Flora by Jasmine Isabella S. Rogel 44 | Spotlight
OOks BY JASMINE ISABELLA S. ROGEL & CLAIRE DAIYNES PAMA LAYOUT BY JERRY D. GOMEZ MATILDA (1988) 4.8/5 Roald Dahl, Jonathan Cape A mischievous five-and-a-half-year-old girl named Matilda Wormwood resides in a small village of Buckinghamshire, England, together with her family. Never a dull moment passes by as Matilda lays bare a series of pranks to take revenge on her wicked parents that neglect her, especially her father, Mr. Harry Wormwood. Despite assumptions of her delinquency, she is a peculiar child who has a passion for classic literature books at the age of four–a typical behavior compared to her peers. In Crunchem Hall Primary School, Ms. Jennifer Honey is a kind and compassionate teacher of Matilda and is continuously amazed by her intellectual ability as she believes that the girl has the potential to get into an advanced class. Ms. Honey made it easier for Matilda to deal with her strains as a kid while the oppressive headmistress of the school, Miss Agatha Trunchbull, and Matilda’s knotty family made her life arduous. Will the blossoming bond of the student-teacher duo unveil revelations of the past and finally escape from the grasps of those atrocious persons they have known for so long? Matilda is a short novel that tells a story of a vindictive little girl and her own way of getting back to people who have been mean to her. Find yourself in a rollercoaster ride of emotions as it involves building relationships, trust, and finding the rainbow after the storm. It is a children’s literature and fantasy written with simplicity for better understanding; interesting concepts of Matilda’s creative antics on her parents; and lessons about the significance of standing up to abusive people—something that our society experiences even today. Considered one of the best, the book was later adapted into a 1996 movie directed by Danny DeVito, two musicals, one audiobook, and animation that Netflix disclosed in 2018 along with the author’s other well-known books. It is said that Matilda’s character was too good to be true since reading complex books at an early age without educational assistance and effort from her parents and teachers made it far from reality. However, Dahl’s amusing touch of adding a fun talent and extensive depiction of Matilda’s real feelings helped the events and characters stay alive, and every page turned. Staying courageous and hopeful in the face of troubles is the key to life, as well as remembering that the power of imagination will always prevail. THE ALCHEMIST (1988) 4.7/5 Paulo Coelho, Harper Collins This novel follows the story of an adventurous shepherd boy from a small town in the Andalusia region in Spain. Santiago, who finds his life as a shepherd to be stagnant. He then found himself in a recurring dream that made the boy consult a Gypsy woman. The fortune teller interprets this dream as a prophecy and that he will discover a treasure at the pyramids in Egypt. Santiago encounters Melchizedek, the King of Salem, and echoed the gypsy’s advice, saying that it is his Personal Legend. This Personal Legend “is what you always want to accomplish”. The shepherd boy sold his flock and set off to Tangier, the gateway to Africa. His journey to the continent welcomed him with a series of misfortunes, but that did not stop him from fulfilling his dream to find the Egyptian treasure. He met various people who have helped him along the way and even fell in love with a woman who declined his proposal and asked him to fulfill his dreams first. He journeyed on and met an alchemist along the way, who taught him to realize his true self. He journeyed on, meeting people and encountering difficulties on many levels. He ended up discovering more treasurers than what he asked for. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Greatness is within everyone, and it is up to the individual whether he or she pursues it or not. This novel is an inspirational masterpiece. Paulo Coelho’s book is a must-read for anyone who is currently stuck in trying to figure out what they want to do in life or is at a low or high point in their lives. The words used by Coelho were beautifully put together which will draw its readers into an enchantment, full of wisdom. It is filled with such great optimism, the one trait that is very much needed in this kind of world and in our lives. It illustrates how much our journey towards our end goal is as important as the goal itself. Everyone has dreams and something that they want to pursue in life. The Alchemist is an enchanting fiction novel that will remind you to never give up in pursuing your dreams and become your own personal legend. Spotlight | 45
Looming Darkness by Medalynn Esther D. Chua 46 | Spotlight
T SERIES by Jasmine Isabella S. Rogel & Claire Daiynes Pama Layout by Raphael Joseph P. Francisco The Golden Girls (1985-1992) Near the sunny and beautiful beaches of Miami, Florida, four National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Susan Harris (Producer) single golden ladies share a humble abode. Dorothy (Beatrice Arthur), a strong-willed woman; and Rose (Betty White), a naïve but kind-hearted lady, found out about Blanche’s (Rue McClanahan) plan to get married to her latest boyfriend the following week. Soon after, Sophia (Estelle Getty), Dorothy’s mother, arrives at their house after the retirement home she was living in burned down. A few days later, the wedding day arrived but instead of being greeted by her man, the police knocked on her doorsteps instead, bearing terrible news that the groom was actually wanted all over the country. The belle locks herself up for weeks, until finally deciding to get out of her room with a big smile on her face while thanking her friends for the support that they have given. The foursome then promise each other to stick together for the rest of their terrific years as they navigate life outside the ties of marriage, aging gracefully and fabulously in their gray-haired decades. Being a tv program about elderly ladies, this unconventional sitcom became a cult classic for its humorous ensemble, progressive themes, and its ability to gain a new age of audiences. Introducing the idea that marriage is not the ultimate goal of women, this show proves that their lives would not come to a halt after marriage. Behind every joke they tell each other, these women’s lives show a glimpse of emptiness and loneliness as the lives of friends and relatives pass on, and their children growing up and getting married. However, the show proves that these women will be there for each other with attitude and style. While it was still airing, the series received multiple nominations and awards such as 68 Emmy nominations, 11 Emmy awards, and 4 Golden Globe awards, cementing their adventures as a cult classic. The show also bravely handled the talks about social issues such as HIV/AIDS, sexual harassment, and had unique characters such as a gay cook, a cross-dresser, and a transgender—topics that were deemed too controversial at the time. With more than 30 years since it first aired, it is never too late to watch a show about golden girls spending their golden times. Dynasty (1981-1989) 20th Century Fox Television, Irving Moore (Director) A family well-known in the oil industry resides in Denver, Colorado as a wealthy lineage known as the Carringtons. Never a dull moment passes by Krystle Carrington (Linda Evans) as she replaces her position from former secretary to the new wife of her boss, Blake Carrington (John Forsythe). Krystle, being associated with the Carringtons is one thing, but acting like a mother to them just didn’t settle in with the spoiled Fallon (Pamela Sue Martin), the childish Adam (Gordon Thomson), and the openly gay Steven (Jack Coleman). Disputes and trials befall the step-mom of the dynasty as she struggles to position herself in the new household while fixing their relationships. Everything turns for the worse when Alexis Carrington Colby (Dame Joan Collins), ex-wife of Blake, reappears in their lives and tries to rekindle their past love and gain her children’s trust. Along her return lies a sinister scheme lurking in her shadow. The ultimate plans within the fingers of these power-hungry individuals carry on in their undisputable legacy. With a reputation to keep, Dynasty displays how a family deemed as perfect has to pretend they have a strong relationship and hide their individuality in front of the media. The uptake on the issues of rape, homosexuality, and racial integration captured the heavy drama which the audience wanted with its spectacular and reality-based delivery of family affairs. The show makes the audience clutch on their seats with the plot’s stirring twists and turns, and the actors’ sultry and deceiving personas in every episode. To penetrate the industry, ABC revealed that the series was created to compete with CBS network’s Dallas, which was popular at that time. With all the loved series being showcased, a powerful, sinful and dysfunctional family inspired by I, Claudius perfectly echoed the social issues America was—and is currently facing. The arrival of fresh characters, corrupt schemes, and unpredictable turns of events in its second season gained the momentum it deserved. Follow the Carringtons in their pursuit of fame, power, and money as they maintain their “perfect family” image. Spotlight | 47
Look up, don’t bow down by Arianne Louise M. Gulapa 48 | Chill Pill
Chill Pill | 49
Heir to Mediocrity Looking back, I never looked back. At first, I only wanted a nice place to hang out during my vacant hours because they had a sofa, free As I was spacing out, drinking my morning wi-fi, and it was only stairs away from my classroom. coffee, it gave me the time to reminisce on my Thomasian However, I didn’t want to be a burden and worried if life so far. I thought about how I began my journey as my talent in writing was good enough for them, but they I entered the Arch of the Centuries, wearing a barong- earnestly taught me many things and quickly made me styled uniform with gray accents on the collar and a feel comfortable around them. After numerous drafts breast pocket; now nearing the end of my college life, and reworks of articles, I started to become confident wearing a yellow dress shirt and a black tie. in my writing skills. I finally found one thing that I can be proud of, cementing my days as a trainee in my fondest Despite being waitlisted, my Thomasian days memories. kicked off back in 2015. Only knowing that my strong suit was Mathematics; at least I thought it was,—but Then came the turnover ceremony. The then reality hit me. My scores were substandard and seniors asked us to close our eyes as they handed the thought of losing the only thing I thought I was each one of us a small notebook. They then gave us the good at terrified me. I slowly lost what little passion I queue to open the notebook and check the first page. had for studying and started failing one subject after “Editor-in-chief,” it said. “Wait—am I reading this another. A couple of reconsideration letters helped me right?” So I closed the notebook, took a deep breath, stay in the Faculty for another year but ultimately, I was and took a second look; sure enough, it didn’t change. debarred. At that point, I considered to completely stop My heart sank. Memories of my failure came rushing studying and apply for a job at a call center agency, back as the space around me felt like a blur. Thankfully, but my parents were insistent that I pursue another field most of the outgoing editorial board reassured me that of study—and so I did. After the exhausting walks back- I deserve the position given to me. That was the moment and-forth to buildings that were on the opposite sides I genuinely felt like I could finally lift my head and be of the campus, I was luckily accepted as a Komersyo. proud of how far I’ve come. The thought of entering the College as a Looking back, it’s funny to think that I shifter scared me. Thinking I’d be alienated, I stuck wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t fail in my with our clique of shifters as we were pretty much on previous course. This retrospection reminded me of a the same boat. However, my assumption was quickly scene in the Disney movie Meet the Robinsons where proven wrong. Our peers welcomed us with open arms Wilbur’s family gave praise to Lewis’ failure and said, and the class president was very considerate in making “From failing, you learn; from success, not so much.” sure that we, the shifters, were also included in the Ironically, failure is what paved the way to our own activities. Soon enough, I found myself looking forward success. to going to school every day. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’ll never In my second semester in Commerce, I met forget all the people that guided me along the way. My a classmate that was reading a small, colorful booklet parents, for making sure I stay on the right path; my during one of our classes. Apparently, he was a trainee best friend, Vince, who was always there for me and writer at The Commerce Journal (CJ) and the believed in me when no one else would; Team Shifters, booklet was the literary art folio of the College: The for being my college homies; Social Climbers, for all Hub. Due to my high school best friend being an avid the fun we’ve and will have; Jenny and Krishna, for the writer and my favorite high school teacher exposing countless teachings and lessons you’ve given me; and me to various forms of literature, I was well-versed in finally, to my past self, for never giving up—even if all the subject matter. Soon after, I found myself asking odds were against us. him more and more about CJ. He then escorted me to their office and introduced me as next year’s recruit. As Let’s keep moving forward while holding onto indecisive as I was, I needed one more push to begin those that are precious to us. Onto the unmanageable my legacy so I convinced a friend of mine to take the future. Uncertainties. Confusion. Unrequited feelings. qualifying exams with me. Thus began my journey as a Wishes that won’t come true. Ourselves—unable to Commerce Journalist. leave everything behind. Even those days when you just can’t find an answer. Together, we will. 50 | Chill Pill Elitist-in-character Xyvel Vincent S. Niez Editor-in-Chief
The Platform by Medalynn Esther D. Chua Chill Pill | 51
The Final Write-up Cluelessness, enthusiasm, do highlight are my realizations and accomplishments doubt, understanding, and appreciation— as I move forward in my journey. They are the pivotal these are the stages of my journey in the UST- moments where I firmly stood my ground in the road Commerce Journal (CJ). I took. There are many times that difficult obstacles appear on that road, but as I went through them, I Have you ever passed through an idea or carried on stronger and wiser than my previous self. an occurrence where you have the ultimatum choice of As Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “The purpose of life proceeding with that notion or just ignoring it? Perhaps is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach all of us have gone through that experience at some out eagerly and without fear for [a] newer and richer point in our life. But in painting the canvas of that query, experience,” and I indeed executed that idea on my my encounter sketches back to 2017 where a hesitant journey. but fascinated individual was introduced to a collection of dedicated and talented people working for a Working with different kinds of people in the department. Through a message from my former block Yellow Room during the course of my three years will mate and former Managing Editor, Krishna Clemente, truly bring anyone to a point of understanding where asked if I were interested in joining this “organization” your way of interaction with your staffers, managing since she was very impressed with my poem during the operations, and being one of the leaders that the our Philippine Literature class. All thoughts flew right people look up to, will make you realize that you through me like a swarm of bees buzzing in my mind: should be unyielding to the heavy burden that comes “Huwag ka na sumali diyan, Renzo. Dagdag abala with the job. Being in this position made me appreciate lang yan at ubos oras.” At first, I decided to reject the that passion is an abstract idea where it is reflected in offer but a somewhat shallow intrigue came at the back the willingness of the person to learn and the empathy of my head. My friend told me that their CJ staffers are to accept the mistakes that are partnered with your also avid watchers of Game of Thrones, The Walking undertaking. In that passion, the experience builds the Dead, and many other series that I also enjoyed. Game dedication to one’s work and the nurtured care for the of Thrones, was at the peak of their success and was ideals of your entire department. Joining CJ has led also the rage back then. Captivated by that fancy, I me to experience the stages of my current journey: then told her that I’m interested in partaking in their the clueless, the enthusiastic, the doubtful, and the recruitment process. understanding stage. Now at the appreciation stage, I’m really thankful for the entire experience and the So there I was: a clueless but optimistic passionate people that I’ve worked with. These aspects student who has no idea of what this publication stands made me the person who and what I am today—an for in the College. I undertook their recruitment process accomplished Commerce Journalist. To answer the and was then absorbed by the student publication. question at the beginning, that ultimate choice of After the trials, I was introduced to the “Yellow joining a publication was indeed a blessing in its purest Room.” Going in there for the first time, I felt every form. The experience that CJ showed me is the true positive feeling like you would at your own home. The understanding of what “this legacy” has stood for in its staffers were very kind, passionate, and silly, but still 80th year—to continue and apply the learnings even exemplified the value of professionalism—these very if one has moved on from the Yellow Room and has traits that I am still strengthening as I write my final graduated from the University. To my trainees, seniors, column. I was indeed enthusiastic and motivated to co-Editorial Board members, adviser, and the alumni, work for CJ. A simple nudge of “Game of Thrones” how are all so many to be mentioned individually, made me join a long-running legacy in Commerce. I sincerely and deeply appreciate you all for the experience, learnings, and blissful memories. May Moving forward to the present, one can the people that I trained and left behind in the Yellow only realize that my decision to join CJ has cultivated Room show the dedication of what true Commerce and nurtured tremendously into something that the Journalists have fought for in the next years to come. I people who have put me in my position have taught should say that I have “defined my legacy” as what the me—to continue the strong and resilient legacy of the Commerce Journal creed has exemplified, but in the Commerce Journal. Recalling what I fulfilled for the humblest of expression: it is up to the people who saw publication, I admit that I was doubtful and made and witnessed what I did to remark that I have indeed many shortcomings along the way, but the honest truth defined my legacy. of it all is that I was only a learning individual. What I Thank you for everything, CJ! 52 | Chill Pill Lord of the Renzone Renzo David R. Bañaga Managing Editor
Finding Marcos by Arianne Louise M. Gulapa Chill Pill | 53
A New Perspective There is no reason for giving up if In every write-up or tasks assigned by the the heart still beats the hope of tomorrow’s editors are just like the demands in life that I usually get. gains. They both require attendance and quality. For instance, when articles are written, I make sure that I was able to Each and everyone’s story consists of chapters give all the necessary information and construct it in a that we usually don’t unfold in the open. These can be way that is CJ-worthy. Although, it took me long before moments where immutable shame, hurt, uncertainty, grasping the reality that to live well is being in the now, and selfishness go upstream in our system, thinking that not behind or ahead; you may have given your best, there’s no way you can eject them. The truth is, we can but you must never miss the essence of the moment choose the aches that we would courageously endure you’re in. It wasn’t just in CJ that my silly apprehensions for the sake of growth or for being stagnant. For almost restricted me, but also in my every breath. I care too two decades of living with grit and grace, it is still hard much about what could happen and could have been. to conclude that life inevitably conceives problems that Therefore, whenever my anxieties are stirring my mind, are out of our control. Especially the ones that came a verse holds me intact: “When I am afraid, I put my when we were too naive to deal with that soon led to trust in you.” (Ps. 56:3) our unseen scars. Now that Coronavirus has overtaken our It would always be harder to find myself daily routines, it’s easier and more practical to hold pleased with the archives of my past. However, in onto our resources while it lasts. But being uptight this season where many breakthroughs are being to the point that we only think of ourselves will only unlocked, I had to be broken to begin with—crushed hurt us and others. Again, CJ is a door of many by insecurity, restricted by apprehension, and smashed possibilities—even to character-molding opportunities. by selfishness. Sadly, I can’t point out a specific timeline For a moment, I’ve been thinking about defining my when these difficulties will disappear, but without them, legacy in the publication, yet it was evident that before I wouldn’t be who I am today—sounds cliché yet true. stepping into it, I have to step out of my comfort zone Looking back, I had my outlook distorted; my eyes were and evolve from who I was. As I press onto my third locked on people and circumstances that shouldn’t be year in Commerce and in the publication, I am at the fixated upon. So, during those times my heart gave out path wherein every aspect of me is challenged to be a faithful plea to counter them all. open-handed to people, to duties, possibilities, ideas, and progress. Slowly but surely, my hands will not just Presently, the Commerce Journal (CJ) write words, but will someday hold others to also step has been an open door of fortuitous possibilities; you out of their shells. probably wouldn’t believe that with my desire to master something after calling myself average—the struggle of As this first-ever column of mine closes, I being a Jack of All Trades, it unwrapped the traits that am glad that these pages in my story were published helped me become more than a student. In my first year, to bring others towards the Light. We are limited as it was a bit of a challenge to juggle my tasks and other humans to deal with our former selves, but we shouldn’t duty-calls, and even the simple act of appreciating lose faith that it’ll take versions before we become the myself from every undertaking. But when I started best though in the first place we are already enough. valuing my worth, effort, and sacrifices alongside the Our struggles do not define us, it is how we get people who have been there, it was my time to crush through them and use it to help others along. That is the my insecurity. These people I am talking about are the introduction of my legacy in the Yellow Room. success-driven individuals in the Yellow Room but also the ones who improved and stood beside me. Until next time. An Outlier Arianne Louise M. Gulapa Features Editor 54 | Chill Pill
Write What’s Right Self-care and steady improvement Careful self-reflection can be a good start. fuel my daily venture to better look after the Irrational thoughts can really mess with your head and Publication’s finest team of student journalists. this whole ordeal of being on “house arrest” made me think about my self-worth. I began to doubt my Philippine History has always piqued my perception of my own worth as being only as good patriotism alongside its bloody revolutions against as my job description; thinking about that logic now tyranny and hard-fought socio-political advancements. sounds really dumb when I say it out loud. If it weren’t With my hopes of contributing to the cause of shaping for my family, especially for my little brother for saving a better future for the society, I joined a student my life (figuratively and literally), I would have spiraled publication for this movement. Ever since I was able way out of control. to publish my first article for the school paper as a skinny four-eyed nerd in grade school, it’s an honor It’s terrifying to be alone with our thoughts to be a caffeine-fuelled student of Finance serving months on end, but escapism can only get you so far. the College as the News Editor of the Commerce You have to face it head-on as the first step to recovery Journal (CJ) for A.Y. 2019–2020. It’s a pleasure to is acknowledging that you need help. be in the company of like-minded co-staffers that have also sworn to be of service to the students of the Day by day it gets better, and with all the ups College of Commerce and Business Administration. The and downs I faced as a student journalist, life has its Propaganda, which has covered College-wide stories ways of teaching me to value my own mental health to since its first volume released in A.Y. 2000-2001, was be of service to others. The mind’s capability to warp traditionally delivered at the end of every semester in one’s reality to a degrading extent is horrifying, but I’m print. CJ won’t be on the web today if it weren’t for the thankful that the loving care I receive from my family student journalists that brought the traditional printed and friends makes living to see another day a whole lot broadsheet to the digital landscape—the first-ever better, and I’d like to continuously share that with the team of staffers to ever do so! staff I work with. I wouldn’t have imagined that the onslaught Practically spending the entirety of my of World War II and the dark days of Martial Law college journey with CJ has made me care for the well- would not be the last time history would bear its teeth. being and personal growth of the bright and talented Tweeting back in January that “2020 should bring it people behind our many outputs. I fought long and on,” I didn’t mean for it to be the harbinger of adverse hard to be the next News Editor, and when I applied events which forced CJ to either adapt and survive, or once in 2018 for the position, I was rejected because cease to exist. my seniors saw an apparent skill gap. I always thought that I was never worthy, but the realization of personal Prolonged lockdowns never made things easy growth and self-improvement that I would get as a as the concept of rolling out a new and online output senior writer would make me all the more invested to was unheard of in CJ’s 80-year history; well alone lead the News Department leading up to the day of my planning and coordinating its execution remotely— appointment in 2019. The time since then has made me mashed with ridiculously unreliable internet speeds— take these values to heart, to write what’s right, and to made launching the site all the more frustrating. This mentor the starry-eyed trainees of today to be the next uphill climb forced me countless times back into a pair of eyes and ears of the College tomorrow. corner; shying away from my personal demons, and my mental health just straight up did not have a good Uncharted territory is ripe for opportunity. time. The unfamiliarity of our country’s worsening health crisis has taught me to become more forgiving of Some wisdom I picked up during the many myself, and with that, inner peace has provided months of quarantine is that the pandemic is not the foresight to listen to the needs of my co-staffers. your fault. Crazy, right? Even if our world is flushing Stronger relationships among ourselves have made it itself down the toilet, these are things that are out of easier for us to work towards consistent improvement. our control. It’s not our fault that plans are outright With respect to the hearts and minds that drive our dear canceled, but the question is: What can be a good student publication, I have full confidence that we can workaround to get things done? work out CJ’s strategic success to deliver the truth and only the truth. The Risk-Free Rate Chill Pill | 55 Justin Christopher C. Ramos News Editor
One’s Creative Journey The art of creativity may seem took a chance and tried out for the layout department daunting to most but everyone has it in them, it’s as well even though I had no experience whatsoever. just a matter of how we shift our perspectives. When I got accepted, I chose to be a trainee layout Once we do, we will be able to go through our artist since I wanted to learn its process. During my first own process of learning and expressing our year in CJ, I learned countless lessons from my seniors, imaginative ideas into reality. but it also came with moments of frustration and self- doubt. Layout and graphic design were an intimidating The small hands of a seven-year-old first field of artistry for me; nevertheless, I still kept on touched the popular ‘90s art set filled with markers, practicing. In my mind, I wasn’t doing good enough paint, and other art materials that she got for nor improving so I never felt confident in myself. Yet, I Christmas. Eventually, opening up that gift and seeing still chose not to give up and continued to do my best. how organized it was fuelled her creative spirit with Changing my perspective of negativity into positivity great enthusiasm as she spent her days making her and determination wasn’t in vain after all. first-ever creations. That little kid is me—and yes, I am passionate about art and design. I believe that when By the end of the school year 2018-2019, I we were kids, we had so much inspiration that would wasn’t certain to apply for a position on the editorial spark wonderful ideas, and we would just instantly board since I just started learning about layout and had create things that genuinely give us joy. We never little experience. But during our turnover ceremony, the doubted ourselves and had great confidence in the graduating seniors elected the succeeding editorial things we made, and we would proudly show to our board where, surprisingly, I was selected as one of the parents or anyone who would take an interest. From two Creative Chiefs. Our seniors explained that they my experience, the drawings and projects that I made believed and knew we would establish our legacy in were far from perfect, but I was happy. the publication. Overwhelmed with emotions, tears began to burst in for I didn’t expect the scene at all. When I got to grade school, I started Now that I am the Creative Chief for the becoming fascinated by fashion and photography. publication, I know I still have a long way to go, but During those times, my dream was to become a fashion I am determined to continue what I can do to improve designer; even my best friends and I organized fashion my skills in my craft. Not only do I find support in my shows at home and modeled together. That moment friends-turned-family in CJ, they also encourage me to was when I found myself in love with the artistic process further develop my skills. of fashion as I tried my best to start by drawing on a sketchpad my godmother gave me. It had pre-drawn We can have two mindsets when we think figures, along with clothing stencils that I could outline of beginning our creative journey. We could be in and design. I was fortunate enough to have a canvas to the state of a fixed mindset—thinking that if we try to express my ideas. initiate, the intimidating thought causes us to give up easily, without even giving it a shot. But, if we shift our As I entered high school, my dream was set perspectives into a state of growth mindset, we would aside. My mom knew that being a fashion designer was begin to realize that we can start little by little and not my ambition, and she always supported me for it. Even be too hard on ourselves, and accept that failing is a so, she suggested that I pursue fashion design after part of the process; fixating on the fact that we grow taking a more practical college course first; just so I and learn from the hardships and experiences that could have a safety net in case things don’t go my way. come our way. We shouldn’t be ashamed of our origins I agreed on the recommendation, and thus, I chose and our past mistakes because it’s what allows us to to study in a business course. I then discerned that to improve our craft in the first place. be successful in fashion, I also need to understand the business aspect of the field. We shouldn’t pressure ourselves into thinking that we would create masterpieces right away. It takes In my first year of college, I wanted to have time and perseverance—our creative journey is meant extra-curricular activities. So, I applied to join the to be a process for us to experience and develop our Commerce Journal (CJ) through a suggestion of creativity. my friend, Vien Ponciano, to which we both applied. Initially, I applied to be a trainee photographer, but I It all starts with the ability to begin. 56 | Chill Pill Madeleine Monet Medalynn Esther D. Chua Creative Chief
Glorious Ruins “ For I know the thoughts that I think Even though I persevered with my struggles toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace in college, failure is still ever-present in my academic and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” performance. My anxiety and depression peaked - Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV when I started to fail my major subjects—breaking down at the thought of being inadequate at my only As I was sketching my new artwork, I saw forte along with the idea of letting go of the dream my old technical pen and it reminded me of the marks I’ve been pursuing for more than 15 years. I can of my past. An existence full of tribulations, but it was say that some part of myself died at that point. I was all worth it for I saw the Light that tore down the veil about to be debarred from the college and I didn’t of darkness. Without learning how to read or write, I want to do anything anymore as I was downhearted. took a pen that sowed the seeds of my passion. On that Then, a bright color of blue was painted on my blank day, I was inspired by what my brother had doodled canvas in the form of an old friend from Commerce. on a picture book cover as it was the beginning of my He encouraged me to apply for Marketing as it was a dream to become an artist. Even in class, whenever I practical choice after college. Also, I can continue to see an open space in a notebook or sketchbook, I will enjoy art after graduation and have a proper job. The always draw on it to the point that my classmates would odds were against me during the shifting exam since I nudge me to listen to the teacher. Art was the only thing was in the last batch of examiners and they only took a I wanted to pursue. It was a dream of mine to showcase few students from the last batch. my works in museums and art fairs someday. During that time I looked into God—I College came like the fury of a storm, tearing remembered saying that time like it was yesterday: me apart with its strong gales. One of these gales first “God, I don’t know what to do with my life anymore, appeared when I was still studying Interior Design in the this is my last chance. If You pass me on this exam, College of Fine Arts and Design. I took this major as it is my whole life is yours. Let Your will be done.” As you closely related to the business my mother is managing. are reading this, I’m here studying in the College of The decision was a balance between my dream and my Commerce and Business Administration; ever since desire to repay my mother’s hard work all these years. I became a Commerce student, I’ve met Christ-like It was a fun experience at first—to design projects as friends who led me closer to Him. I learned things that I well as the kind and inspiring professors. However, never imagined I would learn which led me to become I soon realized the path I took was not for me. The the Creative Chief of the Commerce Journal, pressure trembled my spirit as I wasn’t able to keep up and now a fourth-year student from the Marketing with the pace of my blockmates. The required materials Department. This is all because His grace prospered for the major were so expensive that I had to borrow me from the pain that I endured in the past, and all the the drafting materials from my cousin who finished failures I’ve experienced were to redirect me and to the same program. I worked on a drafting table that redeem me. Now I glorify Him in every day and night has a dent on it and made the work difficult to make of my life. God will prosper anyone as long as you trust appropriate shapes and lines. With all these difficulties, in Him and let His will be done, as you surrender yours, I still kept on trying as I firmly believed that the materials He will sustain you. that make a good artist is his perseverance and talent. From your ruins, you will come to life and it will be glorious in Christ. Ronscar Chill Pill | 57 Judel Rei B. Hernandez Creative Chief
by Justin Christopher C. Ramos and Vien Alyza Rose P. Ponciano Illustrated by Medalynn Esther D. Chua and Justin Christopher C. Ramos Mark your legacy as you grab on the opportunity in becoming part of the ever-growing publication of writers and creatives in the College. Be part of the Commerce Journal (CJ)! In its 80th year and beyond, join the generations of students who have desired a “break” from the norm and freely express yourself as a creative individual. Do you have what it takes to be the Yellow Room’s next Commerce Journalist? Illustration by Medalynn Esther D. Chua
Inquire/Apply On-site Application Creative Departments Feel free to swing by Room 500 at the 5th Floor of the Arts. Manifest your emotions through splashing St. Raymund Peñafort Building from 8 AM to 7 PM for colors and make the college your canvas of the inquiry or application. imagination. Leave a Message to the Managing Layout. Create stunning visual designs as you Editor (ME) assemble typestyles and illustrations for print and on the web. Delve in layer-by-layer and ease in a The potential applicant can even leave ME a text new keyframe with the Layout Department. message and ask for additional details. Photography. Focus-in and steady your next shot. Take the Exam Lead a new perspective with the Photography Department. General Exams are a must-do for anyone applying to be a Commerce Journalist. Grammar Situational Writing Departments Features. Publish a review of your favorite books and Deliberations and Interviews movies or write about the many inspiring stories our College has to offer. Have a slice of life with the Features Department. Literature. The pen is your brush and the paper is your Wait 3–5 days for the Editorial Board to announce canvas. Unleash your inner storyteller with the Literary the list of qualified applicants for interviews. Department. News. Do you want the college to be aware of current Welcome to CJ! issues? The tongue can report what the eyes can see so let your voice be heard with the News Department. Start your journey right! Define your legacy as you join up with our league of writers and creatives set to Sports. Adrenaline-pumping, non-stop action put take on a new frontier. into writing. Feel the heat of the games with the Sports Department. Online Application @CommerceJournal @CommerceJournal facebook.com/USTCommerceJournal
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