2
CONTENTS
// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2021-2022
LANCE CRISOSTOMO Editor-in-Chief
ANDREW DELA PLANA
MARIELLE NAVARRO KYZZIA PAGUIRIGAN ZOELINE HONRADO
Senior Managing Editor
BEN NIVERA
Adviser
MS. VICTORIA GALLARDO
Writers
Associate Editor-in-Chief
RENZ BAUTISTA
MR. KENT BRYAN COLOCADO
Vice Principal
MARCUS BUHAIN SHAWN TEVES RINEAI VENTOSO SOFIA MALVAR
MR. RICHARD PINEDA Principal
MS. DAISY ROMERO
Artists
Junior Managing Editor
School Consultant
NINA DULCE
THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS facebook.com/Rheims2020
Cover Page Artist
ALIXIA CANALIN Layout
MR. LAWRENCE FERNANDO
@Rheims2020
Contributor
The Lasallian Rheims
Alere Flammam Veritatis
official.rheims@gmail.com
WHAT'S
INSIDE? 3 4 5
NEWS
Incoming President Marcos Jr., camp hold “selective” press conference
No border closure yet amid Monkeypox scare SIBOL MLBB team wins back-to-back gold Philippines Concludes 31st SEA Games at Fourth Place
12
Election 2022: More than a Numbers Game // RPTD
13
What went wrong? // ALAPAAP
14
FEATURES
Dungeons and Dragons: Its Role in My Escapism
6
GOLD MEDALISTS
15
A Moment of Rest
7
SCITECH
16
Anime Review: Kaguya-sama: Love is War
8
OPINION
17
LITERARY
Jollibots
18
Comfortable with You
19
A Late Night Encounter
9 10 11
Starlink to offer high internet speeds to Filipinos
Bagong Dekada '70: The Rise of Diktajunior Tinig ng MASA: An open letter and challenge to Marcos Jr. // EURUS
Monkeypox: Should We Be Worried? // NBYRM Foundlings are still humans // IZUMIN
MAY 2022 // NEWS
3
Incoming President Marcos Jr., camp hold “selective” press conference LANCE CRISOSTOMO
A
day after his proclamation, proclaimed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s camp conducted what can be called an “exclusive and selective” press conference in order to give light to the unanswered questions of the people regarding their administration's “vague” platform. According to a report by Rappler last May 26, media outlets were informed that the Marcos HQ would be closed that day, only to find out that a press conference was being conducted with three media outlets when it was announced in Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official Facebook page. The three media outlets present in the three-on-one closed-door press conference were GMA News, SMNI, and Net25; two of which (SMNI and Net25) had owners who endorsed Marcos Jr.’s presidential bid. Reporters from the three media outlets talked about Marcos Jr.’s plans and the problems that the administration will be facing such as electricity prices, the rice price drop that Marcos Jr. promised, and the trillion-peso debt of the nation. To recall, Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio were proclaimed as the next president and vice president of the Philippines respectively last May 25 at the Batasang Pambansa with both the Senate and House of Representatives present. Marcos Jr. won with over 31,629,783 votes, about 16 mil lion more than Vice President Leni
Robredo who landed second; Duterte-Carpio, on the other hand, got about 32,208,417 votes, about 22 million more than Kiko Pangilinan who landed second. The incoming president and vice president are set to start their term of office on June 30 after they take their oath; however, Duterte-Carpio hinted at a plan of having her oath earlier in order to attend Marcos Jr.’s oath ceremony on the 30th. “Selective” policy would thrive - Marcos Jr.’s camp
not
Marcos Jr.’s camp promises that selectiveness on media won’t be observed under the administration, Marcos Jr.’s spokesperson said. In an interview, Incoming executive secretary Vic Rodriguez said that the press conference was a “commitment” to the three media outlets who wanted to conduct one-on-one interviews with Marcos Jr. himself after winning the elections. Rodriguez added that although this “press conference” was only opened to three media outlets, the incoming president’s camp stated that “selective policy” on press briefings and conferences shall not be observed once Marcos Jr. sits in power. “It is not the policy of the incoming Marcos administration to exclude you, our dear friends from the media,” Rodriguez emphasized. NUJP, 7 others urge Marcos Jr. to protect media freedom
With the conduct of the “exclusive and selective” press conference, eight media stakeholders released a joint statement that challenges the next administration to protect media freedom in order to provide “credible information” for the general public. The eight media groups included: Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) I Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ); The Movement of Independent Media / Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm); Freedom Film Network (FFN); National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP); Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA); and, Association of Journalists of Timor Leste (AJTL). The statement highlighted that Philippine Media was also restricted during the time of late-president Marcos and has continued to struggle even in the term of the current President Rodrigo Duterte. “Philippine media was restricted and regulated during the reign of dictator Ferdinand Marcos; Although restored by the 1986 ouster of Marcos, media freedom has deteriorated and the Philippines leadership of Rodrigo Duterte has seen increased attacks on journalists and independent media,” the stakeholders emphasized.
To recall, Reporters Without Borders revealed that the Philippines ranked 147 out of 180 in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index - the third-lowest nation in all of Southeast Asia. [R]
4
NEWS // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
No border closure yet amid Monkeypox scare ANDREW DELA PLANA
A s the monkeypox virus spreads mostly in Europe, the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 said that border closure is not yet necessary, last Saturday.
of an already eradicated smallpox virus, the vaccine manufacturing will be much easier.
National Task Force Medical Adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa announced in “Laging Handa” briefing that there is no need to close the country’s borders as monkeypox is not as contagious as the COVID-19 virus.
“Yung smallpox virus, maaring magawang bakuna at pupuwedeng epektibo dito sa Monkeypox. So sa mga bansa na naka-freeze 'yung virus ng smallpox, they can actually manufacture the necessary vaccine although wala tayo commercially. Kapag kumalat, puwedeng gumawa ng bakuna,” he said.
“As an adviser I will not recommend closing our borders just because there are 85 reported cases of monkeypox,” Herbosa reported.
According to Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Abdullah Dumama, the mortality rate of the Monkeypox virus is only about one percent.
Herbosa also explained that since monkeypox is a relative
“Mayroon din pong fatality ito, fatality rate na at least 1 point — ah
1 percent lamang po. Hindi naman ho ito gaanong ganoon ka-virulent at hindi ito nagbibigay ng malalang sakit, mahal na Pangulo,” Dumama said in a prerecorded Talk to the People when President Duterte asked about its fatality rate. As of May 20, there are 80 confirmed Monkeypox cases across at least 11 countries, with 10 countries not endemic to the virus detecting it. The symptoms of Monkeypox usually include fever, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes or lesions. [R]
PH showing SupremaSEA
SIBOL MLBB team wins back-to-back gold
RENZ BAUTISTA
Team
SIBOL MLBB won the gold medal for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports event after beating Team Indonesia 3-1 in the recently concluded 31st Southeast Asian Games. The stacked SIBOL team was composed of MLBB world champions Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario, Salic Alauya “Hadji” Imam, Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna, Dexter Louise “Dexstar” Cruz Alaba, and rookies Kyle Dominic “Dominic” Soto, Lee Howard “Owl” Gonzales, and Russel Aaron “Eyon” Usi. The
final
game
(Game
4)
was a quick 10-minute match after a successful pickoff by Del Rosario’s Akai, followed by Gonzales’s game-winning Beatrix flicker play. SIBOL MLBB had first gone in the grueling group stages where they overpowered Team Malaysia, Team Laos, and Team Myanmar, all 2-0. Its semifinal match against Team Singapore was a close 2-1 victory after Villaluna’s shotcalling, securing the finals against Team Indonesia. Team Indonesia was composed of all-stars in the Indonesian MLBB
pro scene from multiple teams such as RRQ, Evos Legends, and ONIC Esports who have represented Indonesia in MLBB world champion tournaments. With its gold-medal win, the Philippines have successfully defended its throne from the 30th SEA Games wherein MLBB was formally introduced as a medal event in the SEA Games. Meanwhile, SIBOL teams in other divisions have also bagged medals in the esports event such as League of Legends: Wild Rift Women’s Team (Gold), League of Legends PC (Silver), and CrossFire (Silver). [R]
MAY 2022 // NEWS
5
Philippines concludes 31st SEA Games at Fourth Place BEN NIVERA
Filipino
athletes brought home 52 gold, 70 silThe Dancesport team managed to grab 12 ver, and 104 gold medals after showing exemplamedals with the astonishing performances brought ry performances in the 31st SEA Games held in by Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla, who Hanoi, Vietnam from May 12 to May 23. brought home three gold medals; Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen, who nabbed one gold and two Sadly, the Philippines wasn’t able to defend the silver medals; Wilbert Aunzo and Pearl Maria Canecrown as Vietnam swept the competition with 205 gold, 125 da, who won one silver and two bronze medals; and silver, and 116 bronze medals. Thailand placed second Michael Angelo Marquez and Stephanie Sabalo, who with 92 golds, 103 silver, and 136 bronze medals. Followmanaged to grab one gold and two silver medals. ing Thailand, Indonesia ended up in third place after winning 69 gold, 91 silver, and 81 bronze medals. Gilas Women managed to grab a gold after trailblazing their way into the Women’s 5x5 Gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo showed outstandevent. Meanwhile, Gilas Men won one silver and ing performances as he defended his SEA games tione bronze medal after winning in the Men’s tle and took home five gold and two silver medals. 5x5 event and Men’s 3x3 event respectively. “If it’s up to me, I wanted to win all the medals in all the events,” the 22-year-old said.
The Women’s Football team made history after finally grabbing a bronze medal in the Women’s Football event, the first time in 37 years. The team managed to Another member of the Philipbeat Myanmar in a 2-1 battle for the bronze medal. pine Gymnastics Team, Aleah Finnegan, who was a former United States national gymIn the Esports field, Blacklist SIBOL Esnast, nabbed two gold and two silver medals. ports National Squad dominated the Mobile Legends competition and managed to nab a gold medal Meanwhile, the Kurash team bagged one with amazing performances delivered by each playgold medal, three silver, and five bronze meder. The Women’s team for League of Legends - Wild als after amazing performances from their athletes. Rift also managed to grab a gold medal, while the men’s team managed to finish with a silver medal. Weightlifting queen Hidilyn Diaz asserted The crossfire team also finished with a silver medal. her dominance after demolishing her enemies in the Women’s Weightlifting 55 kilogram event. She defeated All medalists will be rewarded with cash inher rival, Thailand’s Sanikun Tanasan, who settled for silver centives coming from the government. Under Reafter lifting 203 kg in total, 3 kg less than Diaz. public Act 10699, each gold medal is equal to P300,000 while a silver medalist in the SEA Games Billiards sports legend Efren “Bata” Reyes will fetch P150,000 and a bronze medal P60,000. only managed to win a bronze medal in the Billiards Sports - Men's 1-Cushion Carom Singles. Team Philippines’ chef de mission Ramon Fernandez represented the PhilipHowever, the Billiards team managed to bag four pines for the closing rites of the 31st Southeast gold medals with the other worldly performances by Asian Games at My Dinh National Stadium. Rubilen Amit (Billiards - Women’s 9-Ball Pool Singles) , Johann Chua (Billiards - Men's 9-ball Pool Singles), and “This was an enlightening and educational experiCarlo Biado (Billiards - Men's 10-ball Pool Singles). The enceforyourstruly.Wefoughtasoneandwonasone!Mabuteam also won four silver and three bronze medals. hay ang atletang Pilipino!" Fernandez said. [R]
6
NEWS // // THE THE LASALLIAN LASALLIAN RHEIMS RHEIMS
1. Mary Francine Padios Pencak Silat | Women’s Seni Tunggal
GOLD MEDALISTS
2. Jack Escarpe Kurash | Men's -73kg 3. Carlos Yulo Artistic Gymnastics | Men’s Individual All Around 4. Gina Iniong Kickboxing | Women’s Low Kick -60kg 5. Jean Claude Saclag Kickboxing | Men’s Low Kick -63.5kg
19. William Morrison Athletics | Men's Shot Put
35. Johann Chua Billiards | Men's 9-ball Pool Singles
20. Stephanie de Leon and Michael Angelo Marquez DanceSport | Single Dance Latin - Cha - Cha
36. Pia Bidaure, Abby Bidaure, and Phoebe Amistoso Archery | Women's Team Recurve 37. Kayla Richardson Athletics | Women’s 100m
21. Merwin Tan Bowling | Men's Singles
38. Sibol’s GrindSky Eris: Charize Doble, Christine Natividad, Rose Ann Robles, Giana Llanes, April Sotto, and Angel Lozada Esports | Women’s League of Legends: Wild Rift
22. Carlos Yulo Artistic Gymnastics | Men's Vault Exercise 23. Carlos Yulo Artistic Gymnastics | Men's High Bar
6. Fernando Casares Triathlon | Men’s Individual
24. Clinton Kingsley Bautista Athletics | Men’s 110m Hurdles/100m Hurdles
7. Kim Mangrobang Triathlon | Women's Individual
25. Jocel Lyn Ninobla Taekwondo | Women’s Individual Recognized Poomsae
8. Samantha Catantan Fencing | Women’s Foil Individual 9. Meggie Ochoa Jiu-Jitsu | Women’s -48kg - GI 10. Annie Ramirez Jiu-Jitsu | Women’s -62kg - GI 11. EJ Obiena Athletics | Men's Pole Vault 12. Aleah Finnegan, Chiara Andrew, Charlie Manzano, Lucia Gutierrez, Kursten Lopez, Cristina Loberanes Artistic Gymnastics | Women’s Group
26. Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla Dancesport | Single Dance Standard - Viennese Waltz 27. Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla Dancesport | Single Dance - Standard - Tango 28. Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla Dancesport | All Five Dances - Standard - W, T, V, F, Q
13. Agatha Wong Wushu | Women’s Taolu Taijijian
29. Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen Dancesport | Single Dance - Standard - Slow Foxtrot
14. Kim Mangrobang Duathlon | Women's Individual
30. Chloe Isleta Swimming | Women’s 200m Backstroke
15. Carlos Yulo Artistic Gymnastics | Men’s Floor Exercise
31. Rubilen Amit Billiards | Women’s 9-Ball Pool Singles
16. Aleah Finnegan Artistic Gymnastics | Women’s Vault
32. Richein Yosorez and Islay Erika Bomogao Muay Thai | Women’s Waikru Mai Muay
17. Arnel Mandal Wushu | Men's Sanda 56kg
33. Eric Cray Athletics | Men's 400m Hurdles
18. Carlos Yulo Artistic Gymnastics | Men’s Still Rings
34. Kurt Barbosa Taekwondo | Men’s Kyorugi -54kg
39. Christian Dychangco, Ivan Malig, Patrick Nuqui, and Merwin Tan Bowling | Men's Team 40. Rena Furukawa Judo | Women's -57kg 41. Sibol: Johnmar Villaluna, Danerie James del Rosario, Salic Imam, Kyle Dominic Soto, and Lee Howard Gonzales Esports | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Team Event 42. Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting | Women's 55kg 43. Shugen Nakano Judo | Men's -66kg 44. Rubilen Amit Billiards | Women's 10-ball Pool Singles 45. Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales Tennis | Men's Doubles 46. Carlo Biado Billiards | Men's 10-ball Pool Singles 47. Vanessa Sarno Weightlifting | Women's 71kg 48. Gilas Women Basketball | Women's 5x5 49. Rogen Ladon Boxing | Men's 48kg-52kg 50. Ian Clark Bautista Boxing | Men's 52kg-57kg 51. Eumir Marcial Boxing | Men's 69kg-75kg 52. Phillip Delarmino Muay Thai | Men's Combat 57kg
PHOTO SOURCE | CNN Philippines, Philippine Star, ABS-CBN News
MAY 2022 // SCITECH
7
Starlink to offer high internet speeds to Filipinos BEN NIVERA
T
esla’s CEO and billionaire Elon Musk's high-speed satellite internet Starlink is set to enter the Philippines after gaining approval from the country’s Telecom Commision. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) approved the registration of Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of SpaceX that will provide the satellite broadband to the country. Starlink’s registration was approved as a value-added service provider, according to a statement Friday. With this, Starlink would be allowed to directly access satellite systems, and to build and operate broadband facilities. “The NTC is steadfast in helping ensure that roll-out of Starlink’s internet access services will be done expeditiously and professionally,” said NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, “The NTC’s swift processing of Starlink’s VAS provider registration was meant to expedite the service”s immediate roll-out.”
The commissioner also said that the company will prioritize communities in urban and suburban areas and rural regions that remain unserved or underserved with internet access services. SpaceX counsel, Bien Marquez, thanked the NTC for its “prompt action,” noting that Starlink’s VAS license was issued 30 minutes after their submission of registration and complete requirements. “This shows the government’s seriousness in addressing the connectivity needs of our country in unserved and underserved areas. This will also prepare us in the event of natural disasters and calamities,” he said. The Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said Starlink is expected to jump start its operations before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in June. The Philippines will be country in Southeast Asia to cess to Starlink’s service. [R]
the first have ac-
PHOTO SOURCE | SCREEN RANT
8
OPINION
// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
Bagong Dekada '70: The Rise of Diktajunior ALAPAAP // Andrew Dela Plana
N
ever Forget. The academe has always sided with the known truth, and based its teachings on facts and written history. It has always respected the books that were written for the purpose of education and information, and it would not just allow any unreliable source of information to be part of its curriculum. However, the Philippine educational system may have failed once again, as the majority of Filipinos, especially students, have failed to comprehend the horrors and atrocities of the dreaded Martial Law era that happened during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s regime. It is seen very clearly that until now, its history has been whitewashed and "watered down," so that most Filipinos have dozens of misconceptions that have stemmed from the continuous bombardment of disinformation on social media. No one can deny that social media played a role in the Marcoses' return to power. Its contents range from silly conspiracy theories to large scale troll farms that would push the idea of the Martial Law period being the Philippines’ "Golden Age" due to the development of numerous infrastructures and different laws signed during the Marcos presidency. The historical distortion (a term here which means that it occurs when history is changed to suit a personal agenda and typically involves disinformation) regarding the Marcoses peaked during 2016—the year when Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ran for vice president and also when Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was given a hero’s burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. However, while the historical distortion peaked during the 2016 elections, it started way back when the Marcoses were allowed to enter the country. The minds of the Filipino people were conditioned to the point where they
would blame the "dilawans," or the Liberal Party, for not bringing the immediate change that they supposedly promised after the 1986 EDSA revolution. Pictures and propaganda spreading that the Aquinos and Cojuangcos are the ones to blame for destroying the "democracy" and "freedom" that the Marcoses supposedly gave them were rampant on social media websites, blogsites, and Youtube videos. It is a must that Filipino people remember that the EDSA revolution did not present immediate solutions to the country's problems back then, but it did provide the country with numerous options and gave the people their freedom back after the deadly regime. And while the Aquinos are indeed regarded as the "saviors" back then, both they and the Marcoses are two sides of the same coin. The EDSA revolution wasn’t about Marcoses against the Aquinos. It has been about the years of struggle of the Filipinos under the Marcos rule finally coming to an end because of the people. It was about Filipinos against the oppressors, the Marcoses. While all of these were taught in grade school, they were not taught in depth in most schools, and are not regarded as topics of utmost importance. Additionally, Philippine history itself is not part of the high school curriculum, which explains the numerous people falling for fake news regarding Martial Law. It is not entirely the fault of the people for engaging in misinformation and disinformation, as the people have been subjected to various types of mind conditioning and have heard various types of stories that have painted the Martial Law in a glorious, bright light. It is those who are in power, who have let the Marcoses return to power and have not done anything to prevent what happened in the past from happening in the future again.
Never Again. After the 2022 elections, it seemed as if the martial law survivors and victims were spat on–their efforts were invalidated, and all they could do was watch the repeat of what happened last time a Marcos was elected into power. It seems as if what should NEVER AGAIN happen, will happen in the near future. The saddest thing about this is that nostalgia is one of the driving forces for the Filipinos to elect another political dynast, and a Marcos, to be exact. This nostalgia, for the bread called Nutribun, for the lower prices of goods, for the more "disciplined" period of the country, is what drove people to elect another Marcos. It seems as if people would want to cling to this nostalgia rather than face the harsh truths, like the law of inflation, for example. It appears that aesthetic infrastructure and ruthless "discipline" will once again be valued over the lives of Filipinos. While all the speculations are pointing to a repeat of the events that transpired in the 1970s, all that the Filipinos can do now is to hope. Hope that at least the "Golden Age" version of the 1970s will be the one that will be repeated in the coming years, and not the bloody regime that, sadly, did happen in the past. Hope that Junior will not be called "diktajunior" in the coming years because of his actions. It is disappointing, and it feels as if Filipinos have let themselves down with the results of the elections. It is important, however, to note that even if the people lost, a lot still sided with the truth. The truth will not be comfortable all the time, and that is normal. At least, the people still fought for truth and sought for justice even when the future seems bleak. Brace yourselves, for this might be the "Bagong Dekada ’70." [R]
MAY 2022 // OPINION
9
Tinig ng MASA: An open letter and challenge to Marcos Jr. 36
years ago, the nation vowed to “Never Forget, Never Again” an administration operating against democracy. It was a promise that the entire Philippines made so that the future of the nation would not be placed in jeopardy. However, the vow has already been broken as the 2022 Elections reinstated a Marcos to the presidency through a majority win. Although it is true early to dictate the nation’s future, it is evident that the nation is exposed to the brink of sinking into a wormhole that leads to endless possibilities. Let us get a quick glimpse of the nation’s history. In 1986, the EDSA People Power Revolution happened and unified the people in the streets of EDSA as they called for then-President Ferdinand Marcos to step down after thousands had died and were tortured under Martial Law. It took some time and a lot of effort to finally take down the Marcoses. After the snap elections and continuous plea of the Filipinos February 25, 1986 - the Marcos Family fled the country, and Corazon Aquino stepped in as the Philippines' new president. Democracy was revived and dictatorship was sworn to be buried down in the deepest of memories for eternity… or so did we thought. Promises were meant to be broken as some would say. The 2022 Philippine National Elections caught the WORLD by storm as “Junior is about to take the position of Senior”. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. succeeded in reclaiming the presidency as he swept the competition with about 32 million votes (even without a legitimate college degree and with a re-
EURUS // Lance Crisostomo cord of tardiness in debates and interviews), a notable “majority” win in the Philippine Elections history. After 36 years, the Marcos family is back in the driver's seat of the Philippines as they push for “Unity” and “generalized platforms” that the Filipino voters bit into. “Never forget, Never again” or should we say “Never forget but let’s have them once again”.
conference was conducted in the same HQ with only three media outlets being allowed for coverage. Marcos Jr. is still not in power yet this practice has already flourished. What more when he fully comes into power? There is a possibility that a widespread media blackout, in the worst-case scenario, would happen once again, just like what happened in his father’s era.
With Marcos Jr.’s victory, it can be said that the future of the nation and its people is uncertain. The concrete plan of Marcos Jr. and his administration for the next six years is still a mystery for all since there has been no elaborate explanation and discussion of such. Media outlets that ask questions about it are being deflection by his camp. A shred of more concrete evidence - ask the voters who voted for Marcos Jr the question, “Why Marcos Jr.? and what is his platform?”. The answer could only revolve around two - “Because why not?” and a deflection of the question through assertions based on construed information from the long-term negative revisionism that Marcos Jr. and his camp executed. Rappler’s study on disinformation in the 2022 PH elections revealed that Marcos Jr.’s impenetrable media web uplifted the false-positive narratives on Facebook and TikTok - the top two sources of information for people today.
Signs of “the return of the horrors of the past” are already showing but the nation and the people who shaped this nation to what it is right now hope that the trauma and terrors of the Marcos era before would not happen today. The results can no longer change and we have to live by them whether we like it or not. Marcos Jr. would be in power starting July 1, a day after he takes his oath of office on June 30. The majority has spoken but the rights of the minority must never be compromised. 32 million Filipinos stood by Marcos Jr. and it is the hope of the minority that they are right. The nation is eyeing change and progress, not the destruction and death of the so-called “Pearl of the Orient”.
With that being said, journalism and the people’s access to truth and information are also threatened. Just last May 26, Rappler reported an incident in the Marcos Headquarters wherein it was announced to them that the HQ would be closed for that day. To their surprise, a closed-door press
Future President Marcos Jr., prove the people wrong with your actions and the results of such, or else, the backfire would be too much for you to handle. A brutal and more enraged version of EDSA may be coming your way. The people may trust you now but when the discourse is about mistakes, they do not forgive mistakes at the expense of their future. All eyes are on you now… [R]
10
OPINION // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
Monkeypox: Should We Be Worried? NBYRM // Ben Nivera
W hen it seems like COVID has died down a bit and things are slowly returning to what was normal back then, a new disease has re-emerged out of nowhere. Spreading like wildfire, Monkeypox has already reached more than 20 countries worldwide as of Thursday, May 26, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While many are comparing the disease to COVID, others are claiming that Monkeypox isn’t something we should be frightened of. But whatever everyone’s opinion is, the question still remains: Should we be worried? Monkeypox isn’t entirely a new disease; as a matter of fact, the first cases, discovered in 1958, weren’t even on humans, but rather, on monkeys, hence the name “monkeypox”. The first cases on humans were only found later in 1970 in the Republic of Congo. In 2003, 47 people in the United States were infected by the disease; it was later found out that the pox traced back to a pet store that sells rodents imported from Ghana. Other than these, there were also several cases of Monkeypox in recent years; 2017-2019 in Nigeria, 2018 in the U.K., 2019 in Singapore, and some cases in 2021. Early symptoms usually include headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle pains. After a few days, rashes would appear on the face be-
fore spreading to other parts of the body, usually on the palms, arms, and legs. However, some recent cases began with rashes on genitals. Over a week or two, the rash would eventually turn into blisters similar to chickenpox, then later into larger, pus-filled blisters. The disease is usually mild, but complications can include pneumonia, vision loss due to eye infection, and sepsis. Monkeypox spreads primarily through physical contact.
that since Monkeypox is a relative of a smallpox virus which was already eradicated years ago, formulating a vaccine would be much easier. “Yung smallpox virus, maaring magawang bakuna at pupuwedeng epektibo dito sa Monkeypox. So sa mga bansa na naka-freeze 'yung virus ng smallpox, they can actually manufacture the necessary vaccine although wala tayo commercially. Kapag kumalat, puwedeng gumawa ng bakuna,” Herbosa said.
Since the first patient on May 7, Monkeypox has spread rapidly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of May 26, the current Monkeypox outbreak has already reached more than 20 countries, with more than 200 confirmed cases and about 100 suspected cases. In recent weeks, the disease has already spread throughout North America and Europe, generating outbreaks in countries outside of Central and West Africa where the virus has circulated at low levels over the past four decades. Even though the sudden outbreak and the symptoms may seem alarming, NO DEATHS have been recorded so far and patients recover only after a few weeks.
So to answer the question, no, I don’t think we should be worried about Monkeypox. Most of the cases are from the U.K. and from other countries far from the Philippines. Other than that, patients who have caught the virus seem to recover quickly and no deaths have been recorded so far. But the virus not being something to be worried about doesn’t mean we don’t have to be prepared, right? Since there are no plans to close the Philippines’ borders, it’s very possible for infected people (who have only shown symptoms from early stages; no rashes and blisters) to enter our country. For now, the best we can do is watch the news and be wary of the people and things that we touch. If we don’t stay alert just like what we did last 2020, we might as well just be on lockdown for who-knows-how-many years again. [R]
The Philippines' National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 has stated that the closing of borders is unnecessary. National Task Force Medical Adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa also explained
MAY 2022 // OPINION
11
Foundlings are still humans IZUMIN // Kyzzia Paguirigan
A “Foundling”, according to the dictionary,
is babies or small children who were abandoned by their parents usually in places such as hospitals, churches, or government posts and offices. Foundlings are a little different than orphans, unlike orphans the foundling’s parents are still and just nowhere to be found. In the absence of a law that protects them, foundlings are prone to a phase of “statelessness” due to difficulties in establishing his/her parentage. Additionally, if there is no citizenship, a foundling cannot access certain rights and services, making them vulnerable to variable challenges such as discrimination. Early this month of May, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11767, or the “Foundling Recognition and Protection Act” to end the risk of “statelessness” of foundlings, this law guarantees the rights of the deserted or abandoned children with unknown parents and recognizing their status as a natural-born citizen of the Philippines. According to the explanatory note of RA 11767, it states that an abandoned child found in the Philippines or Philippine embassies, consulates, and territories abroad is presumed a natural-born Filipino citizen, regardless of the status or circumstances of birth. As a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a foundling is accorded with rights and protection at the moment of birth equivalent
to those of citizens whose citizenship does not need adjustments or any further act. The law also stated that a deserted child shall be acknowledged a natural-born Filipino citizen, even though his/her birth certificate was simulated, his/her legal adoption was not processed, or his/her registration was delayed” If the biological parents cannot be identified and located, the foundling shall be declared legally available for adoption, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations and taking into consideration the best possible scenario for the child. Once the adoption is finalized, the adopted foundling shall be considered the legitimate child of the adopter. According to RA 11767, the foundling is also entitled to the rights and obligations provided by law to legitimate children without discrimination of any kind. This law also includes a safe haven for infants who are abandoned or thrown in garbage areas or left on sidewalks. As a foundling herself, Senator Grace Poe said, “May this law provide peace of mind and closure to those who seek until this very day. May it also remind the foundlings that regardless of where they came from, they are just as important and worthy as anybody else.” [R]
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OPINION // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
Election 2022: More than a Numbers Game RPTD // Renz Bautista
Last
May 9, a very DECISIVE numbers game was played. The game would determine the fate of the country in the next six years and would likely influence the next election (or should I say, numbers game). With 67.5 Million Filipino voters, comprising of 13.11 million those belonging to the Generation Z (18-25 years old), 23.94 million belonging to the millennial generation (26-41 years old), 16.77 million belonging to the Generation X (42-57 years old) and the remaining 11.92 million belonging to the “boomer, silent, senior citizens and greatest generation” (58 years old above), how was the game played? The numbers game has even started long before the campaign periods and the filing of certificate of candidacies (COCs) which was last February 8, 2022 and October 1, 2021, respectively. Each move of every political personality, big or small, was monitored and was known to the masses. Long history of campaigning, revisionism and mind conditioning was rampant even before the campaign period. You may say candidates and political parties made a very bold move. Some opted to campaign under famous personalities, some opted to join forces with other political parties, some just relied on surveys, and some chose to run independent and rely on their volunteers and supporters. I pondered upon the hypothetical results of the elections and a lot of what-ifs crossed over
when this certain candidate wins for a national position. As of this writing, the actual result was the worst case of all my what-ifs. I did not sleep the night while the partial and unofficial tallies are being transmitted while watching multiple election coverages simultaneously and chatting with my friends and peers regarding the results over what could I term the elections, a popularity contest. I was overall disappointed but not surprised. Honestly, I think that the recently held elections were not “successful” contrary on what the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) have said over a press conference. The faulty vote-counting machines, election-related violence, election violations (e.g., vote buying, campaigning by giving of sample ballots), the non-extension of voting hours and non-compliance of health protocols, and other anomalies before and during the elections show the cracks the 2022 Elections had. As what Karen Davila has said, it is not the fault of the people and the pandemic to have very long lines due to the broken VCMs and people have the right to safeguard their votes and be present in the votation process, from registration, receiving of the ballot, until to the insertion of the ballot to the VCM and voter’s receipt generation. “Basically, this election has written the way elections are won in this country. Hindi na kailangan maglatag ng plataporma sa mga
debate, hindi kailangan mag-grant ng interview. Kailangan mo lang siguro ng tanyag na apelyido, solid ang machinery mo and social media, and long history in politics.” This is what Vicky Morales insighted over an interview with University of the Philippines political science professor Ranjit Rye. It is saddening that our country who dreams of being progressive and to be on par with the likes of well-developed countries like Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, chose a leader who just happened to have the same surname of a previous president of the country without any in-depth and careful analysis with his vague and generalist platforms. Other countries, personalities and even international media has branded a very “ideal” and the “best possible” candidate, but well, it seems that we have forgotten our history lessons back in elementary. With the Elections concluded and proclamations happening, all we have to do is accept the results and move on with life. I can really relate to what Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco, a UP political analyst said over an ABS-CBN interview, “Good luck na lang talaga sa Pilipinas.” Nonetheless, we must still continue to show empathy and patriotism by striving and fighting for what is right, moral, and just for the welfare of our fellowmen over the next six years, even if things did not go our way. [R]
MAY 2022 // OPINION
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What went wrong? ALAPAAP // Andrew Dela Plana
T he pink movement that took the
whole country by storm through house-to-house campaigns, grand rallies, and walks that were organized solely by volunteers that supported Leni Robredo’s campaign was flawed. There, I said it. It was far from perfect, but I think of it as something that is necessary for people to witness. Seeing the spirit of volunteerism and the ability of the Filipino people to help out one another on a grand scale is much needed in the midst of these trying times, in which we are tired of the same old broken promises, corruption, and bad governance. If those who have the resources, who have the ability to change our lives for the better by providing us with better options refuse to help the masses, then the people on the ground themselves take up the challenge to uplift one another and endorse a candidate who has proven herself to have created policies that seek to provide better options for the Filipino people. A candidate who provides the "better" option that we so longed for, and who has provided us with concrete platforms and amazing achievements. However, after elections, we now ask ourselves the question: What went wrong? What really went wrong? After months of campaigning with the use of "pakikipagkapwa," or "radikal na pagmamahal," everything that could have gone wrong did. Yes, some of Robredo’s supporters were toxic and resorted to "bardagulan" tactics, but that shouldn’t be a good
enough reason not to vote for someone who served the Filipino people with dignity and honesty for the past six years. Is it irresponsible for Filipinos to resort to Tiktok videos, unverified Youtube videos, and disinformation from Facebook? It is, but you can’t just blame the people for consuming the information brought to them in the package most convenient for them. Let me elaborate. Filipinos are known to be visual learners, hence their liking for videos that are more "appealing" and/ or "entertaining," even if the content of the said videos is fake news. Take vloggers like Thinking Pinoy and conspiracy theory Tiktokers, for example–they present information that would seem to be "believable" because of their way of packaging the information, no matter how absurd the fake news is. They are also known for having short attention spans, as seen in several events wherein social issues and topics weren’t given enough attention. For example, when both of these factors are combined, as well as the modern Filipino culture of memes and "bardagulan," their proclivity to watch spliced outof-context videos and share disinformation and satirical posts grows. The hate for Robredo came into being, even though most of their reasons were rooted in disinformation. It's funny how most Filipinos take in disinformation without questioning it, because even if it's obvious that the information is indeed fake, people still share it and let its engagements grow. Fake news proliferates because of engagement, and
it is the absence of the suspicion of taking in information that allows it to happen. It’s funny because the credible court rulings, reliable articles from mass media outlets, and information from literal history books are being outshined by disinformation that is spread by Youtube vloggers, conspiracy theorist-historian Tiktokers, and troll farms. All of these machines have been here since the start of social media, and we’ve been gaslighted to think that EDSA wasn’t helpful to the Philippine democracy. We must remember that EDSA was never intended to bring about immediate change, but rather to serve as a springboard to the democracy that we Filipinos crave. It is necessary, not only for the Filipinos, but for the whole world to witness the true power of the people of a democratic nation. What went wrong was that we started our campaign way too late, as the other camp started theirs even before the campaign season. Their machines and strategies were so effective and dangerously brilliant that they obscured the truth from the majority of Filipino minds. It is not the Filipino people’s fault to be the victims in this situation, but we have to be more responsible in taking in information from the social media. We must be open to criticism and fact-checking. We must make sure that we, the Filipino people, do not let our democracy be taken away from us again. We have to open our eyes and minds to the history that shows what befell our country, because, as a wise woman said, "ang namulat, ‘di na muling mapipikit." [R]
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FEATURES
// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
Dungeons and Dragons: Its Role in My Escapism
MARIELLE NAVARRO
M
y early childhood was ridden with playing pretend; a way for my younger self to be entertained when there was nothing else to do. I played with my toys, pretending that they were sentient and living in a world I could control. My favorite pastime was imagining myself as characters from my favorite television shows, even to the point of creating my own to mingle with them. When I picked up my first fantasy book, I was mind-blown by the vastness of a universe that was so different from what I had always known as reality. As I grew older, I grew out of playing with toys and the friends I once bonded with through pretending found other things to entertain themselves. There they were, having fun with the internet and the latest video games that was much more immersive than just claiming to be a character we already know. I had access to a phone of my own much later than most of my peers, and it became clear to me that I needed to find other things to enjoy in order to have something in common with them. I did just that; entertaining myself with new shows and games my friends introduced to me while also turning to writing as a means of escape as I grew older and I began to like the world a little less. Although they brought me a lot of happiness and they were things I could fixate on, none of them had as much effect as the old days when I could create so freely and pretend to be someone else without it seeming childish. Then just a few years ago, I was introduced to the concept of Dungeons and Dragons; a tabletop role-playing game where I can create characters of my own, make them interact with other characters that other people with the same sentiment I have, while also maintaining an organized chaos that filled that yearning in my heart. I could roleplay as someone who isn’t me, but it also brings in mechanics that rely on what stats I have based on the race and class I chose plus the luck of the dice being rolled. Commonly associated with nerd culture all the way back to its creation in 1974 where games with your friends, termed as a campaign, is limited to your group all the way to its re-popularization when the originally complex rules became simplified with their latest 5th Edition in 2014. With technology on their side, players and their game masters were also given opportunities to stream their campaigns on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, paving way for a handful of channels to influence popularity and inspiration for more than just your stereotypical nerds to play the game itself. D&D has also inspired many movies and has even ended up being featured in a popular Netflix show: Stranger Things. What makes D&D so special is that not only does it allow playing pretend to be something that goes beyond just a game. It feels real, and helps people connect with their friends and possibly parts of themselves that they just needed to tackle in a way that is less vulnerable than reality. As someone who aspires to be a writer, I find inspiration when I continue to build in a world my friends and I have created, being the game master of our campaign. The game may not be for everyone due to its mechanics or its encouragement to roleplay as your character, but it sure is and will always be an important part of life and or a core memory for those who found it and continue to enjoy it. [R]
MAY 2022 // FEATURES
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A Moment of Rest ZOELINE HONRADO
At some point in our lives, we’ll all have jobs to do in order to contribute to society; kids would go to school and learn, adults would go to work in order to earn money. Everyone has and will always have something to do. But of course, we’re not superhuman beings who can continue to do work without any rest. On every first day of May, we celebrate International Workers’ Day or Labor Day. Labor Day was first observed in the Philippines on May 1st 1903 when a hundred thousand workers marched through Malacañang, demanding fairer working conditions from the then American-led government. Labor Day is a day in which we don’t have to worry about any overflowing bills, your boss nagging at you, or even your unfinished assignment. Because on this day, we are given the chance to rest and avoid any stress. A stress-free world is what everyone wishes to have. Unfortunately, that’s quite impossible. This is where the true essence of Labor day comes in. I myself am thankful for the creation of this day. It’s very important and absolutely worth celebrating, especially for those workers who are overworked yet underpaid. I understand that many people badly need money, but at least once in a while, let us give ourselves time to rest and enjoy ourselves! Rest is very crucial to humans; some people tend to sacrifice their sleep, just so they could fulfill their job. Aside from rest, labor day is also a day for us to celebrate the good job everyone is doing every day! A day to give credit to those hard workers that sacrifice a lot just to do a good job; especially for OFWs who are distanced from their family and workers who would even sacrifice their time just to finish a task just to earn the needed money. Let us give back the favor to these heroes who sacrificed a lot for the good of their family and their country. Let’s give them a day to experience their once in a year carefree day, without any stress, or anything to worry about. One sad reality about humans is that we have these things called “limits”. When we reach a certain limit, we will be in desperate need of rest. As we all continue our lives and do work, may we all remind ourselves that reaching our limits isn’t bad. But don’t you think going beyond them would be too much? Let us give ourselves a moment of rest, and acknowledge ourselves for how far we’ve gone. “Don’t try to be someone you’re not.” Know your strengths and weaknesses; through that, you’ll have a great advantage. Labor Day is not necessarily specific to workers, labor day is a day for everyone, reminding us to always provide ourselves the rest that we all deserve, and recognize the sacrifices done by every human being. [R]
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FEATURES // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
ANIME REVIEW: Kaguya-sama: Love is War RENZ BAUTISTA
PHOTO SOURCE | MY ANIME LIST
Where
should I start? Basically, this is my all-time number one favorite anime from all the anime that I have watched. Kaguya-sama: Love is War is what I can say a perfect romcom (romance-comedy). The anime was adapted from a manga series by Aka Akasaka with its first season produced by A-1 Pictures during the Winter 2019 anime season (12 episodes) and its second season airing during the Spring 2020 anime season (12 episodes). With its third season currently airing, it is the most highly-rated season and currently the most exciting. [SYNOPSIS s1] In the renowned and famous Shuchiin Academy, the student council, composed of school top representatives, student council president Miyuki Shirogane, who is the number one student of the school (and of the nation), and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya, the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family and who greatly excels in any field imaginable such as dancing, archery, and martial arts. The school envies the two as they embody the perfect couple. However, even though they have developed feelings towards each other, they do not want to confess it as the first to confess loses the game wherein their pride and honor is at stake, hence the title. With the student council composed of the quirky, funny and noisy Chika Fujiwara and the timid and shy Yuu Ishigami and other supporting characters, who knows what will happen in the student council room and what will the game of love do to these two main characters? [END OF SYNOPSIS s1]
The story is a perfect “relate” to most teen romances nowadays – that of answering the big question of who is making the first move. However, it will not be easy for them as their pride as the top students of the academy is at stake. The comedy happens as how they play the mind games and of course, the wildcard Chika Fujiwara who always turn the tides of the scene and set more reactions due to her unpredictability (You will be admire her character design and of course, her sudden appearances). Overall, the character design is great, although the main premise may be repetitive, but the way on how they execute creative ways to portray tops my mark on the progression. Just to add, *some* love advice may be applicable to real life. Moving on the technical part, the animation is very great and smooth. I did not recall any CGI being used and other animation flaws. The music, especially its opening and closing themes are very good. The one ending theme with Chika singing and dancing is what actually hooked me to watch the anime and buy the manga. I would recommend watchers to not binge this series (i.e. watch all the episodes at once) because you will miss out the excitement a lot. If I were to rate it, it would be a ONEMILLION/10. It is the anime that tops my MyAnimeList (particularly the second season) and will be always the first anime to hook me to buy a manga. I would very much recommend this to people finding their first romcom anime or to people who just want a chill and comedy-filled anime. [R]
MAY 2022 // LITERARY
J O L L I B O T S My eyes couldn’t believe what I saw As I walked through the drive through Such beautiful pieces of art Jollibots, how I want to pursue I saw Jollibee And I fell in love He felt so heavenly Like an angel sent from above I asked my mom if she could buy me some Knowing very well that she’d decline Sure enough, she did, Don’t talk to me, I’m not fine :(
- Ben Nivera
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LITERARY // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS
COMFORTABLE WITH YOU A cold breeze of wind. The stars twinkling above us... Your presence feels warm.
- Zoeline Honrado
MAY 2022 // LITERARY
A LATE NIGHT ENCOUNTER Night at a café. The door suddenly opens... A familiar face. - Zoeline Honrado
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