Y2C The Mediator | Maiden Issue | Vol. 01 No. 01 | Aug-Dec 2022

YOUNG COMMUNICATORS SHINE IN NAT’L MIL VIDEO CONTEST

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achelor of Arts in Communication students emerged victorious in the first-ever Nationwide Media Information and Literacy (MIL) Video Contest hosted by Out of the Box Initiative as part of the Philippine celebration of Global MIL Week 2022.

With 53 official entries from different universities around the country, Ryand Angelo Ugalde, a second-year communication student, clinched second place, while Chris Jeremiah Antonio and Jirah Dean Failano, both freshmen students, placed third in the college category of

Edmar Delos Santos

the said video contest.

Ugalde shared that winning the said video contest was unexpected as he just wanted to spread the importance of MIL among the people through his entry.

“Being a student-journalist, I’ve always been a witness on the growing problems of how people consume information in the different media platforms,” he shared.

“I wanted to put out— that it takes a media and information literate individual to stop mis- and disinformation before it even reaches different online

users,” Ugalde further emphasized.

Meanwhile, five other students from the program were shortlisted in the same video contest, namely, Janna Butay (BA Comm II), Rodalyn Pagtama (BA Comm I), Aibel Zyrll Binag (BA Comm I), Elen June Arcangel (BA Comm III), and John Russel Ordonia (BA Comm I).

Participants in the college category answered the question on how media and information literacy can help revive the public trust lost in the media due to disinformation and hate speech in a one-

minute and 30 seconds video.

Out of the Box Initiative organized this year’s Philippine celebration of MIL week on October 2431. It partnered with several organizations in the country, including Mariano Marcos State University’s Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C).

The UNESCO Global MIL Week is an annual celebration by stakeholders around the world to review and celebrate the attainment of the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) for All initiative.

Comm student bags major award in nat’l photo contest

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Janna Butay

photo entry by a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student won a major award in the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) APO Vision 2025 Photo Contest on December 2.

Anchored with the theme “Innovation for Higher Productivity,” Zanel John Dumayag displayed his photography skills and ranked 2nd with his photo titled “Golden Harvest.”

Dumayag will receive a 10,000-peso cash prize.

The said entry will also

have the opportunity to be mounted in a photo exhibit and be featured in the DAP 2023 desktop calendar.

“As a kid, I grew up on the farm [because] my lolo is also a farmer.

Coincidentally, they recently started utilizing machines to harvest palay and so the farmers aren’t as exposed to the heat and the harvesting process became quicker.

I went for the title as Golden Harvest because I believe it’s the agriculture industry in the Philippines that must be prioritized in terms of development

and innovation because it is the very backbone of our society,” Dumayag said in a mix of English and Filipino when asked about his inspiration behind the photo.

“I really feel so overwhelmed and excited the moment I saw my photo winning 2nd place, I never expected to win because I was happy with the fact that I was to pass the 2nd screening so winning 2nd place, I really felt surreal, even now,“ the studentphotographer added.

The.......

Development Academy

of the Philippines (DAP) is a government organization that aims to assist the Philippines in its development efforts by acting as a change catalyst and capacity builder. It also assists in shaping new

government policies, crafting development programs, and modernizing the management of government agencies and private enterprises.

DUMAYAG’S WINNING PIECE. A man gathering palay grains through a farming tractor in a rice field. Photo by Zanel John Dumayag

BEYOND CONTEST JOURNALISM Campus journalism has long been vital in schools as the mediator to raise issues of students, institutions, and society. The Philippines has also passed a law, the Republic Act No. 7079 Campus Journalism Act of 1991, to safeguard the liberty of the press, even at the campus level. With this, campus journalists are protected under the law as they have the freedom to report whatever seems malicious or to make their fellow students informed.

In the Philippines, press conferences–at the division, regional, and national levels–are some of the main events organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) participated by coaches and students. At the tertiary level, there is also a Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC) or its Luzon-wide competition organized by campus press advisers.

But, the relevance of campus press, in the eyes of many, is an avenue to brag about their institution’s recognition and achievements at regional, national, and international levels. Moreover, most of the time, they join press conferences as an opportunity for teachers to gain points in getting promoted and extra credit for grades to students, which is why they are attracted to participating in these events.

Although, there are still passionate coaches and campus journalists as they practice journalism beyond the campus press.

With the emergence of disinformation and misinformation, campus journalists also have a vital role in fighting different media and societal issues.

Thus, student writers also have a role in correcting erroneous information read, heard, or watched by the general public.

Information overload is another threat to the trust of the mass in media institutions. People have a hard time distinguishing between truthful and false information. As campus press has the power to shed light on rampant social issues–starting with spreading awareness– now more than ever, the media industry needs change makers and advocates from the grassroots level to eradicate media and information illiteracy among people.

But, attaining media and information literacy among people could only be achieved if journalists, such as the campus press, are committed to empowering communities through constant truthful reporting and fact-checking false information. Moreso, their stories should not only be read by the students in their schools; but also ripple the narrative at the national level to reach a wider audience.

As the watchdogs of society, student writers and communicators should open their eyes and be brave to speak the truth for society to be truly empowered.

In this way, campus journalists are truly beyond contest journalism.

2 faculty share experience facilitating, attending MOOC

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Edmar Delos Santos

w o communication faculty of the Department of Languages of Literature (DLL) shared their testimonies on facilitating and attending massive open online courses (MOOC) camp

during the visit and lecture forum of US Embassy Officials in the Mariano Marcos State University on September 21, 2022, at the Center for Flexible Learning.

Prof.

Karla Galeon, a facilitator of MOOC events at the university, shared in

her testimony how the said virtual camps are beneficial to students as it gave them upto-date learnings that they could use in their future careers. She also empahized how the virtual camp gave her the opportunity to form relationships with her “MOOCabsats,”

an Ilokano word for siblings.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adrianne Lorenzo Corpuz, a participant in MOOCs last academic year, highlighted how the said training has helped him acquire knowledge and skills, telling that he is now using these learnings as a communication instructor at the university.

T h e s e testimonies were heard by communication and English language

students, faculty, Dr. Carleen Velez, regional English language officer of the US Embassy in Manila, and the speaker of the forum Mr. Joseph Andrew Bookbinder, director of the Office of English Language Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The said lecture forum aims to reaffirm the embassy’s support for academic and professional opportunities.

MMSU, BNHS ink deal to enhance students’ journalistic, reading skills

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Brett Andrew Rikkee Bungcayao

ommunication and language f a c u l t y members of the Mariano Marcos State University – College of Arts and Sciences are committed to assisting Batac National High School in enhancing its students’ journalistic and reading skills.

Through the signing of a memorandum of understanding and two memoranda of agreement on November 23 at the CAS – Audiovisual Room, the two institutions agreed to implement two extension projects at BNHS. MMSU Vice President for /

Academic Affairs Prima Fe R. Franco, having represented MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, and BNHS Senior High School Coordinator Jerville Jake M. Cabansag, having represented BNHS School Principal Connie Marie Angelie Mae Balignasay, led the ceremonial signing to jumpstart the implementation of the Project COMMunity+ and Project READy toward Literacy.

On one hand, Project Community+ is geared at ‘cultivating and sustaining conscientious campus journalism toward social participation’ at BNHS.

Mr. John Vincent Toribio, project leader, said the activity “shall not only enable the school writers and broadcasters to win in press conferences, but, more important, to uphold sociallyrelevant reportage through their print and online media platforms.”

On the other hand, the READy toward Literacy project targets to facilitate a reading intervention program for BNHS learners.

Ms. Clarizza Joy B. Tumenes, project leader, explained, “the program shall promote the students from their current levels of reading abilities through a series of training-workshops and other activities.”

T h e c e r e m o n i a l memoranda signing was graced by DLL chairperson Dexter A. Adriatico, CAS secretary Editha B. Valdez, CAS extension coordinator Marlyn S. Cacatian, DLL extension focal person Richard S. Agbayani, BNHS journalism coordinator Whellalyn G. Duldulao and reading coordinator Yoradyl Mae J. Patoc.

They were joined by other DLL and BNHS faculty members.

MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Prima Fe R. Franco congratulated the Department of Languages and Literature for initiating relevant extension projects, further

challenging the faculty “to widen the scope of the projects in the future by conducting the same in other schools in the province.”

The MMSU-BNHS partnership started last year when the communication extension core team, including Toribio, Ms. Karla Auria S. Galeon, Mr. Bryan R. Realgo, and Mr. Brett Rikke S. Bungcayao, responded to BNHS’ request for a journalism training.

This allowed for the determination of the school’s actual needs and challenges, thus, the two resultant projects.

THE BASICS OF BROADCASTING. Prof. Bryan R. Realgo discusses the basics of TV and radio broadcasting during a journalism workshop at Batac National High School on October 24, 2022.

National news org publishes essays, letter to the editor by comm students

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Jirah Dean Failano

n essay written by Edmar Delos Santos and a letter to the editor article

by Ryand Angelo Ugalde, both communication students at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), were published in

Philippine Daily Inquirer last October 3 and 17, respectively.

Delos Santos’ essay titled “What is noche Buena like” made it to “Young Blood,” the youth column section of Inquirer that picks 3 of the best columns from hundreds of

centered around the proposed scrapping of the MTB-MLE curriculum of the country’s basic education system made it to the Letters to the Editor section of the said media organization.

He conveyed the importance of

retaining Filipino and mother tongue subjects among students.

Aside from being active officers of Y2C, both students are also part of the editorial board of SIRMATA, the official publication of MMSU college students.

Comm faculty spearheads 2-day journalism workshop in BNHS

the students.

Prof.

John Vincent Toribio, a communication faculty who initiated Project COMMunity+, said in an interview that students, as the powerful and empowered young generations of today, write because they can go beyond winning contests; they write because they have a meaning.

“We write because this Godgiven talent has a great purpose. We write because we are an integral part of the social building,” he added.

P r o j e c t COMMunity+ is a multi-sectoral, multidisciplinary, and longterm project of the BA in Communication program that will implement a series of activities over five years to ensure the project’s vision will be realized.

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submissions weekly written by Filipinos below 30 years old.

In his essay, he told his views about the real essence of holidays and his narratives about celebrating Christmas eve.

Meanwhile, Ugalde’s article

Shannel Jay Aguinaldo

o help budding journalists improve their skills in journalism, the communication faculty of the Department of Languages and Literature (DLL) of the Mariano Marcos

State University (MMSU) conducted a two-day Intensive Journalism Training at Batac National High School (BNHS), Bungon, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte, on October 24-25, 2022.

Called “ P r o j e c t COMMunity+,” the two-day training for campus press of BNHS aims to create a community of digitally connected, socially aware, and participative

WRITING A FEATURE. Dr. Maria Deleilah Adriatico (woman in white) discusses feature writing among campus journalists at Batac National High School on October 24, 2022.

Photo by Adrianne Lorenzo Corpuz

Ilokano youth that responsibly shares and disseminates information to stimulate social consciousness. Aside from this, it also aims to establish a community of students who write and report with a purpose.

The training included topics on News Writing, Copyreading, Editorial Writing, Science and Technology Writing, Editorial Cartooning, Photojournalism, Online/Digital Campus Journalism, Feature Writing, Sports Writing, and TV/Radio Broadcasting in both English and Filipino.

Aside from training, a workshop was also followed where speakers got to critique the outputs of

Y2C joins PH celeb of Global MIL week, partners with UNESCO, other orgs

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FIRST EPISODE. BA Communication students attend the fact-checking discussion of Rhiana Hanopol from Vera Files during the launching and first episode of Y2Con on October 27 via Zoom.

Screenshot from Zoom

Y2C launches Y2Con, holds n celebration of Y2C, Out of The Box, fact-checking webinar Edmar Delos Santos

the Global Media & Information Literacy Week in the Philippines from October 24 to 31, the Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) participant and is one of the event’s copresenters in its 2022 edition.

This year’s theme, “Nurturing trust: A Media and Information Literacy Imperative” aims to gather MIL stakeholders in the Philippines to strengthen cooperation and discuss core issues in the industry. It highlighted the rise of disinformation, hate speech, and various digital rights attacks that are eroding society’s trust.

To achieve this year’s theme, a nationwide MIL Video Contest for high school and college students and a stakeholders’ meeting and forum was held.

Aside from

FEU IAS Department of Communication, Break the Fake Movement, Philippine Association for Media and Information Literacy, Foundation for Media Alternatives, National Council for Children’s Television, Campus Journalism Lab, MovePH, Yabong, Vera Files, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, Department of Communication, University of the Philippines Baguio, and Xavier University Development Communication Department joined UNESCO in organizing the Philippine Global MIL week.

Initiated by UNESCO in 2011, Global MIL Week is an annual global celebration by different stakeholders to review and recognize the progress in the attainment of the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) for All initiative.

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Rheena Mangaoil

n celebration of Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, the Young Communicators’ Circle conducted a fact-checking webinar to launch the first episode of Y2Con, a monthly webinar series spearheaded by the academic organization, on October 27, 2022.

Ms. Nica Rhiana Hanopol, a journalist and factchecker at Vera Files, a media organization in the country that debunks and factchecks dubious claims, served as the speaker who discussed the

various steps, and “red flags” of credibility and fact-checking of the current issues people see online.

Attended by communication students from the university via Zoom and Facebook live, the 2-hour lecture was filled with impactful topics, tips and ideas, including the basics of factchecking, mitigating misinformation, as well as the ability to identify suspicious claims on various media platforms.

“We are living in a society where information is found everywhere.

This is why we

sometimes experience information overload and forget to be critical with the information we consume,” said Leianne Zyra Calderon, Y2C Executive Chairperson, when asked about the relevance of the webinar.

Y2C intends to continue this type of endeavor in order to train individuals to be more vigilant in disseminating information to the public, as well as develop the talents and skills of students in different fields of communication through Y2Con.

Senior comm student claims 1st spot in city-wide photo contest

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AOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte– Besting other photographers from the city, Jericho John Angeles, a 4thyear student from Bachelor of Arts in Communication of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), bagged 1st place in the Shine Laoag Photo Contest on December 19, 2022.

With the theme “Shine Laoag!

Shyrille Agtani

Day and Night,” Angeles captured a picture-perfect shot of the Gilbert Bridge.

Angeles brought home 5,000 pesos cash and a trophy.

With a firstrunner-up placement in the contest’s last edition, Angele s vowed to break his own record by creating a champion-worthy game plan this year.

“Since I finished second last year, my game plan

was to come up with a concept or idea that was novel to everyone.

The photo I took was just taken seven hours before the deadline since I am too busy with my thesis paper, but I am glad that I still pushed myself to join the said competition,” Angeles told Y2C. The said photo contest was organized by the City Government of Laoag and the Laoag City Tourism Office.

Comm studes win top awards in local short horror film fest Crisdeniele Clemente

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short horror film produced by fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication students from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) clinched major awards in the 11th Semana ti Araria Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Festival on November 09, 2022.

Written and directed by Zanel John Dumayag, their fiveminute short film entry titled “Tarigagay” was

hailed as this year’s Best Screenplay and Third Best Picture from three official entries.

Ta r i g a g a y follows the story of Princess, a cheerful daughter, who celebrates her birthday with her divorced parents. As she wished for that moment to last, her wish changed into something unexpected.

In an interview, Dumayag shared that winning the best script was

unexpected as he believes that all entries were wellwritten.

“Nagulat talaga kami nung inannounce na kami yong Best Screenplay.

It validated my belief that a good film is a film that shows, not tells,” said Dumayag.

“It was really an amazing experience, and was truly worth the hustle!” he added.

Aside from Dumayag, the team was composed of Ralph Dela Cruz

(cinematographer), Ronan Punzalan (video editor and actor), and stars Meryl Wayne Mendoza, Daniella Gamilla, and Vince Badua.

Meanwhile, Aaron Zandler Guillermo, a junior communication student, was also one of the actors in this year’s Best Picture titled “Eva Dolores.”

Short film entries were judged

by Paul Soriano, a film director and presidential

adviser on creative communications; Odyssey Flores, a cinematographer; and Bianca Niña Trinidad, a producer at TEN17P film production.

The Semana ti Ar-aria Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Festival is an annual event spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) during the first week of November.

Y2C holds Ilokano Y2C wins CAS creative makeup, filmmaking cosplay competition webinar ander Dale Villanueva topped the in the said virtual

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Elen June Arcangel

o train communication students and aspiring filmmakers, the Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) spearheaded a filmmaking webinar for the second episode of Y2Con on November 26.

With its theme “Discovering the Power of Film,” renowned Ilokano filmmakers Direk Mark Moneda, Direk Rommel Pascua, and Direk Melver Ritz Gomez were invited to speak about the basics of film production, narrating Ilokano

identity through documentaries, and writing for films and documentaries, respectively.

The webinar served to harness the knowledge of students about the power of film to inform, entertain, document, inspire, and create a positive change, as well as to challenge the status quo.

Before the online conference ended, Leianne Zyra Calderon, the executive chairperson of the organization, announced the guidelines of Y2Cinema Year 2.

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Caliw-Caliw and Louwela Mae Agacid, both third-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication students, won first place in creative makeup and cosplay competition, respectively, in the #GHOSThings: CASpook-tacular contest spearheaded by the College of Arts and SciencesStudent Council (CAS- SC) held virtually, November 4.

Participated by different academic organizations in the college, Agacid’s cosplay inspired by the possession of Clarita

Jenn Khylei Lacuesta

competition with over six contestants. On the other hand, CaliwCaliw’s creative make-up referenced Valentina, a character from the Filipino fantasy “Darna,” bested the other seven entries.

To celebrate Halloween in the college, participants

competitions followed the theme “Local-Filipino Inspired Ghost,” in which contestants in cosplay submitted a full and close-up shot of their costume, while creative makeartists were tasked to video themselves in a one-minute and 30-second video.

SPOOKY. Sander Caliw- Caliw and Louwella Mae Agaccid act as Valentina and Clarita, respectively, in their entry for the online Halloween contests hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council. Photos by Sander Caliw-caliw and Chris Jeremiah Antonio

Junior communication student wins prov’l dance choreography contest

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Angel Ped

ith yet another showcase in the field of arts, Aaron Zandler Guillermo, a thirdyear Bachelor of Arts in Communication student, was hailed first runner-up in the dance choreography contest during the Northern Flava 2022 at Robinsons Place Ilocos on December 17.

Sharing the stage with other Ilokano dancers, Guillermo showed his dancing skills in the various categories of the said competition.

Aside from his second spot win, the student-dancer was

able to advance in the top four on the 1v1 open style and 2v2 all style categories.

“To be honest, it was tough fitting it into my preparations for this competition, but I somehow found time to do so. I pushed my limits and enhanced my creativity for me to make a performance which will maybe secure a spot within the top 3,” Guillermo told Y2C in an interview. “ M y motivation was for me to gain experience and show other dancers, and the people what I can do, and I know for myself that I forget everything when I am on the dance floor.

That is also what I am after. I was also motivated by a certain dance performance from Choreo Cup 2022, where I tried to incorporate the dancer’s style to mine. Overall, I was after the unexplained feeling of killing the dance floor and the experience of joining the competition,” he added.

G i v i n g opportunities to amateurs and professionals, the Northern Flava competition aims to reestablish the dance battle scene of Ilocos Norte.

Photo by Rino Records

STUDENT-DANCER. Aaron Zandler Guillermo poses holding his certificates and cash prize after winning awards in the Northern Flava 2022 dance competition held at Robinsons Place Ilocos on December 17.

Alconis to comm studes: “Through music, you can express anything” Ryand Ugalde

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. Communication students, faculty, participants, and the speaker of Y2Con’s episode on music production poses in front of their cameras for the virtual photo opportunity on Zoom on December 10.

The Young C o m m u n i c a t o r ’s Circle (Y2C) conducted its third monthly webinar titled Y2CON: Beyond symphonies and melodies, communicating through the power and forms of music— highlighting the importance of music in communication, advertising, and media and entertainment industries, December 10.

According to an article by the National Council for Special Education, music and communication are closely linked and there are many skills that are common to both. Research also supports that exposure to music from an early age is beneficial for communication development.

W a y n e Alconis, musician and the creative director of Dose Uno films,

was invited to speak to share his expertise in the field. During the said webinar, Alconis discussed methods and tactics for using music effectively. The teacher-musician also emphasized the ability of music to influence the world, the people, and their emotions. “ M u s i c is all around us— intersecting our lives, regulating our moods, and bringing good vibes to those who are listening. It has

the power to alter one’s mood, change perception[s], and [to also] inspire change,” an excerpt from Alconis’ talk.

“It raises your mood or calms you down.

It allows us to feel all the emotions that we experience in our lives,” he added.

Meanwhile, student-singer/ composer, Carmela Florendo shared how the webinar has encouraged her to continue her passion for music while pursuing a communication degree.

“It definitely altered my perception.

Before, I always thought that music was something that wouldn’t be given that much appreciation in the field. I mean, I know it does contribute something to an extent, but never

thought that it would be as essential as how the speaker portrayed it to be. I also enjoyed how sir showed the manipulative side of music, which is a trait that’s often overlooked but finally was given recognition,” Florendo told Y2C. “All in all, the webinar was a turning point for me, since now I know musicians and composers (like me) do have a place in the degree, and that our skills aren’t shoved to the corner,” the 3rd year communication student added.

Y2Con is a monthly webinar hosted by the Young Communicators’ Circle— discussing various topics to help equip students in the different fields and disciplines of communication.

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s we celebrate a spooky All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1-2, 2022, shorts films from various filmmakers in Northern Luzon will be exhibited, ranging from documentaries, narratives, and experimental in Arte Luna, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

The Ilokano filmmakers’ talents will leave you stunned through the first-ever Pelikula Ilokana Film Exhibition.

Here are the short films that were screened in the film exhibition.

Iyallatiw

Directed by Melver Ritz Gomez Iyallatiw is a short documentary film that tells the story of a Manglualo in the town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, who shared her experience and sacrifice in preserving a unique oral tradition that many, especially this generation, are unfamiliar with.

Some of its awards include the Viddsee Juree Silver Prize, the Festival Jury Gerry Balasta Advocacy Award at the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City, and Honorable Mention and Special Citation Works by/for Children at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Gawad Alternatibo.

Iyallatiw will be the opening film of the said film exhibition.

Manang Klara

Directed by Kriskyril Dann Saribay Martinez

Gulgul

This 25-minute film tells the life of Manang Klara, a Filipina shaman who fought with her sweat and blood to protect her culture and identity from the inevitable Spanish conquest.

Furthermore, this movie explores how the Roman Catholic religion influenced the modern-day Philippines.

Manang Klara was directed by a first-time filmmaker and University of Baguio communication student.

Gulgul is a documentary that focuses on the Ilokanos’ after-burial culture in the city of Iligan, Isabela. This short documentary film depicts “gulgul” as a means of easing the grief and mourning of the deceased’s relatives.

Washing one’s hands in running water is thought to cleanse one of all sins and body aches.

This 8-minute film demonstrates how “gulgul” is performed and why it is still practiced after burial among Ilokanos.

Silyon

Directed by Hannah Keziah C. Agngarayngay Silyon is an experimental film about artists who were impacted by the pandemic.

The “silyon” represents the place where we are bold enough to create while remaining true to ourselves. The pandemic is also a metaphor for the numerous obstacles that prevent an artist from fulfilling their primary calling. This film was created to remind people that no matter how long they have been separated from their own “silyon,” they can always return to it.

“It makes me so happy to see different local films being recognized and valued— much appreciation for those people behind this exhibition. When I was given a chance to direct a film, I knew then that I wanted to center it on artists, hence the silyon.” Agngarayngay told Y2C in an interview

Directed by Yonidick B. Pascua

Soleng

Directed by Isagani Manatad This short film narrates the story of a widowed lady who gets obsessed with cooking “atang”—defined as a food offering to appease the disturbed spirits of Ilocanos, who died in the recent past— for her husband, but the sudden turn of events happens every time she puts food at the altar.

Soleng provides thrill and drama while at the same time giving viewers a glimpse of the after-burial culture of Ilokanos. It won several awards in last year’s Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Festival, such as 2nd Best Short Horror Film, Best Director, Best Sound Effects, and Best Actress.

The short horror film was directed by Isagani Manatad and written by Jay Agnir, both BA Communication graduates from last academic year.

Mantatambal

Directed by Basha Castro This 15-minute film tries to unravel and give meaning to the life and experience of Folk Healers in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. It portrays a story on the practices of the art of healing using traditional practices and herbal remedies.

This documentary by a Digital Cinema graduate of the School of Media Studies of Mapua University, won the Special Citation Award in the Adult Division in the DokyuBata 2021.

Inaywanan

Directed by Neil Villaruel Inaywanan is an experimental film that tells the story of a mother longing for someone inside her heart. She reminisces the moments that she should have had with the one she yearns for; until one day, she eventually reunites with the one in her heart she once lost.

AB English Language students of Mariano Marcos State University created this short film as part of their final project on their Film and Society subject last academic year.

Dalluyon

Directed by Jeisther Timothy Galano This film shares the story of a young man who established his art as an escape from his suffering, owning to solitude and yearning.

Crashed by the emotional weight of the waves, he struggles to cope with his grief and loss.

Some of its recognition in 2021 were Jury’s Choice Award, Best Sound Design, and Best Visual Design Award at the 3rd Gawad Sine Abreño for the Abrenian Heritage Film Festival.

Inana

Directed by Geraldine B. Manuel This short film from Nueva Vizcaya narrates the story of a young man who angrily tells his deceased mother to rest in peace when the mother is only telling him how to do things right.

Inana was an entry to the film festival at Saint Mary’s University in Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya during the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (SEAIT) week.

The film received numerous awards during the said event, including Best Film Trailer, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor, and Best Editing Award.

Dung-aw

Directed by Romel Pascua Dung-aw talks about Lola Maring, a 90-year-old widow grieving for his grandchild Rodel, whom she treated like her own son. Her lamentations resonate with her love and longing for her lost grandson.

The film took home awards in the 4th Abrenian Heritage Film Festival 2022: Best Documentary Film and Best Director.

Entablado

Directed by Caesar Vincent D. Tabancay Jr An experimental film that narrates the journey of a proud yet loving granddaughter who hopes to find the meaning of love, optimism, and success. Discovering deeper in her consciousness the reality of what she is longing for is just by instilling in her heart the values of true Ilokana.

This short film was produced by economics students of MMSU last academic year and was part of their school project in their Film and Society course.

Mina’s Family History Directed by Christopher Gozum

Mina’s Family History follows the fate and faith of a young lady destined to follow in her forefathers’ footsteps. The film looks at healers’ spiritual journeys and the consequences their descendants face for refusing to become healers.

Mina envisions a different future as she leads a different life. But there is no escaping fate, so she endures the struggle for a long time before accepting it.

Moreso, this film was part of the Sine Halaga last year, a National Commission for Culture and Arts film festival and educational resource program that seeks to explore 19 core Filipino values through stories.

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ATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte – Fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student Lady Zylas Santos was crowned Miss Batac 2022 during the coronation night held at the Imelda Cultural Center on December 14.

With 16 lovely candidates, Santos stood out among other girls taking home other four special awards aside from the title: Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, Best in Evening Gown, and Most Articulate.

The 21-year-old beauty queen told in an interview that this is her best holiday gift so far. “I feel like a young girl who just opened the best Christmas present!”

“I was aware that for me to have a chance of winning, I must deliberately forget that the evening was a competition. I focused on expressing my authentic self–in action and words,” Santos added.

Preparations When asked about her preparations for this year’s pageant, Santos shared that she spent a lot of time understanding herself–who she is as a person. “Being perceived as beautiful is not enough to join a beauty pageant. I spent a lot of time inside me.”

Aside from understanding herself, she is thankful to those who helped her win the crown. “A lot of people generously gifted their time to train me how to walk and trot on the stage more confidently than I was before,” Santos shared.

Inspiration According to Santos, one of her greatest inspirations and motivation in joining the pageant is her mom. “Through her, I was motivated to join and win the pageant because my win is also her win.”

She added that her mother is the one who pulls her up every time she is down and assures her every time that life is beautiful if we choose it to be.

Miss Ilocos Norte 2024 Even though Santos is still set to compete in Miss Ilocos Norte 2024 as Miss Batac 2021 will represent next year, she said that she will be attending more training for her to improve her stage walk.

“And finish my degree because beauty can not stand alone for a long time in this life without a tool.

For me, the greatest tool [in pageants] is education,” she emphasized.

VICTORY. Lady Zylas Santos poses with her crown, sash, and bouquet after being hailed as Miss Batac 2022 at Imelda Cultural Center on December 14, 2022.

Meanwhile, three Mariano Marcos State University students also grabbed major awards, namely, Brenda Clemente, Kimberly Bilgera, and Kim Ernestina Rebucal, winning first runner-up, second runner-up, and fourth runner-up, respectively.

Y2C features Ilokano Christmas through Y2Cinema Shanell Jay Aguinaldo

B

a c h e l o r of Arts in

Communication students once again proved their skills and talents in filmmaking as they showcased their films during the second edition of Y2Cinema held at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) - Audio Visual Room (AVR), on December 9, 2022.

In partnership with the CAS Student Council, the Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) screened eight films ranging from documentaries to narratives in line with this year’s theme “Ilokano Christmas.”

Each year level of the BA

Communication program produced two films each: ‘Sagut’ and ‘Tarigagay’ (BA Comm I); ‘Iliw’ and ‘Ngayong Pasko’ (BA Comm II); ‘Sagut’ and ‘Lagip’ (BA Comm III); and, ‘Para ken Mama’ and ‘Tarabay’ (BA Comm IV).

“We are thrilled that this year we were able to put together a [face-toface] movie screening event to highlight our members’ talents and enthusiasm for filmmaking.” Leianne Zyra Calderon, the Executive Chairperson of Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) told in an interview.

Juries of the said film festival

are award-winning Ilokano filmmakers, namely, Mark Moneda, Melver Ritz Gomez, Romel Pascua, and Isagani Manatad. Winners of the Y2Cinema 2022 will be announced tomorrow, during the 3rd episode of Y2Con, December 10.

Y2Cinema started in April 2022 during the 8th Young Communicative Human in Development ( Yo u C o m M a n D ) Congress. It was only then a pure film exhibition and now Y2C has transformed it into a film competition among communication students.

Comm artist champs univ-wide poster making contest Ivy Jane Guanzon

A

poster entry by a. thirdyear student Communication student, Godofredo Bumanglag IV, won first place in the o n the-

spot

poster-making competition in connection to the 2022 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women held at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Student Center on December 12, 2022.

Anchored with the theme “United for a VAWFree Philippines,” the visual artist showcased his masterpiece— besting all participants across colleges.

Bumanglag received a cash prize of 2,000 pesos and a certificate.

“Since I was [in] art hiatus, I [wondered] if I still have my artistic spirit, and the competition was

an opportunity for me to see if I still possess the ability to create art,” Bumanglag said in an interview.

“I hadn’t joined an art competition in a very long time, so I was really ecstatic and relieved that I won, even though I wasn’t completely ready. My victory reassured me that my creative nature still persists within me,” the student artist expressed.

The said competition was facilitated by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council and a part of the various contested activities including Quiz Bee and Short-Film Making and were the highlights of the program tackling the campaign to end violence against women.

CHAMPION. Godofredo Bumanglag IV holds his winning poster during the poster-making contest organized by the College of Arts and Sciences on December 12, 2022.

Photo by Jirah Failano

SHORT FILM SCREENING. Bachelor of Arts in Communication students watch eight official entries of the Y2Cinema II at CAS-AVR during the face-to-face short film screening on December 9, 2022.

Freshies complete short virtual course on digital journalism Chris Jeremiah Antonio

With the goal to be equipped in online news production, a total of 52 first-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication students participated and completed a short virtual course on digital journalism through the Reuters website.

The said online course introduced participants to the best way of practicing online or digital journalism consisting of five modules. Topics revolved around digital news gathering, verification, and reporting, publishing effectively on social media, wellness and resilience, and operating as an independent media in a turbulent world.

Yves Ashley Llapitan, a participant, shared what she had learned from the course.

“I had a great time while taking the training course.

As a communication student, it really is a good learning experience— knowing how important it is to be able to learn how this online environment works for people,” Llapitan told Y2C in an interview.

“It [also helped] provide information to the world easier and faster, and of course on how to be aware [on] the disadvantages as well as on how to [distinguish] accurate [from] false information from different social media platforms,” Llapitan added.

The self-paced massive open online course was organized

by Reuters and was sponsored by Meta Journalism Project.

It aims to support journalists in AsiaPacific, the Middle East, and Africa to have a solid background in digital reporting and editing.