Amaranth

22/08/2025

𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟📢

Applications are still open but only until 11:59 PM tonight! Don’t miss your chance—submit now:

bit.ly/AmaranthApplication
bit.ly/AmaranthApplication
bit.ly/AmaranthApplication

𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘀!

𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀!

The Official Student Media Organization of the Visayas State University is now welcoming applicants that aspire to enter the field of campus journalism and make a mark through their talent, skill, and a heart to serve. Are you ready to make a difference?

Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Fill in this Google form through the link below:
bit.ly/AmaranthApplication

Step 2: Prepare your portfolio. You can piece it together in either one of these two ways:

Option 1: Compile all of your sample works with proper file names in a Google Drive folder. (e.g. ARTICLES, ESSAYS, GRAPHICS, ILLUSTRATIONS, etc.) Upload a minimum of 5 outputs relevant to the position you are applying for.

Option 2: Compile all your outputs in a single document and submit it as a PDF file.
Once you have pieced together your portfolio, you may send in through the Google form link that has been provided above. Alternatively, you may also send it via email at [email protected].

This year’s application period will last from August 2 until August 22, 2025!

We cannot wait to have you on board in our team! Apply now and equip yourselves to make a difference — one story at a time.

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Graphics by Sam | Amaranth

22/08/2025

𝗩𝗦𝗨 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀

The Visayas State University (VSU) Men’s Basketball Team is opening its roster to new talents as it holds its final tryout on August 23, 2025, 9:00 AM at the Barangay Pangasugan Gymnasium.

The team is looking for skilled and determined Viscan players to complete its varsity lineup for the upcoming season. Interested students are encouraged to come in proper sports attire and be ready to showcase their abilities.

For inquiries, contact Coach Patricio Juan, Team Captain Rolando Jesus Abad, or Ken Adrian B. Serviño.

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Layout by Ken Adrian B. Serviño

21/08/2025

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆!

Your parcel is here, ready to lead the A Team!

Introducing Amaranth's new editorial board: packed with boldness, sealed with commitment, and delivered with integrity in pursuit of truth.

Perk up and get ready to unbox!

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Photos by Ashley Adalla | Amaranth
Layout by Sam Duco | Amaranth

21/08/2025

#𝗪𝗟𝗔𝗩 | 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 #𝟬𝟬𝟴: 𝗔𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗹𝗼𝘆 𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮
ni Xette Romo

Sa tuwing darating na ang umaga, tila ang mga yapak ng iyong mga paa ay naniniwalang mayroong bagong pag-asa. Hinahagilap ka man ng init dahil sa silahis ng araw—patuloy ka pa rin sa iyong paglalakbay, kahit pumupungay ang iyong mga mata.

Kumusta ka ba? Tahimik kang lumalaban, pero hindi rin natin alam kung hanggang kailan.

Dumadaloy ang oras nang hindi mo namamalayan, dahil sa iyong mga pinagdadaanan. Pawis ay pumapatak sa lapag ng mga halamang ligaw, saksi ito ng bakas ng iyong katatagan.

Gusto kong malaman mo, nakikita kita at nararamdaman, lahat tayo’y may ipinaglalaban sa mundong pabago-bago. Tadhana ba ay mapanglay sa iyo? Hindi maaari—dahil naririto ka pa rin, gumagawa ng kasaysayan. Sa mabibigat mong mga buntong hininga, tandaan na kailanman hindi ka nag-iisa.

Pilitin mong tignan ang hiraya ng langit, baka sakaling mawala sa isip mo ang buhay na mapagkait. Igunita mo ang pagsikat ng araw, baka sakaling ang puso mo’y hindi magkulay bughaw. Hayaan mong dalhin ka ng simoy ng tag-init, baka sakaling mapawi ang uhaw mong pilit. Damhin mo ang kaunting haplos ng hangin sa balat, baka sakaling ang bigat mong dala ay dahan-dahang lumipat.

O Sinta ko… sinta ko, tandaan mo ito, isa ka sa mahahalagang tao sa sansinukob, buhay mo’y may dahilan, ihinga mo ang iyong mga pangamba sa hangin, hayaang ito’y tangayin. Huminahon ka na parang dahon, magtiwala ka sa itinadhana ng Bathala.

Ipikit mo ang iyong mga mata sa gitna ng ingay, at alalahaning: sapat ka—kahit sa mga panahong hindi mo ito madama. Ang tibok ng puso mo’y tugon ng sansinukob at munting kalawakan na ating kinatatayuan, na kahit isang bulong mo'y, karapat-dapat pakinggan at pahalagahan.

Kaya sa bawat hakbang ng iyong mga paa sa damo, bundok, daang patag, o kung saan man. Tandaan mo na para sayo, aakapin ko ang daloy ng oras at tadhana.

Sa ngalan ng iyong munting ngiti, ako ay may tiwala. Kakayanin mo ang bawat unos na darating, magbago man ang ihip ng hangin, basta’t unahin mo lagi ang iyong sarili, at piliin lagi ang maging mabuti.

Ikaw ay hindi basta-basta, simbolo ka ng ginintuang pag-asa—rito sa mundo nating madalas maligalig at magulo. Ngunit, kailanma’y hindi tuluyang mawawala ang liwanag ng tulad mo.
Isa na ako sa mga taong aakap sa mga madidilim na araw mo.

“𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐚 '𝐤𝐢𝐧, 𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐦𝐨,
𝐈𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐤𝐨.
𝐈𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚 '𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐦𝐨.
𝐊𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧 𝐤𝐨.”

Sa mahiwagang liriko ng kantang “𝐀𝐤𝐚𝐩” 𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐨, hindi ko ninanais na ika’y magayuma ko, kundi, ang yakapin ang katiyakan sa gitna ng pag-aalinlangan, at patuloy kang lumaban sa mundong walang kasiguruhan.

Nang May Pagmamahal,
Isang Viscan.

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Litrato ni Jared Caberos | Amaranth
Talatag ni Sam | Amaranth

21/08/2025

Today, we commemorate a key figure in Philippine history — one that has helped shape the nation's democracy. This holiday honors the sacrifice of Benigno Simeon Aquino, Jr., also known as "Ninoy" Aquino. It reminds the Filipino people of the importance of courage and democracy.

As we observe this occasion, may we be reminded that "𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿," and the fight in pursuit of truth and justice is worth waging. May his legacy continue to empower us to guard and protect the freedom of our nation.

20/08/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | VSU’s 7th University President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, delivered her 2nd State of the University Address (SOUA) today at the Academic Convocation, where she highlighted the university’s crucial role in shaping and empowering communities.

Dr. Yepes also provided updates on the progress toward establishing the College of Medicine.

Full story to follow.

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Transcripts by Dane Riechel Oja and Jana Maisei Venigas | Amaranth
Photo by Jyra Usaraga | Amaranth
Layout by Limuel Amihan | Amaranth

20/08/2025

𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙃, 𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙮𝙮𝙮𝙮 💅✨

Wanna slay like your favorite Amaranth staffers? Mag-apply ka na!

bit.ly/AmaranthApplication
bit.ly/AmaranthApplication
bit.ly/AmaranthApplication

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Photos by MJ Chico | Amaranth
Produced by Chubi | Amaranth

20/08/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | The Office of the President has released Memorandum Circular No. 216, s. 2025, mandating that work-from-home arrangements and asynchronous classes will be implemented on Friday, August 22.

Meanwhile, essential services, such as medical response, emergency, security, animal care, and electrical maintenance shall continue to report onsite as scheduled.

This adjustment comes in light of Proclamation No. 727, which declares August 21 (Ninoy Aquino Day) and August 25 (National Heroes Day) as holidays.

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via John Mart Mabalhin | Amaranth

20/08/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Students, faculty, and staff gather at the VSU Gymnasium today, August 20, for this year’s Academic Convocation.

As a highlight of the event, University President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes is set to deliver her second State of the University Address (SOUA) before the Viscan community.

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via Jyril Michael Java | Amaranth
Photos by MJ Chico | Amaranth

19/08/2025

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻 f𝗶𝗹𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀' f𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁

The meta-documentary short film “Asa ang mga salida sa Leyte?” (Where are the films in Leyte?) has been selected for the 15th BINISAYA International Film Festival that is available for free viewing exclusively through YouTube only until the 21st of August.

Now in its second week of film showing on YouTube, “Asa ang mga salida sa Leyte?” is a 20-minute short film project directed by Viscan filmmakers Lebron Ponce and Linus Masandag from Silakbo - Baybay Film Organization.

The film revolves around two aspiring Leyteño filmmakers, set out to uncover and document the absence of the local film scene in Leyte. The film project also tackles how there is an undeniably little to non-existence of local films in the region and that it takes a toll on the filmmakers, testing the passion they have and taking them at a burning point of developing loss of faith and discouragement.

The meta-documentary film serves as both an observation and a call to attention, highlighting the challenges faced by aspiring filmmakers in Leyte while underscoring the need for immense support and opportunities to foster a sustainable local film scene.

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/RoOaSw0px34?si=EWTXTkezUucqoV1J

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via Jyril Michael Java

19/08/2025

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗬

A picture is more than a still—it is a breath held in time, a fragment of truth caught in light and shadow.

On this day, we honor the lens that does not just see, but teaches us how to behold. To mark this celebration, we present a collection of photographs that capture the art in its many forms and styles.

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Words by Amaranth Writers
Photos by Amaranth Multimedia Team

18/08/2025

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗗-𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗡𝗨 𝗦𝗦𝗖 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗝𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗦

On August 16, 2025, individuals who introduced themselves as state agents paid a visit to the residence of LNU SSC President and Student Regent Jon Ivan Torreros while he was attending classes. This incident instilled immense fear to his mother and younger sibling who were home during the time of the visit.

Torreros claimed that this was not the first time that these people went to his residence and accused him of his links with leftist groups. On two consecutive days, August 4 and 5, five individuals, including their barangay captain, two military personnel, and a former rebel, paid them a visit and claimed that the words he used online contained terms associated with the pulang mandirigma. He is then pressured to stop making social media posts against the government to wipe him off the “surveillance list”.

Amaranth strongly condemns these continued acts of surveillance, harassment, and red-tagging directed against progressive student leaders and activists. Red-tagging is not only a direct assault to students’ freedom of speech and expression, but a grave threat to all advocates of change and reform. It does not only create an environment of fear, but it also undermines the essence of civic participation and democratic discourse among academic institutions.

This recent incident involving Torreros is not an isolated case but a part of a dangerous pattern of intimidation of student activists and journalists across the country. For years, those who speak for human rights, advocate for the oppressed, and represent the marginalized have been subjected to unjust surveillance, red-tagging, and security threats. This systemic oppression fuels the tactics in silencing critical voices, and the collective struggle for justice and championing the rights of every individual.

We stand with Torreros and all that are being vilified for exercising their constitutional rights. We call for a thorough investigation of not only this case, but all events of vilification aimed at activists and all progressive individuals.

We urge the LNU Administration to investigate this incident, to take immediate action to ensure the safety of Torreros, and protect the academic freedom within its constituents.

Activism is not a crime; red-tagging is. Harassment has no place within and outside universities. Fear must never overpower the truth and the will to stand firm against injustice.

Amaranth remains steadfast in its support for Jon Ivan Torreros during this challenging times.