La Estrella Verde December 2021 - February 2022

UPHOLDER OF TRUTH. HERALD OF CHANGE. December 2021 - February 2022 Volume 6 Issue 2 Sparks of Innovation. The sparks of our imagination power the gears of innovation. Art by Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Astrero DLSU-D SHS to integrate Fab Lab in its curriculum Following the establishment of the Tiffany Geluz because they also plan to accommodate SHS Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) through the According to STEM-ICT Academic students in accordance with Principal Marlon shared service facility of DLSU-D College of Coordinator Liza Buitizon, their faculty is on Pareja’s disposition. Engineering, Architecture, and Technology the search for potential activities consolidated (CEAT) and the Department of Trade and from the Fab Lab. “[Pareja] wants their (SHS) students to Industry, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) “I see the Fab Lab as a great opportunity learn about (the skills they can acquire from plans its incorporation into the curriculum. for our students (to research) product using the Fab Lab) because it will be necessary development...(and) to translate their product for them (in their future careers),” he said. designs (into) actual (solid) prototypes,” she mentioned. Furthermore, Engr. Sarte mentioned Moreover, CEAT Center of Innovation that the Fab Lab is centered on advanced Director Engr. Jeric Sarte shared that Fab technology that would oppose limitations in Lab will not be limited to college students, Fab Lab, see page 2 DLSU-D HS COMELEC to hold online mock election Zoe Airabelle Aguinaldo To underline the urgency of voting among the youth, the DLSU-D High School (HS) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will be conducting a mock election on Schoolbook for Senior High School (SHS) students prior to the upcoming presidential elections. Eureka! Lands bathing in prosperity were yielded by those In an interview, DLSU-D HS Consequently, he stated that the who grew curiosity. Art by Sean Jacob Altoveros COMELEC Chairperson Jann Brent mock election is an essential step in Morales stressed the need to fulfill their demonstrating the essence of democracy organization’s core purpose in shaping to the students. students to be politically conscious and active individuals, particularly during the country’s “(Conducting a student mock election election season. will) educate the (Lasallian) community regarding the rights of suffrage and its “(DLSU-D HS COMELEC is) fueled by importance towards individual (and national) the intentions of strengthening the political aspirations,” Morales explained. participation of our fellow Lasallians...(such as) by means of experiencing first-hand what In addition, Morales affirmed that all it is like to vote,” he said. SHS students’ involvement is mandatory Mock election, see page 2 4 Editorial 8 Green Ink 9 Literary Under the pretense of patriotism Apenskijara

2 La Estrella Verde NEWS December 2021 - February 2022 (With this, it) won’t be hard for them Fab Lab, see page 1 concepts for a life-changing experience as to order...the materials (they need)... STEM students. (which) are usually bought internationally,” innovation and empower students to turn De Claro mentioned. their ideas into reality. “[S]ince our strand is all about technology, it will broaden the perspective of students Furthermore, Ma. Sophia Cassandra “I believe (that) every (student’s idea) can on what science can do to (help make Rapista (ICT12) mentioned that Fab Lab be heard...(It is) not just about writing (them) innovations),” she highlighted. would open new opportunities for students on paper based on theory, (but it also about by enhancing their abilities. the possibility of turning them into) action,” In addition, she remarked that Fab he elaborated. Lab is a great project that will help local “I expect...the [F]ab [L]ab (to help Students’ feedback businesses construct solid prototypes from artists) gain experience...which could serve digital designs. as a reference...(to) expand (their) artistic As DLSU-D SHS plans to implement Fab (capabilities),” she said. Lab, Ysabella De Claro (STM114) shared “[Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises] that this will encourage the execution of their will no longer (have to) improvise materials... Digital yearbook to be Mock election, see page 1 published this A.Y. 2021-2022 even for those who are still not registered Viridescent addresses delays of unreleased yearbooks voters since it will act upon their Aya Ahmad responsibility as patriots to improve their political awareness. Following the collective misunderstandings due to unreleased yearbooks in the previous years, Viridescent, the DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) yearbook “[M]ock elections are not just a simple publication, affirmed their production of a digital yearbook for this academic year. practice, but rather (a) significant outlet in assessing even our own political stance,” Viridescent’s Editor in Chief Elija Marie “[W]e know through...the messages he expressed. Angue shared that they have decided to take a we’ve been receiving...(that what these) different approach for a more efficient flow of people...want is not just a refund... Although the official date for this their paperwork as they disclose their intent [I]t’s the actual yearbook that they paid for, week-long mock election is yet to be to accomplish the yearbook’s release. and we’re trying...to make sure they get it,” finalized, he advised the students to she stressed. regularly inform themselves about “[W]e have taken...major steps in ensuring Students’ feedback the political candidates in preparation for the production of this year’s yearbook... May 9. [M]aking some internal changes...(was a) With the end of the academic year huge and quite...tough decision to make, fast approaching, Aimee Jesryn Nuguid “I really encourage everyone to update (since)...the effectiveness of Viridescent’s (STM213) remarked her concern about themselves with the current condition (organizational) structure (will be affected),” its content for this year’s batch due to the of our country...and (to) be mindful of she explained. limitations caused by the online setup. who to vote and who not to vote (for),” he recommended. Moreover, she indicated that they “[O]ur batch doesn’t have that many have already investigated the condition memories...because [students] only interact Students’ feedback of the pending Batch 2018 and 2019 (virtually)...I think our current setup will Students remarked that the mock yearbooks, which only resulted in a dead- challenge the (creators) of...this batch’s end after encountering issues with their yearbook,” she said. election will benefit the Lasallian publishing company. community holistically, as Jermaine Meanwhile, Jamie Ann Geronimo Angelo Arrogancia (STM28) agreed that “[W]ith the help of our school (ABM24) revealed that she expects it will develop the students’ perception administration, (we are) trying to get a hold the yearbook to be more creative, of voting. of the situation…[W]e (are) trying see (what) given that they have a comprehensive actions can be done to expedite the release knowledge of the various features “(Having a mock election will allow) of the yearbooks and to...give the [students] of technology. students to have an idea and experience voting what they paid for,” Angue emphasized. for themselves to help (them be responsible “I think that (this year’s) yearbook will voters),” he reasoned. Furthermore, Angue mentioned that once show the hardships (that) every student faced the administrators successfully contacted in this kind of situation and the achievements Moreover, Sofia Louise Buenafe the publisher, the possibility of a refund that everyone (achieved) despite (difficulties),” (HMS21) emphasized that partaking will depend on their decision together she commented. in the mock election will enable young with the registrar. people to be confidently prepared for the elections. “Getting involved in a mock election... encourages (the students) to make informed decisions (by understanding the political candidates’) platforms,” she provided. Aside from this, Fiona Marie Martizano (ICT11) claimed that the mock election will also propel students to understand the intentions of the politicians through virtual engagement in reliable media. “(The mock election can help students to exercise) sharing fact-checked information, educational backgrounds, and attainments of the candidates (which will help educate voters),” they emphasized.

December 2021 - February 2022 NEWS 3La Estrella Verde Preparasyon para sa ikalawang Research Conference, pagbubutihin Kristina Angela Sobrino at Alexa Nice Soriano Matapos makatanggap ng sari-saring pagsusuri mula sa nakaraang Research Fair, mas maraming kalahok at matagumpay na Research Conference ang tinitiyak ng Student Research Council (SRC) na magaganap sa Mayo 18-20. Ibinahagi ni SRC Co-chairperson Samantala, ibinahagi ni Acal ang Puna ng mga estudyante Alyssa Karen Acal ang kanilang maagang kanilang layon na madagdagan pa ang Base sa mga kaganapan noong preparasyon kung saan tinukoy nila ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral mula sa ika-12 mga magiging key committees at ang mga baitang na lalahok sa Research Conference nakaraang Research Fair, inilahad ni pagsasanay para sa mga ito. ngayong taon. Shiela Mae Pechon (STM26) ang kanyang inaasahan at suhestyon upang “Hindi kasi maiiwasan ‘yong (mga) “We want to further encourage students to magkaroon ng mas nakakaenganyo at technical difficulties...(However, if) the be interested (in joining)...[W]e are hoping for makabuluhang conference. committees are prepared, mas ma-le-lessen ‘yong (their) maximum participation...to present their mga gano’ng instances,” aniya. paper,” paglalahad niya. “I am hoping that there will be more time for (the) researchers to elaborate their Gayunpaman, isinalaysay niya na Sa kabilang banda, itinuturing ni Acal studies...(and) more interactive activities sinubukan nilang maghanap ng iba pang bilang isang malaking pagkakataon ang wherein the audience can participate while service providers ngunit kanilang nabatid na paglahok sa Research Conference sapagkat the event is ongoing,” aniya. mas mainam pa rin na gamitin ang virtual isa itong paraan upang bigyan ng pagkilala platform na Floor dahil natutugunan nito ang ang mga kalidad na pananaliksik sa Sa kabilang banda, nais naman ni Euler mga pangangailangan ng nasabing programa. kabila ng pandemya. Veron De Guzman (HMS24) na gamitin nang mas mabuti ang oras at mabigyan “Floor is offering...break-out rooms...(which “(Research Conference is not just) a pa ng mas malinaw na gabay ukol sa can provide) every kind of research...(an) student activity...because it is important paggamit ng Floor. opportunity to be highlighted...(In this platform, for (the) development (of the) researcher in viewers) can (also) join in a parallel session that (their) respective careers na mayroon (silang) “(I hope) they could...give (a) clearer... is aligned (with) their research interests and experience sa (pag-pe-present) ng paper,” guide (on) how to use (Floor)...since it could specializations,” saad ni Acal. pagpapaliwanag niya. also be overwhelming for (first-time) users,” pagpapaliwanag niya. Nirepasong kurikulum ng Work Immersion, ipatutupad CTHM nakatakdang manguna sa TVL-HE Work Immersion Mikaela Angela Reyes Magsisimula ng bagong panukalang sistema ng online work immersion ang Unibersidad matapos idetalye ni Work Immersion Committee Chairperson John Christopher Pascual ang pagbabagong matatamasa ng mga mag-aaral ngayong taong panuruan 2021-2022. Ayon kay Pascual, mas pahuhusayin “Since (CTHM is) planning to open a Weaving Light. Art of Hope. Art by Aiser Levi Duque pa ang immersion experience ng mga culinary school, (naisip ng ating admin na mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng ilang that is the perfect time) to tie up with them,” pagbabago sa kurikulum nito matapos pagbabahagi ni Pascual. umani ng mga positibong komento Puna ng mga estudyante noong nakaraang taon. Alinsunod sa mga pagbabago, inilatag ni “[B]ecause of our ANIMO Strategy... Kristina Pagador (TVL21) ang mga maaring ni-lessen natin ‘yong mga tasks at assessments... maidulot ng pagbabawas ng mga gawain at (Kaya naman), we need to revise ang ating pagpapaiksi ng mga aktibidad sa mga kalahok curriculum kasi second year na ng ating online ng immersion. work immersion,” aniya. “[T]he exposure will be limited and Dagdag pa rito, kinumpirma niya na students may not get used to the workplace, muli itong isasagawa virtually kasabay ng thus, not getting the knowledge they need,” paggagarantiyang makakamit pa rin ng bawat paglalahad ni Pagador. estudyante ang mga kinakailangang kaalaman at karanasan. Ayon naman kay Lance Fernandez (ICT21), malaking tulong ang pagbabawas “(The) competencies set by the ng mga kinakailangang gawain sa Department of Education and ng ating work immersion para magkaroon ng school na makuha ng ating TVL students ibayong pokus ang mga estudyante sa ay rest assured na matatanggap pa rin nila,” pagbibigay ng kalidad na awtput. saad ni Pascual. “With lesser activities...(students) would Sa kabilang banda, ibinahagi rin ni Pascual have the time to really learn the things in their na mananatiling TopServe Solution ang activities and be able to (produce) quality partner company ng TVL-ICT, ngunit ililipat outputs rather than focusing on quantity,” saad sa College of Tourism and Hotel Management ni Fernandez. (CTHM) ang pangangasiwa sa TVL-HE.

4 La Estrella Verde OPINION December 2021 - February 2022 La Estrella Verde EDITORIAL The Official High School Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Under the pretense of patriotism EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2021-2022 The threat to human rights continues, as the torch of state violence is to be passed onto the next administration. With Sara Duterte, an advocate of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), as the EDITOR IN CHIEF front runner of the vice presidential race, the students would once again succumb to the peril that Franchez Cassandra Escander lies beyond the patriotic facade of the said program. ASSOCIATE EDITOR Last Jan. 19, the vice presidential aspirant expressed her objective to impose obligatory military Marymar Caya service during her term for all Filipinos once they turn eighteen if she manages to take the position’s oath. Her father, the current president, also conveyed his intention to revive this mandatory ROTC MANAGING EDITOR when he assumed his post in 2016. Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan However, it seems like this ambitious initiative is a foreshadowing of what is to come in her COPY EDITOR administration—a government that continues to misplace its priorities even though it is clear that Guen Marie Sapinit there are urgent problems that need to be solved. For instance, the questionable appointment of retired military generals to spearhead the response against the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the NEWS EDITOR country’s horrid score of 48.3 in Bloomberg’s COVID-19 resilience ranking. This alarming ranking Ayeesha Kimberly Cellona has placed the Philippines at rock bottom for the third time in the last five months, so why is she keen on reestablishing ROTC when there are adversities that need to be addressed first? SPORTS EDITOR Guen Marie Sapinit Once elected, Duterte has also stated that she will push for the shadowing of other nations’ FEATURES EDITOR military enlistment, such as those from Israel and South Korea. However, it seems like she is Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan forgetting that the said countries are currently facing disputes on their own land. With South Korea IN CHARGE, LITERARY living day-by-day in danger of another war with their Northern counterpart and Israel being in Ara Janine Palecpec conflict with Palestine over the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, it is justifiable why they had such policies in the first place. ART EDITOR Denise Preclaro In connection to that, a plethora of complications and human rights violations were built upon LAYOUT EDITOR the grounds of ROTC. One of the victims is ROTC Cadet Mark Chua from the University of Santo Jan Anthony Murillo Tomas. His body was found decaying in the Pasig River on March 18, 2001. After conducting a IN CHARGE, PHOTO AND VIDEO probe, the authorities unraveled the initial reason why this transpired: the victim exposed the alleged Elisha Jezreel Ang corruption in the university’s ROTC unit. The fact that this military training offers nothing but sheer malevolence is absolutely incontestable. WEB EDITOR Joanna Elaine Desiderio Indeed, it is possible that a person can be disciplined through rigid and rigorous training such RADIO PROGRAM MANAGER as those from the ROTC program. After all, hardships can certainly foster growth into a cadet’s character. However, the smear of corruption and the bloody past of the said program should never Marymar Caya be ignored and forgotten. Patriotism is not and will never be caged to a military term, as loyalty for NEWS a country should also translate to empathy for its people. Zoe Airabelle Aguinaldo, Aya Ahmad, Jane Llana Cordova, With this, reforming the other two components under the National Service Training Program, Tiffany Geluz, Hannah Sophia Perez, Princess Pravika Rai, the Literacy Training Service and Civic Welfare Training Service, and making sure that the optional Mikaela Angela Reyes, Kristina Angela Sobrino, Alexa Nice Soriano, ROTC remains voluntary can be the first step to guarantee that no one will be harmed while instilling the said goal of discipline to the Filipino youth. Moreover, the country can also go with Saira Vanessa Varon, Naevien Riley Valenzuela the opposite way—to demilitarize and remove the unnecessary presence of military men in places SPORTS where they don’t belong. A place where instead of using intimidation and brute force, compassion and accountability prevails as the true manifestation of patriotism. Alyssa Ashley Anacay, Jane Llana Cordova, Naevien Riley Valenzuela FEATURES Jedd Rudolf Caldo, Francine Angela Dela Fuente, Kenan Christian Geda, Jelaigne Szanel Liong, Alexie Jeanne Masangkay, Anielle Mendoza, Jose Miguel Octavo, Hannah Sophia Perez LITERARY Marcea Alcala, Wrenzhie Arroyo, Pia Heart Lambuson, Paulyn Dianne Laude, Jelaigne Szanel Liong, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Aqeena Reyes, Phoebe Denise Santos, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Gabriel Dale Tejido, Frances Nicole Umbao ART Sean Jacob Altoveros, Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Astrero, Cecilia Nazarine Bicol, Zoe Olivia Cavinta, Jasmin Delos Reyes, Aiser Levi Duque, Maria Sophia Emelda Intorio, Klaire Niña Llarena, Rianne Nicole Ocampo, Rania Marie Pucan, Reanne Roguel, Liam Nico Sullivan PHOTO AND VIDEO Jethro David Dela Cerna, John Froilan Gacasa, Nicole Infante, Angienette Laurza, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Tricia Faye Velasco WEB Nikki Alexis Antonio, John Froilan Gacasa, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Jaymar Matanguihan Jr., Jeremy Ray Milca, Juliana Ellice Polancos, Reanne Roguel LAYOUT Nikki Alexis Antonio, Angienette Laurza, Jaymar Matanguihan Jr., Juliana Ellice Polancos RADIO Alyssa Ashley Anacay, Kenn Benedict Ballesteros, Denice Gabrielle Calingasan, Kristina Rose Eramiz, Einjela Esguerra, Lexter Nico Mahusay, Ezekiel Ben Meneses, Serge Angelo Quiambao, Brizza Felicity Reyes, Yzabelle Mei Robillo, Jasmine Marie Soriano ADVISER Dominic Benavente La Estrella Verde has its editorial office at Room JHS241, High School Complex, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, DBB-B, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115 Telephone: +63-2-7795180, +32-46-4811900 to 1930 local 3302 Email: [email protected] FB: /DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde | Twitter & IG: @LeviofLEV Contributions, comments and suggestions should be addressed to the Editor in Chief and should bear the writer’s full name. Articles may be edited for clarity and space.

December 2021 - February 2022 OPINION 5La Estrella Verde Katwiran ng Sarili Clotilde Patagal nang patagal ay padami nang may oras din para sa sarili ng walang padami ang mga taong umiiwas sa paggamit pag-aalinlangan na mayroong nanghuhusga. Marymar Caya ng social media platforms sa kadahilanang gusto muna nilang mapag-isa. Hindi naman Walang masama sa pagtanggi at Tila walang katapusang pagpapanggap, sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay kailangan pag-ayaw sa pakikipag-usap at pakikipagkita pakikisama, at pasensya ang kinakailangan mong sumagot sa mga mensahe nila. Ang sa kanyang kapwa dahil ang bawat para makalampas sa nakakatakot na pagtugon ay hindi mo naman tungkulin at nararamdaman ay nasa katwiran. Ang pandemyang ito. Kung iisipin, halos maaari mo pa namang mabalikan ang iyong pag-iwas sa presensya ng ibang tao ay dalawang taon na rin tayong nagtitiis sa nakaligtaang basahin. walang tinatakasan na responsibilidad ganitong sistema ng pamumuhay kaya naman nakasanayan na nating mamalagi na Dagdag pa rito, kahit na nasa ganitong “Mahalagang maykaya sapat na sarili muna ang inuuna lamang sa kanya-kanyang tahanan. Dahil sitwasyon ay hindi maiiwasan na may dito, hindi natin maiwasang tumanggi at magyayaya ng lakad para makipagkita. sa lahat ng bagay. umayaw sa pakikipagsalamuha sa ating Maaari kang humindi dahil sapat na rason kapwa, mapa-online man ito o hindi ang hindi mo pa kayang makihalubilo tulad oras din para sa sapagkat may rason tayo upang panandalian ng dati at mas mahalaga ang pangsarili sarili ng walang munang mapag-isa. mong kapakanan. Hindi naman ibig sabihin pag-aalinlangan nito na may galit o sama ng loob ang na mayroong Isa ako sa mga taong umabot na sa iyong pagtanggi sa kanilang imbitasyon. nanghuhusga.” puntong mas gusto pang makasama ang Ang pagpili sa sarili ay minsan lamang at sarili kaysa sa makipagkwentuhan at asaran marami pa namang mga dadaang araw para sa kaibigan. Minsan nga’y napagkakamalan makasama mo sila. pang tumatakas daw sa mga nangyayari sa paligid o sa realidad ng mundo. Ngunit Sa pangkalahatan, huwag munang para sa akin, ang gusto ko lang naman ay makinig sa mga sinasabi ng iba sapagkat makapag-isip-isip. Sa panahong ito, masama marapat lamang na maglaan ka muna ng bang magmuni-muni nang walang kasama at panahon para sa iyong sarili. Higit na mas walang nakakaalam? mainam na hindi lamang tuwing self-care week ka magkapagbibigay ng oras sa sarili, mas maganda kung sa bawat linggo ay may ininilalaan ka para lamang dito. Mahalagang Groupmates come and “ghost” Haraya express their “thank yous” and, ironically, still they deserve through peer evaluation. get “welcome” replies. But I must admit that I despise peer Ara Janine Palecpec evaluations, because I would still give Moreover, the concept seen here is that it everyone the highest score for the sake A s a student, an online learning system is is easier to command students who are willing of the incentives. supposed to bring us more convenience to give their best for their grades than those because of its feature of self-paced who do not, and I find this clearly one-sided. With this, teachers also need to consider assessments, where we can be the leader and Being barred with this mentality equates to how students’ behaviors vary in their subjects, follower of our own team during individual the negligence of those who believe that one specifically in group work, where other tasks. However, activities with groupings can students are snugged up with the assurance completely turn the tables. “droplet of water can feed the field. that they can chill while the concerned ones get busy doing their group task. Thus, we In group work, the irresponsibility of This mentality equates to must not settle for subconsciously creating one affects the other members who value the negligence of those dependent students in academic situations to time in their schedule and obligations who believe eventually face the aftermath of our actions as beyond school activities. Consequently, this that one droplet of water they might carry this wrong behavior into real no longer executes learning to both parties can feed the field.” life challenges. because it just unconsciously tolerates others’ absence to their responsibilities to However, the advice we get whenever Learning is a process that requires the group, causing more stress to the ones we encounter these inconveniences with interaction and creates future opportunities. carrying their load. the group is always the same—name Hence, garnering high scores and those who do not comply with the group’s celebrating an outstanding final grade is When teachers allow us to choose our own work, or the student gets the grade absurd when you were just dependent on groupmates, it sometimes becomes chaotic your groupmates and did not contribute because in the end, these “ghosters” would even a single second of your time during only appear in the group chats after the file the semester. People will always come and was sent for submission by their leader to go—just as their ghosting tactic for school responsibilities would not benefit them in the long run.

6 La Estrella Verde OPINION December 2021 - February 2022 The vile in privilege From the PNP Chiefs and senators despite mañanitas and “as long as it makes me happy”. After two Fossils years of testing the quarantine’s waters, hasn’t “and protocol violations. this excuse been overexploited through time? Vince Daniel Papa Perhaps, it’s not about how you disturb other One’s privilege could tilt people anymore, it’s about how your privilege T he tale of the Población Girl became the obstacles into balance, influences mass choices and chances. the exposé of 2022’s first rant and while others choose to rave as Gwyneth Chua’s quarantine breach skip a quarantine While some obsess with their capacity for was condemned to be the reason why this for a party or a massage.” leisure, the lack of remorse, and disobedience year feels like 2020, too. As she publicly to laws that mitigate the spread of COVID-19 claimed to skip mandatory quarantine In addition, another quarantine violator exposed how privilege can foster peril when in with “connections”, this conjures the toxic of the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable the wrong hands. These infamous quarantine case of the Padrino System—their asserted Diseases and Health Events of Public skippers should be held accountable, but it immunity and favor through political Concern Act, dubbed as the Massage Girl, doesn’t mean that we are absolved as to how connections and more. was also bashed after going directly to her COVID-19 cases are record highest like it’s own condominium after arrival. Like Chua’s something to be positive about. It is even hysterical to know that she dared brazen brag, she was also caught violating to voluntarily flex her own violations in her protocols after posting a photo of her own As the Department of Health has party through social media, and proceeded to massage session. Thus, I cannot blame how reiterated, this irresponsibility has reminded defend herself, knowing she had these false netizens became sensitively triggered over us of the duty of becoming “agents of exemptions in her pockets. Consequently, new people flaunting their 2021 recap, bragging compassion, not agents of transmission”. In cases of COVID-19 due to her recklessness about life as if a pandemic left no limits. little ways, we have also practiced leniency were recorded positive. and recklessness during the quarantine, may These trends of screaming privilege it be through frequent and unessential travels, It is much to my dismay that the abuse have found their ways on forcibly validated unobserved social distancing, and simply of privilege that they exhibited was never reasoning, “wala namang natatapakang tao” lack of discipline. an isolated case. The Padrino system has always dominated society’s viruses. The Perhaps, your privilege could be the pandemic triggered more conflicts for the X-factor on how this pandemic could ensue. impoverished, while most of the privileged, One’s privilege could tilt the obstacles thrive with the convenience they boast of like into balance, while others choose to skip a the Población Girl, as well as the impunity of quarantine for a party or a massage. But it boils down on how you treat privilege. Would it be for you, or for the common good? Mirage Diversion & Aversion Elisha Jezreel Ang Joanna Elaine Desiderio Jan Anthony Murillo

December 2021 - February 2022 FEATURES 7La Estrella Verde Sundown at moonlight avenue Jedd Rudolf Caldo Photo by Tricia Faye Velasco As the sun descends beneath the line where the sky meets the sea, a darker realm rises and takes its place. People in the alley either fret or are willing to cope with the darkness and let the moonlight traverse into their hearts, slowly viewing the once dark and harsh world to unwittingly overcome it one shadow at a time. From dawn until dusk Preparing ahead of time also helps the light never left. Sometimes, one may As the clock’s hands complete its first lap brighten up the room to cope better with only need a moment to recharge. “Madalas these unfortunate scenarios. “[I] prepare kailangan ko lang magpahinga sa pressure and the blazing sun fades out to a dim blur, ahead of time, since I know that it can help na nakukuha ko from (school works) many feel the immense pressure to prepare for lessen some tasks in the future. Minsan kasi the darkness that is about to come. Cedee Anne mayroon naman na spare time and (kung) “People haveto [somehow] boost my motivation,” Abesamis (HMS11) narrated one of her dreary willing ka din na gumawa, why not?” Ma. yet busy nights, “If my school works (keep) Cathalina Lacson (HMS21) said. Lacson expressed. on piling up and the deadline is near, I tend to sleep [late at night] and even (miss) dinner By sparking the lamps amidst the different trying to finish all the needed requirements.” pitch-black darkness, one may now start approaches to cope to ease themselves back to work. “I usually with their daily No matter how bright the sun shines, rest from all school-related activities and dilemmas.” it could not escape the grappling hands of concentrate solely on taking care of myself time and the reign of darkness that is about until I [regain my energy] back to avoid *** to take over. “Despite staying active on getting overwhelmed,” Desquitado shared. “Students have their own coping Schoolbook daily, it is just [a struggle] for The eclipse is not the diminishing end that mechanisms, and it helps us adjust from me to complete all of a subject’s assessments many thought it would be, but the strive loads of work while taking care of our own in a single day,” Jhanell Elaysa Desquitado continues as the night is yet to be over. health in our own way,” Desquitado said. (ABM22) said. Owing to this, people have Illuminated nights Hurdles and obstacles are unavoidable parts different approaches to cope with their of life, just like how there are always dark daily dilemmas. Struggling to move in the dark makes nights at even the brightest of days. What The eclipse’s arrival one long for the beaming sunlight during matters is how one copes and adapts to even daytime. Having something to look forward the darkest of times. Some people ignite their lamps, together to steers some people away from succumbing with their burning passions to drive the to whatever darkness they face. Lacson darkness away. However, some think it is best mentioned that after finishing her tasks, what to withdraw from their gloomy surroundings. she looks forward to the most is the time “I drive my attention away from school wherein she can do whatever she wants aside works by watching K-Dramas or my favorite from school assessments. idol’s variety shows,” Besamis shared. “After each progress I make, I [usually] watch two Reminiscing the warmth of the mornings episodes, then I continue my [unfinished during a cold night, the moon steadily forms work] until the deadline comes.” past the gloomy clouds as one realizes that

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December 2021 - February 2022 LITERARY 9La Estrella Verde Apenskijara Marcea Alcala Art by Rianne Nicole Ocampo My shoes seem to be engulfed by the damp magnified its weight, burying the unstable No way. wooden deck every time I take a step on this sways of the ferry...slowly drowning. My instincts to get away are like tidal ferry. As I manage to look around this place, waves on a stormy night. But I was the city a man in a cargo vest is passionately shouting I should’ve continued to work. I shouldn’t boy who was stuck again. The successful boy against the sea-salted wind. Surrounded by a have left. Why am I like this? Why didn’t I just— who lived with no one to come home to, crowd, his hands flutter like wings as he points who worked from sunrise to sunrise and had towards the horizon of the dancing winter sea. “Hey there!” a voice startled me. Suddenly, a lot of friends, but only if he covered their my phone rang in my palm. Its calculated shifts. The boy who was just seeking love, “Those basaltic rocks are called Apenskijara, pulse shook my fingers, but it just mirrored but just found what his young self feared— which means unreachable. Until now, those my empty face. being stuck in a place so dark, no one but rocks were still not accessible by boats, even pain wanted him. ships!” the man accentuated as I distracted “Wouldn’t you answer that, boy?” I He confronted my hollow eyes, “I have myself from the thought of me only carrying a anxiously faced the origin of the sound. Cargo to kill the man who drowned himself with wallet compared to the passengers around me vest. Like tour guides do, the man in front of alcohol. The one who inhaled violence like with their tourist smiles and colorful luggage. me harbors a friendly smile. waves as if it could get his happiness back.” He swayed his hands and pointed his The rocks perched around a city block “Here, please, throw it in the ocean for fingers into his chest. away. I estimated the distance as if the waves me.” The irony of the situation shone brightly “I have to kill the old, miserable me.” He are the tall buildings I see and bustle my way as I handed him my phone with shaking deeply stared right into my eyes for a moment, in every single day. The place I once used to hands. I leaned my arms against the frosty then smiled. “I have to love myself the same fantasize like a tourist… rail, desperate for stillness. way a drowning man loves the shore, and find my own Apenskijara. The tidal islands of I should’ve stayed home. “You know, as much as I’d love to help happiness that I could never touch, but are “It’s like a museum painting without a you with that, I’m afraid the fishes and there to remind me that I’m not drowning.” frame. Right, folks?” The passengers nodded corals below wouldn’t.” He laughed heartily. He then extended his arms in front of me and in agreement while I scoffed at his words. Noticing my state, he dropped his voice and returned my phone. There are more interesting rock formations, continued. “You shall too.” why is he describing these rocks as if they’re Then his hands lifted his worn-out bucket the only ones in the world? “Two years ago, these waves below us hat and waved it in the space between us, As I walked away from his voice, I found killed my wife.” walking away without looking behind as if I the back deck empty. I instinctively fished was the city. into my pocket for my phone to distract me. My brows furrowed skeptically as a pint 14 NEW MESSAGES. 40 MISSED of anger started filling up my chest—like a CALLS. 400 UNREAD EMAILS. wave slowly destroying a sandcastle, “Isn’t it The invisible walls started to envelop ironic? You, being a tour guide, talking about me again. My wrists softened like they’ve how gorgeous this place is, even if it took been gripped for a long time. My stomach your wife?!” He exhaled deeply and looked around for a moment as if he was scared to say his next words, “I moved on…by killing someone.” I gaped at him. The crescendo of fear replaced my anger.

December 2021 - February 2022 SportsLa Estrella Verde Volume 6 Issue 2 Break the Stigma. Gender stereotypes do not have a place in sports. Photo by Nicole Infante Damsels unstressed under pressure Jane Llana Cordova and Naevien Riley Valenzuela After years of breaking past stereotypical barriers, women remain to be harbingers of change in displaying their unconquerable prowess in various sports settings. With the reinvigoration of their fervor to repress the tyranny of gender norms, a damsel’s grueling odyssey began towards unraveling the glory within. Redefining the standards “Women in our sport do not get the “heights strengthened them to unchain With rhythm translated to grace, same respect as men,” Latorre also opened up when asked about the adversities of being themselves from the shadows of misogyny. Dancesport Contender Amaranth Jann a female athlete in a male-dominated arena. Latorre unfolded how dancing empowered “I have experienced (body shaming). I have Don’t let gender her versatility not just as an athlete, but also as faced many comments about me being (too) stereotypes hold you a woman. “We can be feisty, artistic, flexible, skinny or, sometimes, (being) too fat than back from becoming exquisite, powerful, and...confident on our average dancers.” the athlete you’ve own,” she emphasized. Notching up to the top always wanted to be.” Conquering the waves of prejudice, Rattled amid the exuberance of a *** Lady Tanker Jhan Blaine Repil elucidated crowd, Latorre shared what she learned Being harbingers of change will never the relentless mentality of a sportswoman. when her humble beginnings turned into a be an easy job. Thus, Nadres remarked that “Women who participate in sports are life-changing experience. “Winning they should never give in to what society tells more confident in their abilities...They doesn’t give us the right to look down them to do, “Don’t let gender stereotypes (show more perseverance) and have higher on people. Keeping our feet on the hold you back from becoming the athlete self-esteem. (They have) a stronger desire to ground is [what’s] important for us. (It is you’ve always wanted to be.” In the end, win,” the swimmer said. about being) able to enjoy and embrace throwing ruthless judgments and criticisms Subduing trials with fortitude [the] (moment).” against women with unwavering fighting spirits will only fuel them to be better than “Hindi parehas (‘yung) opportunities.” Aiming for a shot at pursuing her dreams they were before. Disclosing the reality of women in the sports as she started earning championship titles, industry where men are given a brighter Nadres revealed her aspirations, “[M]y (goal limelight, specifically in the basketball is) to be the best player that [I] can be and scene, Lady Patriot Diana Alliyah Nadres to be able to play in big leagues,” the baller added, “[D]ahil mas kilala na lalaki (‘yung) expressed. As these women leaped into the mga naglalaro (ng basketball), hindi (na) unknown, their valiance to reach greater nabibigyan ng pansin ang women’s basketball.”