NEWSLETTER (A4) - Layout

What's Inside? She Who Sits His Journey Upon The to Success BAELS Student's Chair Research Study p. 06 p. 05 Published Abroad p. 03 VOLUME 1 NO. 1 FIRST SEMESTER SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023 OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN JOSE - RECOLETOS, DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE DLL Newsletter - BAELS students cozy up for a photo to commemorate the initial start of the Josenian English Guild newsletter. BAELS STUDENTS LAUNCH MAIDEN ISSUE OF DLL NEWSLETTER The resumption of the face-to-face classes after two years of being by Jericho G. Balote in an online platform has caused re-adjustments to many students in all levels. Along that line, the goal of the DLL professors to She gave emphasis on the purpose of education. She stated the want to provide the BAELS students an avenue to develop their importance of practical skills and application. The skills gained writing skills continues. from the publication will further enhance the creative and writing skills of the students. The Josenian English Guild Publication is a newsletter of the Department of Languages and Literature spearheaded by the 2nd The initiators of the publication hope to spread this fire to other Year BAELS students and a class output of the major course in departments, hoping that what they have started will influence ELS 142- Languages and Journalism, handled by Ms. Hazel others to initiate a publication of their own. Sevilla. The publication is kickstarted by the Department of Languages and Ms. Sevilla, being the previous FORWARD Publications Technical Literature students and will serve as the motivation for others to do Adviser for 16 years, reiterated that it had been one of her goals the same. that student organizations of the different departments should have their own publications, not only to give interested students an Success starts when an idea is initiated and sustained. It requires avenue to write and enhance their writing skills but also to publish constant reinforcement to develop. information on updates on what is happening in their student organizations. The publication is in its infancy and growing requires a solid foundation to be built by the current members and the members “USJ-R is a place of learning where students are cultivated to after to grow into a towering tree. become productive members of the society. I know that this publication will help the students in DLL in their future endeavors and hope that it will be a continued practice,” she expressed.

02 NEWS Josenian English Guild Vol.1 No.1 Face-to-Face Practicum Returns After Two Years by Von T. Rolos The Bachelor of Arts in English Language Izza Abanid, a graduating BAELS student, recalled the struggles Studies (BAELS) resumes its on-campus of her internship during the pandemic and the importance of practicum whichpriasctcilcausmsroowmhicohbsiesrvcaltaiossnroaonmd porbacsetircveattieoanchaindg physical classroom teaching experience in developing practical for School Year p2r0a2c2ti-c2e02te3a.ching for School Year 2022-2023. professional skills. BALES interns can now observe classes in the tertiary level and \"My practicum during the pandemic was very challenging, assist teachers in the classrooms after two years of having it in an especially during my teaching internship. I was not able to online setup. experience teaching the students face-to-face. I could not experience manning a class or taking their quiz because that needs Claire Anne Yongco, a fourth-year BAELS student, shared her to be done via LMS,\" she said. preparation for her face-to-face teaching internship. Abanid also shared her experiences during her virtual internship. \"Above all, self-care is essential in the preparation of my practicum. Teaching is both fun and challenging. So, taking care \"Although there was a teaching demonstration, I would have of yourself, seeking help from colleagues, and managing your wanted it face-to-face because I wanted to gauge if my students time well is important. This allows you to perform better in front really are paying attention and cater their questions in real-time of students,\" Yongco said. without having any connectivity issues,\" Abanid added. Moreover, students expressed their sentiments that face-to-face The face-to-face practicum started in the first semester of School practicum is necessary for establishing a successful teaching Year 2022-2023. practice. BAELS Seniors Join F2F Graduation 2022 by Mike Daniel L. Espeja Von Rolos After nearly two years of non-physical classes during the John Blair pandemic, the first batch of students finally get to experience face- Pacina to-face graduation for the first time since COVID-19 struck. The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected many academic activities Izza Eva Mae since the later part of 2019. Due to the infection, schools were Abanid Marikit forced to momentarily close their doors to any form of onsite schooling and had to adapt to an online setup. Graduation at all Vaniza Mae levels were either delayed or, in the case of few other schools, done Estrebillo online. With the Philippines on its way to Endemic (end of pandemic), authorities start to gradually allow onsite activities, including commencement exercises, provided that schools still observe minimum protocol. Von Tabanao, a graduate from the Bachelor of Arts in English Glynnis Marie Language Studies, came to share his thoughts on these Pateno proceedings. “It is very overwhelming and exciting given that I looked forward to it for the longest time,” he expressed, when asked about his feelings regarding the fact that he will be part of the first batch of graduates post-COVID. Furthermore, when asked why he is excited, he says, “I look forward to be able to wear my toga and of course to be able to celebrate that I finally finished my studies despite the challenges that I encounter.” With that, the next natural question to ask after finding out about “Graduation was not a challenge at all. Hehehe it's the challenges I his thoughts on this matter, are that of the hurdles present for him encountered and finally now [I] graduate.” before his graduation could occur. When asked, he has this to answer with: The 112th Commencement Exercises was held for Josenian graduates of Summer 2022 and the first semester of School Year “As someone who is working and at the same time studying, I was 2022-2023 on December 20 at the Recoletos Coliseum. challenged in terms of managing my time well. I had to work 8 hours at night and after work, I had to go directly to school. It is very difficult to manage both especially if there are so many things I need to submit in school like my outputs.”

Vol.1 No.1 Josenian English Guild NEWS 03 DLL Left the Old But Opens New Office Doors by Von T. Rolos The Department of Languages and Literature \"Actually, it was a small office. It was not even a faculty room, just (DLL) moved its office from the 4th floor to the an office. Now it's an office and a faculty room at the same time,\" 3rd floor of the Sa3nrdJofsloeo(rSoJ)f bthueildSianngJeoasreli(eSrJp)abrtutihldisinygeeaar.rlier part Dr. Bongcales said. this year. The former office was situated at the 4th floor, and it was where Dr. Bongcales also noted how the former office was where the the previous DLL chairs and a few teachers stayed for several DLL started and first came to fruition as a distinguished department in the university. years. Moreover, the office was isolated from most of the DLL faculty The new and improved DLL office has upgraded facilities and is members, who stayed with the rest of the teachers in the college in more spacious. one faculty room located at the 3rd floor. Furthermore, the previous DLL office is currently occupied by the The separate locations between the DLL office and the faculty Office of Curriculum and Instruction (OCI) simultaneously. room means that teachers had to go back and forth between different floors when they had matters to attend to in the main As the school year welcomes the resumption of face-to-face office. classes, it also includes a new base of operations for the DLL. Dr. Marietta Bongcales, the chairperson of the DLL, recalled the simplicity of the former office when asked by the Josenian English Guild if there were any significant memories attached to it. BAELS Student's Research Study Published Abroad by Judah Ephraim V. Bayalas A former student from the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS) had her research study published internationally. The study, titled \"The Growing Popularity of Netspeak Among Millennials: An Analysis of the Emerging Lingo On Facebook Messenger\", was published on Webology, a SCOPUS indexed international peer-reviewed journal. The study talks about \"Net Speak\" (an informal form of written language used on the internet), its growing popularity among people from different generations, and how many of them use it. Glynnis Marie Pateño, the author of this study, was a BAELS student who graduated last July 2022. Pateño also shared how she came up with this kind of topic. \"I came up with the topic \"Net Speak\" because I was curious as to how many (percentage) Millennials, Baby Boomers and Gen Z are using net speak today. Plus nag pandemic pa gyud unya uso na ang online class so I was also wondering how it would affect their studies knowing that net speak is not used academically,\" Pateño shared. Glynnis Marie Pateño

04 NEWS Josenian English Guild Vol.1 No.1 Korean Students Attend the English Language Program Culmination Activity by Alyssa Colleen S. Fernandez Kim Min Seong, one of the Korean students enrolled in the program, said that they made great friends with the BAELS students and looked forward to the days they had the opportunity to meet. \"We learned lots of interesting cultures in the Philippines. This experience was so memorable because we don't have many chances to do presentations in English,\" she said. Meanwhile, Lee Song Woo, the Center for Premier International Language Studies (CPILS) Marketing and Duty Manager, expressed his gratitude to the BAELS students who took part in the ELP Buddy System. \"Whenever I see our buddies [the students], I really love them. Their energy, their personality and character. So, thank you very much. I really want to take them to [South Korea],\" he said. Koreans and BAELS students took a group picture after receiving their The ELP Buddy System, which employs the use of a certificates. conversational approach, started on September 30. In this program, the Korean students are made to immerse themselves in Philippine The Department of Languages and Literature (DLL) commenced Culture while simultaneously improving and practicing their skills the culmination activity of its English Language Program (ELP) in English. Buddy System attended by Korean students at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Main Campus Audio Visual Room The Korean students learned about various topics from the (AVR), on December 2, Friday. program, such as the country's festivals, destinations, languages, folk beliefs, dances and cuisine, among others. This is also a big Fourth-year students from the Bachelor of Arts in English opportunity for BAELS students, who are part of the buddy system Language Studies (BAELS), who were assigned to be the to apply their fluency of the English language while learning a \"buddies\" of the participating Korean Students in the program, different culture as well. displayed energy-inducing performances and intermission numbers. The culmination activity marked the conclusion of the program, and the Korean students were set to go back to South Korea the Moreover, the Korean students prepared their own comical skits, following week. which portrayed the themes of \"Traveling in the Philippines\" and \"Korean Folk Beliefs.\" BAELS Students Exhibit Artistic Talents in Cebu Literary Festival by Rhaven Mae B. Ando Cebu local artists, writers, authors, and However, business aside, I wanted to share cosplayers gathered during the Cebu Literary my first acrylic painting. Oil painting is my Festival held at Cebu Ayala Activity Center forte, and my artwork, \"Whiteface,\" is one of on November 26, 2022. my pioneering works using acrylics. So, I'm grateful that despite not being able to make it Second-year students of the Bachelor of Arts to Madrid, I was still able to share my work in English Language Studies (BAELS) from here [in Cebu].\" she said. the University of San Jose - Recoletos (USJ- R), Daniella Kristine Lerio and Judah Meanwhile, Bayalas took his artwork Ephraim Bayalas, participated in the event inspiration from a Korean indie singer, Dori. and exhibited their talents in painting. \"My artwork, \"2 o'clock,\" is inspired by 2 Lerio exhibited her art, \"Whiteface,\" a o'clock by Dori. There is no deep meaning to portrait of her pet bird painted with acrylics. it. I was just amazed about the singer's album cover, so I decided to paint it as my \"It was my entry for an international art reference,\" he said. competition in Madrid, but unfortunately, I didn't make it. So, since my painting was just The Cebu Literary Festival is a three-day stored in my room, I was planning to sell it event showcasing Cebuano artistic talents. and hoping for someone interested to buy it. Lerio and Bayalas holding their art pieces.

Vol.1 No.1 Josenian English Guild FEATURE 05 She Who Sits Upon The Chair by Mike Daniel L. Espeja That’s just an ordinary thing for me.” In Yet out of everything, the biggest short, while the job of chair is her latest takeaway from the interview regarding Dr. position, a job is still a job. Bongcales’ term is that of embracing responsibility. Her words regarding this When asked how she got the chairmanship, topic when presented to her via the she quickly dispelled the notion of voting reference to the quote “With Great Power getting her in. Rather, it was by appointment. Comes Great Responsibility” by Uncle However, this sort of appointment did not Ben in Sam Raimi’s Spiderman was, “Ah, happen like how one would get appointed a yes. That’s uh… Spiderman’s statement Green Lantern like in the comic books, or a no? I love it, until now. The moment you king by a magical sword in a stone. Rather, say yes to a position, that is tantamount to there is a process to these sorts of things, a embracing all the responsibilities. That’s process which Dr. Bongcales was happy to what I’ve been doing. Even before I provide. became the chair, I was the, for 24 years, I was the secretary for Arts and Sciences. “There is no voting. It is an appointment So with the bulk of the work I did before, I… this… this is… this is just an ordinary from the… the recommendation comes from thing. Being busy? As chair? That’s just an ordinary thing for me.” the VP Acad- no actually, from the Dean. Then the Dean’s recommendation goes to A powerful lesson to be learned from this is how simply and how easily she took on the VP Acad. Then, the VP Acad has it the mantle of chairmanship. While the role may have been somewhat thrust upon her, Dr. Marietta Bongcales forwarded to the HR. Then the HR will based on how she answered every forward it to the President’s office.” question, she simply accepted because she knew she was needed and so did what she She also said that her term is based on a was needed to. No fuss, no drama, no backing away. Dr. Marietta Bongcales is One of the most iconic lines ever said in contract which she has to renew yearly, or as she who sits upon the chair. cinema history was that of Ben Parker’s just she puts it, “Um… yearly. And it has to be before he passed away. “With Great Power renewed. Actually, we’re signing a contract, comes Great responsibility.” This is a so it’s a yearly contract. And my contract sentiment echoed throughout all parts of expires in July, next year. That is based on society, even in school. This very same the contract that I signed. So they have to sentiment rings strongly within the wait if ever.” University of San Jose-Recoletos’ While how she got to where she is now is Department of Languages and Literature. important, an equally, if not arguably more With this in mind, when the time comes to important aspect is her current experiences change seats, the role of Chair must be given as the DLL chairman. In response to this to the person who can handle the curiosity, The Guild asked Dr. Bongcales responsibility that such power entails. Yet how she felt about her daily working life as a who could fit that role? chairman. This is what she has to say about Introducing Dr. Marietta Bongcales, a it. Doctor of Philosophy in English who majors “I do enjoy it. As what I told you, in Language and with a Master of Arts in responsibilities can be, can be embraced English. actually. So it depends on the disposition of In an interview with the Josenian English the person. And, also when you’re happy Guild, Dr. Bongcales confirmed that this is doing your job why not? So that is also my actually her second year as the DLL chair. principle. If I am happy, and I feel like I’ve While she is not exactly ‘new’ to the job, she done something great, then why should I is indeed the latest to take up the mantle. pout and keep on, like, prodding. It’s not However, that is not to be confused with her worth it so…” being new on the scene as she has stated, “30 Now the job as a chairman is something akin years. I was an awardee during the service to an overseer of her department, as such, awards night. I was one of those awardees. her job to put it into her own words, “The This is my 30th and proud to be, to have responsibilities should pass through me first been connected in this institution,” when and then I’ll be delegating.” asked how long she’s been part of this “Yes. That’s true. It’s actually a institution. collaborative effort. I cannot read all. This was not her first time. She Hahahaha.” enthusiastically narrated that, “Even before I became the chair, I was the, for 24 years, I In the end, there really are very many was the secretary for Arts and Sciences.” To similarities between teachers and students. add to that, she notes the mundanity of her The main true differences are the workload job when she said, “So with the bulk of the and who is on the receiving end of being work I did before, I… this… this is… this is taught within the classroom. just an ordinary thing. Being busy? As chair? That’s just an ordinary thing for me.” In short, while the job of chair is her latest position, a job is still a job.

06 FEATURE Josenian English Guild Vol.1 No.1 His Journey to Success by Jericho G. Balote Mr. Amadeo F. Narca to take another step forward. He might not the undisputed claim to Dean of SAS see the destination, but he can see the next the position. step. Through many years of effort, he He gave emphasis on his process of getting eventually became the Dean of the into USJ-R, as well as the amount of effort School of Arts and Sciences making new and years of dedication sacrificed throughout heights in his professional career as an his journey. educator. The School of Arts and Sciences welcomes “It was actually an accident that I got into The life journey of Dean Amadeo F. an educator with vast and diverse USJ-R. I was taking my Master’s Degree Narca was full of twists and turns; experiences throughout his academic career. and one of the staff overheard my nevertheless, despite all the odds his Mr. Amadeo F. Narca, the newly appointed presentation. The staff told me that I could efforts bore fruit and granted him Dean of SAS, started his exciting journey as be a potential teacher in USJ-R; eventually, I success. As someone who experienced a literature professor in USJ-R and later tried applying and passed,” he said. the vicissitudes and hardships in life, he became the DLL Chair. gave a piece of advice to fellow The way he illustrated his journey educators to succeed in their endeavors. As a young individual pursuing success, his showcased that life is about perseverance, life is a constant journey toward self- skill, and luck. He persevered in his studies “The one advice I can give is to start improvement. One of the essences of life to gain the necessary skills, and afterward, from the basics and the foundation. The required to succeed in the journey is to luck gave him an outlet to portray those nature of this work requires more than remember one's roots and start from the skills. one individual. A great individual is not basics. In life, facing challenges that come is known for what he has done, but rather, an integral part of the journey. One of the main turning points in his life is for what his subordinates have done in his appointment as the chairperson of DLL. his name,” he expressed. He was not well-endowed financially and He shared that this particular journey took constantly struggled to reach his current ten years of his life. This fact showcased that The Dean of the School of Arts in heights. He gave emphasis remembering the success is not instant; without putting in the Sciences gave advice complementing his basics and one's roots. He continued to push time and effort, success cannot be reached. position, status, and demeanor. He through his journey not knowing where it accurately portrayed the key to the would lead. The journey was undoubtedly a tough one. success of an organization, giving most The amount of years of educational of the credit not to himself but to those The journey was tough; there were times the experience and service he has done for the with him throughout the journey. destination became blurry. The road was full university alone is enough to reach the of twists and turns. He encouraged himself position as chairperson. His skills, consistent to positive performance, and humility allowed the undisputed claim to the position. Josenian English Guild: A Pioneering Catalyst by Rhaven Mae B. Ando English language as an indispensable tool in Leal added a message encouraging BAELS EsEmmsssototnnuuaauuggddjjnnoolleeddiirrnnsssshhtt..ssmmffaattiiooeeyyllddccbb..ooeeTTnntthhmmiieennoouupprreeeeaatttthhhhccwwhheeiiaaaarrllyylleeppnnooaaggffssiissnnaaiiooggnnnn EEtthhiinnnnaaggnnllttiihhssiihheett Josenian the human endeavors\" and with their English Guild mission \"to effectively equip the members with the knowledge and skills to further Logo intensify the significance of the English Language as a way of life.” Following a two-year pandemic, the University of San Jose - Recoletos (USJ-R) Patricia Jean Leal, a fourth-year BAELS ‘’If you believe you can make it, it will Department of Languages and Literature student and current JEG president outlined happen. Paired with hard work and revivified the identity for its student her aspirations in her tenure to promote the determination, manifesting can be that extra organization, Josenian English Guild, organization by introducing the push to your road to success. It may never establishing the pride of the Bachelor of department’s name and becoming eminent be an easy road to study English for it may Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS). as an organization that brings pride to the be a foreign language to some and may also become a hurdle for those who doubt The organization was previously named institution. Josenian Language League (JLL 2019) and themselves, but just remember to have fun during the School Year 2019-2020, it was then renamed as Josenian English Guild As per Leal, the goal of JEG is to make the and believe in yourself.\" Leal added. (JEG) under John Blair Pacina's term as Interim President. transition easier for incoming first years and JEG also aims to revive the international to make BAELS recognized at the internship program in BAELS after a two- The Josenian English Guild (JEG) university, as the program needed to be year pandemic. The program widens the highlights the vision \"to be the prime better known among students. language experience of BAELS students as catalysts in inculcating the essence of the English language as an indispensable tool in “Our vision was to make the transition English majors through acknowledging the the human endeavors\" and with their easier for the upcoming first years and to paramount importance of the English mission \"to effectively equip the members make our program (BA ELS) known and language in the professional field. with the knowledge and skills to further fun throughout the semester,” Leal said.

Vol.1 No.1 Josenian English Guild FEATURE 07 A Page of Her Story by Daniella Kristine L. Lerio A dream will only come true if one works for it. Rhaven Ando, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in English LanguagEe nSgtluisdhieLsa(nBgAuaEgLeSS)tusdtuiedsen(Bt,AisELaSy)osutundgento,velist eyeing to build a career in the international field. She views her journey as a book author on a rollercoaster ride, wondering where her stories will take her. Pursuing one's aspirations takes much work. Ando noted how Ando and her published books difficult it is to be a young writer, being compared to big-time authors, and not being acknowledged. She went on to say that support is essential. \"Being compared to other authors and not being acknowledged as a \"JK Rowling's book Harry Potter was rejected 12 times until she writer makes me feel a little saddened. Sometimes they'll ask me found a publisher who tried to give it a shot. So for those people about my book, but they'll eventually shrug it off since they'll who are into writing novels, keep on writing. To those who want to compare it to works by well-known authors. However, I use that as try, give it a shot. Us writers are the reason why there are movies. motivation to work harder and improve as a writer,\" Ando narrated. Be proud and humble,\" Ando added. During the pandemic, Ando received an offer in the United Arab Being a novelist entails intense enthusiasm for writing. Realizing Emirates (UAE). She signed a contract in 2020 as a novelist in a one's dreams takes time. It does not happen overnight. The road story-sharing platform company where her works are published. may be arduous at times. However, to strive means to keep going The online sharing platform allows writers to publish their works despite obstacles. online and reach wider audiences. Ando left a mark on her share by voicing how rejection could be a Ando's recent book, Missing Heirs Series 3: Nathan Montanari, is golden motivation in disguise to aspiring writers who dreamed of currently in publication, collaborating with Philippine-based becoming one. authors. \"Don't fear rejection, and keep writing, don't put your pen down As an inspiration to other young writers, Ando cites Toni because the time will come you'll start writing your own story. Morrison's statement, \"If there is a book you want to read and it Some writers in the industry have been rejected several times before a page of their life began to shine. So, why can't you?\" she hasn't been written yet, then you must create it.\" remarked. From One Worldview to Another by Alyssa Colleen S. Fernandez As a foreign student who took up Bachelor Undoubtedly, studying BAELS in USJ-R has helped Sister Jinping of Arts in English Language Studies in her capabilities in English, taking steps little by little. She (BAELS) in University of San Jose- acknowledged that being exposed to and using English in her Recoletos (USJ-R), Jinping Yang showed no classes contributed significantly to her comprehension and less than a compelling progress in her speaking skills. journey and found comfort in a new venture. She also highlighted the meaningful connections and relationships Sister Jinping leads a very eventful life as a she has formed in USJ-R apart from the academic side of things. \"I Chinese student from BAELS and a nun am enjoying my stay here, because it is an enriching experience, simultaneously. She has already lived in not only in academic learning but also I can feel the hospitality and other countries apart from the Philippines, kindness of all my teachers and classmates,\" she said. such as South Korea, Vietnam and Colombia, so the experience of having to Sister Jinping has learned a lot of basic words and expressions in adapt to a different environment is not new Cebuano throughout her stay in Cebu, a fruit of her personal efforts to her. in learning the language and connecting with her peers. Sister Jinping emphasized that during her \"I am willing to learn the native language more, in order to have first day in USJ-R, she felt the warm more interactions with the native [people]. I really appreciate the personalities of her peers despite the initial culture, so much respect for the religious, and Filipinos are very anxiety of meeting new people from a welcoming and friendly towards the foreigners. I can say that I will different culture. \"I felt very shy and nervous have more fun in the Philippines,\" she ascertained. Sr. Jinping Yang with the new atmosphere, as well as I felt As a student and a nun, Sister Jinping has to balance her studies very comfortable because of the welcoming and her responsibilities in the community, though this ultimately attitude of my teachers and classmates,\" she did not prove to be a detriment to her academic performance and expressed. her enjoyment of school activities and classes. She is grateful for She shared her aspirations and goals in studying English Language all the people who guided her and contributed to her smooth Studies and noted that she desires to be an English teacher in China adjustment in USJ-R, and she is looking forward to more pleasant as part of her mission for the future. experiences in the university and in the country she came to grow fond of.

08 EDITORIAL Josenian English Guild Vol.1 No.1 COVID DIES BUT STRUGGLES CONTINUE As the Philippines transitioned to the new normal, the progressive unpreparedness of the institution to immediately jump to holding resumption of the face-to-face classes for both public and private full-blown face-to-face classes. The shortage of available schools has been the precedent of the government. classrooms disrupted classes in several major subjects of BAELS, and some professors had to hold online sessions with inconsistent In conformity with the state's mandate of onsite learning, the class schedules. University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) resumed its full face-to- face classes in the tertiary level on September 12, 2022, weeks after Students have to scramble to find a stable internet connection on the opening of classes for the first semester of the recent school campus to attend the online classes on time because some virtual year. Hence, after two years, Josenians finally met their classmates sessions were immediately before or after a face-to-face class. and professors face-to-face. Likewise, some professors had no choice but to hold their sessions on Saturdays since it was the only day when classrooms were less However, as part of the strategic approach to transition to a face-to- packed than on weekdays. In adjusting to each other's schedules, face setup, the University must also consider flexible preparation professors and students had to consider their vacant times and the on classroom availability. classrooms that would be unoccupied during said periods. The beginning of the face-to-face classes in USJ-R was a little Gradual reopening of face-to-face classes is a necessity. It would cluttered. It was evident that things needed to be more timely and be ideal if the University effectively utilized blended learning or thoughtfully planned. Now is the time to make adjustments for limited face-to-face classes to transition to full face-to-face classes everyone transitioning from virtual to face-to-face learning. properly. It would be preferable if there were an agreed-upon However, how can schools create a smooth transition with schedule for when each program would meet physically. inadequate preparation? Preparation provides equitable access to classroom usage for all programs in an organized learning environment. The lack of available classrooms for the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS) students showed the unpreparedness of the institution to immediately jump to holding ful OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN JOSE - RECOLETOS, DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE EDITORIAL BOARD & STAFF VOLUME 1 NO. 1 FIRST SEMESTER SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023 Daniella Kristine L. Lerio Rhaven Mae B. Ando Mrs. Hazel G. Sevilla Editor-in-Chief Jericho G. Balote Adviser Alyssa Colleen S. Fernandez Judah Ephraim V. Bayalas Associate Editor-in-Chief Mike Daniel L. Espeja Von T. Rolos Staff Writers

Vol.1 No.1 Josenian English Guild OPINION 09 OPINION by Judah Ephraim V. Bayalas The Department of Languages and Literature (DLL) launched its own newsletter created by the 2nd-year students from the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies, led by Mrs. Hazel Sevilla. Prior to this launching, we asked the opinion of some BAELS students from different year levels on: \"What are your expectations towards the launching of DLL's newsletter?\" Mary Gayle Gelig, 4th year BAELS student \"Personally, the thing about launching a newsletter for the first time is that it does not necessarily merit expectations. It's fun to start something from scratch! After all, it is when we are unbridled that we are at our most creative selves. I could only hope for this spirit of novelty to remain the same in the succeeding issues.\" Brams Albarote, 1st year BAELS student \"I am confident this young publication will be an archive of fine compositions by Josenians, in three, four years— academic and creative.\" Joash Bustamante, 3rd year BAELS student \"I expect the DLL's first newsletter to be both informative and entertaining to read. As a member of the DLL community, I am looking forward to the first issue of the newsletter which I believe will contain the essence of the talented writers in the DLL community. This newsletter may very well serve as a beacon that beckons potential BAELS students and such thoughts warm my heart.\" Melona Michelle Ubas, 2nd year irregular student \"Since BAELS students are going to be making this newsletter, I expect their works to be well detailed and very informative.\"

10 ART & LITERARY Josenian English Guild Vol.1 No.1 A Knight in Sense of Self Alyssa Colleen S. Fernandez Daffodils Dull ashen room, gathering dust, me alone Daniella Kristine L. Lerio Broken facade as i numb every bone Frail limbs laying dormant in vacation Keeping the tale when the sky dreamed Fell in the void with no compensation of the moon he onced kissed. Tried out identities to feel something Everytime he prayed eternity, Psyche blinded Marie’s wings But all I sensed was my farewell awaiting Murmurs in my head predicted my end Vying for time in the hands of death, Strived not to succumb to the gloomy friend he ride in tears — with a yearning breath. An intimate tune cradled me in its grasp My body burned forcing from me a gasp In the distant day, Sensations in me gradually woke up the tale he kept In fear of losing I rose in abrupt whispered far away. Fractured parts rushed to fit back into place Flames reignited like a warm embrace Now, dawn once again came — but she’s carrying daffodils Maybe I’ve jerked myself free from a trance when a knight took it Or the perfect tune reached my heart by chance. to the blissful hills. I WANT YOU TO SEE THESE BONES WRONG Mary Gayle T. Gelig Rhaven Mae B. Ando i want you to see these bones Is it wrong to feel pain? that poke out coyly above my neckline Even if there's no special connection to that person? let your eyes roam as your fingers would Is it wrong to go on? and hesitate where the gap lies Even if the pain in the heart will completely stain? Is it wrong? To love that person for so long? i want you to see these bones that peek out of my sleeves the day after Is it wrong to feel in love? see the slopes that run and stop short Even though you know he’s not for you? at what little skin i expose of my shoulders Is it wrong to hope for you? Even if my heart is all that I have? i want you to see these bones Is it wrong? To see the future, our happy ending? that cradle the child that shifts and kicks and echo its cries of carnal desire in songs that reverberate from my ribs Visions of you dancing with me Holding my hand, as we sway to the rhythm I know that we’re meant to be i want you to see these bones Hoping for it, is now tiresome that desperately push against my skin Knowing that it’s impossible for you and me. that long for the caress of the bones of your fingers from my breastbone down to my shins I wish I could sing a song But all of this felt so wrong. i want you to see these bones in canine hunger and childlike awe take in the sight of these bones causing my body to bend, to snap, to sprawl dig in your nails and tear my skin open dig in through my flesh and turn me inside out dig in this grave of a body long forgotten my bones are fossils waiting to be found

Vol.1 No.1 Josenian English Guild ART & LITERARY 11 Stylist: Humidity recreation of Yojiro Arai's Digi Painting Artist: Cindy Limalima Je suis femme Artist: Cindy Limalima Snapshoot Artist: Cindy Limalima Maiden Empress Rhaven Mae B. Ando DUNE Artist: Miguel Librando

12 ART & LITERARY Josenian English Guild Vol.1 No.1 Birds, Flowers, and Butterflies George Manuel B. Ilosorio A new dawn rises in the forest and rays of the sun land upon our feathery friend nestled in its humble abode. It awoke near the fragments of its eggshells and made its way to the edge of its nest. The little bird whom we’ll call Archie, a young small avian with a curious mind, is about to start a new day. Archie slants his head looking at the ground with eyes of a curious nature wondering what it would be like to feel the brown-colored texture of the ground with its small and tender claws. He slowly leans towards the dirt, entranced by the thought, and then falls headfirst. As he falls, he spreads his wings hoping to embrace its existence, but as he does, he glides and the view of the ground slightly slows down in zooming to Archie’s fragile face. His attention then transitions from the once interested brown ground to his petite and dainty wings in great wonder, thinking of the possibilities he could do midair. He flaps once, he notices that he was able to climb the air with gusts that he can control from the might of his little wings, he flaps twice knowing that he can then go higher, and finally flaps a third time to gratefully use the wings that were given to him by the world. He flies up directly and notices how much energy it drains from him, so he tries to fly at an incline and it works. Then he tries to find a spot from the tops of trees for him to go through to be at a place where nature cannot reach, and the thought of it excites him very much so. He then finds one and flaps his wings towards it with such haste. Clawed shadows of trees whiz past him and spots of light only get seconds of attention from this little bird’s feathers for it is determined to get to its destination. As he reaches the branches of said trees, loose leaves awaiting adventure from its dull productive life cling on to this bird’s persistent zephyr of a breeze as it pierces through them and passes through a “gateway” to the sky from the forest that Archie was in. He climbs and climbs the air with wings as his tender limbs off of these formless but encouraging ladders of ever-changing winds guiding his determination along a course leading to his destination. What awaits above was the gaze of a yellow sphere which he sees from his peripherals whom Archie thought was more grand than his wings for he does not know its true nature whence the truth of such admirable beauty was only left to the little bird’s mystery. He tries to gaze back at it and with that attempt he was blinded for its beauty was not tame enough to be seen by this unfortunate bird’s eyes. Seconds pass and a gentle shadow looms in front him, protecting him from the wild beauty emitted from the great sphere. Then… as the bird hovers with its eyes closed seeing through his eyelids that no yellow hue overwhelms his sight… he opens it to witness the grandiose entrance of a soft giant cotton white form before him and his curious mind wanders of how much knowledge he has gained of the world he was in. As he admires the beauty of the great white cotton, shades of blue entered his view and his gaze wandered towards it… it was above him, and above him was a formless ever-expanding blue hue, a kind and gentle color. He wonders of its properties and as to why water was above him rather than below. Perplexed, he thinks hard as to why that is. As all of his thoughts of it ended nowhere, he then flew higher to touch the blue color trapped in the sky above, the grand blue. He cannot touch it for it was all around him from above. Then… he fell, for his lungs cannot breathe anymore and made our little Archie unconscious. He fell with great speed past lines of light and leaves and branches. Seconds after, he woke and quickly regained his composure from the fall, avoiding great tragedy, and as he did a beautiful sight appeared before him. An azure-colored butterfly flaps its wings around some hospitable welcoming yellow-colored plant. Then he thought to himself that these were the sights from above of the adventure he just had very recently and mumbled his thoughts randomly as to how one great beautiful sight be as pretty from above as it is from the forest below. He thinks of the world to be weird and for weird to be the world’s greatest quirk as it gives existence their most grand qualities, uniqueness. This contrast of beauty from above as do below or from below as do the above left Archie an admirable impression of the world. He was thankful and blessed to have been able to experience such beautiful perspectives in his adventure and felt content in this very moment. So Archie flies back up to the nest where his mother now returned and cuddles with him looking at both the view from up high as does the view of those below, with great pleasure and appreciation. The End