The Lighthouse

✨ 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱! ✨

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 is now bound to 𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐂 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘! 📰

The official publication of 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 has reached a new height after securing a place in the 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭, officially qualifying for the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐂). 🎯📚

In the recently concluded 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐑𝐒𝐏𝐂) for the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐍𝐂𝐑), 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 marked another breakthrough after earning:

🏆 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
🏆 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻

With these triumphs, we sincerely extend our deepest gratitude to our 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨, and to our 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐌𝐬. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐑. 𝐃𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐳𝐦𝐚𝐧. Their unwavering guidance, encouragement, and support made this newly attained milestone possible. 🌟

Additionally, this achievement stands as a powerful testament that through 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛, 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬, and 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗬, excellence truly prevails, which will carry 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚, 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚, and 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 to the national stage. 🗞️✨

𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞! 🌟

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚—standing firm as a beacon of truth and a guiding light for every Vmanian. With stories rooted in reality and voices shaped by courage, this publication stands firm in its mission to illuminate with purpose and principle

We have only begun to illuminate the path ahead.

This issue reaches beyond the obvious. It sheds light on stories that demand attention and honors narratives that deserve dignity. It celebrates achievements earned through perseverance and confronts realities that require courage. It listens closely to the oppressed voices, the curious minds, and the determined hearts that shape the community.

Through dedication, principle, and perseverance, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲—𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆, 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀. Each achievement reflects not only the hard work of the publication, but also the trust and voices of the community it represents.

Join The Lighthouse as we continue to shine brighter, stand firmer, and uphold what matters most: 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲.

Access the publication here:
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/521d1c78e5.html
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/521d1c78e5.html
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/521d1c78e5.html

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 | Eala Faces a Challenging Road Ahead in Abu Dhabi Singles and Double Quarterfinals

Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala will undertake an exhausting double header at the Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinals, both in the singles and doubles tournaments, showcasing her incredible dedication and a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport.

During the Abu Dhabi Round of 16, Alex Eala finished an outstanding comeback over Aliaksandra Sasnovich, with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory. Initially, Eala struggled to make progress on Sasnovich's served, failing to obtain a break. Sasnovich's aggressive play turned into an unbalanced 31-18 edge in the opening set, while Eala's own serve wavered under pressure, highlighted by two double faults in her third service game.

However, Eala continued to fight, creating six break points in the 6th game and extra chances in the 8th, only to be turned away each time. That determination finally paid off in the 10th game, serving at 5-4. Sasnovich hesitated just enough for Eala to take advantage— converting the break point at the perfect moment to level the match and force a deciding third set.

Just as the momentum appeared to be turning Eala's way, Sasnovich took control— leading to a 4-0 lead behind powerful returns and early ball-striking. Eala managed to get a break in the 6th game, narrowing the score to 4-2 and giving her some momentum. But, Sasnovich immediately broke back, taking a 5-2 lead and the chance to serve for the match, quickly cutting Eala's comeback hopes.

Despite losing hope, Eala fought hard, saving a match point and winning a crucial game to shift the momentum. Eala then won three straight points, qualified for the quarterfinals and securing her victory.

However, she faces a short bounce back as she prepares to battle Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia, currently the World's top 11 tennis player, a five-time WTA champion, and reached the fourth round of the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in 2025.

On the other hand, the Southeast Asian pair, Alex Eala and Janice Tjen made a winning start in the Abu Dhabi Open, claiming a dramatic 7-5, 3-6, 10-6 victory over Leylah Fernandez and Kristina Mladenovic.

In the opening set, Eala and Tjen broke through at the right moment to claim the set, 7-5. Fernandez and Mladenovic responded powerfully in the second set, seizing control and leveling the match with a 6-3 win.

Eala and Tjen had a super tie-break match, originally leading but then reaching a nail-biting 6-6 tie with Fernandez and Mladenovic. Fueled by the crowd's cheers, they scored consecutive net wins to gain a 9-6 lead and ultimately win the match, advancing them to the quarterfinals— where they will be battling Zhang Shuai and Cristina Bucsa.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Alaizza Mae Bacang
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Chris Lorenz Batuto
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼: INQUIRER.net

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | Pseudo-Protection for Media Exploitations

𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗗, 𝗔𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗

Data privacy is a huge matter in the act of using social media, in fact, online platforms are often used for its freedom of expression. Additionally, it is treated as a safe space for discussion, utilizing the function of social networks as the platform of the youth to become more vocal, bringing their opinions and experiences in the media. In return, these rising generations are protected under anonymity or under a pseudonym. However, that very advantage is being threatened by the newly made proposal by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

DICT plans to revive a proposal for mandatory registration of all social media accounts, a requirement threatening and raising concerns about digital rights, data privacy, and security. In response, technology and science groups have drawn opposition against the said proposal. A joint position paper from the Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU) and AGHAM Advocates of Science and Technology for the People said the proposed circular threatens privacy, free expression, and digital inclusion.

DICT proposal of requiring registration of all social media accounts may seem great, In contrast to this statement, it is awfully flawed. After all, the burden of digital security unfairly weighs on ordinary users rather than holding platforms accountable and regulated. As CPU said “Cybercrimes require specific solutions including better protection of personal data and more robust social media platform regulation.” In spite of that, the proposed solution does the complete opposite, it leaves the user much more bare and unprotected. As proven by the SIM (subscriber identity module) Registration Law (Republic Act No. 11934), there is no historical or logical evidence that arbitrarily removing everyone’s right to privacy in online spaces will reduce cybercrime, the group pointed out.

An increased surveillance creates potential data breaches, making the online space far more prone for cybercrime to flourish. However, this is not the only concern the proposed plan raises. The moment anonymity and pseudo is lost, whistleblowers, domestic abuse and assault victims may lose a connection towards support networks. Despite being hidden, the mandatory ID would enable abusers to track them down. At the same time, it is no wonder that social media platforms are often victims of hackers. a database that contains legal IDs may be breached creating an aftermath of identity theft, a huge social liability.

Mandatory Identity Verification not only puts vulnerable groups at risk, it also leads to unwanted repercussions, and a chilling effect on freedom of expression. Discussion of controversies, political opinions, raising religious doubts would dwindle, creating a system made by oppressed netizens. Users are less likely to share opinions limiting their expression for fear of online oppression or be silenced under the guise of protecting the online space. A great fear of the public, critics and journalists is that this increased surveillance will be weaponized to target their voices.

A reporter may use legal public sources as an outlet for the truth. However, the youth may only freely express themselves on the Internet. Under a pseudo, or in an anonymous account to call out and be forthright with the experience and opinion they harbor. The revival of the proposal may end in making people voicing out, especially the youth to be targeted for interference and coercion.

A plan that was scrapped should have not been planned for revival. Rather, a new proposal with specific actions against cybercrimes would have been for the best. The authorities can start on strictly monitoring social media platforms to strengthen their security, with an upheaval on data privacy, they should be keeping their platforms regulated, making them accountable not enabling them to loosely uphold their responsibilities. Overall, it is an ill-considered law as called out by group advocates. As stated earlier, a huge social liability is no solution.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Jenrielle Anne Bucio
𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Jefson Harme
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Fashion with Passion

Fashion is a product of different work of minds that is giving freedom to each individual. As time went by, people got surrounded with different tastes of fashion from creatively mixed and matched outfits that radiate as an effective self-expression that gives them confidence to showcase the best version of themselves.These birthed unique variety of styles with different sizes and prices that channel one’s beauty despite how blurry and messy the combinations are in the eyes of others.

‎In every generation there are “trendy” outfit combinations; it is not easy to be left behind due to the judgement you will face for going beyond what is considered ordinary. This is something that people who love “Geng Geng outfit” are going through today just to be able to express themselves and boost their confidence.
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‎“Geng Geng outfit” is inspired by Y2K outfits or the fashion trend in the early 2000s and Streetwear in 1970s and 1980’s with the touch of Vintage outfit in 1920’s to 1980’s. One of the most popular inspirations in wearing these kinds of outfits is the American rapper and actor named “Nelly”.
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‎Moreover, this kind of attire is composed of different layers of fabric, something that is being seen as “weird” in the Philippines due to the high temperature most of the time, but these fashionistas are insisting that this is what is making them comfortable. “Naging balance yung comfort nila dahil kahit naka-layer, since light-layered lang akma pa rin sa klima,” Fashion Photographer, Miguel Alomajan stated.
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‎These fashionistas’ unique fashion statements have continued to be a head turner and head boiler in the country as they roam around the malls and parks. Some people are amazed by how they come up with these ideas by thrifting. But most are seeing them as “bad influence” due to the male fashion enthusiasts that are casually wearing long skirts without any malice.
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‎Since most of the people that are jumping to this fashion are younger Gen Zs it is being their way to cultivate their confidence and widen their horizon in discovering themselves as young individuals. “Mahalaga na magkaroon ng strong self-worth, something na nade-develop pa lang sa adolescent stage,” Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Rea Celine Villa said in an interview conducted by GMA (Global Media Arts) network

‎Therefore, they are trying to turn their backs on criticisms and cynicisms that are pulling them down. Which is making their resiliency tougher. Hence, they are highlighting that whatever their outfit looks like for others, it does not define their strength and capabilities as individuals. Their heavy baggy pants does not mean that they are burdens.
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‎In a nutshell, everyone has their own extraordinary ways to express themselves and showcase to the world the beauty they have inside out. Therefore, fashion enthusiasts are pushing for more understanding about the rise of "Geng geng " fashion because this is an instrument for a lot of young individuals who are sculpting their passion statements through fashion.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Shane Maglanque
𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 Jefson Harme
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗞𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗗𝗔: Marcoleta articulate China's stance—Hontiveros jabs back

During a privilege speech in the Senate, Senator Rodante Marcoleta voiced out the Chinese disposition in the issue of the West Philippine Sea, claiming that the former has been misrepresented—January 26, 2026.

The satirical remarks of Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela to Chinese vessels had sparked a diplomatic protest from the Chinese embassy, prompting the senator to deescalate the situation.

According to Marcoleta, in his recent meeting with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, the tension between Beijing and Manila could be possibly resolved through setting the existing differences aside.

He also prompts the public to stop seeing them (including him as “villains”); "‘Parang kami, masyado naman kami kontrabida'," Marcoleta said.

Opposingly, Senator Risa Hontiveros labeled this as a “classic guilt tripping” aimed at downplaying the past actions of the Chinese fleet to local fishermen and the maritime authorities.

𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

Citing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Marcoleta expressed his condemnation to Tarriela after the institution clarified that his previous actions did not go to proper authorization, bypassing standard procedures.

He emphasized the ‘panic and fear’ that misinformation could enforce among the public "When there is misinterpretation, a small problem becomes worse,” and urged the government to be more careful in releasing information, especially about foreign relations.

According to him, Tarriela’s “embarrassing” images of Chinese president Xi Jin Ping through cartoon caricatures should be avoided at all cost, for it only exacerbates the gravity of the issue.

“Ang pagkakamali ay hindi maitatama ng [isa pang] pagkakamali,” Marcoleta said.

Although Marcoleta acknowledged the misconduct of China to the coastal stakeholders in the water of the west Philippines sea, he proposed that the territory be shared for fishing, mentioning other countries have already reached an agreement with China in regards to fishing rights.

“Mga isda, common yan, walang may-ari niyan. Diyan natin puweding umpisahan sa pamamgitan ng traditional fishing right, it was discovered by the National Law. Hindi kamo pinag-uusapan diyan ang teritoryo, kasi kapagka ang pinag-usapan about teritoryo problematic na eh… Ibig kong sabihin ay may tatlong pangyayari dito sa panig ng ating mundo na nagawa nating ayusin kahit isda lang ang pinag-uumpisahan natin,” Marcoleta said in a mix of Tagalog and English.

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗖

Countering Marcoleta’s statement, Hontiveros raised the numerous offenses of the Chinese vessels, citing the unjust use of water canyon to the Philippine’s coastguards and the persistent denial to fishermen in the disputed water.

The persistent comment of the current Chinese ambassador Jing Quan also violated the consensus under Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

“The Embassy has clearly violated Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates that foreign envoys must not interfere in the internal affairs of their host state. Censuring a Filipino official’s internal discourse constitutes a breach of this protocol,” Hontiveros said.

She also denounced Marcoleta’s view on the subject as a “small problem,” accentuating the Filipino’s livelihood and security, which according to her “as one of the biggest problems.”

Reflecting on the past actions of China, she finds it also disrespectful the numerous use of graphic portrayals of the current president as a “marionette,” labeling this depiction as an outright insult.

“No respect at talagang pambabastos,” Hontiveros said. She also referred to China’s conduct as “bullying,” that needs firm repulsion in order to protect the Philippines interest.

Standing up for Tarriela, Hontiveros claimed that foreigners have no right to silence the Filipinos in their own country.

“Hindi nila pwedeng sabihin kung paano tayo dapat mag-isip at mamuna, lalo na kapag ang pinag-uusapan ay ang interes ng bayan, at teritoryo natin. No embassy gets to decide who among Filipino officials is ‘qualified’ to speak on Philippine interests,” she said.

| 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9I0GKm40Hc
https://h7.cl/1iXDz
https://h7.cl/1iXDI

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Rainier Besas
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Chris Lorenz Batuto
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼: FB / Senate of the Philippines

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | Yellow: Fear of an Amateur Writer

I saw Yellow. But it is not a hue that you can find in the color wheel; it is not a shade that can be seen in the spectrum, lying between green and orange; and it is not a pigment that can describe a warm cloth that can comfort you when the light runs out in the afternoon. Rather, it is dark, like a dark blue mixed with red, black, and grey. Crazy isn't it?

𝗔 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝘆

When the clock faded, and the colors of a silhouette unfolded, the gravity of an insincere plea knocked on my door. Pressured by the trend, I stood up and wrote my name to fight again for the battle I once lost.

A few months ago, I promised to come back with a keener pen and stab the paper with a wise flower, but could I still create the flower? When I am afraid to hold the stem of thorns and suffer from the plans I planted in the well of grief. With this thought, my leg shakes with tremendous fear — a shadow of red indeed.

Recently, the training in using the pen as a sword started. Different kinds of pen warriors faced me; I was startled. Madness of excitement, with the pressure of volts spread through my lungs—it is hard to breathe, yet it makes me nervously agitated to write and fight.

On the first try, I thought I had succeeded. However, when the sun ran away and the moon hid behind the clouds, the saddening epiphany hit me. My mind got tied with crumpled thoughts and vicious spaces of black—blurry, hazy, and foggy. Yellow that cannot be calculated succumbed my soul, some inks of pen scattered on the wall, my hands trembled from the critics of the pro, while my eyes twitched with awe. The words of advice masked as an insult echoed and fought the naive cells I have.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹

My body became dying leaves, unseen tears flew from my eyes. Tired, I looked at the sky and asked the Supreme.

“Why did my love for writing suddenly wave to say goodbye?” The question I asked, as frustration covered the cold atmosphere in the room.

Days passed by, and it was still unclear why the inks of my pen lost its sparks. It was still unclear why my love for making literature ran away and turned its back. And it was still unclear what is the purpose of opening the gate, when instead of welcoming the hope, it ran away.

That day, I realized the water had become muddy as it lost its chlorine.

The fear of writing stabbed my back, the flower that I planned to bloom became an awry of gray and ran towards me, ready to be an axe as its thorns bloomed to kill me.

“I think I lost…,” were the words that I whispered in front of the mirror.

The competition that is yet to happen, the competition that has still no champion, the competition that will hail a new winner — I think I lost it, I am such a loser.

𝗚𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁

I woke up from that flashback.

I truly remember that I saw Yellow. It was dressed in a dark suit, masked with piercing eyes that seemed ready to attack at any second, and its smile was like a frightening smirk that bad boys in fiction stories gave to their enemies in those moments when they screamed trouble.

I am intensively investigating its face, when suddenly it turned its back, ready to leave a chaotic place. And that’s when I realized that it never really tried to touch or hurt me, like what I always thought.

In that moment, I concluded that every inch of fear to write and blossom again is just a gibberish thought—I was just not scared, because I thought I could not fit in with the crowd that I once looked big at.

And for a second, I knew I got it wrong. Yellow might be unpleasant in our first encounter—I might never really like that fear lurking around my room, but I now understand that a great warrior is not someone who will surrender to the blow of criticism, as it is someone who stands straight and faces its sharp, yet meaningful pen.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Casey Fiel Zuñiga
𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 Jefson Harme
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | The Fear of the Feared
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Criticism should not be criminal to law, and the public should not die in silence.

‎On social media, 'calling out' has become a cultural defense of many Filipinos against irresponsible figures. Unfortunately, these figures continue to hide behind the law.

The ones who wanted to be feared by the public fears the power of public criticism.

‎The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urges the Congress to decriminalize libel as they believe that it is a threat to press freedom, as well as freedom of speech which allows us to practice our rights.
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‎Yet, for the Philippine Congress, decriminalizing libel could cause chaotic backlash and malicious defamation from different critics. It is also mentioned that criminalizing libel is a balance to freedom and consequences.
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‎However, this balance has come to a cost. Criminal libel leaves a chilling effect on people especially journalists, activists, bloggers, and even ordinary citizens who openly criticize higher authorities that have power over them.
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Additionally, CHR is not trying to disregard the consequences. Instead, it promotes civil liabilities (legal compensation) against anyone who abuses his or her rights to freedom rather than imprisonment. This is not to side with anyone, this is our right as humans to continue to stand and speak whenever an oppressor tries to make us blind.
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‎Considering what happens when a commoner tries to speak against a politician, the comment will most likely be dismissed and even marked as "fake news," and instead of empathy, their solution is to silence the public with legal retaliation.
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They prefer ‎ lawsuits rather than accountability.
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‎It should be mortifying to be called a "leader" if one fears the judgement of his or her constituents.
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‎Some might argue that people can really take it too far, to the extent that it can damage someone's built reputation, even his or her mental state. However, no one will speak if no one was harmed in the first place.

While libel and cyber libel laws protect not only public officials but also private citizens, these should not be used to silence the exposure of issues that affect the lives of many.

Guilty people are afraid of the truth, so when someone speaks up against them, they use the law.
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‎Through the years, dozens of journalists have already been sued to libel. Some of them even disappeared, or worse, murdered. Activists are framed as the villains, calling out has been a twin of red-tagging.

The victims are silenced while the oppressors are protected.
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‎These cycles have been evident for years, yet no one was truly held accountable because until now, political power and connections can imprison anyone who tries to expose the truth.

| 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/31/chr-urges-congress-to-decriminalize-libel-cyberlibel-0952

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Mary Grace Masong
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼: Elements / CANVA

𝗦𝗖𝗜-𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 | Partners for Life or Replacement for Life?

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗲?

As Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, people have increasingly relied on it to accomplish their work. What was once an optional tool has now become a standard and normal part of many workplaces, helping produce faster and better outputs.

Over the past decade, AI has moved from simple automation tools to advanced systems capable of writing, analyzing data, generating images, and assisting decision-making. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, nearly 70% of global companies have already adopted some form of AI, signaling that dependence on AI is no longer optional, but increasingly becomes a necessity in modern workplaces.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform a simple draft into a polished, professional output, gradually becoming an integral part of many companies’ workforces.

In creative and technical fields alike, AI is often used to speed up brainstorming, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve efficiency. However, studies from the International Labor Organization (ILO) emphasize that AI usually replaces tasks rather than entire jobs, meaning workers are more likely to see their roles transformed instead of eliminated.

With this growing within the company, the question lingers: Will this cost workers their jobs?

This question has become a global concern, especially as automation expands faster than workforce retraining. Economists warn that without proper policies, technological inequality may widen—benefiting companies while leaving unprepared workers vulnerable.

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲

Experts from CIA, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic emphasized that AI is designed to be used for essential support for humans rather than to replace them. Lakshmi Raman, CIA’s Chief AI Officer, highlighted that humans should be kept “in the loop” to supervise AI and use them to amplify human skills instead of replacing them completely (CNN, Clare Duffy).

This concept of “human-in-the-loop” AI ensures accountability and ethical responsibility. AI systems do not possess judgment, empathy, or moral reasoning—qualities that are critical in decision-making roles. Because of this limitation, global tech leaders agree that AI should function as an assistant, not an authority.

For example, in the Philippines, call centers now use AI chat assistants to help agents answer customer questions more quickly.

Rather than eliminating call center jobs, AI tools are often used to suggest responses, summarize customer concerns, and reduce call handling time. This allows agents to focus on complex issues that require emotional intelligence, an area where humans still outperform machines.

𝗔 𝗖𝗘𝗢'𝘀 𝘄𝗔𝗜𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Dario Amodei, Anthropic’s CEO, warned the public that AI could cause up to 20% unemployment in the next few years, especially in jobs that involve simple data input and automated messages (CNN, Clare Duffy).

Such warnings highlight the urgency of preparing workers for an AI-driven economy. The World Economic Forum predicts that while millions of jobs may disappear, new roles such as AI trainers, data analysts, and automation supervisors will emerge. The challenge lies not in job scarcity, but in skill mismatch.

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

As AI continues to develop, many Filipino workers remain unsure whether it will help or hurt their careers. To prevent negative impacts, some companies are offering courses to help employees adapt and supervise AI use.

In response to these concerns, the Philippine government, through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has emphasized digital upskilling and AI literacy. These initiatives aim to ensure that Filipino workers remain competitive and capable of working with AI rather than being replaced by it.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

AI has become an essential support system in the modern workplace, helping workers improve their outputs with just one prompt. However, this does not mean that humans are replaceable by AI.

Despite several warnings from well-known AI companies, the message should serve as a heads-up to society about potential unemployment and workforce shifts. Yet in reality, AI cannot replace human workers, since humans supervise systems that AI cannot control.

History shows that every major technological shift—from machines to computers—has sparked fear of job loss, yet also created new opportunities. The outcome depends on how societies respond through education, regulation, and ethical deployment.

The future is artificial—built with intention, not imitation. Artificial not in the sense of borrowed thought or mimicked intelligence, but artificial as all human things have ever been: shaped by hands, guided by purpose, and born from choice. It is artificial because it is designed, constructed, and willed into existence. The future will never replace humans, for it is not AI versus humans, but it is humans and AI—working together.

| 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦

https://www.nexford.edu/insights/how-will-ai-affect-jobs

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Jacky Liao
𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿: Seth Gabriel Bernabe
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼: AI Generated Image

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 | Borealis Night: Freedom From the Choke

M7 World Championship is no joke to those who know the remarkable games that have occurred throughout its history—especially the most recent match involving the Philippines’ Mobile Legends team, Aurora. With a significantly higher win rate of 71% against the Indonesian roster, Alter Ego, it seemed as though the upper hand was falling to Aurora.

It would seem like the upper hand was falling onto Aurora, but their recent slip-ups painted them in a weak light. Doubt swirled amidst their fanbases, labeling them as "chokers," implying that the team had begun fumbling in their own game. The match-ups proceeded as normal, banning tanky heroes and meta-favored picks, as if both sides had the intent of outsmarting and outplaying each other strategically.

Indonesia's Alter Ego started out with a divided approach, with each player taking up the three lanes. However, Aurora surged ahead with a great damage-dealing mid-lane mage played by Player Yue. AE found it hard to clear lanes, knowing they had a formidable obstacle, especially when being ambushed during farming.

The game shifted further when Aurora secured the turtle, gaining the team buff and letting AE know that they were dead at that moment. Veterans know how much junglers contribute damage-wise when turtles are killed by an allied hero or themselves, and Aurora capitalized expertly on this advantage.

The remarkable highlight of the match came in the gold lane, a head-to-head clobber between the two teams. Despite AE's numbers, Aurora's strong and bulky shields kept them from losing HP, securing one, two, three kills while being barraged. Yue's timely interventions stopped the enemy's progress.

The final nail hit the coffin when Aurora summoned the Lord to crush turrets and slip past defenses. Alter Ego kneeled before PH's bet with a score of 4-19, their base turret left fully vulnerable.

The championship roster—Yue, Domengkite, Demonkite, Edward, and Light—stood victorious, with Light crowned Finals MVP for his game-changing performance. Together, they claimed a staggering 18 million pesos, etching their names into Mobile Legends history and proving that Aurora had truly risen above doubt under the northern lights.

Everyone expected Aurora to just go home—and they did. They left Indonesia with their heads held high and a victory under their belts. The day of doubt faded under the Borealis Night, with the moonlight shining on a record-breaking victory.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Shawn Evander Diesta
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 Erich Ashley Agpalza
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼: Manila Standard