Amaranth

30/07/2024

𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗠𝗬 ✨ 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗨𝗟𝗨 ✨ 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 🫂

Today, July 30, we celebrate International Friendship Day—for friends we made a long time ago, or along the way, or those we no longer talk to yet still think about every now and then. Or friends we like to poke fun and laugh with!

Tag your friends who shares the same “delulu” personality as you!



(Graphics and Made Especially by Chubi | Amaranth)

29/07/2024

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜: Team Alice Guo Home consisting of Dhea Angela Capuyan and Sam Josephus Biliran from the Visayas State University (VSU) Debate Society (DebSoc) notched a spot in the Grand Finals for open qualifiers during the 8th Visayas Universities Debate Championship in British Parliamentary format, held virtually last July 26-28, 2024.

They competed against 30 other teams across the Visayas region. The grand finals revolved on the concept of “dangal” or honor and how one defends it amidst social pressure.

In an interview with AMARANTH, Dhea Angela Capuyan reflected on their grand finals theme about how Filipinos seek premium in dangal or honor.

"Since Filipinos continually place a premium on how we view dangal, it questions the intent of our actions. It begs to ask if we are only doing these merits just for the sake of having dangal or do we use dangal as a weapon to use against oppression," said Capuyan.

Furthermore, Harriett Lynne Nabonillo, President of VSU DebSoc highlighted her learnings of consistently competing in debate tournaments.

“Being aware of that fact and recognizing our strengths and weaknesses makes it easier for us in remembering to become the better versions than we were days, weeks, months, and even years before. I believe this is an asset that I’ll continue to develop and bring with me as we continue with our journey in joining more and bigger tournaments,” said Nabonillo.

Here are the full Team and Individual final results from VSU DebSoc:

Team Alice Guo Home (Dhea Angela Capuyan and Sam Josephus Biliran) - Grand Finalist

Bonillo’s (Harriett Lynne Nabonillo and Tracy Antoneth Solis) - Open Quarter Finalist

G.O.A.T Debaters (Den Malayo and Lebron Ponce) - Pre-Quarter Finalist

Individual

Sam Josephus Biliran - 4th Best Speaker
Tracy Antoneth Solis - 4th Best Speaker
Harriett Lynne Nabonillo - 4th Best Speaker
Ephraim Philippe Sarabia - 6th Best Judge
Dhea Angela Capuyan - 7th Best Speaker

The Visayas Debate Union (VDU) Executive Committee, in partnership with Cebu Inter-school Debating Association (CIDA) spearheaded the said event.

(via Michael Joshua Nemenzo | Amaranth)
(Photo courtesy of 8th Visayas Universities Debate Championship in British Parliamentary FB Page)

(Erratum: Some parts of this report were edited for better clarity.)

29/07/2024

𝗜𝗡𝗧'𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: The athletes came from the countries of Syria, Cameroon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Iran, and Afghanistan and is led by their ‘Cheffe de Mission’ Masomah Ali Zada, a member of the Refugee team and a 2020 Olympic cyclist.

Read more.

The official student media organization of the Visayas State University

28/07/2024

Native trees play a crucial role in preserving our country's unique ecosystems and supporting local wildlife. By choosing native species over non-native ones, we help maintain biodiversity and promote sustainable growth.

As we celebrate World Nature Conservation Day today, July 28, let's prioritize the planting of trees like Narra, Dao, and Molave to restore and preserve the natural beauty of the Philippines.

Together, let's make a positive impact on our environment for a greener future. 🌳

(Illustration by Lazir Cañada | Amaranth)

27/07/2024

𝗜𝗡𝗧'𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: The 2024 Paris Olympics will run until August 11. The Philippines seeks to surpass its commendable medal haul from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the country bagged its first gold, two silvers, and one bronze – its best performance so far in the world sporting event.

Read more.

The official student media organization of the Visayas State University

26/07/2024

In three decades, the Philippines returns with its biggest delegation yet to conquer the grand stage of international sporting excellence at the Summer Olympics!

May each drop of sweat be a testament to their relentless pursuit of pride and determination, and may every step they take carry the weight of a nation's hopes and dreams. Aim not just for gold, but to represent the Philippines with dignity and sportsmanship.

Go forth in glory and show the world the true spirit of Filipino strength and resilience. 🇵🇭🏅

(Graphics by Kacey | Amaranth)

26/07/2024

𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

[COLUMN] by: Sean Marcus V. David | Amaranth

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently held his 3rd State of the Nation Address at the Plenary Session hall of the Batasang Pambansa. With the entire Congress of the Philippines in attendance and the whole event broadcasted in all forms or media, the President bragged about his administration's supposed infrastructure achievements; he bragged about schools, roads, and even grand bridges spanning waterways far wider than those his father had dared before him. He also bragged about a supposed 5,500 flood control infrastructure projects, with more to come nationwide, followed by some vague nationalist sentiments on the West Philippine Sea, ending with a thunderous applause as congressmen shouted “BBM!” in the sacred halls of democracy. With people from all across the aisle rather pleased from his greatest sycophants, to the most unaligned liberal, his address was nothing short of a success. Vapid, but serviceable.

Two days later, Super Typhoon Carina hammers down on the Capital.

Metro Manila drowns as floods rush its waterways in levels never before felt except 15 years ago with Typhoon Ondoy, a storm that barreled down on Manila and hit the country directly; only this time Carina was far off in Taiwan. It was harrowing to see people climb on buses attempting to go to work in a city attempting to resume normal operations in apocalyptic circumstances, nevermind live videos of workers trapped in the middle of rushing rivers for hours on end waiting for deliverance or death. In this perfect storm, it’s hard to believe that the recent SONA truly gave the truth in the meat of the matter, when one of the more matter-of-factly claims in it turns out to be a sham in the worst way possible.

And how wouldn’t it be? Not when the administration continues to turn a blind eye on multiple studies stretching back to 1932 detailing the most flood prone portions of Manila and its surrounding cities. Not when it ignores calls and pleas for the restoration of floodplains, swamplands, mangrove forests or even just declogging the drainage basins of Manila Bay, to which a majority of rivers from Central Luzon drain into. Not when it does not even attempt to set up proper soft infrastructure, particularly with Waste disposal, in favor of massive hard Infrastructure projects. And especially not when the administration continues to turn the city, and many more places nationwide, into urban hellscapes of pure concrete encroaching even further on what little wetlands are left, and an expansion of private reclamation projects particularly in Manila Bay that not only exacerbate the already horrible flooding problem in Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces, but also threaten to destroy the flora and fauna the government claims to value, many of which are endemic to this bay.

It all of course becomes clear why all of this happened with a bit of reading into the history of this government run like a corporation. Hard flood control infrastructure projects are simply more visible, quicker, and much cheaper than the long-term solutions offered by increasing the social standards of the population at large. The skyways oppressing the once verdant skylines of Manila offer the well-off a solution to the traffic plaguing the commoners below. And when the rich and powerful get to live in artificial islands of opulence safe from these dangers, who cares if the poor eventually drown and die?

It seems to me, then, that Carina’s arrival two days after the SONA was a case of karmic Irony. I would even dare say it was the hand of God himself hosing away the perfume Marcos applied to his administration. And when in its immediate aftermath, the President waves to the poor in his dinky military truck, pointing the blame at the common person for supposed lack of discipline once again as he romps himself around in a bid to increase his popularity, whilst the Vice President is in another country entirely, escaping her responsibilities not just as a public official, but also as a citizen of this nation.

This in turn shows that the thin veneers are finally washed away, revealing the true state of the nation: a resilient people ruled by a government that serves only the interests of the rich and powerful, one slave to the whims of the capital, and no hopes to reform from within.

💬

(Graphics by Chubi | Amaranth)
(Photo courtesy by the Philippine Star)

25/07/2024

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡: For his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. spoke for 1 hour and 22 minutes, yet not a single minute did he try to address the state of press freedom in the country.

Read more.

The official student media organization of the Visayas State University

25/07/2024

𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬: July 25 is the day wherein we commemorate the essence of student journalism and the significance of press freedom within the academe. Republic Act No. 11440, also known as the Campus Press Freedom Act of 2019, stands as a beacon of empowerment for student campus journalists, granting them the right to freely report and express their views without censorship or intimidation.

On this special day, we, Amaranth, reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights enshrined in RA 11440 and to promote a culture where the voices of student journalists are respected and protected. Happy National Campus Press Freedom Day to all student writers, editors, and advocates of free speech!

In the name of truth and standing by it, we shall remain ✒️

(Graphics by Bien Christoper Elizaga | Amaranth)

24/07/2024

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: In his 1 hour and 22 minutes speech, Marcos Jr. discussed many of his administration’s achievements and future plans for the remaining four years of his term. However, not all relevant issues in the country were included in the president’s report. In here, Amaranth outlined what Marcos Jr. tackled in his SONA and what he missed.

The official student media organization of the Visayas State University

24/07/2024

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗡: Nobody has it easy, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs) who faces immobility. Accessible resources and facilities in public spaces serve as a huge help to alleviate their day-to-day struggles.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) seems to be unaware from this and is obviously detached from the real-life struggles of PWDs after their newly-inagurated PWD ramp at the EDSA-Philam station in Quezon City last July 15 drew flak for being too high and steep which makes it unsafe for the intended users.

As disappointing as this is for MMDA, this occurrence is not a foreign news. Despite various efforts executed for workers with disabilities, they remain inadequate. Many PWDs continue to experience discrimination, unequal rights, and limited opportunities to function efficiently in society.

(via Khietanya De La Corta | Amaranth)
(Cartoon by Faith Andrea Bolima | Amaranth)

24/07/2024

Check out the blocked schedules for the upcoming 1st semester of AY 2024-2025.

for A.Y. 2024-2025 1st Semester Blocked Schedule

23/07/2024

𝗦𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆...𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 💁🏻‍♀️

Progress may be the successful end result we see, it isn't linear—putting yourself first is also part of the process.

As we celebrate International Self Care Day, this is a reminder that it isn't selfish to take breaks. So, better take care of yourself, drink water, eat something yummy! You deserve self care before going anywhere!



(Graphics by Chubi | Amaranth)

23/07/2024

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦: For Filipino sports fans, the excitement is palpable. This year marks the Philippines' 100th participation in the Olympics—a historic milestone that coincides with an even more promising development: a larger-than-ever delegation set to carry the nation’s hopes and dreams.

Read more.

The official student media organization of the Visayas State University

22/07/2024

: In an apparent display of the administration’s accomplishments, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) this afternoon, July 22, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Underscoring certain issues that the Philippines faces in his term, Pres. Marcos address highlighted his public order of ultimately banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), in effect as of today.

“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system and laws must stop. Kailangan na itigil ang pang gulo nito sa ating lipunan at pag lalapastangan sa ating bansa…effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Pres. Marcos ordered.

Marcos then touches on the country’s pressing economic issues brought in by high inflation rate, high prices of basic commodities. He acknowledged the failing local agricultural output faced by local farmers due to high rice importation and weighed in on his ‘P20 kilo rice’ promise during the Presidential election.

Investment pledges internationally have also continued to pour in the country in his term which will help boost the high unemployment problem among Filipinos.

President Marcos adheres to the asserting aggression of China in the West Philippines Sea but also stood his ground that the country cannot ‘yield’ or waver in the ongoing sea dispute.

“The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” said Pres. Marcos.

In the educational sector, Marcos challenged the newly appointed DEPED secretary Sonny Angara to be fully submerged in the need of ‘thorough’ checks and balances on teaching and textbook qualities while aiming to lessen ‘classroom and digital gap’. Marcos says that teachers should have given more growth opportunities.

“Wala nang public school teacher na magre-retire na Teacher 1 lamang,” he stated.

The SONA meant to put out the visor on his current achievements, as well as to uplift Filipinos in heels with the administration’s key priorities albeit the coming of the 2025 National election.

(via Fred Vincent Marfori | Amaranth)
(Graphics by Chubi | Amaranth)
(Photo courtesy by the Daily Tribune Philippines via X)

22/07/2024

𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: With only 4 months to spare before the 2024 Elections this November, current President of the United States Joseph R. Biden has announced today, at 1:46 am PHT, that he will withdraw his bid for reelection to the highest office of the world’s sole superpower. The announcement came via a communique disseminated through his personal social media accounts.

Biden’s withdrawal comes amidst a wide range of dissent within the Democratic Party, from a grassroots level up to the highest echelons of power, coming to a crescendo after a disastrous debate held by CNN last June 28, 2024, between him and former president Donald J. Trump, seriously called into question the President’s cognizance and ability to rule, with many pointing out that he is showing signs of Dementia.

The President has also been criticized for a number of other significant factors such as failing to protect Roe V Wade, inaction regarding the republican-dominated Supreme Court, his alleged enabling of Israel in the ongoing genocide in Palestine, up to and including his age, who at 81 years is the Oldest person to ever become President of the United States of America. He is set to address the nation this week regarding the matter.

The announcement to withdraw the reelection bid was followed shortly by an announcement of his endorsement of Kamala Harris, his current Vice President, in his stead as Democratic Presidential Nominee, with all funds donated to his campaign now being transferred to the Vice President’s control for her own campaign. She has yet to announce a Vice President for her ticket.

(via Sean Marcus David | Amaranth)
(Graphics by Chubi | Amaranth)

22/07/2024

Viscans, read this guide for the enrollment process this academic year.

EYES HERE, our continuing students for AY 2024-2025 ‼️‼️‼️

Sharing is caring!! 💛💛

21/07/2024

We are just a day away from President Bongbong Marcos' 3rd , and everyone has been wrapping up their thoughts on Marcos Jr.'s 2nd year in office; and we, Amaranth, want to share ours too! We asked our Amaranth Editors to answer the question:

"If you could sum up in a song, what would it be and why?"

Now, we’re excited to share our playlist!

Share your songs and reflections about in the comments section below!

(Graphics by Chubi | Amaranth)

20/07/2024

𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: Despite the Marcos administration's optimism about stabilizing the economic sector, the Philippines remains far from satisfaction. With inflation reaching 3.5% and unemployment around 4.1%, Filipinos face the reality of hyped progress that demands competence from Marcos Jr.

In relation to the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Bongbong Marcos slated this July 22, here is Amaranth's official entry to the campaign.




(Illustration by John Lazir Canada | Amaranth)

20/07/2024

𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬: Today, July 20, marks the 55th year of mankind’s victory as the Apollo 11 boarded by two famous names - Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin reached the surface of the moon. Prompted by the "Space Race" between the U.S. and USSR (now known as Russia), this two-man race was ‘technically’ won by the latter by being the first ones to actually reach space, but the former would eventually take the next big astronomical feat that would leave mankind stunned to this day.

Read more.

The official student media organization of the Visayas State University

19/07/2024

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡: And, one day, we will fully understand that even if they are family, their abusive patterns should not be excused. For a long time, the “family” card has been bruisedly used to get away with anything, but I hope that in this generation this card finally declines.

Read more here:
https://amaranth.vsu.edu.ph/views/13-opinion/728-a-potion-for-an-ill-generation

18/07/2024

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜: Fearlessly winning under the scorching heat of All England Lawn Tennis in is the 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz claiming his fourth grand slam title and his second Wimbledon championship title after a head-to-head battle with the seven-time champion Novakl Djokovic in straight set (6-2, 6-2, 7-6, 7-4), last July 14.

With his agility and younger build, Alcaraz started the first game of the first set with seven deuces and five break points taking advantage of Djokovic's shaky services. The defending champion dominated up until the second set of the game. Still, Djokovic showed off his expertise and why he holds seven titles as he pushed through right at the moment when Alacaraz had a 5-4 lead and was serving to win. However, as persistent as he is, with his valiant effort, the 37-year-old Serbian who underwent knee surgery last month extended the match and tied the third set 6-5. Vying for another Wimbledon championship title, Alcaraz pushed for a tiebreaker and later survived the intense match-up against the second rank of ATP singles and racked up the Center Court crowd with his gallant 42 receiving points win against Djokovic's 28.

On the other hand, Barbora Krejcikova emerged victorious in the Women's Singles final, defeating Jasmine Paolini in a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory. Marking her second Grand Slam title and her first Wimbledon ladies' singles title since 2021.

Jan Zielinski and Hsieh Su-wei teamed up to win the mixed doubles title with a dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory over Santiago Gonzales and Guiliana Olmos. Meanwhile, in the Boy’s singles, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer beats Mees Rottgering (6-3, 6-3) and Renata Jamrichova wins against Emerson Jones in Ladies' Singles.

In the battle of passion and dedication, Alfie Hewett secured the Gentlemen's Wheelchair Singles title in a hard-fought match against Martin De La Puente. Niel Vink emerged victorious in the Quad Wheelchair Singles competition against Sam Schroder. Yui Kamiji and Kgothatso Montjane capped off the tournament by winning the Ladies Wheelchair Doubles title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Diede De Groot and Jiske Griffioen

As the Wimbledon Championship 2024 came to an end, people’s anticipation of the upcoming 2025 Wimbledon Championship rises, thinking about who to look out for in the next matchups in the world's most prestigious and oldest tennis tournament.

(via Jhoana Lor | Amaranth)
(Photo courtesy by the Wimbledon via X)

17/07/2024

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬: Following the persistent downpour earlier today and the possibility of a rainfall induced landslide, Visayas State University (VSU) suspends all classes in all campuses on July 18, 2024 through Memorandum Circular No. 152.

However, other personnel required for key university operations are still required to report on campus.

Occupants in the dormitories are also advised to proceed to their respective evacuation sites. For more information, please refer to the announcement below.

17/07/2024

Here are some must have contact numbers in case of emergencies.

17/07/2024

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Heavy flooding is being experienced in Baybay City as heavy rains continue to affect Eastern Visayas due to a Low Pressure Area (LPA), today, July 17, 2024.

As of the recent weather bulletin released by PAGASA, the LPA that was first formed in the waters of Mindanao was last spotted east Northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar as of 3pm today.

Orange Alert or heavy rainfall warning was imposed by the weather bureau in areas in Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte and Southern Leyte. Residents are advised to stay updated and be vigilant of flash floods and possible landslides.

See comment section for emergency hotlines. Stay safe, Viscans!

(Photos contributed by Chris Joseph Suico, Aldren Macion, Paolo Donayre and Liezel Navarozza)

17/07/2024

"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗱."

For the last nine months, Palestine has endured relentless warfare, famine, and death due to Israel's military tactics. The fight against Hamas has far overreached the innocent. It is believed that the current death toll in Gaza may be an underestimation, as destruction of healthcare facilities have made it difficult to present accurate data. In an article from the online journal, the Lancet, up to 186,000 or more deaths are likely brought by the situation when conservative estimate of four indirect deaths for every direct death is applied, just like in recent conflicts.

These statistics represent not just numbers, but the suffering and resilience of a people under siege. The evidence is clear, yet accountability remains elusive. As an international community, we must demand justice and hold those responsible accountable. A ceasefire may not end the suffering, but it is a crucial step to prevent further loss when done right.

As we commemorate World Day of International Justice, let us keep on speaking up for Palestine and against injustice. Stand for humanity and for those who cannot fight for themselves. The world’s complicity only perpetuates the suffering of those who die in the chaos of war. Justice must prevail 🇵🇸

Read more about the article here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01169-3/fulltext



(Graphics by Josabelle Conejos | Amaranth)

16/07/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘: On this day, July 16, we celebrate International Day of Drag, an event that recognizes the efforts and contributions of Drag Queens and Kings to the community, as well as displaying the vibrant culture of drag all over the world.

Read more here: https://amaranth.vsu.edu.ph/feature/727-celebrating-drag-the-most-beautiful-art-form