SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE TRUTH BEYOND KNOWING VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022 TRUTH BEYOND KNOWING MMAASKSEKSACRAOMFEESBTAIVCAKL First family graces festivitial highlights SMILE AGAIN. Bacolodnons enthusiastically welcome the comeback of the MassKara street dance competition after a two-year hiatus at Rizal Street, Bacolod City on October 23. - KEILAH N. BALDOMAR By Gem Francin R. Diola & Sandale Masangcay were hailed as first and for Best Anna Maria J. Vilanueva second runners-up, respectively, alongside Miss Bacolod MassKara World Janine Gelera and in Music, Most Alive and back on the streets. Miss Bacolod MassKara International Jan Marie With the theme “Balik Yuhum (Smile Again)”, Bardon at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum Disciplined Contingent, on Oct. 19. the 43rd MassKara Festival crowded Bacolod City and PauPau’s (Food Panda) with vibrant smiles in a three-week celebration “This [was] just a dream ever since. It was from Oct. 1 to 23 after a two-year hiatus due to surreal [at] that time. I said [to myself], ‘This is really Choice. the pandemic. happening,’” Gelera, a Lasallian nursing student, said as she reflected on her pageant victory as a However, the festival Made possible with the Bacolod Yuhum humbling experience after advocating for the Foundation Inc. headed by festival organizer destigmatization of HIV/AIDS. highlights were also Atty. Pinky Ocampo, City Mayor Alfredo Benitez expressed his sentiments on his first MassKara as Furthermore, among the festival highlights met with signal jams the city’s chief executive. was the Electric MassKara Float and Dance-off competition at the BCGC on Oct. 22, wherein and the deployment Benitez revealed that he wanted the festival Barangay 17 took home a total of P320,000 to be something memorable, unique, and against 14 other barangays. of 2,174 cops for entertaining, welcoming an estimated 200,000 visitors, including the First Family as guests of In attendance were the First Lady Liza security, jeepney honor who were present at the festival. Araneta-Marcos and her son William Marcos as Barangays 25 and 32 emerged as the first and rerouting, and The festivities took place at six main festival second runners-up, respectively. sites: Lacson Street, Bacolod Public Plaza, road closures, Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Meanwhile, Barangay Granada was victorious Baywalk at the Reclamation Area, The Upper during the MassKara Street Dance and Arena especially East, and the Pana-ad Park and Stadium, where competition at the Paglaum Sports Complex, 12 cities and 19 municipalities from Negros securing a cash prize worth P1 million. along the Occidental showcased their culture and delicacies through decorative pavilion buildings. “Everybody has contributed to the success streets of of our MassKara dancers; the props, the During the Miss Bacolod MassKara coronation headdresses, and the costumes,” choreographer Lacson, night, Kara Villarosa was crowned Miss Bacolod Joedem Casabuena said in a SunStar interview, MassKara Universe, while Eirine Granada and with the barangay also bagging the special awards Rizal-Locsin, Gatuslao, and Araneta towards the Paglaum Sports Complex. Delivering his speech at the festival’s closing rites, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. cited MassKara’s return as proof that the Philippines is “back to normal and ready to receive tourists” after the pandemic. 02read on page NEWS EDITORIAL UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT DAGWAY 04read on page 06read on page 07read on page 10read on page MARTIAL LAW AT 50 GOLDEN HUNDRED DAYS LASALLIAN SOLIDARITY ROOF FOR THE HOMELESS SUPPORT ON NUTRITION Five decades later, Lasallians remember Economic spikes and attacks on media When a fellow is in need, Lasallians waste Yuhum Village aims to provide affordable In addressing the undernourishment question President Marcos Jr.’s “best and crisis in Negros, NVC introduces Mingo the atrocities of the Martial Law era. no time to lend a helping hand. housing to informal settler families by brightest”. 2023. Meals program. E-MAIL [email protected] FACEBOOK facebook.com/thespectrumusls ISSUU issuu.com/thespectrumusls INSTAGRAM @thespectrum.usls TWITTER @TheSpectrumUSLS

2 NEWS MEMORIALIZATION. Lasallians wear black and march with lit candles during the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Martial Law at the Solomon quadrangle on Wednesday, September 21. - LEARN D. FLORES USLS COMMEMORATES 50TH MARTIAL LAW ANNIVERSARY By AC Himaya V. Tupas Remembering the country’s dark past masses,” USG Department of Advocacy Programs Undersecretary Ghillean Fegidero said. Never forget, never again. human rights violations and those who were Lasallians resounded this call as they murdered, imprisoned, and subjected to torture. Lasallian organizations such as the We honor those who gave their lives in the pursuit Communication Society USLS and USLS memorialized the 50th anniversary of late dictator of justice, freedom, and truth,” USG Executive Political Science Society also participated in Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s Martial Law, which was signed President Fred Donguez remarked. the commemoration through a flash mob re- on Sept. 21, through a series of activities including enactment of the experiences of Martial Law a candle-lighting ceremony, film showing, and Along with other student councils across the victims and a Martial Law forum entitled “Of Martial Law exhibit, spearheaded by the University country, the USG also encouraged Lasallians Pains and Scars: The Martial Law Narratives”, Student Government (USG) in partnership with both to wear black on the same day in honor of the respectively. Lasallian and external organizations. Filipinos who fought and sacrificed their lives against oppression during the martial rule. Moreover, the Student Council Alliance of The commemoration started off with Negrense the Philippines, together with Akbayan! Youth veteran journalist and Martial Law survivor Edgar In addition, the USG’s Department of Advocacy - Bacolod, Center for Youth Advocacy and Cadagat’s sharing of his experiences under the Programs—in partnership with the Balayan Networking, Balayan Office, and several Lasallian Marcos dictatorship during the USG’s candle- Office and human rights organizations DAKILA organizations, launched an exhibit entitled lighting ceremony themed “Dekada 50: The and Active Vista—hosted a free film screening “For Democracy and Human Rights Exhibit: Fallen Heroes of the Forgotten Past” at the of “11,103”, a documentary about Martial Law Rekindling the Lessons of Martial Law and the Solomon Quadrangle, which was then followed survivors, on Sept. 24 at the University Moot Court. People Power Revolt” at the Coliseum Lobby by an on-campus protest march, para liturgy, from Oct. 3 to 7. and solidarity song. “It is our social responsibility to remember and learn from the atrocities that Martial Law has “As Lasallians, let us be a vessel of knowledge “The University of St. La Salle Student brought upon us. In this time of misinformation to the last, the least, and the lost and become Government remembers the 11,103 victims of and disinformation, it is important for us to catalysts of change,” Fegidero highlighted. continue to speak up and provide legitimate information, especially to the misinformed UNCLOGGING THE DRAINAGES moderate downpour the day prior, which brought included the streets of Burgos-Hilado, around 5.5 to 7.5 liters of rain volume. Lacson-Hernaez, Rosario-Mabini, Gonzaga- BCD unveils plans Lopez Jaena, Luzuriaga-Gatuslao, Gonzaga- to ease flooding Among the short-term plans identified are Mabini, Gatuslao-Hernaez, Mabini-Libertad, the construction of steel-grating type manhole Magsaysay-Lacson, Hernaez (Cokin Bldg.), and By Drexel John N. Amit covers, the clearing up of drainage systems, the Sta. Ana in Barangay 31. enlarging of catch basin openings and water inlets, In the midst of the country’s rainy season, and stringent waste collection and disposal in the Likewise, commercial districts were also Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez and Vice barangays. included in the list, such as the downtown Mayor El Cid Familiaran met with the City area, Hi-Strip, SM City Bacolod in Barangay 12, Engineering Office, the Department of Public On the other hand, the long-term plans call Libertad Public Market, Central Market, and Works and Highways, and the Disaster Risk for the building of diversion channels as drainage Lopues East, as well as other miscellaneous Reduction Management on Oct. 4 to determine release sites to reduce flooding in the downtown areas like the Gonzaga Subdivision in Barangay short-term and long-term solutions that would area and the surroundings of SM City Bacolod at Villamonte, J.R. Torres, Magsaysay Flyover, Lupit address flood concerns in the city. the Reclamation Area. River in Barangay 40, and Mandalagan River near the Queen of Mercy Hospital. This was after cases of flooding in several Moreover, officials have also identified 22 areas around the city were reported, following the “problematic areas” in the city where drainage Meanwhile, as they finalize further details systems are no longer capable of carrying on the flood control plans, Benitez sought the floodwater as they reach 0.5 to 2.0 feet during cooperation of the city’s stakeholders, reminding moderate rains. them to be responsible in disposing and managing their waste to help ease the issue of flooding. The flood-prone areas, which would be prioritized for declogging of drainages, THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

NEWS 3 PBBM OKs SIM ACHIEVERS. USLS recognizes high-performing registration law students from different colleges and year levels in the dean’s list awarding for A.Y. 2020-2021 on Increased security for telecoms October 6. - KYLE JOBE B. DE GUZMAN By Jenny G. Millares & RECORD-SHATTERING NUMBERS James Aldrin C. Pamposa Over 3K Lasallians enter In hopes of combating the spread of A.Y. 20-21 Dean’s List scam messages in the country, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed By Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran Republic Act No. 11934, or the “SIM Card Registration Act” on Oct. 10, making The efforts of 3,329 students during their first with more than 100 enrollees, was the University it the first law to be enacted under his year of online classes were recognized during the of Negros Occidental - Recoletos, while St. administration. Dean’s List for Academic Year (A.Y.) 2020-2021 Scholastica’s Academy - Bacolod was lauded as Recognition Rites on Oct. 6 at the Coliseum. the best performing school under Category B, Under the law, a new scheme for or schools with less than 100 graduates enrolled. the distribution and registration of SIM Among the 3,329 awardees, Office of the cards will be developed, wherein a Registrar Director Paolo Valladarez disclosed Regarding the two-year delay of the Dean’s List valid, government-issued identification that 1,652 came from the Yu An Log - College of for A.Y. 2020-2021 recognition rites, Valladarez document with a photo is necessary upon Business and Accountancy, 696 from the College of explained that the Office of the Registrar had purchase. Nursing, 411 from the College of Arts and Sciences, to postpone the face-to-face ceremony in 353 from the College of Engineering, and 217 from consideration of the strict health protocols during “With the signing of this Act, we the College of Education. the early stages of the pandemic. will finally achieve what has long been overdue—an effective means of regulating “This is not only record-breaking, but record- “Paramount to holding any activity is the the issuance of SIM cards to curb the shattering,” Sir Valladarez remarked, noting that the safety and health of the students and attendees,” spread of spam [and scam] messages,” current number of awardees has nearly tripled since he vowed, mentioning that their office also Marcos remarked during the ceremonial the A.Y. 2019-2020 count of 1,161 Dean’s Listers, had to oversee more pressing concerns like signing. and that this was the first time in the university’s enrollment week and the shift to the new history that the number surpassed 2,000. Academic Information Management System. Subscribers with existing postpaid and prepaid SIM cards are given 180 days With an overall grade point average (GPA) of The director also clarified that rolled from the law’s commencement to register 1.10, or 99 percent each, BS Psychology major parchments were given in lieu of the official their cards in order to prevent their Michael Besa and BS Business Administration Dean’s List certificates during the ceremony deactivation. major Seth Llamas—both in their fourth year— because the certificates are still being printed were hailed as students with the highest GPA for and that their office will issue an announcement Furthermore, publication of a A.Y. 2020-2021. once these are ready for claiming. subscriber’s personal data is forbidden by the legislation, and violators will be Aside from the Dean’s Listers, the university also To keep up with the backlog of Dean’s List penalized with operation suspension acknowledged the top 10 feeder schools for the recognition rites caused by the pandemic, and a fine of up to a million pesos academic year, with the University of St. La Salle - Valladarez shared that plans for the A.Y. 2021- unless imposed by a subpoena, a legal Liceo De La Salle ranking first after supplying 2,593 2022 rites are already in the works. court order, or upon written notice from senior high school alumni. law enforcement regarding an existing “We already have a tentative date, which investigation. Likewise, the best performing school—alma is February 10,” he revealed, adding that the maters bearing the highest ratio between honorees recognition rites for A.Y. 2022-2023 is slated for However, the Computer Professionals and enrolled students—under Category A, or those either September or October 2023. Union (CPU), a group of Information and Communications Technology professionals, along with other civil society organizations, expressed concern about violations of free speech and data privacy. “The mandatory SIM [card] registration [law] puts our right to data privacy and data protection at risk. It is ineffective and has ill effects as seen in other countries,” the CPU expressed in their media release. While the National Privacy Commission (NPC) supported the bill’s passage, it insisted that the new system not be left to retailers who lack the capacity to secure it due to the risk of data breaches. “Mechanisms must be developed and implemented to prevent security risks and data breaches that may arise from overcollection and inadequate monitoring practices,” the NPC urged in their joint press statement. Additionally, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Executive Director Alexander Ramos noted that the law will make it easier for authorities to identify hackers and scammers, holding those involved in cyber fraud accountable. “This act outweighs the general security of subscribers than issues of privacy some critics have raised,” Ramos assured. THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

4 EDITORIAL FIRST 100 DAYS: MARCOS JR. MUDDLED HIS WAY THROUGH SOMEHOW “...if there is anyone we must protect, it is the Filipino people.” “PROTECT PBBM” Given the continued attacks on press freedom just goes to show that not all the “best and and the existence of a culture of impunity, brightest” are the most qualified. On October 6, ahead of President Ferdinand civilians will remain restless in fear of another martial law. With all of this in mind, the Spectrum firmly “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first 100 days in office, believes that if there is anyone we must protect, it His claim that his administration has the is the Filipino people. There are still so many parts this phrase trended nationwide. “best and brightest” officials also comes (and parties) we have yet to see, and as long as into question, as he appointed himself plans are unclear and not transparent enough, the What exactly are you protecting him from? as Agriculture Secretary despite having neither the time nor the lives and futures of more than 110 million Let us look back and see if Marcos Jr. truly qualifications for the position, Filipinos, including the 31 million who and the appointment voted for him, will remain in jeopardy. achieved a “functional” government with “the of former PNP chief Camilo Cascolan as Art by Lana Jewryna L. Barzo best and brightest” officials, as he claimed in his Department of Health undersecretary, first 100 days as president; or if there is something someone who has no background in we need to protect him from—anything that could the medical field. It endanger the life of our beloved president. Marcos promised to develop a “comprehensive” economic agenda to help the Philippines surpass its pre-pandemic level and become a “new and transformed” nation, and just a day after delivering his first State of the Nation Address on July 25, his economic team unveiled the administration’s eight-point agenda that will address short-term and medium-term constraints to the economic transformation. Among the Marcos administration’s socioeconomic agenda is the protection of the purchasing power of Filipino families and the mitigation of socioeconomic scarring, as well as the upholding of public order and safety, peace, and security. These points, however, seem not to have been tracked well as the Philippines’ inflation rate jumped to a nearly 14-year high of 7.7 percent in October, as a complex mix of global shocks and shortfalls in domestic policies triggered a consumer crisis. By definition, inflation is a broad rise in the prices of goods and services across the economy over time, eroding consumers’ and businesses’ purchasing power. In other words, your peso is not going as far as it did yesterday. Inflation will always be a part of the economy, but the government has always had the power to control it. The Filipino people continue to bear the brunt of the negative effects of inflation caused by the government’s incompetence. Aside from that, the country was ranked seventh and has been in the annual Global Impunity Index of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) for the past 15 years. “The election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. brought hope of a shift away from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign of intimidation and harassment of the press,” the CPJ said in its report. It did, however, note that the heinous murders of two tough-talking radio broadcasters, Renato Blanco and Percival Mabasa (better known as Percy Lapid), since Marcos took office in late June have “raised fears that the culture of violence and impunity will endure.” THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

COLUMN 5 UNEXPECTED GUEST Masking Up It’s ridiculously ironic, but quite fitting, for a title of “guest of honor” remains questionable, Yzang Ma. city celebrating a festival of masks to put one as long as the mayor’s relationship with the Nunulat on itself. first family brings no “harm” to Bacolod and its people, there’s not much to be said against the Yzang Ma. Nunulat At first glance, there seemed to be nothing political play conducted by the big guns. [email protected] controversial about Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family joining the festivities of one of I’m no expert in diplomacy and have very and the First Lady in the other, though that would the country’s most prestigious celebrations. little authority to discuss strategies, but I’d feel have been a more welcome sight. But the origins of the “festival of smiles” are more at ease to see office seats sat on and desk too stained with grief and injustice for this documents attended to than to see the president Considering our forgiving, caring, and insult to be taken lightly. of the Philippines handing out certificates of idealistic nature, what’s giving one family a awards—no matter how many farmers or hectares chance to prove themselves and waltz back As I thought, and rightly so, the confirmation this covers. Just as well, I think The Upper East into the good graces of the public—even if it’s last September 5 did not go quietly and was, the Marcoses. This charade has gone on for far instead, met with a valid outburst. With the “...what’s giving one too long, and I’d gladly welcome a redemption Marcoses in attendance at a festival that wouldn’t family a chance to prove arc any day than condone the keeping up of have existed if not for their family’s abuse of themselves and waltz back appearances and bottling up of frustrations, power, it leaves such a disgustingly bitter taste into the good graces of especially from the people who deserve nothing (even for the sugar bowl of the Philippines) that the public—even if it’s the of the sort. it’s difficult for a Negrense to celebrate MassKara with them—at least not while they’re pretending Marcoses.” Some Filipinos admonish my generation for nothing happened. dipping our toes into matters from before we could have been inaugurated without requiring were even born, but we want this soap opera Like a row of dominoes, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s the presence of the country’s head of state. Then to wrap up and move on already just as much reliance on foreign funding and Negros’ reliance again, the business opportunities may have been as the next person. Unfortunately, for everyone on sugar export collapsed in on itself during the too beneficial for Bacolod to pass up. But what involved, this will never be over until an apology president’s second term, which jeopardized the do I know? is given where apology is due. On the contrary, economy, provoked social unrest, and brought I believe that doing so would unite the nation famine, among other things. Marcos Jr. sitting with Bacolod’s affluent at the and bring the administration leaps closer to the Php 3,000 MassKarade Ball sure does bring back dream they envision for the Philippines. Of course, no one can say for sure that the unwelcome memories, like the glitz and glamour visit was yet another attempt to rewrite history. his teenage self donned while Negros starved in Mayor Alfredo Benitez mentioned wanting to get ‘85. But it’s not like the president can just stroll the word out about the MassKara festival and the around Lacson Street with an isaw in one hand city being back on track, so it might be safe to say it was mainly business, or simply colleagues casually inviting each other to a party. While the LASALLIAN CORE A Slap in the Face of Struggling Students Mental health. Financial support. Discrimination. supported by the Vice President and Department Ken Paolo Harassment. of Education Secretary Sara Duterte. G. Gilo These are just some of the real struggles According to him, ROTC will “motivate, Contributor of students on a daily basis, of which I am sure train, organize, and utilize students for national Lasallians are not exempted from—and the defense preparedness or civil-military operations.” [email protected] response of education authorities is a proposal on Likewise, Marcos Jr. added that it will also include reviving the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training civic training and preparedness during disaster absorb civic education while struggling with issues Corps (ROTC). Saklap. response operations to enhance the nation’s brought about by the education crisis. capacity to produce the needed manpower in times Philippine education has long been in crisis, of war, calamities, emergencies, and in support of Further, reviving mandatory ROTC will require and the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened it. the government’s law enforcement strategy against pouring more money into the armed forces, as The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, crimes by creating a pool of trained reservists. it will require equipment and other operational together with Akbayan! Youth and the Bukluran UP needs. Where do we get the money? Do we further System consulted Filipino students, where several None of these will solve our education crisis. cut the budget of other relevant departments or concerns in the education sector arose. Instead, this brings more burden upon the agencies in education to cater this? shoulders of Filipino students. The concern over The Filipino students are concerned about civic education is valid, but requiring students’ Ultimately, it is insensitive and audacious poor budget allocation and monitoring; delayed involvement in socio-political affairs they are not to make mandatory ROTC a top priority for the school reopenings; inaccessible education and comfortable with is, undoubtedly, ineffective. Sen. education sector, turning a blind eye to the real mental health services; students’ rights and Risa Hontiveros emphasized it best: “If it is the struggles of Filipino students, teachers, parents, welfare violations; historical distortion; inadequate passion of the person to serve the Filipino nation and the whole education sector. educational infrastructure and materials; threats to through military service, let them be [...] But allow academic freedom; ineffective pedagogy and non- those who want to show their nationalism through Let us stand firm in our resistance against this contextualized curriculum; lack of social welfare the public service, private sector, civil society, absurd proposal, demand for the government programs; and unwieldy administration and among other various ways to do so.” to declare an education crisis, and address it bureaucracy. We should also remember that we are operating by responding to the proposals raised by the amidst an education crisis. To quote Edilberto de Filipino students, who are in the right position The fact that more than 130 student councils and Jesus on the country’s learning poverty, “children to set the agenda as it is we who experience the youth organizations signed the agenda means that cannot appreciate civic education lessons if they crisis on a daily basis together with the rest of the these are not just “personal” problems. are unable to read the texts that teach them.” In education sector. the same way, Filipino students cannot effectively Amidst these pressing concerns, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. only includes mandatory ROTC in his priority bills for education, avidly THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

6 UNIVERSITY The Lasallian Legacy of Camaraderie By Marianne Izabelle T. Reyes & Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea If there is anything that ties the Lasallian community together, it is the spirit of togetherness to help a fellow Lasallian in need. A perfect example was WIN-WIN! USLS students and faculty members spearhead fund-raising activities such as zumba, bike and walk for a cause for the Balayan the Sept. 2 fundraising event Office Director Andre Tagamolila at the university campus on September 2. - JOHN BRAINARD G. UBERAS “Wellness for a Cause”, which banded together to organize “Wellness for a 2,000 to 3,000 students participated in this hoped to aid the medical expenses of Balayan Cause.” event, which [really] hit our target, and we also Office Director Andre Tagamolila after a The activity was divided into four parts: acquired [a] great amount of donation[s].” motorcycle accident placed him in the Intensive swimming, walking, biking, and zumba, all While the activities were free, donation Care Unit of the Bacolod Adventist Medical with the goal of promoting both physical and boxes were placed at the wellness program’s Center. mental health while simultaneously assisting Sir venues for the generous Lasallians willing to Following the devastating news, the Tagamolila. Walking and biking took place at extend financial aid. At the end of the day, the community wasted no time to act. Almost the Dizon Sports Complex Oval’s Track Area— event raised a total of P53,180 for Sir Andre immediately, there were donation channels and the former in the morning and the latter in the Tagamolila. Donguez even revealed that fundraising initiatives created to lighten the afternoon—while the zumba and whole-day the major success of this fundraising event financial load on the former Office for Student swimming activities occurred at the College inspired the USG to integrate wellness into Affairs (OSA) director. But perhaps the most Covered Court and USLS Pool, respectively. their future programs. ambitious project arose when the OSA and “Most of our participants came from the first Sir Tagamolila has since been released from University Student Government (USG) Executive and second years because we coordinated with the hospital and has been steadily improving, Branch—together with the Physical Education, PESAR about the participants,” USG Executive with many assuring that he is doing well now. Sports, and Recreation Office (PESAR), the President Fred Louie Donguez expressed. “The Truly, if there is any lesson to take away from Balayan Office, and the Advancement Office activity was also successful in helping reach our “Wellness for a Cause”, it is that the power of under the Office of the Brother President— goal of helping Sir Andre. […] I think [around] Lasallian solidarity is second to none. Club Fair Spaceflight No. 2022 RESURGENCE. Club icons representing various clubs and organizations gaily pose for a photo amid the crowd during the awarding of “The Empyrean: Club Icon and Tikal-tikal 2022” in line with this year’s Club Fair on September 16. - LEARN D. FLORES By Immalie Rose E. Cafifge ‘just’ Communication students],” Esther stated, followed by JPIA - USLS, and When intergalactic sparks collide mid-space, reiterating that CSU has something more to offer CSU. heavenly bodies ascend to empyrean euphoria. to the Lasallian community compared to the On top of everything else, stereotypical undertone that AB Communication college life wouldn’t A two-week splendor of booths, cloaks, as a course is “easy”. be the same without and halos filled the University of St. La Salle as these clubs that students celebrated Club Fair 2022 with the As for the Multiverse Club booths, various became families theme “Cosmos: Constellating as One” from groups displayed each of their assets, functions, to most students. Sept. 5 to 16, where Lasallian clubs caroled and interactive games to the public alongside For those who their way to the skies in prominence and heated promotions through stickers, bookmarks, goodies, are still hesitating competitions. and so much more. in joining one, Communication Amongst its array of activities, the most After two weeks of showcasing the booths from student Esther awaited slanging match was the Empyrean the five colleges and special interest clubs, the advised: “Be Club Icon 2022, where clubs flaunted unique Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) comfortable dispositions their club can offer to the student - USLS ultimately went back-to-back for the best being body through an icon they chose to compete in club booth, followed by the Marketers’ Union (MU) uncomfortable. the Creative Photoshoot, Introductory Entrance, and the Google Developer Student Clubs - USLS. [...] It is okay to and Tikal-Tikal categories. take risks. As JPIA - USLS was also named the Most Engaging Eraserheads However, she who arose triumphant among Club Booth, MU the Most Creative Club Booth, and once said in all deities was Communications Society of the Earthguards the Most Resourceful Club Booth. [their song] USLS (CSU) representative Esther Limbaña, ‘With a who ranked second in Best in Tikal-Tikal and On a different note, the PasiCLUBan 2.0 Game Smile’: you Introductory Entrance, fifth in Best Club Icon Show 2022 also transpired, where selected club can’t win at photo, and was crowned overall champion of members’ brain cells were challenged by guessing everything, Club Icon 2022. the right answers in categories involving popular but you campus spots, prominent people in La Salle, and can try.” PHOTO COURTESY OF “Representing [our] club is a big privilege pop culture trends like music and movies. ESTHER JOYCE M. LIMBAÑA [to let] the student body see that [we are not With over 26 campus clubs and organizations battling out on the galactic game show, the Decision Makers Incorporated came out on top, THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

DEVELOPMENT 7 Cashing out sustainability towards sustainability. New users are to provide either a valid email address or scan a QR code at the IPM-CDC booth to successfully register. Bacolod incentivizes waste segregation program Hard-earned EPs can later be exchanged By Gem Francin R. Diola Instead of letting recyclable materials take via the verified users’ cashback card for & Meryl C. Sigaton forever to decompose in landfills, the project useful knick-knacks like groceries, back- aims to encourage Bacolodnons to segregate to-school chattels, and other convenient If your trash could be exchanged for cash, and deposit their scraps at drop-off centers like services—all redeemable from the bXTRA would you still throw it away? the My Basurero Eco-community Center at the application or on-site at BCGC. BCGC which is open at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Aside from aiming to achieve an That was what Bacolod City Mayor Monday to Friday. efficient zero-waste management Alfredo Abelardo Benitez asked as his system in Bacolod, the program also administration launched the “Trash to IPM-Construction and Development Corp. instills awareness among the citizens to Cashback” program to address the city’s (IPM-CDC) representative and Basic Environmental responsibly maintain a safe and clean unrelenting, decades-long garbage issue Systems and Technologies Inc. executive assistant environment because who doesn’t want a on Sept. 5 at the Bacolod City Government Lester Mateo further explained that the project trash-free community? Center (BCGC). follows a waste-to-goods point system, wherein Overall, the “Trash to Cashback” accepted recyclables (plastics, papers, and metals) program—likened to a modernized junk “I’ve been hearing about segregation will have an equivalent amount of feel-good shop and scrap business generating a for several years now, but it is very difficult Environmental Points (EP) per kilogram, which will garbage-to-gold trade—is a starting to do. It’s hard to discipline people to then be turned-over to recycling companies to step to land recovery and enlivening the segregate at the source,” Benitez said, give the waste a new purpose away from a sad recycling initiative of the city. Although not pointing out the persistent challenge in lifetime of rotting away at dumps. an unusual combo as movers for change, the city’s waste management even after “trash” does have a nice ring with “cash” numerous environmental campaigns Signing up for an account on the program’s after all. and movements. official cashback partner, bXTRA Philippines, is the first step to partaking in this endeavor THESPECTRUM Benitez, DHSUD launch housing FOUNDED 1956 project for informal settlers facebook.com/thespectrumusls · [email protected] 10k families to be accommodated VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022 By Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran effective housing plan through the Pag- Patrick N. Billojan IBIG Fund’s membership program, as EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & Jenny G. Millares the project is exclusive to Pag-IBIG Fund Anna Maria J. Villanueva members. ASSOCIATE EDITOR Additionally, the Yuhum Village is one Together with the Department of Human Settlements Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Yuhum of DHSUD’s settlement projects under the MANAGING EDITOR Village onsite housing project of Mayor Alfredo “Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino: Benitez will be constructed at the city’s relocation Zero ISF Program for 2028” which aims Immalie Rose E. Cafifge site in Barangay Vista Alegre’s Purok Arao, Barangay to construct a million houses every year OIC EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR 8, and coastal areas such as Barangay Banago to throughout President Ferdinand Marcos provide shelter for informal settler families (ISF). Jr.’s presidential term. “This part of the program [will CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mikey Vincent T. Vicente Around 10,000 families are eyed as initial NEWSPAPER EDITOR Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran beneficiaries of the housing program in the address] the six million housing aforementioned barangays, where most families backlog. We will provide financial MAGAZINE EDITOR Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea currently reside. assistance [and] we’re 100-percent ONLINE EDITOR Meryl C. Sigaton “This is a very historic moment [regarding] our committed to build the 10,000 housing dream to have decent and affordable housing for units for Bacolod,” Acuzar vowed. LITERARY EDITOR EJ Nell Voen A. Florendo every Bacolodnon. Bacolod will take the front seat Consequently, he also affirmed that PHOTOS & VIDEOS EDITOR Keilah N. Baldomar LAYOUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR Perlyn Joy L. Suganob as a pilot model [...] in our housing industry,” Benitez plans for the same housing projects are shared as his administration aims to have the initial already ongoing in Victorias City, where NEWSPAPER WRITERS PHOTOJOURNALISTS 5,000 housing units ready by early 2023. Benitez’s son Javier Miguel is the mayor, Drexel John N. Amit Ma. Micah Dearielle V. Trajera According to Benitez, Yuhum Village will feature having also signed a memorandum of Gem Francin R. Diola concrete modular houses that are five stories understanding with DHSUD. AC Himaya V. Tupas Esther Joyce M. Limbaña high and complete with a living room, kitchen, As per Republic Act No. 11201, MAGAZINE WRITERS Learn D. Flores and bathroom—identical to the mock-up model DHSUD seeks to provide a “continuing Adrianne H. Saplagio his administration presented at the Bacolod City program of housing and urban VIDEOGRAPHERS Government Center. development that shall make available Rieden Denielle N. Cuadra Kyle Jobe B. De Guzman “[The houses are] soundproof, earthquake- at affordable cost, decent housing and Karen E. Pico John Brainard G. Uberas resistant, and well-insulated. The basic unit has a toilet basic services to underprivileged and and kitchen counter [and] the owners can make it one homeless citizens in urban centers, ONLINE WRITERS ILLUSTRATORS bedroom or two bedrooms,” the mayor added. and resettlement areas”. Sophia Yzabelle F. Gico Josh Aldrich B. Diola Lana Jewryna L. Barzo Moreover, the local Jenny G. Millares Angelyn Emmanuelle H. Taruballes government is currently Marianne Izabelle T. Reyes John Paul V. Pechon LAYOUT & GRAPHICS ARTISTS LITERARY WRITERS Juan Paolo P. Agapito Zaldy Mar L. Lavada Jr. Jeremy Andrei D. Gohing James Aldrin C. Pamposa EDITORIAL ASSISTANT MODERATOR Phoebe Daidoji Q. Jabonete Michael V. Baylosis, CPA PhD assessing the eligibility of its target beneficiaries for residence at the The Spectrum is the Official Student Media Corps of the University Yuhum Village through a of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the Coliseum grounds socioeconomic survey where La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be profiling measures are taken. reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local Likewise, DHSUD 172 and e-mail address, [email protected]. All rights Housing Secretary Jose reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form Rizalino Acuzar noted that without the written consent of the Media Corps. All contributions families with low income become The Spectrum property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication. could access the cost- PHOTO COURTESY OF VISAYAN DAILY STAR THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

VANTAGE POINT



10 DAGWAY Of Grains, Beans, and Leaves By Adrianne H. Saplagio PHOTO COURTESY OF NVC FOUNDATION Malnutrition and hunger have been among the long run. In conjunction with Barangay Nutrition my drive]. It comes as part of being a Christian,” world’s top problems for eons. Unfortunately, akin Scholars, local Angat Buhay volunteers deployed Kilayko shares when asked about what keeps her to poverty and overpopulation, humanity has yet to on the ground by the Bacolod City Nutrition going in her endeavors with NVC. find solutions to these pressing problems. However, Action Office will work to monitor the recipients this does not mean that we’ve stopped trying, as of the meals and offer activities for the target Present on both Facebook and Instagram, NVC people from all over the world continue to strive moms and children. welcomes people who wish to get in touch with towards a better tomorrow for future generations. them to volunteer, donate, or even just learn about Kilayko shared that the Department of Science the programs they run for the community. On September 15, Negrense Volunteers and Technology encouraged and provided the for Change (NVC) and Mayor Alfredo Abelardo technology for the development of Mingo. Rice, “Our hearts are always full as we see the Benitez signed a Memorandum of Agreement mung beans, and malunggay are the three main volunteers and ground partners embrace the for the integration of a Mingo Meals Nutrition ingredients of Mingo—which is a healthy and instant program and provide us with much-needed arms Program at the Bacolod City Government Center, supplemental food mostly used for babies, toddlers, and legs to the program. Volunteers are our lifeline, along with Councilor Kalaw Puentevella, City and occasionally older kids in necessary situations. and no one can take the place of the love they put Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Rosalie de Ocampo, Initially, the formula used sesame seeds but this into their work,” she closes. and NVC President Milagros “Millie” Kilayko and idea was scrapped as Kilayko wanted to utilize Trustee Tima Lacson. ingredients that would support Filipino farmers. Though malnutrition and hunger continue to After nutritional content testing, NVC found that plague the world, it is important to remember the Sponsored by the Angat Buhay project arm of malunggay was an appropriate alternative. golden hearts—driven by love and selflessness— former vice president Leni Robredo’s Angat Pinas that chip away at them bit by bit with every small Inc., 200 malnourished Bacolod children will get “The fact that there is so much to be done act of kindness. Whether it be a feeding program meals from NVC during the program’s six-month and we are barely scratching the surface [fuels for hundreds of people or a single meal for the less fortunate—every little bit helps. Is it Disappointment or Discrimination? By Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea Plus, according to Rick Riordan, the author of the In other contexts, this argument is something Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, physical fans can only debate endlessly about until the Man’s greatest nightmare: a black Ariel. appearance was secondary when looking for the original creator themselves speak out. In which With all the serious problems plaguing perfect Annabeth Chase. What he prioritized was case, we can shut up about our opinions until how well the actress could embody their personality. then. Rick Riordan even came out with a statement society right now—like inflation and securing defending his choice of Leah as Annabeth after the Taylor Swift concert tickets—you’d think people In other words, the accuracy of a casting does not lie hate on the 12-year-old actress got increasingly would focus on the bigger issues in life, no? Alas, solely on the appearance. A character is so much more appalling. That is a literal child, everyone. skin color is still on top of the problem priority than the texture of their hair or the color of their eyes. list for many. Just look at when Halle Bailey was “They’re just doing it for the sake of ticking a It’s understandable to feel upset when the announced as Ariel in the upcoming live-action ‘diversity’ box.” character you see on screen isn’t the same as the adaptation of The Little Mermaid and when Leah one you’ve been picturing in your head. I was Jeffries was cast as Annabeth Chase in the Percy This one would only be valid if the actor was too, at first. But it’s not right to demand that your Jackson and the Olympians TV series. actually bad at acting. Neither the Ariel remake or vision is the only right one—you’re taking away the Percy Jackson series is out yet—we haven’t even the creative freedom that comes with remakes The backlash was off the charts. given these people a chance! and undermining the production team’s efforts in But these casting decisions are not as wild as finding the perfect actor. you think, and the arguments are not as valid as While there is a problem in forcing an unnecessary you’d hoped. Here’s why: agenda (like the token LGBTQ+ comedic relief Hollywood is fickle and petty, and it’s difficult “Their appearance is clearly different in [insert character), it’s really not hard to believe that these enough for minorities to find their footing in the source material]! It’s no longer accurate.” protagonists were casted simply because they’re industry. So the next time a POC actor is cast Firstly, someone can be a brilliant actor brilliant actors. If they’re talented and more than for a role you wanted a white person in, take a and embody their character perfectly without capable of bringing the role to life, who are we to moment to ponder why. It may come as a shock needing to look exactly how the “original” argue otherwise? to you, but they were likely chosen because character was described. In Ariel’s case, she is a “They’re going against the original creator’s wishes!” they deserved the role—no discrimination, no literal fictional aquatic creature—scales and all. prejudice. Rick Riordan literally helped handpick Leah Jeffries to be Annabeth Chase. THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

DAGWAY 11 A Portal to Another World herself into a character who’s known to electrify the battlefield through her god-ordained powers. By Rieden Denielle N. Cuadra & “almost” utopia of cosplay, dance, art, and many EJ Nell Voen A. Florendo more exhibitions. Other attendees embodied their favorite fictional characters from their favorite fandoms, like What happens when your favorite parts of the The two biggest pop culture organizers in Studio Ghibli, Marvel Studios, Role-Playing games, internet meet reality? POP-X Bacolod. Bacolod—Playground EX and BaCon Pop— and other fictitious universes. By purchasing a VIP joined forces in opening a multiverse for the 7,000 pass, fans also had a chance at an exclusive meet- Years ago, buds of pop culture and hobbyism kasimanwas who constellated an otherworldly hobby and-greet with professional cosplayers. started to sprout in the city, but due to the Blip convention in Western Visayas last Sept. 17 to 18. brought by COVID-19, we were confined within Aside from bringing their favorite characters to our quarters. However, the two years of immobility Frequent Iloilo cosplayer Allyssa Buelo even life, ardent K-Pop stans manifested their “biases”, only helped these pursuits of pleasure bloom when traveled to the convention all the way from Iloilo or favorite members of their ultimate idol group, the SMX Convention Center transformed into an despite it being her first time. Cosplaying as while local dance collectives rode the Hallyu wave Yae Miko from Genshin Impact, she transformed with their best stylish fits. One performer that stood out was Kyle Esmeralda, who danced K-Pop trends PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISAYAN DAILY STAR both by himself and with a group, initially finding it nerve-wracking albeit fun and fulfilling in the end. Moreover, wherever the travelers and voyagers led, the merchants also followed. Exclusive merchandise, stickers, and toys were marketed and flaunted through the magic of visual artists. For one, merchant seller Yara Sevilleno loved selling and seeing people buy her work, despite the struggle of maintaining the booth. Her talent yielded stickers and fanart posters of Encanto, Haikyuu!!, and iconic DC women loved by enthusiasts. Aside from the aforementioned enchantments, the convention also convoyed Trading Card Game tournaments, toy displays, mini four-wheel drives, and virtual reality games. For those who missed to enter the recreation paradise, fret not, since the chance to roam the wanderland is still possible with event organizers planning to hold POP-X 2023, BaCon Pop 2023, and Playground EX 2023 in the future. So if you’ve been foraging mighty distant lands for kindred spirits that share your interests best, POP-X might just be the place you can call home. REVIEW On the Job: The Missing 8 cause, to bare alleged truths behind the Philippines could easily think of its entirety as a possible reality By Zaldy Mar L. Lavada Jr. society, without being preachy and awkward as it occurring within their town. doesn’t feel like a pointing finger looming on the Fifteen minutes into the screenplay, neo-noir spawn tip of our noses—one of the hallmarks of a good In a nutshell, On the Job: The Missing 8 On the Job: The Missing 8 already has its claws set social critic screenplay. definitely deserves its public traction and universal deep into its target, proving that Bacolod-born acclaim for its perfectly crude representation of playwright Erik Matti has only gotten more furious “What I do mostly in my films is to explore. I’m a grander scheme. With his latest nail-biter, Matti since the film’s 2013 prequel On the Job, which he interested in processes: ‘how does a newspaper pushed the boundaries of crime-thriller to blood- directed during a time he dubs as the “angriest he get its news? How does one build a church in the curdling and unfortunately real new terrains. has been.” guise of getting money from its parishioners?’ Those are things that matter to me. There’s a lot of PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAPPLER On the Job: The Missing 8 is a blood-curdling research that went into it,” Matti comments on his marriage between fast-paced western tempo and creative process. hyperspecific eastern writing which chronicles a hitman’s all-or-nothing gambit for his emancipation Matti adds that inklings of the movie can be and a corrupt journalist’s steps into the poisonous traced back to small towns which have politicians underbelly of urban Metro Manila in an attempt to taking care of newspapers and radio stations, investigate the strange disappearance of his co- saying that “that’s where the problems with self- workers. It is an unavoidant social commentary on interest come in.” Such political weight adds more politics-orchestrated media delivered with moving to the pang, giving the screenplay an ethos that cinematographic execution and top-notch writing feels very human, very near, and very dangerous. from screenwriter Michiko Yamamoto. The three-hour screenplay climaxes in fragments Often blurry but never toothless, the of flashbacks and understandably predictable yet 2021 crime-thriller is reminiscent of Gilroy’s grim plot twists—an artistic and welcomed depart Nightcrawler’s reporter-gone-rogue and cops-and- from Filipino tropes. The motion picture is a reality crooks storyline and Davis’ The Fugitive’s crossfires dangling from a thin, fragile thread overhead ready which had everyone on tenterhooks during its to explode in the middle of everyone and bloom prime—a reputation which Variety, too, has recently into a bloody social blight. Throughout the inscribed upon the Filipino film, calling it: “a sprawling, satisfying big-screen binge.” film, any Filipino It has the perfect balance between the fingerprints of Matti and reality itself. Boasting a star-studded ensemble featuring John Arcilla and Dennis Trillo, the film is in no way a sequel slump; in fact, it finds more compelling late-night twists and turns in the relatively stripped production compared to its prequel. Inspired by true events, character arcs and plotlines felt very tied to social realities—a tiny question mark still lingering on the aftermaths of the prequel. It is with certainty that the movie carried out its eye-opening THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

12 FILIPINO HUWARANG SINING Buhol ng Banyagang Sining Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno Implasyon, kalamidad, krimen, at ngayo’y salita ni Ilocos Norte Congressman Sandro Marcos: dinagdagan pa ng isa—K-drama—ito ang mga “Mahina ang gawang Pilipino hindi dahil malakas ang Aster;naught pangunahing problema ng Pilipinas. gawa ng mga dayuhan. Mahina ang gawang Pilipino dahil mahina ang gawang Pilipino.” Makikita naman [email protected] Kahit sa pangaraw-araw na kayod, hindi pa rin kasya sa mga palabas sa telebisyon ang mga paulit-ulit na ang sahod sa mga bilihin; o kahit matapos man ang isang tema ng pakiki-apid, karahasan, at kanuluan—hindi Kung titignan, sinusuportahan naman talaga ang kalamidad, mayroon namang nakatakdang susunod; na natuto at inulit-ulit pa kahit sa mga pelikula. Ni mga pelikulang Pinoy—pero dapat galingan din ang maski sa pagpatak ng oras ay unti-unting dumadami ang hindi man lang natin sinusubukang gumawa ng mga paggawa sa mga ito, no? kasamaan sa lipunan…na sa bawat pag-iskrol sa Facebook makabagong konsepto. ay puro mukha ni Jongsuk-oppa ang nakatanghal. Para sa akin, hindi na tanong kung kailangan bang Sasabihin ng iba na may isang naiiba sa apat na ito; pero “Kung iisipin, wala sa bigyang pansin ang mga sariling gawa natin. Sa halip, taliwas ang pananaw ni Sen.Jinggoy Estrada. K-drama ang problema at dapat hinggin ang naratibong “kasupo-suporta ba wala rin sa pagtangkilik ng ito?” Dahil ang kaledad ng sining ng isang bansa ang Tirik na tirik ang mga mata ng mga netizens noong mga tao dito. Ang suporta ng nagpapakita ng kulay ng kanilang kultura.Kung ang mga Oktubre 18 nang ipinahiwatig ng senador na dapat mga Pilipino sa sariling sining palabas natin ay nauukol lamang sa mga kasakiman ng ipagbawal ang mga Korean drama o K-drama upang ay nakabase sa kaledad ng mundo, iyon din ang magiging imahe natin. mapabunsod ang suporta ng mga Pilipino sa mga lokal na mga palabas. Ayon sa kanya, “Kapag palagi tayong gawang Pinoy.” Gayumpaman, hindi isang problemang nagpapalabas ng mga telenovelang Koreano, mas kailangang basagan ng ulo ang pagbabawal iidolohinsilangmgaPilipinokesasasarilinatingmgaartista.” Ika nga ni Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, sa K-drama at hindi dapat ito isang paksang kailangan ng gobyernong kumuha ng inspirasyon pinaglalaanan ng panahon sa Senado. Siguro At hindi naman siya mali, importante nga namang o sundin ang balangkas ng mga nagpapalago naman, kahit sa papaano, ang oras na ikinikikil suportahan natin ang mga produkto ng bansa, lalo sa industriya ng pelikula sa Korea. Kaya upang sa mga naratibong hindi naman inaapura ay na sa larangan ng sining. Ngunit para sa akin, hindi makakuha ng mas malaking suporta mula sa mga mas mabibigyang halaga kung gagamit ito sa solusyon ang pagbabawal sa mga palabas na ito. Pilipino, dapat bigyan tayo ng dahilan kung bakit paghahanap ng solusyong makakapagbuti sa ating dapat nating tangkilikin ang mga gawang Pinoy. bansa at sa mga Pilipino. Una sa lahat, ang pagiging nasyonalista ay hindi Sa daan-daang mga pelikulang pinalalabas sa lamang nasusukat sa laki ng suporta sa mga gawa ng bansa kada taon, napakakitid ng talaan ng mga Hindi lang musika ang pumupuno ng utak niya kapwa Pilipino. Kung gusto talaga nating suportahan gawang nakakamangha. Noong nakaraan lamang, kundi mga konsepto rin ng siyensya at matematika— ang gawang Pinoy, hindi ibig sabihin na hindi na tayo tumanggap ng papuri ang pelikulang “Dollhouse” bilang isang 4th year Management Accounting na puwedeng tumangkilik sa iba. Pangalawa, lahat tayo ay ni Baron Geisler dahil sa maganda nitong kuwento. mag-aaral, ito na lamang ang nilalaman ng oras may kani-kaniyang kasarinlan sa pagpili ng gusto nating Idagdag pa rito ang mga gawa nina Peque Gallaga, ni Krizzia. Marami man ang pokus sa iba’t ibang panoorin,lalo na at mas nagiging globalisado ang bansa. at Lino Brocka na hinding-hindi natin makakalimutan bagay, ang tanging gusto lang niya ay ang tapusin gaya ng Oro, Plata, Mata, Insiang, at On the Job. ang kanyang mga aralin at sulatin. Kung iisipin, wala sa K-drama ang problema at wala rin sa pagtangkilik ng mga tao dito. Ang suporta ng mga Pilipino sa sariling sining ay nakabase sa kaledad ng gawang Pinoy. Kung ilalagay pa sa mga Limampung Taong Patuloy na Pakikipaglaban Nina Marianne Izabelle T. Reyes at Drexel John N. Amit Limang dekada. kung kaya’t nararapat lamang ang pagpapanatili ng na mapanatili ang wastong salaysay tungkol dito, sa Iyan ang bilang ng panahong lumipas mula nang kanilang mga kuwento lalong-lalo na sa panahon ng pamamagitan ng pag-digitalize ng impormasyon paglaganap ng maling kabatiran. at kaalaman, lalo na sa panahong laganap ang pinirmahan ni diktador at dating Pang. Ferdinand E. Ang Pagbali sa Naratibo disinpormasyon at historical denialism. Nagsisikap din Marcos Sr. ang Proklamasyon Blg. 1081. Napasailalim sila na palawakin ang inisyatibang pag-archive sa mga ang buong bansa sa Batas Militar at nagdulot ng Mula sa mga mapanlinlang na bidyo sa YouTube, dokyumentong pumapaksa sa Martial Law upang mas libu-libong pang-aabuso sa karapatang pantao ng TikTok, at Facebook, tila ang kabataan naman maiparating ito sa publiko. mga mamamayan. Maaaring sa pananaw ng ilan ay ngayon ang puntirya ng mga nambabaluktot ng napakatagal na nito at mas mainam na ipagwalang- kasaysayan. Kamakailan lamang, wari’y sinimulan na Kasali rin ang Active Vista Center, Inc. sa bahala na lamang. Ngunit ilang taon man ang dumaan, ang tangkang historical distortion sa isang modyul paglulunsad ng mga exhibits, pelikula, at iba’t- namumutawi pa rin sa puso’t isipan ng mga biktima mula sa isang paaralan sa Marinduque. Sa nasabing ibang kaganapan tuwing Martial Law Anniversary ang malalim na sugat dulot ng isa sa pinakamadilim na materyales, ipinangalanang “Period of the New Commemoration Week upang bigyang liwanag ang kabanata sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Society” ang Martial Law na siya raw ugat ng paglago kahalagahan ng demokrasya at karapatang pantao Ang Pagbabalik-Tanaw ng ekonomiya, kultura, at turismo sa bansa, at maging sa taunang Active Vista International Human Rights ang mamamayan ay disiplinado. Festival. Sa kanilang ikasampung selebrasyon ay Ayon sa Amnesty International, tinatayang nasa nagkaroon sila ng premiere event kung saan ipinalabas 70,000 ang pinakulong, 34,000 ang pinahirapan, 3,257 Ang pangyayaring ito ay isa lamang sa marami ang dokumentaryong ‘11,103’ bilang pagbabalik- ang kinitil, at 878 ang mga taong nawala at hindi na pang mga pagtatangkang baguhin ang kasaysayan. tanaw sa karahasang dinanas ng mga biktima ng Batas muli nasilayan pa noong Martial Law. Karamihan sa mga Labis na nakaka-alarma rito ang pamimilog na Militar. biktima ay mga aktibistang estudyante,mamamahayag, nakasentro sa mga kabataan sa mismo nilang relihiyosong manggagawa, magsasaka, at iba pang paaralan. Samakatuwid, lalo dapat pag-igihan ang Sa panahon kung saan paunti-unting ibinubura salungat sa diktaturyang Marcos. pakikipaglaban sa ganitong uri ng pagbabaluktot sa ang karimlang sinapit ng mga mananalaysay ng kasaysayan. katotohanan ukol sa Martial Law, ang bilang ng Sa kasalukuyan, nasa 11,103 lamang ang mga Ang Pagpapatuloy ng mga Kuwento iilang nakaligtas ay hindi sapat upang sugpuin ito. Sa kinikilalang biktima at may karapatang makakuha gayon, nasa atin—mga mamamayan ng makabagong ng reparasyon bilang pagkilala sa dinanas nilang Dahil sa paglaganap ng historical distortion ay henerasyon—ang kapangyarihan upang itaguyod kalapastanganan sa rehimeng Marcos ayon sa Human napapawalang-bisa ang kuwento ng mga biktima ng ang katotohanan at puksain ang naratibong pilit na Rights’ Claims Board. Kung susumahin, hindi ito aabot Martial Law. Kung kaya, upang ipagtanggol ang mga kumukubli sa madilim na nakaraan ng bansa. sa kalahati ng kabuuang bilang ng mga biktima ito, layunin ng ilang institusyon tulad ng Project Gunita HABAmBUHAY ANG KASAYSAYAN ART BY JOSH ALDRICH B. DIOLA THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

DAKBANWA 13 Bugana nga Halalban para sa mga Negrosanon Nila AC Himaya V. Tupas kag EJ Nell Voen A. Florendo Para naman kay Sagay City Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., isa ka kadungganan nga madayaw sang Sa bugana nga biospera sang Negros Occidental Gindayaw man sang organisasyon ang mga organisasyon ang ila marine reserve—ang 32,000 ginpamatud-an sang siyudad ka Bago kag Sagay takus nga ginhimo sang duha ka siyudad pareho nga ektarya sang katubigan nga ila ginaamligan. nga wala naga-untat sa sugilanon ang pag-ulikid sang pagpasag-uli sang Bago sa ila halangdon sa dunang manggad, kundi may kaupod man nga nga watershed kag ang inisyatibo sang Sagay nga “Isa ka padungog sa nagligad kag sa karon nga disiplina agud maamligan ini. mangrove forest protection paagi sa community- mga lider kag mga tawo nga nangabudlay para sa based ecotourism. dekada nga pagamlig sini,” ambit ni Javelosa. Ang panikasog sang duha ka siyudad agud maprotektan ila kinaugali nga manggad amo Suno kay Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, matuod Hidugang sang Green Destinations, sa una, ang nakakuha sang kahimtangan matapos nga ang internasyonal nga pagkilala sa ila nga wala naapresyar sang komunidad ang matahom sila malakip sa 2022 World’s Top 100 “Green pagpaninguha ang nagabugna sa mga pumuluyo nga mangrove forests kag ang ilahas nga kasapatan Destinations” sang Green Destinations nga magpanikasog para maprotektahan kag sini. Apang paagi sa social media marketing nga Foundation, isa ka internasyonal kag non-profit matipigan ang Bago Watershed para sa masunod kampanya kag mga plano para sa eco-tourism nga organisasyon nga naka-base sa Netherlands, pa gid nga mga henerasyon. development sang lokal nga gobyerno, nakita ka nga naghiwat sang pagpadungog sa Athens, mga pumuluyo ang importansya sang mangrove. Greece sang Setyembre 27. Nagsiling ang Green Destinations nga naga- atubang ang Bago Watershed sang madamo nga Upod sa kadalag-an sini, nagapabilin nga Para makapasar sa ini nga listahan, kinahanglan mga isyu kung diin ginabutang sa katalagman ang protektado ang 15.5 nga kagulangan sa Suyac Island sa magpasa ang siyudad sang self-report kag balanse sini, pareho sang polusyon sa tubig kag marine reserve sang Sagay kag ang 6,000 nga dugang matuman ang 60 porsyento sang 15 core pagkalbo sa kagulangan. sa flying fox species sa isla sa sulod sang isa ka dekada. sustainability nga talaksan sang organisasyon, amo dayon ang pagsumitar sang ila Good Practice Nalakip man sa kahimtangan ang Sa karon, padayon ang pagtipig sang duha ka Story—isa ka detalyado nga paathag tuhoy sa pagpadamo sang ani sang humay kag ang siyudad sa ila palibot kag ilahas nga kaupod sini— sustainability project sang lugar. paghaylo sang upland farms nga mangin hangop sa pagpati nga sa pagsustenar sa manggad sustainable agro-forestry areas. sang probinsiya ang dako nga solusyon tubang sa gakatabo nga climate crisis sa kalibutan. Pinakauna nga intellectual property help desk sa NegOcc, ginpatukod Panindugan ang copyright ka negosyo PHOTO COURTESY OF DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY-WESTERN VISAYAS Nila James Aldrin C. Pamposa kag Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran Ginpatukod sang Intellectual Property of the Philippines Sang una, isa lang ka programa ang regional Industry ukon sa Bureau of Internal Revenue. (IPOPHL) sang Setyembre 29 ang pinakauna nga operators division, apang subong mangin isa na ini “Para sa iban nga mga kaso, ginapasa na namon Intellectual Property (IP) help desk sa siyudad sang ka full division—amo ngaa ginapatigayon ang pag- Bacolod agud mas madamo nga negosyante ang ila aplaag sang satellite offices kag help desks sa kada sa [amon nga] partner bureau. Nagako-operar kami mabuligan tuhoy sa isyu sang copyright. rehiyon para matinguhaan ang pagtatap sa tanan. kaupod sa 15 ka mga ahensya nga nagalakip sang National Committee on IP Rights,” dugang niya. Nahamtang ang help desk sa Provincial and Ang panguna nga hilikuton nga gina-atubang Economic and Development Center lapit sa Ayala sang IP help desk amo ang paghibalo kung naga- Bisan kalabanan nga mga opisina online na ang Malls Capitol Central kag nagabukas lamang kada ika- gamit ang isa ka negosyo sang counterfeit nga mga operasyon, nagpatukod gihapon ang IPOPHL sang tatlo nga Miyerkules kag Huwebes sang bulan. produkto pareho sang mga may ginlain sa logo ukon physical help desk sa siyudad para maatipan ang mga nagareklamo nga pumuluyo, labi na ang mga “Nakitaan ang Negros Occidental sang mataas mas nubo na kalidad sang orihinal nga produkto. tigulang kag mga wala gagamit internet. nga potensyal sa mga aplikasyon sang IP. Tungod sini, mahapos ang desisyon sa pagpatukod sang “[Kung] magpadala ka [sa amon] sang reklamo “Indi tanan kabisado ang teknolohiya kag indi help desk sa probinsya. Luyag kag handa ang IPOPHL man tanan nami ang koneksyon sa internet [ukon] magdala sang mga programa kag serbisyo nga lapit nga nakabakal ka sang peke nga produkto, ipa- sagad mag-email, amo ngaa mas luyag nila makigkita sa stakeholders sang Negros Occidental,” siling ni fill up ka namon sang form para mapangitaan sa akon sa personal agud mahatagan ko solusyon IPOPHL Director General Nelson Laluces. handler sang IP Rights Enforcement Office, ukon ang ila problema,” ambit ni Tajanlangit-Bebit. tan-awon sang officer-in-charge ang kasangkaron Dugang pa, ginpatukod ini para makabulig sa sang reklamo. Sa masami, ginatawag ang Suno pa sa iya, ginabantayan man ka ahensya mga lokal nga negosyo nga mag-usisa kung peke atensyon sang husto nga trademark owner,” ang mga datos sang Negros Occidental bangud ukon huwad ang ila nabakal nga produkto kag kung paathag ni IP Region 6 Officer Marianne Bebit. pananglit nga magsaka ang mga kaso nga gina- kinahanglan magpasaka sang kaso tuhoy sa copyright, asikaso sang help desk sa masunod nga tatlo ka tuig, trademark, ukon pagpatente sang ideya. Ugaling, kung indi kaanggid sa trademark mapasa sila sang panugda nga himuon full-time ang isyu, ginapasa ang reklamo balik sa iban nga satellite office ang help desk sa probinsya. ahensya kaangay sa Department of Trade and THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

14 LEISURE “It’s Not My Fault” By Angelyn Emmanuelle H. Taruballes By the Numbers By Phoebe Daidoji Q. Jabonete 7 Signed Executive Orders As of October 28, 2022 Source: Official Gazette Php 5.268 Trillion Proposed national budget for 2023 Source: CNN Philippines 255,429 Overseas Filipino Workers Hired and deployed by the Department of Migrant Workers As of October 7, 2022 Source: Manila Bulletin Php 134,376,764.95 Allocated for the Medical and Burial Assistance Program As of October 5, 2022 Source: Office of the Vice President Media 98,293 beneficiaries of the Libreng Sakay Program As of October 5, 2022 Source: Office of the Vice President Media 3,220 School Supplies and Hygiene Kits Distributed by the PagbaBAGo campaign As of October 8, 2022 Source: Office of the Vice President Media ART BY JOHN PAUL V. PECHON THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

SPORTS 15 Beyond the Pocket of the Glove By Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno and her husband from training the girls living in their Practice, virtuoso, and a splash of hope go a long community who would soon make up the dream way—no matter where you are in life. softball team that December. “During [the] pandemic we [trained and housed A team of young Negrense girls, batting under them in our own home] since outdoor activities the Negros Occidental Softball Team, Majors Team, were not allowed. We are lucky that our place has a proved to be a dime in the rough after clinching a vacant lot [we could utilize] as our training venue,” glove-handed fourth place during the 2022 Little Jalandoni said. League World Series semifinals in Greenville, North She narrated that the players would wake up at Carolina, on Aug. 16. 4 a.m. for a two-hour workout, have breakfast by 7 before training for three hours in the field, eat their After pitching with teams from Canada, Italy, lunch, take a quick nap, and back to the field for Maryland, and Connecticut at 1-0, 4-1, 0-2, and another three hours from 2:30 p.m. Other than placing fourth, the Majors Team was 1-0 respectively, the girls made their way to the Still, that was just the beginning. Jalandoni able to clinch the Team Sportsmanship Award, while semifinals, losing a 0-11 match against Connecticut. shared that they struggled a lot with food but their accompanying Seniors Team placed fifth in the nonetheless overcame it all through faith, courage, Senior League of the same tournament. Ultimately, the team fell short in the battle- and determination so that they for-third match against Chesterfield, Virginia, 0-9, could continue with their Lately, the team has been eyeing to join a finishing with three wins and three losses. training. grassroots tournament in preparation for the Little League Philippine Series National Finals in 2023. Composed of daughters of tricycle drivers and sugarcane farmers, members AC Maratong, Audrey PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES Valenzuela, Krystal Lobatong, Anne Manalo, Angela Esperida, Princess Ablig, Chear Blancia, Chezka Palmera, Erica Pasion, Jean Estrada, Jona Mongcal, Jewel Bejar, and Hezekiah Cuerda came together last December, when the pandemic was still on high alert, under the captainship of Jacey Pajotal. “It was a life-changing experience for them since [it was their first time]—riding a plane, staying in a hotel, [eating unfamiliar food], and meeting people of different races. Who could have thought [these girls] could go to the U.S. and compete in the World Series?” Head Coach Lizvi Jalandoni recounted. The Negros Occidental Softball Team has been on the field for about two decades, but due to quarantine protocols, their training was halted. However, that did not stop Jalandoni A Multi-medal “I think we just live in a very sad society [where] I deadlift, and overall total in the Philippines for the Metamorphosis was pushed into changing myself just to fit in. I’d be junior class under 66 kg. lying if I said that I wish I were smaller, but I don’t want By Karen E. Pico & Zaldy Mar L. Lavada Jr. anybody else to feel the way I felt because I don’t think “That’s how life goes: you want something more. It was an epiphany. anyone should feel like that,” the SEA Cup champion Don’t live in comfort. [...] Always stay hungry when it added. comes to achieving something great,” Maphi remarked. Maphi Daniel Polvora, a multi-awarded rising powerlifting athlete, used to go to the chapel every Breakthroughs demand breakdowns, and Maphi With his swift growth in the powerlifting sport, morning at 6:30 when he was in ninth grade. It was has had his fair share of rock bottoms. He remembered the rising athlete plans to win more events and, not until that one visit, when the sun rose behind throwing up all over the kitchen sink because of how eventually, compete in the World Classic Open him and cast his shadow overhead, that he realized, bad exercising was. “I vomited in the sink, and then I Championships. After years of actualizing his “Wow. I’m a tiny person.” [told] myself, ‘This is the last time that you’re going to epiphany, he now leaves a lesson: “Have fun. quit. [...] You’re not going to quit on anything.’ I carried Enjoying the process is like the big chunk of going Every sports phenom has a starting point, but that mindset until now.” from point A to point B. [...] Learn how to love the Maphi is nowhere near the finish line. At 20 years process. Learn how to love the pain. [...] You [have] old, the Lasallian third-year BS Accountancy student During that moment of extreme vulnerability, to force your mind to think that it’s going to be championed the Philippines in powerlifting at he expressed that he wanted to abandon the worth it in the end.” the International Powerlifting Federation South domain. “I was like, ‘Is this worth it?’ And then I East Asian (SEA) Cup held in Malaysia, where he said, ‘Let’s just see how far we can go.’” And off PHOTO COURTESY OF TEAM PH (POWERLIFTING bagged gilded medals. His laurels, however, pale in he went, realizing his vision of wanting more. Now ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES) comparison to the self-love and confidence he has he holds the record for having the best bench, gained since his epiphany five years ago. “I got into weightlifting, to be brutally honest, because of insecurity issues. You start off as a skinny kid, you get bullied for it, and it’s going to hit you hard. I wanted to be better for myself, and I wanted to love myself more,” Maphi said, reminiscing his early days at the gym. Self-doubts can be harmful, but Maphi decided to take measures to ensure that he would not always be in that inferior position—kick-starting his rapid ascent into sports stardom. THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 67 NUMBER 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2022

SPORTS ATENEO OUTPLAYS UST IN CLIFFHANGER HEIGHT IS MIGHT. Joan Narit towers over to swipe a point for the Blue Eagles. - KYLE JOBE B. DE GUZMAN By Patrick N. Billojan & Veterans Vanessa Gandler and Faith Nesperos Moreover, it was the Blue Eagles who took the Sophia Yzabelle F. Gico were a force for the Blue Eagles in the first two driver’s seat in the fourth set, courtesy of Gandler sets, as they provided the crucial hits and needed and Lyann De Guzman’s hot hands, who nailed The comeback is greater than the offense to put the squad ahead, 2-0. the scoring column for the Blue Eagles to give setback. their team an early lead, 8-2, but let their guard Likewise, the Blue Eagles’ twin towers, Joan down halfway, enabling the Golden Tigresses The Ateneo de Manila University Narit and AC Miner, blanked the Tigresses at the to mount a comeback and equalize the contest, (ADMU) Blue Eagles proved just that net in the opening set, as the offense-focused team 2-set apiece. simply could not keep their attacks going. as they asserted their mastery over The deciding set eventually became a game the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Behind a partisan crowd cheering them on, of spurts, but the Lady Eagles simply held out Golden Tigresses after hacking out a 25-21, UST found renewed energy in the second set as longer, and when the game came down to a 27-25, 21-25, 22-25, 15-11 statement during the they led the contest by as many as five points, match point, 14-11, the Coliseum crowd went Balik Yuhum Volleyfest exhibition game on Oct. 9 16-11, but their defense faltered in the endgame, ballistic as Lady Eagle Gena Hora delivered a at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, following allowing the Blue Eagles to claw back and snatch service ace to close out the game for Ateneo. a five-set loss to the Akari Power Charges on Sept. the set, 27-25. 18 at the same venue. In an interview with Panay News, Ateneo This was their first meeting since their UAAP Season Though ADMU tried to ride their momentum head coach Oliver Almadro shared: “Last 84 step-ladder semis match last June, when the fourth- coming into the third set, UST’s point city Eya UAAP tournament, we really had a short ranked Blue Eagles dispatched the third-seeded Laure just could not stop hitting the markers, preparation. We were limited to a few tune- Golden Tigresses in three sets, 25-23, 25-23, 25-20. while Camille Victoria provided the needed up games. Having games like this is really firepower for the Golden Tigresses to keep the important to us.” game close for UST, 1-2. ALL IN GOOD “FUN” Just for Laughs, Not a Gag Anna Maria J. Villanueva Will pranking—at its core of making someone look “The MassKara Festival’s ‘Balik foolish while getting some amusement out of it— Yuhum’ theme did not mean Juno ever be okay? bringing back smiles by pulling [email protected] This was the very question I asked after hearing offensive pranks at the expense her the bottle, the damage was done, and pulling the about the malicious, and quite unfathomable, act “immature minor” card does not help. that transpired at the first Balik Yuhum XC Race of one’s health and dignity.” during the 43rd MassKara Festival: a group of Altogether, I can say that this incident spotlighted spectators handed a plastic bottle filled with water Furthermore, there are notable factors that make the implications of poor sportsmanship and the ethics from a carabao-infested stream to one of the the situation even more outlandish. of pranking as a whole. It goes against everything the participants, which she unknowingly consumed. If biking community stands for: respect and community. that wasn’t enough, these “pranksters” filmed the The victim won the race in the LGBTQ category, “Members of the biking community [in Bacolod] and entire ordeal, posted it on Facebook, and poked which made me wonder: was this prank on the elsewhere always respect their fellow bikers, and this fun at the victim. LGBTQIA+ community intentional? Regardless, a would not have happened if they were real biking member of the community was victimized—which enthusiasts,” Ramos explained. Now, the golden rules of pranking: there should does not read well, given the history they’ve had in be no intention to ridicule, and it should not cause terms of fighting discrimination in the conservative Take this as a lesson: risking another individual’s life for permanent damage. Otherwise? Well, one might Philippines. In fact, Roseller “Jojo” Ramos, a member kicks and giggles is simply not worth it. If you in your right find themselves in serious trouble. of the race’s organizing group, Team Armands, said mind would still attempt to do such, well, ask yourself: is it best, “It was supposed to be a big thing for the a five-minute gag worth a lifetime of culpability? Based on these rules, this so-called “prank” LGBTQIA+ community because races don’t normally was anything but such. There is no defense that have that kind of category, and we are sorry that this Armed with her emotional support water can erase the fact that this was a malicious and thing has to happen.” bottle, Anna is a third-year BS Psychology student degrading act committed out of sheer ignorance who strives for perfection even when she knows and a lack of basic human decency. In a twist of events, the said perpetrator—a it’s impossible. She plans to skateboard her way Grade 12 student—asked for forgiveness, citing that through life, just figuring things out along the way. If anything, the MassKara Festival’s “Balik he “only wanted to pour [the water] on her but she Yuhum” theme did not mean bringing back asked to drink it instead.” While the video paints a smiles by pulling offensive pranks at the expense different picture, with the perpetrator clearly handing of one’s health and dignity. E-MAIL [email protected] FACEBOOK facebook.com/thespectrumusls ISSUU issuu.com/thespectrumusls INSTAGRAM @thespectrum.usls TWITTER @TheSpectrumUSLS