The MARIAN

11/09/2025

NEWS | Marians honor Blessed Virgin Mary’s nativity

Marian students and employees gathered for a mass to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium on September 8.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Philip Yu, Jr., CICM reminded that life is a gift and that God’s plan values even the smallest beginnings.

"Mary's fertility tells us that holiness begins quite often [in] unnoticed beginnings. Her life reminds us that our yes to God, our response, like Mary herself, can open doors for grace to enter the world," he explained.

He further emphasized that the celebration urges believers to place their confidence in God’s unseen work.

"The feast urges us to trust in the hidden work of God, knowing that He'd bring greatness out of inability unjoined, out of simplicity," he stated.

Fr. Yu also called on the Marian community to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the Blessed Mother and to rejoice in her birth.

"Let us pray to our loving Father that we rejoice today at the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, chosen to be the mother of our Savior. We thank God for her faith, her purity, and her trust in His plan — God's plan," he added.

The celebration concluded with the offering of flowers at Marian Park.

—

Report by Alyssa Bagullo
Photos by Jocelyn Tan and Avril Rombaoa

08/09/2025

The Church solemnly commemorates today, September 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the chosen Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we honor her nativity, may we be inspired to follow her example of complete trust in God’s will. Her life reminds us that true greatness lies in humility, obedience, and faith. In moments of doubt and uncertainty, may we learn from her courage to say “yes” to God’s plan, trusting that His will always leads to peace and fulfillment. Let us seek her intercession that we, too, may grow in holiness and be drawn closer to Christ her Son, who is the source of our salvation and peace.

As our mother and patroness, we are called to model her faith and piety in our own lives. In our daily work, studies, and service to others, may we reflect the values she embodied—compassion, simplicity, and devotion.

—

Words by Casandrea Aricheta and Tyra Malab
Pubmat by Arrheya Venish

05/09/2025

With a heavy heart, we grieve the passing of The MARIAN's first Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Romeo Yarcia.

The MARIAN extends its deepest condelences to the bereaved family. We pray for the soul of the first Editor-in-Chief who left a lasting mark in the publication that will forever inspire—a person who continuously fought for the voices in need and a person who truly lived where the truth is.

—

03/09/2025

NEWS | Provincial forum investigates threats to Nueva Vizcaya-Quirino watersheds

To advocate for stronger policies, engage local communities, and rally a collective action to protect the watershed havens of Cagayan Valley, the Legal Rights and Natural Resources, in partnership with the Diocese of Bayombong, held a provincial forum on the Nueva Vizcaya-Quirino Watersheds at Saint Louis College of Solano on August 30.

During the open forum, Coordinator for Direct Legal Services Atty. Rolly Peoro clarified that no violations were identified against Woogle Corporation, as the necessary documents and data were still unavailable for review.

“Tulad ninyo, hindi pa namin alam ang maraming datos. Marami po kasing mga balakid. Hindi po namin makuha [ang] mga ilang dokumento dahil medyo ironically, meron tayong Freedom of Information policy na mahigpit ang paraan para makuha ang mga dokumento na kailangan naming aralin. So, sa tanong na meron bang violation kaming nakita, wala pa po," he said.

In an interview with The MARIAN, Engr. Alexander Galliardo said that the Local Government Unit’s participation remains limited and overpowered by higher authorities.

“Ang participation ng local government, although meron, hindi masyadong effective. At saka kung meron man, na-overshadow at na-overpower sila ng mas mataas do'n sa regional level or sa national level," he stated.

Meanwhile, In a separate interview with the MARIAN, Rev. Fr. Crispin Costales, Director of the Diocese of Bayombong, emphasized that caring for the "common home" is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of personal or political interests.

“I think it’s everyone’s responsibility to care for the common home. Para bang wala siyang kulay na politika o personal interest, bilang isang Christian at Katoliko na maninindigan bilang pagpapakita nang pagmamalasakit sa kalikasan at para sa kinabukasan," he stressed.

Moreover, Fr. Costales highlighted plans for additional initiatives, including seedling rehabilitation, tree planting, and cultivation programs, as well as a series of lectures and forums focused on watershed management.

_

Report by Marielle Palado and Zeus Clark Madriaga
Photos by Tristan Roa and Avril Rombaoa

31/08/2025

SPORTS | Athlete of the Month

Alex Eala, a 20-year-old Filipino tennis player ended her US Open 2025 run during the second round after bowing to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, August 27.

Despite the loss, Eala kept her composure and showed no disappointment, proud of making history earlier in the week as the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles main draw match in the Open Era.

Moreover, Eala is the first Filipino Tennis Player to claim a junior major title after winning the girls' singles title at the 2022 US Open, and she is expected to rise from her current world ranking of No. 75.

—

Report by Zeus Madriaga
Photos from Rappler
Pubmat by Arrheya Venish

31/08/2025

Sa bawat sulok ng ating kapuluan, iba’t ibang tinig ang ating naririnig at batid. Ngunit sa kabila ng pagkakaiba-iba, iisa ang diwang nag-uugnay sa atin: ang wika bilang haligi ng pagkakaisa. Sa temang “Paglinang sa Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa,” ginugunita natin ngayong Agosto 2025 ang hindi matatawarang papel ng wika sa pagbubuo ng ating pagkakakilanlan at paghubog ng isang bayang may iisang layunin.

Hindi lamang ito pagdiriwang ng mga salita, kundi pagbabalik-tanaw sa ating kasaysayan—sa mga panahong ang wika ang naging sandigan ng ating kalayaan, ang tinig ng ating mga ninuno, at ang sagisag ng ating paninindigan. Sa mga paaralan, pamayanan, at institusyon, buhay na buhay ang paglikha ng mga makabuluhang aktibidad gaya ng malikhaing pagsulat, katutubong pagtatanghal, at pagsasalin ng kasaysayan.

Sa bawat salitang ating ginagamit, binubuo natin ang isang lipunang may pagkakapantay-pantay at paggalang sa pinagmulan ng bawat isa. Hindi lamang ito simbolo ng komunikasyon, kundi daluyan ng ating pagkabansa.

Bago matapos ang Buwan ng Wika, nawa’y magsilbing paalala ito sa bawat Pilipino: ang ating wika ay hindi lamang nakaraan, ito’y buhay at patuloy na lumalago—kasama natin sa kasalukuyan, at gabay natin sa pag-abot ng isang mas pagkakaisang kinabukasan.

Maligayang buwan ng wika, Marians!

—

Words by Lei Tyra Malab
Infographics by Tristan Roa

31/08/2025

NEWS | Student Affairs responds to LGBTQIA+ restrooms, malicious jokes concerns

The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and Services (ODSAS) addressed issues regarding third-gender facilities and inappropriate jests against students during the Student General Assembly at the Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium on August 27.

During the open forum, Dean of Student Affairs and Services Samuel Damayon proposed raising third-gender comfort rooms for the LGBTQIA+ community in upcoming survey forms to ensure proper reporting and consideration.

“The issue of the third-gender [comfort rooms] has been raised in the past. Once lumabas ‘yong survey form, please include that in the survey para mai-report natin. But we should respect each and everyone—we might have differences in our communication, political, or whatever, kailangan nating irespeto ang bawat isa and make them safe also,” he answered.

More so, Damayon stressed that all incidents of inappropriate remarks made by instructors toward students should be consistently reported.

“Kung hindi kayo magre-report, hindi namin alam kung sino 'yong kailangang bigyan ng warning. So, dapat hindi lang kayo minsan mag-report; pwedeng i-report niyo every incident para alam namin,” he added.

In the afternoon session, the ODSAS reaffirmed the university’s commitment to inclusivity, highlighting the Bachelor of Special Needs Education program that caters to learners with disabilities.

Furthermore, the Promotions and Information Office announced that a film viewing on cyberbullying, mental health, and HIV/AIDS will be held on September 24-27.

—

Report by Zeus Clark Madriaga
Photos by Maverick Ramos and Avril Rombaoa

30/08/2025

LOOK| You still have a chance to be one of us!

The online registration is still ongoing. For interested applicants, please fill out the application form that can be accessed by scanning the QR code or by clicking this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1ZyTQ6fq0L4OIvCZ2ctWU0wl_uDntYI6y4BPLJ6HklB7hOg/viewform

Moreover, for those who have written their names during the Clubs Fair, do not forget to complete the application form.

See you on September 6, 1:00 PM at the Aula Maria Hall for the Entrance Seminar Workshop—your official first step into becoming part of The MARIAN family!

—

Words by Tyra Malab
Pubmat by Tristan Roa

Missed our booth? This is your chance to be one of us!

Take the first step and join The MARIAN—a space where truth is lived, student voices are amplified, and creativity is recognized.

Here, you’ll find yourself living where the truth is where we amplify voices, shape narratives, and make every story matter.

For interested applicants, please fill out the application form that can be accessed by scanning the QR code or by clicking this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1ZyTQ6fq0L4OIvCZ2ctWU0wl_uDntYI6y4BPLJ6HklB7hOg/viewform

See you on September 6, 1:00 PM at the Aula Maria Hall for the Entrance Seminar Workshop—your official first step into becoming part of The MARIAN family!

—

Words by Tyra Malab
Pubmat by Tristan Roa

30/08/2025

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS | In a vibrant display of cultural and national pride, students and faculty of Saint Mary’s University (SMU) came together to show their deep affection and appreciation for the ASEAN month. This collective effort brought out SMU's dedication to strengthen solidarity among cultures and foster international understanding and regional integration among its academic community.

—

Words by Shaye Olivas
Photos by Mikaela Robino and Avril Rombaoa

30/08/2025

NEWS | ASEAN Month observance highlights ASEAN icons

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) celebrated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Month 2025 with a campus-wide parade that featured students who portrayed notable ASEAN personalities at the University Oval and Sacred Heart Center last August 26.

The event was organized by the Internationalization Office in partnership with the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy.

In his opening message, University President John Octavius Palina emphasized that partnerships with international institutions create opportunities to strengthen the university’s global presence and academic reputation.

“Forging linkages with international partners is an opportunity for all of us to raise the quality of education at SMU. Each partnership not only broadens experiences for our students and faculty but also enhances the academic reputation of our university,” Palina said.

Moreover, in an interview with The MARIAN, second-year Political Science student Lowell Ramos suggested that the program should be promoted more effectively to encourage greater student participation.

“One of the loopholes of the event is the lack of engagement from the students. Ang konti lang nang nanood and naki-participate, selected lang ang pumunta. So, I think i-promote natin ‘tong program, gawin na siyang requirement— impose plus points para pumunta [mga students] sa mga ganitong events,” he said.

In the afternoon, a debate segment provided students the opportunity to deliberate on ASEAN-related issues.

—

Report by Ahleixis Divine Salvador and Zeus Clark Madriaga
Photos by Mikaela Robino and Avril Rombaoa

30/08/2025

In an era where silence is enforced, telling the truth becomes an act of bravery. On this National Press Freedom Day, let us remember that journalism is not just ink on paper — it is a platform for the voices of the oppressed, the calloused hands of workers, and the watchful eyes of justice-seekers who refuse to give up on tomorrow.

Today is a celebration and a day of mourning — for every silenced journalist, every shuttered newsroom, and every truth buried under propaganda. It is through their efforts and defiance that truth will always find its way.

To the young, to the dreamers, and to those who dare to pick up a pen and raise their cameras, know that your words will never be for naught. They will ripple. They will disturb. They will build until we live in a place where the truth is found not in comfort, but in courage.

—

Words by Alyssa Bagullo
Pubmat by Arrheya Venish

25/08/2025

We all have heroes’ blood flowing through our veins.

That is the inheritance from our heroic ancestors, who made all the necessary sacrifices to gain the right to be Filipinos. It is then reinvigorated by our modern-day heroes who continue to work tirelessly to further the nation’s future.

Today, as we honor and pay tribute to all the brave souls who proudly shaped our past and those who continue to pave the way, may we never forget that to be a Filipino is to be heroic. No power, may it be foreign pressure or greed, can ever diminish the strength of the Filipino spirit that endures even when the odds are severely against them.

You and I are heroes in our own right. But beyond that, we carry the blood of our ancestors which implies a duty to keep our nation’s flame alive. For ourselves, for one another, and for the generations to come. As long as their—our blood runs through our veins, we will continue to rise, to endure, and to fight for our beloved country, Philippines.

—

Words by Athena Tuzon
Pubmat by Tristan Roa