The MARIAN

Home
Philippines
Bayombong
The MARIAN

The MARIAN is the official student publication of Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Philippines.

The MARIAN | LIVING WHERE THE TRUTH IS

VISION

The MARIAN is envisioned to be an independent publication that serves as eyes and ears of relevant events inside and outside the University, and an agent of responsible journalism among Marians. MISSION

The MARIAN provides opportunities for critical thinking, creativity, development of fundamental skills and appropriate values that promote ethical a

nd legal standards for campus journalism, civic engagement, and social responsibility. BRIEF HISTORY

The MARIAN is the official student publication of Saint Mary’s University and has existed for more than six decades. With the motto: “Living where the truth is,” The MARIAN offers its service to the Marian community and its readers through consistent distribution of publication materials, coverages of University activities, journalism activities, and achievements in press conferences. The MARIAN is a seven consecutive time Best Performing Publication in the Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC). Despite the pandemic that has changed the situation and has frozen the usual activities and competitions, it did not stop The MARIAN to continue producing its contributions. For comments and suggestions, email us at [email protected]

09/07/2025

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS | More than just a celebration of academic success, this moment honors the journey that led you here. Behind the smiles and laughs on your faces are the memories of sleepless nights of studying, silent cries when no one was watching, and personal battles you faced with courage and grace.

Those unseen and unspoken moments have shaped the person you’ve become. And now, here you stand on the stage stronger, wiser, and more prepared to face the world.

The future is yours—carry it with faith, courage, and hope.

Onward and upward, Batch 2025! 🎓

—
Words by Alyssa Bagullo
Photos by Avril Rombaoa, Maverick Ramos, and Alvin Vicente

09/07/2025

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS | In a celebration marked by proud hearts and soaring dreams, the Marian Graduates of 2025 stepped into the spotlight, ready to face the world they once only imagined.

From quiet resilience to loud applause, they have proven that strength lies in unity, and purpose grows through faith. Here’s to every sleepless night, every answered prayer, and every moment of being. With courage in their steps and compassion in their hearts, may they carry not just diplomas, but a legacy of Marian excellence.

Here begins a journey beyond the campus walls but forever rooted in the Marian spirit.

Congratulations, Batch 2025! 🎓

—
Words by Tyra Malab
Clips by Luis Shih, Alvin Vicente, Syd Galindo
Edited by Luis Shih

08/07/2025

| Forever a Lola's Girl

Everyone saw how the world around Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium changed during the 98th Commencement Exercises. The sun was extra bright, the crowd laughed extra loud, and the smiles were wider—a celebration that presented itself. But, along the red-bricked pathway of the gymnasium, a different celebration sits—by the corner; in the eyes of someone who has loved a graduate since she had no name but “apo.”

Seventy-five year-old Beatrice Malcat, grandmother of Psychology graduate Myryle Kris Malcat, was seen with her family as they were arranging a gift. Lola’s gift was anything but ordinary. Instead of the usual cash slipped quietly into a pocket, she crafted a money bouquet, each bill carefully folded with love.

She made one simple wish—to give her granddaughter a bouquet on graduation day. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t made of flowers. It didn’t matter that no one had ever folded money into petals before. What mattered was Lola asked. And when a grandmother asks for something, it isn’t really a request. It’s a story waiting to be told.

The cousins huddled around a table, watching YouTube tutorials on how to fold bills into blooms. They laughed when the petals looked crooked, tried again when they crumpled. But they weren’t just making a gift. They were finishing something that began years ago—when Beatrice first held Myryle in her arms and decided, without saying it, that she would love this child for the rest of her life.

On that day, she didn't need a stage to be proud. She just sat there, her hands folded in her lap, maybe still sore from shaping a gift. Her eyes tracing every step her granddaughter took across that stage like she had walked it with her. Because she had. Not in the literal sense. But in the way that grandmothers do: behind the scenes, beside the sleepless nights, under the weight of everyone else’s dreams.

And long after the diplomas are framed, after the stage is disassembled and the flowers begin to wilt—her love will remain. In the way Myryle faces the world. In the way she might one day care for someone else. In the silent strength she will carry into every room.

Because some loves are loud. But the ones that shape us the most? They sit in the back row. Watching. Believing. Always there.

—
Report and photos by Leira Layno

08/07/2025

| Today is for Tomorrow: Antonette's Craft for a Cause

There is something magical on a day when tassels sway and graduation gowns ripple with the hope of new beginnings. Every second is built by mundane yet meaningful things like snapping a photo, fixing the collar, holding your breath while a name is called. Graduation has been magical and loud like that—proud like that. But somewhere—on the edge of the moment—a quiet reminder lingers: not everyone comes to graduation to finish something, one shows up still building that graduation dream.

Among the crowd is a table—humble, handmade, and wholly alive—with colors that don’t just decorate the moment but dare to mean something: graduation day has a way of wrapping the air in possibilities. Antonette Faye Eblahan, a fourth-year Medical Laboratory Science student came with this table. It held flowers that don’t wilt. She arranged them with a calm kind of grace, in the middle of all that motion.

Antonette is not yet graduating. She’s still walking toward that moment, one handmade piece at a time. And as hundreds of graduates walk past her, she dares to look at their triumphs as an inspiration to continue creating her own way through—with dreams on her heart, aspirations on her mind, and her crafts for a cause on her hands.

In an interview with The MARIAN, Antonette shared that crafting began as a simple hobby—a way to unwind and express herself. But as she and her classmates faced the reality of funding their thesis, often dipping into their own pockets for expenses, she later realized: “Why not sell it?”

And on that very day, her own 'Blooms for your love, funds for our thesis' project somehow shouldered the financial burden of her academic journey by turning her creativity into a practical way to support and chase her dreams.

On a day made to celebrate endings, she showed up as a living proof of everything it takes to get there. Her work was not separate from the joy of the day. It was sewn right into it. Antonette’s path shines of resilience and hope. She teaches us that even before the tassel turns, one can contribute, inspire, and pursue dreams with unwavering commitment.

In a world full of possibilities, Antonette’s blend of craft and cause encourages us all to find purpose in our passions—and to keep moving forward, one beautiful creation at a time. Because for her, that day was never just about that day—it was about what comes next. About tomorrow.

—
Report by Leira Layno
Photos by Avril Rombaoa

08/07/2025

| Perks of a MAGNAficent Wallflower

Graduation could be one of the most memorable experiences one could have. The bright, voluminous gown—a sign of resiliency and achievement. The weight of the graduation cap upon one’s head signifies unstoppable change. And the sharpness of the paper one achieves through years of rigorous learning ensures a future yet to be experienced.

In a sea of bare blues and swinging tassels, the uniform is a symbol of tradition and respect, but it does nothing to hide the vibrant individuals beneath. During the ceremony, one particular graduation cap stood out. Quite unnoticeable to the people below, but eye-catching to the ones at the top. Taped onto the cap was the phrase: “Nothing Hates U.”

Frances Leilanie Passilan Bayag, a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education, was inspired by a the movie 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. In the graduation scene, one of the main characters, Patrick, wore a cap with the same phrase “Nothing Hates U”—an empowering message of positivity, possibly directed toward the protagonist who struggles with self-worth.

Likewise, in an interview with The MARIAN, Frances admitted that she was the 'lowkey' type of student throughout her college journey. Although she had a small but close circle of friends, she preferred silence over attention, and peace over the deafening noise of the crowd—a wallflower.

Contradicting as it may seem, as graduation day came, she proudly stepped onto the stage—leaving behind her bubble of comfort and receiving her diploma with a “Magna Cum Laude” written under her name. Just like that, the wallflower flawlessly caught the attention of everyone.

One may be curious as to how she survived her college years. Frances shared a secret:

“Kung sino ka, ‘yon lang talaga, ‘yon ang ipakita mo—‘wag kang mahihiya, ipakita mo lang kung sino ka,” she said.
Frances showed how embracing oneself is a gift—that even in silence, away from the crowd, you can bloom into an individual who steals the spotlight as soon as she enters the room. Her journey is a reminder that you can still achieve your dreams while staying true to who you are. That nothing hates you for choosing solitude and personal growth—these are the perks of being a magnificent wallflower.

—
Report by Earl Benicta and Athena Tuzon
Photos by Avril Rombaoa and Mavs Ramos

07/07/2025

The pens you once held may be passed on, but the legacy you’ve made will continue to inspire.

Today, you have crossed the finish line of your university journey, filled with a whirlwind of deadlines, fieldwork, countless edits, and unforgettable moments where The MARIAN became more than just an organization and a duty.

Your time with TM wasn’t just about writing articles, rushing updates, or editing graphics. It was a service you pursued with no regrets for the service of Marians, fully applying the core of ‘Living Where the Truth Is.’

The pieces you’ve written, the photos you’ve captured, and the pages you’ve continuously filled will live on to inspire, not as residuals of what was made by you, but as foundations for what will be proudly followed by us.
The MARIAN, your second home, earnestly congratulates your dedication for the service you have given and celebrates with you for starting a new journey in life where the future awaits you. The TM family stands forever proud and grateful, giving you one final round of heartfelt applause.

Your legacy lives on in every page where your ink once told a story.

Congratulations, our dear TM Graduates!

—
Words by Janelle Cabanos
Photos by Maverick Ramos
Pubmat by Arrheya Venish

06/07/2025

We must learn to pause, breathe, reflect, and act with wisdom - Basilio, class valedictorian

“So, we must learn to pause, breathe, reflect, and act with wisdom. We must take care of our well-being–body, mind, and spirit–because as they say, we cannot pour from an empty cup. After all, we can only truly build a better world if we first learn how to care for the world within us.”

Magna Cum Laude and Education graduate, Valmin Joy B. Basilio emphasized in her speech during the 98th Commencement Exercises of Saint Mary's University held at the Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium, July 4.

Basilio recounted her student-teaching experiences in both national and international settings. She stressed the challenges of fieldwork, the demands of the classroom, and the diversity of learners she encountered.

"Teaching and looking after these learners was exhausting to say the least. There were moments when I questioned myself–”Is teaching really for me? Is it really my calling?” However, upon seeing the students eventually learn and grow, and even witnessing them graduate, I realized that although my journey as their teacher was tiring, their success made it all worth it," she shared.

More so, she dismantled the notion that pursuing one’s calling is always fulfilling or easy. Instead, she stated that true purpose comes with discomfort, yet it is in these challenging moments when one chooses to persevere despite exhaustion.

"That’s the reality of life and that’s the reality of having a mission–it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. That’s why we must have the courage to show up even when it’s difficult because when we witness our efforts create change, growth, healing, and hope in others, that’s when we’ll know it was all worth it," she stated.

She further emphasized the critical virtues of compassion, patience, and perseverance, especially in careers anchored on service. More than just seeking success, she encouraged her fellow graduates to live lives of significance, defined not by titles, but by the impact they make.

“Still, every person and situation that we meet and encounter, whether easy or difficult, is part of the mission,” she added.

She then challenged her peers to see their professions, be it in education, health, law, or engineering, as platforms for nation-building. According to her, it is not enough to be excellent; one must also be empathetic, responsive, and willing to lead with integrity.

“All of us are part of that mission. Our skills, values, and dreams are what this world deeply needs. The better world we dream of? It can only be built if we all offer our capable hands and willing hearts," she said.

As she neared the end of her address, she urged her fellow graduates to recognize that service, no matter how noble, should not come at the expense of oneself, for purpose begins with presence, and one cannot pour into others from an empty cup.

—
Report by Arjanelle Agustin
Pubmat by Arrheya Venish

06/07/2025

NEWS | SMU recognizes 637 Marian graduates

Six hundred thirty-seven graduates of Saint Mary's University (SMU) were awarded at the 98th Commencement Exercises held at the Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium, July 4.

School of Health and Natural Sciences (SHANS) had the most number of graduates with 182 graduates, while the School of Accountancy and Business (SAB) had 139, followed by School of Teacher Education and Humanities (STEH) with 135 graduates, 115 from the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (SEAIT), 32 from the College of Law (COL), and 34 from the School of Graduate Studies (SoGs).

Meanwhile, 233 graduates received Academic Excellence Awards with seven magna cm laude, 70 cm laude, and 156 academic distinction awardees.

Moreover, Likha Awards were presented to the 80 graduates, who demonstrated unyielding dedication in their theses, academic research papers, capstone projects, and case studies.

A special award was given to SHANS for achieving an overall 100-percent passing rate for first-time takers in the May 2025 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination.

The same award is given to SEAIT for obtaining a 100-percent passing rate for first-time takers in the April 2025 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination; Electronics Technicians Licensure Examination; Registered Master Electricians Licensure Examination, and in the June 2025 Architecture Licensure Examination.

Similarly, STEH also acquired a 100-percent passing rate for first-time takers in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers - Elementary Level; September 2024 Librarian Licensure Examination; and February 2025 Licensure Examination for Criminologist.

Furthermore, four graduates were granted a Rev. John Van Bauwel, CICM Leadership Award, and three graduates were recognized as the Outstanding Students of SMU. Merylle Joisce Estrellon Villa, a BS Psychology graduate, bagged the gold medal followed by Cherrelyn Villamor Suyod from BS Biology and Jeremy Rivera Lopez, Juris Doctor.

Moreso, a total of 221 graduates were awarded with a Loyalty Award of which, 27 received gold medal, 48 with silver medal, and 146 bronze medal awardees for graduates who has had his or her education in SMU for successive levels with no break or enrollment in other schools.

—
Report by Marielle Palado ad Arjanelle Agustin
Photos by Mavs Ramos and Avril Rombaoa

04/07/2025

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) formally opened the 98th Commencement Exercise through the Rite of Imposition of Hoods in front of the Jubilee Library, today, July 4.

Marian graduates accompanied by their parents, guardians, faculty, non-teaching personnel, and the university administration marched towards the Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium for the Baccalaureate Mass.

The mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Hiroto M. Bolo Jr., CICM together with the Vice President for Mission and Identity Rev. Fr. Philip A. Yu Jr., CICM, University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Alberto I. Tamisen, CICM, Member of the Board of Trustee Rev. Fr. Earl Alan C. Cura, CICM, Rev. Fr. Charlie Magne Buyayo, CICM, and Rev. Fr. Ronaldo Benueza, CICM as concelebrants.

-
Report by Marielle Palado
Photos by Avril Rombaoa, Syd Galindo and Maverick Ramos

04/07/2025

Hats off to the past, and hands up for the future!

The journey has been endless, the nights have been late, and the coffee has been strong. But it was all worth it, because you are here, standing on the end of a new beginning.

As you move forward, don’t be afraid to take risks, and go beyond your comfort zone. Share your unique perspectives, your creativity, and your compassion to the world. Remember the friends that you’ve made, the memories you’ve created, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Hold onto these, and let them guide you as you embark on the twists and turns of life.

Congratulations, Batch 2025!

From Ferny and The MARIAN family, may your future be bright, your dreams be big, and your spirit be unbreakable.

-

Words by Zyrille Deus
Pubmat by Arrheya Venish

12/06/2025

Ika-12 ng Hunyo, 1898— hindi ito marka ng kasarinlan mula sa kolonyalismo at imperyalismong sumikil sa bawat karapatang pantao ng mga Pilipino, kundi sagisag ng kagitingan ng ating mga ninuno na nagbuwis ng buhay upang ipaglaban ang ating kalayaan mula sa pananakop ng Espanya. Pagkalipas ng 333 taon, hindi tayo ganap na pinalaya—sa halip, tayo'y ipinagbili sa Amerika.

Sa Deklarasyon ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas na isinulat ni Ambrosio Bautista, nakasaad na ang Amerika ang magbibigay ng proteksyon na walang pansariling interes. Ngunit kalaunan, hindi ito ganap na nasunod—ang Pilipinas ay sinakop at kinontrol pa rin ng parehong bansang nagsabing tayo'y kanilang poprotektahan.

Ito'y nananatiling isang mahalagang katanungan hanggang sa kasalukuyan: May tunay na kalayaan ba ang Pilipinas? May ganap ba itong awtonomiya sa mga desisyong pampamahalaan?

Mula sa Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), kung saan may mga military sites ang Amerika sa piling lugar sa bansa upang mas paigtingin ang seguridad sa sakuna, hanggang sa mga Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) na isinasagawa kasama ang Pilipinas upang protektahan ang West Philippine Sea (WPS)—ang tanong ay hindi kung ano ang intensyon ng Amerika, bagkus kung may ganap bang kontrol ang Pilipinas sa kanyang mga desisyon?

Ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan, ginugunita natin hindi lamang ang ating demokrasya, kundi ang ating karapatan na bumoses sa mga isyung panlipunan—mga isyung dapat bigyang pansin at ipaglaban. Ipinagdiriwang natin ang ating pangako na patuloy nating pahahalagahan at mamahalin ang ating karapatan bilang mga mamamayan—anuman ang ating estado sa buhay.

Huwag nating sayangin ang ating demokrasya. Ipaglaban natin lagi ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino hanggang sa mga susunod pang dekada.

Ito ay ating kolektibong responsibilidad bilang kasapi ng bayan. Pag-alabin ang pusong makabansa. Payabungin ang diwa ng pagkakaisa. Sapagkat ang kalayaan sa kasalukuyan—hindi na kailangan pang dumanak pa ang dugo, ito'y libre, hindi na ipagbibili. Yakapin, mahalin, at pahalagahan.

Mapagpalayang araw, Marians!

—
Isinulat ni Wilmar Sevilla
Pubmat ni Arrheya Venish

26/05/2025

| For every office you hold and every position you assume, remember that leadership extends far beyond a title. It is an ode—to serve with dedication, lead with empathy, and embody integrity in both word and action.

Marians, here are the final tally of votes of the student leaders for the Academic Year 2025-2026. May they always return to the very essence of leadership and student service—a true embodiment of pilgrims of hope.

May their pilgrimage be fruitful, transcending through and within the Marian community.

—
Words by Wilmar Sevilla
Pubmat by Arrheya Venish & Josel Sopongco

Address

Bayombong

Website

http://themarian.smu.edu.ph/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The MARIAN posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The MARIAN:

The MARIAN

09/07/2025

09/07/2025

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

07/07/2025

06/07/2025

06/07/2025

04/07/2025

04/07/2025

12/06/2025

26/05/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category