White & Blue

12/08/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: On their second official day as Louisian freshmen, students from the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) and the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) gather for their General Orientation at the Prince Bernhard (PB) Gym today, August 12.

School-specific orientations and the release of SLU Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards will follow—on August 13–14 at the Devesse Campus for SAMCIS, and on August 18 at the PB Gym for STELA.

Meanwhile, the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) and the School of Medicine – Accelerated Pathway for Medicine (SOM-APMED) will hold their General Orientation at the same venue tomorrow, August 13.

Photo by Chanice Guitang

12/08/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: Saint Louis University (SLU) marked the opening of the new academic year with a flurry of activities across the Main Campus yesterday, August 11.

Various school-based organizations, including those from the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), showcased themed booths in their respective buildings for membership drives running until August 16.

Moreover, SEA held its freshmen orientation at the Prince Bernhard Gym yesterday, while orientations for other schools are scheduled at different times and venues as indicated in the students’ enrollment slips.

At around 12:30 PM, members of the different SLU-based National Democratic Mass Organizations (NDMOs) and other university-wide groups staged a First Day Fight protest at the Main Gate, where participants carried placards promoting several advocacies and causes.

Further, the university began accepting requests to change or add subjects across all departments today, a process that will run until August 15.

Photos by Alexis Mondiguing, Ethan Luis, and Liam Morales

11/08/2025

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞

When academic institutions fail to acknowledge their lapses in providing quality education for their stakeholders, the voice of the masses will echo loud and clear in demanding their rights to better services. As such, the First-Day Fight protest, held by student-leaders and activists from different National Democratic Mass Organizations (NDMOs) of Saint Louis University (SLU), aimed to amplify the concerns and uplift the voices of its Louisian community. Held in front of the main gate of SLU this August 11, this annual act of defiance is a reminder that education is a right for everyone—not just for those with privilege and power.

Every student deserves to study in inclusive and safe spaces that will help them thrive to their fullest potential. No matter their identity in society, they should be given equal opportunities and respect to succeed in their environment. But how can they, if the university will not address recurring affairs that hinder them from doing so? In an interview with Ralph Lauren Lagamia, spokesperson of the Democratic Alliance of Students for Integrated Governance (DASIG), he emphasized the importance of initiating the protest: “Tinatalakay natin dito lahat ng mga nararanasang paghihirap ng bawat Luwisyano sa SLU. Mula sa gender-based issues, sa mga kababaihan, sa mismong TOFI at iba pang mga suliranin ng estudyante.”

The lack of spaces inside the buildings, causing congestion in hallways and displacement of students in their respective premises; broken elevators; faulty internet connection; lack of a finance office in the Maryheights campus; and difficulties encountered during the enrollment process were just a few of the matters that were tackled during the protest. It was also pointed out that there should be more effort to implement a gender and development program and have a more victim-centered approach when it comes to handling cases of harassment inside the campus.

Not only is it a way for the current status quo of SLU to be shown, but also a medium to be heard by the administration. These long-term problems should not be cast to the sidelines but be given justice and resolution, especially for the students and faculty who are deeply impacted by the school’s decisions. It is a way to call out to the higher-ups to do better. As stated during the protest by Gian Andres, membership officer of Anakbayan-SLU: “Narito tayo ngayon upang hindi magbigay pugay, kundi upang maningil ng katarungan, maningil ng katwiran at higit sa lahat, maningil ng malinaw na kasagutan sa isang sugat na taong-taon nalang nating nararanasan.”

Meanwhile, Brenn Cabayanan, Secretariat of the National Union of Students of the Philippines Cordillera, stresses the need for transparency from the institution itself: “Kung napakalaki po ang tuition na binabayaran natin, bakit sira ang elevator? Bakit mabagal pa rin ang wifi? Gusto po namin malaman kung saan pinupunta o saan nilalagay ang napakalaking pera na kinukuha sa sangkaestudyantehan.”

To break this pattern of commercializing education, these organizations have taken it into their own hands to challenge the status quo and be the voice for the Louisian community. Prevailing amidst the broken system and unjust treatment are these NDMOs that show up and speak up for the students. Lagamia shared, “Dahil sa mga NDMOs na ito, naniniwala kami na mas mapapalalim natin yung kaalaman natin sa mga isyung panlipunan. Mas natututo tayong lumubog sa masa para mas maranasan natin ang isyung kinakaharap ng ating mga kasama.”

Nicole Del Castillo, Secretary for Business Affairs of the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng Mag-aaral/Student Supreme Council (KASAMA/SSC), mentions as well the importance of not being afraid to speak out about the struggles experienced in school: “Ang pagiging makabayan natin ay kailangan nangangahas na makibaka kasi dapat lamang na bilang mga Luwisyano, hindi tayo magpapakulong sa mga nangyayari sa loob. Sa mga Louisian freshies, kailangan din nilang pagsikapan sa sarili nila na maging matapang at maging maalam sa mga nangyayari ngayon. Kaya naman kailangan natin siyang pag-usapan at sumali sa laban.”

By Cale Franclin Cruz
Photos by Ethan Luis

11/08/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: First-year students from the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) attend their General Orientation today, August 11, at the Prince Bernhard Gymnasium.

Freshmen from the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) and the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) will have their orientation tomorrow, August 12, at the same gymnasium.

Photo by Ethan Luis

10/08/2025

𝐒𝐋𝐔 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

In preparation for the official opening of the academic year, the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC), in collaboration with the Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW), prepared a campus tour for incoming freshmen at the Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus yesterday, August 9.

Among the participants were first-year students from the undergraduate schools: the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA).

The event began with the tour proper, led by the school assemblies, where they explored different areas of the campus, each following a designated route.

Subsequently, this was followed by a program that gathered all freshmen from various schools and departments.

𝑨 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
During his talk, Mr. Sergi Giann E. Musni, RGC, one of CCW’s guidance counselors, encouraged the newcomers to empower one another and not see their peers as competition.

“Here, there is no room for one-upmanship… Ego doesn’t unite people. Unity comes from everybody—listening, lending a hand, and celebrating each other’s wins as we [celebrate] our own… Whether you need help navigating challenges, finding talents, or sustaining your vision, we are here to walk alongside you, so [that] you can serve with clear minds and steady hearts,” Mr. Musni said.

Further, he reminded the students, including all freshmen, student leaders, and volunteers of their mission and role as members of the Louisian community.

“So carry the torch with pride [and] here’s my calling to you: Be torchbearers, not gatekeepers. Be one, not rivals. Be leaders with clean hands and pure hearts because leadership with a heart is the kind that lasts,” he added.

𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈
After the campus tour, first-year students shared their experiences and feelings by participating in the event.

“I feel enlightened po because I am new to Baguio and SLU. From enrollment po, nalaman ko na sobrang laki pala ng SLU and it overwhelms me na baka mawala ako. Pero, after this freshman tour, I feel enlightened po,” said Daniella Rhein Antonio, an incoming BS in Nursing student.

“Parang natatakot kasi hindi talaga ako dito sa Baguio eh, province pa po kasi, kaya parang nai-intimidate din, gano’n, pero hopefully, ‘pag naka-adjust na, magiging okay na po,” Desiree Balacsan, an incoming Multimedia Arts freshman, added.

Meanwhile, when asked what they are most looking forward to, incoming Electronics Engineering student Aj Lagman shared that she is excited about various things.

“I think ‘yong mga subjects po. I am very intrigued noong nalaman ko po ‘yong mga subjects namin and noong nakita ko po ‘yong mga buildings. I am excited to explore din po on my own… I am very excited about that, and new friends din po,” Lagman said.

On the other hand, Rhain Aera Gawigawen from the BA in Political Science department cited being thrilled to explore the University Libraries further, along with other school activities.

“Everything is exciting naman po, pero what excites me the most is the facilities we have at the library and ‘yong mga other events po sa school and orgs. ‘Yon lang po,” she said.

By Faith Revaño and Keziah Tingga-an
Photos by Ethan Luis and Gem Mangiliman

09/08/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: The School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) kicks off the academic year with a “Freshie Tour” at the Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus today, August 9.

Later on, the freshmen will participate in a short program to be held at the Bishop Carlito Cenzon, D.D. Sports Center.

The “Freshie Tour” will continue with the second batch of freshmen in the afternoon.

Photo by Gem Mangiliman

09/08/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: Prior to the opening of classes on Monday, a “Freshie Tour” is held for the incoming 1st year students of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) at the Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus today, August 9.

After the tour will be a short program for all freshmen, which will be held at the Bishop Carlito Cenzon, D.D Sports Center.

The campus tour will have an afternoon session for the second batch of freshmen.

Photo by Ethan Luis

09/08/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: The School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) and School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) communities welcome their freshmen with a campus tour at the Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus today, August 9.

Along with other freshmen from the different schools, a short program for the incoming SEAns and technocommercians will follow later on at the Bishop Carlito Cenzon, D.D. Sports Center.

An afternoon session will be held for the second batch of freshmen, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Photo by Ethan Luis

05/08/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: As part of the promotion for their upcoming concert, Filipino indie folk-pop band, Ben&Ben stages a surprise busking session for the Louisian community at the Rev. Fr. Paul Van Parijs Events Center today, August 5.

The nine-piece band is set to perform at the John Hay Convention Center, Baguio City, on August 23 and 24, 2025.

Photo by Chanice Guitang

01/08/2025

𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐚 𝐃𝐮𝐥𝐨 𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐚

Kung mapadpad man sa dalampasigan
At itanong kung ano akong nasa daungan
Pagkat kaluluwa na ang anay
At balat na ang kalawang
Sana’y makatakas ang aking ngalan
Sa dulo ng iyong dila
Ako ang bangkang katuwang
Minsang ipinagpasalamat
Sa bulalakaw, sa kandila
Sa alitaptap, sa lumikha

Sa agos, hindi daungan
Ang hulma kong sayo’y pumapasan
Sa alon, hindi sa pagkakahimlay
Ang sagwan kong naghihintay
Na maiuwi’t maihatid ka
Sa bagong panig—sa kaalaman
Pauwi sa tahanan—sa kaisahan
Sa lipunan—sa kaunawaan

Itanong mo kay mamang dagat ang nagpalaki
Ano pa ba ang kalawang sa isang bangka
Kundi isang malubhang sakit
Ang mga pagitan sa daliri ng kamay
Na tila espasyong inilaan sa paghawak ng kamatayan
Sapagkat ang lahat ng binabalot ng kalawang
Ay namamatayan ng pagkakakilanlan
Bago ako maging kalawang na lamang
Sana’y maalala mong
Iyong minsang itinuring
Na ako’y isang pangangailangan

Ilaban mo
Mula sa pagkautal
Mula sa pagkalimot
Nang makalaya akong iyong bangka
Iyong tulay—iyong wika
Mula sa bilibid nitong dulo ng iyong dila
At hindi maging kalawang na lamang
O abo ng minsang pagkakakilanlan

Sa aking pisngi, pakatignan
Nakamarka ang ngalan mo—sino ka
Na malugod mong ipininta
Noong sariwa pa ang pintura
Kung binalot na ng kalawang itong katawan
Saan na lamang maaapuhap ang ngalan mo? Sino ka?

Ni Riz Anne Balmes
Dibuho ni John Patrick Leondado
____________________________________________________________________________
Ngayong buwan ng Agosto, ang White & Blue, opisyal na pahayagan ng Unibersidad ng San Luis, ay nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay kahalagahan at karangalan sa wikang Filipino. Sapagkat ang lahat ng binabalot ng kalawang ay namamatayan ng pagkakakilanlan, gamitin at pakadalisayin ang simbolong pumapasan ng ating kakanyahan nang hindi mawala sa kalagtinaan ang kasagutan sa kung sino nga ba tayo. Hindi nawa maisantabi ang wikang bumubuo sa mensaheng humahabi sa boses ng ating pagkakakilanlan nang hindi mawala ang diwa ng kaisahan.

29/07/2025

16/07/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐨: 𝐆𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐨 ‘𝟐𝟓 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

With the theme “Gawad Luwisyano: Pagkilala at Pagsaludo sa Lideratong Luwisyano,” the annual event gathered student leaders and assemblies from across Saint Louis University (SLU) at the Fr. Theophile Verbist CICM Hall, July 14.

Spearheaded by the Kataas-taasang Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC), the event honors the excellence, service, and commitment of the Louisian student leaders across different disciplines and organizations.

KASAMA/SSC Adviser Dorothy Silva officially opened the program with her welcoming remarks, followed by the reading of award guidelines and panel presentations led by Gabriel Steve Domingo, House Speaker of the Congress of Louisians.

Among the early honorees was Janfranz Lazaro Galleon, recipient of the Siglat Award for Innovation for his contributions in research and development, while the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) took the award’s Assembly Category counterpart for projects highlighting Filipino culture and patriotism.

Criszle Alexandra Tarin and the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) Assembly were awarded the Talaghay Award for Competence for initiating projects that empower students to achieve globally competitive skills.

For promoting spiritual integrity and compassion toward the marginalized, Paula Bagalay and the STELA Assembly were conferred the Saint Joan of Arc Award for Christian Spirit.

Moreover, Dhanver Cabrera of the SAMCIS Assembly earned the Gregorio Villar III Award for Compassion, which honors student leaders extending their service beyond campus communities.

Following the first round of awards, an intermission number was performed by Theatri Sonata Artium, followed by the Acknowledgment of Graduates by KASAMA/SSC Moderator Triceayn Prestousa.

A tribute segment, the Acknowledgment of Panels led by Miguel Ivan Ayuban, honored past and present student leaders and advisors, and a solemn Minute of Silence was held in memory of Julius Padilla, 4th Year Mayor of SAMCIS.

The award ceremony resumed with Rvie Manalo of the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) being named Outstanding KASAMA/SSC Officer, while the STELA Assembly received the Committee Award, both recognizing consistent excellence and creative leadership.

For outstanding academic performance alongside student leadership, the Congress Award for Academic Performance for Student Leaders was presented to Mark Alexis Toreno and Roman John Dela Cruz.

Capping the awarding ceremony was the presentation of the highest honor, the Presidential Award for Most Outstanding KASAMA/SSC Assembly and Officer, which was awarded to the STELA Assembly and Mark Alexis Toreno of SONAHBS.

In her State of the Louisian Address, KASAMA/SSC President Angel Heleana Galang celebrated the collective strength of student leaders, affirming the council’s vision of service and empowerment.

Meanwhile, in an interview, Ayuban reflected on the behind-the-scenes efforts, saying, “It’s a big achievement—Gawad Luwisyano in itself—since pinagpaguran kasi ng bawat member ng Congress.”

He explained that preparations involved budget planning, nominee vetting, and thorough coordination with panelists and venues.

“Malaking cross-checking din ‘yong mga naganap para masigurado na kung anuman ang kakailanganin ng event, e mabibigay natin at ma-e-ensure natin na nandiyan,” he said.

As leadership transitions to the next generation of student officers, the Gawad Luwisyano is expected to return in 2026, continuing its tradition of honoring the spirit of Louisian excellence.

By Ralph Ivan Aniceto
Photos by Zoie Austria and Ralph Ivan Aniceto