Eunoia Issue 1

Eunoia THE OFFICIAL FEATURES MAGAZINE OF LA ESTRELLA VERDE behind the Discover the poise red curtain of a danseuse, Erica Juliane Terry. THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS ISSUE 1 A.Y. 2018-2019



ABOUT THE COVER The orange undertones were a testament to her insecurities. But in the end, it didn’t bring her down. Instead, it made her glow. Eunoia THE OFFICIAL FEATURES MAGAZINE OF LA ESTRELLA VERDE ISSUE 1 A.Y. 2018-2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS LUST 09 Defeating the ENVY shattered mirrors SLOTH 12 Comestic consciousness 15 Eh ‘di wow: Ang kwento ng smart-shaming 18 MMORPG: Class List School Edition 22 A student’s daily dilemma 25 For the restless 28 Rapture at daybreak 30 Survival! At The Circus: How to survive the circus called a student’s life

PRIDE 33 Nang iwagayway ang bahaghari GREED GLUTTONY 38 Behind the red curtain 46 Soar high Senior High 48 Lasallian pride: A double-edged blade 51 Divergence in array 62 For the greedy cinephile 66 Song hoarders: stay upbeat as the clock ticks 69 The dainty tongue 74 Nakakain ka na ba? WRATH 77 To stop rants from biting back 78 The being of impeccability 80 Tainted anguish

FOREWORD Over the past decades, magazines prevailed throughout the entire existence of mankind. Whether to inform or to entertain, these are just there—lying on your tabletops—always available to be read by everyone. However, magazines nowadays just tackle various topics that may or may not lack substance. The assurance is shaky, and the quality is compromised. But for us in La Estrella Verde (LEV), we prioritize our readers. We want what is best for them, what makes them interested, and what is needed for them to be known. LEV ensures that balanced human interests should be disseminated effectively, and with integrity—mirroring what the publication stands for: Upholder of Truth, Herald of Change. With this, we would like to introduce the pioneer issue of LEV’s features magazine: Eunoia. Beautiful thinking is what Eunoia stands for. Not just as the literal meaning of the word, but as a magazine as well. Through this magazine, we want the readers to think vividly, creatively, and critically. For this maiden issue, we want to give you the taste of various flavors of the seven deadly sins. It may sound unconventional and utterly negative for a magazine’s theme but give Eunoia a chance to broaden your perception. There are a lot of things the Senior High School miss out on and giving an ‘out of the ordinary’ theme will shatter all your expectations down with what a magazine should feel and taste like. But beware, for these sins are waiting for you. Let this material you are reading brings you to a world where the uncommon breaks the common. Xander Lauren Cipriano Editor in Chief

EDITOR’S NOTE In all honesty, I wouldn’t have been able to produce this without the help of my lovely writers. Their creativity is just inhumane that they surpass even mine. This piece of artwork has been put into so many efforts for several months, with several revisions, and several sleepless nights inside the cave of dubitability. But I have never regret them. Not even once. To begin with, Eunoia was created to inject the idea that there are exquisite things that could be found in the grotesque side of anything. Life, as it happens, would always inevitably create numerous possibilities in which good and bad can reside. Though such characteristics could be a social construct, life is, really, just this constant state wherein we choose what we feel. We chose to feel hurt, and we chose to love. Like Saint-Exupery would say, “To be hurt is the very condition of existence. To become spring, means accepting the risk of winter. To become presence, means accepting the risk of absence”. And our team chose to give you the happiness that you deserve. After all the countless stress and tears that has been brought over by life itself, we present to you this magazine. Being in the state of euphoria is a choice, and the team chose it not for our own good, but to shed light for all of you. The Seven Deadly Sins were very hard to twist considering on how detrimental it is. It has been taught to all generations that these sins are dangerous for our soul. But little do they know that there is actually something alluring and arresting about it—and that is what Eunoia is for. The world has given each of us the power to create, and I want to tell you to never stop making. A masterpiece isn’t always created through beauty but also from the very disparate of things. Thus, no one is actually “not creative” enough because all of us are gifted with inventiveness that roots from one’s self. Flip the pages, and you’ll know. The power of words and the power it upholds. Caveat Lector, Let the reader beware. Kristine Mae Evangelista Features Editor

LUST

LUST 09 Defeating the shattered mirrors By Psalm Mishael Taruc and John Benedict Silla Photography by Aldrin Otagan Reflection burns your eyes with brimming insecurities and a miserable stare, pointing out every grain of flaw, chanting what the society tells you to be, when that is what you are not. CARELESS WORDS RING through the to the sound of hate, as they stand onc the ears of their victims, tampering the tiniest of edge of their insecurity. Even though issues self-love. Hundreds of fancy words will never about this are slowly being opened and being be enough to portray the impact a few insults fixed, body-shaming is still a grievous thing. can make. It taints one’s confidence and ideal Let’s dig in further the pits of body-shaming of beauty, raising the bar to a standard that with someone who experienced it first-hand, screams impossibility, which brings a negative Leanne Irish Livelo, a student from HMS11. influence to its prey. They lower their head

10 LUST Door to insults engraves doubt which often leads victims to out can get so tiring and distressing even with “Mostly ‘nung grade school [dahil] sa mga be overly conscious of themselves and never just thinking about it. Worned out, she went contented. “Ang taba mo. Ang laki mo,” were for the second route and asked for a doctor’s kaklase,” Irish stated when asked about the words Livelo usually hear. Because of this, help. The result is indeed more instant with when it started. Like most cases, it was the need to lose weight became her mindset. the help of a doctor’s hands rather than lightly taken among peers which initially [Pero] kahit anong gawin ko, parang walang exhausting yourself and seeing no difference, made her laugh it off. However, the blurry nangyari,” she said, throwing her head back considering her being an active student. line between a joke and something offensive as she giggled at her own words. Despite these solutions that makes her feel didn’t help at all. “As time passed [by], I better about herself, she can’t help but be realized it (was) actually hurtful,” she added. Like anyone wanting to stop negativity, cynical. After all, even with her baby steps she did call out vulgar mouths. “Dati. Pero to achieve self-empowerment, distressing Taba, toothpick, buto’t balat, and baboy are na-realize ko na hindi ko naman sila comments are still heard from her peers that just a few degrading names a body-shamed mapipigilan,” she recalled. She later on could’ve made her coop inside her own cave person might hear on a daily basis. When realized that while it is hard to call her of self-loathe. But she didn’t. The comments asked which words were the most hurtful, classmates out, making them take her that are supposed to bring her down, Irish answered, “Yung iko-compare ka sa seriously is even harder. This shows how paved more way for her to love herself to a [isang] (bagay), iko-compare ka sa isang tao little they actually know about the impact of greater extent. na para sa kanila sobrang pangit.” For her, it’s their words. disturbing how people use others’ names to Jailbreaking Eventually, Irish overcame the struggle insult somebody else. and realized that she doesn’t have to change Insecurity blooms Indeed, it is a very tough moment seeing anything for the satisfaction of others, but yourself in the mirror and having the desire to for her own self-improvement. “Wala ka na The destination of this bumpy ride is only look thinner and less bulky. Those fantasies ring magagawa ‘kung ganito [talaga] ang headed to a desolate cave—insecurity. grew as Irish continuously receives the same (katawan) mo. You just have to live with it.” The effect of being called names and being remarks over and over again. She also explained that the changes she did laughed at never halted instead, it causes on her lifestyle and eating habits is for her to a domino effect towards self-hatred. It She honestly confessed about how working

LUST 11 “SHE KNEW HER BEAUTY BREAKTHROUGH BOUNDARIES; AN EPITOME OF BREAKER OF CHAINS, LOUD AND PROUD BEAUTIFUL, UNBOTHERED BY ALL THE BABBLES, READY TO TAKE HOME HER OWN CROWN. improve her health and not because of the Her journey towards accepting and loving *** reviling words she gets from other people. her own body didn’t happen overnight. Mastery of fear—fear of being compared, Through her resilience and positive outlook in fear of not being good enough, and the fear She can now be seen as someone full of life, it made her the young woman she is now. that she won’t be able to find who she really trust and confidence with herself. She did And for all people who face the same struggle is. It is all about conquering her own horizons. not let any degrading words defy her worth as she did, Irish realized a way that liberated Just like how Irish learned to accept and and nonchalantly turned her back to all her from all the nuisance. “Kung hahayaan love herself first before minding anything people who blurt nonsense about her body. mong maapektuhan ka nila, ‘yung epekto nila else, she continues to improve by learning “Walang magtitiwala at magbibigay sa’yo ng sayo, dadalhin mo buong buhay,” she said, from the cycle we call life and all of those did confidence kung ikaw sa sarili mo, hindi mo adding, “Hindi ba parang ikaw yung natalo?” not come in a single snap of her fingers. She iniisip [na confident at may tiwala ka sa sarili experienced the pricks from all insults and mo],” she said. She described the process with “Hinahanap nila yung mga [bagay na sa judgements ruled by the standards that boxes the terms “Fake it ‘til you make it” because no tingin nila] ay mali [sa iyo],” Irish pointed out and limits the spectrum of being beautiful. She matter how hard it is to achieve, you have to her thoughts about her perpetrators. Pointing embraced the folds of her skin and created convince and make yourself believe that you out someone’s body and looking at it as a her own reality. are confidently beautiful. flaw happens to be a common conversation Irish changed the conversation around amongst many. They laugh hilariously while body image. She did not let anyone stop and To whom it may concern having fun about someone’s figure leading to crush her from any of life’s tactics for no one Irish’s experience isn’t an isolated case, it the person’s humiliation and insecurity. Those will accept her more, than herself. She knew words will not eventually disappear whenever her beauty breaks through boundaries: an happens to millions of people. No matter their you wish to, it may haunt and scare you from epitome of breaker of chains, loud and proud age, color, race, and sexuality, everyone is time to time. But you can always choose to beautiful, unbothered by all the babbles, a victim of having this so-called standard of live your present the way you want it, leaving ready to take home her own crown. being beautiful. She then applauded herself the nightmares from the past. for staying strong and holding on amidst her battle which eventually turned her to the person she is most proud of.

12 LUST Ccoonscmioeutiscness By Alyssa Uy Art By Rachelle Ann Calaustro Physical appearances tend to be the most examined element of a person for it is something that is presented upfront. However, a person’s internal self is another thing to be noticed aside from that. BRUSHES, POWDERS, CREAMS, and A person’s identity cannot be heavily based pigments: these words are most likely to on what others decide on. Your personality appear in your head when the word “makeup” might not necessarily fit the average human is mentioned. Though makeup is considered standard. For instance, Justine Book as an art form and a way of self-expression; it (HMS21) said, “I especially don’t conform could also be one’s personality or character. to the societal norms regarding gender. For Dabbing on the foundation example: I, a female, is expected to cook, but I’m very useless when it comes to doing Figuring yourself out can be a crucial, yet kitchen work. Also, when it comes to dressing difficult thing to do when you’re in high school. myself up, I don’t limit myself to my given You are always surrounded with diverse gender only.” people with different interests, desires, and outlooks in life that the pressure to fit into a On the other hand, Julie*, another Senior certain clique is always present. However, High School (SHS) student, stated, “I think friends shouldn’t be the ones who will I [conform to societal norms]. From simple determine who you really are. In the end, it is things like fashion trends, since I am horrible still you who could define your personality, not in picking clothes, I tend to copy other the judgment of others. people’s choice of outfits or doing things that are trending across social media like video or

LUST 13 dance challenges. Conforming to the norms “EMBRACE THE FEATURES is like following a set of rules. Sometimes, we conform to the norms of society because we THAT MAKE YOU UNIQUE are used to it or because we don’t want to feel AND HIGHLIGHT THEM TO out of place.” However, there is no need to feel pressured to hop on the bandwagon. It is a matter of personal preference on which trends to follow or not. If you take a look into the mirror, try to examine your skin tone, type, and condition. Does your skin have a unique factor that the mainstream foundation will only worsen? Choose one that is the most suitable for you, not for anybody else. Blending the concealer MAKE YOURSELF UNIQUELY Problems, just like blemishes, can be KNOWN TO THE WORLD. concealed. However, concealing your Brushing on the powder Smearing lip products problems can be an emotionally challenging, Once you have learned about yourself People have their own way of putting color exhausting thing to do. Although it is not advisable to always cover up imperfections, and how to properly deal with your problems, on their lips. The tint of your chosen hue could there are just some situations in which you there are things that people are bound to be a message that you wanted to convey. Just can be more comfortable by preventing other know and understand. As time passes by, as how effortless it is to access the internet people from seeing them. things could change but your identity will to broaden one’s vocabulary, a vast variety of always remain. People will remember you by shades and formulas for lip products are easily In the end, there is no secret that is not how you are going to put yourself out into the accessible these days. However, be wary on revealed. Keeping way too much of your world. According to Cero, “Try to be bolder your choices of words as these cannot easily problems to yourself could just make things in the things you do even if it’s a small thing be taken aback, unlike lip makeup which can turn for the worse. According to Cero*, like talking to a stranger and stepping out of easily be erased. another SHS student, “Hiding your problems your comfort zone when dressing [up]. After from others has never been a healthy way you gather all of that, just simply do it.” Cero Julie suggests, “Speak yourself. Find your of dealing with the challenges of life. This is persists, “Push yourself every day. Don’t own voice. Yes, it can be quite hard especially a self-destructive behavior that will only do focus too much on what other people are when there are people who will take you more damage to [yourself] in the future.” She saying about you, just keep doing what makes down [when] they see you contradict [to] their confided that she understands the feeling of you happy.” It may seem like a very subtle own opinions but understand that each of us having to hide problems for the betterment– difference but setting your base with powder has their own views in life. Some will agree not being a burden to the people you love. could prolong its wear, making sure that your to what you are claiming while others will In some cases, the people around you foundation and concealer won’t budge. oppose to it.” could be one of the roots of the problem, but Adding highlighter always remember that there are people who *** genuinely care about you and people who Adding on some highlight to your most Applying makeup could be exciting and want to help you by just telling them what’s notable features will help you stand out. addictive. But eventually, these layers will be bothering you. Sticking to the status quo seems like the easy removed at some point. Your personality is way but fitting in doesn’t necessarily bring something to be taken seriously, but do not “I cannot blame the person if they do not self-satisfaction. “Maging totoo ka lang,” Nikko feel pressured to discover yourself in such a want to open up, because ganoon din ako”, Centeno (STM12) stated. “Every expression short amount of time. SHS student Lily* said. “It’s not exactly okay you do will make people judge you but put it in You have your whole life to observe and to hide problems but it must be their choice if the past. Sila ‘yan, ako ay ako.” reflect upon yourself. Try experimenting with ever na mag-oopen up sila,” she commented. the huge variety of cosmetics available today, Conforming to societal norms can be tiring. and most of all, have fun. It will certainly Julie also said, “There might come a time “Just don’t give them a piece of your mind,” change your look, setting up your own when you will not be able to handle everything Book stated. “Be your own self and not listen personality. Live as loudly as you can without all by yourself. We are human beings. We feel to the society dictating who you are supposed letting anything or anyone suppress you. things, we go through things that we cannot to be.” Embrace the features that make you control. Showing people these things can help unique and highlight them to make yourself *Some names are hidden under a pseudonym to them understand you better.” This just proves uniquely known to the world. protect the individual’s identity and rights. that too much of something could bring you negative effects. For instance, going heavy- handedly on the concealer will only highlight the imperfection instead of hiding it.



ENVY 15 Eh 'di wow: Ang kwento ng smart-shaming By Aaron Silas Bernaldo at Zion Jil Villela Art by Danielle Mari Tanael Subukan mong tanungin ang sarili mo kung naranasan mo na ang mga sumusunod: ang masabihan ng “Eh ‘di wow!” ng iyong kaibigan dahil hindi mo maintindihan ‘yung kinukwento niya, ang mabansagang mong bida-bida ang iyong kaklase sa tuwing sasagot sa tanong ng titser, o ‘di kaya ang matawa sa panggagaya ni Vice Ganda sa pag-Ingles ng kanyang bisita sa GGV o Showtime. Kung “Oo” ang sagot mo sa mga ito, maaaring nagawa o naranasan mo na ang ilang uri na ng smart-shaming.

16 ENVY ANG SMART-SHAMING ay isang akto ng “Bida-bida ka na naman!” “The reason for this is the reinforced norm pangugutya o pang-aasar sa mga taong may Minsan, nakapagtataka kung bakit masama of passivity and ignorance in classroom talino o kakaibang mag-isip. Kadalasan, wala settings. Being passive and irrational has namang intensyong makasakit ng damdamin maging aktibo sa klase. Ang terminong become the ‘norm’ and being expressive and ang mga umano’y witty na reaksyon, “bida-bida” ang maaaring kahinaan ng mga smart has become the ‘deviance.’ Those who ngunit, maaaring makapangdismaya at masisipag na mag-aaral na palasagot sa guro excel are ridiculed and ostracized instead,” makapagpahiya ang mga katagang ito ng o nagkukusang-loob na maging pinuno sa ani Catinguil. taong nagbabahagi ng kanyang kaalaman, mga group projects. Sa paningin ni Zayn*, na lalo na kapag basta-basta na lang siyang mula sa Grade 11, may mga pagkakataong Para kay Fusilero, “(Smart-shaming) sinagot nang may mapanuyang tinig. Narito naiintimida ang mga kaklase niyang has become so evident in this generation ang ilan sa mga kilalang linya sa tuwing nababansagang bida-bida o mayabang. because of social media and of course, nangyayari ang smart-shaming: celebrities like Vice Ganda, whom people “Nowadays, most people are afraid of think are funny to imitate.” Pahiwatig niya, “Eh ‘di wow!” sharing their own ideas and opinions with their naging instrumento ang social media at pop Ito na marahil ang pinakasikat na linya sa peers, thinking that they might get [tagged] culture para lumaganap nang ganito ang as ‘bida-bida’ or a show-off,” tugon ni Zayn. smart-shaming. Umabot na umano sa smart-shaming, sapagkat isa itong tanyag na At sa kanyang tingin, ang mas malalim na puntong hindi na nakikita ng karamihan ang punchline ni Vice Ganda. Ang “Eh ‘di wow!” saklaw ng bida-bida, ay dahil sa insecurities kapinsalaang maaaring maidulot nito sa ay madalas na ginagamit tuwing may mga ng mga tao paminsan-minsan. “Some people edukasyon at lipunan, hindi lamang ngayon taong nakikipagtatalo, at kapag nawalan na are [so] insecure of themselves that they tend kundi pati sa mga susunod na henerasyon. ng masasagot ang isa, may posibilidad na to treat other people’s strengths as his/her maaaring sumagot ang natatalong panig weaknesses. Instead of acknowledging the At pagdating naman sa pambansa at pang- ng “Eh ‘di wow!” Ang tono nito’y mistulang person’s abilities, they use them to hurt that kulturang saklaw, binigyan-diin ni Catinguil nagbabalewala o nagmamaliit sa anumang person’s morale.” na maaring nag-ugat ang smart-shaming punto o katwiran ng panig na nagpapaliwanag sa estado ng pamumuhay ng mga tao sa nang maayos. “Nosebleed ako!” lipunan. “The society’s higher class has more Isa pang linyang madalas gawing biro access to education and knowledge than Hindi nanaisin ng kahit sino mang those of the middle and the lower classes,” seryosong mag-aaral ang marinig ito mula sa sa pangaraw-araw na pakikipag-usap ay paliwanag niya. taong hindi naman maayos kausap. “[Eh ‘di ang tila bang pagdugo ng ilong tuwing may wow!] may be someone who is not sensible nagsasalita ng Ingles nang diretso. Para kay Ginawa niyang halimbawa ang enough to talk [to],” ani Aiki Fusilero, isang Christian Catinguil, isang guro ng DLSU-D pagpapahayag ng mga ideya sa Ingles na guro sa DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS). SHS, ang nosebleed ay tumutukoy sa senyales na umano ito na nakatatanggap Bukod sa maaaring wala sa tamang asal kakulangan ng taong makisabay sa antas ng ang isang indibidwal ng mas mataas na antas ang taong nagsasabi nito, maaaring wala gramatika at pananalita ng Ingles, sa puntong ng edukasyon. Karaniwan, kapag naririnig rin siyang interes na makinig. “Some people nakahihilo o nakalulula na ito para sa kanya. ng mga taong may mababang antas ng may be uninterested (with) the topics you pamumuhay ang ganitong pananalita, tila ba discuss, and so, the response would be that “It’s typically a term used to express nagiging ‘deviant behavior’ ang pagsasalita dumb remark,” dagdag ni Fusilero. that (Filipinos) can no longer keep up in ng Ingles sa kanila. At nagreresulta ito sa speaking English, followed by a ‘nauubusan pagiging normal na biruan ang pang-aasar sa “Masyado kang magaling!” na ako ng English.’” At pinapahiwatig pa mga taong sanay nang magsaslita sa Ingles. Madalas itong marinig ni Jane*, isang mag- ni Catinguil, nakatanim na umano ang nosebleed sa ating kultura sa negatibong Maaaring maging isang malaking problema aaral mula sa Grade 12, sa tuwing kasama paraan. “It has been used to shame ang kaugaliang ito. Ayon kay Fusilero, niya ang kanyang mga kaibigan, bagaman those who use English as a language.” “Smart-shaming promotes fallacious and hindi niya naman ito sineseryoso. non-sensical reasoning. [It] (makes) “Anong paki namin?” “Huh? Bakit people avoid ideas.” Aniya, pagyakap Aniya, “Hindi naman ako nahihiya o naman?” ito sa kamangmangan dahil nagiging naaasar kapag sinasabihan nila ako ng ‘Wag karaniwan ito sa kapaligiran. Para naman mong masyadong galingan!’ o ‘Mayabang!’ Marami pang mga linya o punchline ukol kay Catinguil, “[Smart-shaming] shifts the Okay naman sa aming magkakaibigan (ang sa smart-shaming ang hindi nabanggit, ngunit moral values and academic behavior of mga) iyon.” Giit niya, bahagi lamang ng lahat ng mga ito ay pamilyar sa mga pandinig Filipinos.” Kapag nagtagal, maaaring maging pakikihalubilo niya sa kanyang mga kaibigan at pananaw ng mga guro at mag-aaral sa sanhi ito sa pagbuo ng isang henerasyong ang mga ekspresyong “Masyado kang SHS. Sa panig ng mga mag-aaral, ang smart- takot magbahagi ng kanilang mga ideya magaling!” o “Galing-galing mo naman!” at shaming ay bunga ng mababang tingin ng na maaaring makatulong sa kontekstong normal ang mga ito para sa kanila. mga estudyante sa kanilang mga sarili. Ayon pampaaralan, pang-edukasyon at pambansa. kay Sophia*, isang mag-aaral ng Grade 11, “It can hinder the students’ potential for Ngunit, maaaring makapanghina ng loob “People who (smart-shame) experience the excellence and academic discourse,” ang pang-uuyam na ito kapag mali ang sinking feeling of self-doubt, and they pull biniyang-diin ni Catinguil. Sa mas malawak na pagkakabigkas. Tingin ni Jane, hindi ito down others to feel better about themselves.” saklaw, ang pagsasantabi at pagtanggap sa angkop na sabihin sa lahat ng sitwasyon. smart-shaming bilang karaniwan ay maaaring “I haven’t really encountered someone na Sa tingin naman ng mga guro ng SHS makapagbago sa mga asal at ugaling naasar o nawalan ng motivation because faculty, mas malawak na saklaw ang pang-akademiko ng mga Pilipino sa of that, pero pwede kasing hindi lang nila pinag-uugatan nito. Naniniwala si Catinguil negatibong pamamaraan. sinasabi na naiinis na sila and nawawalan na isa itong pamantayang edukasyon na (na) sila ng ganang mag-recite because tumungo sa maling direksyon. Sa paaralan, of that.” dapat umanong tinitingalaan ang mga matatalino at intelektwal, ngunit taliwas ang nangyayari; itinatakwil at kinasasamaan ng tingin ang mga taong matataba ang utak.

ENVY 17 NOWADAYS, MOST “Eh ‘di wow!” “Ah, ganoon ba? Ayos PEOPLE ARE AFRAID ‘yun, ah!” OF SHARING THEIR OWN IDEAS AND Ngunit, kahit pa man mukhang talamak na OPINIONS WITH THEIR ang ganitong kaugalian base sa mga pahayag PEERS, THINKING na nabanggit, maaaring maagapan pa rin ang THAT THEY MIGHT GET smart-shaming. Ang lahat ng tao, intelektwal [TAGGED] AS ‘BIDA- man o nangmamaliit ng mga intelektwal, BIDA’ OR A SHOW-OFF. ay may angking talinong nagbibigay ng pag-asa para sa paglunas nito. Para kay Robert Pesebre (STM12), naniniwala siyang, “Everyone of us has a field where we’re good at. Intelligence is diverse.” Ibig sabihin nito, kahit hindi magaling ang isang tao sa Ingles o Matematika, maaaring magaling naman siya sa ibang larangan tulad ng basketball, dancing, o culinary arts. Kung titingnan lamang ang potensyal at kakayanan ng bawat indibidwal, maaari umanong mas matimbang na ito kaysa sa mga katagang “Dami mong alam” o “‘Wag mong masyadong galingan!”? “There is [nothing] wrong with being smart. Actually, being smart can help the society,” hinuha ni Pesebre. Para sa mga mag-aaral ng DLSU-D, hindi na hadlang ang maghangad pa ng kaalaman. Madali nang kumalap ng impormasyon dahil sa Internet at sa silid-aklatang sagana sa mga libro. At sa mga turo ng mga propesor sa mga asignatura tulad ng Philippine Politics and Governance, ipinapaala sa ating mag-isip nang kritikal. Dito rin sa Unibersidad, kakayanin nang mabawasan ang pagsmart-shame. Mungkahi ni Jane, “Whenever nag-aasaran kami, laging may limitations depende sa pagkakilala namin sa isa’t isa and I think isa ‘yan sa malaking solutions para riyan [smart-shaming]. I think hindi naman masamang mang-asar if may limitations.” Aniya, marapat na malaman ng lahat ang mga hangganan ng pag-uusap na may pang-aasar. Kaysa pagtawanan ang kaklaseng sabik magkwento tungkol sa kanyang nabasa o natutunan mula sa Internet, mas magandang purihin na lang o magtanong sa kanya tungkol sa inilalahad niya. “We can avoid smart-shaming by promoting a culture of knowledge and positive discourse,” payo ni Catinguil. Kapag ikaw naman ang na-smart-shame, nariyan ang mga guro upang gumabay. “As teachers, it is our duty to maintain a healthy academic space, where curiosity, discourse, and knowledge are celebrated; where bigotry, intolerance, and ignorance are criticized,” ani Catinguil. At sa huli, ipinapayo ni Pesebre na “...surrounding yourself with positive and loving people will also boost your confidence as a student.” *Itinago ang ibang pangalan sa pamamagitan ng mga alyas upang protektahan ang identidad at karapatan ng indibidwal.

E00NVYSIN18 MMORPG: Class List School Edition By Wallace Beltran and Kristine Evangelista Art by Romeo Christopher Avila You load yourself ready for the first day of school, and the time where you step into the wild has come. You find yourself opening the door of the classroom, and there you see your first predicament–choosing where you’re going to sit. No matter where you sit, you are most likely to be labeled in a certain group. The moment you pick where you sit, the instant you get sucked into the friendship circle of a certain clique acquiring attributes that would have made you level up. Pause for a moment and think. Here are the coteries you need to learn about and their stats. 10 THE COOL KIDS 4.5 5.5 If it was a pyramid of classes, the cool kids are always found on 100 the very top. Even by being one of the least populated classes, they 5 find their way to the top of the food chain with their aesthetically pleasing Instagram photos and relatable Twitter rants. “They’re the chilliest,” Michelle Hiya (HMS12) remarks. Their core strengths lie on other people and how they can have a huge herd of followers. This could even affect those on the Non-Player Character (NPC) sides to somehow gain their favor, and all they have to do is stay being themselves and keep their reputations up. “Most of them [are] cool talaga at inspiring para maging better version ka ng sarili mo,” Louise Addy Bernardo (STM14) commented. What goes up must come down, that’s somehow the case for the cool kids. For this class, the higher the number of people who know you, the more chances you’d get your name said and given different interpretations. The cool kids could be treated as celebrities whose little missteps could cause several people to test their reputation without even giving in to the idea that the cool kids might just be being themselves. 999 THE GAYS 200 -10 As one of the newly recognized classes, the gays are the considered 1 as the most notable class for their ability to stand strongest while 7 being bombarded with struggles unique to them. Despite knowing the negativity surrounding them, like tanks, it’s undeniably difficult to bring them down. “Gay people are so supportive,” Arcelli Torres (HMS21) mentioned. With the most diverse group of people and the common goal of just being themselves, they usually find one another and stick together. Almost limitless to its objective term, these gays remain more diverse among the other subclasses of LGBT, including all those who could go with the flow of their different cultures and histories. Often along with different backgrounds and the broadest spectrum of requirements, the gays could experience a rather strong defiance from other classes. Nina Meneque (STM12) says with admiration, “It takes a lot for you to express yourself without minding others criticism.” Though the opinion of the other classes is quite undetermined, the gays ability to create a guild-like group takes up for the most of it. They have each other’s back like it’s also their own lives, and it’s the beauty they created in themselves.

999 ENSVINY 0109 300 1 THE JOCKS 4 7.5 The kings of heat. They are the athletes that are always in the field, if not in competitions that are the survival of the fittest. They are 500 usually hard to approach since they usually hang out with the cool 750 kids, but once you actually get to know them, they will be that kind of 8 friend where they will protect you no matter what cost. They are on 600 par with over-achievers because they are usually as smart as them. 5 “[They are] multitaskers,” Hiya commented. People see the jocks as the people who can juggle any activity and still do great in it! The only 9999 difference however is that their head is always in the game. 3 285 These jocks will flock over anything fun, but instead of parties, they -10 can always be found in the field. Their strengths, however, is located 8.5 in all of their muscles. They are the tankers of the group, going straight head-on having a huge amount of lifeline. THE WILDERNESS/CAREFREE This class is considered as the untamed part of the crowd, also known as the people who receive the wrong impressions. They are the life of the party, and they never let you down when you thirst for fun. They might seem like the rebel kind of type, but they are unexpectedly the best people you could ever get along with. “They just don’t let stressful situations bother them,” Eunice Soque (STM25) commented. These lions like to talk about love or party, family or friends. They are very passionate and usually is an open book once you really get close with them. Their energy is out of all proportions unlike the rest of the classes since they always crave for amusement. Once they feel bored, they will surely feel lonely and deprived of recreation—a nightmare for them. Though at school, they might seem like they don’t take it seriously, but when it comes to their friends or themselves, they can be the selfless people you could ever know. THE OVER-ACHIEVERS They are probably the most brilliant people you’ll ever know. They are the people you’ll see in any school event whether you see them hosting, or preparing as the person behind it. They are the people on top of the class, mostly included in several organizations, collecting credentials as their way of leveling up. The downside of being the over-achiever in the class, however, is being smart-shamed and be called the term “bida-bida”. But the endurance of the people in this class is not weak. Nothing ever stopped them to be who they really are. “I just hope they don’t overwork themselves and be unhappy all the time,” Reya* professes. She said that she actually labels herself as one of the over-achievers and hoped that people should always comfort them through rough times. Though they might seem hard to approach because of the aura they emit, they can be quite the honest and caring people you’ll ever encounter.

0E0NVYSIN20 THE NERDS 699 Typically seen as the less cooler class, the nerds have attained a 10 strong sense of various knowledge that aren’t limited to academics, 5 ranging from knowing all routes to dating simulations, to having their 3 own theories on historical assassinations. Although they might be 5 shadowed by other classes as their diverse encyclopedias aren’t always fit for every task at hand, a nerd tries to use the skills they are 9999 good at and apply them to daily work. 99 10 “Being called a ‘nerd’ had a bad connotation before,” Lenard* 0 pronounces. He said that people who are actually in this group are 8 the most compassionate, empathetic, and loveable people you’ll ever get to see. Though they are always focused on their own hobby, once you talk to them, you’ll never get tired of your conversations because it’s never dull. Everyday, nerds could face the harsh reality of peer judgment. After all, the extensiveness of their knowledge isn’t always given credit. The randomness of those smarts could lead to judgments that were only meant to stay before you get to know the person. Each nerd isn’t exactly the same as the other. This is divided further into three main subclasses: otakus, gamers, and computer nerds. The otakus are those who invest themselves into Japanese culture, particularly in anime and manga. Gamers are the loudest of the bunch because of their natural instinct to act similarly to the characters they’re playing. The computer nerds, with the required skills for hacking and the knowledge of computers thereof, remedies the confusingly technical problems. “I’m actually happy na they are well-loved here sa school natin, it’s like everyone is so understanding of others. Yung iba, nagpapaturo pa sa kanila ng hobbies nila,” Lenard says. So you better look again, because what you deemed as the less cooler class, is actually the best of them all! THE MUSICIANS With their breathtaking musicianship and hypersensitivity to notes, these are the type of people who would give you free concerts every day in class. Not only do they have a diverse taste in music, the people in this class are always seen with some instrument so instant jam sessions can’t be helped. They are the most approachable in the class because they would always make you extemporize with their sessions, wanting new voices for their squad. This class is classified in different genres: pop, indie, jazz, R&B, and folk. “I do find musicians passionate and sincere. Being in sync with the music itself, automatically knowing what to sing or play,” Kristine Regio (STM19) expresses. Regio also said that whenever there are people playing the guitar or the ukulele in the class, it inspires her to learn the instruments. Pop artists are those who loves high notes more than the others of the musical bunch. They are very confident with themselves and they always give their all for everyone and not just for themselves. The indie crowd are more of the chill kind. They are mostly ambiverts and would never forget their “me” time. They love talking about deep stuff and you will surely lose your mind when they talk about the philosophies of life. Jazz are the cool musicians. They are very bright but they are the kind of people who values their friends a lot over theirs. R&B folks are people who love the vibe of reggae. Folk people value simplicity and loves cooperation. Though classified into different groups, they never leave one out, and unifies into a single group even with all their differences.

500 ENSVINY 0201 999 5 THE INTROVERTS 1 7 The evasion is strong in this one. They usually go straight home and sometimes avoid conversations from the people who go near them. They are quite a weird bunch once you get to know them, suddenly sprouting out of nowhere due to their invisibility. “Being an introvert doesn’t equate to being lonely, it just means that you enjoy your company more,” Torres answered. Though they love their alone time, sometimes, they would need that best friend who will become like a mother to them to tend their needs. Introverts are usually seen with their phones: either reading, watching, or playing. They love the silence, so when things tend to go a bit clamorous, they tend to try and pretend they are actually sleeping—making you leave them be. “I believe that introverts are very private yet creative people,” Jennifer Dayacap (TVL11) commented. She said that once you actually connect with them, it’s a unique experience. Though they are sometimes in the eyes of judgment, she encouraged that we should be understanding for the people to see the beauty in them. They’re not “anti-social” and wouldn’t bite you at all. THERE IS NO SUCH Though such classifications are THING AS A PERFECT present in our daily lives in school, LABEL THAT IS DLSU-D is not like any other SUITABLE FOR EACH school. “DLSU-D is not like the PERSON IN A CLASS movies,” Torres remarks. “There ROOM FOR THEY are no specific labels per person, CANNOT BE REDUCED TO I know people who are nerds but JUST ONE CLIQUE. are cool, jocks who are musicians, others even act carefree but are actually introverts.” According to Torres, there is no such thing as a perfect label that is suitable for each person in a class room for they cannot be reduced to just one clique. Labelling might be as easy as learning the right combinations for you attacks, but that’s not the kind of game DLSU-D is. It’s better, highly-defined, and knows how to interact with its players, making it the open-world that people have been waiting for.

22 ENVY A student's daily dilemma By Wallace Beltran Art by James Martin Rafols Whenever we flip the coin and only see it for what one side looks like, it is going to be either heads or tails but never both. Like the typical heads or tails, students have a different name for it. It’s either academics or friends. In situations like having a quiz in some subject the day before your plans, we only get to choose one. We lean towards focusing only on our friends or on our studies, leaving the other side behind and getting envious of the one we don’t see. The more one thinks about it, being envious of something insignificant might seem quite petty.

ENVY 23 Jealousy’s worth Every so often, success comes with having “TIME Nerin Espallardo (HMS13) and Aijren a lot of connections with people. Success doesn’t have to be procured with just one’s MANAGEMENT Tribiana (STM12) have said to have been self. Friends and acquaintances can be a AND KNOWING in the position of choosing between their part of one’s triumph for they are one of the YOUR VALUES TO friends and their studies. Both Espallardo and helping hands that could rise one’s self up FOLLOW, TWO Tiribiana feel their regret for choosing one. to the top. Espallardo attests to this since SIMPLE YET VERY “It is not shocking that you missed the other we all have understandably our own stories CONVINCING WAYS side by sacrificing [the time with] them, but it to tell and share. A common thing that could TO BALANCE is unavoidable,” says Tribiana. be related to great success is the amount of EVERYTHING OUT. connections and relationships one build with When one notices their fellow classmates several people. “People’s influence is very Flip the ideas you had do such a great job in their studies, it might strong. If you would like to be in a group of “Well of course it’s always going to be remind them of their own academic standing. people who are very studious, you could The same could be seen if one is suddenly be one of them [as well],” says Espallardo, always [about] yung having the skills to greeted with inside jokes their close friends reminding us that forming bonds that may manage time. And aside from managing the made the night they chose to go home early. help everyone in the group is something we time, first of all, know what your values are. Whether envy is a good trait or not for some, could consider. “Kung super inclined ka sa I’m assuming na para sa student [who wants] at times, it could bring out what one wants friendship lang and nakalimutan mo na yung to balance their social and academic lives.” to achieve. Whatever side of the coin one is academics mo, na-d-defeat na yung purpose says Fijer, providing an example for those missing out on, stepping back and searching mo as a student.” says Fijer also adding to who might wish to balance these two sides of the reason for one’s feelings, could be a the idea that leaning onto friendships too their coins. Time management and knowing good idea. much might actually take you away from the your values to follow, two simple yet very Heading for straight A’s essence that is to be a student. convincing ways to balance everything out. Friends make tails wag Academics, for the most part, is the very There are a lot of things one could achieve reason why people go to school. It is a point On the other hand, one’s social life is what simply by balancing out these two worlds of in one’s lives where the tiniest misstep of keeps them away from feeling like a total robot theirs, social and academic, maybe even far putting friends first could lead one to an run by numbers on paper. It is also social life too many. Frankly, there are a lot of ways one overwhelming pile of due paperwork or a quiz that tells them to hang out with friends and could interpret envy. A person might think of it announced last week. do assignments later, and if conditions are not as something that’s entirely bad, and the other favorable, feeling left out or alone could strike might see it as a sign that he or she yearns for Sometimes, students like Ivan Panopio them without warning. something. Social life or academic life, heads (STM18) who frequently choose academics or tails, a coin will never get flipped to reveal over his friends feel like they have missed People who prioritize friends over studies one side and hide the other without anyone opportunities to form bonds. “I felt sorry for are jolly around their peers and are generally thinking that only one side of it’s important to my friends sometimes because instead of the happy-go-lucky, high-spirited people, look at. having [a] bond and earning their trust, I lost or maybe they’re there to help out like [an] opportunity.” Panopio shared. People, Espallardo who says, “If I would make my like Panopio, are the ones who would, friends happy or [being] able to help them, I typically if they had to, choose between guess it’s worth it over my acads.” However, prioritizing grades or friendly relationships. pressure does not discriminate once grades “So ang disadvantage naman rin ng sobrang are given. It builds up from every low grade inclined sa studies kumbaga na-bo-box mo and disappointed look one might receive. yung sarili mo; you will not have the chance to mingle or to share sa ibang mga friends So, as one leans toward studying more mo, [for example] yung mga natutunan mo.” often, passing each test without fail can be says Jade Fijer, a guidance counselor, as inevitable. Until, one is once again bombarded she gives an explanation to the disadvantage with invites and teasing to eat out together of focusing only and also the advantages of after school much like Stephanie Alvarez friends to studies. (TVL11) that remarked, “[a] relationship with a person could affect a student’s studies. I could affect you in a way of using your relationship to blackmail you if you’ll be choosing to study over them, or in other terms: de-demonyohin ka.”



SLOTH 25 For the restless By Clarisse Bianca Bucu Art by Ailene Joy Puzon

26 SLOTH TODAY, SLEEP HAS become a nearly “LETTING IT ALL unattainable luxury for teenage Filipinos. People are constantly pushing themselves GO BEFORE at the cost of precious sleep time. A common BEDTIME LETS THE struggle for people nowadays is insomnia, SLEEPINESS COME a sleep disorder that is characterized by IN ESPECIALLY difficulty of falling or staying asleep. According WHEN ONE IS to statistics from sleep-tracking app Sleep UNDER THE Cycle, the Philippines is the fifth country COVERS. with the worst sleepers, having 6 hours and 22 minutes of average sleeping times. In a generation where most students are already used to sleepless nightstand stress, it’s time we finally solved this tiring dilemma—how does one fall asleep? A ticking clock After constantly waking up to a weekday alarm at 5:30AM, people find themselves waking up at 5:30AM even during weekends. Others may call it sipag, but it’s actually because of the body clock. Also known as circadian rhythm, this clock is a biological instinct that determines when a person gets tired and when they’re wide awake by affecting their brain, body, and hormones. To adjust it, one will have to maintain regular bed times by laying down at, for example, 10:00 pm everyday, and rise in morning at regular times too. Bright light during the day also helps keep one’s circadian rhythm healthy. As researched on by Cornell University Medical College in New York, daytime bright light exposure reduced the time it took insomniac patients to fall asleep by 83%. So when someone follows a proper sleep schedule, they’ll eventually see that they naturally feel sleepy at the evening. The body clock may be the answer to all their sleeping woes. But what about all the tasks a student needs to do before going to school? Hannah Luzande (ICT12) suggests that, instead of being a night owl or an evening person, they can try becoming a lark or a morning person by doing their assessments early morning instead of doing it late at night. “I always stayed up late at night to do schoolwork. So one time, I tried to sleep early and do it my work in the morning instead,” Luzande said. “It surprisingly worked for me, and I think it may work out for other people with difficulty sleeping too.” This way, students’ brains will be recharged to do their assignments as compared to its drained state late at night.

SLOTH 27 The assembly of moods Limiting the potions Removing the screen Sleeping is very similar to having a date. According to a study by the Sleep Disorders According to a study by Vic Health and the Sleep, like any other date, needs preparation. & Research Center in Detroit, consuming Sleep Health Foundation, teenagers who put And of course, no date would go well without caffeine up to six hours before bed significantly down their cellphones an hour before bed properly setting the mood of the environment. worsens sleep quality. Caffeinated drinks like gain an extra 21 minutes sleep a night. coffee, cola, energy drinks, and some kinds of Like with a romantic candlelit dinner, tea should be avoided since their caffeine is Others may have become accustomed to people generally sleep better with dim a stimulant, chemicals that can excite one’s the practice of scrolling through their social lighting. Light exposure, including lights from brain and can prevent deep sleep. What media timelines until they unknowingly fall televisions, mobile phones, and computers coffee-lovers can do instead is replace that asleep with their mobile phones flat on their tells the brain to stay awake. It can prevent coffee mug with a tea cup filled with relaxing face. When devices are left on a somewhat proper production of melatonin, the chemical herbal tea or other decaffeinated drinks. faraway mount with the silent mode turned responsible for sleep. Epidemiological studies Trisha shared that a warm glass of milk helps on, the rest mode in a person’s mind will turn have shown that playing a computer game at her doze off to sleep, and it might help other on as well. Those new notifications will have night delays bedtime and shortens sleeping insomniacs sink to sleep as well. to wait until tomorrow. hours. For people who feel anxious in the dark and don’t want to turn the lights off, a Consumer health information site Healthline Woe be gone dim nightlight usually does the trick. also explains that drinking large amounts Sometimes, even when already physically of liquids before bed can lead to symptoms Relaxing music at a low volume could like nocturia, the medical term for excessive exhausted, it’s hard to fall asleep because of also help soothe a restless person’s mind, urination during the night. If a person wants all the thoughts that suddenly come haunting like in the case of Trisha Lei Regis (ABM21). to decrease the chances of waking up in a person’s minds at night. For a Lasallian, it “Relaxing music helps me sleep kasi yung the middle of the night with the urge to pee, may be that unfinished assignment, or even insomnia ko uma-atake lang kapag stressed lessening liquid intake is also recommended. something done years ago that they still can’t ako sa school works or nakakaramdam ako seem to forget. ng discomfort. So ‘yung music, isa ‘yun sa Sweating as your friend nakakapag-relieve ng stress,” explains Regis. During the day, being active makes No matter what it is, if it’s bothering someone so much that it’s ruining their sleep, Keywords like “lo-fi,” “music box version,” someone more physically tired before going they could try letting it all out on paper. Before “piano version,”and“café music”can lead to bed. This is exactly what Janine Tulao lying in their bedroom, a diary or journal entry the way for many soothing soundtracks (HMS13) does to combat her sleep difficulties. and to-do list is an effective outlet for ideas. on YouTube. Her insomnia comes hand-in-hand with her This is one of many suggested pre-sleep depression and, if her mind still has energy routines by Healthline. “Sulat, drawings… Many insomniacs have found that when late at night, flashbacks of painful experiences Lahat ng pwedeng gawin para malabas ang they put those video on repeat, close their haunt her thoughts. So, she wrings out all her thoughts and ma-relax sa gabi ginagawa ko. eyes, listen to the sounds, and wait, they will energy in the morning so that her brain is It helps,” narrated Janine. slowly drift to sleep. already too tired in the evening. “Pinapagod Cool off ko sarili ko. Tipong ‘pag umaga, lahat ng hype Although using electronic devices before ko linalabas ko. Dinadaan ko na ‘lang sa kulit bed is not advised by health experts, an MS As researched by the U.S. National para mapagod ako,” Janine narrated. Word document can also be a medium for Sleep Foundation, one’s body temperature typing out all the built-up emotions in one’s decreases to initiate sleep, and the room It may be painstaking to avoid long naps head. Letting it all go before bedtime lets the temperature can actually help with this. at siesta time. But once the sun finally sets, sleepiness come in especially when one is the well-earnt reward is relaxation. This could under the covers. “Try turning on the air conditioner,” Luzande be a warm bath, a loved one’s massage, and suggested. “I feel more comfortable when some quiet bossanovaor instrumental music. Now, it’s time to give the Z’s a sweet, the aircon is on.” She is one of many people It could even be some gentle yoga or simple sweet hello. who fall asleep easier in cooler temperatures. stretching exercises. Anything that might bring In general, the ideal temperature for sleep one’s mind to relax can aid them in feeling the *If your lack of sleep is persistent and negatively is 18.5ºC. And although ideal temperature sleepiness. affects your daily routine, consult your parents depends on personal preference, a person and a doctor. should never break a sweat when trying to snooze.

28 SLOTH Rapture at daybreak By Psalm Mishael Taruc Art by James Martin Rafols Alarm beeping through the digital clock at your bedside table, first rays of sunshine peeking through the blinds and the inviting smell of breakfast lingers your taste buds; sounds like the ideal, perfect morning everyone dreams of. Yet, non-morning people refuse to acknowledge it every time. Nonetheless, we don’t have that many options, do we?

SLOTH 29 WE PROCEED TO bathe with shoulders “REGARDLESS OF HOW INSANELY slumped, flushing away the temptation of lying on bed all day. We sit through breakfast, DIFFICULT THE DAY MIGHT tasting bitter reminders of a long line of school works waiting to be done. Then, there we BE, WE CAN TELL OURSELVES have it. The walking epitome of grump. THAT TODAY, ADVENTURES ARE We’ll try the impossible: make you love mornings with the following tested tricks to WAITING, AND NEW KNOWLEDGE bring you bliss as the clock hits six. Nights toward perfect mornings WILL BE GAINED. We’ve all proved how our mood for the day Dawn’s indulgence the release of serotonin and dopamine—a or at least the beginning of it highly depends Despite all the preparations the night before, combo towards pleasure and bliss. It’s an of how the night was spent. Someone who excellent item to stimulate senses instantly slept at 3:00 AM would most likely be an it’s easy to be in our irritated selves again at dawn. enraged zombie in the morning due to having when we have to wake up way before the Weaving through traffic an undesirable length and quality of sleep. In sun does. And this a reason that contributes a a study by Patrick, et al. entitled “Effects of lot to the common hatred towards mornings. Leaving the door, it’s the road we bump sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical Luckily, treating our palate a delicious first onto: smoke from cars, enormous number performance in students,” sleep deprivation meal is a quick method to a better mood. of vehicles causing heavy traffic and loud, is linked to stress which results to lack of impatient honks are just some more things motivation and efficiency at work. When you Breakfast is usually placed on a high that can go wrong and ruin our mood. These, surely tamed your own body clock, waking pedestal and reigns as the most important without a doubt, can easily trace a frown up will be as easy as sleeping at ungodly meal. Blood sugar is commonly low in the on one’slips. This is when music enters the hours before. morning and breakfast brings it back up. picture and mutes the stressful busy roads. It fills us up and gives us the energy boost Flip it upside down to a smile as we scroll Fashion is another thing people enjoy necessary to start another amazing day. “Bad through our favorite playlist to keep us sane that could be used towards better mornings. mood ako‘pag walang almusal,” Yvan Joshua through the rush hour buzz. Music, also, is This specifically applies on green days and Tiglao (HMS11), an avid for breakfasts, the perfect mood setter for the rest of the day. weekends. It doesn’t have to be insanely emphasized. “Kasi pakiramdam ko, [‘pag] “Listening to upbeat songs eases my mood extravagant—a tiny accessory or a new unang bagay palang sa schedule ko mali na, and helps me get things done quick. For mix of old clothes will do the trick to give paano pa ‘yung rest ng araw.” Most of the me, it gives some sort of vibe that makes my you a little something to look forward to. time, a mouthful of delightful taste is all we morning routine a lot easier,” Lei Anne Mago VenedictBagalayos (STM12) who immensely need to get through the busy morning. (ABM11) shared. values fashion, gushed, “Nakukuha ko [‘yung] Switch! confidence ko sa mga sinusuot ko especially What more is a better fit with a breakfast if it looks good on me. Since planned na, than a cup of hot drink? The first thing that Positivity and negativity alike, starts within nae-excite akong suotin the next day.” comes to mind is coffee, a staple for some ourselves. Although homeworks, researches, Clothing and accessories do not only look SHS students and is linked to cramming and quizzes, and hours of lectures are not the nice but also one foolproof method to get us sleepless nights, chasing deadlines. To twist best situation waiting for students at the very walking out the door dressed in self-esteem. things a bit, indulge on hot chocolate that’s beginning of the race, nothing is impossible sweet and exciting, drowning the caffeine from with the right mindset. Regardless of how last night. Research shows chocolate triggers insanely difficult the day might be, we can tell ourselves that today, adventures are waiting, and new knowledge will be gained. There is always a new series of moments deserving to be kept. Today, spin our gears and switch to positivity and turn good mornings to spectacular ones.

30 SLOTH Survival! At The Circus: How to survive the circus called a student's life By Zion Jil Villela Photography by Juvilee Galacgac Art by Zacheus Gonzales Living a student’s life can be a circus. Balancing life and academics can be compared to walking on a tightrope with a pit of fire beneath while juggling. At the same time, you’re dealing with the eyes fixated on your performance, expecting you to deliver nothing but perfection. In your case, you must finish performance tasks, while studying for a test and revising two chapters of the research papers that are due the next day. With all these workloads, you find yourself in a stressful situation where you must choose between school works and family dinner or going to a classmate’s house to finish a major requirement over catching up with your friends that you haven’t seen in a while. But nevertheless, you still chose to do your work.

SLOTH 31 Whether we like it or not, there is a lot on a student’s shoulder that can be too overwhelming. This is one of the reasons why students resort to procrastination. Being able to balance life and academics can be tough, but you can be tougher. Here are some of the ways on how to survive the circus of living a student’s life. I WRITE PLANS NOT TRAGEDIES DON’T THREATEN ME WITH A KING OF THE APPS Having so much work to do for school can TO-DO LIST If tasks are given like an untamed lion, be hard. There are days that you feel like roaring around the circus as your audience you’re a human canon ball thrown into the air Now that you’ve balanced the work that you cheers for you to calm the lion down, you’d down to the mountain of tasks to accomplish. must do in a span of time, how about if your usually think a way on how to do it in an And as you’re in the air, you’re told to plan in planner’s full of tasks and all you have left to instant. Seeking help from technology would sticking a beautiful landing to a good grade. do is contort into different forms just to finish be a great advantage. Using applications Joy Parohinog, a counsellor from the Student the tasks given to you? For Parohinog, listing might help. Jem Salandanan, a member Wellness Center, stated that if you tend to all your tasks down and reorganizing yourself of the SHS faculty, states that applications forget the things that you must do, using a will help a student manage their time. Having are useful tools, “I think this can help them planner is highly recommended. your tasks sorted will surely of great help. visibly see how they’re allocating their time Planners are designed to sort out the tasks and be aware of how they are using it as to do over time. You can see the overview To-do lists help you list down the tasks well.” Salandanan also mentioned that using of all the tasks you must do, and it keeps that should be done for the day. It can be like applications depends on the functions that you organized. With the help of planners, using a planner, but the tasks on this list is it serves. you can plot out the dates where you must meant for a shorter time frame. This can help Salandanan recommends using Evernote, submit those tasks and great for setting your students to prioritize the tasks that they have a free application that is useful for archiving, schedules for the tasks that you must do. to do. This will also help a student delegate setting to-do lists and for organizing tasks time for a certain task. Parohinog observed not just for students but also, for faculty that there are some students who come to her members.“I actually even use this now since office when they feel the pressure, she would I can also set reminders within the app so I usually ask if the student delegated time for only need to remember my username and it, “I get to say, ‘Did you delegate?’ Because password to access all my notes.” if you did not delegate, you will really feel Aside from Evernote, various applications overwhelmed.” With this suggestion, students are available in the internet for this reason. can also be more flexible in managing Some of the applications that are available their tasks. today are: Egenda, My Study Life, and The Homework App. These apps are available for free for both Android and iOS devices. *** Though a student’s life is a circus, it can be managed. With a little help, surviv- ing school can be easier than ever. Getting help from others, like the guidance counselling office, will help too. Even if you’re that person with tasks thrown at you like a dagger, with a little help, one can easily finish their tasks. Parohinog gave a piece of advice for whenever you feel overwhelmed with the tasks that you must do. She said that you must breathe and step back a little before taking on the requirements that you must face. For a walk that one may think is on a tight rope, doing one of these can help you make your circus act of a year more convenient, topped off with a thunderous applause.

PRIDE

PRIDE 33 Nang iwagayway ang bahaghari By Clarisse Bianca Bucu Photography by James Zagada Noong 1898, iwinagayway ang watawat ng Pilipinas na kulay pula, dilaw, asul, at puti. Ang buong sambayanang Pilipino’y naghiyawan sapagkat nakamit na nila ang kalayaang matagal na nilang inaasam. Sa kasalukuyan, maraming Pinoy pa rin ang nagdidiwang sa tuwa habang may hawak na mga bandila, ngunit iba ang klase nito sapagkat may ipinagmamalaki ito nang walang kahihiyan—ang pride ng pagiging LGBTQ+.

34 PRIDE

PRIDE 35 HUNYO 30 NANG ipinagdiwang ng mga “We all need to remember that we are all Pilipino ang 2018 Pride March sa Marikina, human beings before we are lesbians, gays, Metro Manila. Dito, ipinagmalaki ang queers, trans, aces, etc. We all deserve to komunidad ng mga Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, be protected by our basic human rights,” Transgender, Queer, atbp. (LGBTQ+) o pahiwatig ni Alyssa Uy (HMS21), isang gender and sexual minorities (GSM) ang pansexual na Senior High Lasallian. Si Uy kanilang seksuwalidad kung saan makikita at ang ilan pang mga Pilipino ay nalulungkot ito ng lahat. Isang dagat ng mga Pilipino ang tuwing nakakarinig sila ng mga balita ukol nagtipon-tipon at nagsaya sa kalsada. Pero, sa mga GSM na napupunta sa masamang sa likod ng lahat ng makukulay na damit kalagayan dahil lamang sa kanilang na ipinarada, hindi madaling makalimutan sekswalidad. “Minsan tinitingnan ng ibang tao ang madilim na mga pinagdaanan ng mga na ang LGBTs ay less [of] a person. Dapat LGBTQ+ bago sila makarating sa araw na ito. hindi ganun,” sabi ni Fermanejo. Bumagyo ng paghihirap “PEOPLE ARE BEING Sumisilip ang araw “Aminin na natin, mas mahirap nga ang Para bang mahigpit na kadena, maraming DISCRIMINATED AGAINST sitwasyon ng mga (LGBTQ+) dahil sa FOR SOMETHING SO pumigil sa mga LGBTQ+ na maging malaya diskriminasyon,” saad ni Ivan Fermanejo, HARMLESS. NO ONE mula sa diskriminasyon. Ngunit, hindi na nila isang LGBTQ+ na guro sa DLSU-D Senior DESERVES TO BE SUBJECT hinayaang magpakulong pa rito. High School (SHS). “Sa aming organisasyon, TO ANY KIND OF HATRED Trippers Philippines Incorporated, a group of FOR WHAT THEY Mayroong matatapang na mga taong LGBTs addressing the concerns and issues CANNOT CONTROL. tumayo at nagsilbing susi na magpapalaya of fellow LGBTs, madaming issues. For sa mga “beki” na takot lumabas. “Sa Trippers example, there is this guy na discriminated kamag-aral, buong puso niyang sinabing isa Philippines Incorporated, we counsel LGBTs within their neighborhood. Ganoon ‘yung mga siyang bakla. Ngunit, may pag-aalinlangan who come to us for help. After that counseling, lumalapit sa amin. At minsan depressing, lalo pa rin siyang ipahiwatig ang aspetong ito sa we conduct debriefing or suggest for them to na kapag sariling pamilya ang involved. Lalo ilan sa kanyang mga kamag-anak. “Kahit na have alternative activities to cope with their na kapag sariling magulang.” hindi nila sabihin, they expect something from situations,” kwento ni Fermanejo. me. They anticipate na ako ang magtutuloy Ang salaysay ni Fermanejo ay nagbibigay ng bloodline namin. Once na malaman niya, Noong nakaraang Abril, nagsagawa ang ng malinaw na larawan ng diskriminasyon baka dumating sa point na layuan nila ako DLSU-D University Student Council ng na madalas nararanasan ng maraming just because of my [sexual orientation].” Equality Week kung saan nagkaroon ng LGBTQ+ sa loob ng sarili nilang tahanan at parada, freedom wall, Lasallian Equality komunidad. Taliwas ito sa pagiging LGBTQ+ Naging pagsubok rin sa mga LGBTQ+ Summit, at pagpapailaw sa CTHM sa nakasanayan sa kultura, kaya ito’y ang mga karapatang pantao na nanakaw sa building ng mga kulay ng bahaghari. nagbubunga sa bullying at minsa’y marahas kanila dahil lamang sa kanilang seksuwalidad. Tumanggap ito ng mga positibong reaksyon na pagtrato sa kanila. Mayroong mga Pinoy LGBTQ+ na natatakot mula sa mga at naging pak na pak sa nang pumasok sa paaralan dahil sa bullying. komunidad ng mga LGBTQ+ dahil, sa wakas, “It hurts my heart to know that people are Pati na rin online, ang ilang mga tao ay puno unti-unti nang itinataguyod sa kanila ang being discriminated against for something ng pandidiri sa kanila. Dumami ang mga pagkakapantay-pantay na kanilang ninais. so harmless. No one deserves to be subject hate crime. Sa nakaraang mga taon, tinrato to any kind of hatred for what they cannot ang ilang mga LGBTQ+ na parang hindi na Dahil sa pagtutulong-tulong ng ilang control,” sabi ni Edlyn Morales (HMS22), isang sila tao. mga mamamayan, LGBTQ+ man o hindi, bisexual na mag-aaral. “We’re supposed to sa personal man o online, unti-unti nang be progressive; we’re supposed to be more naiuunat ng mga LGBTQ+ ang kanilang mga open to all kinds of people and things, but pakpak sa iba’t-ibang larangan. Pati sa sarili it seems some people refuse to progress. nating paaralan, mayroong mga LGBTQ+ It’s disappointing.” na hindi natatakot na malaman ng iba ang kanilang sekswalidad. Bukod pa rito, nahirapan ang mga LGBTQ+ na humanap ng lugar kung saan malaya Sina Morales, Pangilinan, Uy, at Fermanejo nilang maipahahayag ang kanilang mga ang ilan lamang sa maraming mga tao sa saloobin, lalo pa’t kung parte sila ng isang Unibersidad na pinagtatanggol ang karapatan bansang may mataas na bilang ng mga ng mga LGBTQ+. Mayroong mga Lasalyanong Katoliko. May malaking epekto ang simbahan parte ng LGBTQ+ na pinararangalan ng sa mga ideya ng mga mamamayan, at sa loob academic scholarships, maraming mga GSM ng mahabang panahon ay hindi sinuportahan na nabibigyan ng highest honors, at ang ng simbahang Katoliko ang mga GSM. Ito’y ilang GSM pa’y nagkakaroon ng matataas isang hadlang na nadarama pati ng ilang na posisyon sa mga organisasyon tulad ng mga Lasalyano. La Estrella Verde at Student Council. Sila’y mga patunay na hindi nasusukat ng pagiging “[I am] not yet fully coming out to my dad LGBTQ+ ang buong pagkatao. and my uncles. I had the hardest time in this aspect dahil part ako ng isang ‘somewhat’ conservative family,” paliwanag ni Andy Pangilinan*, isang gay na mag-aaral mula sa HMS21. Sa harap ng kanyang mga

36 PRIDE “WE ALL NEED TO REMEMBER THAT WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS BEFORE WE ARE LESBIANS, GAYS, QUEERS, TRANS, ACES, ETC.

PRIDE 37 featuring (from left to right) Ayumi Wada, Jennifer Diola, and Ashley Torres Ngingiti ang langit Sa ngayon, hindi pa rin pinapayagan ng patapos na ang bagyo ng diskriminasyong “Ang pangarap namin as LGBTs ay pamahalaan ang same sex marriage o ang umulan sa mga LGBTQ+. Tulad noong Araw pagpapakasal ng dalawang taong parehas ng Kalayaan, sumimbolo ito sa matagal complete acceptance without reservations,” ang kasarian. Ngunit, hindi man mabigyan na paghihirap ng ilang mga Pilipino upang pahiwatig ni Fermanejo. Paliwanag naman ni ng pansin ang ilang mga naghihirap pa rin na makamtan ang bagay na pinaniniwalaan Morales, “I want the future to be brighter for mga LGBTQ+, pinatunayan na ng kanilang nilang nararapat sa kanila—pagkakapantay- us. I hope to see the day that the LGBTQ+ komunidad na karapat-dapat lamang kilalanin pantay ng lahat at kalayaan na maging totoo community is taken more seriously. We are ang mga korona nila bilang mga macho sa sarili nila. meant to progress. I believe it can happen. I queens at beauty kings ng ating bansa. Talaga have faith.” namang hindi sila nagpakabog, at walang *Itinago ang ibang pangalan sa pamamagitan ng pagsubok na nakaagaw sa kanilang trono ng mga alyas upang protektahan ang identidad at Kahit pa maliliit ang mga hakbang, nagiging dangal. Nilunod sila, ngunit sila’y naging mga karapatan ng indibidwal. tanggap na ang mga GSM sa lipunan. sirena. Tinali sila sa diskriminasyon, ngunit Nagkakaroon ng mga pangarap ang mga sila’y lumipad at nakalaya. Dumaan sila sa LGBTQ+ na hindi malayong makamit, tulad bagyo ng paghihirap, ngunit nagawa pa rin na lamang ni Pangilinan na nagnanais na nilang mahanap ang liwanag at umasang iggalang ng lahat ang mga GSM. Sa kabila ng sisinag rin ang araw sa kanila. ating konserbatibong bansa, kapag tinanong mo silang mga LGBTQ+ kung naniniwala Noong Pride Month 2018, iwinagayway ang silang kaya nilang maabot ang kanilang watawat na hindi lamang pula at asul, ngunit mga panagarap, iisa lamang ang kanilang kulay bahaghari na siyang nagsasabing isasagot—Oo.

38 PRIDE Behind the red curtain By Kristine Evangelista Photography by Princess Mijares Toes on point, sweat falling down their marbled cheeks, their grace astounds no other: these were every child’s dream. To be on stage and be applauded by a lot, it is an image in mind that one aspires to have. But that is the stage, that’s what they do—they perform. The question is: what could have been behind that curtain?

PRIDE 39

40 PRIDE BEING A BALLERINA is no joke. Erica Juliane Terry (HMS21), a student by day and a ballerina at night. On weekends, she chasses from place to place to train kids to do ballet. The shoes of a performer “It’s tiring, but it’s what keeps me from going crazy,” she revealed. In reality, teaching kids to do ballet lessens her time allotted for academics. But this does not stop her from achieving academic awards, as she got an honor medal last semester. At the age of three, Erica already wears her tutu and dancing shoes. “But it was informal though. My father was a ballet dancer and teacher himself,” she enthusiastically said. She joined the classes her father handled when she was young, and her formal training started when she was six years old. Ballet is as much of a sport as it is an art for Erica. Her ballet skills have helped her loads in her academic career, especially in school dance competitions. She became physically stronger and more flexible than before. “That being said, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without ballet,” she said. “I wouldn’t be as confident, as disciplined [and] as strong as I am.” Erica thinks of ballet as a dance that demands excellence and perfection. It needs a strong resolve and a huge amount of skill and time. Ballet, according to Erica, is not just an art, or a sport. It is a passion.

PRIDE 41 “I WOULDN’T BE HALF THE PERSON I AM TODAY WITHOUT BALLET. I WOULDN’T BE AS CONFIDENT, AS DISCIPLINED [AND] AS STRONG AS I AM.

42 PRIDE The beauty found in affliction the Bronze Medalist for the Contemporary could hear about. I grew up with ballet. I grew As much as ballet was her turning point, Division and Classical Ballet Division in up with music. It shaped my life so much that Hong Kong for the Challenge Cup Dance it isn’t just an influence anymore. It shaped she also emphasized about their proneness Competition 2018. She has also won 1st me from the start, so what’s there to change?” to injuries. She had bleeding toes, ingrown place for Contemporary Group Division in the she stated with a faint chuckle. nails, blisters, sprained ankles, cramps, and Philippine Dance Cup. Even acquiring 3 Solo a lot more that were results from her hard Variation Exhibition Workshop Perfect Scorer Erica wanted to do ballet ever since she work. It is a con one cannot easily handle, for 3 consecutive years and also being an was a child and it felt strange for her to think but Erica was able to endure it even with the Elite Division Competitor as well as having about how ballet changed her entire life. Ballet heaviest pain a person could imagine. She is an Artistic Merit. She also has acquired 4th is not just something that is part of her life; a strong one. place for Contemporary Division and 7th ballet is her way of life. Erica danced and place for Classical Ballet Division in the tussled in her path to success, longer than One can say that ballet is indeed the same Association of Ballet Academies Philippines anyone did. She did what she can do, she as letting a human do his or her best to reach Ballet Competition. There are many more ran around the entire school in her spare time the heavens and be an angel. It is not easy, competitions and recitals that she has won (specifically during lunch), she eats a small and yet Erica did it. She is a gentle and over the past years and she never had an amount of food, all for her love of ballet. If graceful angel that the DLSU-D has kept for occurring thought to give up. No matter how anything, her wings are not yet fully formed. It almost 4 years. She’s a keeper and a dancer much she falls, she will always go back up. is gradually emerging from her blades, as if it of all kinds. She is, indeed, the epitome of indestructible. was dying to fly. A pas de deux with ballet Even with the hues of purple and pink “I ain’t ready to crumble,” she said with pop up in her own temple of body, she never For Erica, ballet changed her life. “Ever such intense willpower. Erica knows what she lets disappointment come into her house since I was really young, (ballet) was all I wants, and she knows she can achieve it. One of passion. She has been into Malaysia as cannot soar high easily even when you’ve competitor for International Ballet Grand Prix. done it for ages. One cannot fly with tattered She also has acquired the name of being wings. One can soar when one loves what it does, and one can fly when one is not forced “[BALLET] IS on what they should do. If ballet made Erica keep flying, what would have made you stay TIRING, BUT IT’S on your toes? WHAT KEEPS It is never too late for everyone to fly. All of us has a space in the sky, waiting for you to feel its breeze. So follow your dream, and do whatever it takes to achieve it. There will be a lot of obstacles on your way, but once you are out there, you will never regret all the sweat that broke down from you. So don’t hesitate, and fly. ME FROM GOING CRAZY.

PRIDE 43

44 PRIDE “[BALLET] SHAPED ME FROM THE START, SO WHAT’S THERE TO CHANGE? Hair and Makeup by Gina Ayne V. Garbanzos

PRIDE 45 Here is the full list of Erica’s notable awards she has acquired over the past years. Philippine Dance Cup Contemporary Group Division (2008) - 1st place • National Group Division (2012) - Honorable Mention Philippine Dance Cup Group National Division (2010) Participant • Philippine Dance Cup Group Classical Ballet Division (2010) Participant • Philippine Dance Cup Group National Category • Senior Division (2012) Participant • Philippine Dance Cup Group Classical Ballet Category (2010) Participant Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition 2018 Contemporary Division - Bronze Medalist • Classical Ballet Division - Bronze Medalist Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Ballet Competition 2018 Contemporary Division - 4th place • Classical Ballet Division - 7th place Get The Beat Asia: Manila Regional 2018 Contemporary Dance Category - 5th Place • Classical Ballet Category - 5th Place • Get The Beat Asia Contemporary Dance Category Finalist • Get The Beat Asia Classical Ballet Category Finalist Malaysia International Ballet Grand Prix competitor Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition 2018 Contemporary Division - Bronze Medalist • Classical Ballet Division - Bronze Medalist Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Ballet Competition Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Ballet Competition, Group Contemporary Division (2013) Participant Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Ballet Competition, Solo Contemporary Division (2014) Participant Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Ballet Competition, Solo Contemporary Division (2014) Local Competitions: Solo Variation Exhibition Workshop: Elite Division Competitor (2018) • Solo Variation Exhibition Workshop Perfect Scorer (April 2018) • Solo Variation Exhibition Workshop Perfect Scorer (2017) • Solo Variation Exhibition Workshop Perfect Scorer (2016) • Solo Variation Exhibition Workshop Artistic Merit (2015) Ballet Level 9 Graduate Participant of: Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XXIV • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XXIII • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XXII • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XXI • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XX • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XIX • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XVIII • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XVII • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XVI • Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Danseries XV Dance Factory Summer Recital 2008 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2009 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2010 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2011 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2012 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2013 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2014, Dance Factory Summer Recital 2015 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2016 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2017 • Dance Factory Summer Recital 2018 Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2008 • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2009 • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2010 • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2011 • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2012 • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2013 • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2014 • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2015 “The Nutcracker” • Dance Factory Christmas Recital 2016

46 PRIDE Soar THE CEOS THE SEEKERS OF TRUTH high, Senior Studying the foundational concepts in Consciousness with the human conditions High corporate operations, financial, and business and human behavior, the social sciences management, the Accountancy, Business, deal with it through analytical, critical, By John Benedict Silla and Management (ABM) strand will prepare and empirical methods through different Art by Willem Dimas its learners through their journey towards disciplines. This is the strand to excel for all the corporate world, turning those financial the leaders, the philosophers, the historians, Your chosen strand in Senior High School management and business plan into reality. the communicators, the influencers, the is a step forward towards the fulfillment of writers, and the advocates—all calling for your dreams. It will enhance your skills and “[An ABM student should] have the mindset social change. broaden your knowledge and understanding to never give up no matter what [happen as a preparation for the college and soon because] you have the dream to become “Wondering beyond the boundaries,” this your career. It turns its learners into globally an accountant, [businessman] or anything is how Justine Book (HMS21) described competitive individuals ready to take on the [business] related,” Rommel Tuppal (ABM23) the importance of being a student of the responsibilities of the future. stated. The corporate world awaits these Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students and for sure they will not give them strand. The gaps and the taboos are what the But in today’s time, one has to be the time of their life. They will surely face strand bridges to—seeking for solutions to competitive enough and equipped with obstacles and it isn’t going to be fun. prevalent problems in the society. credentials to find the right job one eagerly desire. It isn’t enough to be bright, but you “[They should be] willing and dedicated “Being a HUMSS student is being an open- also must be great in all fields related and to learn from their failures and errors,” Niña minded person,” Shenelle Javier (HMS21) flexible enough to abrupt changes. With that, Almirol (ABM21) stated. Downfalls are just described. It is essential for discussing and prepare to soar high as you live through your normal. What matter is how you were able to addressing societal issues which is the core days as a Senior High Lasallian. ricochet and stand up as a better individual. of the strand. Drawing new perspective Almirol described ABM students as liking to by involving with the people, relating to *** diamonds. “They are allowing themselves to them, and learning from their experiences No matter what your strand is, you oversee have multiple cuts to achieve their perfect is necessary because “the primary goal of the future. You are the hope to bring a [figure],” she said. [being] a HUMSS student is to [be] involved positive change in the society. You are to and to serve the society,” Cyrene Thomas task to take care of the people. You are to The brimming numbers might be the best of (HMS22) shared. serve them with great respect. You are to friends for these students but added with the make advancements that will help brighten four fundamental operations, it might be the Communication skills are vital in this strand. their welfare. And you are to make the world end for their friendship. Those computations “[They] should be ready to talk with people a better place to live in for every individual and situational analysis might come forth but since the courses tied to the strand are related and the future generations. you will never know when it will twist itself to people,” Book added. Having the ability to leaving the students scratching their head. speak the ideas from their mind, expressing That is why both Tuppal and Almirol reminded their thoughts and feelings are needed in how calculators will save their lives. “It [will] most of the conversations in this strand. That really serve as our “lifeblood” when it comes is why Javier reminded that “[a HUMSS] to computations especially problem analysis,” student should [act] professional and [should] Almirol exclaimed. know how to respect someone’s opinion,” especially with topics that are sensitive that Reading books and practicing examples might draw different perspectives. Javier also related to the strand are also essential for proposed that “[HUMSS students should] a better and thorough understanding of the have a large view of the world,” to learn to be lessons given by the teachers. Tuppal then on a middle ground between being objective advised that an ABM student should be and subjective. adaptive, flexible, hardworking, passionate, and resilient with all the workload given to them to reach out for the stars they want to pursue.

PRIDE 47 THE SCIENTISTS THE TINKERS THE TECHNOVATORS Focusing on the enigma of the natural Exposing the learners to the work realities, These tech-savvies and computer gods world, the learners are prepared to take it targets to harness the skills of every student hold control of the future—their innovation on active and responsive formulation of solution by teaching them through experiences. technology. Utilizing the use of information from simple to complex problems through the Responding to the demand of manpower, it and communication through technology realm of science, technology, engineering, offers qualified learners that are competent is an advance step in creating a different and mathematics. It aims to nurture the and a job-ready workforce. experience on learning. student’s critical minds and logical thinking through collaborative learning. “Every small detail matters,” Elaine Belen With the rapid development of technology, (TVL22) described the strand. She also the students of Information and Communication With the large scope of the Science, said that being a perfectionist is essential Technology (ICT) strand continues to serve Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in accommodating the client’s needs and in and provide the people with innovations that (STEM) strand, the learners hold a order to provide a quality of service. help the lives of the masses. “Technology is great impact to the future. “[We] are the evident in almost every aspect in the industry future engineers, doctors, scientists, The Technical-Vocational and Livelihood today,” Ianne Flores (ICT12) stated. From our mathematicians, programmers,” Lyca Leynes (TVL) track focuses on the improvement houses (WiFi connection and appliances), to (STM12) enumerated. They are the ones of the skills of its learners. “A TVL student school (online working databases such as the who will build houses, treat the sick, and should possess a sense of individuality, Schoolbook and Cisco Networking Academy), develop innovations that aim to give relief responsibility, practicality, and discipline,” in workplaces (advance computers and global to the people. Also, a big responsibility lies Rene Domasian (TVL21) pointed out. With communication) technology is being utilized. within the STEM students. “[They] should be the service-oriented strand, one’s pleasing responsible to handle little things [to be able] personality is a vital need to perform all “We may be able to help [each] industry to be trusted with [the] larger ones,” Ram required tasks. “[The learners] should also be to have a faster pace of manual labor in a Villamor (STM11) explained. knowledgeable in the services they intend to more creative and interactive approach,” offer to their clients. It will be a huge factor Flores added. Soon enough, the workload Having the subjects like calculus, statistics, in providing [a] great service,” Belen added. of the laborers will be reduced with the biology, and chemistry are not that easy with With the strand providing competent learners innovation of the inventions that the future all the needed information and computation equipped with experiences, the world is ready generation holds. to digest, that is why Leynes advised that, for the quality of products and services soon “[We] should have determination and they could offer. “An ICT student must always have a backup patience to understand most of our lessons.” plan,” Flores shared. Technology isn’t always But hopes are just flying around as Miguel reliable, it crashes down sometimes. Glitches Teodoro (STM21) said, “It [is not] necessary and corrupted files are inevitable that is why for a [STEM] student to be good at math having an extra flash drive is essential to back and science [but] he or she must be willing you up in this kind of situation. Technology to learn everything about it.” They also is also constantly advancing that is why an reminded how calculators are of a great ICT student should also be adaptive and help. Leynes mentioned, “You [might] have teachable. “Be ready for [the] new versions a hard time computing many problems [but] of different softwares that you were [already] using a calculator could lessen the difficulty of used to using,” Flores suggests. Updates are the subject.” made available for improvements that is why it is best to utilize those as your advantage.

48 PRIDE Lasallian pride: A double-edged blade By Aaron Silas Bernaldo Art by Courtney Ivannah Gracio “Animo! La Salle!” goes your heart. It is something you hear occasionally but you feel it every day up to your bones inside the campus. Like in every three-pointer the Archers throw in, or for every block the Lady Spikers make, you can feel the surging flow of these words in your veins, hyping you up for the game. Or when you simply tune in to 95.9 Green FM, once you hear kuya and ate on the radio, you are captured by this iron grip that reminds you of one thing: you are a Lasallian and you are proud of it.

PRIDE 49 THIS PHENOMENON, KNOWN as Lasallian ibang university dahil sa pride natin.” And are proud of stemmed from within the pride, is an inherent thing that empowers us Lastrella isn’t comfortable with how the word community and campus. And the problem of whenever we scream the occasional ‘Animo!’ ‘La Salle’ sounds to outsiders. “It’s all fun and people referring to Lasallians as too privileged It can feel good and patriotic, and once you games until someone judges you because of or uppity-up is mostly rooted on the outside. feel it, you are a Lasallian. To the point that, the built-up image [of] your school,” she says. For Bautista, he says that it’s natural for people sometimes, it can engulf us in terms of humility. to assume and perceive us as such, which is And unfortunately, this Lasallian pride we The higher-ups seem to chime in, too, both fortunate and unfortunate. “Hindi talaga embody may be a double-edged sword that seeing the pride and, seemingly, arrogant maiiwasan, ‘yan. Basta pagtapak mo sa labas can be turned against us, particularly outside aura we exhibit as keys to making the rich ng school, may mga tao talagang mag-iisip ng the University. Some not-so-good things may Lasallian stereotype persist. ganyan,” he emphasized. have happened to you or someone you know at least once. You’ve probably heard some “[Lasallian pride] is sometimes a The good news is that Lasallian vanity isn’t outsider say, “Uy, mayabang/maarte ‘yan,” or misunderstanding of our own identity. We take entirely our fault. The downside, however, even if it seems like you did nothing wrong, pride and pleasure in being among the rich, is that we can’t averse or undo how people you’ve probably noticed some bystander’s the elite, the best and the brightest,” Br. Richie see us. And as stated in the core values, we face go sour as he/she sees you hop on a Yap FSC commented. “However, it excludes still hold responsibility, as students of the jeepney. You silently dismiss such reactions those whom we are committed to serve: the University, to show the proper decorum and and move on, but could there be an underlying poor and vulnerable in society.” That Lasallian values, both inside the campus and outside. It reason for their gloomy reactions? pride seems to alienate the people whom we then becomes a challenge for all Lasallians to are supposed to show humility and kindness uphold such principles. The taint on the green star to. And apparently, it is due to the aura we Jose Angelo Bautista and Chelsea Lastrella project outside the school, coupled seemingly Repainting the star with green with the way we act and speak. Lasallian pride and vanity are both part (HMS22) can attest to such scenarios. For Bautista, he recalls experiencing a blood- As mentioned, Lasallian pride is a double- of the same blade that we use to carve our curdling incident on a jeepney ride on the way edged sword that can both help and hurt identity, and we can choose which edge home from school. Seated beside him were them. But the whole blade isn’t pride. On to use. a father and his son, and they were squished one edge, it is, but on the other point lies tightly among the seats. Things seemed something that most of us can’t really tell its For Yap, a good step would be to recall who normal until Bautista felt a slight bump on difference from. Here lies Lasallian vanity, we are. “Being a Lasallian is about becoming his arm. and it’s what’s being aimed at those outside the best of who we are in order to help bring the walls of Gates 1 and 3. out the best in the last, the least, and the lost “So kinuha ko ‘yung wallet ko,” he recalled. Lasallian pride! vanity? in society,” he reminds. Yap suggests that “[Tapos] biglang nagsalita ‘yung katabi we must accept that our image is, although ko, [tapos] siniko niya ‘ko. Akala niya kasi Lasallian vanity is probably those terms that tarnished, is not too bad and is redeemable. sisikuhin ko ‘yung anak niya. Sabi niya, you don’t normally use and hear inside the It is something to be improved on, and it ‘Isusumbong kita sa school mo, umayos campus. You could say that it’s the corrupted requires everyone’s effort to repaint Lasallian ka!’” Bautista admits that at that time, he was form of Lasallian pride. pride with bright green hues. All the while, inundated by fear and exhaustion, and the recognizing our worst sides will remind us that next thing he knew, things rocketed to a new In terms of meaning, pride and vanity we are all equally frail, young people who are degree of tension. are two different words despite their still learning. synonymous denotations. In the classic novel “’Di ko napigilan sarili ko, kaya sinagot ko, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen tells apart If there’s anything good about Lasallian ‘Kuya, tandaan mo, Lasalista ako!’” he said, their definitions. pride, it’s the generosity and ability to help before hurriedly exiting the jeepney. “Wala others. “This allows us to go out of ourselves naman akong ginawang masama, bigla na “Vanity and pride are different things, though and become more selfless,” Yap added. lang talagang nagsalita si kuya nang ganoon.” the words are often used synonymously. “We’re committed to serve the poor and A person may be proud without being vain. vulnerable in our society, and our pride must And for Lastrella, although experiencing Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; not be too inclusive.” It’s also ingrained in a milder scenario, she points out the social vanity, to what we would have others think two Lasallian core values that have been and stereotypical symptoms of being a of us.” overlooked for too long: zeal for service of Lasallian. “I came from a science high school others, and communion in mission, to reach before I transferred [to] La Salle, and one With Lasallian pride, there are a lot of out to those who need our help and presence. time, when I visited my previous school, things that we can be proud of regarding what akala nila magsasalita ako [in] English.” For we have. Materially, we attend classes in For Bautista, it always helps to stay humble. her, studying in a school like DLSU-D would air-conditioned rooms, research and study in Bautista instructed, “We stick to the Lasallian automatically mean to others that she is the bountiful Aklatang Emilio Aguinaldo, and virtues. ‘Pag nalaman nilang taga-La Salle boasting her educational attainment, coupled seek information with the expansive Wi-Fi ka, stay humble and walk it off. Kasi pare- with the English-speaking stereotype, even connection throughout the campus—things parehas lang naman tayong nag-aaral eh.” if she isn’t. Based on these and many other that students from public schools can only And simply shrugging off what other people experiences they’d prefer to keep confidential, dream of. But for Michael Leonardo*, a Grade think of us can go a long way from preventing Bautista and Lastrella think that there has 12 student, apart from these amenities, he the further degradation of our image. Instead been a longstanding image problem for considers the attitude and overall camaraderie of ‘mayaman’, ‘maarte’, or ‘mayabang’, maybe us Lasallians. of the Senior High School community as one day, we’ll live to see ‘Lasallian’ being “wholesome.” “Maganda ang environment sa synonymous with ‘mabait’, ‘matulungin’, and “Iba talaga ‘yung tingin nila [people from La Salle and ‘yung pakikitungo ng teachers ‘malalapitan.’ Hopefully the blade of Lasallian outside] sa’tin.” To Bautista, there is a at students (with) each other,” he remarked. pride is then forged into a single-edged sword, preconceived notion that all Lasallians are removing Lasallian vanity. rich, elitist, or edgy. “Madalas na stereotype For Ronielle Ian David (ABM23), we ‘yung pagiging mayaman o maarte.” cannot just set aside the morals and values *Some names are hidden under a pseudonym to Once someone from outside encounters taught here in La Salle. “These [values] protect the individual’s identity and rights. a Lasallian, the Lasallian will immediately make me proud because they show us [how] be met with defensiveness, and Bautista to be good,” he said, referring to the three believes that, “Madalas na sinasabi ‘yun ng core values of faith, zeal for service, and communion in mission. Most of the things that David and Leonardo

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