By: Ara Alexandra Mangundayao

Filipinos are known to be artistic and creative that comes in a wide variety. One of those is making underrated historical films that captivate everyone’s attention, which is also a must-watch because it portrays our identity as Filipinos.

We have that rich and tough history that inspires our filmmakers to continuously produce exceptional movies that give justice to our history.
As we are on quarantine period a lot of us finds our way of making ourselves entertained by watching movies and discovering more genre of it. In this time, art appreciation becomes prominent in the country because of the huge support from the local artist and considerable promotions.

Creating historical movies is a great challenge for filmmakers but at the same time is very fulfilling. Producing such kinds of movies takes a lot of study and research and creating ideas for the enrichment of the story. Thus, it also has to be in the sense of showing nationalism and promotes patriotism, especially for the youths.

In making historical films, it is not also about the whole story itself but it is a must to take back the audience in a time where they can relate and easily understand what happened to that event. It is a major point if the setting, costumes, and sets are greatly prepared and well showcased.

Some underrated local historical films that became hit in the box office and must watch films are; El President (2018) directed by Mark Meily which talks about the battle for Philippine independence, Jeorge “ER” Estregan played the role of General Emilio Aguinaldo. GOYO, Ang Batang Heneral (2018) directed by Jerrold Tarog which Paulo Avelino portrayed young General Gregorio Del Pilar.

Heneral Luna that is also directed by Jerrold Tarog is a top historical grossing film of 2015 that talks about the leadership of General Antonio Luna which was played by John Arcilla. It is also a success of their target audiences which are students that they also gave student discount. These are only 3 of the abounding historical films that Filipino filmmakers have produced.

In this time where failed relationships and fantasized love stories are recognized by many, may we still choose the movies that will educate us but at the same time giving us astonishing feelings towards the movie. It is also a time for us to watch a superb and well-directed movie and a time for a change in the film industry that is accessible to all.

By: Josua Ronald Roldan

Many are worried about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on our prospects. Students are protesting to end their online classes & implement mass promotions since we are facing a global outbreak.

Lots of us are having difficulties in our daily lives; it also affects our mental health. Refunding the tuition of the students is a big factor for them especially for those who require money for their family to sustain their essentials.

Refunding their tuitions is a contractual agreement between the university and the students. There are certain expectations on the part of the university and the part of the students. This is the best left for the students and the university to resolve.

Just like in Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) announced that they refunded their tuitions and said it would shorten this year’s second semester and would give students a refund amounting to P20,000 from tuition fees and 60% of lab fees.

By: Michaela Ann Marie Razon

5th of May 2020, when the franchise to operate of ABS-CBN was expired, due to some “laws” that they violated according to FICTAP.

Some people think that 6th of May, 2020 is just a normal day with new issue, but for me as a communication major student that day is a night mare, because it is clear to me that the ABS-CBN shutdown is a big threat to Press Freedom, also this is the start of fascist regime of the current administration of Duterte, fascist regime that are attacking those media outlets who are not in favor in them.

Some said “Mayroon pa namang ibang channel may press freedom parin“(there are some channels that are still open, there’s still a press freedom),little they did know that if the Government can do it to a single network, they can also do it with the rest of the channels that this Country have.

FICTAP complaint against the digital black box and having many channels, they said that this is not legal because they are asking the netizens to pay for it even though the Network stated that this one’s for free, but this “magical” black box is just an option, the Network is not forcing their viewers to buy, also in order to have that digital black box you only need to pay for it once unlike other cable networks that the payment of it is per month, and also they are insisting that the network are collecting payments for the movies that they are showing which again is not required, if you want to watch the feature movie they you can watch it and pay and if you don’t it’s fine, and it is right and just to pay for those movies to give credits to those people of work hard to produce that.

Others also said that the ABS-CBN is not fixing their franchise well in fact there are more than 10 franchise renewal bills since then but the congress is not minding them due to some political matters and also about the taz issues. But the BIR already cleared ABS-CBN.

This government is taking advantage of this crisis, they are launching tons of issues to cover their fail plans in fight against Covid 19 pandemic.

It is so frustrating that while our Health workers are busy taking care of those people who got infected with Covid 19, while the poorest of the poor are busy finding what to eat, while other kindhearted citizens are busy helping those who is in need and while most of the people spending and wasting their time in social media The government is manipulating us to put our attention in other issues so that their failed plans during lockdown will be cover up and also they’re continuing to be the puppet of China by intending that Philippines and China have a strong relation, reason for the China to China to enjoy the resources of our own island.

This ABS-CBN shutdown is a threat to press freedom because we can clearly see that there was no valid reason to not renew their franchise, it’s just that the President have it’s own personal issues about the mentioned network and not renewing their franchise is his revenge, and because of that personal issue of our beloves president, 11 thousands of filipinos got unemployed, how mature is our president to handle his personal hatred right?

If this government can shutdown one network they can also do it with the rest. This government doesn’t want Media that are exposing their true colors and against to them.

It’s bothering me to think that I’m living in a democratic country that speaking up for truth will make you suffer.

By: Justin Esponilla

In a radically different context, we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, within a common experience that sets limit on autonomy and privacy. But in some countries including the Philippines, the borders are crushing one basic right: freedom of expression.

Proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993, World Press Freedom Day is primarily a time to commemorate the basic values of freedom of the press, evaluate its condition across the world, protect the media from assaults on its independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the course of their duties.

“Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation,” as the theme of this year, I think it sounds as if it was written specifically for the context of the Philippines.

The Philippine press is undermined from inside by those who blur the line between propaganda and journalism. Journalists are no less human than other people, and some just give in to the temptations of power and money. Many portray themselves as seekers of truth but intentionally vend lies to baleful their competitors or mislead the audience.

The press finds itself having to work hard from the outside to combat the impact of misinformation, which is exacerbated by the capacity of technology to spread lies in real-time. Even a well-researched work is instantly labeled as fraudulent, also radical, even though it was reasonable and balanced. Where some officials are severely misguided in believing a positive press is a hostile press.

Yet, I still believe that criticism and opposition are the healthy building blocks of democracy. If both government officials and the media want just what’s best for the country, not themselves, they’d welcome pointed comments and opposing opinions to ensure they’re doing their job well.

Journalism was never a remunerative occupation, its rewards mean in many things, it includes understanding that journalists play a huge role in nation-building by reporting without exclusion, by praising when recognition is due without expectation of reward, and by declaring excesses as justified without fear of violence.