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The City Smile, Bacolod CIty (2025)

10/10/2025

𝟲.𝟵-𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟳.𝟱 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲; 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁

A powerful 6.9-magnitude aftershock struck the Davao region at 7:12 PM tonight, October 10, 2025, heightening tensions across communities still reeling from an earlier 7.5-magnitude earthquake that shook the area earlier today.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the sea near Manay, Davao Oriental, about 36 kilometers to the south-southeast of the town. The quake happened at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which made the shaking stronger and more widely felt across nearby areas.

Earlier today, at 9:43 in the morning, a stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 had already shaken the region. Both this earthquake and the later one were tectonic in origin, meaning they were caused by movements in the Earth’s crust. Because they occurred at similar depths, the risk of more shaking remains high.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), along with local authorities, is closely monitoring the situation. They have warned the public to stay alert, as more aftershocks are likely to follow in the coming days.

In Davao City and Bislig City in Surigao del Sur, the shaking reached Intensity IV.

Other areas, including parts of Cotabato, Davao de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Southern Leyte, also reported moderate shaking.

In response to these events, PHIVOLCS and local government units have issued safety reminders to the public. Everyone is advised to stay calm but alert, and to be ready for more aftershocks. People are reminded to follow earthquake safety measures like "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" to protect themselves during shaking.

Communities are also encouraged to review their emergency plans, prepare go-bags with basic supplies, and stay updated by listening to trusted news sources and official announcements.

Local emergency teams are now checking different areas for damage and are ready to assist if needed.
With aftershocks continuing and the risk of more earthquakes still present, it is very important for people in Davao and nearby regions to stay informed and prepared.

Nonetheless, staying alert and ready can help protect lives and reduce harm during this time of uncertainty.

| via Hannah Joy Nepocpan

10/10/2025

𝗧𝗖𝗦 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗜𝗔𝗝𝗧𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

The City Smile (TCS) participated in the three-day Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Western Visayas Journ Talk Series (PJTS) 2025, held from October 1–3 via Zoom, with the theme “Leveraging Campus Journalists as Frontline Communicators for Disaster Resilience,” along with the MasterClass session last October 8.

More than 1,000 student journalists from 104 school publications across Region VI, including TCS staffers, gathered for the workshop to hone their knowledge and skills in campus journalism.
PIA Director General Katherine Chloe “Kat” S. De Castro gave her heartfelt message on the first day of PJTS 2025, encouraging participants to embrace campus journalism not just as a school activity, but as a vocation that makes a meaningful difference in society.

The workshop, organized by PIA Region VI, featured expert professionals as resource speakers who shared valuable insights, tips, and training to help student journalists improve in their respective fields.

On the first day of the training, campus journalists engaged in news and feature writing. The second day highlighted sessions on editorial cartooning, editorial and column writing, copyreading and headline writing, and sports writing.

The final day of the PJTS 2025 College Edition wrapped up with powerful lessons in science, health and environment writing, broadcasting, photojournalism, and e-publication layout and collaborative design.

The three-day PJTS 2025 ignited the passion of campus journalists to inform local communities with essential information in times of disaster.

The event also concluded with an intensive MasterClass session on October 8, focusing on crisis reporting and the evolving role of campus media.

| Via Cj Mae Pardorla, John Vincent Semillano
| Photos by Khen Luther Bunda
Photo courtesy of PIA Western Visayas page

10/10/2025

JUST IN!

According to PHIVOLCS, a strong magnitude 7.6 earthquake was recorded off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43 AM.

The agency reported that the quake was tectonic in origin and occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which could result in strong shaking.

Several aftershocks have been recorded in the nearby areas as of now.

Furthermore, PHIVOLCS has issued a tsunami alert, urging immediate evacuation of nearby areas as waves are expected between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m., potentially lasting for hours.

| via Hannah Joy Nepocpan

05/10/2025

Mga ghasssttt, nakastudy na kamo? Kay buwas na gid ya ang exam ah! Gunna-vee the war!

Kung wala pa, okay lang—magkadto ta sa exam, dapat armed with: 10% knowledge, 30% guessing game, kag 60% pangamuyo + beg points sa maestra.

Anyway, nail the exams, BCCians! Be prepared, and don’t forget your secret weapon: ‘Ma’am/ Sir, pwede bonus?

Illustration by Franz Marie Baron

05/10/2025

𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲

PUSO!

Greg Gasataya Basketball League All-Star Team went head-to-head to the men's national basketball team, Gilas Legends, in an exciting exhibition game at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum on October 4, 2025, bringing excitement to basketball fans in Bacolod.

The match was a close and a hard-fought battle. The Gilas players went up against a talented group of All Stars along with celebrity guest, Rayver Cruz.

The crowd was on their feet for every defensive plays and clutch three-pointer.

In the end, the Gilas Legends edged out a narrow 93-90 victory.

After the game, Mayor Greg Gasataya awarded medals to the players, recognizing not only their win but also honoring their grit and dedication.

In a special media session before the match began, Gilas Legend and also known as Pinoy Sakuragi, Marc Pingris shared a message that struck a chord. He encouraged young players to believe in themselves even in the face of doubt and criticism. He spoke from experience, recalling how he was once laughed at by people saying he doesn't have a talent and not good in scoring in the three-point line, but through hard work and passion, he reached where he is today, a legend that people would recognize.

Other players like Cebuano Hotshot, Dondon Hontiveros and Negros Sniper, Jeff Chan, also shared their personal experiences that served as a reminder of what the game truly represents: always play with PUSO.

This game celebrated sportsmanship and inspired the next generation of players. It blended the thrill of the game with a message of hope and resilience, more meaningful as it supported the recovery for the residents of Barangay 27.

| via Kimberly Galas
| Layout by Christian Lloyd Despi

Photo Courtesy of Brigada News Fm 103.1 Bacolod page

05/10/2025

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟳𝟱 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

October 2, 2025 — Over 75 aspiring artists from various local barangays and Bacolod City College showcased their talents in the 4th On-the-Spot Masskara Painting Competition held at Robinson's Bacolod Atrium.

The event was hosted by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. in collaboration with the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AABN), and with sponsorship from Boysen Paints, Robinson's Bacolod and other sponsor industries.

“This year has the most number of participants and I'm very thankful that you are able to join. We are proud of you guys that you take courage to be part of the 2025 On-the-Spot Masskara Painting Competition,” Ihvonie “Tey” Sevillano, Event Head, AABN President remarked.

Moreover, Ms. Sevillano reiterated and clarified the general guidelines of the contest in order to avoid disqualification of entries, and especially reminded the participants to highlight the theme, “One Smile, One City, One Heart” into their artworks.

Each contestant was given different brushes, primary color paints as well as one Masskara papier-mâché mask as a plain canvas to exhibit their creativity to capture the enriched culture of Bacolod and incorporate the iconic Masskara smile within the four-hour duration.

Mariel May Magbanua from Brgy. Singcang Airport emerged victorious as the 4th Grand Champion of the annual competition, followed by Jayson Lee from Brgy 23, and John Allen Aliguin from Brgy. Sum-ag as first and second place, respectively.

Consolation prizes were also awarded to Eugene Labares of Brgy. Mandalagan, Jean Jayme of Brgy. Bata, Franky Dato-on of Brgy. Singcang Airport, Celine Angel Jorilla of Brgy. Mandalagan, and Novem Grace Efundo of Brgy. Tangub.

This year's competition marked not just the celebrated artistry and vibrance of this month's festivity, but also painted a vivid history of Bacolod City — where behind every smiling mask once hid a tragic face of the City of Smiles.

|via John Gabriel Esmenos
|photos by Denmark Bandiola

05/10/2025

𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

Plain, wooden, unremarkable. The kind of thing people see without ever really noticing. For years, I have stood in the same corner, neither waiting nor expecting, only existing. Yet within my grain, beneath the scratches and faded marks, live the hints of love disguised as labor and of patience that has outlasted entire seasons.

I have witnessed it all—the morning rustle of papers as teachers arrive, balancing lesson plans and half-empty coffee mugs. The sighs as they sit down and spread their work across me, rehearsing one more time before facing the sea of curious, restless faces. I have felt the heaviness of tired arms, heads bowed over piles of papers, and red pens bleeding across pages.

There are evenings too, when the light fades and the room turns into something hushed and blue. I have felt arms grow heavy against me, heads lowered in surrender after too many pages and too many red marks. Sometimes, a forehead rests upon me as if the heart could pass its burden into wood. The stains left behind never really disappear. Neither does devotion.

I’ve been there during the laughter, when a clever joke broke the tension of a hard lesson. I’ve been there during the silence, when a student’s tears fell onto me after failing a test, only to be met with a teacher’s reassuring hand. I’ve held the chalk dust that clung to their fingers, and I’ve carried the exhaustion in the way they sometimes rested their foreheads against me, gathering strength to keep going.

Year after year, I have watched teachers pour themselves into others. They are sculptors of character, gardeners of possibility, builders of bridges that lead to futures far beyond these four walls. They give more than knowledge; they also give parts of themselves. And though the world often moves too fast to notice, I cannot ignore what I see day after day—a kind of heroism.

And so, as a witness who has seen what others overlook, I say this: teachers deserve more than a polite thank-you or a fleeting celebration. They deserve a law written in the hearts of every student, every family, every community—that their labor is not just acknowledged, but cherished. That their names are carried with pride. That their sacrifices are not invisible.

Because without them, these rooms would be empty shells, and I—I would be just a silent piece of wood, holding nothing but dust. But with them, I have carried the dreams, the scribbles of ambition, and the very shape of tomorrow.

So today, on Teacher’s Day, let us not just honor them with words. Let us rise to the truth I have always known in my stillness: teachers are not ordinary. They are the heartbeat of every classroom, the unseen architects of every future.

And for that, they must be celebrated—always.

| via Jeric Sampior
| layout and design by Roderick Dela Rosa

30/09/2025

𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝟲.𝟳 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

Negros Island, Philippines — Residents across Negros Island were rattled late Tuesday night, September 30, after a strong offshore earthquake in neighboring Cebu sent tremors across the region.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck at 9:59 p.m. off the coast near Bogo City, Cebu. Though the epicenter was in Cebu waters, the quake’s shallow depth amplified its impact, with shaking felt as far as Bacolod City and other parts of Negros Occidental and Oriental.

In Bacolod City, the tremor was measured at intensity 5.3. Residents reported several seconds of shaking, swaying light fixtures, and flickering power lines. Brief power interruptions were recorded in some barangays, though electricity was quickly restored. People in commercial centers and residential areas rushed outdoors as a precaution.

As of press time, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or major structural damage across Negros. However, local government units have dispatched disaster risk reduction teams to inspect public buildings, schools, and critical infrastructure. Barangay officials have been instructed to monitor old or poorly reinforced homes for cracks or partial collapses.

PHIVOLCS warned the public to stay alert for aftershocks in the coming hours and days. Residents are urged to follow standard earthquake safety measures and to avoid re-entering damaged structures until cleared by authorities.

Furthermore, authorities also noted the importance of continued monitoring of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island, which has shown volcanic activity in recent months.

Via | Hannah Joy Nepocpan
Layout | Philip Jon Villacenda

28/09/2025

𝗢𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹

‎He was warned with a nervous voice:
‎"Play it safe, stay small—
‎the sky swallows dreamers."
‎He too was also warned about the sea: "The sea hungers too, boy—its salted jaws will gnaw your wings to anchors."
‎They will try to cut your paper wings,
‎because the world loves people
‎who never look up.
‎
‎But Icarus raised his face
‎and swallowed sunlight.
‎
‎He chose the sun—
‎not to reach it, but to rebel,
‎drawing loops in golden air,
‎burning in fire that felt like freedom,
‎laughing louder than crashing waves.
‎
‎When wax melted,
‎when feathers fell like broken promises,
‎when gravity pulled him down—
‎his mouth shaped not a cry,
‎but a proud song.
‎
‎Because the fall taught the truth:
‎You can’t crash
‎unless you’ve flown.
‎And all of those who touched eternity
‎must fall—that is the curse of humanity as humankind cannot gain anything without sacrificing something in return.
‎
‎And this is for the dreamers:
‎
‎They call our burns mistakes,
‎act like scars are shameful—
‎but look how fire writes stories!
‎Every wound is just proof
‎we grabbed at glory.
‎
‎So if your heart’s cracked
‎from loving hard or jumping far,
‎let your scars map the journey:
‎here’s where I fought dragons,
‎here’s where I tasted clouds,
‎here’s where I screamed
‎“This might kill me—
‎let’s try anyway.”
‎
‎Don’t apologize for falling.
‎You weren’t made to crawl—
‎you were built to take flight,
‎a shooting star between takeoff
‎and landing.
‎Every torn feather’s a trophy.
‎Every bruise, a love letter ‎
to the leap
‎that wasn’t about surviving,
‎but about feeling alive.

Writing and Photo | Khen Luther Bunda

26/09/2025

𝗔 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘇 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

In the luminous verses of “Golden Hour” by JVKE, there’s an invitation to savor life's fleeting beauty, to hold on to moments of light, and to embrace love and resilience even in uncertainty. Years after first stepping onto the America's Got Talent stage as a 10-year-old in Season 1, Jessica Sanchez returned to the grand finale of Season 20 to perform “Golden Hour” and was crowned champion—it wasn’t just another performance. It felt like a full-circle moment, a reminder that even when dreams don’t unfold the way we first imagine, there is a deeper victory in resilience.

Born on August 4, 1995, in Chula Vista, California, Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez grew up with music in her veins. Her mother, Edita Bugay (from Samal, Bataan, Philippines), and her father, Gilbert Sanchez (a Mexican-American and U.S. Navy Reservist), instilled in her a strong sense of identity and pride. From living room karaoke sessions to small community shows, it was clear she was no ordinary child.

At just ten years old, she made her first mark on national television on America’s Got Talent (Season 1, 2006), singing “I Surrender” and making it to the semifinals—a remarkable feat for someone so young. Though eliminated then, her powerhouse vocals stunned audiences and planted a seed of ambition that would only grow.

That seed bloomed in 2012 when, at sixteen, Jessica auditioned for American Idol Season 11. Each week, she delivered performances that electrified the stage. When she faced elimination in the Top 7 round, the judges executed a rare “Judges’ Save” to keep her in the competition—an acknowledgment of the rare artistry they saw in her. She ultimately finished as runner-up to Phillip Phillips, but in many fans’ hearts, Jessica was the revelation of that season.

She sang at big events—even for presidents and world leaders—traveled the world with her music, and won fans everywhere. But the music industry isn’t easy. Jessica had to deal with pressure to fit in, changing trends, and the tough task of staying true to her voice while trying to remain in the spotlight.

Jessica has also spoken openly about how, as a biracial artist, there were moments when identities and expectations felt heavy. She once famously responded to insinuations about her “Asian blood” by reaffirming her pride in both her heritages.

“For me, I looked at … doing things proudly, knowing who I am and representing both of my heritages.” (Her desire to reclaim and represent her Filipino and Mexican roots has been a recurring theme in interviews.) During the COVID-19 era, she released the song “Us” as a response to xenophobia and anti-Asian hate, further embracing her role as a voice for marginalized communities.

But perhaps the most luminous chapter in her story began when she embraced motherhood. Despite being nine months pregnant, she continued to deliver breathtaking performances, carrying not just her child but also the hearts of everyone listening into her world. Her surprise return to the AGT stage left audiences in awe, not only of her voice but also of the revelation that she had been carrying life all along. Her journey into motherhood didn’t diminish her artistry—it deepened it.

So when she returned for the 20th season of America’s Got Talent and made her way to the finale to perform “Golden Hour,” the moment became more than a performance—it was a testament. A testament that let us feel her journey, the moments of doubt, the bursts of clarity, the beauty hidden within struggle, and the brightness that remains when you refuse to dim your flame. Most of all, it proved that Jessica Sanchez still has something timeless to give.

Simon Cowell, a judge known for being exacting and seldom swayed by sentiment, captured it best:

“Jessica, you know what—it was so important for our 20th anniversary that you came back, importantly, to show that even if you don’t win the first time, you’ve got to always believe in yourself.”

Hearing praise from someone like Simon, who’s not that easy to impress, underscored how Jessica had grown. It affirmed that her journey, though nonlinear, bore fruit not in trophies but in truths.

In those words lies Jessica’s story: a girl who faced rejection at ten, who came close at sixteen, who walked through uncertainty and joy alike, who will now become a mother, and who still returns to the stage with fire in her voice.

Jessica Sanchez reminds us that success isn’t measured only by titles. Sometimes, it’s about standing by your own dreams, singing your song, and, no matter what comes, choosing to live fully in the light—embracing your own golden hour.

| via Glaiza Joy Alsosa
| layout and design by Queenie Anne Rico

21/09/2025

𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘'𝗦 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔: 𝗛𝗨𝗪𝗔𝗚 𝗞𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗜!

Today, September 21, is the National Day of Protest. But this date carries even deeper weight: on the same day in 1972, under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Martial Law was declared through Proclamation No. 1081. It marked one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history—a regime built on fear, silence, and human rights abuses, where the cries of the Filipino people were drowned out by repression.

Decades later, determined to ensure that history will never repeat itself, furious Bacolodnons filled the streets, carrying their placards high with fiery slogans. Their collective chants reverberate through the city as they unite in the “Trillion Peso March Against Corruption,” rising against the injustices and shortcomings of the high-ranking officials of the Philippine government.

This nationwide rally is not mere noise—it is a resounding cry against the corruption surrounding the flood control projects in the Philippines.

Silence back then allowed tyranny to thrive, but voices today will shatter that deafening silence. Today, the people will not be silenced. Today, the people will not be ignored. Until justice is served and corruption is dismantled, the cry will only grow louder: Huwag kayong maging bingi!

| Via Bea Ashley Navarro
| photos by Khen Luther Bunda, Pierce Gide Panisales

21/09/2025

𝟭.𝟳 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗖𝗖'𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻-𝗨𝗽 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲

1,716.96 kg of waste was collected in a single day by more than 500 students from Bacolod City College (BCC) on September 20, 2025, within the main campus during the International Clean-Up Drive.

Led by the BCC Advocates for Kalikasan: Unifying, Restoring, Augmenting, and Nurturing (BAKURAN), this large-scale cleanup targeted some areas of the campus in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15).

The event, which saw participation from 18 clubs and organizations, spanned the entire Taculing Campus, focusing on key areas such as the COEd Building, BSOA, and ACT/IS.

By removing waste from both land and water systems, students directly contributed to SDG 13’s call for climate action—addressing pollution that impacts the local environment and contributes to global climate challenges. In addition to the physical cleanup, students were reminded of how land-based waste affects marine ecosystems—a critical issue under SDG 14. Items improperly disposed of on campus can easily enter waterways, posing serious threats to marine life. In line with SDG 15, students took action to ensure a healthier, more resilient environment for both land and aquatic ecosystems.

This drive demonstrated that small but united actions at the campus level can meaningfully contribute to the global fight against environmental degradation.

| Via Hannah Joy Nepocpan
| Photos by Pierce Gide Panisales

The City Smile

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