Character Tribune

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭

April 16, 2026 — With the theme “Digital Evolution: Building a Smarter, Greener, and More Connected World,” TechFair 2026 officially opened its first day with a dynamic blend of knowledge-sharing and competitive gaming. Simultaneously held in different venues, the event featured an engaging seminar alongside high-energy tournaments, setting the tone for a forward-thinking and interactive celebration of technology.

The day began with a seminar that gathered students, enthusiasts, and aspiring professionals to explore the evolving digital landscape. The program followed a structured flow that included an opening ceremony, introduction of speakers, and a series of discussions centered on technological innovation, sustainability, and connectivity. Speakers emphasized how digital transformation continues to reshape industries, highlighting the importance of responsible innovation in building a greener and more efficient future. Attendees were encouraged to think critically about their role in this evolution, particularly in developing solutions that balance technological advancement with environmental awareness.

While the seminar unfolded, competitive events took place in parallel venues, drawing in participants eager to showcase their skills. The gaming tournaments became a focal point of excitement, featuring popular titles that tested teamwork, strategy, and individual performance. Meanwhile, other contests, such as speed cubing and video editing demonstrated precision, creativity, and technical expertise.

It was also announced that some major events, including Call of Duty Mobile and the Hackathon, would continue into Day 2, keeping the momentum alive for participants and spectators alike.

As Day 1 concluded, the much-anticipated announcement of winners recognized outstanding performances across categories:

In Mobile Legends, Team “SAGASA” emerged as champions. The team was composed of Kyle Alexis Reyes “Ryntaro” (MVP), Lei Nathaniel, Lhord Rocas, Marco Glouie Rosano, Aron Deniel Layto, and Renz Loyola, whose coordination and strategic gameplay secured their victory.

For the Video Editing Competition, John Lewis Mateo secured the championship title, showcasing creativity and technical mastery.

In the Speed Cube (Rubik’s Cube) competition, John Dominic Andaya with the fastest time of 12.51 seconds, while John Vincent Perez claimed first place with an impressive time of 25.70 seconds, followed by Reyven Rhyan Reynaldo at 30.44 seconds, Princess Joy Viernes at 82.36 seconds, and Rhanzel Orduela at 92.54 seconds.

The Counter-Strike Tournament crowned Team Swabero as champions. The team members included:

“SW Grapes” Kristan Dabu
“SW Perfect Pear” Josh Bondoc
“SW Apple” Christian Kineth F. Nadala
“SW Peach” Jeus Dann Benedict Peren
“SW Strawberry” Sean Dela Cruz
“Ohvacado” Carl Ian Balagulan

Team Bertings secured the 1st runner-up position, while Overtime placed as 2nd runner-up.

Day 1 of TechFair 2026 successfully blended intellectual discourse and competitive spirit, reflecting the event’s core vision of fostering innovation and collaboration in an increasingly digital world.

News | via Elizabeth Maramara
Photos | via Keith Ocampo, Led Samuel, Mark Marinduque & Ron Sangalan

𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇

In the midst of rising fuel prices, “fare” is no longer just about payment—it raises the question of whether what is given is still fair enough for both sides of the ride.

A jeepney driver struggles to keep going as oil prices continue to climb, with every trip tied to the rising cost of living, while a student wanting to let the driver keep the change but unable to do so since the budget is tight, leaving no room for anything beyond the exact fare. What may seem like a simple transaction carries two different realities: one of trying to sustain a livelihood, and one of trying to manage a limited budget—both bound by circumstances that leave no easy choice, only what is possible.

Kindness and consideration are necessary, as what each can give is already shaped by what they are trying to survive.

Story | via Princess Joyce Bucal
Art | via Mike Angelo Estrada

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇

You assign tasks, everyone says “I’ll do it later,” and then “later” somehow never arrives. You end up staying up until 4 a.m. fixing everyone’s parts while they’re probably asleep.

And can we talk about that heart-dropping moment when you misread the deadline date? That sudden panic when you realize it’s due TOMORROW and you’re the only one who actually did anything? Yeah… we’ve all been there.

So here’s to the silent heroes — the group leaders who still finish the entire research paper, slides, and everything else… even when they’re basically doing it alone.

We see you. We thank you. You’re the reason we somehow still pass.

‎Story | via John Ashford L. Capunitan
‎Art | via Pasion, Don Michael B.

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𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗕𝗙𝗣 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗖𝗖𝗧 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿

April 13, 2026 — City College of Tagaytay students and organization representatives attended a fire safety seminar and drill led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Tagaytay held at function hall, to strengthen awareness and emergency preparedness.

The program began with a prayer, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Felinda E. Cruz, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs and Services, and the introduction of the seminar objectives and speaker by Alliyah Ann Sotto, APO President.

“Fire prevention is a shared responsibility” Dr. Cruz said, noting that the seminar should help participants apply what they learned.

Following this, BFP officers Sir Mark Kevin Sarmiento and Ms. Kriselda Mariano Bisnan delivered a comprehensive discussion on fire safety and emergency response, covering key topics essential for preparedness and prevention.

They also explained the types and proper use of fire extinguishers and provided essential emergency details, including the location and contact information of the Tagaytay City Fire Station.

The seminar then transitioned into an evacuation drill at the school grounds where students lined up, exited the building in an orderly manner, and actively practiced “stop, drop, and roll” and proper fire extinguisher handling.

The event concluded with BFP Tagaytay Officers encouraging students to remain alert, practice fire safety measures, and apply their learning in real-life emergency situations, followed by the awarding of certificates to BFP Tagaytay and participating organizations.

News via | Princess Joyce Bucal
Photos via | Sheena Vidamo. Led Samuel

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘

Sabi nila, wala naman talagang taong mang-mang. Dahil lahat ng tao ay may dahilan para matuto, o kung minsan ay sapilitan nilang natutunan ang isang bagay—para sa pangarap, sa pamilya, sa sarili, o kung minsan… may hinahabol na patak ng segundo sa kada minutong nabubuno ng mga magulang nila: para makabawi, o mapalasap man lang ang ginhawang matagal na rin nilang pinangarap.

Most people who feel like they’re fools, dumb, and useless are the ones who have the biggest aim to win in life, as if they must be on top priority of success. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲’𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿. Hindi inggit, kun’di minsan ay mga hinaing na “𝘬𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘵?”

As we keep living in this unpredictable world, we notice how life is never a task that we should succeed in instantly. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁. Walang sumusukat sa tunay na pinaka mataas, dahil palaging mayroong humihigit sa mas magaling.

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 𝐊𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐤𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐨, 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐤𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐮𝐦𝐮𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐝,” and that sums up the real definition of success.

Kaya lahat ng 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻 ay masasabi ring 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗴-𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗴, dahil ang bawat 𝗵𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻 ay may dahilan para magkaroon ng 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻.

At sa dulo, marahil iyon ang tunay na kahulugan ng tagumpay—
ang patuloy na lumalaban, kahit paulit-ulit kang natatalo.

Inked by | Elizabeth Maramara
Layout by | Julius Paac

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗖𝗖𝗧 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Students, faculty, and staff from City College of Tagaytay took part in Tagaytay City’s commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan at the USAFFE Shrine on April 9, 2025, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of Filipino heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom.

The ceremony, led by local officials in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, included wreath-laying, prayers, and a moment of silence honoring veterans and fallen soldiers.

As the representative of Mayor Brent Tolentino, City Councilor Biance Pello emphasized that the freedom enjoyed today was earned through the blood, sweat, and lives offered by heroes and veterans.

“Ang inyong presensya ngayong araw ay hindi lamang simpleng pagdalo. Ito ay isang tahimik, ngunit makapangyarihang pahayag na ang alaala ng ating mga bayani ay patuloy nating pinahahalagahan at ang kanilang sakripisyo ay hindi kailanman malilimutan,” Pello said.

Tributes were also made to the Fall of Bataan, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. Special recognition was also given to veterans in gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the nation.

Other attendees included government employees, Sangguniang Kabataan, and representatives from schools across Tagaytay.

News via | Gabrielle Lyka Quilao
Photos via | Sabine Bautista. Railey Castillote

Today, we remember that freedom was never given lightly—it was carried on the shoulders of those who chose courage even when fear was certain.

On this Araw ng Kagitingan, we honor not only the heroes written in history, but also the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped the nation we live in today.

Their stories are not meant to stay in the past. They live on in the way we stand for what is right, in the way we endure, and in the way we choose to move forward despite uncertainty.
Valor is not just remembered—it is continued. 🇵🇭

Caption via | Euriel Quilao
Layout via | Aldric Opao

𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
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‎"Kindness may come late, but it should never be absent."
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‎In a quiet corner of the world, there are hearts that wait not for wealth, not for comfort, but for even the smallest act of love. Like helpless animals, their eyes silently ask, “Did I do something wrong?”
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‎With every harsh word and act of cruelty, their trust slowly fades. Yet despite the pain, hope remains the hope that someone will come, care for them, and remind them that they matter.
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‎And when that moment finally arrives, everything begins to change from fear to trust, from suffering to healing. ‎How long must they wait for the kindness they deserved all along?
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‎Story | via Gabriel Vergara
‎Art | via Aaron Asuncion
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𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

On this solemn day, we pause in the quiet space between sorrow and hope, reflecting on a moment of deep silence.

Black Saturday reminds us that even in silence, God is still with us. Though the day feels heavy and uncertain, His presence remains—quietly holding us, even when our eyes cannot perceive it.

In this moment, may our hearts remain steadfast, awaiting the Resurrection’s light to rise and change sorrow into hope.

Caption via | Princess Joyce Bucal
Layout via | Trixie Bitco