, which is part of not only [our] Cordilleran Culture, but of course, the Filipino people,” stated Dr. Espiritu.

Further, Dr. Espiritu emphasized that the materials utilized for the tree are mostly recyclable.

“Purely lahat no’ng mga ornaments, they are all recyclable. So like for example, ‘yung mga malalaking logo, they will be

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donated to the schools representing them and ‘yung mga maliliit, ibibigay din natin sa kanila. Sintra board ‘to; ibig sabihin, hindi basta-bastang tinatapon, so ipo-post natin sa mga offices and then of course, the lights,” said Dr. Espiritu.

ST. WOLF, TONEEJAY, Zild perform electrifying indie, rock hits in TLF 08

Following the tree lighting ceremony, Louisians jived to the hits of various OPM artists in The Louisian Feels 08 (TLF 08) spearheaded by the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) Executive Committee, entitled “Comeback Mo Mukha Mo!”.

To kick off the campus concert, Preza, an SLU-born band, serenaded the crowd with an original composition and song covers of Rob Deniel’s “Ulap” and Juan Karlos’ “May halaga pa ba ako sayo??”.

After which, as the event’s first main act, the alternative / indie rock duo ST. WOLF, composed of KL Dela Cruz and Bob Sadural, performed tracks on love and social issues and injustice including their original compositions “Am I Enough?” “Lapastangan,” “Papara,” “Sana,” and their cover of Bamboo’s “Tatsulok”. Further, they also sang an unreleased original composition highlighting the ups and downs that one experiences entitled “Langit”.

Following the lineup, alternative / indie singer TONEEJAY performed a mixture of his unreleased and hit songs to the Louisian community. Among his unreleased tracks were “Aurora,” “Inner Child,” and “Lumang

Kaibigan.” Moreover, the concert crowd sang their hearts out as he belted out some of his chart-topping hits, “Parang Magic,” his former band Munimuni’s hit song “Bawat Piyesa,” and his latest hit, “711.”

Further, the Louisian crowd was filled with rock festive spirit as Zild, the final act of the live sessions, headlines and performs some of his tracks from his Medisina and Huminga Album including “CRAB”, “Dekada ’70”, “Bahala Ka Na”, “Kyusi”, “Dasal/Kasal”, “Duda”, “Huminga”, “Oh Lunes Nanaman”, “Medisina”, and “Isang Anghel”.

Louisians on TLF 08 experience

Meanwhile, students from the audience shared their insights on the first day of The Louisian Feels 08 - Comeback Mo Mukha Mo!”

“Sobrang breathtaking [ng] experience. Nag-exceed sa aking expectation iyong mga [na-prepare] ng organizers ng event na ito,” Jerome Fereira, a second-year BS Radiologic Technology student, said.

Meanwhile, Sean Dominguez, a second-year BS Radiologic Technology student, shared that the campus concert served as an excellent avenue to relieve stress.

“Masaya naman po, nakakapag palabas ng stress,” Dominguez implied.

Aside from the campus concert, the highly-anticipated SLU Lantern Parade was set to be the concluding event for Foundation Week. The parade will take place on Thursday evening, December 1 at Session Road and Melvin Jones Grandstand.

First runner-up spot shines for SLU Dance Troupe in 2024 Philippine Cultural Dance Competition

Penelope Dela Cruz

With the theme “From the Philippines to the World: Dance Beyond Borders”, the competition aimed to celebrate diversity, encourage collaboration, and inspire a passion for dance while promoting values of peace, unity, and cultural understanding.

In an interview, Sherwin Santiago, SLU Dance Troupe Trainer and Choreographer, expressed that their success was an opportunity to feature Cordillera heritage and artistry on a national platform.

“Winning first runner-up in the 2024 Philippine Cultural Dance Competition was more than a victory for us— it was an opportunity to showcase the artistic excellence of the SLU Dance Troupe and share the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera region on a national stage. Participating alongside other universities was a significant platform for us to promote our identity and passion for dance,” said Santiago

Moreover, he also shared that the troupe strategically adapted their routine for the competition.

“The group’s preparation was quite thorough, given the extensive history of performing this repertoire at numerous events. Encouraged by the positive feedback and accolades from our audience, we were eager to participate in this event. We made strategic revisions to

the ranks, placing 601-800 globally, a notable rise from its former position in the 801-1000 bracket.

According to its official website, THE Impact Rankings recognizes and honors universities that thrive across multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the significance of academia in leading sustainable solutions for pressing global challenges.

In evaluating, the sum of an institution’s performance in SDG 17 and its top three results on the remaining 16 SDGs determines the total score. SDG 17 accounts for 22% of the final score, with the three remaining SDGs bearing 26%.

SLU performed well in SDG 5, Gender Equality; SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production; and SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being. Combining its score on the former three along with its SDG 17, Partnership for Goals score, the university garnered 64.5-69.8% in its total score.

Marcos Jr. urges preparation as external threats intensify

Penelope Dela Cruz

Due to escalating tension over the Indo-Pacific region regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea and concerns about a potential conflict over Taiwan, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the country must strengthen its defenses for any eventuality.

The Philippines and China have a long-standing dispute over the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the country’s proximity to Taiwan makes the Philippines an area of interest for China, Marcos Jr. said to troops at a military base in Isabela, a northern province bordering Taiwan.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and resists any steps toward Taiwanese autonomy.

“The external threat now has become more pronounced, has become more worrisome, and that is why we have to prepare,” Marcos Jr. said to troops on June 10, 2024, which the Malacanang shared last June 11. Moreover, he said the Philippines prioritizes self-defense while seeking peaceful solutions through diplomacy.

filed to outlaw

Following a series of crimes involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 2689, seeking to outrightly ban the operations of offshore gaming hubs in the Philippines on May 21, 2024.

According to Gatchalian, it would repeal Republic Act No. 11590, otherwise known as ‘An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations,’ which former President Rodrigo Duterte had signed into law in September 2021.

“The main goal is ultimately to outlaw and prohibit offshore gaming operations in the country,” Gatchalian said.

The bill was submitted due to Malacanang’s inaction on the Senate’s recommendation to ban POGOs due to its links to human trafficking and scams and its costs outweighing benefits.

Raids on the offshore gaming hubs for criminal activities including Colorful and Leap Group in Clark Freeport Zone, Smart Web Technology in Pasay City, Xinchuang Network Technology in Las Piñas, and Zun Yuan Technology in Bamban, Tarlac, where its mayor, Alice Guo, was allegedly involved in its operation were cited in Gatchalian’s bill.

INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL

Escudero takes seat as new Senate president

Penelope Dela Cruz

On May 20, 2024, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri stepped down as the Senate president, handing the third highest post to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

In his privilege speech, Zubiri shared that he lost his position because he did not “follow instructions” from the “powers that be.”

“I have never dictated my position to any of you, and I always supported your independence—which is probably why I face my demise today. I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be,” Zubiri said.

Meanwhile, in Escudero’s first address as the Senate president, he expressed gratitude to the former Senate leader with hopes of learning from him as they move forward.

“My hats off to you. I salute you, and I hope I will make you proud… Hopefully, you will not leave my side when I ask for guidance and your wisdom. Sana magkasama tayo sa mga darating na panahon, ” Escudero said.

Further, to accommodate Escudero’s new appointments, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Francis Tolentino took their oaths as the new Senate President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader, respectively, replacing Senator Loren Legarda and Senator Joel Villanueva.

In addition, Senator Nancy Binay, Senator Sonny Angara, and Senator JV Ejercito resigned from their chairpersonship of various committees.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian nominated Escudero for the position, which was unanimously approved by the 24-member body.

China Coast Guard seizes supplies from PH troops; sunken supplies retrieved

Keziah Tingga-an Due to escalating tension over the Indo-Pacific region regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea and concerns about a potential conflict over Taiwan, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the country must strengthen its defenses for any eventuality.

The Philippines and China have a long-standing dispute over the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the country’s proximity to Taiwan makes the Philippines an area of interest for China, Marcos Jr. said to troops at a military base in Isabela, a northern province bordering Taiwan.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and resists any steps toward Taiwanese autonomy.

“The external threat now has become more pronounced, has become more worrisome, and that is why we have to prepare,” Marcos Jr. said to troops on June 10, 2024, which the Malacanang shared last June 11. Moreover, he said the Philippines prioritizes selfdefense while seeking peaceful solutions through diplomacy.

Speakers encourage climate action

To start the discussion proper, Engr. Marivic Empizo of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) presented the first topic entitled “Eco-consciousness and Technology: Exploring Sustainable Living in the Digital Era/Local Climate Change Action Plan/Climate Change Council/Programs and Grants on Research and Innovations.” Engr. Empizo tackled the vision and mission of CEPMO, the current challenges and situation of Baguio City, technology and sustainability, the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) 2021-2030, and ways forward.

“We’re trying to bridge the gap between the industry, the government, and the academe. We’re moving already away from those theories and going into practical applications,” Engr. Empizo said.

She also shared that they have already finished conducting seminars at five universities and will consolidate all their accomplishments and action plan of the climate change council for next year.

Meanwhile, Maria Agnes Garcia from Zero Waste Baguio, Inc. tackled the second presentation with the topic “Solid Waste Management Programs,” covering the bane of single-use plastic and proposing solid waste management programs.

“We are begging our city… let’s stop with the false solutions. We want real solutions that are zero-waste systems to reduce waste, prevent further waste, and can be repeated and used many times,” Garcia said.

Further, Garcia proposed the use of a zero-waste hierarchy and condemned the burning of trash.

“Burning waste is the most unacceptable [way of disposal] because it causes pollution. But, we are in favor of all the upper tiers of the triangle— we have residuals management, materials recovery, recycling or composting, reuse, reduce, and rethink or redesign,” Garcia said.

As the third speaker, Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of Eco-waste Coalition, delved into the topic of “Safe Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Management and Disposal.”

Moreover, Engr. Kurt Paningbatan from the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office (CPDO) discussed “Digital Disruptions for Sustainable Living: Research, Innovation, and Action/Safe and Sound Cities Program,” which includes Baguio City’s Safe and Sound programs, comprehensive land use plan, community-based monitoring system, and SIGLAD Baguio Youth Innovation Hub.

Engr. Paningbatan also shared the development growth nodes to make Baguio City greener and pedestrian-friendly.

Further, Engr. Daphne Leal of SLU discussed the university’s programs, research, and innovations on eco-consciousness and technology, which focused on the university’s current actions aligned with the United Nations SDGs, as well as research articles from the School of Engineering and Architecture.

Challenges, lessons learned amidst environmental issues

Meanwhile, Hon. Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, Ecology, and Environmental Protection, left a question for the participants in her closing remarks.

“So, I ask you, in terms of our planet Earth, do you know your role as a human being on this Earth? When you were making the workshop, I hope you were not only thinking [about] what your organization or your group can do. I hope you were thinking of what you, as a human being, [could] do to make this a better world for all of us. That is what I hope you were thinking about, and in case you’re not thinking of that, maybe now you should think about it,” Hon. Tabanda said.

Moreover, Mr. Earth Philippines 2023 Kurt Justin Santiago delivered a message entitled “Challenge to the Youth.”

“We should start by challenging the status quo. We refuse to accept a disposable culture that contributes to mountains of waste. We have to reduce, reuse, recycle. We have to say no to the use of single-use plastics, and we have to make sustainable choices every day,” Santiago said.

In addition, Jim Abella, one of the participants in the Climate Change Summit, shared that being proactive, environmentally aware, and responsible is the most important thing that the youth should practice.

“The most important thing that I have picked up was the importance of being proactive in terms of being environmentally aware and responsible,” Abella said.

Among the attendees are the Louisian Student leaders from several school assemblies and the Sanggunian ng mga Nagkakaisang Mag-aaral (SANAMA) student government from SLU Junior High and Senior High School.

Bill

offshore gaming ops

Penelope Dela Cruz

BBMAJPO heads commuter’s caucus for PUVMP

Jhanver Mallare

With the aim to cease the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), Baguio-Benguet Movement Against Jeepney Phaseout (BBMAJPO) conducted a commuter’s conference at Burnham Park’s IP Center, February 10, 2024.

Mike Cabangon, Convenor of BBMAJPO and Spokesperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno, spearheaded the discussion, underscoring its title, “Ang palpak, pahirap, at hindi makataong PUVMP.”

During the conference, Cabangon said that the consolidation of PUVMP — wherein jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form a cooperative or corporation, has been involuntary due to the imposed threat of losing their livelihood since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Eh nu’ng panahon na ‘yon, kailangang kailangan ng mga operator driver ang magbiyahe. Ngayon, pinag-consolidate sila at sapilitan. Para makapagbyahe ka, mag-consolidate ka. Para makapag-consolidate ka, pipirma ka roon sa undertaking waiver – na voluntary waiver ng individual franchise,” Cabangon said.

In line with this, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Cordillera Administrative Region (LTFRB-CAR) announced that 93.44 percent of public utility jeepneys in the region have already consolidated prior to the threemonth consolidation extension until April 30.

However, Cabangon emphasized their call for the abolishment of the program instead of a consolidation extension.

Moreover, Marylyn Cayat, a jeepney operator, stressed that the 2.8 million

Baguio kicks off Creative Festival, celebrates sixth year as UNESCO Creative City

Penelope Dela Cruz

and Cultural Center on November 11, 2023.

National Artist for Visual Arts Mr. Benedict “BenCab” Cabrera led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for “Subli: A Contemporary Art Exhibit by Baguio Arts Guild (BAG),” which showcased the Guild’s artistic evolution over its 34-year history, featuring representative works by 30 artists.

Further, the program featured a community theater production of “Mt. Dinayao, A Kalinga Legend” which included performances by Tanghalang SLU, SLU Concert Orchestra, Binnadang Cultural Dance Troupe, UB BIBAK Ubbun Kaafuan, Kadwa Drum Beats, Blue Ruins with JV Romawac, Karen Navarette-Anton, Baguio Metamorphosis, Samantha Hamada, and Araw Romawac. Youth Empowerment

In an interview, Engr. Aloysius C. Mapalo, City Tourism Officer and Festival Director, highlighted one of the main objectives of the event.

“Together with the members of the Creative Council, [the objective] is to integrate from the ground ‘yung mga younger generation, particularly in the barangay communities, to start knowing and understanding the essence of our designation as a Creative City,” Engr. Mapalo said.

Further, he explained that they work to expose the younger generation to traditional crafts and arts inspired by Cordilleran culture.

“One problem kasi that we saw when we started the festival years ago is [that] not a lot of the young people are really interested in arts. Of course, mas [inclined]

peso modernized jeepney will be a financial burden for the operators and drivers, and will only contribute to a higher commuter’s fee.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Carl Nisperos, a jeepney commuter and a student from Saint Louis University (SLU), shared his thoughts regarding the effects of the said program on student commuters.

”Mahihirapan [kami] sa pag-budget mostly. Kasi akala ko rati, ‘yung pamasahe parang dati,

ngayon sa technology, and then mga sciences— the more popular professions. We would like to expose them, kaya we have activities lined up for them. One of those

na maganda nilang makita is how the crafts and arts of Baguio are inspired really by Cordilleran culture,” Mapalo stated.

Cultural Preservation

In addition, Justine Tarah Marie Valencia, Miss Baguio Turismo 2023, emphasized the Ibagiw festival’s role in bringing the people of Baguio and tourists together.

“Ibagiw festival has been celebrated for years now because it’s a way to showcase local crafts and folk arts of the Baguio people. With this being celebrated, it is also a way for us people of Baguio or even all the tourists to come together as a whole and as a family and celebrate our own culture,” Valencia said.

Meanwhile, Eula Arielle Paltep, Miss Baguio Kultura 2023, underscored the need to safeguard and promote Baguio’s rich culture.

“It’s very evident that Baguio is such a melting pot of different cultures and customs here in the Cordillera, and I think it is important that we showcase it annually so that we can preserve and protect it for future generations. It is just a manifestation that it should be shown not only here in Baguio but for the world to see,” Paltep stated.

Ibagiw: Baguio Creative Festival 2023 is a two-week cultural event that celebrates the city’s rich creative heritage and offers an immersive art experience, featuring a diverse art exhibit and activities open from November 11-27.

Following the theme “Martial

activities to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the

Carrying placards with calls and chants to junk terror law, to say “never again” to Martial Law, “presyo ibaba, sahod itaas,” and to defend press freedom, the hundreds of protesters from the University of the Philippines - Baguio, University of Baguio (UP-B),

and

Walking along Magsaysay Avenue, a group of policemen barricaded the protesters with a

of

shields, forcing the

to

their planned route and turn back to Malcolm Square, where they held the main program.

Aktibista hindi terorista

Ned Tuguinay, spokesperson of the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) gave a speech to criticize the administration’s tendencies to side with imperialist countries like America and China, and to lambast Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds and comments about drop-out rates being attributed to activists.

“Mas malala pa: ang una niyang inatupag [ay] lumipad sa ibang nasyon upang

declaration on September

ng Amerika dito sa ibang bansa. Malinaw na malinaw po kung sino ang tunay na amo ng kasalukuyang administrasyon,” Tuguinay pointed out.

Meanwhile, Casselle Ton, spokesperson of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) also amplified the protester’s calls for state forces to surface desaparecidos Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo de Jesus, two Cordillera-based Indigenous rights activists who were reported missing since April 28.

“Walang rebranding para sa diktador. Ang diktador ay diktador,” exclaimed Ton.

Further, Darlene Nicole de Leon of Walang Iwanan Louisian Network (WILN) underscored the importance of commemorating the anniversary of Martial Law by pointing out the parallelisms between the past and present Marcos administrations.

“Nakikita natin na pilit nilang binubura sa kasaysayan ang nangyari noong Batas Militar, ngunit nakita natin [na] kasama ang malawak na hanay ng masa rito— na hindi tayo nakakalimot… Kung Martial Law lamang ang ginagawa ng kaniyang tatay noon, ngayon [namay ay] si Marcos Jr., pinapahigpit ang Anti-Terror Law na nakita naman natin sa dalawang taon niya pa lang ay marami nang mga aktibista [at] progresibong indibidwal

ang nawawala,” de Leon said.

The student-leader, who was one of those in the front rows of the mob, also expressed outrage over the barricade created by the Metro Baguio Police.

“Nakikita naman natin na ginagamit talaga ng estado ang mga pulis, ang mga militar para harangin tayo, para patahimikin tayo, at para ‘di tayo magsalita. Pero nakita naman natin na hanggang dulo, marami pa rin tayo,” de Leon expressed.

SLU mass organizations join commemoration

Meanwhile, mass student organizations in the university, including political parties, also conducted a walkout silent march and a protest in front of the main gate as a part of the commemoration activity.

“Ang SLU ay isang malaking institusyon na marami ang populasyon… Kaya kung mapapakilos natin ang buong sangkaestudyantehan ng pamantasan ng San Luis, malaking statement ‘yon, malaking movement ‘yon na talaga namang bubuwag sa kapasistahang nagaganap ngayon sa loob at labas ng Baguio City,” said Ashli de Castro, one of the organizers of the events in the campus.

Micko Nieves Angelica Christine Reyes and Eunice Torreliza Baguio youth

Vincent De Guzman

Justine Lucas

64 Pesos: The Reality in a College Student’s Pocket

Recently, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has come under scrutiny for suggesting that a daily food budget of 64 pesos is sufficient for an individual to avoid being classified as “food poor.” NEDA claims that this amount can cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner, citing the Food Nutrition and Research Institute (FNRI) ‘s recommendations: a breakfast of one egg, coffee with milk, and rice; a lunch of mung beans with horseradish, dried anchovies, a banana, and rice or a corn mix; and a diner featuring meat, eggplant, or squash.

However, IBON Foundation, a prominent non-profit research institution, argues that a more realistic budget for three meals is 90 pesos per day. This disparity raises an important question: have these institutions tested their theories in the real world? The truth is, neither appears to have engaged in the everyday struggle of shopping for groceries on a limited budget. Their guidelines seem to be based more on idealized figures than on the harsh realities faced by ordinary consumers.

For many, particularly students and those on tight budgets, the idea that 64 pesos could stretch to cover three meals is laughable. Essential commodities are becoming increasingly inaccessible, even for the middle class, making the government’s approach to food security seem out of touch and overly simplistic. The reality is that 64 pesos might barely cover the cost of rice, and that’s before considering the additional expenses of sauces, spices, and other ingredients necessary to make a palatable meal.

The notion that everyone has the same appetite or nutritional needs further complicates the issue; whatmightbe enoughforonepersoncertainlywon’t suffice for another.

As a college student living independently to be closer to school, I can attest that 64 pesos is insufficient for even a modest snack, let alone a full meal. With a weekly allowance of 500 pesos, skipping breakfast is often the only way to stretch my budget, but even then, it’s a struggle to afford lunch and dinner throughout the week. The notion that everyone has the same appetite or nutritional needs further complicates the issue; what might be enough for one person certainly won’t suffice for another. The government’s perspective seems misguided, overlooking the variability in individual needs and the unpredictable nature of daily expenses. Those in positions of power would do well to visit markets regularly and witness firsthand that the numbers in their reports often don’t match reality. The government’s efforts should not only focus on theoretical budgeting but also acknowledge the fluctuating prices of goods, the variability in supply and demand, and the unique circumstances that influence each person’s purchasing power. Until then, reports based on rose tinted data and misguided notions will continue to fail those they are meant to help and serve.

However, a notable athlete’s rise to popularity was detracted by controversy and has stirred passionate discussion in social media in the past weeks — with divided sentiments revolving around the issue of “utang na loob”. But here’s the thing: we don’t know the totality of the story and what has been going on behind the scenes thus, instead of focusing on a specific person’s feud, let us rather celebrate the milestone our athletes brought us and delve on the larger discussion taking place around what it means to have “utang na loob”.

It is difficult to give a clear-cut judgment whether “utang na loob” has a positive or negative impact on people; however, the idea often finds itself with unfavorable inclination. As some would say, it is a double-edged sword. But, we should always remember that swords can only inflict damage when someone intends to thrust and swing it. In short, only when force is being applied.

In life, drastic shifts can be made by force alone and the understanding whether to apply or not to apply force is crucial in situations where relationships are dependent. As we know, force has the capacity to change shape or size and affect movement by either starting and stopping or accelerating or decelerating motion and this applies in the context of “utang na loob” as well.

Gratitude is not a complex outlook for us Filipinos. Well in fact, I firmly believe that it is inherent for us. But, an incorrect interpretation of gratitude associated with “utang na loob” involves the fallacious belief that it is required and presumed to be asked of others which can be detrimental to one’s dynamics. “Utang na loob” is not a moral obligation where someone is indebted to pay. It is not the moment when a good deed makes you feel like a bottomless pit of gratitude that could stretch up in a lifetime because if it does, it is not good at all. True “utang na loob” is manifested freely — with no sign of even a bit of coercion. After all, when we are grateful for something, we have the tendency to reciprocate or return what has been given to us. Therefore, utang na loob should not be forced.

Obligatingsomeonetogivestealsthejoyanddefeatsthepurposeofgiving. Whether “utang na loob” is viewed as favorable or not depends on how it is practiced and the

MEOW MYTHOS

Zhiann Andrei Remnor Sagubo

Dress Code: Slay or Nay?

Aconflict between professionalism and self-expression – the implementation of the dress code policy has been a constant debate, especially in the university setting.

Delving into the core of dress codes, the purpose of its implementation revolves around professionalism, safety, discipline, and proper representation of a brand or institution. However, its application inevitably imposes stereotypes and norms, dictating what people should or shouldn’t wear based on what is considered ‘proper.’

In the case of casual university life, nonetheless, such code is unnecessary since it limits our capability to express ourselves and our ability to foster creativity and individuality in a place meant to be an avenue of growth, self-expression, and selfdiscovery. While perceived as a maintaining factor in having a professional and distractionfree learning environment, the restrictions brought upon by this code create an uncomfortable environment for us to learn as we are pressured to prioritize conformity over expression and comfort.

Further, as these guidelines promote a ‘one size fits all’ approach, feelings of marginalization are reinforced, contributing to a hostile campus environment for individuals from diverse genders, cultures, and religions, as well as others with distinct styles of dress influenced by factors such as personal taste, preference, and practical considerations like comfort in extreme weather conditions. These students may feel unsupported or misunderstood by the institution that is meant

to nurture their growth and development.

limitsourcapabilitytoexpress ourselvesandourabilitytofoster creativityandindividualityinaplace meanttobeanavenueofgrowth, self-expression,andself-discovery. “ In the case of casual university life, nonetheless, such code is unnecessary since it

What once was our university’s dress code entails such concern which was evidently seen in the incident where a member

In late November of 2022, a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot and virtual assistant called ChatGPT was initially launched to the public by OpenAI, which is capable of providing quick responses and handling various user queries, opening the eye of humanity to the wonders and power of AI technologies.

Using this technology is very simple – just type in what you want to ask, and it will generate a response related to your questions in just a matter of seconds with an unlimited number of prompts for its free version, which can be very helpful for providing insights and quick answer to your questions, faster than a google search.

AI technologies allow machines to mimic or simulate human thinking and perform tasks that require human intelligence faster than a human mind could comprehend. With a technology this powerful, debates about whether AI will replace humans or not stir up.

Upon realizing the power of this tool, I am convinced that this is already the pinnacle of technology. A simple AI chatbot can already be efficiently used in all fields, including engineering, medicine, education, and finance, to name a few.

As a student, I have to admit that I use the technology for recommendations and improvement of work. Using it felt like selling your soul to Satan to be more powerful as it became a concern in education.

While AI can offer several benefits, such as reducing human error, knowledge acquisition, automated data analysis, make businesses and organizations more efficient, and aid in decisionmaking processes, this can be also used in cyber attacks and as a tool of war, causing an ethical concern upon its use.

Given its devastating impact, I think that the creation of AI-related technologies should be regulated by technological consortiums, international and national laws to promote safe and ethical use of this technology. While others may argue that this will limit the evolution of the technology, clear intentions of the reasons why it should be built in the first place should be ethically justifiable.

A prime example of this technology being used for unethical purposes is Israel’s AI-based decision support system, “The Gospel” to pick their Palestinian targets through machine learning algorithms where a database of suspected Hamas or Jihadist militants was fed into the system to determine its targets, which should be considered a war crime. Some time soon, we may be seeing AI technologies capable of being in the warzone.

The growth of AI-embedded technologies are expected to push rapidly over the coming years, pushing its capabilities to the limits, especially that we have now entered Industry 5.0, highlighting an era with heavy collaboration between machines and humans.

In the future years, AI technologies may potentially evolve the way we live and how jobs are supposed to be done. However, the use of these technologies should be seen as a tool, rather than a threat to harmonize with and be embraced by humanity.

Transitioning to the digital world during the COVID-19 pandemic, “Reliable internet access is not just a convenience; it is a necessity” has already become an adage. It is, therefore, as essential to education as textbooks and lectures. It is the backbone of research, the gateway to online classes, and the bridge to peer collaboration. However, an unsettling trend has emerged in many educational institutions: we are being charged for internet services we can’t fully utilize.

of providing campus-wide internet access, ensuring that students can connect to online resources without incurring additional expenses. Sounds fair, right? After all, maintaining a robust network infrastructure does require investment. But what happens when we, who are paying for this service, are unable to access it effectively?

Many students find themselves in precisely this situation – I myself, a student of Saint Louis University was never an exception. The fees are mandatory, bundled into a host of other charges under the blanket term “miscellaneous,” which we were required to pay each semester. Yet, despite these payments, we often encounter unreliable internet connections, restricted

Because

in-person and online learning, still persisted. I actually tried having an online class in the middle of two face-to-face classes. So, I have no choice but to find an area where there is good and stable internet connectivity because the free internet offered in our campus’ lobby is not working really well with no connection at all. It did hinder my ability to participate fully in that particular online course. “Well, it’s a good thing we have a library,” some might think. I don’t want to ruin your expection, but you’ll still face the same thing – if not worse – when it comes to internet connectivity.

What makes this situation even more frustrating is when we encounter connectivity issues, the process for addressing these problems is often cumbersome and slow, with little recourse for reimbursement or compensation. Education is already a significant financial burden for many students and their families. The least these educational institutions can do is ensure that students are receiving the services for which they are being charged. Including internet fees in miscellaneous charges but failing to provide adequate internet access is not just an inconvenience – it’s a disservice to the students in their academic progress.

This constant issue is a reminder that educational institutions, especially those collecting fees for services they are to provide, must be delivered as promised. Anything less is unacceptable and undermines the very purpose of education: to provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

At present times, many Filipino standouts are switching citizenship or nationalities to take their talents and dreams to other countries. Various questions and speculations arise that sparked a debate in the entire Philippines’ sports community but what are the real reasons that played a significant role in the decisions of our athletes?

Among the top athletes include Wesley So, Yuka Saso, and Jaja Santiago who all made the decision to leave the country, pursuing their respective sports and offering their skills in other nations.

One of the reasons for their departure is the defective system and collapsing sports foundation of the Philippines wherein many sports federations of the country are mistreating the athletes in terms of their funding during competitions and lack of recognition from the main sports body- the Philippine Sports Commission.

Chess grandmaster Wesley So supported this reason as he pointed out the lack of connection and support from the government that hinders his progress in his chosen field. He highlighted the importance of his future as he gained more opportunities in the US that he

Another

According

Filipino-Japanese

Yuka

of the LGBTQ+ community was sent to the Office of Student Affairs (OSAS) for wearing “gendernonconforming” clothing which allegedly violates the said policy. This shows that aside from being restrictive, the dress code policy also became an avenue for discrimination.

Angelica Christine Reyes

Because of this, with our policymakers’ recent efforts, the said policy was amended in a way that everyone can dress accordingly based on their preferred gender identity and expression, strengthening one of our university’s core principles of inclusivity and respect. By adopting a flexible approach that balances institutional standards with respect for individual identity and expression, our school community took a step closer to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels accepted for who they are, regardless of gender identity, cultural background, or personal style. However, there is still so much that can be done with regards to these amendments to further let the students have the freedom to express themselves and attain maximum comfort through their attire. By allowing students the freedom to dress comfortably and authentically, they can be empowered to express creativity, self-confidence, and a sense of autonomy which contributes to their holistic development.

Villamor Dumlao

Paul David Bermudez

Right to Protection of Families

the most ideal approach to regard the unique intentions of marriage is by forgetting about it so that both people and their families can recuperate and develop.

In addition, the divorce bill advances responsible co-parenting. After all, parenthood doesn’t stop when the marriage ends. In short, the bill creates an avenue for divorcing parents to legally unite only when necessary and in their children’s best interests. It sets up concrete custody, child support, and visitation regimes that ensure children get the love they need from both parents post-separation or divorce.

In other words, the divorce bill is not an enemy of marriage or family resiliency. On the contrary, it is a conduit to safeguard families against evils that can emanate from the unsustainability of marriages. The bill gives a basis for courts to dissolve marriages that no longer serve the best interests of everyone involved. It acknowledges and makes space for healthier, happier relationships to follow, paving the way for parents and their children to continue on a positive life journey.

Put another way, at the end of the day, divorce, just like marriage, is about protecting families and allowing them to flourish.

DIVERSIONS

DIVERSIONS & BLUE

Illustrated by Via Patricia Rivera

Outcast Among AlliesHow Pass sa Halata Creates Divides

As a community that chooses the rainbow to represent itself, a color-dampening issue circulates within that threatens to hinder how identities should be celebrated. Beyond those glitter-covered facades lies the ugly, naked reality.

I’m not gagged by that within the LGBTQIA+ community, there is an emerging trend that reveals a complex layer of internal discourse and division: the "pass sa halata" culture. This trend highlights a preference for LGBTQIA+ individuals who choose to present themselves in a way that aligns with heterosexual norms or "straight-passing" appearance, often sidelining those who do not conform to these standards. This phenomenon has sparked discussions about internalized homophobia, as acceptance is usually extended only to relationships or individuals who meet societal expectations of appearance and

The implications of this trend are significant. It perpetuates a cycle of judgment and exclusion within the community that should stand for diversity and acceptance. Individuals who openly express their gender identity or sexuality in ways that deviate from traditional norms often find themselves marginalized, not just by the broader society but by their peers as well. This internal alienation exacerbates the challenges faced by those already navigating a world that often stigmatizes difference.

The “pass sa halata” culture undermines the goal of strengthening a minority. Instead of having a unified voice to fight for the rights and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community, the conflict within makes the foundation brittle.

External prejudice is already a challenge in the day-to-day life of people in the community, knowing the plight of one another, impairment within should not even be a problem in the first place. One knows the feeling to be hated and not to be represented well, to inflict the same to others will not make one different from the initial

perpetrators of hate.

For many, the LGBTQIA+ community is supposed to be a refuge, a space where they can be their authentic selves without fear of rejection. Yet, the "pass sa halata" culture undermines this ideal by creating divisions, contrary to the community’s goal of equality and inclusion. This division underscores the need for broader conversations about inclusivity and the importance of celebrating all expressions of identity, not just those that fit within conventional frameworks.

As the community strives for equality and acceptance, it is crucial to address these internal biases and ensure that everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of how they choose to express themselves.

The struggle for acceptance and recognition in a world that often stigmatizes LGBTQIA+ identities is already formidable. When community members start excluding and undermining each other based on appearance or self-expression, it only heightens these challenges. This internal exclusion deepens existing divides and perpetuates a cycle of prejudice that the community should be working to dismantle.

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment requires more than just tolerance, it demands active celebration of all forms of identity.

learn and take in

To inflict the same to others will not make one different from the initial perpetrators of hate

Werk, I love that for you!

Embracing change requires actively contributing to it. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, while having personal preferences is entirely natural, it becomes problematic when these preferences transform into outright discrimination and disrespect.

This trend has sparked significant discourse within the LGBTQIA+ community. It reveals a disturbing pattern of alienation where those who choose to present themselves in ways that defy conventional gender norms through vibrant clothing, makeup, or elaborate self-expression are often marginalized. These individuals, who might wear bright, girly outfits, bold red lipstick, or meticulously applied foundation, should not be targets of envy or criticism. Rather, their choices reflect a courageous commitment to personal authenticity and self-expression.

The "pass sa halata" trend emphasizes the need for a broader, more nuanced understanding of diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. Rather than enforcing conformity and imposing restrictive norms, it is crucial to champion and uplift every form of expression, ensuring that all members feel valued and accepted.

If the minority prays for equality, recognition, and respect, they shouldn’t be the ones to injure this cause for themselves. The community should be a healthy environment that can harbor relationships that push for one goal; it should be a community that fosters understanding and social inclusion. The LGBTQIA+ community is very much focused on the discrimination from the majority, it should also be acknowledged that the growing hate within also needs attention.

As we strive for greater societal acceptance, we must confront and address these internal biases. Our goal is to build a community where everyone, regardless of their chosen expression, can feel celebrated and supported. Only through genuine inclusivity and support can the LGBTQIA+ community truly reflect the values of acceptance and diversity that it aspires to promote.

how students

information through the help of non-traditional means. According to Ilana Hamilton of Forbes ADVISOR, among a myriad of AI educational tools, teachers utilize AI-powered educational games the most. Educators have long recognized the effectiveness of play-based learning on students’ abilities to process information. Now, with the existence of AI, play-based learning is able to reach another level of targeted learning through user-responsive programming, thus creating a more advanced, fun and educational environment for learners. Some popular games include Kahoot, Duolingo and Minecraft: Education Edition.

When it comes to assignments and activities, checking papers are made seamlessly efficient and quick for educators thanks to the use of AI in determining plagiarized content. While human-based plagiarism detection functions best under contextual situations wherein a more nuanced approach is desirable, such as when it comes to checking paraphrasing and rewording, AIbased plagiarism detection is able to compare large chunks of content, which human-based detection may have missed, to the extensive database of source materials, AIContentfy argues. Notably, the combination of human nuanced detection and detection by AI yields the most accurate results possible in recognizing plagiarism in education.

Education becomes increasingly inclusive when AI integrates into assistive technologies. Students and educators with disabilities or special needs need their learning to be properly accommodated. With the aid of AI, assistive technology such as speech-totext, speech recognition, transcription and captioning immensely enhances the learning experience for students and teaching methods for educators. The classroom evolves into an academic space where all can thrive.

With its positive integration into the academic world, AI-enhanced learning tools provide advanced, efficient learning opportunities for students and educators alike. However, with the speed of possibilities AI generates, challenges emerge with such velocity.

Over-dependence

As AI continues to permeate academia, concerns are mounting regarding its potential to do more harm than good, particularly among students. AI’s appeal lies in its ability to make tasks more accessible and efficient. Yet, its implementation in education has sparked debate over genuine learning. As its tendrils reach further, its blade-like nature becomes ever more apparent, poised to either carve a path to progress or cut through integrity.

One significant downside is the risk of prioritizing passing work requirements over genuinely understanding the material.

This issue is particularly noticeable among students who are tempted to rely solely on AI for academic success, which can lead to a detrimental shift away from comprehensive learning. The two-faced nature of AI becomes apparent, capable of aiding in knowledge acquisition that undermines the educational process. As we navigate the situation, it’s crucial to find a balance between utilizing AI’s benefits and maintaining the integrity of the learning experience.

Teachers are concerned about the potential for AI, including chatbots like ChatGPT, to facilitate cheating and diminish human interaction in classrooms, raising questions about academic integrity and educational quality.

Organizations like the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and UNESCO emphasize a transparent, human-centered approach to AI integration in education. ED stresses the importance of prioritizing educators’ perspectives in AI development to enhance their roles, while UNESCO advocates for equity-focused policies to address technological disparities. Despite emerging concerns, the majority of surveyed teachers maintain an optimistic outlook on the future of AI in education.

Educators are seeking further education to comprehend AI and utilize it ethically. Furthermore, 98% of surveyed participants highlighted the necessity for education on

ethical AI usage, with over 60% advocating for comprehensive instruction.

While previous technologies often fell short of the hype, Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just another iteration of the past; it signifies a major step forward into a new era of machine intelligence that we are just beginning to grasp and understand. Despite the initial imperfections in implementing these systems, the rapid pace of improvement offers promising opportunities we could benefit from. With this, the responsibility lies with our intervention— educators, institutions, and students must carefully integrate this technology to maximize its benefits for teachers and learners. Instead of solely focusing on avoiding potential risks, our collective ambition should be to create a clear vision of AI’s role in our education system. This requires an approach that capitalizes on the strengths of these technologies while preserving the invaluable connections essential to our education.

Our challenge is to harness the positive potential while avoiding or mitigating the harm. Because if we don’t tread cautiously, we might find ourselves entangled in the sharp edges of this double-edged sword— hiding both promise and peril.

Leslie Mon and Zhiann Andrei Remnor Sagubo Photo

Christianne Angel Payang and Josyna Gwyneth Carreon

A Puff of Indifference in a Smoke Free City

With the tagline “Amoy Pino, Amoy Baguio”, the city boasts the enforcement of Smoke-Free ordinance as the strictest in the Philippines. The Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance (COB No. 34 s. 2017), principally authored by Joel Alangsab, approved in May 2017 and implemented in January 2018, aims to look after the public health by protecting them from the harmful effects of smoking, vaping and tobacco consumption.

According to the ordinance, it is unlawful to smoke or allow smoking in public places, outdoor spaces, public vehicles, enclosed or partially enclosed areas and areas under absolute smoking ban except for designated smoking areas (DSA) which underwent necessary processes to be certified as such. Needless to say, disallowed places include parks, church grounds, markets, walkways/sidewalks, and especially schools. As of September 2023, there are only six DSAs in Baguio City—five hotels and one restaurant. The smoke-free task force in partnership with barangays, the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Sanitation Division, and the Smoke-Free Unit (SFU), leads the monitoring, enforcement, and inspection in different areas in Baguio to ensure that the ordinance is strictly followed. In its sixth year of implementation and with the continuous efforts of different groups and organizations, there still seems to be a problem—is the implementation truly lacking, is there ignorance or is there a big puff of indifference found in the city?

Exhaling criticisms

Despite its claim to be the strictest in the country, the implementation of the ordinance has always been criticized. In one of the public posts of Smoke-Free Baguio City Facebook page, a netizen posted a comment, “Strict implementation kulang. Ang alam nyo lang na part ng Baguio ay town proper, yung barangay hindi na. Hahahaha (Strict implementation is

lacking. The only part of Baguio you know is the town proper, the barangay[s] are not monitored.).” Also in POSD-City of Baguio’s FB page, a question was raised after multiple observations of violations in barangay Campo Sioco and Imelda Marcos, “Ask lang po kung ang no smoking ordinance ng Baguio City ay pang CBD lang ang implementation? (Is the implementation of the No Smoking Ordinance of Baguio City just for the CBD?).” Another netizen commented, “... Pero yung mga pasaway na lantaran magsigarilyo dito sa Barangay namin na tiga Baguio City pa maski sa tapat pa mismo ng aming Barangay CCTV Camera hindi magpakailanman nahuhuli (But the violators, who are citizens of Baguio City, blatantly smoking in our barangay and even in front of the barangay’s CCTV camera, were never caught).” The POSD responded to these comments reiterating that the ordinance covers the whole of Baguio and not just the Central Business District (CBD). They also reminded the barangays that it is their job to monitor the community and find the violators as they can only do so much. Although these comments were posted weeks or years ago, it is unquestionable that there is still a lack of implementation of the ordinance as to date.

Ignorance in the Air

Just last March 2024, a group of 16-year old students were caught in a vacant lot in Brgy. Old Lucban after a concerned citizen reported them. A 15 year old student from a known public school in the city was also caught smoking while walking in Burnham Park in April 2024. Four men of legal age, in full capacity to understand simple laws and ordinances, were caught smoking

History collides as three millennia culminates in one of today’s most tumultuous regions. Empires in pursuit of conquest, religions aiming to convert, and settlers looking for a home all converged towards a strategically ripe location between Europe, Asia, and Africa: Palestine.

Considered as the holy land by Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, the region has sown carcasses and seeped blood. Crusades and Jihads long tormented its soil as the Tanakh, the Bible, and the Quran declare the territory as belonging to their own. Life is shed in faithful pursuit of the afterlife, even up to now.

Centuries of prevailing anti-semitism, including discrimination, forced conversions, and exile, from Christians and Muslims alike gave birth to the Jewish idea of an ethno-cultural nationalist ideology that the Jews must establish their own state away from the interference of foreign powers. Zionism, as its called, says that there must be a Jewish homeland in Zion — Israel, located in the region of Palestine.

This development has led hundreds and thousands of Palestinians to be killed and displaced in an ongoing struggle marked by oppression by Israeli forces. This conflict has seen these injustices escalate to horrific ethnic cleansing within a near-century-long time due to Israel’s quest for self-determination, threatening the Palestinian people’s rights to their life and land up to this very day.

A hundred-year-old discord

The modern conflict was principally caused during the peak of World War 1. The United Kingdom loomed on the verge of victory against the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Palestine for over four centuries, and sought Jewish wartime assistance, especially in administrating the newly conquered land.

On November 2, 1917, the Balfour Declaration was

issued by the British government, thereby lending their support towards the Zionist belief in the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the region of Palestine amidst the native Arab population already living there.

Facilitated by the British, immigrating Jews began occupying Palestine which caused a drastic shift in demographics. The sudden surge of these settlers with a drastically different culture and religion alarmed the Palestinians, resulting in the Arab Revolt which lasted from 1936 to 1939. The outbreak of World War 2 and the ensuing Holocaust by the Nazi regime led towards further popularization of Zionism.

By 1947, the United Nations proposed the Partition Plan, dividing the region of Palestine into the Jewish and Arab states. The growing Jewish population was allocated 56% of the territory, covering most of the fertile land and coasts, the Palestinians received 42%, and the remaining 2% were declared international zones, including Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The native Arabs, whose population doubled the amount of Jewish settlers, rejected the proposal while the Zionists celebrated its adoption.

This approval was controversial and the region erupted into violence. Paramilitary forces from both sides led to bloodshed. Jewish forces continued its expansion, which isolated them from their Muslim Arab neighbors. The State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948, a day before the British finally gave the region its independence, and immediately the surrounding Arab states declared war.

The ensuing Arab-Israeli War is the first among many of the wars that plagued the post-colonized Middle East. It lasted for a year and ended with Israel asserting its independence. The Suez Crisis erupted merely five years later in 1956; the Six-Day War during 1967; the War of Attrition from 1967 to 1970; the Yom Kippur War in 1973; the Lebanon War in 1982; and the Second Lebanon War in 2006. These saw Israel, financially and militarily supported by the Western powers, especially the United States, in conflict against its Arab neighbors,

especially Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and local Palestinian organizations including the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas.

Peace at last?

In an attempt to finally broker peace between Palestine and Israel, a set of agreements was signed in 1993 – the Oslo Accords, in which a two-state solution was a part of. Recognition of Israel for Jews and Palestine for Palestinians was established under this peace process, wherein Palestine under the PLO gained limited governance over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

No Rest for the Wicked

Less than six months after the accords were signed, an Israeli extremist committed a massacre inside the Ibrahimi Mosque. In apparent response, Hamas launched suicide attacks. Soon after, conflict re-erupted through assassinations, bombings, and uprisings.

The Camp David Summit was held in 2000 in an attempt to yet again forge peace, but collapsed after no agreement could be made.

Old Conflicts, New Wars

Infighting between Israeli parties over compromise or dominance and between the conciliatory PLO and extremist Hamas further complicated the conflict. Taking action against their fellow Palestinians, Hamas took control over the Gaza Strip from the hands of the PLO. Terrorism decreased but tensions arose when Israel built the West Bank barrier, a wall that displays the ongoing racial segregation — a so-called apartheid — in the region.

The decades of tyranny against the Palestinians by the Israelis has often been compared to a genocide. Such comparison derives from the Illegal occupations, demolitions and displacements, restriction of movement, blockade of supplies, poverty and starvation, discrimination and segregation, imprisonment and human rights violations that seem to make the Palestinians essentially strangers in their own lands.

Oppression always invites resistance, and as such, conflict reignited in 2023 as the Hamas launched surprise attacks into Israel from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Israel responded with brutal measures, including launching one of the most destructive bombing campaigns in modern history and eventually invading Gaza. News of war crimes and destruction has led proPalestinian protests all over the world, often time chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” Throughout the course of history,

from different

and despots that sought what they have but not who they are. Maybe it is through these millennia of experiences that their struggle for selfdetermination is a story of

fighting and stubborn resistance. But from

to master, they inflict the same suffering that they once faced. Is oppression the deterrence to oppression? Is peace even possible with millennias of war? Is the holy land still holy? Perhaps Bertrand Russel put it best when he said, “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”

of a crisis, raising the question: can the Summer Capital thrive without the vital energy that keeps it running?

Dimming Lights: Causes of the Power Shortage

Unlike many urban centers that have diversified energy sources, Baguio City relies heavily on hydroelectric power plants. However, this dependence presents a vulnerability. Hydroelectric plants are inherently seasonal, with their power generation capacity fluctuating based on rainfall patterns. The very source of Baguio City’s hydroelectric advantage, its abundant mountain rivers, becomes a doubleedged sword. During dry seasons, water levels in reservoirs can drop significantly, hindering the turbines’ ability to generate enough electricity to meet the city’s needs.

As the city’s population steadily grows, its thirst for electricity grows in tandem. A study by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) revealed a clear link between population surges and rising energy consumption in urban centers like Baguio City. This translates to a heavier strain on the existing, and often limited, power supply.

In addition to that, Baguio City’s thriving tourism industry presents another layer of complexity. The influx of tourists during peak seasons translates to a significant surge in energy needs. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment establishments see a spike in electricity consumption to cater to the influx of visitors. This seasonal strain on the power grid can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, particularly during dry seasons when hydroelectric generation is already compromised.

The need for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance is paramount. Local government officials are well aware of the limitations of the current system. Modernizing the power grid not only reduces energy waste but also improves reliability, reducing the frequency and duration of power outages. Engineer Melchor Licoben, General Manager of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), the city’s main power distributor, echoed this concern, stating, “Our transformers and substations are nearing the end of their lifespan. Upgrading these facilities is crucial to ensure efficient power delivery.”

A City in the Dark: Impacts of the Power Shortage Brownouts and power interruptions occur regularly in Baguio City, causing a lot of disturbance and inconvenience to its inhabitants and commercial establishment owners. It becomes challenging for school goers to finish school assignments due to a lack of lighting systems and necessary devices around residential places at night. The continuous rescheduling caused by these power shortages heavily affects the child’s learning process. This, in turn, has affected productivity and revenue generation in most business organizations as they have had closure days. Payment systems using electricity are put off balance by the irregularity of power interruptions, which also ward off clients, especially those in retailing and catering areas.

In Baguio City, the economic effect of power losses is significant. This is particularly so for companies that need power all the time; for example, most grocery stores, restaurants, and manufacturing firms suffer from spoilage of goods and stop production lines because of power outages. According to a recent survey by the Baguio Chamber of Commerce, local businesses in Baguio City are reportedly experiencing a 20% fall in productivity levels. Since financial troubles are frequent, they cause the company to downsize; hence, there is an increase in jobless people and economic

stagnation due to companies retrenching.

Power outages also pose significant public safety concerns in Baguio City. Darkened streets have become hotspots for criminal activities, with higher rates of theft and vandalism reported during blackout periods. Traffic accidents surge as traffic lights fail, causing chaos and endangering lives. Essential services, including hospitals and police stations, face severe challenges despite having backup generators. Dr. Michael Tan from Baguio General Hospital explains, “While we have generators, they are not always sufficient for extended outages, and non-critical surgeries must be delayed, putting patients at risk.” Police officer Luis Reyes adds, “Managing increased crime rates and traffic incidents during outages stretches our resources thin, compromising overall public safety.” These insights highlight the urgent need for more reliable power infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of Baguio City’s residents.

Lighting the Way Forward: Possible Solutions for a Sustainable Energy Future Baguio City can gain

Jim Clark Abella and Josiah Jeshua Bruno

Patrick Mapili

Photo by Mohammed Abubakr - Pexel and Mohammed Salem - Reuters

Photo by Alexis Ricardo Alaurin - Pexel

lumabas si patsoy para lumabasmagtago si patsoy para magtago lumabas si patsoy para magtago

Lumaking takot si Patsoy sa kaniyang inay. Wala sa harap, wala sa likod.

“Pagbilang ko ng tatlo, maghanda ka na sa aking palo.”

At kumaripas siya ng takbo palayo sa kanilang bahay.

Mahilig siyang makipagtagu-taguan, Tila hindi niya alintana ang lahat ng latay sa kaniyang katawan Tumatawa pa rin siya, Limot ang lahat ng sakit kapag nakikipaglaro na.

Natuto siyang magtago.

Ayaw niyang madagdagan ang mga pasa.

Gumaling siya sa araw-araw na takot mahanap ng kaniyang nanay.

Bago makabilang ng tatlo, nakalabas na siya para magtago.

ith the newly renovated Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen CCA Theater that housed the great talents of Louisians, Tanghalang SLU brought to the stage their art translated into their productions. With 2023-2024 marking the first year of continuous face to face classes, Tanghalang SLU has seen many performances throughout the school year. From their award-winning displays in the CICM Friendship meet to their well-applauded Bombastic Perya. With bigger productions and more ambitious pieces and plays, the theater company continues to push forward, setting ever higher standards for itself. Looking back at the past school year, The Center for Culture and Arts has seen a revival in its halls. Delivering back to back awesome performances, From Entablado, to Curtain Call, amazing audiences and left them wanting. Tanghalang SLU has performed even outside of the campus, from as far away as Taiwan’s Yi-lan Festival to showcase Cordilleran culture, to Legazpi City with Tinubuang Lupa, to even the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, with Mt.Dinayao, a Kalinga legend. Alongside these releases, the theater company presented Alpas and Pagnila-Nilay, both shows having not been seen since 2019. The past school year saw the resurgence of the performing arts within the school. With the wild success of ticket sales seeing the theater packed full of people for each performance. This

John Patrick Mapili

Mikhael Raeon Felix Ebalo

Mikhael Raeon Felix Ebalo

Illustrated by Ricxielle Shaina Velicaria

Illustrated by Ricxielle Shaina Velicaria

LIPAD LIPAD LIPAD

masiglang pag-asa.

“lipad saranggola,” ani ng munting bata, hawak ang lubid ng kapalaran nang may kinang sa mga mata. sa simoy ng hangin, naglalakbay ang saranggola; lumilipad nang matayog, kasabay ng pangarap na dala.

lagot, ang lubid ay hinablot. ningning sa mukha ng munting bata’y napalitan ng nakadudurog na lungkot.

“ang kapalaran ko’y nasa kamay na ng iba, ang pangarap ko’y isa nang maya sa hawla.” tangan ng iba ang tali ng saranggola. hindi bilang suporta ngunit para ito’y pigilang lumipad nang malaya.

“bakit?,” ang bukambibig ng munting bata hanggang sa pagtanda. nakipagsapalaran ang noo’y walang muwang upang mabawi ang lubid at punan ang daan-daang puwang.

“mag-iipon at pag-aaralin ko ang sarili,” ang kaniyang sabi. subalit ang hawla ng maya, sa paglipas ng panaho’y, siya ring lumalaki. lipad munting saranggola, lipad. batid ko ang kapalaran ng mithiin mong minsan nang nasa iyong mga palad.

lipad munting saranggola, tulad ng isang maya — maya na minsa’y nakalilipad nang malaya.

lagot, ang lubid ay hinablot. lagot, ang lubid ay nalagot.

“lipad saranggola,” ani ng isang madunong nang may ngiti sa bibig at mga mata.

“ang lubid ay hindi na kailangan, sapagkat ang pangarap ay kasabay ko

DULAG MACLI-ING

THE VOICE OF THE MOUNTAINS

acli-ing Dulag’s memory is a living whisper, not just history. He was not a politician or a scholar but rather a farmer, a keeper of traditions, and the heart of the Butbut tribe. His life was intertwined with the rhythm of nature and the pulse of his community.

When the Marcos regime planned to cut through ancestral lands with the Chico River Dam, Macli-ing became a voice, rising from the soil itself. With a clarity born of deep connection to the land, he articulated the impending catastrophe, painting a vivid picture of lives uprooted and spirits broken. The resistance was a defense of a way of life that was as old as the mountains themselves.

His comments were not polished lectures but the earthy language of his people, reflecting the anxieties of farmers facing flooded fields, mothers concerned for their children’s homes,

and elders whose memories were rooted in the ground. He described a life woven with the mountainside with the river’s pulse flowing through their hearts. His martyrdom, a tragic loss, ignited a fire that would not be extinguished.

His unwavering courage in the face of intimidation and threats is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Cordillera. On April 24, 1980, his voice was tragically silenced, but his echo became louder. His name became a rallying cry for democracy and justice, reaching beyond the mountains. The dam, once a symbol of progress, turned into a shrine to oppression, ultimately

“Sinanbituwon” illustrates this premise.

“NASA’N ANG KUMOT?” comedically began the short film, as the old lady’s cries echo throughout start to finish. It tells the story of a family rummaging through their humble life in search for a seemingly insignificant blanket, as its importance becomes clearer and understandable with every scene.

Curtain CALL

The family consists of three children who are suspected to have taken the blanket, an inquisitive grandmother, a mediating grandfather, and a father who leaves for work. This blanket is later explained to be the film’s namesake: a sinanbituwon, a traditional Kalinga blanket which holds sentimental value as it was woven by the family’s missing puzzle piece — the children’s deceased mother.

Enshrined and venerated to keep a remnant of her alive, it is revealed that two of the children did, in fact, take and hide the blanket, justifying to their other sibling that they merely wanted to again feel the embrace of their departed mom. The three huddle underneath the warmth of the sinanbituwon as their grandfather and shortly, their grandmother, joins them in sharing their grief and longing, perhaps with the recognition that through this loss, they found something new.

“Sinanbituwon” by Katherine Mae C. Nobleza, the trainer and creative director of Tanghalang SLU, adapted from Cheeno Marlo Sayuno’s story “The Missing Blanket”, is a finalist for the Montañosa Film Festival 2024 under the Narrative Category. It showcases mourning as it affects a family, especially to children whose lives are forever changed by circumstances beyond their understanding. As grief overwhelms and acceptance evades, art like these carry the bittersweet realization that the price of truly loving someone is risking the pain of losing them.

Josiah Jeshua Bruno

Photo from White&Blue Photojournalism Department

Photo from White&Blue Photojournalism Department

Paris 2024: Philippine Centennial Team records historical Olympic performance

Gabriel Ian Absalon

The

“We are a tiny country, and the portion of our athletes is not that big compared to other countries like the USA and Great Britain, so to be able to get a gold medal is big for us and huge,” Yulo said in a press conference after the men’s floor exercise competition.

In the men’s all-around competition, Yulo placed 12th in the final, scoring 83.032. Women gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung Ruivivar failed to advance to the all-around final, ending their Olympic campaigns.

In the women’s boxing event, 2020 Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio settled for bronze in the 57kg Featherweight division after being defeated by Poland’s Julia Szeremeta via split decision in the semifinals. Veteran amateur boxer Aira Villegas’ Olympic journey ended with the same fate, bagging the bronze after being outclassed by Turkey’s Buse Naz Çakıroğlu in the semifinal bout. Meanwhile, Hergie Bacyadan settled for an opening-round loss in his Olympic debut against eventual gold medalist Li Qian of China in the middleweight division.

Philippine men’s boxing has seen better days as Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial failed to medal in their respective divisions. Paalam, a silver medalist in the 2020 Olympics, ended his journey in a quarterfinal split-decision loss against Charlie Senior of Australia, failing to secure a medal in the featherweight division. 2020 Olympics bronze medalist Marcial finished his bid for a medal early as he lost to Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev in the light heavyweight division.

In athletics, world-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena fell short of a podium finish with a final height of 5.90m in the Men’s Pole Vault final due to his failed attempts at 5.60m, losing the bronze medal spot to Greece’s Emannouil Karalis. Hurdlers John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman did not advance to their semifinal races as they finished below qualifying spots in the men’s 110m hurdles and women’s 400m hurdles competition, respectively.

“There are many things that happened this year, but I’m happy that I got to the final. At the same time, I was disappointed, and it wasn’t far because I missed a medal by just one attempt. I came up short, and we’ll see how it goes in future competitions,” Obiena said in an interview with One Sports after the competition.

Despite dealing with a lack of official apparel and gear, Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina fared better than expected in the women’s golf competition. Pagdanganan finished joint fourth place in a four-way tie with a score of 6-under par, the highest finish for a Filipino golfer in the Olympics. Meanwhile, Ardina finished joint 13th place in a fiveway tie with a score of 3-under par.

“I really feel proud of how I performed in such extreme pressure. Knowing that I can handle myself in those situations is such a great motivation. I just did everything. Finishing fourth is definitely an improvement, but it still feels a little short,” Pagdanganan shared in an interview with News5 after finishing her final hole in the competition.

In swimming, Kayla Sanchez clocked 53.67 in heat 4 of the women’s 100m freestyle event, breaking her previous national record. Sanchez ended her campaign in the semifinals, clocking 54.21, failing to finish within the top eight swimmers to advance to the finals. In the men’s 100m butterfly, Jarold Hatch finished last in his heat with a time of 54.66, placing 36th overall and failing to advance to the semifinals.

Samantha Catantan, the first Filipino fencer in the Olympics since Barcelona in 1992, made her Olympic debut in the women’s fencing foil event. She ended her campaign in the round of 32 by losing to London 2012 silver medalist Arianna Errigo of Italy, 12-15.

In her second Olympics, veteran judoka Kiyomi Watanabe was eliminated early in the first round of the Women’s 63 kg category by Tang Jing of China via ippon. Meanwhile, Joanie Delgaco, the first Filipino female rower in the Olympics, participated in the single sculls event, where she finished her campaign in 20th place during the classification rounds.

In weightlifting, Erleen Ando finished 6th place in the women’s 59 kg category after lifting 100 kg in the snatch and 130 kg in the clean and jerk, the latter of which is her recorded new personal best. Ando’s total of 230 kg is the latest national record for the event. Meanwhile, John Ceniza of the men’s 61 kg category and Vanessa Sarno of the women’s 71 kg category bowed out of their competitions early as they both failed to record any lift in the snatch phase of the event.

7th CICM

The delegates were welcomed by the SLU Administration in the Giant Steps and greeted by a resounding and remarkable performance from the SLU Marching Band, which was then followed by the Parade of Participants at the Prince Bernhard Gymnasium.

Message of love among competing teams

Prior to the opening program, a Eucharistic celebration was held in celebration of the event wherein mass presider, Rev. Fr. Hirohito M. Bolo, CICM sent a message of love among the delegates.

“Love your neighbor as you love yourself, is an important principle. [For] in the friendship meet, loving one another is the most important thing,” Fr. Bolo said.

After the Eucharistic mass, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem was led by the SLU Glee Club, followed by an opening performance by the SLU Dance Troupe.

SLU President gives warm welcome

Heading the commencement of this year’s Friendship Meet, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales highlighted the significance of the Schools’ CICM meet’s return; embracing the opportunity to forge new connections, and friendships, and celebration of achievements, as well as cultivating the spirit of unity.

“In the midst of the vibrant atmosphere surrounding us, despite the challenges from the Covid years, the energy was reignited with fervor,” said Fr. Sales.

In his speech, he highlighted synodality, excellence, and friendship, as the guiding principles that shape the schools’ endeavors and aspirations.

“Everyone should approach the events with passion, dedication and with the spirit of camaraderie as we engage in friendly competitions and showcase talents,” Fr. Sales said.

Meanwhile, Austria directed the coaches’ oathtaking, followed by the oath

The opening ceremony for the 7th CICM Friendship Meet concluded with the SLU Marching Band administrating the Drumline performance.

Expectations from the delegates Athletes and coaches shared their expectations regarding the event.

“We expect [the event] to be successful. I think that we can expect to have or to gain friends with other CICM schools.” Saint Louis College - Cebu coach Rose Eden Dumayas, mentioned.

“This is also my first time attending a friendship meet so I have really high expectations.” She added.

Meanwhile, Saint Louis College - San Fernando La Union chess player Zhen Desorero shared his expectations as a firsttime competitor in the said meet that his opponents are stronger.

Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Cordillera Career Development College (CDCC), Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio Central University (BCU), University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB), University of Baguio (UB), University of the Cordilleras (UC), Pines City Colleges (PCC), Baguio College of Technology (BCT) along with BSU completed the lineup of participating schools as they gathered once again to compete for the crown in various fields of sports.

Before officially kicking off the intercollegiate tournament, a parade of colors administered by the marching band and student-athletes initiated the beginning of the program for the new season of BBEAL.

BSU Kontad, rendered a cultural presentation to celebrate the identity of the whole Benguet community, reminding each and every participant of their shared roots and character.

Lorjane Aludos, a two-time national player of the U16 football team led the lighting of the torch, to ignite the fire that marks the beginning for this much anticipated event.

Consequently, the Oath of Sportsmanship was led by Rudzma Abubakar who represented the country in Muay Thai last Southeast Asian Games 2022 and World University Games 2022 followed.

Navi, the official mascot of SLU, accompanied the Navigators in the thrilling event, as the masters of ceremonies introduced the Louisians as one of the participating teams.

Further, as the BBEAL’s opening program ended, banners from the ten participating schools were unfurled, gearing the delegates for the official start of a fresh season of BBEAL.

New Season, Same Purpose

Felipe Salaing Comila, University President of BSU, started off the ceremony with his opening remarks with messages of appreciation.

“I see in your eyes, the resemblance of champions… One day you might be practicing the sports activity, it may not be your path, don’t be discouraged, because one day, you shall have the resemblance and the practice of being a champion.” Comila reminded the players.

Hon. Eric Go Yap, Lone District of Benguet Congressman delivered an inspirational message for the delegates, “Sports have a unique way of bringing us together and teaching us valuable lessons in life. It is not about winning or losing, it is the journey, the discipline, and the friendship forged along the way.”

“In the world of sports, we learn the importance of teamwork, discipline and hardwork. To discover that success is not handed to us, we must earn it through dedication and relentless effort.” Hon. Yap added.

A thrill despite the challenges for the Navigators

Coach Honey Garcia, Head of the SLU Center for Sports Development, expressed the joy and excitement for the new season after the 4-year hiatus of the league.

“First, [I am] so happy that at last, the biggest interuniversity [and] collegiate league here in Baguio City is back. Second, [I am] excited to see and watch our athletes who waited for this prestigious collegiate sports event,” Coach Garcia said.

Despite the excitement, challenges surround the Navigators.

“A lot of adjustment for us coaches. Adapting to new challenges in coaching like schedules of players, training time, short conditioning of athletes, and the blind line up of each university. Unlike before the pandemic, we got the chance to recruit for our teams and monitor the student-athletes who opted to study in other rival universities. Ngayon, gulatan din talaga,” she added.

Angelyn Ebenezer

Fernando and Kelsey Mabborang

Photo by Villamor Dumlao

Photo by Ryan Baldemor - PHStar

Ernesto Nodado III

of amateurism conducted by the SLU men’s basketball captain, Alvin Bennet Motas.

THE ATHLETIC FLAME REIGNITES AFTER FOUR YEARS. Athletic heads and BBEAL officials gather at Benguet State University (BSU) in the opening of the 34th BBEAL Season after its four-year hiatus last October 28, 2023. Photo by Micko Nieves

With the theme “Baguio-Benguet Engage Ace Life Through Sports,” ten participating universities answered the call as the BaguioBenguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) launched its 34th season last October 28, 2023 at the University Sports Complex of the host team, Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet.

With the theme, “Sandiwa’t Misyon: Journeying Together as CICM Schools Towards Catholic Integral Formation and Global

Excellence”, host school, Saint Louis University (SLU) opened the highly-anticipated 7th CICM Friendship Meet with delegates from the University of Saint Louis (USL) from Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Saint Louis College (SLC-SFLU) from San Fernando, La Union, and lastly, Saint Louis College (SLCC) from Cebu, Mandaue held at the SLU Main Campus last February 19, 2024.

SLU hosts 7th CICM Friendship Meet, displays academic, athletic, and artistic prowess

Villamor Dumlao

Bearing the theme, “Sandiwa’t

Misyon: Journeying Together as CICM Schools Towards Catholic Integral Formation and Global Excellence,” Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted the 7th Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) Friendship Meet last February 19 to 23, 2024.

The delegates are composed of five CICM - Philippine Schools Network (CICM-PSN) in the Philippines, which include SLU, University of Saint Louis (USL) from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Saint Louis College - San Fernando, La Union (SLC-SFLU), Saint Louis College - Cebu (SLCC), and Saint Mary’s University from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The friendship meet featured several categories from Sports, Academic, to Cultural events, providing a stage for CICM to display their athletic, academic, and artistic prowess.

SLU president, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Sales, CICM led the opening ceremony with a message of creating opportunities for friendship and celebration of achievements.

“Everyone should approach the events with passion, dedication and with the spirit of camaraderie as we engage in friendly competitions and showcase talents,” Fr. Sales said in his opening remarks.

Making the most out of the home advantage, SLU hauled 48 golds, 18 silvers, and 15 bronzes to stand tall in the podium summit, followed by USL with 22 golds, 25 silvers, and 8 bronzes for the 1st runnerup spot, and SLC-SFLU with 17 golds, 30 silvers, and 19 bronzes to complete the podium.

Meanwhile, SMU held 7 golds, 24 silvers, and 29 golds for the 4th place while SLCC went home with 5 golds, 3 silvers, and 7 bronzes for the 5th place.

SLU was also crowned as the overall champion in the 6th CICM Friendship Meet held in USL Tuguegarao.

During the closing ceremony, Fr, Sales passed the CICM flag to Rev. Fr. Rumpearl Tenkings Isaac, CICM of SLUSFLU, sending the 8th installment of the Friendship Meet to San Fernando, La Union in 2026.

The man behind the NBA logo: Looking back at the iconic career of

JERRY WEST

is an inspiration and attributed to the NBA legend and all-time great, Jerry West. NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced West’s passing last June 12, 2024, at the age of 86. In Silver’s statement, he described West as a “genius” and a defining figure

“Jerry

biggest moments,” Silver said.

West also earned the nickname, “The Logo” as his photo dribbling during a game became one of the inspiration for the creation of the NBA logo.

On the Court: The Rise of the Logo Jerry West was a one-time NBA champion (1972)

his career. He also earned a career-high 53 points in 1969 and 19 assists in 1973.

Aside from his NBA career, he also won one gold medal for Team USA in the Olympics. Aside from being “The Logo,” he also earned the alias, “Mr. Clutch,” with his ability to

consistently perform under pressure and taking the win with one of his iconic shots was against the New York knicks in 1970 championship game 3 of NBA Finals, sending the game to overtime. However, the Knicks got the last laugh at the end of the game.

West’s remarkable playing career earned him a spot as a Hall of Fame inductee, and was named as one of the NBA 75 greatest players of all time during the NBA’s 75th Anniversary.

More opportunities and success off the court

West retired as a player in 1974 and joined the Lakers coaching staff in 1976 and became the executive manager of the team in 1978, forming the notorious “Showtime Lakers” composed of the trio of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.

The team brought home five championships to the Lakers during the 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988 seasons.

After the Lakers struggled in the 1990s, he maintained the team, winning his first NBA Executive of the Year after bringing a mediocre Lakers to the 1995 Western Conference semifinals until the arrival of the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal duo which resulted in a 3-peat during the 2000, 2001, and 2002 season.

To sum up, West brought 9 championships to the Lakers as a player and executive.

In the latter part of his career off the court, West joined the Grizzlies as their general manager, winning his second Executive of the Year award in 2007.

UNIVERSITY MASCOT,

tungo sa Pagpapahayag ng Misyon,” Saint Louis University (SLU) opened this year’s Intramurals with the unveiling of the university’s official mascot, Navi, and the comeback of the bleacher cheering competition after a 4-year hiatus at the Prince Bernhard Gymnasium last October 14.

Before the opening program, Rev. Fr. Benoit Bambile, CICM, and his co-celebrant Rev. Fr. Kentaro Takagi presided a Eucharistic Celebration in honor of the event.

Further, to mark the beginning of the new season of intramurals, several Louisian athletes paraded to represent their respective schools and to engage in the lighting of the torch.

Moreover, various performances from the SLU Marching Band, SLU Glee Club, and

Meanwhile, School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), School of Medicine (SOM), School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) exhibited their talents along with their colorful props and costumes, and synchronized movements in the most anticipated bleacher cheering competition.

Accompanied by their masterful performance, SOM managed to protect their crowns as they captured the victory and secured their title against their foes.

SLU Dance Troupe electrified the crowd and boosted their excitement.

SLU President gives opening remarks

SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, headed the commencement of this year’s intramurals.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Fr. Sales highlighted the importance of the muchanticipated school event.

“The opening of our intramurals this academic year signals a number of positive points. First, it translates to re-energize vibrancy among us all, especially for our students. Second, SLU, in every way possible, desires to convey that it

“We’ve been preparing for this for like a month and sobrang aga namin na nagpreprepare for this kaya ang dami naming na-sacrifice,” First-year SOM student, Charlyn Vinluan shared.

“Ang schedule namin usually is seven to seven ang class, and since ganun nga, practice namin is usually 7:00 pm to 9:00

Further, SONAHBS fell short as they earned the first runner-up while SEA obtained the second runner-up in the same category.

ABANTE BABAE: The Journey of Two Phenoms

Leslie Bridget Anzia and Mary Angelyn Ebenezer

The star we see in the night sky is a star that existed from the past. It’s so far that it takes years, centuries, or millennia before we see its light. In actuality, stars do not twinkle, but these rising Filipina stars in sports definitely do.

Two Filipinas are now in the eyes of the international stage, raising the flag of the Philippines to showcase the might of trueblooded Filipinas in the global setting.

Alex Eala and Bianca Bustamante, who are both at the age of 19, made it into the global spotlight to represent the nation in Tennis and Formula One Academy.

Alexandra Eala: Rising WTA prospect Hailing from Quezon City, the 19-yearold Alex Eala is definitely the prototype of how hungry Filipinos are for titles, although in her case, it’s not pageantry but sports. Eala always made it clear how big her dreams are for the sport, by stepping out from one tennis court to another, eagerly immersing herself in different tournaments and tennis icons ready to show what a lioness does in her territory.

At the age of 12, Alex won an under-14 tennis tournament in France, where Rafael Nadal, a two-time Olympic champion and a 22time Grand Slam winner recognized her talent, leading to her journey in Rafa Nadal Academy. Consequently, she crashed over the six-time ITF title holder Yvone Cavalle in the finals of International Tennis Federation (ITF) by LG tournament, earning her first professional title at the age of 15.

Alex started carving out history by being the first Filipino to win the Junior Grand Slam singles championship. Eala is also the first Filipino to win multiple Junior Grand Slam doubles titles. Alex Eala stands as the highestranking Filipino female singles player in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and is currently No. 160, speeding over Maricris Gentz who ranked No. 284 in 1999 at the age of 17.

“I’m still pretty young, but I do understand a lot of younger kids look up to me, and I do understand that I am someone that has the power to inspire other people and I’m really proud of that,” Alex states in an interview with Noli Eala. Hopefully, Alex would continue shining in tennis, bright enough to ignore and burn the passion and drive of the next Filipino

“UNKABOGABLE”

generations to also pursue their talents and persevere in their sports career.

Bianca Bustamante: Keeping the Pace on the Grid

From the roars of the engines and highoctane races, the male-dominated world of motorsports that boasts themselves to be of skill, tenacity and perseverance, meets a rising Filipina. Bianca Bustamante, an 19-year-old phenom, is not just racing to that sought ought finish line — she’s rewriting rules and blazing a trail for future generations. From go-kart tracks to the prestigious W Series and now the F1 Academy, Bianca’s journey prides itself a story of passion, grit, and unyielding determination.

Driving under McLaren, Bianca currently stands in the top 10 in the drivers’ championship standings of the F1 Academy, a program created by Formula One Championship that aims to expand opportunity in the sport.

Raised by a former go-kart diver father, Raymond Bustamante, racing had always fueled her veins, from the thrill of the go-kart she experienced at three years old, it was clear to her from that moment that racing was her destiny. By six, Bianca had already clinched victory at the Macau Karting Grand Prix, a feat that became a defining moment in her young career.

“Being a girl in a male-dominated sport meant I had to work twice as hard to prove myself,” she said. Bianca faced doubt, but her perseverance allowed her to overtake any skepticism; her medals speaking volumes.

She won her first competition in Spain by showcasing her potential early on and surpassing some of the the world’s best. “Standing on that podium with the Philippine flag and hearing our national anthem was a dream come true,” Bianca says, her voice filled with FIlipino pride. “It was more than just a win; it was a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of everyone who believed in me.”

Bianca’s success in the motorsports goes beyond her own achievement. For aspiring female athletes, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, it serves as a light of hope. Bianca Bustamante isn’t simply pushing for change and showing that anything is achievable with skill and determination. Being the first Filipina to be featured in international racing, Bianca’s story is one of tenacity and success that embodies the qualities of a real champion.

Baguio golfers dominated the 2024 Northern Luzon Regional Golf Championship, held at Pinewoods Golf & Country Club from June 3 to 5 with Warren Dagupon and Dai Tsuchiya of Pines Kumpadres Golf Club, Inc. securing wins in their respective mid-amateur

Cordillera’s

Seraphine (270) who finished second and third respectively.

Chrisjohn Remata clinched his first major win in the men’s elite category. A strong back nine propelled him to a threeshot victory over Wong. Remata shot a tournament-best 70 on the final nine holes to break away

While his career did not turn out well in the Grizzlies, he joined the Warriors as an executive board member, earning two more championships with the team during the 2014-2015 and 20162017 seasons.

Thereafter, he joined as a board member and consultant of the Los Angeles Clippers last 2017.

West’s basketball history was truly remarkable as he was able to accomplish much on and off the court, turning teams around and building success wherever he went.

SAMCIS bags overall championship, stands tall in the SLU Intramurals 2023 podium summit April Beverly Caigas

Saint Louis University (SLU) 2023

Intramurals’ highly anticipated sports season kicked off to a close with the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) crowned as the overall champions, held on October and November of 2023 at SLU Main Campus sporting venues.

SAMCIS reigned supreme after tallying a total of 555 points, bagging 9 championships from different categories, outlasting SEA who garnered 485 points. In the past years, these two schools consistently competed for the most coveted overall championship, symbolizing school dominance. SONAHBS, on the other hand, obtained 430 points.

SAMCIS managed to defend their throne as they reign in both men’s and women’s basketball, chess, and judo divisions; they also clinched the spot in the men’s futsal and table tennis, including women’s volleyball divisions. Furthermore, SEA stood their ground as they prevailed in the volleyball and sepak takraw men’s division while also claiming the futsal women’s division.

SONAHBS maintained their place by dominating the women’s badminton division. Among other categories, they seize their wins over the women’s division in table tennis, and both men’s and women’s in the taekwondo division.

School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) held fourth place with 395 points, followed by the School of Medicine (SOM) at fifth with 255 points, the School of Law (SOL) at sixth with 115 points, and the School of Advanced Studies (SAS) at seventh with 85 points. Although STELA ranked fourth overall, they finished as first runner-up in the men’s basketball division. Meanwhile, SAS ended up as champions of the men’s badminton division. SOM and SOL failed to secure any victories in any of the different categories, however, both schools showed exemplary performances. Some schools had few participants, which had a significant impact on the ranking system and point distribution.

Photo from White&Blue Photojournalism Department

Kelsey Kitana Mabborang Angelica Christine Reyes, Deo John Rosario and Keziah Mae Tingga-an

Villamor Dumlao

Photo by Chanice Guitang

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