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Writer’s Recap: SolYOUtion 2021 catalyzes change through the youth

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the deepening crisis of inequality in our country— the widening divide and neglect for rural areas and the agricultural sector, who oftentimes are the same. Peasant women especially have long borne the brunt of gender-based inequality, burdened with farmer exploitation while struggling as mothers to support the family…

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Writer’s Recap: Mysteries unfold at DLS2K20

Last May 21 to 22, DLSU Harlequin Theater Guild (HTG)’s annual DuLa Salle (DLS) series made a triumphant return following its suspension amid the pandemic. The 2020 edition deviated from previous stagings as the line-up now consisted of eight 30 minute films, subsequently divided into four sets.  This year’s theme centered on the otherworldly mysteries…

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Writer’s Recap: OUTLIVE 2021 levels up the game called life

Climate change, a global pandemic, and the downfall of democracy—such are the realities of our present. And for many people, this is a story whose next chapter they no longer want to read. However, for some, there is light at the end of the tunnel. While the beginning of this book may have been dark,…

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A sudden homecoming: Realities of COVID-19 displaced OFWs

There is a multitude of ways to view the Filipino diaspora. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are hailed as heroes, exemplars of the modern Filipino, with a temperament and skillset suited for the globalized economy. Domestic workers, seafarers, and healthcare workers alike set forth from their homeland to search for employment elsewhere, all for the upward…

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Abante, babae: Mela Habijan leads the charge

“I always thought of myself as a beautiful woman,” she says matter-of-factly. Coming from anyone else, these words would have sounded arrogant. But coming from Mela Habijan, they were only introspective.  If you asked her now, she would tell you without missing a beat what she is—a writer, an actress, a beauty queen. She beams…

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Sigaw sa kanayunan: The uphill battle for genuine agrarian reform

The gargantuan task of feeding a nation typically falls on the Filipino farmers’ weary shoulders—but for a people who receive only a little recognition, if any at all, the burden may be too great in exchange. The everyday farmer endures back-breaking work under harsh conditions, and must contend with numerous challenges, principal of which is…

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Mind over matter: The pandemic mental health crisis

“‘Pag pupunta ka lang sa psychiatrist, sasabihin ng ibang tao na baliw ka na. ‘Baliw’ agad ‘yung term,” shares Dr. Reggie Pamugas, Vice Chair of Health Action for Human Rights. As someone who’s been in the field for more than 19 years as a community-based physician, Pamugas knows all too well the stigma associated with…

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Frame by frame: Philippine animation’s growing pains

Time and time again, the art of animation has captured the fun and refreshing ideas and brought their magic to our screens. Studios such as Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, and Studio Ghibli continue to invest hundreds of hours into carefully crafting countless classics and producing tales of wonderful whimsy to warm the heart. And while animation…

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Heavy is the head that wears the crown

Every year, Filipinos huddle around their television sets to watch the Miss Universe coronation night. Holding hands and sweating in anticipation, fans shriek in pure joy when the country’s representative struts down the runway, with “Philippines” written in bold font on the sash across her chest. However, this love and appreciation do not come for…

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What a year it was: Oscars 2021 Best Picture Predictions – Part Two

Despite the tumultuous year, filmmakers have not lost the spark of inspiration—bringing the triumph of love, hope, and humanity onscreen. Still  halfway through The LaSallian’s Oscars 2021 Best Picture countdown is far from over, as we predict our top four nominees—and the one movie we believe will take home the prestigious award.  4. The Father,…