Y2C THE MEDIATOR | SPECIAL ISSUE | Vol.2 Isuue No.2 | January - February 2024

Y2C Officers Academic Year 2022-2023

Leianne Zyra Calderon Executive Chairperson

Christian Jhon Asuncion Assistant Chairperson

Edmar Delos Santos Secretary-General

Y2C recognized as MMSU’s second best acad org for 2022-2023

The Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) was recognized as the second-best academic organization of the university during the Students’ Day 2024 at Teatro Ilocandia on January 29.

Led by its former Executive Chairperson Leianne Zyra Calderon and under the supervision of Y2C advisers, namely, Dr. Bryan R. Realgo and Mr. Brett Bungcayao, the organization implemented relevant programs and initiatives for the academic year 20222023.

“It was because of

FEATURE

4 Y2Cinema: A Valentine’s treat for stallion filmgoers

everyone’s effort and time that it became possible for us to be back on the podium again,” Calderon, the former executive chairperson, said.

Last academic year, Y2C launched a capacity-building event for communication students through a monthly webinar dubbed Y2Con, spearheaded the Aweng Awards, the first local media award-giving body, dominated local and national competitions, and partnered with different media institutions, among others.

This year, the Association of Tourism Management Students (ATOMS) from the College of Business,

6

SCICOMM

A Milestone for Meditcal Technology

Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) was hailed as the best academic organization in the whole university.

It was two years ago when the organization won the same award, which was led by its former Executive Chairperson Anna Sherina Mariñas.

The Students’ Day is an annual awarding ceremony for students and organizations who excelled last academic year. The said event is being hosted by the Office for Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) during the foundation anniversary celebration of the university every year.

7

LITERARY

Who am I now?

Elen June Arcangel Assistant SecretaryGeneral

Louwela Mae Aggacid Treasury-General

Trisha Mae Cabual Assistant TreasuryGeneral

Sandy Caliw-caliw Internal Auditor

Godofredo Bumanglag IV

Chief of the Committee on Talent Development

Paul Angelo Juan

Chief of the Committee on Education and Training

Crisdeniele Clemente

Chief of the Committee on Publicity

Ryand Angelo Ugalde

Chief of the Committee on Special Events

Jirah Failano

Chief of the Committee on External Linkages

Maria Chantilly Sipin

Chief of the Committee on Alumni Relations

Rheena Mangaoil 4th Year Representative

Shanell Jay Aguinaldo 3rd Year Representative

Janna Butay 2nd Year Representative

Jenn Khylei Elar Lacuesta 1st Year Representative

Dr. Bryan R. Realgo

Mr. Brett Bungcayao Advisers

Fatima Bucala

Y2C earns recognition at Students’ Day awarding ceremony 2024

January 29, 2024.

Alumnus and current instructor Edmar Delos Santos of College of Arts and Sciences was recognized for placing 2nd for the Best Paper Presenter, 3rd place for the Best Abstract at the 2023, international level and as 2nd place for Chit Estella Journalism Student Award, national level.

Adding to this achievement, Ryand Angelo Ugalde, Jirah Dean Failano, and John Bryan Dela Cruz was acknowledged for garnering the 1st place in the SUC Fair Documentary Making Contest, national level.

In addition, Ugalde, Dela Cruz, and Delos Santos were also recognized for being a Top Five

Finalist in the documentary category for SinePiyu XV Far Eastern University Film Festival held at FEU Manila.

Meanwhile, Zanel John Dumayag, another alumnus was also given an award for seizing the grand prize in the Amateur Category of Bravo Filipino Publishing’s online photo competition, focusing on Outreach Program innovation for higher productivity.

Along with these accomplishments, Y2C also clinched the 1st runner-up position in the Best Academic Organization category.

Y2Con 2024 premiere ep explores creative writing

The Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) resumed its Webinar Series Y2Con, the first of 2024, with the topic “Kuwento at Kuwentista: Mga Tala sa Sining ng Katha” via Facebook Live and Zoom on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Mr. Noji Bajet, a writer who has some of his works published on Philippine Panorama, Liwayway, Bannawag, Philippine Star, and Rappler, served as the resource speaker during the fourth episode, sharing his experiences in the field of writing, valuable insights, and techniques in writing.

Bajet highlighted that creativity, writing, and stories are significant in a communication process.

“Writing about the realities of the world and the lives of people all add up on creating a world that’s truthful and just,” said Bajet, as he gave his message to aspiring writers.

Y2C premieres 8 short films from communication students

To celebrate the talents, skills, and processes involved in filmmaking, the Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) premiered short films at the College of Arts and Sciences’ Audio-Visual Room (AVR) from February 15–16.

The film screening featured eight films in total, four documentary and four narrative films, with each year level of the BA Communication students producing two films.

The documentary films produced from the first to fourth-year level are as follows: Sparks of Love and Hope by Mikko Castillo, Pundasyon by Rodalyn Pagtama, Byukon by Ryand Ugalde, and Bigat by Ruth Ann S. Bagaoisan. The narrative films are 2.75 km of Zechri Jacob Alvarez, AYYY DU by Gian Paul Pascua, Foreword by John Bryan Dela Cruz, and Happy Place by Elen June Arcangel.

Stephanie Camille Ilar

To support the activity, Dr. Marlina L. Lino, dean of CAS, emphasized that the event is a celebration of both product and process.

“I would like to see it as not just a product of your creativity, your imagination, and expression of all these things that are from you. What amuses me is your theme and the content of each of these films has to revolve around a very meaningful SDG and that’s interesting because there is a message, a goal, a message intended to be expressed. And so, if it’s a product coming from the filmmakers, it’s a product that is to be also processed and digested by the viewers,” Dr. Lino expounded.

“In three years, since the first staging of the first Y2Cinema, the ABCOM [Bachelor of Arts in Communication] has produced homegrown filmmakers who have been recognized in local and national scenes. With Y2C’s consistent staging

of cinema fests like this, we will be able to discover and motivate more talents who will create films that we enjoy,” Dr. Dexter Adriatico, Chair of the Department of Languages and Literature, said.

The screening was open to all students and faculty members from other programs and colleges.

Y2Cinema, in its third edition, started in April 2022 as a pure exhibition as part of the Young Communicative Human in Development (YouCommanD) Congress.

Young Communicators’ Circle’s (Y2C) achievements were recognized during Students’ Day Awarding Ceremony as part of MMSU’s 46th Foundation Anniversary Celebration held at the Teatro Ilocandia last Monday,

Don LJ Martinez

Jainara Cathy Mae Marcos

Student-filmmaker receives Presidential Award in 2024 PRAISE

Christine De Vera

Ryand Angelo Ugalde, a third-year Communication student emerged as the sole undergraduate to be awarded at the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) an award-giving body usually given to the University employees and board exam topnotchers, as a Presidential Awardee for his outstanding contribution in the institution.

This was after his film Arapaap was screened in the first ever MMSU Film Festival, along with four other filmmakers.

In “Arapaap (Dreams),” Ugalde introduced audiences a compelling character—a young boy who embarks on a journey of selfdiscovery while navigating the dual roles of diligent student by day and carnival worker by night. Through candid footage and intimate interviews, Ugalde intricately weaved a narrative that captured the essence of the boy’s experiences as he balances academic pursuits with the vibrant yet demanding world of the carnival. The documentary sheds light on the boy’s joys and adversities, showcasing his unwavering determination in the face of challenges.

A year after, Ugalde released “BYUKON”, a project driven by Ugalde’s desire to amplify the voices of transgender individuals. Drawing from his academic background and personal experiences, he meticulously crafted a narrative that humanized the

struggles and triumphs of its subjects. Through his compelling storytelling, “BYUKON” challenges societal stereotypes and aims to foster greater understanding and acceptance.

As these two documentaries prepare to make their mark, they stood as testaments to the transformative power of storytelling. Ugalde’s work exemplifies the ability of film to convey personal narratives and inspire meaningful dialogue. As they take center stage during National Arts Month and beyond, “Arapaap (Dreams)” and “BYUKON” proudly declare, “Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino,” showcasing the creativity and dedication of a young filmmaker poised to make a lasting impact.

The student-filmmaker is set to compete as a finalist in this year’s Tan-ok ni Ilocano Film Festival— the most sought after film competition in the province of Ilocos Norte. His film will be screened at Robinson’s Place Ilocos Movieworld on March 9, 10, 16, and 17.

Comm faculty member, student essays published in nat’l broadsheet

Rafa Tarice Fontanilla

Mr. Edmar Delos Santos, a faculty member of the Department of Languages and Literature, and Micah Lei A. Rivera, a firstyear Bachelor of Arts in Communication student, had their write-ups published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The essay written by Delos Santos titled “Nakababain” sheds light on his realization of the importance of one’s mother tongue when he and his colleagues met a foreigner who was interested in learning and featuring Filipino culture in his videos.

Meanwhile, Rivera’s work is titled “Watercolor Beauty,” in which she discusses how she was obsessed with makeup and how to use it to boost her confidence in a world where perfection is valued. She also discusses her insecurities and imperfections.

The media outlet’s website stated that “Young Blood is a rite of passage for any aspiring Filipino writer worth their salt and only the best three of the 300 entries submitted every week wind up in print.”

‘Nakababain’

Watercolor beauty

by Shanell Jay Aguinaldo

Art by John Bryan Dela Cruz

Love is truly in the air, as the Young Communicators’ Circle offers stallion filmgoers a delectable set of films that is worth indulging in.

Step into the world of budding filmmakers as we explore the creativity and talent of Bachelor of Arts in Communication students through filmmaking. On the 3rd edition of the Y2Cinema, these homegrown films shine as beacons of passion for culture and the arts. From heartwarming documentaries to pulse-pounding narratives, each film offers a unique perspective on life, love, and the human experience.

Join us as we celebrate the stories worth sharing and the talents of these emerging filmmakers, whose works inspire and entertain while showcasing the power of communication in the digital age.

Here are the remarkable eight films——comprising four captivating documentaries and four compelling narrative features—that made their debut at the 3rd Y2Cinema event, held last February 15-16 at College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) AVR and MMC.

Spark of Love and Hope [D]

Directed by Mikko Castillo

It follows the story of Daniella, a trans woman, and her lover Kulot, highlighting the fiery connection between them that brightens their lives. However, as challenges arise and circumstances change, they must confront their ability to maintain hope for love even in difficult times. The narrative revolves around the themes of finding, losing, and rediscovering love, emphasizing the resilience of hope to reignite even the smallest spark.

Pundasyon [D]

Directed by Rodalyn Pagtama

Narrates the life of 49-year-old Tatay Romel, a dedicated construction worker wit h a passion for creating dreams into reality. Despite not finishing his studies, Tatay Romel excels in his job, using his hands to create structures that stand tall against the skyline. Tatay Romel embarks on this new journey, discovering that no matter where life takes him, his hands are capable of shaping not just buildings, but also his destiny.

BYUKON [D]

Directed by Ryand Ugalde

This documentary follows the story of Adha, a loyal ‘Miss Gay’ candidate and her quest to make ends meet by constantly joining in beauty contests. A popular form of entertainment in the country, BYUKON unravels the narratives of konteseras behind the pageant stage.

BIGAT [D]

Directed by Ruth Ann Bagaoisan

Bigat is a documentary about a porter named Ryan, one of the always seen yet underrecognized heroes of the airport. Each morning weighs on him, but he is set, still, to face every arrival and every departure with strong hands and feet, a brave heart, and a kind soul. This is a story about grief, sacrifice, and a relentless fight to make dreams soar.

2.75KM [N]

Directed by Zechri Jacob Alvarez

“2.75 km” follows the tale of Tala, a college student who used to walk 2.75 kilometers to school every day. The path was familiar but filled with surprises, mirroring the complexities of her life. Despite receiving offers for rides, Tala preferred walking for the sense of control it brought. One day, she met Joel, a high school student who unexpectedly joined her journey. As they walked together, Tala found unexpected companionship and understanding.

AYYY DU [N]

Directed by Gian Paul Pascua

This short narrative portrays the story of Frankie, an author who struggles to find a subject for her book, accidentally meets a guy named Franky at a coffee shop. She was dazzled by his presence and got curious about him. After that day, they met again in another place. This was the time that Frankie was able to fulfill some of her curiosity about Franky. This became the start of their continued meeting.

FOREWORD [N]

Directed by John Bryan Dela Cruz

Foreword tells the interesting life of Emily, a book author, who attends a therapy session after going through a difficult situation. Trying to rewrite the narratives of her past, she wrote a book about a familiar circumstance.

HAPPY PLACE [N]

Directed by Elen June Arcangel

Happy Place is a short narrative about a romance written by fate. A romance woven by the universe. A romance that is timeless. Let us flip through the pages, read the invisible strings and witness how two people discover their happy places, together and apart.

A Milestone for Medical Technology: CortiCom Enables ALS Patient To Perform Mind Control

Innovations in healthcare systems through technology have allowed medical practitioners to use apparatus designed to improve patient care and treatment including those deemed to be incurable. Braincomputer interfaces (BCI) are just one among the many advancements. They have brought significant changes for individuals who have neuromuscular conditions by allowing them to have control of their lives again.

Target ALS stated that the global estimates of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cases range from 1.9 per 100,000 to 6 per 100,000. This is a disease that targets motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord which regulate speech and motor functions. As time passes, the patient will feel muscle weakness, twitching, and atrophy. The brain also loses control of breathing, chewing, talking, and other voluntary movements.

ALS is a progressive and rare disease. Its symptoms continue to worsen as time passes. There is no known cure or any other preventive methods to treat it.

Recently, however, researchers from John Hopkins Medicine produced a BCI named Cortical Communication (CortiCom) that allows an ALS patient to control smart devices with their mind through a chip on the brain’s surface. Specifically, it is surgically implanted on the surface areas that control speech and upper limb movement.

It aims to help those with associated illnesses regain their neuromuscular functions. It works simply by picking up and analyzing brain signals through its sensors. These are then transported and translated into commands through a computer to achieve desired actions like communicating or moving.

Led by Dr. Nathan Crone, the institution has conducted a clinical trial with 62-year-old Tim Evans who was diagnosed with ALS in 2014. He has trouble communicating and swallowing food. As part of the BCI, Evans’ brain was implanted with two electrocorticographic (ECoG) grids that capture electric signals from thousands of brain cells. John Hopkins Medicine describes it as a thin

sheet of tiny sensors (electrodes) the size of a large postage stamp.

For several weeks, the researchers worked with Evans to train CortiCom’s deep-learning algorithm to recognize brain signals and to identify patterns by having him repeat six on-screen commands: left, right, up, down, and back. He uses these to control external gadgets like room lights or a smart TV by browsing options through a communication board provided.

When the training concluded, Evans was required five minutes each day for three months to utilize the same commands by operating a communication board with his thoughts. He was able to accomplish it with an accuracy rate of over 90%.

Additionally, evidence indicated that when Evans simply mouthed the command rather than speaking it out loud, the strategy might come out effective. The

researchers found that the best outcomes were obtained by using inputs from the brain’s motor and sensory centers. Throughout the three-month experiment, CortiCom’s performance was primarily influenced by the areas pertaining to the movement of the lips, mouth, and jaw. These areas were critical in ensuring the consistent operation of the BCI.

Dr. Crone stated that its reliability over time may be due to the type of electrodes used. Compared to other approaches that capture from individual nerve cells, this can target larger populations on the brain’s surface.

He further explained that such population responses appear to be more stable over time which means that the BCI algorithm used didn’t need retraining or frequent recalibration for the whole of the three-month procedure. This also implies that it can allow patients to freely use the BCI anytime without any interventions from a researcher. According to Dr. Crone, the results may be the first steps in realizing the potential for independent home use of speech BCIs by people living with severe paralysis.

Nonetheless, research indicates that a limited vocabulary is employed while interpreting speech concerning the BCI. Making it more extensive is necessary to shorten the time required to complete a wider range of jobs.

Currently, Evans and Dr. Crone’s team are collaborating on several further studies that help train and broaden CortiCom’s vocabulary for it to function in various tasks more effectively. In addition, the institution is continuously looking for patients to participate in their clinical trials in examining BCI systems for individuals with movement and communication conditions. John Hopkins Medicine stated that the researchers are waiting for the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concerning their plan to move the BCI apparatus to Evans’ home.

Further work and studies are yet to be done to bring CortiCom to those in need. There is hope for people who have neurological impairments. There is hope for regaining control of their lives again.

God g’ven Acab

Who Am I Now?

The beep of the alarm clock sounded in my room at 3:00 AM.

Instead of rolling over and hitting the off button as usual, my eyes opened wide with a panic feeling that I couldn’t understand. It wasn’t the early hour that bothered me, it was the question that echoed in my mind: “How did I get here?”

In my town, whispers followed me like shadows. “Ace” they called me, which was funny because I always dreamed of escaping to big cities with tall buildings and endless opportunities.

Back home, I was a different kind of anomaly. People whispered about me.

They called me an “overachiever,” the one who always got top marks, won awards, and was always the favorite. It was a title I wore like a second skin, a constant reminder of the expectations that weighed heavily on my shoulders. “Gifted,” they said, “intelligent,” a praise that I always crave to hear. It felt great, like I was destined for something, something extraordinary.

Then, I moved to a big city for college. Excitement bubbled in my chest. I told myself “big city, bigger opportunities,” this was my chance to prove myself on a grander stage. But soon enough, my excitement turned to dread. Little did I know, the city I once thought was a grander stage, held not just opportunities, but harsh realities, waiting to shatter my carefully constructed illusions.

On that first day of college, I stepped in full of confidence, ready to tackle whatever came my way. But

soon enough, that assurance crumbled as I found myself encircled by people shining far brighter than I ever imagined.

During the first semester, I witnessed students debating complex theories in the hallways, effortlessly solving problems that took me hours to understand. It hit me hard – my self-reliance dwindled, I was no longer the “smart girl” they told me I was. I was left with an unfamiliar label – just average. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about feeling lost in the shadows of others, my own light flickering, leaving me with the feeling of being ordinary in the midst of extraordinariness. In the midst of this academic battleground, I met someone. She became my constant companion, whispering doubts in my ear. She reminded me of all the people back home who thought I was special. Yet, instead of lifting me up, she twisted those beliefs into a cruel comparison game by using other’s achievements and my shortcomings. She fueled a burning envy within me, turning my admiration for other students into hate.

I hated how effortlessly they grasped concepts that took me days to understand.

I hated how their ideas were always insightful and original, while mine felt like an imitation and dull. The hate deepened with every comparison, a reaction to the difference between their effortless balance of academics and social lives and my struggle to keep up with just one aspect of the equation. Insecurity became my toxic best friend. Instead of pushing me toward my potential, it became the writer of my self-sabotage, writing failures between me and my capabilities. She made me believe that I was a fraud, an imposter sneaking into a world where I didn’t belong, that I didn’t deserve to be there. My best friend made me question the very core of who I thought I was, she made me question everything I thought I knew about myself.

In the grip of this toxic friendship, I became a stranger to myself. My goals blurred, shrouded in doubt. The dreams I once held close, now felt distant and unattainable. My potential, once a beacon of hope, was dimmed by the constant negativity, replaced by a suffocating fear of failure.

I realized the question wasn’t just about my grades, it was about my identity. Who was I if not the high-achieving student everyone saw? Where did the

confident, ambitious girl go?

Lying in the darkness, I knew I had to change. I knew I couldn’t let Insecurity control me. I had to fight back. I needed to find my way back to the self I once was.

I started acknowledging the presence of my insecurities and started reminding myself of my achievements and strengths. I also started focusing on myself. I embraced my hard work and dedication, recognizing that they were just as valuable as natural intelligence. I started collaborating with others, learning from their strengths and sharing my own.

I’m still a work in progress. My best friend still shows up from time to time, but now, I know how to handle her. I don’t let her control me anymore. I’ve learned to appreciate my own unique strengths and weaknesses. I’ve learned to celebrate the successes of others without feeling threatened.

This challenge was a tough one, but it’s also been one of the most important journeys of my life. It serves as a reminder that my worth are not defined by any validation, and now, I finally realized that everyone has something unique to offer the world.

This is not the end of my journey, the shadows may flicker, but they no longer have the power to dim the light within me. I am no longer Ace, the girl defined by expectations. No more names will decide who I am. I am just glad because I am now growing stronger, more resilient, ready to embrace the dawn of a new tomorrow.

Micah Lei A. Rivera

Comm students shine in CAS student artist’s concert

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Students showcased their talents during the CAS Student Artists’ Concert on January 25, 2023 at the S&T Park trade fair.

As the University celebrates its 46th Anniversary, students from different colleges performed in the Talent Showcase led by the University Student Council. The College of Arts and Sciences showed their exceptional talents in their performances making them the ‘The Best Student Artists’ Concert’ in the University’s Cultural Show.

Dana Meryll A. Gapas, a fourth year communication student led the musical play, by being the director of the show titled “Ang Tanghalan”

“The experience was really wonderful and it took so much learning and relearning. I had to work with so many people, equally talented people, and it was really a joy. Directing the show immersed me with how musical productions work and the experience will surely help me as a communication student” Gapas said in an interview.

In the curtain call, Janna Butay, a junior, played the lead role as ligaya and Rose Anne Balino as Ligaya’s mother. Together with the other Y2C members, Jarevalo Paloy and Gil Justin Magarro both from second year,

and Shannel Aguinaldo, a fourth year student, shined on the platform with their extraordinary performances.

Behind the curtains is Jirah Dean Failano a second year student who also shared his talent for being the music director in the show.

In the Art department, Zechri Alvarez a first year, Vivian Bautista, a third year, and also Ruth Anne Bagaoisan and Stephanie Camille Ilar, who are both from fourth year, shared their artistic skills behind the scenes in the production team.

As the representatives of the young Communicator’s Circle in the CAS Student Artists’ Concert, Merryl Bonifacio, Hartford Shem Gallega, Gian Pascua, Elen June Arcangel, Theo Joshua Adina, Louwella Maa Agacid, and Erica Joy Gabuat stole the hearts of the student body with their fun stafe presentation.

Meanwhile, Mhazy Guillermo and Hartford Shem Gallega both from second year, and Sandy Caliwliw also showered the audience with laughter and joy by their humorous talents and performances.

With their outstanding presentation, the Young Communicator’s Circle proves and shows excellency and talent in every aspect of their lives.

Young Communicators amuses the audience with a tula-dula performance

BA Communication students presented an outstanding tuladula performance for the student-artist concert, CAS garden show, on January 25 at S&T Park.

With an 8-minutelong performance, Elen Arcangel and Gian Pascua, the narrators, made the stage alive with their voices, while Theo Adina, Louwela Mae Aggacid, Erica Gabuat, Meryll Bonifacio, and Hartford Shem Daleja were the actors and actresses that made the performance a comedy and filled the crowd with waves of laughter.

Packed with trendy steps, comedic lines, and parody versions of songs, the performance was a collaborative creation and effort between the eight communicators.

Focused on showing the life of the protagonist Mariano (Theo Adina), the tula-dula showcased the determination of the lead character despite the

challenges that he faced in his journey as he enters tertiary education.

“The purpose of the performance was not solely to entertain the audience with our acting skills. It aimed to convey a message, specifically highlighting the dedication of MMSU students, specifically during the pandemic of Covid-19.” Louwela Mae Aggacid, performer and Executive Chairperson of Young Communicator’s Circle (Y2C) remarked.

She added that “The intention was to instill in the minds of the viewers the belief that nothing can hinder one’s dreams and that anyone can accomplish their goals as long as they possess the courage and dedication required.”

The tula-dula performed at the CAS Garden Show was part of Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU) 46th Foundation Anniversary Talent Showcase that aimed to entertain and flaunt the talent of students from each college.

Ma. Danika Quime

Von Reynafe Acevedo

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