The Equilibrium III (September 2021)

ISSUE III SEPTEMBER 2021 The EquilibriumTTHOEGOEFTFHICERIAWL PITUHBLTICHAETBIOUNSIONFESTSHEECUOSTNOECMOICNSOMDIECPSASROTMCIEENTTY CaCCnohodamnlqClpeuaanersgersieniosgnwith FaPNllaouEnumndtrebtoomellerticheo'essf TLBPehaearoatdmhgeeoarssnhiaoinpf VATHCPECTRIGHTENOHDOEAGEIOBTTRIIUADAOOSDMNN&T: YWYoohuuaWt Worokrsksfoforr PLUS!DP1ie0dRñfyaaaboyfcuoumtirlskdtunaiannobndgwoddutttehhSeatt.?

CONTENTS

03 15 INTRODUCTION FEATURES Foreword Insights of Last Term's by the Editor-in-Chief Freshmen Student by Patricia Margaret Layog The Equilibrium Staff Conquering Challenges 05 with Compassion and Care by Victoria Porras NEWS Be the Paragon of Pandemic's Fallout to the Thomasian Leadership Number of Enrollees by Vien Gaton by Justine Nicole Hipolito What Works for You 09 Works for You by Ma. Camille G. Salas EDITORIAL 31 The Good & The Bad: The UST Vaccination Program Edition ENTERTAINMENT by Justine Nicole Hipolito and Pauline Alaiza Mercado Did you know that? 10 facts about St. Raymund de In-campus Classes in Peñafort and the building Commerce by Audre Garett Balayan Dum Spiro, Spero [Latin]: while I breathe, I hope by Victoria Porras

FOREWORD Another academic year has gone by, indicating that another chapter has yet to unravel for the lives of our dear Business Economics students. The pandemic's beginning has brought drastic changes, and we were all wrapped up inside our complex minds on how to get through the abrupt adjustments in our daily lives, especially in our academic aspect. It seems like those years were just blown out by the wind on how swiftly we were cast to the present time. Ms. Jessa Mae E. The Equilibrium, the publication of the Adriatico UST Economics Society together with the Business Economics Department, Editor-in-Chief, The Equilibrium will once again take you to the up-to- . the-minute happenings that took place in the four corners of your screens. Due to the dire impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, students now have different perceptions of learning. It seems like the students' mental processors will persist to flatline if the present circumstances continue to worsen. Questions continuously float everywhere; thus, the most common question students usually ask during this unprecedented and uncertain time is, \"Mag-eenroll ka ba next year?\" For the first issue for this new academic year, The Equilibrium will provide answers to questions regarding the possibility of bringing face-to-face classes back for the following academic years, precisely, in our college. On the other hand, let us join the journey of the first batch of freshman Business Economics students who experienced their first year in college in a completely virtual setup. With that said, let us turn the pages of the publication to know and appreciate the insights of our former freshies and other distinguished individuals as we discuss other relevant matters affecting our college life. 3

THE EQUILIBRIUM STAFF A.Y. 2021 - 2022 EDITORIAL BOARD Jessa Mae E. Adriatico Editor-in-Chief Maria Ranja Victoria M. Porras Managing Editor Associate Editor Vien Blanch Z. Gaton Chief Layout Artist Raziela Thea SD. Evangelista Chief Artist Hans Angelo M. Enriquez STAFFERS Audre Garett M. Balayan Managing Staff/Writer Patricia Margaret P. Layog Managing Staff/Writer Managing Staff/Writer Justine Nicole C. Hipolito Artist Pauline Alaiza B. Mercado Layout Artist Winona Miranda Reb J. Sumistrado CONTRIBUTORS Ma. Angela Camille G. Salas Jhenica Mae L. Jurado 4

NEW

WS

PANDEMIC'S FALL OUT TO THE NUMBER OF ENROLLEES written by Justine Nicole Hipolito The pandemic has undeniably affected perspective, the Business Economics hundreds of millions of people from all walks Department in the College of Commerce and of life, may it be in terms of health, Business Administration demonstrated a education, and finance. Millions have been sharp decline in the number of freshmen infected, and countless have died. Traditional enrollees. Before the pandemic, Academic classes were halted and replaced by virtual Year (A.Y.) 2018-2019, the Department had learning. Many have lost their jobs because 172 enrolled freshmen students in the 1st of the alarming economic impact of semester, and 169 enrolled freshmen quarantine restrictions. Despite these things, students in the 2nd semester. For A.Y. 2019- the Philippines, in particular, is trying its best 2020, there was a sharp decrease in the to get back on track but is having a number of enrolled freshmen students. This challenging time creating a V-shaped academic year had 121 enrolled freshmen recovery. students in the 1st semester and 105 enrolled freshmen students in the 2nd Focusing on the effects of COVID-19 in the semester. The decline in the number of academic sector of the Philippines, it has enrollees could be attributed to the been observed that the number of enrollees beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and n various schools and universities was the eruption of the Taal Volcano, in which drastically decreasing. To put into both catastrophes negatively affected several perspective families 7

ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 ACADEMIC YEAR 2019 - 2020 ACADEMIC YEAR 2020 - 2021 172 169 121 105 97 96 1st Semester 2nd Semester 1st Semester 2nd Semester 1st Semester 2nd Semester CONT... families financially. This was also when half of the 2nd semester shifted to distance learning in compliance with the Enhanced Community Quarantine last March 2020. Unsurprisingly, A.Y. 2020-2021 experienced a continual decline in the number of enrolled freshmen students. The data shows only 97 enrolled freshmen students in the 1st semester and 96 enrolled freshmen students in the 2nd semester. This is the academic year in which the Enhanced Virtual Mode was fully implemented. Based on the trend, it could be inferred that A.Y. 2021-2022 will continuously decrease the number of freshmen enrollees in the Business Economics Department. In general, several factors affected these numbers. The apparent root of it is the COVID-19 pandemic. This occurrence is a contingent one because when this happened, and economic crisis occurred. Consequently, this economic crisis resulted in millions of job losses. Many people have fallen into the poverty line due to the said incident. As a result of poverty, those who were once earning money for their families now cannot provide even for their basic needs; thus, what more on the learning materials for online learning? Hence, this sad reality caused a significant number of students to temporarily or permanently stop their education. Unfortunately, during this trying time, education is not being prioritized by most, if not all. People need to get by daily to survive. Assistance from public and private institutions clearly cannot suffice the needs of over 109 million Filipinos. The government and its citizens should help hand in hand to recover physically, mentally, and financially from this challenging period. 8

EDITO

ORIAL

The Good & The Bad: The UST Vaccination Program Edition written by Justine Nicole Hopolito; art by Pauline Mercado The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has thousands of students and staff dependent on the ability of its leadership and decision-making regarding the academic, health, and wellness of their constituents. In line with this, I am grateful that UST has finally opened its doors to administer vaccines to people. According to Magpali, a writer from the official student publication of UST, The Varsitarian, Manila Mayor Francisco \"Isko Moreno\" Domagoso said last July 26, 2021, that UST's vaccination site is open to all Thomasians, non-Thomasians, Manileños, and non-Manileños. Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dean Asst. Prof. Ma. Lourdes Domingo-Maglinao, MD, MHPEd, also stated a directive coming from Domagoso that those who would wish to get inoculated at the UST Practice Gym should pre-register at manilacovid19vaccine.ph and put UST as their home address. With all this information, there are both pros and cons regarding the UST's vaccination drive. Let me start with the pros: 11

Protection. UST is now able to offer on-site vaccine” that you believe in will be the first one vaccination programs to the people who are to get here. My point is that there is nothing willing to get vaccinated. If more people have wrong with preferring one brand of vaccine enough defense against the virus through over the others. But, always keep in mind that vaccine shots, herd immunization will soon the longer the virus spreads, the stronger its happen in our country. effect on our immune system. This is one of the reasons why new variants come into place. Preparation. UST is climbing its way to help in the vaccination progress of the country Despite the disadvantages, I believe that the successfully. It will then prepare its people to advantages will outweigh the risks in adding slowly but surely come back to what was once preventive measures against contracting their normal day-to-day activities. Its initiative COVID-19. Because of its initiative in putting can gradually re-introduce face-to-face classes up its vaccination drive, UST now plays a so that we, the students, will have ample significant part in helping our local and opportunities to learn something more than national governments control the rapid spread what online courses are teaching us. of the virus. This is not the first time that they have responded to COVID-19. They already did And now for the cons: other things to help put a stop to this pandemic. However, I reckon this is the most Panic. As the new, more contagious, and crucial part as this vaccination is one of the hazardous variant from India, Delta, emerges, keys to bringing everything back to how it used people now see the importance of being to be. Even though this coronavirus will stick vaccinated. Because of this, many will rush to around, we now have increased defense for different vaccination sites and demand to be our immune system to fight it. UST did a great vaccinated on the spot even without job in extending another hand, jabbing registering. People will now have to wait for people’s arms of vaccines. countless hours, resulting in long lines. This Reference: practice is more dangerous because if the Magpali, C. R. C. (2021, July 26). UST opens vaccination site is not organized, the longer it Covid-19 vaccination site. The Varsitarian. takes to wait in line, the more people can be https://varsitarian.net/news/20210726/ust- exposed to the virus. opens-covid-19-vaccination-site. People. Sometimes, people choose to do 12 nothing overdoing something, and that is applicable here. Back when the Philippines still had many supplies of vaccines, and there are no detected cases of the Delta variant yet, only a small number of people are willing to get vaccinated because the others are still waiting for what they believe is the “best vaccine.” And now that there are declared cases of the new variant inside our country, many people want to be vaccinated. However, the problem is that the arrival of the supply of vaccines takes some time, and it is not sure if the “best vacciNE

In-Campus Classes in Commerce? written by Audre Garett Balayan When we were in our monumental high school years, most of us dreamt and felt excited by the idea of a perfect college experience. Most of us envisioned our college experience by physically walking around the campus’ sidewalks and entering the gates of historic buildings of our beloved University—ready to face tremendous challenges in the next four years. Moreover, as an invisible and deadly enemy is currently plaguing the world from China, our figment of an exciting “Thomasian student life” was inevitably overshadowed by fear and anxiety. Thus, the thought and possibility of face-to-face classes remain highly uncertain, especially to us—Commerce students. Unlike various medicine-related programs, most of the courses offered in our college are not highly dependent on the physical presence of students. Lessons and discussions may be efficiently imparted through the four corners of our devices. Because of this reality, we cannot repudiate the possibility that virtual learning may be the future of higher education even if the pandemic has already ended. As the government attempts to bring back normalcy by vaccinating hundreds of thousands of Filipinos against COVID-19 every single day, three questions pound my head regarding the future of virtual learning and physical learning in the second semester of A.Y 2021-2022: “Will face-to-face education return?” No one can deny the actuality that traditional classes are the most effective way of delivering quality and honest education among students According to the “Talk to the People” program last June of 2021, President Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated that he would not allow the resumption of in-person classes until the Philippines 13

the Philippines has vaccinated 70 percent of Will hybrid learning be tested?” its population against COVID-19. To put into Hybrid learning is a 21st-century type of perspective, the second semester of A.Y. 2021- learning that combines in-person and virtual 2022 will start on January 18, 2022. Therefore, learning. This type of brand new learning there is a high probability that the government balances the safety and effectiveness of will allow in-person classes since Vaccine Czar delivering education among students. Through Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that the Philippines hybrid learning, students will reduce their might reach herd immunity by the end of chances of catching the virus since the number November 2021, with 70 million Filipinos of face-to-face classes is limited. In addition, inoculated with at least one dose of a COVID- hybrid learning provides students to 19 vaccine. Due to his encouraging momentarily interact with their blockmates and pronouncement, we hope that the public and professors without any technical glitches and private sector’s vaccination roll-out will go as difficulties. Nevertheless, since most of the planned so that the crisis in the education courses offered in our college may be delivered sector will be significantly reduced. online, the concept of hybrid learning highlighted that there would be certain subjects \"Will virtual learning still be implemented?” that will be entirely executed virtually on a On the flip side, the probability of retaining specific weekday. Thus, the CCBA may prioritize virtual learning in the said semester is floating what courses should be conducted in-person around. Two significant factors may and what courses could be taught online. substantially affect the resumption of face-to- Through this interesting mode of learning, we face learning. The first factor is that most of can take the flexibility of the courses offered in the courses being offered in our college can our college to our advantage to venture into be entirely delivered through online academic exploring brand new ways to enhance the platforms. Unlike the programs in Medicine, academic, extra-curricular, and personal life of Nursing, Engineering, and Architecture, most Commerce students. of the College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA) courses can be “Life will never be the same ever again...” performed online since most of them do not necessarily require physical skills. Even before With all of these questions in mind, there are the pandemic, various colleges and universities in Western countries provided an still no concrete answers as to when life will be option to its business undergraduates to take their courses entirely virtual. The second back to normal, especially in education. Even factor is the science behind “breakthrough COVID-19 infection.” There is a chance that the before the pandemic, higher education University will provide specific options to its stakeholders if they want to participate in continues to cope up with technological traditional learning or continue virtual education even if the government already gave change. It is undeniable that the University of the green light to open up campuses for face- to-face classes. The scientific fact supports this Santo Tomas may choose one out of the three possible declaration of the University that people who were fully vaccinated against possible ways the CCBA can continue providing COVID-19 may still get infected, yet they will not endure severe symptoms. education during and after the pandemic. The pandemic not just changed the way we currently learn; thus, it allowed us to be rational on how we can efficiently and effectively enhance how our professor teaches and how students learn. As the sun sets, we need to welcome the sad reality that we will live with the virus in the next few years. On top of that, we cannot continue to live with fear forever since life has so much to offer than being consumed by fear and anxiety. 14

FEATU FEATU FEATU FEATU FEATU

URES URES URES URES URES

Insights of Last Term's Freshmen Student written by Patricia Margaret Layog 17

The COVID-19 pandemic has stolen countless opportunities for first-year college students to experience what it feels like to be a newbie in the collegiate community. The drastic changes from traditional in-person classes to a virtual learning environment dramatically affected students, especially freshmen. As the freshmen students survived the adversities and are now advancing to a higher level, some have shared their insights about their experiences as the first online learning freshmen. Missing out on the famous Thomasian Welcome Walk and Paskuhan Aside from numerous academic and other notable recognitions, the University of Santo Tomas is also known for its special festivities and historical traditions. Upon enrolling in the University, first-year students have looked forward to starting their Thomasian journey by experiencing the famous Welcome Walk; however, the pandemic hindered the chance of these freshmen to share this tradition. Instead, a virtual campus tour was organized by the UST Minecraft last August 29 to 30 and September 5 to 6 of 2020. The freshies were grateful for the efforts exerted by the creators, and they have enjoyed the activity, but experiencing it physically is still incomparable. The Christmas season also plays a significant role in the life of Thomasians since UST is well-known for its annual Paskuhan festivities. However, freshmen students experienced this activity virtually as well. Paskuhan is one of those most anticipated events that the freshmen could not live out to the fullest. Unfortunately, the pandemic indeed left less room for worthy experiences. 18

LEARNINGS AND LIFE PERSPECTIVES Undoubtedly, regular face-to-face classes are way better than the new learning setup. Despite this reality, with the help of distinguished professors, first-year students believe that they have acquired sufficient knowledge, but this is not entirely true for all. Although the semesters were broken down into two segments, most freshmen students considered the workload overwhelming and somewhat outweighed the possible acquisition of brand new learnings. Some even stated that they felt like they were only submitting the requirement for the sake of passing and are no longer concerned with thoroughly understanding and absorbing it. A constant question petrifies most students, especially the freshmen: “does virtual learning provide me quality education?” The online setting teaches students to be book smart, yet it does not provide students with real-life lessons they could encounter in their college journey. In contrast, the traditional setting enhances both the students’ academic, personal, and professional development. Given the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face and online classes, some students consider the benefits of taking a gap year until face-to-face classes resume outweigh its costs. 19

Tips and Advice for Incoming Freshmen As COVID-19 continues to spread and herd immunity is yet to be achieved, we may be a long way from the resumption of face-to-face classes. So, if you’re an incoming freshman, worry less as your Ka- Ekonomistas from the upperclassmen provides some tips and advice for you. Time management. Your professors’ requirements can be a handful, so you have to learn how to balance your time for your academic responsibilities, household chores, self-care, and other priorities. Learn how to prioritize work and do things effectively and efficiently like an economist. Also, do not forget to find time for yourself. Find time to relax, as taking a break is vital to ensure that you perform at your best. Learn the word “Acceptance.” Everything during the new normal in education will not feel normal at all. You will face numerous setbacks during your journey as you continually adapt to this new environment. You will also encounter complicated subjects and unsatisfactory test results that will lead to breakdowns. Nevertheless, that should not stop you from striving. Learn to accept that there are not-so-good days, but as long as you persevere, remain diligent, and maintain a strong will, you will be able to get through the challenges. Do not isolate yourself. Your blockmates are not just people with whom you share classes. They are also your friends who will help you survive each semester. Don’t be afraid to make the first move and reach out to them - that is how you will get to know the people you are surrounded with. Once you feel comfortable enough to connect to a larger group, go out of your virtual “classroom” and join student organizations, which will help you expand your network and connections. Indeed, spending your first year in college in a complete online setup, and your 20 determination will be tested. Despite the setbacks, always remember your passion and goals as you embrace your journey in college. Take note that you are more formidable than the obstacles that will come your way. Let us all continue to pray and hope for a COVID-free world so that we can see each other smile in a mask-free environment.

CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH COMPASSION AND CARE written by Victoria Porras 21

Once the calendars are flipped to August, it signifies that another challenging academic year is about to take place. The new academic year will be the second time that the University will utilize the Enhanced Virtual Mode of learning as its primary strategy in continuing the sharing of knowledge and skills during these uncertain times. Moreover, the conduct of lessons may not have changed much in the College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA), but the ways students cope with the situation are indeed dynamic. Since the UST Economics Society (UST EcoSoc) holds its members’ welfare in high regard, it initiated projects that catered to the well-being of every Business Economics student. Last April 24, 2021, the UST EcoSoc conducted #NoStudentLeftBehind: Managing Self, Health, and Academics, a webinar focusing on mental and physical health. It discussed certain strategies on coping with mental and physical health issues that may arise amid the pandemic as well as dealing with academics efficiently in the given situation. The keynote speakers were Ms. Ludeth Zyra A. Mercado, MA, RGC, one of the CCBA guidance counselors, and Dr. Maria Ellaine Z. Francisco, a post-graduate intern from the Veteran Memorial Medical Center. Their discourse highlighted the importance of building resilience and adhering to a healthy lifestyle. It is truly undeniable that each student is struggling with numerous factors affecting their lives. Through the said event, students became more educated in understanding their mental and physical health better. Furthermore, the previous semester, UST EcoSoc held its first podcast show, ECONversation: Kwentuhan with Ekonomistas. It was a three-episode podcast show that starred Business Economics students from different year levels who shared their personal experiences and insights on the topic at hand. The first episode allowed its audience to walk down memory lane as students reminisced about the events that were once an everyday occurrence but now seem like a far-fetched dream. The second episode regaled the viewers with stories of how students tread the present avenue in their ways. Lastly, the guests of the third episode were able to give students motivational and practical advice on strolling the future highway. The tales of struggles and successes shared in this podcast show have given its audience a mixture of feelings, appreciation for the past, comfort for the present, and optimism for the future. Thus, as we make our way towards the future, we should always acknowledge our past who have made us who we are today and the present trials that would allow us to brave our future. The UST EcoSoc does not only place importance on enhancing the academic excellence of its members but also on their mental and physical well-being. As the curtains of the new academic year open, the UST EcoSoc remains hopeful that its past events were able to give its members enough prospects and ammunition to conquer a new journey. 22

BE THE PARA agon OF tho omasian Lea adership written by Vien Blanch Gaton The UST Economics Society (UST EcoSoc) is a duly recognized college-based organization of the Business Economics Department in the College of Commerce and Business Administration. This organization aims to promote academic excellence and uphold the social consciousness of its members by creating projects and events that cater the interests and passions of the Business Economics students. In line with the opening of the academic year 2021 – 2022, the UST EcoSoc is looking for aspiring students who could provide significant contributions to the Department by being part of the different teams. The team are as follows: 23

Associate Trainee For applicants who are compassionate, competent, and committed student leaders who aim to consistently set the standard of paramount service and leave a legacy to the Business Economics Department, grab the opportunity to be one of the Student Associates of EcoSoc this academic year. Not only would this enhance leadership abilities and expand connections, this is also a chance to become the future officers of the UST Economics Society. the quiz and debate team For students who want to unleash their expertise in the field of Economics and represent the Department in various competitions inside and outside the University. Applicants will be able to: Improve self-confidence and enhance analytical and problem-solving skills. Compete with prestigious colleges and universities from regional level up to the national level. There may also be opportunities to partake in international competitions. Interact with an intellectual and diverse community. Experience free intensive training on Economics and its various sub-themes. - Training will be based upon the availability of the trainer/s. - Training will be conducted virtually via Zoom. 24

socio-cultural teams For students who want to showcase and share their creative capabilities for a particular talent such as singing, dancing, and hosting. Interested applicants may choose from the following teams where their prowess lies: Gleeconomics -- this glee club will demonstrate and hone the members’ talents in singing. They could be featured in various events of UST EcoSoc through performing doxology, intermissions, among others. Ecocyphers -- this dance troupe will show and develop the members’ talents in dancing. They could perform in certain activities of UST Ecosoc by having a special appearance in intermissions, among others. EconHost -- this brand new subgroup is an MC club wherein members will be given the opportunity to become the ‘Master of Ceremony’ in the different events of the UST Economics Society. the equilibrium staffers For students who want to become a part of the official publication of the UST Economics Society and the Business Economics Department. They may apply for the following positions: Writer -- produces articles, reports, and other texts. They can take criticism and use it as motivation to improve their writing style. He or she can communicate ideas through writing with eloquence and formality. Artist -- creates illustrations and graphics to complement the text in the newsletter. Artists make functional objects and structures more pleasurable and either elevate or imbue them with meanings. Layout Artist -- designs and oversees the overall landscape of the pages in the newsletter. They organize paragraphs and illustrations for a visually appealing result. 25

Interested applicants must fill out all the required fields in the registration form which can be accessed through the QR code or the link below: Associate Trainee - https://forms.gle/ifDP5TM8qqGzseWe9 Quiz and Debate Team - https://forms.gle/9oWfvVhHDepST6Qe9 Socio-cultural Teams - https://forms.gle/xwrCBjxJDCqeR9Xx6 The Equilibrium Staffers - https://forms.gle/pkovFY7C3yMkDbAPA Make the most of it while the sun shines to learn and improve. Join now and respond to the call of action to be the paragon of Thomasian leadership! 26

)9102 fo ssalC( salaS UOY ROF SKROW In just a glance, the “Why .G ellimaC alegnA .aM yb nettirw choose Business UOY ROF SKROW TAHW Economics?” questions suddenly turn into “What are your plans after College?” – personally the top questions which used to drive me the most anxious. Business Economics fourth-year students, before everything, I would like to acknowledge all your hard waocrkn, odwetledrmgeination, and all the aspects that have allowed you to be here. Aside from looking at how far you will go, it is a very big deal to look back on how far you’ve come and recognize all your wins despite all the challenges as a college student, especially in a pandemic. In this article, I will be sharing with you (1) what helped me survive the last year of college and (2) what happens after college. Fourth-year is a handful, and many are happening on top of academics – Internship, Thesis, STRAMA, Project Development, etc. Let me try my best to share some tips that helped me. Effective habits differ from one person to another, and you can always continuously discover what works for you but let me share in case it will be helpful for you. Effective habits differ from one person to another, and you can always continuously discover what works for you

I am a structured and visual person; hence I am even using a table to share my tips: Prioritization: This is not Lists: Every time I am Groupmates: Choosing the limited to all schoolwork. This overwhelmed with all the right people is critical. Choose includes family, friends and workload, I have to write down the people who you think will other important relationships, everything and have a plan on match your work ethic. Choose and of course yourself. how to manage my time. I try to collaborative and mature make a very detailed checklist members, who would work with Reset & Recharge: This is not (sub-checklists) so that I get to you against big challenges. a waste of time. You may use tick every minor thing that I do this time to just rest and do to accomplish something and it Set deadlines before the things you love. It is hard to feels good and motivating! actual deadlines: Trust me, function when you are on for quality content, this will be autopilot mode all the time. Notes: One way of absorbing helpful. When you divide the Determine the best work information for me is rewriting work, you will need time to schedule: Some feel productive notes, if I have the time. check each other’s work and when they work/study while the Math/Graphs: I try to see if all your parts fit with each sun is up, some feel more understand the logic of how to other as a whole. productive at night. Figure out solve or graph things instead of the best schedule for you as memorizing. With that, you Enjoy and find the purpose long as that schedule is healthy could apply the same logic to of everything: This is to avoid and good for you. new problems burnout. Always try your best to see the purpose of Discover what keeps your Group Study: It depends per everything you are doing and energy up when person if group studies are not just for the sake of passing. working/studying: Personally, more effective than solo mine is coffee. After a few sips studying. Personally I study on of my favorite coffee, I start my own first then I go to group being optimistic and try to take studies to learn more from advantage of all the energy other people and even share my boosts I get. It can be different own knowledge. Actually, with you, it may be listening to sometimes if I am able to teach your favorite albums, or eating the whole coverage of the exam your favorite snacks. to other people clearly and they get to understand it, that’s when I determine that I’m at least 75% ready. 28

ONCE YOU SURVIVE COLLEGE WHAT NOW? As someone working for almost two years, I am not here to tell you that you are lucky that you are still a student and it’s more difficult once you’re working. When I was a student, and every working person told me this, it did not make me feel better at all. It’s almost the same energy when senior students tell freshmen that they are lucky that things are easier for them. Didn’t you complain once when you were a freshman? Come on, let’s break the cycle of scaring the younger generation! It naturally gets harder until at a certain point, but it does not mean once you get past a certain level, you have the right to invalidate other people’s challenges. The point is, do not compare struggles, and it is one of the most important mindsets to have, especially after college, given that we now go on our paths. Also, I do not think that there is an objective answer if working or being a student is harder because these are two different things. After college, it is completely normal to be overwhelmed and pressured about your future, and you may attempt to fast-track and start early. There will be a time that you can’t help but compare yourself to other people; it will be very difficult, but try your best to break this habit. It is a bit hard to share tips about life after college because it’s completely different for everyone but let me share with you some general learnings Job interviews 1 Interviews will differ from one company to another but let me share with you the basic things you need. Know your strengths, your edge, and your weaknesses before applying for a job because it’s better to find a job that will fit you instead of finding a job then trying to fit in. Most likely you will be asked about experiences. Experiences are not limited to your career. You can use your experience as an intern, or as an org member or officer and you can even use your experience on how you manage to do schoolwork. 29

2 Other ventures You should all know by now that office work is not the only option, and corporate work is not for everyone – some even choose paths not related to their majors, and it is totally fine. It has now been a norm to choose other ventures and quit the “9-5” jobs, but don’t ever get pressured to choose a venture just because everyone is doing it. What works for you, works for you. 3 Start learing about money management You may have learned finance in some of the subjects you have taken, but you will be applying this after college. I am not a financial advisor, so I am not here to share tips about personal finances but I am here to tell you to take some time to learn how to manage your money depending on your goals. There is no golden rule that applies to everyone but you will be able to discover it yourself. 4 It is never too late to discover your real passion and you can have more than one It is never too late to discover your real passion and you can have more than one: After college, it is okay not to know the exact thing you want. You may be the person who would know the exact thing then go for it first thing after college. You may be the person who likes to go with the flow and discover your passion during the process. You may be the person who goes for something and discovers that he/she/they want a completely different thing then change paths. Bottomline – you are allowed to change your goals, and you are allowed to take a different step from what you have initially planned. Try to enjoy the process and keep learning about yourself, then just go for it. 5 Values At the end of the day, I think what really matters is how we use our values in our daily lives. How we treat people, how inclusive we are, how we fight for the right things, and a lot more. This is not a separate topic from how we try to build our own success since it will always be correlated with everything that we do. I have tried to share some specific tips and learnings, but it still remains general because I firmly believe that everyone is very different from each other and each of us has our vision of success. With that, I wish all of you to have a meaningful senior year and future. Good luck, and don’t forget to celebrate all your wins – big or small ☺ 30

ENTER TAINM

R MENT

Did you know? COMMERCE ORGANIZATION ROOM The famous Commerce Organization Room, located on the first floor of the Saint Raymund building, served as the second home for students, especially officers of the Student Council, academic and socio-civic organizations. COMMERCE'S FACUTY ROOM Commerce’s Faculty Room is located on the second floor of the St. Raymund de Peñafort Building. Don't be shy to pay a visit to some of our professors, especially with academic matters; just remember to be respectful. BERC The Business Economics Research Center (BERC), located on St. Raymund de Peñafort Building’s fifth floor, serves as a think tank for our favorite Economics professors; so be sure to be on your best behavior whenever you are near the room. 33

POPE GREGORY IX & ST. RAYMUND Pope Gregory IX tasked St. Raymund with gathering together all the decrees of popes and councils made in 80 years since a similar collection by Gratian. QUADRICENTINNIAL PARK In front of the St. Raymund de Peñafort Building is the Quadricentennial Park, known as the place where students practice their dance performances for their P.E. classes or dance studio for performing arts organizations. DEPARTMENT OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION The College of Commerce started as a Department of the College of Education with only twelve enrollees and offered a two-year associate program in Commercial Science. FOUR MAJOR PROGRAMS Initially, the four major programs of the college were Accounting, Banking and Finance, and Economics and Management. PATRON SAINT OF LAWYERS The Commerce Building was named after St. Raymund de Peñafort, the Patron Saint of lawyers. HEAD OF THE DOMINICANS When St. Raymund was 63, he was elected by his fellow Dominicans to be the head of the whole Order, the successor of Saint Dominic. Raymund worked hard, visited on foot all the Dominicans, reorganized their constitutions, and managed to put through a provision that a master general be allowed to resign. 100 YEARS OLD St. Raymund de Peñafort went on to live until his hundredth year.

Dum Spir [LATIN] : WHILE I written by Vi Here we stand, several months after the anniversary of that catastrophic event, on the brink of madness, clinging to shreds of normalcy slowly slipping from our fingers. The world has shifted its axis and I remain rooted in the same spot, lamenting for what once was and yearning for what could have been. In this inexorable sea of virtual interactions, of gestures manifested in GIFs and emojis, of emotions expressed through screens, slowly I drown as I seek and chase for my soul that I have lost. Warring against ruthless contentions, I stood in the mirror, and I could not recognize the reflection I saw: eyes haunted with weariness, regret, and longing. The shadow of the best version of myself stares back and it despairs me that I have succumbed to the vortex I have tried to evade for so long. I continue to dream for the time that has gone by, for the uncovering of the world once shrouded in darkness. But then, amidst the storm, a small ray of sunshine will touch our lives. A soft reminder that it’s okay not to be the best, that it is fine as long as we have tried. For long, I’ve lived drenched in this sea of virtual interactions. But, as the waves subsided, I have learned to breathe without the deluge of despair suffocating me. I have connected with others whose souls are also being redeemed. Gradually, I became fluent in the language of GIFs, stickers, and emojis. Most of all, I look forward to the time that I will learn to communicate my affection without viewing the screen as a barrier. 35

ro, Spero BREATHE, I HOPE ictoria Porras I have yielded numerous times, but now as I stand in the mirror, I am proud of the reflection that I see: eyes shining with renewed hope and strength. A new version of myself stares back, wearing my pain as an armour, ready to face and prevail over the whirlwinds of life. We’ve survived, months after the anniversary of that catastrophic event, one step closer towards acceptance, trying to stay in tune with the new normal. The world has shifted its axis, and I let myself sway with the changes, appreciating what once was and anticipating what could still be. I endured and metamorphosed as I pursued a dream for the future. I have reconciled that darkness and brightness, despair and hope, struggle and success coexist with another. Today, allow yourself to feel everything: frustration, apathy, and sadness. But as dawn breaks the next day, remember that you will conquer your adversities. In this seemingly losing battle, never lose touch with who you truly are. 36

THE EQUILIBRIUM A.Y. 2021 - 2022