Forum-Dimensions

Forum-Dimensions The official student publication of West Visayas State University.

Forum-Dimensions is the official university student publication of West Visayas State University in Iloilo City, Iloilo. It was founded March 1939, and remains as one of the top tertiary student publications in Western Visayas.

NEWS UPDATE: ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฒ๐˜๐—ต ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ธ๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ผ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐—น๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐˜‚๐˜€ ๐—ท๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—บ ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€Veteran journalists and reporters ...
14/01/2025

NEWS UPDATE: ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฒ๐˜๐—ต ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ธ๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ผ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐—น๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐˜‚๐˜€ ๐—ท๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—บ ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€

Veteran journalists and reporters from various media organizations emphasized during the 26th Inkblots that the role of campus journalists in the upcoming midterm elections was to empower voters, not to โ€œshameโ€ them.

In the two-day event held from January 11 to 12 at the University of Santo Tomas, the speakers urged student publications to prioritize using their platforms to enhance the publicโ€™s voting standards.

Lian Buan, a senior investigative reporter for Rappler, noted that Philippine elections are โ€œemotions-driven,โ€ leading to critical reporting.

โ€œIn an ideal world, it should be a logically driven election, but it's not. Itโ€™s emotions. And, if we deny it, then we're not going to cover it the way it should be covered,โ€ Buan said.

She also emphasized the importance of securing paper trails during elections to enable journalists to cover campaigns and access election-related documents.

Christian Esguerra, the event's keynote speaker, urged Inkblots fellows to abandon the โ€œbobotanteโ€ narrative, calling on participants to scrutinize candidates who exploit voters for their own agenda.

โ€œOur contribution in the upcoming elections will rest on how well we empower our fellow Filipinos, the voters, through the kind of journalism that we have,โ€ Esguerra said.

Meanwhile, John Nery, a Rappler columnist and editorial consultant, emphasized the role of campus journalism in delivering news to a wider audience.

According to Nery, campus journalism is not โ€œpretend journalism,โ€ but an important channel for public discourse and voices of reason.

Philstar.com Chief Editor Camille Diola and Manila Bulletin Editor Nestor Cuartero also graced the event's first day.

Other speakers included Paterno Esmaquel II on Religion Reporting, Francis Ochoa on Sports Writing, and Fernando Garcia Sepe Jr. on Photojournalism.

Awardees of the 10th UST National Campus Journalism Awards were recognized during the Fellowship Night.

The fellowship also featured โ€œAnd the Breadwinner Isโ€ฆโ€ star Kokoy De Santos, as well as a live performance by pop band Any Nameโ€™s Okay.

Hosted by The Varsitarian annually since 1999, the event drew around 300 journalists from various student publications across the country.

This yearโ€™s Inkblots centered on the theme, โ€œCampus Press as a Catalyst for the Truth in the 2025 Elections.โ€

Story by Keminova Acepcion and Symon Peterneil Vacunawa
๐Ÿ“ทAshley Denise Feliciano, Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra, and Justin Kyle Quinesio

๐—ง๐—›๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—˜ ๐——๐—”๐—ฌ๐—ฆ ๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐—™๐—ง ๐—•๐—˜๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—˜ ๐—ง๐—›๐—˜ ๐—”๐—ฃ๐—ฃ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—–๐—”๐—ง๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก ๐—ฃ๐—˜๐—ฅ๐—œ๐—ข๐—— ๐—–๐—Ÿ๐—ข๐—ฆ๐—˜๐—ฆ! โณForum-Dimensions is still looking for volunteer photojournalists ...
13/01/2025

๐—ง๐—›๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—˜ ๐——๐—”๐—ฌ๐—ฆ ๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐—™๐—ง ๐—•๐—˜๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—˜ ๐—ง๐—›๐—˜ ๐—”๐—ฃ๐—ฃ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—–๐—”๐—ง๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก ๐—ฃ๐—˜๐—ฅ๐—œ๐—ข๐—— ๐—–๐—Ÿ๐—ข๐—ฆ๐—˜๐—ฆ! โณ

Forum-Dimensions is still looking for volunteer photojournalists to join the coverage team for the University Days 2025 on January 27 to 31, followed by the University Hinampang on February 3 to 6.

Now is the time to showcase your talent and share these stories with the Taga-West community!

All we ask for is your talent, commitment, and equipmentโ€”camera, laptop, and SD cards.

The Publication will provide lunch and snacks daily, and volunteers will receive a certificate of participation to recognize their contribution, along with incredible memories and lessons.

๐—”๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—น๐˜† ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜„:
https://bit.ly/4j5sKUS
https://bit.ly/4j5sKUS
https://bit.ly/4j5sKUS

Application period ends on January 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Only volunteer photojournalists from the La Paz Campus are eligible to apply.

All applicants must submit a few shots of their own (preferably action photos) that will be subject to a deliberation process. Those who are qualified will be contacted via text, email, or Facebook Messenger.

Caption by Ashley Denise Feliciano
Design and layout by Kip Dela Cruz

NEWS UPDATE: ๐—จ๐—ป๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜๐—ต ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ถ๐˜‚๐—บ๐˜€ ๐—ฝ๐˜‚๐˜ ๐—ช๐—ฉ๐—ฆ๐—จ-๐—–๐—ข๐— โ€™๐˜€ ๐—–๐—›๐—˜๐—— ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ป โ€˜๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—น๐—น๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜โ€™The Commission on Higher E...
13/01/2025

NEWS UPDATE: ๐—จ๐—ป๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜๐—ต ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ถ๐˜‚๐—บ๐˜€ ๐—ฝ๐˜‚๐˜ ๐—ช๐—ฉ๐—ฆ๐—จ-๐—–๐—ข๐— โ€™๐˜€ ๐—–๐—›๐—˜๐—— ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ป โ€˜๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—น๐—น๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜โ€™

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) failed to cover the monthly premium contributions of scholars from the Universityโ€™s College of Medicine (COM), delaying their enrollment for the second semester of the academic year 2024-2025.

More than 80 third-year COM scholars under the CHED-Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (MSRS) were only โ€œtemporarily enrolledโ€ as CHED has yet to pay their monthly P300 premium contributions directly to PhilHealth.

According to the stipulations of the MSRS, scholars are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance Program premium coverage to protect them from health risks during hospital rotations.

โ€œActions have already been taken to address the issue and seek answers about the late disbursement of funds; we are now awaiting their action,โ€ the Universityโ€™s Medicine Student Council President Ma. Charlene Jereos told the Inquirer.

CHED-MSRS scholars were provided with promissory notes by the registrar as a temporary measure for their enrollment, valid until February 8.

โ€œWe have a history of delayed allowances so we are not sure if mabaydan nila by that time. We are hopeful man,โ€ Gerlyn Joy Rojo, a third-year COM student, told Forum-Dimensions.

Under the MSRS contract, scholars are given an allowance of P22,500 per semester, which covers the expenses for their uniforms, books, and miscellaneous.

The program also covers a monthly allowance of P11,000 for lodging, subsidies, and transportation.

CHED-MSRS was established in accordance with the provisions set by both Republic Act (RA) No. 7722 and RA No. 11509.

As part of the scholarship agreement, scholars are required to render one year of service for every scholarship year availed.

Story by Symon Peterneil Vacunawa
Design by Justin Kyle Quinesio

NEWS UPDATE: ๐—ช๐—ฉ๐—ฆ๐—จ-๐—–๐—ข๐—ก ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜‚๐—บ ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐—ด๐˜€ ๐—ก๐—›๐—ฆ ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ด๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜๐˜€๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ A Taga-West alumnus received the Silver Award ...
11/01/2025

NEWS UPDATE: ๐—ช๐—ฉ๐—ฆ๐—จ-๐—–๐—ข๐—ก ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜‚๐—บ ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐—ด๐˜€ ๐—ก๐—›๐—ฆ ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ด๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜๐˜€๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ

A Taga-West alumnus received the Silver Award for Outstanding Service to Nursing from the National Health Service (NHS) England Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) on January 7.

Darvey Clint Gario, a graduate of the Universityโ€™s College of Nursing Class of 2014 and a registered nurse in the United Kingdom (UK), was recognized for his significant contributions to the field of nursing.

Gario currently serves as a cardiac charge nurse at The Harley Street Clinic, a prestigious private hospital in the UK that specializes in cancer care, cardiology, and complex surgery.

First launched in 2019, the NHS England CNO Silver Award honors the performances of nurses or midwives that go beyond their responsibilities in the nursing profession.

Story by John Michael Baldove
Design by Justin Kyle Quinesio
Photo courtesy of Darvey Clint Pillado Gario/Facebook

LOOK: Political journalist Christian Esguerra addressed hundreds of student journalists from various schools nationwide ...
11/01/2025

LOOK: Political journalist Christian Esguerra addressed hundreds of student journalists from various schools nationwide on the first day of the 26th Inkblots at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), January 11.

In his keynote speech, Esguerra underscored the need to "reclaim" the country's political narrative from entrenched political dynasties, emphasizing its significance ahead of the May midterm elections.

With the theme, "Campus Press as a Catalyst for Truth in the 2025 Elections," this year's Inkblots aims to rally campus journalists to advocate for fair and democratic election coverage.

Inkblots is an annual fellowship organized by UST's official student publication, The Varsitarian, bringing together student journalists and journalism practitioners to attend talks led by esteemed individuals in the field.

Story by Ashley Denise Feliciano
๐Ÿ“ท Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra

๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—จ๐— -๐——๐—œ๐— ๐—˜๐—ก๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก๐—ฆ ๐—œ๐—ฆ ๐—Ÿ๐—ข๐—ข๐—ž๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ ๐—ฉ๐—ข๐—Ÿ๐—จ๐—ก๐—ง๐—˜๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—ฃ๐—›๐—ข๐—ง๐—ข๐—๐—ข๐—จ๐—ฅ๐—ก๐—”๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—ฆ!As the much-awaited University Days 2025 approaches, taking p...
08/01/2025

๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—จ๐— -๐——๐—œ๐— ๐—˜๐—ก๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก๐—ฆ ๐—œ๐—ฆ ๐—Ÿ๐—ข๐—ข๐—ž๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ ๐—ฉ๐—ข๐—Ÿ๐—จ๐—ก๐—ง๐—˜๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—ฃ๐—›๐—ข๐—ง๐—ข๐—๐—ข๐—จ๐—ฅ๐—ก๐—”๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—ฆ!

As the much-awaited University Days 2025 approaches, taking place from January 27 to 30, followed by the University Hinampang from February 3 to 6, Forum-Dimensions invites passionate photojournalists to be part of our coverage team.

If you have a gift for storytelling through the lens, come and capture the spirit of the Taga-West community while bringing the action closer to home.

All we ask for is your talent, commitment, and equipmentโ€”camera, laptop, and SD cards.

The Publication will provide lunch and snacks daily, and volunteers will receive a certificate of participation to recognize their contribution, along with incredible memories and lessons.

This is your chance to step up, hone your skills, and serve the Taga-West community. Don't miss your shot!

๐—”๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—น๐˜† ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜„:
https://bit.ly/4j5sKUS
https://bit.ly/4j5sKUS
https://bit.ly/4j5sKUS

Application period ends on January 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Only volunteer photojournalists from the La Paz Campus are eligible to apply.

All applicants must submit a few shots of their own (preferably action photos) that will be subject to a deliberation process. Those who are qualified will be contacted via text, email, or Facebook Messenger.

Caption by Verna Crissa Villorente
Design and layout by Kip Dela Cruz

NEWS UPDATE: The West Visayas State University has opened its main gate for vehicle entry starting today, January 6.Vehi...
06/01/2025

NEWS UPDATE: The West Visayas State University has opened its main gate for vehicle entry starting today, January 6.

Vehicles may exit through the Elementary Gate until 9 p.m. while the Magsaysay Gate will serve as both entry and exit points for vehicles from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pedestrian access, however, is allowed through any of the gates for entry into or exit out from the University. | via Symon Peterneil Vacunawa

Publication material courtesy of West Visayas State Universityโ€™s page

 : ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜†Rebyu ng Oda sa WalaWala nang mas sasakit pa sa kamatayan kung ang buhay ay umiikot lamang sa p...
05/01/2025

: ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜†
Rebyu ng Oda sa Wala

Wala nang mas sasakit pa sa kamatayan kung ang buhay ay umiikot lamang sa pagharap sa mga bangkay at himig ng lumang radyo sa paggising.

May mga sinusuwerte sa buhay na makikita sa mahigpit na yakap ng isang magulang. Mayroon ding may malalakas ang pananampalataya kung saan nagiging sandigan ang Maykapal sa mabibigat na pasanin ng mundo. Ngunit para kay Sonya, ang swerteng ito ay natagpuan niya sa isang hindi pangkaraniwang lugarโ€”sa bangkay ng isang matandang babae.

Ang paghahanap ng emosyonal na koneksyon sa ibang tao ang sentro ng pelikulang โ€œOda sa Wala,โ€ ni Dwein Baltazar. Ito ay umiikot sa mundo ni Sonya, na ginampanan ni Marietta โ€œPokwangโ€ Subong, isang matandang dalaga na may-ari ng isang naluluging punerarya.

Kasama niya ang kaniyang amang si Rudy, na binigyang buhay naman ng beteranong aktor na si Joonee Gamboa, kung saan kapansin-pansin ang malabong relasyong mayroon sila sa umpisa ng pelikula.

Isang aandap-andap na bombilya na napapalibutan ng kuyog ng mga insekto ang bumungad sa pelikula. Ito ay isang mabisang paraan upang ipakita sa mga manonood ang pagsisimula ng tag-ulan. Sa bahaging ito ng pelikula, maririnig ang kantang Mo li hua (Jasmine Flower), isang katutubong awit mula sa China. Ipinakita rito si Sonya na nakahiga sa isang kwarto habang yakap-yakap ang kanyang lumang radyo, kung saan tumutugtog ang nasabing kanta.

Ipinadama rin sa mga manonood ang relasyon ni Sonya at ng kanyang ama na malamig at malayo dahil tila hindi nila kilala ang isa't isa. Sa unang sampung minuto ng pelikula, wala itong naging dayalogo at tanging ang musika lamang na pinapatugtog ni Sonya sa radyo ang maririnig. Binigyang-diin sa opening scene ang mood ng pelikula na tahimik at malungkot.

Ngunit kahit tahimik ang umpisa, maraming makabuluhang dayalogo ang binitawan ng mga karakter sa kuwento.

โ€œBago ka dumating naisip ko, siguro mas mabuting bigla na lang ako maglaho kaysa nandito ka nga pero parang wala ka rin.โ€

Isa ang linyang ito sa mga binitawang salita ni Sonya habang kinakausap ang bangkay dahil ito ay parang natural na pag-uusap sa pagitan ng isang mag-ina. Maaaring maugnay ito sa tunay na karanasan ng mga tao, ang pagbaling sa mga magulang sa gitna ng hirap ng buhay.

Dito ipinahiwatig ng pelikula ang malungkot na pananabik ni Sonya sa isang kasamang kanyang mapagkukuwentuhan at kung paano niya ito natagpuan sa piling ng bangkay.

Ginamit ng pelikula ang genre na black comedy, o isang uri ng pelikulang tumatalakay sa trahedya sa isang nakakatawang paraan, upang ipakita ang galit ng karakter sa mundong tila gustong burahin ang kanyang pag-iral. Sa kabilang banda, ang galit na ito ang nagtulak sa kanya na humanap ng isang taong makikinig sa kanya ng walang panghuhusga.

Tumatakbo rin ang kuwentong ito ni Baltazar sa walang katiyakan, na nagdadala sa mga manonood sa karanasan ng pagtuklas sa tunay na intensyon ng mga karakter at pangyayari.

Isa rin sa mga magagandang natanggap na rebyu nito ang pagganap ni Pokwang, dahil sa paglihis nito sa pag-typecast sa kanya bilang isang komedyante. Maituturing na breakout role ito para sa kanya sapagkat napahiwatig niya ang mukha ng p**t at kalungkutanโ€”mga emosyon na hindi nakikita sa mga karaniwang papel niya sa ibang mga pagganap.

Nabigyang atensyon rin ang makulimlim na buhay ng mga karakter sa pelikula dahil sa mga makahulugang camera shots at cinematography sa direksyon ni Neil Daza. Gayunpaman, sumisimbolo sa pagkulong kay Sonya sa bilanggo ng panahon ang mga wide shots na ginamit ng pelikula. Makikita ito sa mga eksena kung saan naka-frame ang camera sa gitna ng isang bintana at nakatutok ang eksena kay Sonya.

Nakuha rin ng monotone na color grading ng pelikula ang mapurol na buhay ng pangunahing karakter, na nagpapahiwatig ng pag-iisa at paglisan ng mga kumukulay sa buhay niya. Nanatiling totoo sa pamagat ang Oda sa Wala na tumatalakay sa pakiramdam ng mag-isang pagpasan sa mundong pumipilay sa mga taong katulad ni Sonya.

Katulad ng kapangalan nitong tula na Oda Sa Wala ni Jim Libiran, hinimay ng pelikula ang paghahanap ng kahulugan sa isang damdaming bakante at inaagiw na. Dumating ang bangkay bilang simbolo ng pag-asa ni Sonya na gumising nang matiwasay sa umaga, dumungaw sa bintana, at mahalin ang mundong ginagalawan.

Ang pelikula ay orihinal na entry sa prestihiyosong QCinema International Film Festival noong 2018, kung saan ito ay umani ng Best Picture, Best Screenplay, at Best Director. Ginawaran din ang obra ni Baltazar ng pitong parangal mula sa 16 na nominasyon ng Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards noong 2019. Kinilala ang Oda sa Wala sa Czech Republic sa pagiging nominado sa kategoryang Best Film sa Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Nagtapos ang pelikula sa gitna ng makapal na gubat habang ang camera shot ay nakatuon sa mukha ni Sonya kasama ang bangkay na nanatiling nakatayo sa kanyang likuran. Sa halip na kilabot, dala ng wakas na ito ang pangako na ang pag-asa ay hindi napapawi ng mabilis, kahit sa isang matinding sitwasyon.

Umikot sa isang malaking kabalintunaan ang buhay ni Sonya. Siyaโ€™y buhay na nag-aayos ng patay.

Ang mga mumunting galaw ng pagkagat sa kuko, balisang pagdungaw sa labas ng bintana habang hawak ang mainit na kape, at pakikinig sa isang lumang casette tape ng parehong kanta ay mga tayutay na naglalahad ng mas malaking larawan ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino sa panahon ng kalungkutan.

Walang suwerte o solusyong dala ang bangkay sa buhay ni Sonya. Instrumento lamang ito upang tulungan siyang mahukay ang mas malalim na kahulugan ng paggalaw sa mundong ibabaw na kanyang kinagagalawan.

Suring pelikula ni Symon Peterneil Vacunawa
Disenyo ni Amethyst Alumbro
Mga larawan mula kay Neil Daza

 : The burden of wanting to be good enoughBy VaelithI can't celebrate my victories because it always felt like an obliga...
03/01/2025

: The burden of wanting to be good enough
By Vaelith

I can't celebrate my victories because it always felt like an obligation to achieve them.

It was only as of late when I realized I was never truly academically pressured. Growing up, I thought I was. But it was only a matter of misunderstandingโ€”a playful banter at a young age that made me think I was, which eventually snowballed into... this.

I have always been well-provided by my parents. And as a student whose every need was met by their effort, doing well in academics seemed like the least I could do to return the favor. Excellence became the only currency that could pay back this one-sided debt.

Imagine my dismay when I received my first line of 8 on my report card in elementaryโ€”it was in Math, my mortal enemy. When my mother asked me what happened, her concern sounded like disappointment to my ears. My stomach churned as though I failed her. It was a feeling hard to shake off, a feeling I equally hated and feared.

And so, night after night, I stayed up later than I usually did, crying over numbers that refused to make sense until I'd fall asleep sobbing on my desk. Even if I had made up for my lapses in the following grading, I still wasn't satisfied. It didn't feel enough.

I was young. I didn't know any better. I didn't know it was okay to trip over and fall.

Ever since then, however small or big the milestone, it was rare for me to celebrate. And whenever I did, it didn't feel genuine. Celebrations felt more like a burden than they did a commemoration.

These days, I'm afraid to admit that I'm no longer able to feel a sense of accomplishment when I achieve something. Instead, it's replaced with a sense of reliefโ€”a fleeting comfort that at least, for now, Iโ€™m not a disappointment.

But simultaneously, now that I'm older, I'm not as naive. I'm a little wiser.

I knew I had to cut myself some slack if I wanted to leave with a better impression of the world engraved in my head. I needed to break free from the notion that my worth can and will only be measured through my excellence.

It's easier said than done, surely. I know nothing of what awaits me after these declarations of wanting to be better.

I know Iโ€™ll stumble and crack, but itโ€™s all in the name of tending to a bruise that's been long neglected. It will be a long processโ€”healing is a painstakingly long process.

But soon enough, may I finally be at peace with myself and find joy in celebrating even the smallest victoriesโ€” this time, without the guilt.

Hopefully.

Artwork by Deanna Clarice Diadio

NEWS UPDATE: ๐Ÿฐ ๐—ง๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฎ-๐—ช๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜‚๐—บ ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ด ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—น๐—ผ๐˜„๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿญ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ฆ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ด๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ช๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ช๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ธ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฝFour alumni from West Visayas State U...
02/01/2025

NEWS UPDATE: ๐Ÿฐ ๐—ง๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฎ-๐—ช๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜‚๐—บ ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ด ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—น๐—ผ๐˜„๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿญ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ฆ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ด๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ช๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ช๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ธ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฝ

Four alumni from West Visayas State University were named fellows for the 21st San Agustin Writers Workshop organized by the Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute, January 2.

Niel Lorilla Ibaรฑez and Al Jeffrey Gonzales, both graduates of the Universityโ€™s College of Education, will participate in the poetry categories for Kinaray-a and Filipino, respectively.

Ibaรฑez is a teacher at Col. Patrocinio Artuz National High School in Capiz, while Gonzales is a faculty member at Iloilo National High School.

Richard Olano, Jr., has been accepted under the short story in English category.

Olano, a topnotcher in the November 2024 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination, served twice as the chief editor of Forum-Dimensions (FD) from 2022 to 2024.

Dr. Jemuel Garcia, Jr., currently one of FDโ€™s advisers, is also joining under the one-act play in Filipino.

Garcia is the division chair of Culture and Performing Arts and the adviser and artistic director of Teatro Tayo.

The workshop, spearheaded by the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education of the University of San Agustin, features a panel of Palanca award-winning writers.

The event will take place from January 12 to 15, 2025 at the University of San Agustin Learning Commons and Santa Monica Hotel, aiming to foster the creative writing skills of aspiring applicants from Western Visayas.

Story by Josef Henri Tumbagahan
Publication materials courtesy of Kasingkasing Press/Facebook

๐‘ท๐’–๐’‘๐’–๐’๐’Š๐’•๐’Š๐’ ๐’๐’‚ ๐’‚๐’๐’ˆ ๐’๐’–๐’Ž๐’‚๐’๐’ˆ ๐’Œ๐’‚๐’๐’†๐’๐’…๐’‚๐’“๐’š๐’Lilipas ang isang segundo, Muli na namang magniningning ang mundo.Habang umiikot ang m...
31/12/2024

๐‘ท๐’–๐’‘๐’–๐’๐’Š๐’•๐’Š๐’ ๐’๐’‚ ๐’‚๐’๐’ˆ ๐’๐’–๐’Ž๐’‚๐’๐’ˆ ๐’Œ๐’‚๐’๐’†๐’๐’…๐’‚๐’“๐’š๐’

Lilipas ang isang segundo,
Muli na namang magniningning ang mundo.
Habang umiikot ang mga kamay ng orasan,
Pupunitin na ang lumang kalendaryo.

Sandali lang ang lahat.
Pagkamulat at pagkatapos ng isang kurap,
Susulat na ng panibagong yugto
Para sa simula ng bagong taon.

Ngunit kasabay ng pagbabagong ito,
Minsan ay mapapatanong tayo:
Ano ba ang mga nanatili?
Ano nga ba ang nagbago?

Paborito mo pa rin ba ang dati mong paborito?
Ayaw mo pa rin ba sa mga dating ayaw mo?
At ang mga taong minahal mo,
Mananatili pa rin kaya sila hanggang sa dulo ng mga susunod na kalendaryo?

Siguro'y may natutunan tayong bagong kahulugan ng mga salita.
Siguroโ€™y may nadagdag na kulay sa ating mundo.
Maliwanag, madilim, matapang, o malumanay man ang kulay na ito,
Maaari mong sabihin na hindi na ikaw ang dating ikawโ€”iba na ang tapang mo.

May mga kamay kang binitawan,
Ngunit may mga panibagong yakap kang natagpuan.
Sa bawat liko ng manibela ng buhay,
May mga landas kang iniwan, ngunit maayos na ang daan.

Huwag kang matakot sa bagong simula.
Huwag kang matakot bitawan ang nakaraan.
Lumipas man ang maraming bukas,
Punuin mo ito ng pag-asa.

Matuto kang bumangon muli.
Burahin ang mga masasalimuot na alaala,
hanggang ang kalendaryo ay bubuo ulit ng mga bagong pangarap.
Kung saan ang bawat araw ay mapupuno ng tagumpay para sa hinaharap.

Tula ni Danna Pauleen Perez
Disenyo at larawan ni Keminova Acepcion

In a time when silence is forced upon many, Forum-Dimensions stood firmโ€”delivering narratives that matter with integrity...
31/12/2024

In a time when silence is forced upon many, Forum-Dimensions stood firmโ€”delivering narratives that matter with integrity, reliability, and commitment, no matter the odds.

As we close 2024, we carry with us the power of the stories we shared and the strength of a community that inspires us to do more.

These images are as powerful as the words we write, encapsulating the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that defined the year.

Taga-West, here are ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฐ ๐—ฝ๐—ต๐—ผ๐˜๐—ผ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—น๐—น ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐˜€๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐˜†๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐—ด๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐˜†.

Caption by Yshi Mei Pomarejos

Once again, we have pushed the boundaries of fearless and progressive journalism.From shedding light on pressing issues ...
31/12/2024

Once again, we have pushed the boundaries of fearless and progressive journalism.

From shedding light on pressing issues within the University and covering the University Student Council elections to reporting on mobilizations by various human rights groups and advocating for changeโ€”Forum-Dimensions has remained steadfast in its mission.

We stand as an embodiment of our core values: integrity, which upholds the truth; reliability, which ensures consistency in delivering accurate information; and commitment, which drives our passion to serve the community.

As a testament to our unwavering dedication, we strive to create a platform where stories spark conversations and inspire action.

Taga-West, here are the ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฝ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฐ ๐˜€๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฐ.

Caption by Timothy James Sampang
Layout by Ashley Denise Feliciano
Design by Rei Ebenezer Duhina

On this day, Dr. Josรฉ Rizal made the ultimate sacrifice for the future of the Filipinos. This marks  the 128th death ann...
30/12/2024

On this day, Dr. Josรฉ Rizal made the ultimate sacrifice for the future of the Filipinos. This marks the 128th death anniversary of our national hero, whose works continue to inspire generations of Filipinos in their pursuit of freedom and justice.

In some of his literary pieces, he talks about preserving our identity amidst the colonizers' oppression. Our culture, language, arts, and traditions were reestablished with foreign idealsโ€”threatening our roots as Filipinos.

As Rizal once said, โ€œWhile a people preserves its language, it preserves the marks of liberty.โ€ His words remind us that the preservation of our heritage is the lifeblood of our freedom and independence.

Our history reveals a time when colonizers sought to suppress our fellow Filipinos, imposing their foreign ideals in an attempt to erase our identity. Yet, the survival of our national language and regional dialects today stands as a proof of Rizal's enduring triumph, a testament to our liberty as a people and as a nation.

As Taga-West and stewards of our history, let us honor Rizal's legacy by remaining true to our identity, cherishing our roots, and ensuring they are passed on to future generations.

Caption, layout, and design by Keminova Acepcion

NEWS UPDATE: The West Visayas State University released the schedules of the online registration and enrollment for all ...
28/12/2024

NEWS UPDATE: The West Visayas State University released the schedules of the online registration and enrollment for all programs for the second semester of the academic year 2024-2025.

The enrollment period will run from January 6 to January 18, 2025 for students from the undergraduate (UG) and graduate school (GS) programs, diploma programs (DP), and the College of Law (COL).

For the senior high school (SHS), their enrollment is slated from January 8 to 9, while the College of Medicine will be from January 8 to 10.

The first day of classes will officially start on January 20 for both UG and COL, with GS and DP scheduled to commence on January 25.

Meanwhile, both SHS and COM will begin the second semester on January 13.

Students can access the enrollment process through the following link: https://wvsu.edu.ph/online-enrollment-procedure/

Story by Symon Peterneil Vacunawa
Design by Rei Ebenezer Duhina

Minsan kahit anong liwanag ng mga pailaw, kalakas ng mga paputok, at dami ng pagkain sa hapag, hindi palaging โ€maligayaโ€...
25/12/2024

Minsan kahit anong liwanag ng mga pailaw, kalakas ng mga paputok, at dami ng pagkain sa hapag, hindi palaging โ€maligayaโ€ ang pang-uri ng Pasko.

Para sa iba, itoโ€™y isang ordinaryong araw lamangโ€”walang magarbong selebrasyon dahil kapos sa salapi.

Mayroon namang hindi kumpleto ang lamesa, hindi dahil sa kulang ang pagkain, kundi dahil may mga mahal sa buhay na hindi nakauwi mula sa malayo, patuloy na nagtatrabaho, o kayaโ€™y pumanaw na.

Para sa kanila, itoโ€™y isang ๐˜—๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ฌ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ข para sa mga presensiyang hindi mapapalitan, gaano man kasarap ang queso de bola sa mesa.

At kahit hindi man natin maamin minsan, mayroon talagang ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ฌ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ฏ๐˜ข ๐˜—๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ฌ๐˜ฐ. May mga hindi pa rin nagkakapatawaran at may mga sugat na hindi pa rin naghihilom kaya mabigat dalhin sa araw na ito.

Ngunit ano man ang pinagdadaraanan, ayos lang. Hindi kailangang ngiti ang palaging makikita sa bawat larawang kinukunan tuwing noche buena.

Ang ibaโ€™t ibang mukha ng Paskoโ€”maligaya man, simple, o puno ng lungkotโ€”ay bahagi ng ating pagninilay sa tunay na diwa nito.

At kahit para sa iilan, ang Pasko ay hindi na isang selebrasyon, nawaโ€™y maisapuso pa rin natin ang kabutihan para sa ating kapwaโ€”ang kabutihang sinisimbolo ng kapanganakan ni Hesus.

Maging bukas tayo sa pagkakaiba-iba ng mga kwentoโ€™t pinanggalingan ng bawat isa, sapagkat ang tunay na pagmamahal ang pinakamahalagang regalong maibibigay natin sa araw na ito.

Mga kataga, larawan, at disenyo ni Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra

๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„๐’ | ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐˜† ๐ŸŽงItโ€™s the most wonderful time of the year, Taga-West! As the season of giving wraps its warmth aroun...
24/12/2024

๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„๐’ | ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐˜† ๐ŸŽง

Itโ€™s the most wonderful time of the year, Taga-West!

As the season of giving wraps its warmth around us, Triciafy unveils its top picks to summon the holiday spirit within you!

Whether youโ€™re setting the mood for a cozy noche buena or longing for something that seems missing, this collection is curated for every soul.

From romantic melodies to melancholic tunes, these songs capture the kaleidoscope of emotions that the holidays bringโ€”joy, nostalgia, and everything in between.

So take a moment, breathe in the crisp December breeze, and let this playlist draw you closer to whatever your heart truly desires. ๐ŸŒŸ

No copyright infringement intended.

Caption by Symon Peterneil Vacunawa
Layout by Verna Crissa Villorente
Design by Justin Kyle Quinesio

๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„๐’ | ๐—ฃ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ณ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜… ๐ŸŽฅTaga-West, what makes your holidays magical? โ„๏ธThis December, fill your heart with warmth and wonde...
24/12/2024

๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„๐’ | ๐—ฃ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ณ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜… ๐ŸŽฅ

Taga-West, what makes your holidays magical? โ„๏ธ

This December, fill your heart with warmth and wonder as we present a curated selection of tender and soulful films.

From timeless classics that everyone knows to stories of love and redemption, these picks invite you to savor the sparkle of holiday cheer.

Whether you want to relive childhood adventures, fall in love under twinkling lights, or discover the true meaning of friendship, these movies are the perfect companion to a cozy December night.

So, grab your favorite blanket, pour a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and let these stories unfold together with your favorite people.

After all, the greatest gift of all is time spent with those who matter most.

No copyright infringement intended.

Caption by Jan Floyd Vallota
Layout by Verna Crissa Villorente
Design by Justin Kyle Quinesio

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