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Ang Pamantasan (AP) is the official student publication of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

The Ang Pamantasan (abbreviation: AP) is an organization that serves as the Official Student Publication of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). It is a non-partisan organization whose duties and responsibilities are to serve as the conscience of the PLM community.

18/01/2025

IN PHOTOS | Lakbayaw sa Tondo 2025

Viva Señor Sto. Niño!

Devotees of Sto. Niño de Tondo gracefully danced with their replicas of the Holy Child Jesus through the streets of Tondo, Manila for the annual Lakbayaw procession, Jan. 18.

The Lakbayaw procession is part of the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo which is celebrated every third Sunday of January.

via Ralph Solis | AP

13/01/2025

Welcome back, Haribons—the second semester of the Academic Year 2024 - 2025 kicks off today!

It’s a fresh start to learn, grow, and achieve new milestones. Let’s approach this chapter with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a passion for discovery. Make this semester a memorable journey of growth and success!

Caption by Samantha Nicole Prado
Board by Jian Muyano

11/01/2025

Iskumustahan 2024: EP 4 | Pagsusulit Tungo sa Pamantasan

Ang Pamantasan ay ngayo'y binubuo ng mga Haribon na minsan ding nangarap at nangahas sumubok. Ngayong PLMAT 2025, ating kilalanin ang mga naglakas-loob na harapin ang hamon at tuparin ang kanilang pangarap na maging parte ng Pamantasan.

Pagbati sa lahat na matapang na sumubok! Anuman ang resulta, patuloy na magsumikap tungo sa pangarap.

Produced by Jo Ramos
Corresponded by Kate Gilbero
Video by Ralph Solis
Edited by Janelle Ugot

10/01/2025

ISKO PRIDE | Haribon TNT contender advances to wildcard finals with grand finale slot at stake

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Nursing student Claire Maaba once again proved her voice worthy in the competition after winning the Jan. 9 episode of Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT): The School Showdown Resbakbakan (also known as the “wildcard” round).

Maaba shared her winning moments with other contenders as they got the triple tie scores of 95.8% from the judges.

"Claire, you're so phenomenal. Ang charming mo, wala akong makitang weakness in your singing. Sobrang in control ka... Kung hindi pa man obvious sa reaction ng buong studio, sobrang impressed kami sa iyo. Ako, hindi ko na nahintay na matapos ka eh kailangan ko nang tumayo para mag-applaud para sa iyo," singer Nyoy Volante praised her remarkable talent.

She also received a standing ovation from other TNT judges in the middle of her performance singing “I'm Your Baby Tonight.”

Maaba will once again contend for her slot in the grand finale competition on TNT Final Resbakbakan this Saturday, Jan. 11.

via Mark Anthony Montalban | AP

10/01/2025

JUST IN | Palace suspends gov’t work, classes in Manila and Pasay on Jan. 13

Malacañang Palace, through its Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, signed Memorandum Circular No. 76, suspending government work and all classes in the Cities of Manila and Pasay on Jan. 13.

The suspension was made in line with the “National Rally for Peace” of the Iglesia ni Cristo, expecting heavy traffic due to numerous participants traveling to the mentioned locations.

Meanwhile, suspension of work in private companies and offices are left upon the discretion of their heads.

via Calvin Agustin | AP

09/01/2025

ISKUWENTO | Bitbit ko pa rin ang Nazareno

Tradisyon na ng pamilya ko ang makilahok sa pagdiriwang ng pista ng Itim na Nazareno. Taunang tinatahak ang daan patungong Quiapo dala ang isang bote ng tubig, panyo, at ang sariling Itim na Nazareno ng pamilya, sa pag-asang masilayan ang karosa lulan ang rebulto. ‘Di bale kung saan, masalubong lamang ang imahen ng Itim na Nazareno bitbit ang mga panalangin sa panibagong taon. Nang magkamuwang ay ako na ang nakatokang magbuhat ng mumunting Itim na Nazareno. Sa isang kamay mahigpit na hawak ang P**n. Habang ang kabilang kamay ay mas mahigpit ang hawak sa ama.

Sunod-sunod ang kapistahan at pagdiriwang ng pamilya ko sa bawat linggo ng Enero. Matapos ang pista ng Itim na Nazareno ay ang pista ng Santo Niño at ang pista ng Don Bosco. Ilang araw nakatayo sa harap ng kalan ang Lola para may maihanda sa mga bisita mula sa probinsiya. Magtitirik ng kandila at mag-aalay ng dasal sa altar para sa pagpapasalamat at pananampalataya. Ang bawat miyembro ng pamilya ay may kani-kaniyang gampanin para mairaos ang mga pagdiriwang. Sa karamihan, panahon ito ng kasiyahan at pagpapasalamat. Ngunit para sa sa akin, ang mga ito ay pananagutang buhat mula pagkabata.

Lumaki akong napaliligiran ng mga imahe at rebulto ng mga Santo. Sa sala ng kahit kaninong bahay, mayroong nakalaang lugar para sa isang magarbong altar. Puno ng mahalimuyak na bulaklak; bawat santo ay may suot na magarbong damit at may sukbit na bagong biling sampaguita. Nakaatas sa aming magkakapatid ang panatilihing maaliwalas ang altar, at ang mga dasal matikas at malinaw. Sabay kong natutunan ang magsintas ng sapatos at mga tugon sa panalangin.

Kinagisnan ko na ang pagpapakita ng pananalig sa iba’t ibang kilos. Mula sa pagdasal tuwing alas-sais ng gabi at pagsimba tuwing linggo, hanggang sa Visita Iglesia at Pabasa, lahat ng uri ng pananampalataya ay pawang nakapataw sa akin. Ang tanging ginhawa lamang ang pag-akap sa baywang ng aking ina habang pungas-matang naglalakad sa marmol na sahig ng Kaniyang tahanan. Laging tanong “matagal pa ba tayo?” Laging sagot ay mabilisang sitsit at ipit na ngiti.

Ang sabi, ang pananampalataya ay mapagpalaya. Ngunit mula noon, para itong koronang tinik na nakap**ong sa sinto-sinto kong ulo. Sa pagdaan ng mga pagdiriwang, unti-unting naging tungkulin ang dapat masidhing pamimintuho. Ang bawat tugon, ang bawat kanta, ang bawat linya sa libro ay tila dagdag na tanikala sa panghal kong katawan.

Natuto akong magdasal ngunit hindi ko natutuhang manalangin. Hindi ko naramdamang napalapit ako sa Kaniya sa pagbigkas ng mga tugon, ni pagbuhat ng mga rebulto. Tanging panahon lamang kasama ang pamilya naramdaman ang pagmamahal na inilarawan sa banal na libro.

Siguro nga nakikinig Siya sa mga minsanan kong dasal. Dahil kahit ilang buwan na akong hindi nagagawi sa tahanan Niya, nanatiling ligtas at malusog ang pamilya ko. Ayos na sigurong hapo ako sa pagbisita sa iba’t ibang simbahan, kung ito ang tanging oras ko kapiling sila.

Sa pagsapit ng Traslacion, bitbit ko pa rin ang Itim na Nazareno. Mananatili pa rin akong nakaupo sa harap ng altar tuwing alas-sais ng gabi. Patuloy akong papasok sa tahanan Niya, kahit ‘di ako tanggap. Mananatili akong nakakapit sa lubid ng karwaheng buhat ang Itim na Nazareno. Hindi para sa Kaniya, kung hindi para sa pamilya ko.

Isinulat ni Francis Irvin Gonzales
Ilustrasyon ni John Ivan Pasion

09/01/2025

From the heart of Quiapo and to the soul of the nation, Nazareno ‘25 makes history as the Black Nazarene Feast, celebrated as a national liturgical feast for the very first time.

What was once a cherished tradition in Manila now unites millions across every Philippine diocese in faith and devotion to Jesus Nazarene. Guided by the theme, “Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga umaasa kay Jesus” (1 Samuel 15:22), or “Better to obey than to sacrifice,” this year’s Traslacion calls us to deepen our faith by trusting and following God’s will.

May this sacred journey inspire us to live with purpose, humility, and love for others.

Caption by Samantha Nicole Prado
Board by John Ivan Pasion

01/01/2025

ICYMI | Over 35,000 aspiring PLMayers take PLMAT 2025

“2025 Wishlist: Sana makapasa sa PLMAT.”

This sentiment echoed among more than 35,000 aspiring PLMayers who took the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Admissions Test (PLMAT) 2025 last December 14-15 at multiple testing sites across the City of Manila.

The University has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the PLMAT 2025 to accommodate the growing number of examinees by providing additional testing venues. Aside from the PLM campus, the examinations were held at Manila Science High School and Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School.

This year’s PLMAT lasted two consecutive days, a change from the previous format where the exam was held on multiple Sundays with PLM as the sole testing site.

Passing the PLMAT is a mandatory requirement for all incoming PLM students. The two-hour examination covers English, Science, Mathematics, Filipino, and Abstract Reasoning.

To ensure smooth conduct of the exam, PLM implemented strict guidelines, including a “No Test Permit, No Exam” policy.

With the high turnout of applicants this year, PLM continues to strengthen its commitment to providing quality education for future PLMayers, who are now one step closer to achieving their “2025 Wishlist.”

Written by Jeanette Tropa
Photos by Ma. Janelle Ugot & Ralph Solis

31/12/2024

Happy New Year!

Let’s welcome 2025 with confidence and excitement for brighter days ahead. A new year means new chances to grow, succeed, and create meaningful memories.

Celebrate this fresh start with the people you love and set your goals for the year. Cheers to 2025!

Caption by Claire Josiah Bautista
Board by Krystal Arianna Puzon

30/12/2024

Today marks the 128th Rizal Day, we commemorate the life and legacy of our national hero, Dr. José Rizal. He wielded his pen to inspire a revolution of the minds and hearts of the Filipinos.

Let us continue to honor his memory by upholding the values he stood for—embodying excellence, integrity, and patriotism.

Caption by Claire Josiah Bautista
Board by Angelle Valbuena

28/12/2024

KOLUM | Tungkuling Walang Gantimpala

Kilala ang Nobel Prize bilang gantimpalang ipinagkakaloob sa mga taong nagkaroon ng malaking ambag sa kabutihan ng sangkatauhan gamit ang kanilang talino nang nagdaang taon. Sa higit isang siglo magmula ng pagkakatatag, ang Nobel Prize ay ipinagkaloob sa humigit-kumulang tatlumpung organisasyon at halos isang libong indibidwal–kabilang na si Maria Ressa na binigyan ng Nobel Peace Prize noong 2021 para sa kaniyang tunguhing malayang pamamahayag.

Sa kaniyang mga sulating tumutuligsa sa administrasyong Rodrigo Duterte nakilala si Maria Ressa. Magmula 2015 ay nagsusulat na ng mga artikulo si Ressa tungkol sa nakakasurang pananalita sa kababaihan at represibong pamumuno ni Rodrigo Duterte. Lalo na sa madugong War on Drugs ng dating pangulo kung saan kinilala ang Rappler, na co-founder si Ressa, bilang pangunahing pahayagang lantarang kritiko sa pang-aabuso ng karapatang pantao.

Nananatiling mahalaga sa pagdadala ng balitang nakakapukaw ng isip ang gampanin ng Rappler at ni Maria Ressa ngayong mayroon pa ring Duterte ang nakaluklok sa isa sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa bansa.

Nitong mga nagdaang linggo, nakita ng mga Pilipino ang pagsisiwalat sa pamumunong nagsisilbi sa sariling interes ng pamilya Duterte. Mula sa pag-iwas sa mga katanungan tungkol sa confidential funds at walang pakundangang pagbanta sa buhay ng Presidente ni Sara Duterte. Hanggang sa pagbunyag sa pagkakaroon ng reward system para sa mga pulis ng dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kaniyang War on Drugs. Walang makatatanggi na mayroong pinagmanahan ang kasalukuyang Bise Presidente sa kaniyang mga pagbabanta, lalo na sa kaniyang baluktot na liderato.

Ngayong mayroong nakasampang tatlong kaso ng impeachment kay Bise Presidente Sara Duterte, patuloy ang tungkulin ng mga pahayagan at mamamahayag na magsulat at mag-ulat nang may kinikilingan, ang taumbayan. Kung mayroon mang napatunayan si Maria Ressa sa kaniyang pagkapanalo ng Nobel Peace Prize, ito ay ang matarik na daang tatahakin sa laban para sa tunay na malayang pamamahayag. Sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos Jr., hindi bababa sa 10 mamamahayag ang pinaslang, karagdagang patunay na ang Pilipinas ay nananatiling mapanganib para sa mga mamamahayag.

Maalala na sa ilalim ng nagdaang administrasyong humarap sa samu’t saring patutsada at paninirang-tao si Maria Ressa. Naging mukha ng mapangmatyag na balita, hinarap ang mga kasong kriminal at mga paratang bunga ng mga sulating salungat sa populistang retorika at kontra sa kumakalat na propaganda sa social media. Dahil dito, binigyang parangal si Maria Ressa sa kaniyang pagsusulong sa malayang pamamahayag–ang mabalasik at walang takot na pamamahayag ay humantong sa pagiging natatanging Pilipinong Nobel Laureate.

Hindi natapos ang laban para sa tunay na malayang pamamahayag nang matanggap ni Maria Ressa ang isa sa pinakamimithing gantimpala sa mundo. Gaya ng pangungurakot sa kaban ng bayan at huwad na pamumuno, hindi rin dapat tumitigil ang kritisismo ng taumbayan sa pamamalakad ng bansa. Makatwiran at makatarungan ang pagkuwestiyon sa pamamahala ng anumang administrasyon, lalo na kung sinasaklaw nito ang karapatan ng taumbayan.

Sa nagdaang ika-10 ng Disyembre, kung kailan ibinabalita ang pagtanggap ng Nobel Peace Prize, gawing huwaran ang mga matatapang na mamahayag na patuloy na nagsisiwalat sa katotohanan sa kabila ng pangambang mawalan ng kabuhayan o buhay. Patuloy na maging mapangmasid sa isyu ng bansa, lalo na sa kaban ng bayan, kasarinlan, at kaligtasan ng kapwa Pilipino. Ang pagiging kritikal sa gobyerno ay hindi nangangailangan ng anumang gantimpala kung hindi mabuting pamamahala.

Isinulat ni Francis Irvin Gonzales
Ilustrasyon ni John Ivan Pasion

27/12/2024

LITERARY | Hindi mamamatay si Juan Tamad

Alam na marahil ng karamihan ang kwento ni Juan Tamad
Naghintay sa ilalim ng puno hanggang malaglag ang bunga
Sabi rin, ang mga alimangong huli ay kaniya na lang pinalakad
Ngunit iisa ang tema, tila mahal ng ating bida ang magpahinga

Yumabong ang kwento ni Juan Tamad at nanatili sa atin,
Hindi lamang sa saling-dila, bagkus pati sa kaluluwa
Malalim na ang tulog, tila ayaw nang gumising
Ang dating siesta lamang, mas lalong lumala

Umabante na ang lahat, tayo na lang ang naiwan
Tapos na ang pandemya, iisa pa rin ang solusyon
Aakitin ng prutas at paghihintayin gaya ni Juan
Hanggang sa makaidlip at hindi makaalis sa hipnotasyon

‘Di bale nang mayurakan ang pagkatao at karangalan,
Basta’t hindi mo siya makaligtaan kapag siya naman ang nangailangan
“Wala ka kung wala ako” ang nais iparating
Baliktad yata, walang siya kung walang ikaw na patuloy niyang gagamitin

Ang kwento ng ating bida ay tunay ngang nanatili sa atin,
Dahil sa mga taong handang yumAKAP at umugoy sa pagkahimbing
Hindi mamamatay si Juan Tamad hangga’t biktima ng kanilang patibong
Kung ano ito, pansinin ang unang letra ng bawat saknong

Isinulat ni Raniel Paquingan
Ilustrasyon ni John Ivan Pasion

25/12/2024

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿!

Amidst the twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and heartfelt traditions, we’re reminded of the true reason for the season. This day marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the gift of hope and salvation to the world.

Let’s celebrate this day with open hearts, cherish every moment with family and friends, and hold close the enduring love that God has shown us.

From Ang Pamantasan family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Caption by Samantha Nicole Prado
Board by Krystal Arianna Puzon

24/12/2024

LITERARY | The Lights are Dying

The lights are dying, and don’t let the blinking lights fool you—they’re just mocking us with a backdrop of red, green, and blue. Every December, Metro Manila along with the rest of the country explodes in color and brightness. Intense greens, deep blues, and searing reds.

The malls, the condos, the gated subdivisions—they glow ever so intensely you’d think they’re overcompensating. And maybe they are. For whom are these lights really for?

Certainly not for the family huddled in a dark house, wondering if they can stretch their food until New Year’s and beyond.

Christmas used to mean something. Or so we tell ourselves. These days, it feels like an elaborate trick. A theater of lights and colors, of flamboyant music and extravagant glitters to blind us from the truth: if you can’t afford to celebrate, then it’s not your Christmas to have.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼.

A neighbor of mine said it best. I saw him once, fixing a broken string of Christmas bulbs outside in the street. “Dati tuwang tuwa kami magkabit ng christmas lights,” he said, the shame in his voice cutting deeper than any confession. I didn’t know what to say to that. Who would, right? I guess all the glitter in the world can never bring back the reality of a better present. It is all in the past.

And that’s the thing about these lights. If in the past, they shine to bring hope; nowadays, they glare intensely, only to remind you of what you lack. They serve to illuminate that which is already in the dark: the unaddressed poverty in the streets, in the cities, in the country. They illuminate the cruel divide between those who celebrate Christmas with overflowing tables and those who can’t even afford a single plate.

I see these lights everywhere. Dangling atop malls. Towering above subdivisions that hide behind walls and guards. Meanwhile, outside, children wander barefoot. Selling rags. Begging for coins.

All of that is perfectly clear under the same glow of Christmas.

Because the lights burn too bright, too insistent even, as if daring us to put up with this is joy. Maybe we really can pretend, if we squint hard enough. But for me, every blinking bulb feels like a slap in the face.

A reminder that Christmas isn’t for everyone anymore—if it ever really was.

The truth? These lights aren’t alive. They’re hollow. They don’t celebrate anything real. As bright as they are, they just cast harsh shadows over the places they don’t reach: the homes with no Noche Buena, the children who don’t get toys, the parents who can’t even promise a hot meal.

These lights don't comfort the grieving. They don't warm the cold. They certainly don't make the hollow silences of empty hearts any less deafening. All they do is continue to perpetuate an already exposed lie; that this season still has meaning amidst this economy, even though the contrary is becoming more apparent than not. Because you can't buy, string up, and hang up joy like these christmas lights, but maybe you can strip it all away.

I want to tear them down, every last one. Pluck them from their perfect thrones and let the darkness reclaim the streets. Let their wires dangle, their glass bulbs shatter, and their circuits short out on the ground.

But no one wants that, do they? They’d rather the lights keep blinking, lying, and pretending everything is merry and bright.

And so the lights will stay. Blinking, lying, and smug, long even after Christmas has passed. They’ll burn on, uncaring, while the rest of us sit in their cold, mocking glow. Like a moth to a flame; all of us are blinded by the lights.

So yes. The lights are lying. And honestly, you know exactly who to blame.

Written by Kyle Jonas E. Urquico
Board by Miaka Byonne Cha

24/12/2024

ISKUWENTO | Sa Paskong Darating

Nalalapit nanaman ang kapaskuhan, kumukutikutitap nanaman sa dami ng ilaw at palamuti ang mga tahanan. Tumutunog nanaman ang mga kampana hudyat ng pagsisimula ng simbang gabi. At panigurado, taglay ng pagsapit nito ang kagalakan at bagong pag-asa sa buhay na laging inaasam.

Naiiba talaga ang diwa ng pasko, tangan nito’y mahikang nagpapahilom ng maraming karamdaman. Bata pa lang ako, ramdam ko na ang kakaibang hatid ng nito. Sa totoo lang, mas inaabangan ko pa nga ito kaysa sa kaarawan ko. Ngunit sa mga nagdaang taon, tila may mga pagbabago akong hindi inaasahan, mga bagay na nagpabago sa aking pananaw — lumalamlam na nga ba ang liwanag ng pasko o marahil tumatanda lang ako’t nalilimutan na ang tunay na diwa nito?

Taliwas na nakagisnan ko, iba na ang pagdiriwang ngayon. Hindi tulad noon, ang simoy ng hangin ay may baon ng lungkot. Marahil dulot ito ng labis na pag-iisip at pagod, unti-unti nang kumukupas ang ningning ng kapaskuhan. Pagkat hindi tulad noon, marami nang nakaatang sa aking responsibilidad, pasan-pasan ko saan man mapadpad.

Idagdag pa rito ang mapaglarong tadhana, lumaki akong tanging hiling lamang sa pasko’y simpleng salo-salo, kumpleto ang pamilya at sama-samang kakain ng noche buena. Subalit ngayon na kaya ko ng bumili ng hamon at keso de bola, wala na ang mga taong inaasahan ko sanang makakasama sa piging sa mesa. Tila ba ito’y isang kandila, napupundi na ang liwanag at sigla.

Binaling ko ang paningin ko sa aming sala at pinagmasdan ang aming christmas tree. Hindi ko maiwasang magbalik-tanaw sa nakaraan. Memoryado ng isip ko ang bawat minuto habang binubuo namin ito nang nagtatawanan at humihiling na sana'y pagsapit ng pasko, ninanais na aginaldo sa akin ay ibigay.

"Tuwing sasapit ang pasko, namimili ang mommy ko ng mga pang regalo," himig ng mga batang nangangaroling. Naalala ko tuloy ang mga kaibigan kong kasa-kasamang umaawit sa tapat ng mga kabahayan. Nasaan na kaya sila? Kagaya ko rin ba silang hindi na maramdaman ang kapaskuhan? Kung maibabalik nga lang ang lahat, sana’y nung huli kong pangangaroling ay umikot pa kami sa isa pang kalye at umawit pa nang marami. Kahit "patawad" pa ang tugon sa amin bandang huli.

Marami akong pinalipas na pagkakataon noon, hinuha ko kasi’y mas marami pang darating sa mga susunod na taon. Kung kaya, habang nadadagdagan ang aking gulang hindi ko namamalayang unti-unti ko na ring nakakalikdaan — ang oras ay lumilipas at ang mga okasyong tulad nito’y nababago na rin ang kislap.

Kung kaya, wala mang kasiguraduhan sa mundo, nawa’y sa darating na pasko bumisita ang batang ako. Punlaan ako ng kasiyahan at puspusin ng bagong layunin at pag-asa ang buhay. Dahil sa kabila man ng mga pagbabagong dumating, pinanghahawakan ko pa rin ang mga kwentong simbolo ng pagmamahalan at pagbibigayan na alam kong ‘di kukupas ilang taon o dekada man ang lumipas.

Isinulat ni Jamilla Marie Matias
Ilustrasyon ni John Ivan Pasion

23/12/2024

HAPPENING NOW | Paskuhan sa Pamantasan 2024

The Office of Student Development Services (OSDS) holds "Paskuhan sa Pamantasan" at the University Activity Center today, Dec. 23.

The event was led by OSDS Director Dr. Lynnette G. Cleto and the office's respective student committee. It aims to give back to the PLM Community, ringing in the holiday spirit through different games, raffles and cash prizes for the students, and employees of the University Security Office (USO), General Sevices Office (GSO), Physical Facilities Management Office (PFMO).

via Ella Mae De Asis and Jeanette Tropa | AP

22/12/2024

FEATURE | Far From Home: OFWs and the Spirit of Christmas

“Ang Pasko ay Kay Saya Kung Kayo'y Kapiling Na. Sana Pagsapit ng Pasko, Kayo'y Naririto.”

These lyrics from the beloved Christmas song “Sa Araw ng Pasko” resonate deeply with the heartache of millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) spending the holidays far from home. It’s a bittersweet season when the joy of Christmas intertwines with a yearning for family and traditions. For many OFWs, Christmas is about balancing the love for home and the realities of life abroad.

While families in the Philippines light parols and gather for Noche Buena, these modern-day heroes bear the sacrifices that fuel these celebrations. The traditions cherished by many are often made possible by the remittances sent by OFWs, a silent testament to their unwavering love and dedication.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

OFWs are rightfully celebrated as the “New Heroes” of the Philippines. Their economic contributions are immense, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reporting a record-high $33.5 billion in remittances in 2023, accounting for 8.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. This money sustains not only basic needs but also funds for education, healthcare, and the holiday celebrations that bring joy to many Filipino households.

The simple gifts under the tree, the sweet ham on the dinner table prepared by our loved ones, and even the red envelopes or angpaos filled with cash symbolize the sacrifices of OFWs who work tirelessly, thousands of miles away.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Despite their heroism, the emotional toll on OFWs is profound. Joylen, a PLM student’s sister and a domestic helper in Hong Kong, shares how December always brings a wave of sadness. “Gabi-gabi lalo ‘pag malapit na ang Pasko, naiiyak na lang ako sa lungkot. Ilang taon na ‘ko rito sa Hong Kong pero ‘di pa rin ako sanay. Iba yung Pasko sa Pinas,” she says.

The mother of Rolex, a Haribon from the College of Business Administration, now 12 years abroad, finds the season particularly lonely. “Pagsapit ng Pasko, lagi kong panalangin na magkakasama kaming family. Malungkot dahil mag-isa at trabaho lang lagi sa ibang bansa,” she shares. She longs for the familiar sounds and scents of Christmas—the p**o and bibingka, the laughter during Simbang Gabi. In Bahrain, where Christmas isn’t observed, she spends the holidays working. “Work, work, work, even New Year’s Day… that’s my life as an OFW,” she says, reflecting on her sacrifices for her children’s future.

These accounts highlight the silent struggles OFWs face, especially during a season meant for togetherness. The distance disrupts the core of the Filipino family’s tradition leaving many OFWs with an ache that cannot be fully eased.

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

To bridge the gap, technology plays a vital role. Video calls and social media allow OFWs to remain part of their family’s celebrations. Joylen, like many OFWs, has also found comfort in her “adoptive family” abroad. In Hong Kong, she gathers with fellow workers to celebrate. They cook, exchange small gifts, and remind each other that they are not alone.

“Hindi man kami magkasama ng pamilya ko, at least nandito sila,” Joylen says of her newfound community. For many, these bonds help turn foreign lands into a temporary home, even if just for the holidays.

Their perseverance and their ability to find joy despite the distance speaks to the enduring strength of the Filipino spirit. It’s a reminder that family is not merely defined by proximity but by the ties of love and shared experiences.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

At the heart of every OFW’s sacrifice is love. Rolex’s mother, who has worked tirelessly to support her children’s education, expresses it simply: “Lahat ng lungkot, titiisin ko para sa kanila.” The pain of being away from family is outweighed by her dreams for their brighter future.

The sacrifices of OFWs highlight the true spirit of the season: the desire to create joy for loved ones, no matter the personal cost. This Christmas, let us honor their courage and selflessness. Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder to cherish our own moments with family and loved ones.

Written by Kate Marquez
Board by John Ivan Pasion

22/12/2024

FEATURE l Looking Out For The Inner Child

The walls of my childhood home have never been tainted by paint while my family was living there. To me, it was never lifeless but bare—a once blank canvas turned into an immovable artifact filled with memories of youth with my siblings from chalk-written Math equations, traces of our once tiny hands, and drawings of anything under the sun wherever our imaginations took us then.

Not a hot take but to reiterate, there should always be room for warmth and empathy in every corner and space a child occupies. It is necessary that the little world they are brought up into shows them the potential in creativity and the magic of dreams, while serving as a sanctuary where their vulnerability is not merely recognized but nurtured instead of weaponized.

In reality, adults can be cruel to children. Childhood is a ticking clock — we either want to stop to suspend time or go faster in order to move forward. And though not everyone’s childhoods left deep scars that need mending, once it is over, it may be up to our grown self to make up for the things the child within us yearned for or is still clinging on to.

The concept of the inner child in psychology refers to the childlike aspects of one's personality. Despite our varying individual histories and lived experiences, our inner child is a part of us, deserving of self-compassion and kindness. It is one of the many reminders that vulnerability does not need to end once we have started shouldering life responsibilities.

Nurturing one’s inner child is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There is no definite and foolproof process on how it should go but it can start with acknowledgement, listening to your emotions and allowing yourself to feel.

What does your inner child need? Whether these are material things you have always wanted as a child or just want days where you can be playful and fun, do not hesitate to grant what you can now give yourself. What makes this process scary yet exciting is the fact that this time, you can take your time, and you make the rules.

Growing up and maturing tells us that we are our own person and our life is ours. Compared to when we were children, we are now more capable of changing its course through our actions and decisions. There is added pressure in knowing the things we do now would not only affect us, however, this also opens opportunities for us to influence what matters and question beliefs and practices that once left our younger self’s needs unmet and forced self-imposed suffering no child deserves.

Fragmented childhoods or not, may the emerging adults of this generation never forget that the children of today—whether in the faces of their sisters and brothers, disadvantaged children, and those facing discrimination—need us to show them compassion and gentleness amidst life’s harsh realities.

Life begins with people bare, like a blank canvas and by the end of it, may there be space within our being, etched with a fond memory of childhood.

Written by Viancé Redoblado
Board by John Ivan Pasion

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