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Francisco Santiago: Music of the Past Looking Toward the Future

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 By: Khyrus Santos, Dan Madrazo, Chello Gonzales Ang bayan ko tanging ikaw… With those words, one can bet that a huge portion of Filipinos will recognize the words, maybe even hum the melody that goes with it. This, of course, is the patriotic tune of Pilipinas Kong Mahal , usually heard in flag ceremonies across the Philippines. It is a proclamation of one's love for the nation, to serve its islands. The melody, in particular, is fascinating. Something about it seems Filipino, as if it embodies all that is Filipino: bold, assertive, a bit of pathos, yet somewhat optimistic, as if looking towards the future of the Philippines. It is not just something cultural that makes this melody so iconic, but there is an historical factor to it. This has been sung by our grandparents to our parents all the way to us. The melody has always been there, through the mid-20th century of Philippine history, and now the 21st century. It is remarkable how this tune has become emblematic with the idea ...
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BulSU LGBTQ reality behind gender affirmative clothing

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 By: Jennyric Borromeo, Jeweleen Enriquez, Eleonor Reyes At Bulacan State University (BulSU), inclusivity is valued highly and diversity is something to be proud of. But the path to a really inclusive workplace can be filled with difficulties. They look into the experiences and advocacy initiatives that BulSU SG Gender Equity and Sensitivity Committee (BulSUGESC) Chairperson Coco Caparas and third-year Malikhaing Pagsulat major Rian Hibo lead to fight discrimination and advance gender diversity within the university in this exclusive interview. Coco Caparas, the BulSU SG Gender Equity Chairperson, clarifies the goals and objectives of the group, "Ang komite na ito ay naglalayon na mas maitaas ang panawagan ng mga estudyante para sa safe space. Pinupunan din nito ang nakasaad na MCOS or Magna Carta of Students kung saan kailangan magkaroon ng Gender Sensitivity Desk ang Student Government. Ang paglaban para sa pagkakapantay-pantay ay ang dahilan ng pagkilos ng komite." (The co...
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Poorest of the poor: bearing the weight of poverty in cemetery

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By: Athena Morales and James Rusia Pilled graves serve as homes for poor families living in Manila North Cemetery. Photo by: Athena Morales Cemeteries are often seen as scary and lifeless places where no one could ever imagine sleeping on top of the grave, neither you, But Mang Obet and Nanay Blangkita found their peace living in the land of the dead. The cemetery serves a home for poor families who have been displaced due to the adversity of life and some choose to stay where no one can harm them, not even dead. The so-called "Manila North Cemetery" is now a "village" for people living there For four decades Mang Obet raised his 12 children by cleaning the tombs since this is the only job he can afford aside from selling plastic bottles. “Namimili ako ng bote tapos ‘tong mga kalakal na ‘to pinupulot ko kasi sayang din pera din ‘to diba?” I’m buying plastic bottles, and I picked up some of them because this is money too. Mang Obet fixing plastic bottles that He wou...
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