The official student publication of Sta. Teresa College.
‘50 YAL CONCERT IS USAL’S GIFT TO ARCHDIOCESE’
- ARCHBISHOP GARCERA
The Unified Schools of the Archdiocese of Lipa (USAL) hosted the 50YAL concert with the theme "Ginintuang Pagtatanghal ng Limampung Taon ng Arsidyoses ng Lipa" on January 20 at Sta. Teresa College.
News by: Joice Erika Danielle Masayda & Ikea Rose Mercado
Layout by: Kristhel Alcober
Photos by: Meriel Manalo & RJ Photo
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To reinforce the importance of physical activity in complementing sedentary behavior, STC organized different recreational activities for students to enjoy and learn.
After the pandemic pause, Teresians witnessed once again the return of live games on the court. This time, the College Week Celebration featured a friendly competition of volleyball games for girls and basketball for boys. After the ball games, Teresians participated in a Sports Clinic wherein they learned about the fundamentals of shooting, passing, dribbling, defending, and conditioning.
Meanwhile, advisers involved primary pupils in Body Shapes Movements Activity to emphasize the importance of exercise in early childhood while Grades 4-6 competed in an array of Palaro ng Lahi games.
Captions by: Ikea Rose Mercado
News by: Reighmiel Caraig, Zanele Jane Abu
Photos by: Kristhel Alcober, Angela Rwen Austria, Alexa Christine Contreras
Layout by: Rachelle Ann Ciudad
Wednesday for Teresians has never been more academic as students took part in various activities in developing and improving their skills during the ongoing College Week Celebration.
Teams experienced the thrill of playing “Game KNB?” Teresian Version in one of the highlights of the day. In its first edition, each team was required to answer a variety of general knowledge questions, especially those about Science, Mathematics, and History. However, before they could respond, the players were presented with a variety of challenges. Audience also had their chance to join as they were given powers and questions. Red team (Powerful Romeo) emerged as Champion.
The gameshow hosted by Mr. Dhan Emmanuel Kalalo, Ms. Romela Angeli Aranas, Ms. Margie Abe, and Mr. Norven Badillo was also live-streamed via the school's official page, Official Sta. Teresa College.
Meanwhile pupils from the preparatory and kindergarten level showed their artistry and creative side in their Prep-Kinder Day at Prep Town. On the other hand, students from Grades 1 to 3 participated in a Reader's Theater performance to showcase their reading literacy held at the Bulwagang Teresyana.
News by: Berlaine Marian G. Pita, Emmanuel Conti, Micco Yael Magpantay
Photos by: Angela Rwen Austria, Ma. Angelica Prado, Myron Espiritu, Alexa Contreras, Jenina Cabiten
Layout by: Rachelle Ann Ciudad
Tuesday is Arts Day. Grade school pupils in the primary level engaged in different forms of creative hands-on activities such as origami, an Asian paper-folding art form, balloon decoration, and clay molding, while Grades 4-6 exhibited their creative mode in Minecraft Competition via MS Teams.
On the other hand, JHS focused on visual forms of art like coffee painting and poster making while seniors showcased their artistic abilities through oil pastel painting on felt paper.
‘Creative activities simultaneously activate several areas of the brain through absorbing tasks like clay modeling, origami art, and other craft activities,’ said Mr. Jhosep Ramos, Asst. GS Principal.
News by: Aldwayne Dela Rosa, Carl Julian Atienza
Captions by: Joice Erika Danielle Masayda, Ikea Rose Mercado
Photos by: Rachelle Ann Ciudad, Princess Hannah Alo, Alexa Christine Contreras
Layout by: Rachelle Ann Ciudad
As part of the College Week celebration, Teresians explored various forms of lively entertainment done through forms of musical displays. All levels performed different activities, with the primary school performing a dancing and singing activity, the Grade school levels reading musical notes and exploring different musical instruments under the tutelage of Mr. Robert Claro Lopez and Mrs. Ma. Victoria Paglinawan, and the high school department playing the SingGaling game.
News by: Mharq Ghierzey Abe
Photos by: Meriel Manalo
Layout by: Rachelle Ann Ciudad
In commemoration of the Silver Jubilarian homecoming, the unveiling and dedication of the statue of St. Teresa of Avila, school patroness took place, Oct. 16.
The blessing was officiated by STC school president, Rev. Fr.Carlo Magno C. Ilagan with the presence of Comm. Nick Conti, STC Alumni President, Mayor Ryanh M. Dolor, Class 1997 batch president Monchito Abrahan, retirees, students, and faculty.
The statue of Sta. Teresa of Avila is donated by Batch 1997 and is placed at the newly refurbished ground by west STC gate (gate 3).
𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝘀𝗮 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗼!
Maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang suporta, sakripisyo, at aruga sa aming mga estudyante. Ang inyong mga aral na ibinahagi sa amin ay mananatili sa aming mga puso. Kayo ang nagsisilbing liwanag at munting gabay sa paaralan. Kaya’t sa araw na ito ay lubos ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo! Maligayang araw ng mga g**o!
Konsepto ni: Joice Erika Danielle Masayda
Likhang Sining ni: Yuna Guilliane Jimenez
𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆-𝗽𝘂𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼
Nakiisa ang Sta. Teresa College sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa sa temang, “Filipino at Mga Katutubong Wika: Kasangkapan sa Pagtuklas at Paglikha"Agosto 31, 2022.
Bilang panimula, isang sama-samang panalangin ang pinangunahan ng pamilya ni Gng. Annalyn V. Manalo. Binigyang-diin naman ni Gng. Marianne R. Oyong, HS Asst Principal ang kahalagahan ng pag-gamit ng wikang intelektwalisado sa pagpapayabong ng ating kultura sa kanyang bating panimula.
Bahagi ng birtuwal na pampinid na palatuntunan ang isang lektyur kung saan nagbahagi ng mga kabatiran sina Gng. Niña R. Acuzar at G. Kevin E. De Chavez hinggil sa pag-unlad ng panitikang Filipino sa paglipas ng panahon gayundin ang papel ng wika sa pagtuklas at paglikha.
Tampok din sa selebrasyon ang mga pagtatanghal ng “baybayin” ng mga g**o at kinatawan ng magulang suot ang pambansang kasuotan . Kabilang din sa mga presentasyon ang pagpupugay kay Manuel L. Quezon, awit ng Abakada, awiting Alpabetong Pilipino, tulang, “Ang Wika Ko” ni Osmond Yosef R. Villanueva, at spoken poetry ni Angelica May Quilaton. Ipinakita din sa programa ang mga kultural na pagtatanghal tulad ng awiting Sampaguita ng STC Cherubim at Ako'y Isang Pinoy ng Siglayaw Dance Troupe.
Higit pa rito, ibinahagi ni Engr. Loriel M. Castillo, na kilala rin bilang Yel Cast, ang kanyang karanasan sa kontemporaryong pagpipinta gayundin ang kahalagahan ng wikang Pilipino sa kanyang virtual na tula. Itinampok ang programa sa Official Sta. Teresa College, opisyal na page ng paaralan.
Iniulat ni: Ikea Rose Mercado
Litratong kuha ni: Meriel Manalo
𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮!
Kada taon ay ating ipinagdiriwang ang Buwan ng Wika tuwing Agosto upang pahalagahan ang wikang Filipino. Kaya’t halina at tunghayan natin ang isang tula at likhang sining upang lalo natin itong mapahalagaan at mapagyabong!
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿
Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera D.D, Archbishop of Lipa presides the HOLY SPIRIT mass to bless S.Y. 2022-2023. This was attended by select teaching staff and students from Unified Schools of the Archdiocese of Lipa (USAL) at Sta. Teresa College, Aug. 25, and live-streamed via the USAL-Archdiocese of Lipa page.
Seeing the students and teachers go back to school after 2 years of extended lockdown, Archbp. Garcera said he feels students’ joy and love for Jesus as they came forward to participate in the mass.
“This occasion is both an event of thanksgiving and encounter. Having a gathering such as this is a testament to the longing that the community has felt to see one another and to feel Jesus within their presence.”
Caption by: Mharq Ghierzey T. Abe
Photos by: Alexa Christine D. Contreras
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀!
Aug 22 is a red-letter day for students and parents. On Monday, the first batch of Teresians are back to school for the first time after two years of distance learning, kicking off a pilot scheme to resume face-to-face learning after the pandemic disrupted the education of students.
STC has adopted a hybrid system of in-person and remote learning as it transitions its students back to face-to-face classes.
Upon arrival, students wearing masks were instructed to their respective classrooms to meet their advisers and then welcomed through a school program intended for them. Paraliturgy, drumbeats, greetings, games, virtual tour, introduction of the faculty members and staff, and pinning of Teresian pins composed the program. Both parents and students are reminded to wear their face masks properly every time they enter the school’s premises.
News report by: Ikea Rose L. Mercado
Caption by: Kristine Faye M. Abanto
Photo by: Joice Erika Danielle M. Masayda
Get to know the aspiring young leaders vying for spots on the next Supreme Student Council. They are ready to give their time and effort if you will lend them your trust. Teresians, make your vote count.
Meet the grade school stars seeking to prove their mettle in the next set of Teresian Young Leaders. Given the chance, they will show you that it is never too early to take charge.
Vote wisely!
𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗱
Following the preliminary results of the national elections, about 50 protesters from various groups in Batangas, including Panday Sining, Bahaghari, Anakbayan, UP Caballeros, and BAYAN-Batangas gathered near the Lipa Cathedral Plaza to denounce suspected widespread electoral fraud.
"Ngayon ay lumalaban, ang tao, ang bayan. Timog katagalugan, tuloy tuloy ang laban. Tuloy tuloy ang laban, timog katagalugan. Batangueñong makabayan, ngayon ay lumalaban. Ngayon ay lumalaban, Batangueñong makabayan," the protesters chanted.
To recall, multiple complaints were levied against the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) due to widespread instances of failure yesterday, which the protesters believe were the primary reason for the voting delays and may have resulted in electoral fraud.
"Hindi pa dito natatapos ang ating laban dahil ngayon palang tayo nagsisimula," said Audrey Diaz of BAYAN-Batangas, paraphrasing Vice President Robredo’s remark during her speech earlier.
Meanwhile, the attendees assured that the rally was relatively peaceful.
Similar rallies in other locations were held today to denounce the near-imminent victory of the Marcos-Duterte tandem, including Calamba and Intramuros.
𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: 𝗩𝗣 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗶 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲, 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆
Currently placed second and facing a wide gap in votes in the presidential race, Vice President Leni Robredo addressed her supporters at around 1:52 am through her official page.
As of 3:20 am, unofficial-partial results from 92.00% of precincts show Robredo with 28.11% of the vote, trailing behind Marcos's 58.92%.
In her speech, which lasted no more than five minutes, Robredo thanked her supporters and urged them to remain hopeful for the future and continue the movement that her campaign had started.
"Hindi kayang sukatin ng numero ang pagmamahal ninyo. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo. Alam kong hindi madaling tanggapin sa inyo ang mga numerong lumalabas sa quick count. Hindi lang panghihinayang, kung 'di malinaw na pagkadismaya ang nararamdaman ng ating hanay."
She further acknowledged the existence of controversies across various precincts nationwide.
"Mulat din ako. Ang pagkadismayang ito [ay] maaaring lalong kumulo, lalo pa't dahil may naiulat na irregularities sa halalang ito," she said.
One standout is the volume of vote-counting machines (VCM) that malfunctioned; the Commission on Elections reported that around 1,900 units experienced issues such as rejected ballots and problems with printing.
Take for example Pinyahan Elementary School, Quezon City, where two VCMs malfunctioned—one had a corrupted SD card and another suddenly stopped working—resulting in the use of manual ballot boxes as an alternative.
Robredo also brought attention to the voters who missed the 7 pm deadline due to problems with PCMs despite calls for the Comelec to extend the voting period.
"Kaisa ninyo ako sa paniniwala na kailangang isalamin ng halalan ang buo at wastong tinig ng taumbayan. Mahalagang maging mas matibay ang tiwala ng tao sa proseso ng ating demokrasya," she added.
She ended her speech by reminding her supporters of what they had accomplished throughout the campaign period, and what they can still do moving forward.
"May nasimulan tayong hindi pa kailanman nasasaksihan sa kasaysayan ng buong bansa: isang kampanyang pinamunuan ng taumbayan… Isinadiwa ninyo ang demokrasya, hindi lang sa pagboto, kundi sa pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino."
𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗙 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗢 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡
With just two days before the elections, our editors, alumni, and moderators came together to declare our support for Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan in their bids for the highest seats of power. The truth will never wither, and neither shall our nation.
𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟲𝟬 𝗦𝗦𝗖 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗮. 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗩𝗣 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗶 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝗸𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁.
In a historical move, the 64 former Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers on May 3 took initiative through a joint statement to support the tandem of Robredo-Pangilinan for the 2022 Philippine elections.
The statement, initially posted on Facebook by Marwin Joseph Maguindayao, the Vice President of STC-SSC Batch 2016-2017, was a show of force in the last week of the campaign before voting day on May 9.
In the declaration, the Teresian alumni expressed that Robredo and Pangilinan stand out among their rivals "in terms of leadership experience, public service track record, transparent governance, and holistic approach."
They also emphasize the relevance of the STC motto and core values in helping Teresian voters to understand why they believe in the opposition.
"To be always for Jesus means to be always for the masses—promoting the common good for the Filipino people, the people of God. As such, we encourage Teresians to vote for VP Robredo and Sen. Pangilinan in the upcoming 2022 National and Local Elections for a just government and leaders who will truly represent the Filipino people's interest," added the former SSC officers.
This is the first time that STC alumni came together to formally endorse candidates for the national elections. A pioneering effort, the endorsement spans across multiple decades of former SSC officers included – with the oldest batch coming from S.Y. 1976-1977, leading up to the most recent graduates who served a term back in S.Y. 2019-2020.
The call for former STC-SSC officers to be part of this endorsement is still ongoing, according to Maguindayao. More batches of Teresian graduates who were elected in the student body's highest government are expected to join the support for .
ERRATUM: The number of Teresian SSC alumni who were included in the first batch of this unity statement is 64, and not 63 as originally reported. Marwin Maguindayao apologizes for this error in the initial count.
𝗞𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗦
𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗻̃𝗼𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗶-𝗞𝗶𝗸𝗼
“Nandito kayong lahat para iparamdam na nasa inyo ang tunay na kapangyarihan, kayo ang magsasabi kung sino ang gusto nyong manungkulan dahil bahagi kayo ng pamahalaan,” Vice President Leni Robredo pointed out during the grand people’s rally at Bauan, Batangas.
A huge crowd of "kakampinks" from 30 municipalities and four cities of Batangas graced VP Robredo and running mate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan with “tropang angat” as they returned to Batangas in a final bid to solidify support in vote-rich province on Saturday, April 30.
Based on the estimation of the local organizers, the crowd at VP Robredo's rally at Catalina Lake Residences surged to more than 280,000 people, surpassing the record set by the vice president's rally in Laguna the day before, which drew roughly 225,000 people.
Along with Robredo and Pangilinan were members of their senatorial slate, namely, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Atty. Sonny Matula, Atty. Alex Lacson, Sen. Risa Hontiveros spoken for by her daughter, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Leila De Lima spoken for by Atty. Philip Sawali, Teddy Baguilat, and Atty. Chel Diokno, who all expressed their gratitude to the supporters and urged them to work even harder to win the Leni-Kiko tandem as the election date approaches.
In her speech, VP Robredo expressed her gratitude to the province, acknowledging that Batangas was one of the key reasons she won in 2016 despite not being well-known and having little track record to show during that time.
“Ngayon pong bumabalik ako, mas malakas ng ang loob ko. Malakas po ang loob ko dahil matitingnan ko po kayo, mata sa mata. Masasabi ko po sa inyo hindi ko sinayang yung tiwala na binigay nyo sa akin noong 2016,” she stated.
Before the main rally, VP Robredo paid visits to the nearby municipalities of Nasugbu, Tuy, Lemery, Taal, and Sta. Teresita, Lipa, Batangas City, and Taal Basilica for her blessing, together with Senator Kiko, for whom 118 priests from the Archdiocese of Lipa proclaimed their support.
“Gusto po naming iparamdam sa inyo na ganito yung aasahan nyong pamahalaan namin ni Sen. Kiko. Gobyerno yung lalapit sa inyo, hindi kayo mahihirapan humingi ng tulong dahil sisiguraduhin naming na may mga programa tayong nakaabangan sa lahat klase ng pangangailangn na meron kayo,” she added.
To recall, the vice president was present during the province's crises. The office was present when typhoons and earthquakes hit, and during the Bulkang Taal eruption in 2020.
She also claimed that they maintained a steady presence during the pandemic, providing PPE sets for the frontliners, financial support to the sick, ambulances, Covid test kits, swab kits, vaccines, and hospitalization assistance.
”Naipakita na po naming na kapag ang gobyerno tapat napapangalagaan yung pondo ng taongbayan. Kapag walang korapsyon tiwala ang tao sa kanyang gobyerno. Ganyan po kami angat buhay program,” she remarked, citing their accomplishments despite having limited funds for the programs.
On the other hand, Senator Pangilinan said that if he is elected vice president, he will prioritize agriculture and fishing because that is the key to eradicating hunger.
“Kapag sinusuportahan ang magsasaka at mangingisda, dadami ang kanilang ani at huli, kapag marami na ang ani at huli, bababa na ang presyo ng pagkain at magiging abot-kamay na ang pagkain,” he explained about his “Hello Pagkain, Goodbye Gutom” campaign.
The event also showcased Batangas culture with an opening performance by Subli dancers for VP Robredo’s entrance and the giving of presents representing the province's culture. These included barong tagalog, balisong, lusis, and kapeng barako.
Furthermore, the event gathered numerous Filipino artists together with performers and guests who showed their support for the candidates.
Many local officials also backed the tandem, notably Batangas 2nd District Rep. Raneo Abu who said that the strong attendance is proof of Batangueños’ support. “Maubos na ang yaman, ‘wag lang ang yabang.”
Moreover, Batangas City Youth organized a free, two-way shuttle service for attendees, “Libreng Sakay Biyaheng Leni-Kiko Grand Rally,” with pickup points at the Volunteer Center near SM Batangas, SM Hypermarket, 7-11 Diversion Road, Bay City Mall, and Batangas City Grand Terminal.
“This is not a battle of all those politicians na magkakalaban. It is a battle for us, for the future generations, for you to realize the truth and ma-experience nyo yung tunay na meaning ng democracy,” Dr. Isidro Burog, a member of Doctors for Leni, said, highlighting the importance of proper researching and seeking the truth.
From morning until evening, the grand rally venue looked like a grand art and food festival due to the numerous stalls and tents offering free food and drinks to attendees.
//Report by: Ikea Rose Mercado
𝗕𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲
In just three weeks, we will face one of the most significant crossroads in our history. It is imperative that you play your part in protecting our collective tomorrow.
Alarmingly, unseen forces have begun manipulating public perception through pre-shaded ballots and unofficial exit polls during overseas absentee voting. In fact, were it not for firsthand accounts drawing attention to these controversies online, we would likely not have even known about them since the Commission on Elections and Department of Foreign Affairs have flip-flopped between declaring the incidents as fake news and dismissing them as mere isolated cases of human error.
These compound the dire prevalence of disinformation and lack of transparency that has plagued Philippine politics for years. They reflect an obstinate desire of certain parties to derail this democratic process for the benefit of the few while convincing the masses that they still stand on equal footing.
This is our chance to demand for better governance. Exercise your right to vote, and do so with conviction.
Vote for your students, who will count on you to hold all potential leaders to the same standard of quality and scrutiny that you do with academics.
Vote for your friends, who will continue to persevere in the hope of one day seeing the country they were promised.
Vote for your families, who will bear the repercussions of the successes and failings of the government every day.
Vote for your children, whose lives will be molded not just by your hands, but those of our officials.
Vote for yourself—for a future that you deserve.
Vote, for it is your civic duty as a Filipino.
// Art by: Yuna Jimenez
𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻
Seventy-seven years ago today saw one of the darkest pages in the history of Bauan.
On the morning of February 28, 1945, citizens—the young, the old, the men, the women—were corralled by local authorities and Japanese troops under the command of Captain Hagino at the church. The men were separated from the women and children, had their items stolen, and were divided into three groups of 100 people each. They were led to and trapped in the basement of the home of the wealthy Severino Bautista who had fled the town prior to the incident.
Moments later, dynamites were set off, resulting in the cruel massacre of these men. Those who had managed to escape the house were shot and bayoneted. The Japanese had suspicions that the men of the town were involved in guerilla activities. As a result, over 300 citizens’ lives came to an end.
Today, we mourn the loss of their lives and honor the bravery they displayed in protecting our hometown until their final moments. Their legacy lives on in the Dambana ng mga Bayani that stands across the church.
Understanding and reflecting on our local history is the least we can do for those who came before us.
Art by: Hannah Atip and Franchesca Bautista
Caption by: Mharq Ghierzey Abe
𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆'𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵
On this day 36 years ago, the world learned of the true power of democracy.
February 25, 1986 marked a new era of hope for the Philippines after it ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in a bloodless revolution. The image of an unmovable mass wielding nothing but rosaries and unrelenting voices was enough to repel even tanks. It inspired other nations to take a stand against their own strongman leaders, immortalizing the revolution as the spark of a worldwide movement.
Although, "bloodless revolution" paints only a fraction of the picture. Tens of thousands of Filipinos were nabbed, tortured, and killed by authorities who were supposed to protect them for speaking out against the tyranny of the Marcos administration. Not one drop was spilled on EDSA; the government had bled their brothers dry.
Now, as history attempts to repeat itself, it is imperative that we commemorate, learn from, and protect the memory of the People Power Revolution. It is, above all, a reminder of how they secured freedom for the next generation. We owe it to them to keep the fight alive.
Thirty-six years ago, our heroes could only dream of what their actions would mean today.
Art by: Yuna Guilliane Jimenez
𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀
We are one, differing and yet the same.
Two halves of the same soul, as the poets would say.
Dreary days bleed into vibrant weeks, months, years,
And with you by my side, there is nothing for me to fear.
Despite not having the time to meet each other lately,
Too caught up with piling tasks we need to finish daily.
It’s not enough, though, for me to leave you behind.
To meet you once more, I’d gladly wait another night.
You’ve been busy, I know I’ve been the same.
In this situation, there really is no one to blame
Except maybe, the world, and its harsh reality
For trying to turn what we have into mere history.
Still, I remain, always by your side–
Not wanting to leave, not wanting to even try.
For we have more years ahead of us, don’t we?
I could wait a few more months to meet you—even briefly.
Your words alone bring comfort to my very being,
A small distraction from this tiny hurdle we are facing.
And as you talk into your phone, with me on the other side,
I feel ever so much joy from the comfort you provide.
Love can be unkind—that much, we already know.
It’s a confusing emotion, a journey of highs and lows.
To us, though, it’s been ever so forgiving and benign,
Because, for you, I could wait out my entire lifetime.
This distance has proven to be futile,
Proving not to be all that brutal.
And if fate’s biggest challenge is your momentary absence
The present will not keep me silent
I’d wait a million years, if that is what’s ordained.
I’d wait, hoping that nothing between us will have changed.
I’d wait until we reunite and our paths cross again.
For you, I’d wait until the moment I no longer can.
Poem by: Mharq Ghierzey Abe
Art by: Yuna Guilliane Jimenez
𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟱𝟱, 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗡𝗼. 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗳 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄!
We apologize for the delay in releasing the latest issue. Then again, good things come to those who wait.
As 2021 comes to an end, join us in looking back at the milestones that we reached with a tenacity that refused to succumb to any challenges. At the same time, recognize the problems that pervade our society and arm yourselves against disinformation with an insatiable hunger for knowledge and truth. Awareness precedes action, and information controls it.
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𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗱 Following the preliminary results of the national elections, about 50 protesters from various groups in Batangas, including Panday Sining, Bahaghari, Anakbayan, UP Caballeros, and BAYAN-Batangas gathered near the Lipa Cathedral Plaza to denounce suspected widespread electoral fraud. "Ngayon ay lumalaban, ang tao, ang bayan. Timog katagalugan, tuloy tuloy ang laban. Tuloy tuloy ang laban, timog katagalugan. Batangueñong makabayan, ngayon ay lumalaban. Ngayon ay lumalaban, Batangueñong makabayan," the protesters chanted. To recall, multiple complaints were levied against the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) due to widespread instances of failure yesterday, which the protesters believe were the primary reason for the voting delays and may have resulted in electoral fraud. "Hindi pa dito natatapos ang ating laban dahil ngayon palang tayo nagsisimula," said Audrey Diaz of BAYAN-Batangas, paraphrasing Vice President Robredo’s remark during her speech earlier. Meanwhile, the attendees assured that the rally was relatively peaceful. Similar rallies in other locations were held today to denounce the near-imminent victory of the Marcos-Duterte tandem, including Calamba and Intramuros.
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