La Estrella Verde September - November 2021

UPHOLDER OF TRUTH. HERALD OF CHANGE. September - November 2021 Volume 6 Issue 1 The Old Days. I would trade all of my tomorrows for just one yesterday. Art by Maria Sophia Emelda Initorio DLSU-D SHS initiates students’ vaccination drive as onset plan SHS Admin discloses preparations for face-to-face classes Hannah Sophia Perez and Aya Ahmad DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Principal In accordance with the easing of and the Department of Health Joint Marlon Pareja declared the advancement of quarantine alert levels and the ongoing Memorandum that contains the operational the University to a next phase that includes vaccination of the students, Pareja stated that guidelines for the limited face-to-face a transition plan for the opening of onsite DLSU-D will follow the guidelines released learning modality. classes following its vaccination program for by the Department of Education (DepEd) for the SHS students. the said transition. “This policy shall (guide) the mechanisms and standards on the resumption of face-to- “[T]he [University] is considering [the face classes...(to ensure an) effective, efficient, pilot testing of gradual face-to-face classes and safe implementation,” Vice Principal before the academic year ends], but we take for Academics and Research Ma. Luisa the guidance from (the) DepEd,” he stressed. Cuaresma remarked. Consequently, the University will DLSU-D SHS, see page 2 follow the mandate of the DepEd CHV curriculum undergoes revision Kristina Angela Sobrino and Naevien Riley Valenzuela By the second semester of the Academic Year 2021-2022, Christian Values (CHV) will present a newly revised curriculum for Grade 11 students as declared by CHV Curriculum Enrichment Program Focal Person Br. Marvin Sipin FSC. Overload. Less motivation, higher deprivation. Art by Rania In an interview, Br. Marvin shared that serve as a basis for the CHV teachers to Marie Pucan the CHV teachers organized a Focus Group develop new lessons and activities. Discussion (FGD) last Sept. 16-17 to collect and consult the evaluation of the students “[B]ased (on) the results, regardless in accordance with their plan to modify (of whether) the student answered (it) the curriculum. wholeheartedly or kahit niloko niya lang, we (will) take all of (it)...seriously,” “[W]e would like for our CHV class to Br. Marvin stated. be...relevant...[I]t is really necessary to... constantly renew our curriculum...kasi...iba- Moreover, Br. Marvin said that the Grade iba ang needs...ng mga students...(and) every 12 students are excluded from encountering year...iba-iba ang realities,” he explained. this new curriculum as the revision will be established on the integrated data of Consequently, he reiterated that the data CHV2-4’s contents. gathered from the FGD and surveys would CHV curriculum, see page 2 4 Editorial 8 Green Ink 9 Literary Among short-lived delusions Wari ng Paslit

2 La Estrella Verde NEWS September - November 2021 On the other hand, Selina Lim (HMS15) DLSU-D SHS, see page 1 “[P]inag-aaralan natin kung ano ‘yong mga expressed her enthusiasm in reunifying with naging practices sa ibang bansa (tulad ng) pa’no the feeling of having physical interactions In addition, Cuaresma shared that nila ginawa [ang resumption of classes] (at after encountering several changes during DLSU-D already conducted a COVID-19 kung ano ang) mga preventive measures nila... the pandemic. Vaccination Survey for Grades 11 and [L]ahat ‘yon kino-consider natin,” he said. “Bringing (face-to-face) classes back 12 students last Sept. 27 as an initial Students’ Feedback will surely help a lot of students, especially preparation for the possibility of gradual those na h[i]ndi (gano’n) ka-confident to face-to-face classes. As news regarding face-to-face classes talk and present in front of their cameras,” circulates, Peter Mharl Fred Cañero (ABM11) she remarked. “(DLSU-D) Office of Assistant Vice stated that implementing face-to-face classes Meanwhile, Ynna Gabrielle Hilado Chancellor for Academics Services... based on the provided regulations is necessary (STM23) shared that prolonged online classes coordinated with the Office of the Mayor of to reduce its threat. due to the pandemic could result in negative Dasmariñas to enlist...around 1087 students consequences in the long run. who are willing to [be] vaccinated with (their) “Nandoon pa rin (‘yong) risk (na) “[K]ung tatagal talaga (ang pandemic)... parents’ consent,” she stated. magkakaroon ng [COVID-19] pero kaya nga baka (bumaba) ang kalidad ng magiging future tayo may safety measures and...guidelines... workers sa [Pilipinas],” she highlighted. However, Pareja asserted that the para ma-lessen ‘yong risk na dala (nito),” University is still currently in the process of he explained. discussing various strategies and procedures they have to enforce in order to guarantee the safety of the students. COMELEC Election Code, nirebisa CHV curriculum, see page 1 Pagbitiw ng isang SC representative, inaksyonan “(We are) continuing with the current Tiffany Geluz at Saira Vanessa Varon curriculum (for Grade 12 students) kasi... [k]ung bigla natin (iibahin ‘yong curriculum)... Nagdulot ng pagbabago sa DLSU-D Senior High School Commission on Elections may (mami-miss out) sila,” he emphasized. (COMELEC) Election Code ang pagkabakante ng posisyon ni ICT Representative Myth Milk Blyzent Sinangote ayon sa apirmasyon ni Student Council (SC) President Hadriel Ramos. Furthermore, he mentioned the objective that the CHV Department Inilahad ni Ramos na ang pagbitiw “[Section 61 of the COMELEC envisions to accomplish through this ni Sinangote matapos ang tatlong buwan Election Code] was only added after the curriculum revision. lamang nitong panunungkulan ay sanhi ng ICT representative’s resignation,” saad ni pagkabigo nitong makapag-enroll ngayong COMELEC Communications Head “[S]ana talaga ‘yong magagawa namin is akademikong taon. Mikylla Jed Garcia. something that...would meet all (the needs) of the students (wherever) they are right now,” “(The) [p]revious ICT (representative) Samantala, mas madaling proseso ang he remarked. served (in) full terms. [T]his is the only time pinagdaanan ng mga aplikante na nais we had someone who failed to assume his pumalit sa nasabing posisyon kumpara sa Students’ Feedback office,” aniya. mga kandidatong dumaan sa eleksyon ayon sa In correspondence with the impending presidente ng SC. Kaugnay nito, ibinahagi niya na ang curriculum revision, Kristina Cassandra hindi pagkakaroon ng kalaban ng dating “(Ang mga aplikante ay sumailalim sa Salazar (STM13) anticipated that representante ang naging dahilan ng agarang proseso ng pag-a-accomplish ng) declaration learning the virtues of St. John Baptist aksyon mula sa SC at COMELEC upang form, (at kinailangan lamang nila ng) [one] De La Salle and aligning them with the makahanap ng ipapalit dito. recommendation form from faculty...(kumpara current situation will be highly valued by sa mga nakaraang eleksyon kung saan) the students. “[T]he COMELEC...[was] silent about it needed to have [five] recommendation letters,” until recently when it was revised...(because) pahayag niya. “[T]oday’s generation...[is] more open [t]hey had to add a section...regarding vacant to criticizing what’s wrong (and) welcoming positions,” paliwanag ni Ramos. Gayunpaman, dumaan sa masinsinang opinions regarding [particular] social deliberasyon sa pamamagitan ng board issues. [I]t is...fitting to tackle (social Dahil dito, kinumpirma ng COMELEC voting ang pagpili sa bagong hihiranging education) issues and...(connect) [them] ang ginawang pagrepaso kung saan kinatawan ng ICT. to St. John Baptist De La Salle’s virtues,” dating nakasaad na ang kandidatong Salazar stressed. may pangalawang pinakamataas na “(The new ICT representative cannot be) boto ang iproproklamang kapalit sa disclosed to the media and student body until Meanwhile, Rizz John Paul Gopez bakanteng posisyon. approval,” sabi ni Ramos. (HMS14) cited that his expectation for the new curriculum is for it to foster a connection among students during the pandemic. “We are really craving (for) that connection...kasi...kahit may online class, ang layo pa rin natin sa (isa’t) isa, so I am hoping that this subject can be a (source of comfort) for everyone,” Gopez stated. Additionally, Ellesandra Shamelee Peralta (ABM22) indicated the benefits of conducting this approach in assessing the situation and improving the fields that the students suggested. “(In) collaboration...(with the) ideas... (from) the students...they would be able to come up with a new curriculum that...would be able to maximize the knowledge...they will acquire from this course,” she said.

September - November 2021 NEWS FEATURES 3La Estrella Verde “Doing things hopefully better” -DLSU-D Chancellor sa kanyang pamamahala Alexa Nice Soriano at Jane Llana Cordova Photo by Angienette Laurza Bilang kauna-unahang DLSU-D Chancellor, ibinahagi ni Br. Francisco ‘Sockie’ de la Rosa VI FSC na kanyang gagamitin ang mga karanasan mula sa pamumuno ng ibang sangay ng DLSU upang maging maayos ang kanyang pangangasiwa. Ayon kay Br. Sockie, ang kanyang mga my roles here is to push us out of survival into “I would like—as much as possible—that pinagdaanan sa mga ito ay nakapagbigay (thriving),” saad niya. (the legacy of Br. Gus) will be preserved, that he sa kanya ng bagong pananaw sa proseso ng will be remembered for the good...he has done to paghahanda para sa kanyang posisyon. Kasabay nito, pinanghahawakan niya ang this [U]niversity. We will not be where we are, if kahalagahan ng suporta mula sa kanyang not for Br. Gus,” ani ng Chancellor. “We’ve had to go through difficulties...so mga kasamahan sa institusyon para sa Pagpapahalaga sa Lasalyanong komunidad coming to DLSU-D and having experiences (from) another university...(gave) me a... “kaniyang adhikain. Binanggit ni Br. Sockie ang malaking different perspective,” aniya. pakinabang ng pagtitipon sa mga staff, (I learned) from administrators, at faculty ng Senior High Dagdag pa rito, itinuturing ng Chancellor those mistakes... School at kolehiyo upang malaman ang na ang pagiging isang Lasallian brother ay whether (it was) kanilang mga sentimento para sa ikabubuti makatutulong sa kanya sapagkat sila ay mine or others... ng institusyon. nadedestino sa mga lugar kung saan marami (and with this) I’ve silang nararanasan at natutuhan. seen better ways of “(It’s) very fulfilling because we got to hear doing things.” each other’s stories. We got to see each other’s “[W]e make mistakes in other places, (and) perspectives...I think it’s making an effort when we come to a new place...(we) make sure... in using (the) tools (that) we have—limited (that it will) not happen (again)...I think (‘yon) as they are—to engage...(with) different ‘yong advantage...‘di ko na uulitin ‘yong stakeholders,” aniya. mali,” giit niya. Ipinabatid din niyang malaki ang kanyang Kaugnay nito, binanggit niya na ang tiwala sa kakayahan ng mga guro ngayong mga bagay na kanyang napagtatanto mula sa online setup sapagkat mayroong patakaran at kanyang mga nakakasalamuha ay naging daan pagsasanay ang Unibersidad na sinisiguradong upang siya ay mas maging bukas sa iba’t ibang bihasa ang mga ito. paraang maaari niyang tahakin. “[C]onfident ako na our teachers are “(I learned) from those mistakes...whether well-trained...(because) they are (constantly) (it was) mine or others...(and with this) I’ve seen monitored, evaluated, and supported by the better ways of doing things,” pagpapaliwanag administration,” saad ni Br. Sockie. ni Br. Sockie. Sa kabilang banda, ibinahagi niya ang Inaasam para sa Unibersidad “[W]e (should) continue to be a family... kanyang pagkabahala sa naging epekto Inilahad ng Chancellor ang mga (and) a caring community to one another, but at ng pandemya sa mental health ng mga the same time, we should...strive to give excellent estudyante at guro. paraan kung paano niya matutulungan quality Christian education,” dagdag nito. ang Unibersidad sa paghihilom nito sa mga “[H]opefully, (sa) second year (natin na) naiwan na pinsala ng pandemya. Bukod pa rito, kanyang ipinaliwanag ang nag-o-online classes...we’ve (learned how) to layuning ihanda ang Unibersidad para sa deal with that...(and) to step back and take care “[I]t’s been almost two years...and we are kasunod ni DLSU-D President Br. Augustine of ourselves,” binigyang-diin ng Chancellor. doing our best to survive (but)...[w]e cannot be ‘Gus’ Boquer FSC, EdD sa posisyon. (stuck) in survival mode forever. I think one of

4 La Estrella Verde OPINION September - November 2021 La Estrella Verde EDITORIAL The Official High School Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Among short-lived delusions EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2021-2022 Due to the immense pressure brought by the succeeding resumption of face-to-face classes in Asia, the Philippine government became compelled that this is something they should also enforce despite EDITOR IN CHIEF the surmounting evidence of possible complications that may hinder them to do so. Franchez Cassandra Escander Last Sept. 20, President Rodrigo Duterte officially permitted limited face-to-face classes. According ASSOCIATE EDITOR to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, 120 schools are expected to participate in the said Marymar Caya implementation. However, considering how risky this plan is, this proposal was contrived under the possibility of intense compulsion. MANAGING EDITOR Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan In the current state of the nation, it is evident that the government has misplaced its priorities in addressing problems that require immediate measures. This became more apparent when casinos, malls, COPY EDITOR and amusement parks were authorized to reopen at a much earlier date than schools. Even though Guen Marie Sapinit they noted that this could bridge the funding gap, it seemed to be just another facade to conceal the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases and the scarcity of supplies needed in various healthcare settings. NEWS EDITOR Ayeesha Kimberly Cellona Additionally, their integrity with spending was deemed unsatisfactory as reports released by the Commission on Audit ended up flagging their sectors. The Department of Education, in particular, SPORTS EDITOR drew flak for the delays in the release of funds to the regional and division offices as well as in the Guen Marie Sapinit delivery of printed modules to almost 22 million students under the modular learning modality. These FEATURES EDITOR lapses, however, should not be excused as the billions of mismanaged money could have been used to Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan support the crippled education system. IN CHARGE, LITERARY Ara Janine Palecpec Moreover, just like the typically complicated guidelines such as the vaccination requirement for teachers and school personnel, the proposed half-day classes every other week seem to offer little to no ART EDITOR relief to the burden of online learning. It would just serve as a nuisance, especially to those who live Denise Preclaro far away from their schools. LAYOUT EDITOR Jan Anthony Murillo So as the struggle continues, we could see how these band-aid solutions became the branding of the IN CHARGE, PHOTO AND VIDEO current administration. From the back and forth changes of quarantine classifications to the infamous Elisha Jezreel Ang face shields and motorcycle passenger barriers, their track record speaks for itself. Do you really trust this kind of government to carry out such tasks without making it a debacle? WEB EDITOR Joanna Elaine Desiderio Therefore, the reopening of classes must be planned carefully to guarantee the safety of the students RADIO PROGRAM MANAGER and school staff. Education sectors should start by identifying those students with comorbidities and those who live far away from their campus. Furthermore, the movement of students should also be Marymar Caya restricted once they are inside school premises to ensure that they will not have unnecessary interactions with other people. NEWS Zoe Arabelle Aguinaldo, Aya Ahmad, Jane Llana Cordova, With this, the plan to implement the limited face-to-face classes is nothing but a decision Tiffany Geluz, Hannah Sophia Perez, Princess Pravika Rai, made under pressure. There are heaps of factors that the government has overlooked such as their Mikaela Angela Reyes, Kristina Angela Sobrino, Alexa Nice Soriano, incompetence in handling the pandemic. After all, working towards the safe resumption of classes would require more than a forced initiative. Judging from what we are seeing today, it is safe to assume Saira Vanessa Varon, Naevien Riley Valenzuela that a post-pandemic country is still in the distant future. SPORTS Alyssa Ashley Anacay, Jane Llana Cordova, Mandy Allyson Rafael FEATURES Jedd Rudolf Caldo, Francine Angela Dela Fuente, Brendan Kester Gamban, Kenan Christian Geda, Jelaigne Szanel Liong, Alexie Jeanne Masangkay, Anielle Mendoza, Jose Miguel Octavo, Hannah Sophia Perez LITERARY Marcea Alcala, Wrenzhie Arroyo, Brendan Kester Gamban, Pia Heart Lambuson, Paulyn Dianne Laude, Jelaigne Szanel Liong, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Aqeena Reyes, Phoebe Denise Santos, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Gabriel Dale Tejido, Frances Nicole Umbao ART Sean Jacob Altoveros, Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Astrero, Cecilia Nazarine Bicol, Zoe Olivia Cavinta, Jasmin Delos Reyes, Aiser Levi Duque, Masia Sophia Emelda Intorio, Klaire Niña Llarena, Rianne Nicole Ocampo, Rania Marie Pucan, Reanne Roguel, Liam Nico Sullivan PHOTO AND VIDEO Jethro Dela Cerna, John Froilan Gacasa, Nicole Infante, Angienette Laurza, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Tricia Faye Velasco WEB Nikki Alexis Antonio, John Froilan Gacasa, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Jaymar Matanguihan Jr., Jeremy Ray Milca, Reanne Roguel LAYOUT Nikki Alexis Antonio, Angienette Laurza, Jaymar Matanguihan Jr. RADIO Alyssa Ashley Anacay, Kenn Benedict Ballesteros, Denice Gabrielle Calingasan, Kristina Rose Eramiz, Einjela Esguerra, Lyvinah Kate Andrei Kaimo, Lexter Nico Mahusay, Ezekiel Ben Meneses, Serge Angelo Quiambao, Brizza Felicity Reyes, Yzabelle Mei Robillo, Jasmine Marie Soriano La Estrella Verde has its editorial office at Room JHS241, High School Complex, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, DBB-B, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115 Telephone: +63-2-7795180, +32-46-4811900 to 1930 local 3302 Email: [email protected] Facebook: /DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde Twitter: @LeviofLEV Contributions, comments and suggestions should be addressed to the Editor in Chief and should bear the writer’s full name. Articles may be edited for clarity and space.

September - November 2021 OPINION 5La Estrella Verde Gamification = Segregation Sapientia Another thing that I also find very more harm than good. By removing this questionable is the benefits that students feature, students will have fewer things Franchez Cassandra Escander get after reaching a certain rank in the leaderboards. For instance, students who get “to worry about. S choolbook has become one of the perfect scores on their Gateway Assessments constants in my life ever since we started receive points that can boost their position in Yet there’s not much attending our classes in an online setup. It is the leaderboards. And if you’re able to collect of a difference a great modality in managing school works, a good amount of points, you will be given in receiving a as it enables students to view lesson materials extra incentives that can be added to your customized badge and answer assessments in one place. grade. Again, it seems like this system favors if the system those at the top by giving additional rewards itself is flawed.” Yet there’s this one flaw that seems to to those who already have high scores. be the dealbreaker—the leaderboards. This Indeed, it is true that online classes feature seems to be fun and games but it has Even so, I am not turning a blind eye should be made fun and engaging. However, unconsciously forced students into groups of to our subject teachers’ efforts to make our introducing this gamification system has those who are lucky enough to be on top and classes as interesting as possible. Almost all of brought the opposite of enjoyment. And those who are stuck at the bottom. my subject teachers customized their class in while some might say that competition is their style—some even created video teasers healthy, if the way of competing encourages Whenever I open my subjects, my eyes to encourage participation. Yet there’s not separation and indifference among students, always go to the leaderboards. That small much of a difference in receiving a customized maybe it is time to think of a better approach. tab is enough for anyone to feel pressured, badge if the system itself is flawed, and will especially when they’re placed at the very just continue to produce the same feelings of end of the class. The class rankings were anxiety and exhaustion. already scrapped from the curriculum after being replaced with the Academic Excellence Being able to hide or disable the Awards. So why pit the students against each leaderboards seems to be the most practical other if the said system was removed to avoid solution right now, but true change will stiff competition? only happen once this system is removed completely. Yes, gamification has its charm, but it’s time for one to realize that it does Palete sa Politika Alik-mata ang mga taong kasalungat nila. Halimbawa plataporma at pamumuno noong panahon na lamang, kapag nagpapahayag ako ng ni Marcos at ng rehimeng Duterte. Dahil Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan aking pagsuporta sa isang tanyag na human lamang hindi humahanay ang aking opinyon rights lawyer na si Chel Diokno ay palagi sa opinyon nila ay nagkakaroon na agad ng L untian, dilaw, asul, at rosas. Madalas akong sinasabihang ‘dilawan’ kahit pa ang hinuhang ako ay panig sa kabilang partido. na makita natin ang mga kulay na yan tunay na dahilan ng aking paghanga sa sa sining—ngunit ngayon tila nadepina naturang abogado ay ang kanyang husay at Kaugnay nito, bilang isang kabataang ito sa isang panibagong paraan; nagkaroon kredibilidad bilang isang tagapagtanggol ng nananatiling aktibo sa mga diskurso sa politika ito ng panibagong kahulugan sa ispero ng karapatang pantao—bagay na pinapasawalang ay nakalulungkot isipin na ang pagbibigay ng politika. Sa totoo lang, hindi ito katanggap- kritisismo sa gobyerno ay hindi na binibigyang tanggap lalo pa at tila pinapawalang bisa nito “bahala ng ilang partido. halaga. Lubha itong hindi katanggap-tanggap ang kahalagahan ng lohikal na pagsusuri, dahil pumupuna ang mamamayan, hindi at ang paniniwalang ang politika ay Mayroong espasyong dahil mayroon silang inklinasyon sa partikular isang kulay lamang. nakalaan para sa na kulay—ngunit dahil mayroong mali sa mga taong nagnanais pamamaraan ng kanilang pagpapatakbo, at Paparating na naman ang eleksyon— ng maayos na dapat itong masolusyunan. ang araw kung saan maririnig ang boses ng pamamalakad.” mamamayan. Noong nakaraang Oktubre 8 Bilang paglalahat, umiikot ang politika nga ay natapos na ang pagsusumite ng mga Bukod pa rito, lumalabas din ang sa kung papaano marapat na patakbuhin Certificates of Candidacy, at nagsulputan argumentong ito kapag binabatikos ang ang bansa, hindi lamang sa mga kulay at na ang samu’t saring mga pangalan na partido. Sa aking palagay, maganda kung naghahangad na manungkulan sa susunod tayo’y magsasaliksik pa tungkol sa mga na termino. Dahil dito, hindi maiwasang tatakbo sa eleksyon, at huwag lamang sumiklab ang apoy ng debate patungkol sa tumingin sa kanilang kulay. Mas mabuti mundo ng politika. kung ating mapagtanto na hindi palaging kailangang mamili sa pagitan ng itim at puti Ngunit sa tuwi-tuwina, mayroong mga o ng dilaw at pula, dahil sa pagitan ng mga taong ginagamit ang kulay upang atakihin kulay na ito ay mayroong espasyong nakalaan para sa mga taong nagnanais ng maayos na pamamalakad.

6 La Estrella Verde OPINION September - November 2021 If you know, you know From the abide, regardless of any reason. While there’s These victims are restricted from the Fossils a push for objectivity being placed, behind opportunities and recognition that limit them them are hidden personal agendas for more to perform up to their potential. Some had John Ethan Casela to increase workloads twice as much, even “control or abuse for one’s benefit. having to explicitly impose rights on their E ver heard of the phrase, “It’s not about position just to be equally heard what you know, but who you know”? It may be natural to have and acknowledged. Growing up, I used to admire those who preferences, but it becomes quickly excelled in their ranks throughout a moral choice when one Ultimately, this negatively impacts work life. While I pondered how much continuous favors connections and performance, creating resentment and distrust effort it took for them, I soon found out mutual agendas rather than between associates in exchange for promotions that some of those efforts were not what concrete credentials.” through blind loyalty. Such practices became a I thought it was. race on who can quickly earn the higher-ups’ As of present, the Philippines had the favor to the point of agreeing to every single Cronyism—a clear preference to an longest quarantine implementation amid decision of theirs, regardless of being morally individual or group of people in the workplace, COVID-19 for almost two years with total right or wrong. Here’s a reality check—are not because of work performance but for cases nearing three million victims. Even those who make these actions stand for the reasons outside it. Much like favoritism, it’s so, we are still seeing almost the same faces people they serve, or for the sole approval of when a person’s potential and capabilities holding key roles in health organizations and their superiors? are discredited over someone who’s generally national task forces rather than the healthcare favored by the superior management. professionals themselves. It may be natural to have preferences, Personally, I find it discriminatory when it but it becomes a moral choice when one provides an unfair advantage to those that When cronyism undermines those who favors connections and mutual agendas don’t necessarily earn such merit. are most qualified and deserving, it results rather than concrete credentials. True leaders, in a decline in performing responsibilities. administrators or not, acknowledge those who A notable example is the Duterte actually give and take credit when rightfully administration’s appointment of former just to do better and be better. Always military officials in core government agencies remember that the fight is standing up for a right from the beginning of his term. This whole organization and its community, not was to supposedly promote and maintain for their own or someone else’s gain. protocols while punishing those who don’t Because it might be what you want, but not what the people need. Mirage Figments of Tomorrow Elisha Jezreel Ang Joanna Elaine Desiderio Jan Anthony Murillo

September - November 2021 FEATURES 7La Estrella Verde Along the path of stars Anielle Mendoza and Brendan Kester Gamban Photo by Nicole Infante The calling of the stars is one to which people have been drawn to, much like a moth to a flame. Some walk their own path, claiming they write their own story, while others follow the beacon of light guiding them towards where they should go, curious about what lies in store for their future. Delving Deeper others, it is all they’ve known. “Actually, mapapaisip ka na lang talaga, ‘Ay, totoo nga Looking up at the twinkling lights filling sa newspaper ko siya nakilala,” Jhoanna talaga (ang) astrology.’” Dumangon (ABM22) shared. Life-Changing Experiences the night sky, one might wonder what the significance behind those stars could entail. Stating her own experience, Daphne After finding what they have been Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Obligacion (STM16) recalled how she seeking, a number of possibilities lie in Geordan Carungcong said, “Based on my stumbled upon it herself. “I discovered waiting. Although others might oppose own understanding, astrology is how we make astrology when I was in elementary school,” this notion, there are those whose lives have sense of what is happening with the use of the she said. “I learned (about) it because my been changed by the stars. “I feel like I stars and other celestial bodies.” friends always ask (for) my zodiac sign.” With know myself better na,” Cortes mentioned. the influence of her peers being the main “[Astrology] helped me express myself better Staring up into the skies, one might and (made me realize) what I should work on catch a glimpse of the stars that show their “reason of discovery, Obligacion had fallen about myself.” pertinence to the people. “[Astrology] can be easily ascribed,” Carungcong mentioned into the world of astrology. Dumangon shared her thoughts about the when asked about its relevance in these dark matter when asked if her life had changed. “Yes times. “In this case, generalized statements are [Astrology] helped me naman,” she answered. “[N]aging confident easy to relate to and (be) applied (to) specific express myself better ako about myself,” she further stated. situations,” he added for more clarity. With and (made me realize) Astrology may really become a key factor in this, the ideas and concepts became common what I should work on honing one’s personality, and shaping the life among people, making them latch onto it. about myself.” paths of many. Moreover, he added the reason why the Having similar experiences, both have *** youth today became so immersed into topics eventually come to believe in the influence The curiosity that sets people off on such as this—explaining that astrology helps of the stars in their lives. “When I calculated their journey guided by astrology will go believers justify their personalities and actions. my birth chart, everything just made sense on to have its fair share of ups and downs. “It provides a handbook on understanding (noong) in-interpret ko siya,” Atria Cortes Darkness might sustain, but the stars don’t stop who they are or (what) they can be at the (HMS23) added. “[T]ugma siya sa personality lighting up as the day turns to night. “Astrology moment.” In fact, one might say it truly leaves ko, and also, by observing other people, changed my life,” Cortes declared, further an impact on their beliefs. proving the influence it holds on her journey Astounding Discovery through life. There may be incredulity along the path, however, the magnificence of the Upon having grasped the idea of astrology, gleaming heavenly bodies will always have some have been hooked onto the thought their influence on one’s life. that the stars above guide their path and aid them in finding out who they truly are. Some have recently discovered it, while, for

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September - November 2021 LITERARY 9La Estrella Verde Wari ng Paslit Ara Janine Palecpec Art by Cecilia Nazarine Bicol Ni minsan ba, sumagi rin sa isipan mong halos nakaharap lang ako sa salamin dahil Ngunit kinabukasan ng araw na iyon, isa kang teddy bear na nasa tabi ng puting unan hindi malayo ang aming hitsura, dagdag pa alingawngaw ng aking pangalan mula sa mga sa higaan? Dahil kung ako ang tatanungin, ang kambal naming suot na pulang bestida. magulang ko ang pumutol sa mahimbing para nga akong tinutusok ng karayom nang kong pagkakatulog. Napalitan na ng posisyon dahan-dahan, at tila pinaglalaruan sa tuwing Hindi ako nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob ng araw ang buwan, at sumisilip na rin ang nakikita ko na niyayapos niya ang lambot ng na tanungin ang aking mga magulang kung sinag sa bintana. Nanirahan sa memorya unan kaysa sa akin. Hindi na tulad ng dati bakit biglaan ang pagdating ng aking kapatid ko ang matinding nerbyos sa pagtawag ng kung saan ako pa ang itinuturing niyang at sabihing isa siyang hulog ng langit dahil sa aking mga magulang sa pari para basbasan tagapagligtas laban sa mga halimaw sa ilalim isang iglap pagkatapos kong manalangin, bigla ang aming bahay, lalo na ang aking kwarto. ng kanyang kama na nagdudulot ng pagtangis siyang sumipot. Ni hindi ko nasubaybayan Wala akong kaalam-alam sa mga nagaganap niya nang tumiklop ang liwanag sa langit. ang kanyang paglaki o narinig man lang ang sa pinagkaitang matiwasay na umaga bilang pag-iyak ng isang bagong silang na sanggol. paslit sa mga panahong iyon. Kabilang ako sa mga taong labis na pinagpala ng kadamutan sa pagbibigay ng Isang malaking pagkakamali. Kinuha ko ang teddy bear at hinanap ng tiwala sa ibang tao, lalo na kung makakatagpo Nasilayan ko ang kislap ng mata pati paningin si Anwir mula sa apat na sulok ng mo sila sa hindi pangkaraniwang pagkakataon na rin ang tamis ng ngiti niya sa pagbitaw aking silid ngunit agad akong binuhat ng na darating sa puntong tatalon ang iyong naming dalawa sa mahigpit na pagkakayakap. aking tatay palabas sa kwarto. Sabay namang puso sa galak. Parang ilang taon na kaming hindi nagkita, dumating ang pari na may bitbit na holy water ngunit noong mga sandaling iyon lang talaga at Bibliya. Sa mga sandaling iyon, umuulit Kasing linaw ng bagong linis na bintana kami nabigyan ng pagkakataong magkatagpo. na tila awitin sa radyo ang mga alulong na sa aking kwarto ang alaala noong ika-anim ng Sa kabila ng lahat, wala na akong ibang parang sa mga naririnig kong nakakatakot Hulyo 2006. Bago ako magpahinga sa gabing mahihiling dahil natupad ng isang kisap-mata na palabas—isang pagtaghoy ng demonyo. iyon, marahan kong ipinikit ang aking mga ang inaasam ko. Paglipas ng ilang sandali, natapos din ang mata at lumuhod nang nakatungo sa itaas. “Ano pala ang pangalan mo?” tanong ko pari sa pagbabasbas. Yakap-yakap ang paborito kong teddy bear, ng ubod na galak. sabay bumulong ako sa langit. “Ako si Anwir! Sobrang saya ko na makita Hindi ang mga halimaw sa ilalim ng ka,” kumurba ang labi at sumingkit ang kama o mga mata ng buwitreng nanlilisik ang “Sana magkaroon ako ng kapatid.” mga mata niya. nagbibigay sa akin ng dahilan upang manginig Sa dulo ng aking panalangin, isang Sa labis na tuwa ko, ipinakilala ko siya sa takot sa mga demonyo. Sa halip, ang malambot na daliri ang kumalabit sa balikat ko. sa aking mga manika pati sa paborito kong kaisipang salungat si Anwir sa lahat ng tipikal “Ako ba ang hinahanap mo?” kulay-kapeng teddy bear. Nahalina rin siya na hitsura ng halimaw ang mas nagdudulot sa Nagdulot ito ng pagtayo ng aking balahibo roon kaya hinablot niya ito ng walang akin ng matinding karuwagan lalo na kapag na tila isang masaganang kaparangan at pag-aalinlangan. Sinamantala naming maglaro sasapit na ang gabi. Buti na lang at lumisan sandaling pagtigil ng tibok ng puso ko. Ngunit at magtawanan habang mas lumiliwanag ang agad siya na parang bula na kasing bilis din ng agad niya akong niyakap sa aking paglingon. buwan, hanggang ang pagod naming dalawa kanyang pagbulabog. Napahagikgik siya nang kinumutan ko rin ang nagpatulog sa amin. siya ng aking bisig. Kung nananaig ang akalang lumisan akong Pareho kami ng tangkad at mala- tuluyan, nagkakamali ka. porselanang kulay ng balat. Kung tutuusin,

September - November 2021 SportsLa Estrella Verde Volume 6 Issue 1 The Indecency of a Blinded World. The grounds where integrity can never be seen nor heard. Photo by Jethro Dela Cerna Resetting the battlefield dilemmas Guen Marie Sapinit and Alyssa Ashley Anacay Manifesting through imaginary realms in which imaginary enemies are pulverized were glitches that are waiting to deal the killing blow. With its gritty attack against the other side of virtuality, it began contriving its combatants to build their own characters, only to end up bursting damage upon themselves as the plight of its aftermath. Feeding off deception of their odds to prevail. “Gaming crosses players) to continue playing without As gladiators and swordsmen strategize (the) line when a player...prioritizes the game experiencing (its) disadvantages,” Rodriguez above anything else, including (oneself ),” assured. “[I]f (E-Sports) develop awareness a scheme to overpower their rivals in an Simbajon said. programs that focus on (the preparations of intensified terrain, the inevitability that its upcoming) athletes...it may potentially one might charge towards victory with “(Underperforming), pressure, (and) distortion ascended. “[B]ecause of the anxiety are the most experienced ones,” “change the (gaming) community.” accusations about our team, the sponsors E-Sports Player Rovic Rodriguez stated when withdrew from giving us the grand prize and asked regarding the negative consequences Amid the chaotic the (championship) title,” E-Sports Player that one may confront within the combat battlegrounds, some Myvon Carl Simbajon recalled. zone. “[I]t can negatively affect a (player’s) may still find themselves impression of a game and (their) mindset surrendering to their “Among the other clans, we were depending on how they will encounter ultimate solace—a cooldown considered (as) the underdogs who were it,” he continued. from the burden of reality.” trying to make our name in the (professional) scene,” he added. Yet clinching to the hope However, not every contender was *** of thriving is in the ability to look past suppressed in the wrath of its resurgence. Armed with valor are those with the avidity the affairs of deceit. “I think what causes “[G]aming was the one that helped me when I to reform their virtual sanctuary away from (this) is not (knowing how to accept) loss... was alone. It was the one that made me happy. the onslaught of its destructive remnants. My recommendation is...to be happy with It helped me (escape) stress and sadness,” While venturing through this exploration of others’ success [b]ecause everyone has (their) Fornias noted. Amid the chaotic battlegrounds quandary, a profound anticipation may dwell own season.” with vengeful spirits of the opposing in one’s reverie. “Even though [E-Sports] does adversaries, some may still find themselves not guarantee the future of a person, it is still On the other hand, E-Sports Player Neo surrendering to their ultimate solace—a something big,” Fornias declared. “(It) can Tristan Fornias shared, “[G]ames are not cooldown from the burden of reality. change somebody’s life.” perfect. (They) have bugs in (them).” With Conquering pixelated horizons As they deploy towards resetting this the vigor of back and forth steady-aim resolve, battlefield, the repercussions that it has lagged pulling off a staggering sweep may not entirely “(E-Sports) is (going places),” Simbajon behind will embroider a mark on their armors, resonate with what appears on the screen. cited. Steadily imposing a sterling stint of which will grant them vigilance for their “[B]ut taking advantage of [these bugs] just removing its barricades, a yearning for progress next conquest. to win represents toxicity and cheating,” suddenly became unvarnished. “I hope (that) he remarked. the (E-Sports) [i]ndustry (in the Philippines) Respawning in a bloodshed would bloom and provide opportunities for the (Filipinos),” he added. While there are those who had a stunning execution of defense during the brawl, some Somehow, the urge of its awakening fueled still struggle in establishing an offensive an expedition to stave off these glitches that rhythm that may have triggered the disruption inflict havoc. “[T]here is hope for (E-Sports