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.

By: Justine May Gappi

School is one of the various environment you could push yourself into that host a population from emo to star; petite to full-figured; the simple to always on trend; the wallflowers to jocks. Just like a jungle wherein there’s an image of scholars, popstars, extra-curricular dominators, leaders, actors, nerds, and whiz kid. The demigods- Tarzans and Janes make average students feel like they’re lesser human beings are everywhere.

We’re tied to stick to the status quo. Jocks are meant to play sports. Actors and actresses are meant to be on stage. Scholars are meant to be geeks. Tarzans and Janes are untouchable.

These are the rules of nature that exists within the so called academic jungle of life that had been implemented ever since; and very few, if not entirely no one, has the guts to cross the bridge because of the fact that for those who dared to challenge the power of nature will have equipped with needles against swords.

We’re accustom to the fact that no one could go against the standards and we used to stick to what has been. Knowing that were fanned into a direction rather than steer on our own, we feel safe and sound.

Rebelling against the system doesn’t totally opposing but we’re just ready to try something new. Main reason why we don’t break boundaries and don’t try new ideas is beacause we’re afraid to be judged.

Extend our vision and see what lies beyond; what we could do if we rebel against the standards. It’s not a crime to be good in class and catch up fashion trends at the same time. It’s not a crime to ask the popstars to move aside and let you pass through. It’s not a crime to tell the supreme-student-president that his idea needs improvements for it to be better.

Go against the standard of geeks-are-not-cool, against the culture of the popular being flawless, against the belief that YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE MORE THAN WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE. Go against the flow. Break away from bonds that prohibit you from being you want to be. Burst your bubble out and let others in. Rebel against the standards and take pleasure in doing things that others think you can’t do.

By: Elpidio Salorsano Jr.

Quick spread of virus has been a big problem that is now facing the whole world that’s why many classes has been suspended. With that, Universities and other Colleges urges students and professors to use online class during coronavirus lockdown. Perfect epitome for that is Adamson University’s immediate action to release a memo for AdU Community.

“In light of the week-long suspension of classes due to the local transmission of COVID-19, faculty and students are advised to maximize the use of the E-learning. Stay safe, stay home productively Adamsonians”

The use e-learning as a temporary platform for the students to learn the lessons despite the suspension during the pandemic crisis was indeed a great help. But, obligating and urging the students to pass their requirements on time when the enhance community quarantine is extended in one month without assurance on when it’ll end, is nothing but pure inconsideration.

Some of the students doesn’t have a strong connection, most are in provinces with their families, without any signal at all.

Philippines is a third world country. We cannot expect that every household have a computer/laptop. Lot of students need to go to computer shops just to finish their works, hoping to pass those requirements. In addition to that, some of the student are not financially capable to pay for the internet connection. Instead of buying food, they’ll be forced to spend it on mobile data.

To add insult to the injury, not everyone understands the lessons just by reading it online, there are different kinds of learners, some are auditory and visual learners. It’ll just cause disturbance and misunderstanding of the topics. Imagine learning algebra, calculus, and complicated computations on our own? It’s not as easy as pie. Students will struggle, might be another reason on the cause of their stress and anxiety amid the COVID 19 situation, damaging even more their mental health.

In these kind of situations, we must always put into priority the wellbeing of the students. Online classes is beneficial but requiring the students to pass requirements must come to an end. As an institution who actively promotes compassion, hear out the students’ voice and let their voice be heard.

By: Justine May Gappi

Current president Rodrigo Duterte warned the public that no one could stop him from declaring martial law if the situation in the Philippines becomes “virulent.”

From democracy in to dictatorship, this is one of the most controversial issue and rumor in our country that’s mainly the reason that causes peoples’ attention in to chaos and to reminisce, once again, what happened way back years ago in our country.

It’s true that our lives were the product of brave heroes who fought and sacrificed their lives with great eagerness in attaining freedom that we desired for such a long time; until Philippines’ flag was raised by Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite last June 12, 1898.

Years of being independent, we’re like children who are just beginning to learn how to walk. Downfalls were experienced but always standing firm. With a thought that freedom is unending, a man clothed with armors, powers, and riches stolen from us, ruled diversely from what should be. Instead of having democratic government, he changed it to dictatorship.

Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in order to have all the powers. The darkest times in our country wherein journalists, press, media, do not have the rights to make their work- to inform the real happenings and wrongdoings of the government and authorities, the human rights violations, killings, corruptions and such.

The freedom that the Filipinos had won over from Spaniards was once again, taken, making the people whether young and old, rich and poor, strong ones or weaklings unite together protesting, voicing out, and fighting without violence making the whole world astonished.

With the happenings in the current situation, history seems to repeat itself once again. Rumors of bringing back Martial law ‘unacceptable’.

If Martial Law will be implemented, our forefathers’ and heroes’ sacrifices will all go in vain. If situations come up to worst and the government pushes through with the implementation, do we need another hero to light up our hopes? What will happen next? Are we just going to rely and depend onto others?

In our anxious quest for national development and given the vulnerability of democracy, our responsibility must match with peoples’ patriotism during the dark times of our country, Martial Law.

Developing love for our country, freedom and the unity of the people must forever be engrossed graved in our consciousness.

Qualities and optimisms of a hero is a must so it’ll serve as stepping stone for what Philippines will become years from now.

Freedom is never won once and for always. It must be sustained. Take freedom and democracy as if it was a seed that needs to be watered and sheltered, requires nurturing and caring by its owner, by us, Filipinos.

By: Britney Rose Villegas

Test and isolation as a great scheme to fight the pandemic, the need of people to identify the infected and lessen the spread of the deadly virus that leads to 558 deceased people. As the Department of Health (DOH) confirms the national total of positive COVID-19 to 8, 212, Philippines continuously set to roll out mass testing for their constituents.

Other countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea illustrated that mass testing is a helpful way to flatten the curve of infected cases. Hence, DOH still in the process of detecting their “gold standard” of testing kits – purposely-made for antibodies and results validated by Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Certainly, DOH specified the demand for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, its limited availability can’t fit in the need for mass testing. To be compared with rapid test kits, PCR tests can detect the presence of coronavirus even among asymptomatic.

The progressive mass testing intended to test 4,400 to 9, 800 per day starting April 20, then 13,000 and 20,000 daily before the enhanced community quarantine ends. Incredibly, the positive COVID-19 cases still increases along with more than a month of imposed ECQ and expanded testing capability. The government, specifically the DOH, should improve the operation of different hospitals and open more laboratories handling the tests. Philippines is the leading country with confirmed COVID-19 cases in ASEAN. That’s why it has to catch up, big time.

By: Justine May Gappi

Woke people in social media, especially youths that are becoming of age hit it right when they attributed the fact that the Philippines Government is such a huge mess. Yet, there’s a certain post saying that most of them are still young haters who doesn’t do anything but to point politicians’ mess in ruling the country.

They saw something that most of our leaders turn a blind eye on. They saw that there’s an existing problem- the status quo is flawed and actions of changing this country must start.

While this outlook is a welcome development, the fact that the change we all want to see in the society at large remains disappointing- very disappointing. You can tell right away just by the how unprepared the government is in terms of battling the infamous Coronavirus Disease Pandemic in our country.

I guess we’re still haunted by inconsiderate senators who’d rather violate quarantine rules than actually implementing it, and worst of all, a leader who’d rather choose to theathen his people by killing them than to propose a concrete budget plan to ensure public safety.

Collectively, we shout for change, one big change. Yet, it never occurred to us that we need to answer one question first: what kind of change do we need?

As we heard from the experts, constitutional change is the answer! As if it’s a sort of magic wand that would provide us magic carpet towards pedestal. Do you think it’s effective if we would still have the same bunch people in the background? So again, what kind of change do we need?

People shouts, Change Duterte! What will happen next? How sure are we that after we change the face of presidency, we would achieve changes? With the same breed of politicians right now, regime change would be like swapping durian-smelling perfume for ketchup-flavored ice cream. Clearly, changing present tyrant wouldn’t be enough.

Everyone wants to change the status quo. But only few realize that in order to change it, they must first change themselves. Think about it, whenever we curse someone, don’t we realize that we’re equally to be blamed for joining the bandwagon of negative values and lack of discipline?

We blame the DPWH whenever we experience floods, but did we ever blame ourselves for littering? We blame the MMDA whenever we experience traffic jams, but did we ever blame ourselves for crossing non-pedestrian lanes? We’re constantly asking ourselves how we could improve the county when we can’t even improve ourselves.

Problem is, we always let the concept of right and wrong to be put to waste just because everybody else is wasting it. We do things that aren’t good just because everybody else does. If we see these flaws in elders, then it’s about time to be brave enough to take the lead and show them the wisdom of changing it.

We are part of the flawed status quo. We ourselves are, flawed too. Before we ever think of changing a flick of matter around us, seek first to change ourselves.

The answer is not only Constitutional change. It’s more than ousting Duterte. The answer is a process that starts from within yourself followed by the country. Thus, that’s the time we can proud to say that change is definitely coming.

By: Rebecca Marie Dabalos

“It is hard to live in a situation where you are experiencing class inequality. Every problem we face in our society is borne by each student only during the semester when mental health is truly affected.”

All universities will defeat the purpose of suspending online class if they will proceed of compiling mediocre requirements for submission. The quality education is being compromised, we are here to survive, we are already struggling for day-to-day basis on what we consider a normal lifestyle what more in the midst of pandemic, we cannot expect our faculty and most especially our student to perform regularly. Most humane and inclusive response for every university is to have mass promotion. To implore and directly see the real deeds of every student. They might be privileged to enter a private institution but not everyone can maintain the accessibility of operative education.

Continuing online classes in the midst of pandemic is merely not effective and anti-student approach. The policy does not pay attention to the well-being of students but rather on their own benefit. Today’s pandemic, worrying that the parents’ money may not be enough to meet their daily needs, in panic when critical and demanding help may be the response of the management. It is hard to live in a situation where you are experiencing class inequality. Every problem we face in our society is borne by each student only during the semester when mental health is truly affected. With the equipment you have in front of you, will it be enough to keep you from falling down or really losing you because the materials in front of you aren’t enough to pass the semester’s requirements.

As a lot of student from different schools and university rage to call for Mass Promotion and Ending the Semester, Atenean’s clamor have reached the pitch and the administration heard their cry. Student from Ateneo de Manila indulging their rights after the institution announced to shorten the semester, give a passing remarks, and refund tuition fee. Ateneo de Manila is a great phantom on releasing a pro-student policy to show their compassion and submergence on student’s circumstances.( https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1255570/ateneo-on-shortening-2nd-semester-granting-students-passing-grade)

The lockdown has a substantial impact for student’s mental health. The outbreak contributes to the distress that may experience as a student, the alternative method of education impairs our learning into exhaustion, anxiety, and uncertainty. This may truly affect the learner’s performance. (https://www.biospace.com/article/research-roundup-covid-19-lockdown-s-impact-on-mental-health-and-more/)

If the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) see the opposition cry as unfair for running for Latin Honor. This is the season that students shouldn’t compete with each other this is the season where we should give sympathy to each other. “Passing or failing a student at this time is irrelevant.” ACT-Teacher Partylist Rep. France Castro. ( https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/08/pass-all-college-students-salceda-urges-ched/

After all, we must realize class analysis in every situation and who are the vulnerable on the decision of the administration. We oppose on what moral righteousness see wrong, it is very important to be the voice for the gullible. We must imply the most humane and considerate decision; Mass Promotion.