The MARIAN

The MARIAN The MARIAN is the official student publication of Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Philippines.

The MARIAN | LIVING WHERE THE TRUTH IS

VISION

The MARIAN is envisioned to be an independent publication that serves as eyes and ears of relevant events inside and outside the University, and an agent of responsible journalism among Marians. MISSION

The MARIAN provides opportunities for critical thinking, creativity, development of fundamental skills and appropriate values that promote ethical a

nd legal standards for campus journalism, civic engagement, and social responsibility. BRIEF HISTORY

The MARIAN is the official student publication of Saint Mary’s University and has existed for more than six decades. With the motto: “Living where the truth is,” The MARIAN offers its service to the Marian community and its readers through consistent distribution of publication materials, coverages of University activities, journalism activities, and achievements in press conferences. The MARIAN is a seven consecutive time Best Performing Publication in the Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC). Despite the pandemic that has changed the situation and has frozen the usual activities and competitions, it did not stop The MARIAN to continue producing its contributions. For comments and suggestions, email us at [email protected]

09/10/2025

| Day 9: Heavy

Weight

I'm quite literally tired of drawing crocodiles.
A cartoon I first drew back when I was in elementary, when I first became a journalist.
I didn't think much of it since for a child, it's just a drawing.
It wasn't my job to care.
I was a child, I just did what my advisers told me to do.
I did not understand the meaning, because as an artist, it's my job to draw.
While it's the judge's or the critic's job to evaluate.
Now that I'm older, I see how heavy this piece of art is.
Art doesn't just wake people up—it screams in a very poetic way.

—

Words by Nomnom
Art by Nomnom


08/10/2025

| Day 8: Reckless

Why can't we?

Why can't we dance beneath the moonlight?
Dream together through the night?
Hold each other safe and tight,
And watch the world disappear, out of sight.

My heart aches as I lie to the world about you,
A beautiful masterpiece, timeless, and true.
Must we hide and stay safe?
Why can't we be like them?
Are we not also the Lord's gem?

Are we to remain behind the curtain?
Ignoring a love so fierce, so certain?
Must we ignore our heart's call?
Mine will scream for you above it all,
For each stolen glance, each fleeting view,
My eyes will always search for you.

If my prayers could be heard,
We'll be like them all reckless,
And show them our truth unblurred,
Till every why can't we become, we could,
It is a future where side by side we stood,
A life free, together with you.

But, as the world is unready for us,
In secret corners, we will meet and discuss,
Even if others say otherwise,
I will forever see you as risk's best prize.
For them, we are just a mistake
Reckless and stupid, they call us,
But they're just jealous,
For the love that we have is just like theirs,
Pure and brave and true and unbound by fears,
And through it all, whatever we do,
I will always love you.

—

Words by Ki
Art by Chitchirya


06/10/2025

| Day 6: Pierce

Piercing Stars on Dreary Skies

On cold and monotonous nights, we gaze up at the skies for dreams and aspirations, a night devoid of bright, spangled dusts of light, dreams, and a future uncertain. O, our hopes, lost in sight, till bright flickers of shooting stars streak in flight, piercing the cold and empty night sky.

—

Words by Rayven Tactacan
Art by Monard Nginsayan


In a world grappling with the harsh realities of climate change, deep-seated corruption, and the struggle of those who f...
05/10/2025

In a world grappling with the harsh realities of climate change, deep-seated corruption, and the struggle of those who feed our nation, it's easy to feel that positive change is a distant hope. Yet, amidst these challenges, we are reminded of our most powerful weapon: a generation educated not just to know, but to care, to question, and to act. This is the battleground where teachers wage a revolution.

On this World Teacher's Day, we honor you, the architects of a better future. You are the ones planting seeds of integrity in young minds to root out corruption, fostering curiosity to solve environmental crises, and teaching empathy so that future leaders will value the hands that sow our seeds. Your low pay but immense dedication stand in contrast to the monumental value you create. Thank you for forging not just scholars, but responsible, compassionate citizens who will one day heal our world.

—

Words by Shaye Olivas
Pubmat by Tristan Roa


NEWS | Holy Mass, cultural performances open Indigenous Peoples, Museum MonthSaint Mary’s University (SMU) commenced its...
05/10/2025

NEWS | Holy Mass, cultural performances open Indigenous Peoples, Museum Month

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) commenced its Indigenous Peoples and Museum Month observance with a Eucharistic Celebration and a cultural dance presentation by the Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Abra, and Kalinga (BIBAK) Organization at Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium on October 2.

The mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Marcial Lloyd Castañeda, together with concelebrant Rev. Fr. Nemesio Huesca, CICM.

In his homily, Fr. Castañeda emphasized that problems are best resolved through community dialogue and attentive listening to shared truths.

"You can never solve a problem without a dialogue. The best way to solve a problem in the indigenous way is [to] gather together as a community. Talk and listen. Start from the fundamental truth, and then predict what will connect us together," he said.

Following the mass, a cultural exhibit showcasing selected Ayangan artifacts was opened at Museo de Maria.

Meanwhile, Bugkalot youth and cultural bearers from Pelaway, Alfonso Castañeda, performed a traditional presentation at Patio Alois.

—
Report by Marielle Palado
Photos by Jay P*e Ofalsa, Karl Locquiao, and Avril Rombaoa


05/10/2025

| Day 5: Deer

Innocence, Personified

On the first dash of sunlight at October’s morn
I set my sight on the vast greens beyond
With towering antlers reaching up to the light of dawn

With eyes and face akin to a childlike gaze,
He runs and hides in gentle, fleeting away

With white tails and tall, slender hinds
Vivid brown coats and the sound of gallops in the meadows
I set my sight upon a deer, gleeful, with an innocent mind

A deer born of purity graces this world,
With childlike innocence, a symbol of morality
Beauty, and elegance untold
Uncaring, galloping so cheerfully

At the break of noon, it longs upon the water brooks
Lowering its head to take in nature’s dew
It rests below the trees in their shady nooks
Innocence, the deer personified, peaceful, in days anew

I long for that innocence in a world unfair to you
Purity for the world, just like this deer within my view.

—

Words by Rayven Tactacan
Art by Kenrida


05/10/2025

| Day 4: Murky

Murky

Greedy eyes and pockets thirsty for wealth. Sashaying away, they parade themselves in chains of gold and luxurious clothes, with silk fabric covering the lies they keep beneath their soft skin—all gained with the help of the blood and sweat of the peasants from whom they have robbed—not only of money, but of rights and lives.

While the people cry, they sleep peacefully at night, behind walls so high, enough to cover up the sound of pleas that would keep them up at night. Deep within, they know the truth they continue to deny—that behind their false pretensions and glamorous facade lies the musky verity they try to hide—they are the true calamities of the country and have been a burden for Filipinos for decades. The life they flaunt wouldn’t be the life they would be living if it weren’t for every hardworking Filipino that they continue to steal from.

And while the people they pledged to protect and take care of are being buried and forgotten in the muskiness of their false promises, they refuse to flinch— as if empathy for them is nothing but a myth.

With every raindrop that floods the country with despair are unwavering tears being shed by the victims of their greed, and in the suffocating musk of the slums in the country they promised to serve, live the people who are more worthy to live the life they stole.

—

Words by Ria
Art by JC


| Situation in Santiago City, Isabela yesterday, October 3The Santiago City Public Market and portions of the National...
04/10/2025

| Situation in Santiago City, Isabela yesterday, October 3

The Santiago City Public Market and portions of the National Highway were submerged in floodwaters yesterday due to Typhoon Paolo.

By 1:30 pm, floodwaters in Santiago City had subsided, leading to improved road conditions.

In Villa Gonzaga, Santiago City, Isabela, however, rice fields were severely affected as strong winds and heavy rainfall flattened standing crops.

—

Report by Althea Jhoyce Dela Cruz
Photo credits from Cj Tumbaga


NEWS | SMU registers 100-percent passing rate for first-time takers in BLEPPSaint Mary’s University (SMU) recorded a 100...
04/10/2025

NEWS | SMU registers 100-percent passing rate for first-time takers in BLEPP

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) recorded a 100-percent passing rate for first-time takers in the September 2025 Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians conducted last September 24-25, with 48 Marian examinees successfully earning their licenses as newly registered Psychometricians.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), SMU recorded an overall passing rate of 97.96-percent, surpassing the 86.98-percent national passing rate.

The list of newly licensed Marian Psychometricians are as follows:

1. Jesspher Agguid, RPm
2. Lawrence Agravante, RPm
3. Renee Frances Aleman, RPm
4. Ma. Jereene Mae Ambatali, RPm
5. Altrus John Baloran, RPm
6. Mercholly Bungallon, RPm
7. Krizshen Grace Calpo, RPm
8. Jan Kenneth Campanero, RPm
9. Edlane Joy Carbonell, RPm
10. Keam Almira Coronado, RPm
11. Alessandra Daran, RPm
12. Jessica De Leon, RPm
13. Jamaica Diaton, RPm
14. Iriz Erfe, RPm
15. Kristi Anne Famorca, RPm
16. Hezekiah Fernandez, RPm
17. Trisha Bea Amore Ferrer, RPm
18. Richelle Francisco, RPm
19. Gabrielle Alexia Gamboa, RPm
20. Gervin Troy Garcia, RPm
21. Livingstone Gawe, RPm
22. Rhea Winona Giron, RPm
23. Beatrice Anne Jasmin, RPm
24. Mary Kate Phyllis Laguinday, RPm
25. Godfrey Miko Limos, RPm
26. Royalen Lopez, RPm
27. Zyrill Coreen Madriaga, RPm
28. Janina Malanna, RPm
29. Darlene Marrrianne Mangili, RPm
30. Joanna Edelle Mania, RPm
31. Aurea Lou Manuel, RPm
32. Jan Jerra Joy M***a, RPm
33. Tracy Pagaddut, RPm
34. Jezrelle Zyna Pagarigan, RPm
35. Esther Faith Pilaspilas, RPm
36. Glorios Cesar Pineda, RPm
37. Hannah May Poyatos, RPm
38. Rhea Rica Ramon, RPm
39. Dhryzx Alfred Sabug, RPm
40. Elisa Mae Sisalbo, RPm
41. Frances Suzzane Soronel, RPm
42. Guia Monique Sumeg-ang, RPm
43. Sylvia Tumicdon, RPm
44. Jasmine Joan Unida, RPm
45. Jolina Mae Valdez, RPm
46. Maria Leannah Vaquilar, RPm
47. Jenifer Velasquez, RPm
48. Jerbi Yu, RPm

—

Report by Chynna Almario


NEWS | Nueva Vizcaya under Signals No. 2 and 1 as Typhoon Paolo weakensThe province of Nueva Vizcaya remains under threa...
03/10/2025

NEWS | Nueva Vizcaya under Signals No. 2 and 1 as Typhoon Paolo weakens

The province of Nueva Vizcaya remains under threat as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo exits Northern Luzon and moves into the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 5 pm weather bulletin today, October 3.

PAGASA placed the northern and central portions of Nueva Vizcaya including Dupax del Norte, Aritao, Santa Fe, Bayombong, Bagabag, Villaverde, Kasibu, Bambang, Diadi, Quezon, Solano, Dupax del Sur, Ambaguio, and Kayapa under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, while the rest of the province remain under Signal No. 1.

Residents are urged to stay alert, follow advisories from local officials, and take necessary safety precautions.

The next advisory will be issued at 8 pm today.

—

Report by Chynna Almario
Pubmat by Harvey Padua


NEWS | Typhoon Paulo slightly weakens; Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya remains at Signal No. 4According to the Philipp...
03/10/2025

NEWS | Typhoon Paulo slightly weakens; Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya remains at Signal No. 4

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) 2 pm weather bulletin, the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 as Typhoon Paolo slightly weakens while traversing Northern Luzon this afternoon, October 3.

The northern towns include Solano, Villaverde, Bagabag, Diadi, Quezon, Ambaguio, and Bayombong that faces destructive storm-force winds.

Meanwhile, central municipalities such as Kasibu, Bambang, Aritao, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Kayapa, and Santa Fe remain under Signal No. 3, while the rest of the province is under Signal No. 2.

PAGASA warns of severe winds, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding or landslides.

Moreover, residents are strongly advised to remain indoors, stay alert, and follow instructions from local authorities.

The next official bulletin from PAGASA will be released at 5 pm today.

—

Report by Chynna Almario
Pubmat by Harvey Padua


TM ADVISORY | Emergency HotlinesIn case of urgent situations brought about by Typhoon Paolo, keep your family and yourse...
03/10/2025

TM ADVISORY | Emergency Hotlines

In case of urgent situations brought about by Typhoon Paolo, keep your family and yourself safe by staying indoors, following official advisories, and taking note of these additional emergency hotlines and health services.

Stay updated and don't forget to check on others who may need help.

—

Source: Marian Emergency Response Team and BFP R2 Cagayan Valley Region


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A111, Fr. Godfrey Lambrecht Building, Saint Mary’s University
Bayombong
3700

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