The Guilds

01/07/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) welcomes this year's admission cycle with 5,844 qualifiers out of 6,900 (BCAT) BPSU College Admission Test.

The university accumulated 84.68% admission rate wherein 57.09% were female qualifiers while 42.91% were male.

In Main Campus, 2,999 passed the BCAT among the 4,074 takers, this is less than the targeted quota of 3,215 passers.

The demographic also highlights inclusivity from the 106 takers from the marginalized sector. From the data, BPSU observed 95.32% qualifiers are from the province of Bataan.

The start of the Academic Year 2025-2026 is on July 14.

Via Don Andrew Malagayo

||𝐁𝐏𝐒𝐔 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒||

BPSU proudly announces the successful conclusion of its 2025 University Admission Cycle, with 6,900 BCAT takers and an outstanding 5,844 qualifiers—translating to a remarkable 84.68% admission rate that reflects the academic potential and readiness of our aspiring Peninsulares.

The demographic breakdown reveals a strong representation of female qualifiers at 57.09%, with male qualifiers comprising 42.91%—underscoring the dynamic role of women in shaping the future of higher education. Notably, 95.32% of all takers hailed from the province of Bataan, while 5,351 examinees reported a family income of less than ₱120,000 annually, affirming BPSU’s commitment to accessible and inclusive education.

We also commend the 106 applicants from marginalized sectors who stepped forward to pursue their academic journey. By sharing these figures and demographic insights, BPSU reaffirms its contribution to a data-driven, inclusive, and progressive academic landscape.

We extend our deepest commendation to the University Admission and Testing Center, under the leadership of Director Ariel F. Banting, for upholding the integrity and excellence of this year’s admission process.

To our new Peninsulares, maligayang pagdating sa punlaan ng dunong at gawang mabuti!

30/06/2025

𝐒𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐤 𝐬𝐚 𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐨,
𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆 𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐌 𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐎

Nakatatakot ang sariling anino.

Subalit para sa karamihan, sa pagtapak sa dilim—batid nila ang kawalan ng malay sa kung anong dapat katakutan: ang makita ang ganid sa kanilang anino o madatnan ng bukang liwayway ang tunay na imahe nito.

At kung may babaguhin man ang mga aninong ito sa mundo, gagawin nila itong malaya. Malaya sa dilim, sa lugar kung saan nababalot ito ng mangmang at sarado ang isipan. Tunay ngang pagod na silang magtago sa likod ng pekeng silweta upang matanggap ng mapanghusgang mata ng lipunan.

Hindi naman kasi alam ng mga matang nakakakita kung kailan sila bulag. Kung bukas na ba talaga ang kanilang mata o kung kaya na nilang tingnan ang tunay na katotohanan sa likod ng anino ng lihim nang walang panghuhusga.

Kagaya ni Jay*, 21, at residente ng Balanga City, Bataan, pinili niyang harapin ang sariling imahe ng sariling anino. Aminado siya na sa sulok ng dilim umaaligid ang isa pa nitong lihim na katauhan—sa likod ng lahat ng ito ay nais niyang maihayag ang kanyang tunay na kasarian.

Sa mundo ng “Alter” niya nasaksihan ang tunay na liwanag ng kaniyang anino. Ang liwanag na natagpuan sa mundong kaniya nang naging kanlungan, kung saan walang matang nagmamatyag at malayang ibinabandera ang sariling katawan.

Mula rito, buo niyang natagpuan ang kalayaang inaasam; ang mga takot sa sariling anino ay malayang nagpapakita at ang mga tao’y nagbubunyi sa kung paanong paraan nila naisin.

Taong 2023 nang una niyang makilala ang mundo ng alter, noong minsang i-post umano ng kaniyang dating nobyo ang ‘video’ nilang nagtatalik. Laking gulat ni Jay na hindi masasamang komento at reaksyon ang ibinato ng publiko—gaya ng sa tunay na mundo, bagkus kabaliktaran nito.

Mula noon, wala na siyang naging nais kung hindi maging parte ng komunidad ng alter sapagkat para sa kaniya, natutuwa siya sa tuwing may nakakakita sa kaniyang katawan at nabibigyang diwa nito ang kaniyang kalugurang sekswal.

“Nag-start ako sa pagsama-sama lang sa pagma-masturbate sa ibang tao to [give them] more pleasure and as the days goes by sinasamahan ko na rin sila,” ani Jay.

Ngunit bukod pa rito’y may malalim pa na dahilan kung bakit tuluyang pinasok ni Jay ang mundo ng alter.

“For pleasure, for personal reasons, and for money. We are not financially stable and I am a working student. So, para na rin ma-support ko ‘yung pag-aaral ko, pumasok ako sa alter,” ani Jay.

Bukod sa kaalwanang dulot nito ay nasusuportahan din ni Jay ang kaniyang pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Sa mundo kasi ng alter ay nakakukuha siya ng kita o pera sa bawat larawan o video na maaaaring bayaran ng mga taong may interes dito.

Sa ngayon, si Jay ay kumikita sa isang subscription sa kaniyang channel sa social media gaya ng X at Telegram kung saan ipinakikita niya ang kaniyang katawan at mga pagtatalik sa ilang kasapi rin ng komunidad.

Dahil dito, nakahanap ng balanse si Jay sa dalawang mundong kaniyang ginagalawan. Hindi na lamang sanktwaryo ang tingin niya sa mundo ng Alter kung hindi isang pagkakataon upang mapunan ang kaniyang mga pangangailangan.

“Kapag nagbi-video kasi iniisip ko kung ano ‘yung nagiging pananaw ng client ko and kung ano ‘yung magiging feedback ng audience ko. So, kung magpe-perform ako mas matutuwa ‘yung audience ko, mas maga-avail sila, and mas kikita ako,” pagbabahagi ni Jay.

Dagdag pa nito na naging madali na ang paggalaw sa mundo ng alter dahil maayos ang kasapi ng mga komunidad nito. Nagiging mga kaibigan pa ni Jay ang ilan sa mga ito kung kaya’t mas gumaan ang pagsisimula ni Jay sa kanyang karera sa mundo ng Alter.

Ngunit hindi batid sa isipan ni Jay ang panganib ng pagiging parte nito. Aminado siya na minsan ay takot siya sa pinsala ng kanyang trabaho. Ayon nga sa Department of Health, mayroong 57 na kaso ng Human Immunodeficiency Virus o HIV ang naitatala araw-araw sa bansa kung saan pangatlo ang Rehiyon III sa may pinakamaraming kaso nito.

Para sa kanya, kahit natikman na niya ang kalayaan ay dapat pa rin maging maingat sa dalang panganib nito, “As part of LGBTQ [community] dapat maging safe pa rin tayo. Like we should still practice safe s*x. Pwede naman tayo makipag-s*x ng merong protection and iwasan na rin natin ‘yung magre-release sa loob. Mas goods kapag withdrawal or mas goods lalo kapag merong protection,” diin pa ni Jay.

***

Sa bawat imaheng kaniyang napapansing umaaligid sa anino ng ibang tao, walang ibang nais si Jay kung hindi makita ang tunay na katauhan nito. Sapagkat kung ang maging tunay sa sarili ay siyang pag-ibig, ang tanggapin ang lahat ng katauhan nito ay pagsinta. Gaano man kadilim, gaano man kakomplikado.

Sa muling pagharap ni Jay sa dilim, hindi na siya takot sa sariling anino. Sapagkat nasaksihan na niya ang liwanag nito—makulay at malaya ang liwanag ng tunay na mundo.

*hindi tunay na pangalan

---

Panulat ni John Michael Pascubillo
Larawang kuha ni John Carl Marquez
Idinisenyo ni Keneth Valencia Poblete
Nasa larawan: Aaron John Ulanday

29/06/2025

[𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒] 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐳 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲

It was Wednesday afternoon. The noise from the radio filled Michael’s quiet balcony. He sits silently while watching his favorite noon show.

He then gestured to a huge box near his room. Inside were full of make-ups and glitters. From there, he showed an old picture of a pretty young woman, it was him.

And in that solemn midday, where the room eclipsed the bright rainbow, he told stories on how beautiful he was.

𝑨 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑰𝒔 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒏

During regular days back then, Michael Gatmaitan faced unending long walks with his box full of hair products for his on-call rebond business, where he lingered towards every alley to find a woman in need of hair touch-ups. In these same busy streets, Michael was often overlooked by the crowd.

At night, however, Michael was the crowd’s sweetheart. He goes by the stage name Amaya. A local showgirl donning striking gowns and impactful performances that toured every pageant in Bataan.

“Iba para sa akin ang pageant eh. Iyun bang kapag nakarinig ako ng isang Miss Gay competition, parang feeling ko hindi magiging kumpleto ‘yung pageant na ‘yun kung wala si Amaya,” she shared

Amaya thought of her first time wearing a gown in public. She was 14 at the time and wanted to be part of the local Sagala parade. Off her Lolo’s income on their then lending business, she got her first rented gown. Amaya doesn’t have any idea on how to do drag then, all she has is a gown and a dream.

Forged by the tapestry of life, Amaya viewed this new-discovered world as a way to not only express herself but also to make a living. For years, joining pageants has become a way for Amaya to make ends meet. Every vibrant color in her make-up wears the blood and sweat of her dedication towards life and fame.

“Ang pinaka-memorable talaga na pageant noon is year 2002. Iyon ang kauna-unahang Binibining Ikatlong Lahi ng Balanga. Ang mga kalaban ko talaga [noon] mga nakapag-aral. Kaya hindi ko rin in-expect [manalo] kasi noong time na ‘yun highschool lang ang nayari ko,” she recalled.

Amaya marked her legacy in pageantry as a lip sync performer, offering fierce performances on every talent portion of Miss Gay competitions.

She looked back on when she was fortunate enough to save some money for her Darna costume. It was at Miss Gay Sexy of Samal in 1998 when she showed the piece she was working hard on for the first time.

On that stage, when the beat of Amaya’s favorite piece starts — the 1980s classic ‘Holding Out to a Hero’ by Bonnie Tyler, she transforms into a lip sync sensation that captures every sight of the crowd and makes her memorable on every pageant she's been on.

“Walang Miss Gay na hindi ako ‘yung inaabangan noon. Kasi kapag nagta-talent ako, laging buwis buhay. Kapag tumatalon ako may mga sugat basta makuha ko lang ang Miss Talent,” Amaya said.

𝑩𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏

But along with her rising reputation, Amaya admits that it was not an easy way to be a pageant veteran in Bataan. For her, the secret to winning is not about being the best but about learning how to lose.

It is not only on pageant you’ll learn the lessons of defeat. In her entire life, Amaya has been the breadwinner for her family. Jumping from one job to another taught her how to persevere in life – especially if you are in a marginalized community like the LGBTQIA+.

“‘Yung pagiging kontesera ko ang dahilan kung bakit nabuhay kami. That time ako ‘yung Miss Gay noon na salat talaga. Nagdalaga ako ng mahirap na talagang walang-wala. ‘Yung mga kalaban ko talagang may kaya na sa buhay, may pinag-aralan, at may suporta sa magulang. Ako baliktad, ako naman ang inaasahan ng pamilya namin,” Amaya said.

In these times, she resorted to the small amount of pageant prizes as her way to provide for her family. The average cash prize for a normal barangay gay pageant back then was around PHP3,000 to PHP5,000 only.

Even though this prize is not enough for her living, she still pursued the career throughout half of her life. Joining pageants after pageants and sacrificing her time was her only way to gather enough money to support her and her family.

This was also the time where she was open with the opportunity to continue her career overseas. Amaya was offered to work in Kuwait as an entertainer. Fortunately enough to stay a year there, away from her family to save some money.

“Doon sa Kuwait nagsimula ang karera ng buhay ko. Dito nagpapakahirap ako kumita ng isang libo samantalang doon kaunting kembot mo lang, ang tip mo na katumbas na ng isang libo. Kaya nakaipon ako doon,” Amaya said.

However, she was awakened by how the locals take advantage of her and her job.

“Feeling ko kasi nasasalaula na ako doon, kaya tinapos ko na ng mga one year, nag-stop na ako… Ang life ko noong umuwi ako sa Pilipinas from Kuwait, balik na naman sa dati,” Amaya said.

Amaya goes back to her local hairdressing job, during her free time, she would moonlight on local pageants still. This time, with fresher gowns and costumes out of the money she saved from working overseas.

Her name was then became known enough even from outside of the province, which pushed her to audition on national T.V.

In 1995, Amaya joined hundreds of hopefuls in the Super Sireyna auditions at GMA Network. She made it through the first cut but was sent home to bring more back-ups right before she’ll be aired.

“Nag-audition ako noon binigyan na ako ng yellow card pero pinapabalik ako, “bring more backups,” daw eh hindi ko naman kaya bayaran ang backup. Kaya ang panget ng bakla ka na kumu-contest nang hindi mo kayang suportahan ang sarili mo. Ang sakit sa akin noon kasi ‘yun ‘yung opportunity na hindi ko nagawa kaya dinaan ko na lang sa mga contest ulit dito,” Amaya confessed.

With her caliber of pageantry, you would think amaya has it all, but throughout her career, she still thought of the things she lost and the things she could’ve been.

𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒀𝒐𝒖

“Ang essence pala ng pagiging isang kontesera ay ‘yung malalaman mo na darating pala ang time na mage-end na. Kahit na maganda ka, tapos na. Na kahit na subukan mo pa rin, wala na,” Amaya looking back on her time now.

At the hallmark of what seems to be her world, Amaya made it known that, if anything, winning is all about learning how to lose.

Looking back, Amaya sits silently on the balcony of her own home. Now, her aging body, swallowed by a loose shirt, still exudes pomp and elegance.

She talked about the new gen pageant-goers today and how nostalgic it seems for her to witness the joy of the youngbloods that she used to feel when she was still an amateur.

But like her, Amaya left a lesson she learned for these new breed of pageant goers in Bataan.

“Ang pinakanatutunan ko is kapag pala lagi kang nanalo at nakatikim ka ng talo, dapat mong tanggapin na nanalo ka. Kahit gaano ka pa kagaling minsan sumasablay ka talaga,” Amaya closed.

Now, the least she can do is to help bridge the hopefuls towards starting their own career, hoping that they will find the same joy she once discovered in the world of pageantry.

And as the curtain closes and the glitz starts to dull on her reign, Amaya is poised that her name will be remembered. As Amaya who won many crowns in pageantry, and as Michael who won many battles in life.

“Walang silbi ang pageant kung lagi kang tatamarin, ako kasi kahit umuulan o ano man, lalaban ako kasi dapat lagi lang lumalaban,” Amaya said.

***

Decades passed and the name Amaya is still engraved in the world of pageantry even with her retirement today.

In the silent balcony, Michael sits silently at the same place Amaya built both of their dreams.

Amidst the fading glitz of the past, he moves forward to tell how beautiful his life was — as himself, and as Amaya. Afterall, it is hard to miss a vibrant rainbow.




—

Words by John Michael Pascubillo
Photos by Tayshaun Ecaldre
Design by Rogel Jean Gerald Vitangcol

25/06/2025

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐒: 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Fifteen architecture graduates of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) —Main Campus passed the June 2025 Architecture Licensure Examination (ALE) as per the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission, June 18.

First-time takers recorded a 66.67% passing rate, beating the national average of 65.16%, with the institution noting a total of 57.69%.

Meanwhile, the lone taker of the university in the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) of ALE also passed the boards.

The newly licensed architects are as follows:

Antingco, Jay Labios
Baluyot, Jamille Princess Parulan
Carillo, Patrick Ramos
Cayanan, Angel John Dela Peña
Chingcuangco, Pauline Mae Sampang
De Guzman, Maria Lourdes
De Villa, Monica Castelo
Dela Cruz, Bryan Bermudez
Mañalac, Jocelle Salandanan
Moreno, Alexander John Jr Bautista
Rubia Lynyrd A-Z Cayabyab
Sainz, Shiela De La Cruz
Serrano, Fedilyn Pabalate
Siton, James Paul Aragon
Vinzon, Sam Jabez Salang
Violenta, Wilbert Angeles

| via Justin Paul Punzalan

21/06/2025

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟒𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐠𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐯𝐬 𝐁𝐍𝐏𝐏 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

Several sectors and religious groups of Bataan rallied against the recent revival attempts of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) during the 40th anniversary of Welga ng Bayan, emphasizing its hazards on the province’s health and security.

The commemoration was attended by over 130 advocates from different sectoral groups, including 18 veterans of the 1985 protest strike held at the Lou-Is Resort and Restaurant, June 19.

In a press statement, the Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement (NFBM) said that the Welga ng Bayan is a reminder of collective power that halted the BNPP in Morong from operating.

“The gathering of both veteran and young advocates in Balanga City highlights a continuing legacy of resistance, rooted in the lessons of the past and a shared commitment to a safe and sustainable future for Bataan and the Philippines,” the group said.

However, with the recent developments on the BNPP, anti-nuclear movement advocates expressed concerns on the possible restoration of the mothballed power plant and its health and safety threats on the province.

‘𝑵𝒐, 𝑵𝒐, 𝑵𝒐, 𝑵𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒖𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓’

Anti-nuclear advocates questioned these decisions as several activists called out the threats of planning to revive the BNPP.

They mentioned how BNPP shows significant issues including structural defects, seismic risks due to the plant’s proximity to an active fault line, and inadequate safety measures that emphasized the potential hazards of BNPP to the public.

Atty. Dante Ilaya, a veteran and the chairperson of the NFBM calls to focus more on renewable energy sources rather than continously trying to revive BNPP.

“It is alarming that the current administration is still considering the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, despite it being mothballed in 1986. Our reasons for opposing it four decades ago stand today: it is unsafe and costly, and the people of Bataan will bear the brunt at the frontlines,” Ilaya said.

As the fourth decade of the historic Welga ng Bayan concludes, NFBM said that the battle has become intergenerational as more youth groups are being active on the protest as well.

“The people of Bataan and the clean energy the future Filipinos deserve, should not be an afterthought," Ilaya closed.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟓 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐠𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧

Built in the 1970s, the BNPP was the only nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia developed under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. dictatorship.

The 620-megawatt (MW) plant was the first attempt of the Philippines to integrate nuclear energy in the power generation mix.

But the plant was shutted down before it even opened after over 33,000 locals gathered to rally from June 18 to 20 to oppose the power plant’s operation in 1985 months before the EDSA People Power Revolution happened that ousted Marcos Sr.

In an interview, Chona, one of the veterans of the protest, shared her experience from being a part of the strike 40 years ago.

“Bilang manggagawa noong panahon na iyon, narinig ko ang mga mensahe ng taong-bayan kaugnay ng ating pagtutol sa plantang nukleyar na ito ay mapanganib [at] hindi natin kailangan,” Chona said.

Welga ng Bayan Laban sa Plantang Nukleyar was then celebrated annually to remember Bataan's historic fight against nuclear energy.

𝐎𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬

Under the new administration, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been keen on using nuclear energy to reinforce the country’s power supply.

This is said to be the solution for satisfying the growing energy demand and is paving way for securing the country’s energy future.

A typical nuclear reactor delivers one gigawatt of power per facility, this is 100 to 1,000 times higher than micro-modular reactors that produce one to 10 MW only.

With this, power giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) was among the companies who eyed the revival of BNPP. Meralco executive vice president Ronnie Aperocho said in the Giga Summit 2025 that studies on the said power plant are expected to be completed within the year.

This was after the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea to conduct feasibility studies on the BNPP under Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. that began last January.

“BNPP, if feasible, will be the quickest route for the Philippines to adopt nuclear power in the 2030s,” Aperocho said.

According to the Philippine nuclear roadmap, the country is aiming to gradually phase in nuclear energy as part of its power mix starting with 1,200 MW by 2032, scaling to 2,400 MW by 2035, and 4,800 by 2050.

As of June 9, the Senatorial Bill 2899 or the Philippine Nuclear Energy Safety Act was approved of its third and final reading that establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) that will serve as central authority for licensing, siting, construction, and oversight of nuclear facilities in the country.

The Philippine Energy Plan includes provision to build nuclear power plants by 2032. |via John Michael Pascubillo

Photos by Tayshaun Ecaldre

12/06/2025

Malaya nating bigyan-pugay ang diwa ng pagiging isang Pilipinong may kasarinlan. Mula noon hanggang ngayon, ating gunitain ang katapangan ng ating mga bayaning humarap sa bawat hamon para sa mas malayang Pilipinas.

Ngayong ika-127 taon ng kalayaan, tayo’y naka-alpas na patungo sa mas malayang kinabukasan, ngunit ang diwa ng kalayaan ay patuloy na pumupulanggos sa kamay ng mga humahadlang sa ating kasaysayan.

Sapagkat, hangga’t ang kamay ng inang bayan ay nakagapos sa mga manlulupig, patuloy tayong ‘di pasisiil at lalaban para sa makabayang paglaya ng bansa.

Mabuhay ang diwang Pilipino!




—
Sa panulat ni John Michael Pascubillo
Dibuho ni Cathlynn Kynt Añonuevo
Idinisenyo ni Rogel Jean Gerald Vitangcol

06/06/2025

𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐈 𝐮𝐬𝐞

Office of the University Registrar (OUR) faced an online lash-out yesterday after posting an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video regarding the enrollment processes of incoming first-year students for Academic Year 2025-2026.

The 64-second video featured the usage of AI for its commentary and animation, receiving backlash from the students and faculty.

Among them was Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BS-EMC) instructor Claudine Jaro who called out the video in her now deleted Facebook post stating its effects on students under various creative programs of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU).

“Isang malaking sampal po sa amin na nagpupursigi ang Code: Creatives para sa marketing ng [BS] EMC tapos isa sa official pages mismo ng BPSU ay gagamit ng generative AI para sa official post,” Jaro said.

Code: Creatives is a student-led organization under the College of Computer Studies (CCST) that focuses primarily on digital arts, multimedia, and creative collaboration advocacies.

Following this, OUR released a statement regarding their video but was also deleted minutes after it was posted.

“Thank you for calling the attention of the University Registrar pertaining to the recent post featuring an AI-generated video that may have undermined the creativity of our students. The office is looking forward in collaborating with the Code: Creatives and other student organizations in the University,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, an official statement was released by the student body as represented by the student government of CCST, College of Arts and Sciences, and Main Campus along with concerned organizations expressing their disappointment on the deleted posts of OUR.

“Many of our students expressed how they felt disrespected and unacknowledged, even though the animation was not made with these intentions. The portrayal of our specialty failed to adequately reflect the pride, development of skills, and progress inherent in our learning community,” they stated.

As of writing, OUR has yet to take action on the said deleted posts. This is a developing story. | via John Michael Pascubillo

20/05/2025

𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭!

After a year of fun times, sleepless nights, and countless cups of coffee you’ve made it up to this final week. The finish line is just around the corner, so make sure you finish strong!

This finals week, no more “babawi ako sa susunod na sem,” because this time, you’ll definitely make it. A little more push and manifestations to make all the stressful study sessions and last-minute homework cramming all worth it.

Let’s lock in and make the best out of this final stretch, Peninsulares. Goodluck!



—-
Words by Ejay Palomata
Design by Benedict De Jesus

12/05/2025

As the Filipinos wield their power today in harnessing a new set of frontrunners, what kind of change will they give to the future of our society?

With each shade and ballot cast by every individual, may everyone be reminded of their responsibility in voting for leaders who will pave the path for a brighter society, and prioritize public welfare.

Cast your votes today, and be reminded of your power. You are a big factor in molding the fate of tomorrow.

11/05/2025

𝐈𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐩 𝐬𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨

Malayong tanaw at gusto kong mahawakan
ang mga palad mong aking sinusundan,
may bigat man sa paa, dala ko naman
ang tsinelas na iyong iniregalo,
higit pa sa naibigay ko
mula sa kontraktwal kong trabaho.
Malaya kong uubusin ang oras
upang makabawi sa mga susunod pang bukas.

Isang daang mimiso lamang
ang layo natin, Inay,
pero 'di ko magawang dumalaw,
binawasan ang sahod tuwing akinse't
tumaas pa ang pasahe.
Sa dalawang sakay,
sana ay may baon akong skyflakes
na patago mong isiniksik sa ‘king bag.
Tatlong oras ang pila—
naalala ko ang himig mong nagpapakalma
sabay sa paboritong tugtog sa radyo;
at wala kung wala man akong dagdag na kita,
estudyanteng trabahador pa rin
sa huling buwan ng taon.
Buong sipag pa rin susuungin
dala ang ala-ala ng pag-aalaga mo sa amin.

Ma, isang pirma na lamang ang pagitan
upang muli tayong magkita,
gustong-gusto ko na pong umuwi,
humalik sa iyong noo,
humawak sa iyong nanginginig na kamay,
at maamoy ang paborito mong kape sa umaga,
pero heto ako—
binibilangan ng quota
sa magdamagang paggawa.

Hahabaan ko ang pasensya, Inay ko
gaya ng iyong mga sakripisyo
mula sa pagbebenta sa palengke—
umaga hanggang pagsasara,
doble kayod; patago mong paglalaba sa gabi,
buong lakas mong pag-suong sa init at tag-ulan
maihatid lamang kami sa eskwela,
at ang panyo sa amin likuran
na iyong buong sipag na inilalagay—
ito ang may alam kung paano mo kami
iniahon tungo pagtatapos ng eskwela.

Hamo, Inay, balang-araw
mas mapapadalas
ang mga nakasanayang minsanan,
sasanayin kitang magkatabi tayo,
‘di lang sa isang araw,
kundi sa bawat kinabukasan,
'di na ilang daang hakbang
ang ang magiging layo natin sa isa't isa, Inay—
'di na tayo muling magtitiis habambuhay.

paborito mong anak,
Lucas

"Ma, nakuha mo po iyon? Malapit na pong umuwi si kuya dito sa atin!"

"Naku, Kuya Luc! Tiyak akong mas hahanap-hanapin ka lalo nun kapag natikman itong ipinadala mong Ube Flavor Cake."

Humiwa nang kaunti si Lisa sa padala ng kanyang kuya. Marahan siyang kumuha ng isang plato at tinidor na may magarang disenyo.

"Tadaaa! Paborito mo pong flavor ng cake na galing Red Ribbon! Nandyan pa iyan sa paborito mong plato saka tinidor!"

At dahan-dahang lumapit si Lisa sa isang magandang babae sa balangkas ng litrato sa ibabaw ng kanilang lamesa.

"Happy Mother's Day po, Mama."

---

Panulat ni John Carl Marquez
Obra ni Shannel Castillo
Idinisenyo ni Keneth Valencia Poblete

10/05/2025

[𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀 𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓]

Kritikal ang magiging pakikibahagi ng mga kabataan sa halalan sapagkat tayong nasa edad 18 hanggang 28 ang bumubuo sa 26.8% ng mga botante.

At bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na eleksyon, nagsagawa ng mock elections ang The Guilds na limitado lamang sa mga estudyante ng Bataan Peninsula State University.

Matapos magsara ang Google form kagabi, ika-10 ng Mayo, naitala ang 1,473 Peninsulares na tumindig mula sa iba’t ibang campus — 1,420 dito ang rehistrado at 53 naman ang hindi, na may edad 18-42.

Karamihan ng mga tumugon ay mula sa Main Campus na nakapagtala ng 922 (62.59%) na boto. Sinundan ito ng Balanga Campus na may 460 (31.23%) na boto, Abucay Campus na may 50 (2.04%), Dinalupihan Campus na may 30 (1.9%), Orani Campus na may 10 (0.68%), at isang (0.07%) boto naman sa Bagac Campus.

Nanguna sa listahan ng pagkasenador si Bam Aquino nang pusuan ng 1,388 (94.2%) na Peninsulares ang kanyang laban para sa posisyon.

Pinulsuhan din ng mga Peninsulares sina Kiko Pangilinan na nakatanggap ng 1,353 (91.9%) na boto; Heidi Mendoza na may 1,215 (82.5%); Luke Espiritu na may 1,157 (78.5%); Ronnel Arambulo at Danilo Ramos na kapwang may 911 (61.8%) na boto; Ka Leody De Guzman na may 907 (61.6%); Arlene Brosas na may 864 (58.7%); Teddy Casino na may 797 (54.1%); Sonny Matula na may 640 (43.5%); Liza Maza na may 638 (43.3%); at Teacher France Castro na may 598 (40.6%) na boto.

Nasa ika-13 hanggang ika-15 na pwesto naman sina Roberto Ballon na may 374 (25.4%), Norman Marquez na may 177 (12%), at Nars Analyn Andamo na may 146 (9.9%) na boto.

Mayroong 1,407 Peninsulares na siguradong boboto sa nalalapit na eleksyon, samantalang 59 naman ang naitalang hindi boboto.

Plataporma, personal background at edukasyon, karanasan sa gobyerno, at tugon sa mga napapanahong isyu (stand on issues) ang nangungunang dahilan ng mga Peninsulares sa pagpili ng kanilang mga ibinotong senador.

Ang bawat tinta na hahalik sa inyong mga daliri sa Lunes ay hindi lamang para sa iyo, ngunit para rin sa magiging takbo’t kinabukasan ng ating bayan.

Kaya naman sa darating na halalan, hinihimok ng The Guilds ang bawat Peninsulares na makialam, makilahok, at tumindig para sa bayan.

[PAGLILINAW: Anumang resulta ng botohang ito ay hindi sumasalamin sa opinyon at paninindigan ng nasabing publikasyon at ng mga opisyal ng institusyon. Ang mock elections na ito ay tanging inisyatibo ng The Guilds at hindi ng mismong unibersidad.]