FORWARD Publications

15/07/2025

Eyes here, Josenians!

All classes and work in the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) are suspended on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in celebration of the 54th Piyesta sa Inahan in honor of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, La Limpia, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

A Eucharistic Celebration will be held at 8:00 a.m. at the Santuario Arquidiocesano de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, La Limpia.

Meanwhile, classes in the School of Law, Graduate School, ETEEAP, CPA Review, and RITTG will proceed at the discretion of their respective Deans and Directors.

Please be guided, Josenians!

15/07/2025

IN PHOTOS: The University of San Jose-Recoletos Department of Communication, Languages, and Literature (USJ-R DCLL) ushered in an intriguing and climactic theater play titled “Dibujo” at the Audio Visual Room (AVR) on Tuesday, July 15.

The play, produced under Ginhawa Productions by the third-year students of Marketing Communication enrolled in Theater Arts, delved into the impactful weight of struggles in a traditional Filipino family.

via Kristianna Amor Tagsip | FORWARD Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy: Gabrielle Marie Paradiang | FORWARD Staff Photographer

14/07/2025

Lady Jaguars crush Lady Wildcats in a clean sweep

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars dismantled the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Lady Wildcats, 3-0, at the University of Southern Philippines (USPF) Main Gymnasium on Sunday, July 13.

Starting the game with a point-for-point battle, the Lady Jaguars were capitalizing on the Lady Wildcats’ service errors, keeping the score tight as both teams exchanged counterattacks, 14-14. The former then displayed stunning thumps targeting the unguarded zones of the Lady Wildcats’ positioning and shifting the momentum in their favor, 25-19.

Pulling ahead, the second set mirrored the same struggle for the Lady Wildcats. While trying to hold their ground to mount a strike back against the Lady Jaguars, the latter had already stabilized their defenses and shut down every attempt.

USJ-R Lady Jaguars’ Open Spiker Rachel Ann Tecson led the charge as her pinpoint aces rattled and disrupted their opponent’s rhythm, clinching another set, 25-15.

The Lady Wildcats’ valiant stand was evident, but the Lady Jaguars’ fierce dominance enabled them to throw more powerful hits, 17-10. An extended rally tested both sides, but it was the Lady Jaguars who prevailed, 22-14, further asserting macro control.

With their excellent footwork and team coordination, the Lady Jaguars successfully sealed the match, 25-14.

Despite the victory, Tecson still felt that the game was “off” and vowed to take it as a lesson for their upcoming games in the league.

“It’s not like the other games [that] I’ve played [before] na akong performance. Mao to, I need to work pa,” she expressed.

Further, the Jaguars will face the University of Cebu (UC) Lady Webmasters at the University of San Carlos (USC) Main Gymnasium on Saturday, July 19.

via Louise Lambiquit | FORWARD Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy: Ayn Nazareno | FORWARD Staff Photographer

14/07/2025

LOOK: The University of San Jose-Recoletos Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (USJ-R JPIA) garnered notable placements during the opening ceremony of “Accountancy Week 2025” held at the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Main Gymnasium on Sunday, July 13.

Male representative Josh Bargayo earned the “Best in Sports Attire” award and won 1st Runner-Up in the Mr. and Ms. Accountancy Week Celebration (AWC) 2025.

Meanwhile, Josenian performers nabbed second place in the Dance Palabas competition.

Participating Schools included USJ-R, Benedicto College (BC), CIT-U, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC), Lyceum of Cebu (LC), Southwestern University (SWU) Phinma, University of Cebu-Banilad Campus (UCB), University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu Mandaue Campus (UCLM), University of Cebu Main (UCM), University of San Carlos (USC), and University of the Visayas (UV).

The “Accountancy Week 2025” is a weeklong event with academic activities organized by the Cebu Federation-JPIA (CF-JPIA) for accountancy students.

via John Kherwin Pansacala | FORWARD Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy: Johanne Sarbida & USJ-R JPIA

14/07/2025

Jaguars fumble against Wildcats

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars fell short versus the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats as they contended each set, 2-3, in the 2025 V-League Visayas Men’s Volleyball at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Main Gymnasium on Sunday, July 13.

Each set was an intense standoff, with both Jaguars and Wildcats battling for each point as they exchanged quick and extended rallies, cruising in a 25-20 victory for the Jaguars in the first set.

However, the Jaguars’ momentum began to slip away as the Wildcats asserted their early game dominance through their coordinated strikes. Despite the former’s attempts to hold their ground, the latter had already sealed the second set, 25-18.

Bids of turning the tables were still on as the Jaguars immediately unleashed a barrage of impressive hits and powerful thumps across the court, then held strong against the Wildcats’ counterattacks to secure a dominant third-set victory, 25-14.

Yet once again, inconsistencies resurfaced for the Jaguars as they struggled to tame the Wildcats’ aggressiveness. Unable to maintain their footing, they eventually succumbed to their opponent, who secured the fourth set with a seven-point lead, 25-18, bringing the match to a deadlock.

Vying for a victory in the fifth and tiebreaking set, both teams showcased their prowess through explosive, calculated strikes and solid defensive stands. But even with their efforts, the Jaguars lost their grip, paving the way for a 15-12 Wildcats win.

With today’s performance, Head Coach Ronald Potot acknowledged the lapses in the players’ character during the game.

“Naa gihapon sa attitude or character sa player [nga] once mo-labaw na sila, mo-relax na [dayon],” he expressed.

“Naa pod na nila na ma-underestimate nila ang kontra,” he added

Echoing the same concerns, Team Captain Francis Gabuay also admitted their errors.

“Mao nay problema namo, ang character gyod. Kay once madikitan [na] mi, dali kaayo ma-down,” he stated.

“Mao sad nay problem, dili mi maka-convert og scores nga tig-three points, sige og one-is-to-one. Usually, among mga bola, puro mga off-play, so unsaon siya pag-convert into points?” Gabuay added.

Despite the loss, Gabuay remains optimistic, noting that they have been experimenting with their “First Six” in preparation for the upcoming season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) competition.

Further, the Jaguars will have a chance to redeem themselves as they face off against the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters at the University of San Carlos (USC) Main Gymnasium on Saturday, July 19.

via Ceraley Cabiltes Jr. | FORWARD Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy: Hannah Vanessa Mondilla | FORWARD Staff Artist

13/07/2025

JUST IN: The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars beat the Cebu Institute Technology University (CIT-U) Lady Wildcats, 3-0, in the 2025 V-League Visayas Women’s Volleyball at the USPF Main Gymnasium on Sunday, July 13.

via Louise Lambiquit | FORWARD Staff Writer

13/07/2025

Lady Jaguars maul Lady Panthers, 3-0

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars dominated the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lady Panthers in the 2025 V-League Visayas Women’s Volleyball at the USPF Main Gymnasium on Saturday, July 12.

The USJ-R Lady Jaguars made quick work of the hard-hitting Lady Panthers, cruising to a sweeping 25-15, 25-15, 25-20 victory.

In both the first and second sets, the Lady Panthers were visibly outpaced, causing them to rally behind wide deficits. Open Spiker Bianca Ordoña and Open Hitter Rachel Ann Tecson rose to the occasion, sustaining the Lady Jaguars’ momentum and guiding the team to poise just a set away to conclude the match.

Turning the succeeding set into a blockbuster tussle, the Lady Panthers attempted to sink their claws in a last-ditch effort, but Opposite Hitter Christle Tamayo sealed the Lady Jaguars’ win with a perfect kill.

Meanwhile, Tecson secured her back-to-back “Player of the Game” award after accumulating over 20 points for the Lady Jaguars.

Despite the win, Head Coach Ronald Potot acknowledged that even with their strong start, the team still encountered errors.

“[Although] these errors are corrected during our practice, mao lang na among gi-try og [minimize] gihapon [to prevent] kani nga mga errors,” he said.

The Lady Jaguars remain unbeaten at 2-0 in the elimination round of the competition.

The Lady Jaguars will face the Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT–U) Lady Wildcats at the same venue on Sunday, July 13.

via John Kherwin Pansacala | FORWARD Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy: Raghnall Cena | FORWARD Staff Videographer

12/07/2025

Jaguars suffer first setback against Panthers

Fresh from their pre-season opening victory, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars stumbled in the hands of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 0-2, in the 2025 V-League Visayas Men’s Volleyball at the USPF Gym on July 12.

Although both teams were in a deadlock kickoff, the USPF Panthers asserted their home-court dominance with calculated and targeted serves that exposed the cracks in the USJ-R Jaguars’ reception, pulling ahead to a commanding 19–12 lead.

The Jaguars, unable to rebuild their wall of communication, allowed the gap to widen even further. By the time they tried to cushion the blow with a few late-game kills, the Panthers had already slammed the door shut on the initial set, 25–18.

Subsequently, the second set opened with renewed urgency from USJ-R, but miscommunication continued to plague their poor positioning.

Outside hitter Shawn Clifford Dela Peña emerged as a bright spot, delivering a string of explosive spikes that momentarily leveled the playing field. Still, the comeback effort fell short, with USPF clinching the set and the match, 25–23.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Head Coach Roland Potot emphasized the key areas that need to be refined moving forward.

“Consistent na pasa, tarong na blocking, ug ang communication sa sulod sa korte, mao gyod na ang importante para nindot ang duwa,” he said.

Team Captain Francis Gabuay echoed the coach’s remarks, expressing that while their offensive firepower is undeniable, the team’s defense and cohesion were lacking inside the court.

“Kusog kaayo mangbunal akong kauban, pero spike lang pod lagi. Wala mi nag-enjoy sa first set kay stiff kaayo mi,” he expressed.

“Skill wise, individually, kusog gyod pero in terms of ang ‘bond sa sulod sa team’ dili gyod siya ingon na mag-unite sa sulod, siguro mao na among [need] i-improve, ang pagkahiusa sa sulod sa court,” he added.

Despite the loss, Coach Potot remains hopeful, viewing the match as a chance for the Jaguars to strengthen their communication and teamwork for the upcoming matches in the league.

Further, the Jaguars will look to bounce back as they take on the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats on Sunday, July 13, at the same venue.

via Ejay Villaver | FORWARD Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy: Narvie Klaryzze Borja | FORWARD Staff Artist

12/07/2025

JUST IN: The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars crush the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lady Panthers in straight sets, 3–0, claiming their second win in the 2025 V-League Visayas Women’s Volleyball at the USPF Main Gymnasium on Saturday, July 12.

via John Kherwin Pansacala | FORWARD Staff Writer

11/07/2025

LOOK: The official lineup for BAICON 2025, the country’s biggest content creator gathering, is locked in and ready to take over Plaza Independencia, Cebu City this July 18–19.

The event is free and open to all, featuring two full days of live content, interactive segments, and appearances from some of today’s biggest digital creators.

Check out BaiCon’s official page for the full lineup and event details.

BAECONS, MEET YOUR FINAL ROSTER! 👀🔥

And they’re all excited to take over CEBU and BAICON 2025, the biggest gathering of content creators in the Philippines! 🇵🇭🎉

Catch them all LIVE this July 18–19
at Plaza Independencia, Cebu City — FOR FREE! 🙌

Expect chaos, kilig, amazing prizes, content overload, and more from the creators that you'll finally get to meet in IRL!

Don’t miss the madness!!! Lingaw ni, PRAMIS!

11/07/2025

LOOK: BAICON 2025, the country’s biggest gathering of content creators, is coming to Plaza Independencia, Cebu City on July 18–19.

This year’s edition is free and open to all, with live creator appearances and on-stage performances designed to bring fans and digital communities together.

11/07/2025

[LITERARY]

Sa Ilalim ng Punong Ylang-Ylang
by lucky

Nobyembre. Malamig ngunit mainit. Nangingilabot sa tunog ng mga kampana.

Kakatapos lang ng Araw ng mga Patay, maraming bulaklak ang naiwan sa mga libingan ng kanilang mga minamahal sa buhay. Napabuntong-hininga ako sabay tingin sa mga dala ko.

“Emi!”

Napahinto ako. Paglingon ko, nakita ko ang isa sa mga kaibigan ko noong binata pa ako.

Ngumiti ako pabalik sa kanya at nilapitan siya, “Victoria!”

“Kamusta ka na, Ginoong Emilio Bautista? Hindi na kita nakikita dito simula noong umalis ka papuntang Maynila,” panimula niya.

“Pasensya ka na, Victoria, at hindi ako nagpadala ng sulat. Magulo ang buhay sa Maynila.”

“Nagpapadala ako ng mga sulat sayo, nabasa mo ba?” tanong niya.

Napakamot ako sa likod ng ulo ko. “Hindi, Victoria. Hindi ko nabuksan.”

Yumuko siya at may sinabi sa sarili. Nakita ko ang pagbago ng kanyang ekspresyon, kilala ko ang tingin niyang ‘yan. Ganyan siya kapag hindi natutuwa kaya nga pinagtatawanan namin siya noon ni Fidel—isa sa mga kaibigan ko na ipinangako ni Victoria noon.

“Pasensya ka na, Victoria, babawi ako sa susunod. Kamusta nga ba kayo ni Fidel?” tanong ko pa.

Labintatlong taon na rin akong wala sa aming baryo. Ayon kay Victoria, hindi raw sila nagkatuluyan ni Fidel. Wala na siyang balita sa binata kundi isang lumang litrato mula sa ibang bansa. Marami na rin daw ang nagbago sa amin.

“Emilio, kung sasakay ka man sa mga kalesa ay huwag mong kalimutan na bumisita sa bahay nila Fidel,” utos niya.

Tumango lang ako. Papunta na nga ako ngayon sa kanila para magbigay ng malaking pasasalamat.

“Emilio!” tawag pa niya.

“Batiin mo si Horacio. Isa sa mga sulat na ipinadala ko sa Maynila ay galing sa kanya.”

Horacio…

Sa buong biyahe papunta sa bahay ng mga Joaquin, iniisip ko kung ano na ang nangyari sa kanya—ang panganay ni Heneral Miguelino Joaquin at kapatid ni Fidel. Tahimik siya noon. Palaging nakaupo, nagbabasa ng diyaryo, o may kausap na mga naka camisa de chino.

Habang papalapit ako, naamoy ko ang pamilyar na halimuyak—ang amoy ng ylang-ylang. Matagal na naming itinanim ni Fidel ang mga punong ‘yon, parusa raw sa aming katigasan ng ulo noon.

Sa ilalim ng mga punong ‘yon ko unang nasilayan si Horacio na tumatawag sa’kin para basahin ang mga librong lihim niyang kinukuha mula sa mga prayle.

Nang marating ko ang bahay ng mga Joaquin, sabi ng kasambahay, wala roon si Horacio—nasa tapat daw, malapit sa bahay ni Kapitan Gregorio. Bago ako umalis, iniabot niya sa akin ang isang liham mula kay Horacio.

Agad akong nagtungo sa tinutukoy na lugar.

“Kapitan, nasaan po si Horacio?” tanong ko, halos desperado.

Tahimik siyang tumingin sa akin. Maya-maya’y dinala niya ako sa harap ng kanilang bakuran.

“Naroon siya, hijo,” sabay turo.

Napahinto ako.

Isang puntod.

Sa ilalim ng punong ylang-ylang.

Horacio Joaquin y Suarez.

Napaluhod ako.

Hindi ako makapaniwala.

Ang buong pangalan niya—ang buong katauhan niya—nasa lapida na lang.

Hindi ito totoo. Siguro isa lang ito sa mga biro niya. Siguro tinatago lang siya ng pamilya dahil sa galit ng mga prayle.

Agad kong binuksan ang sulat.

Mahal kong Emilio,

Ilang taon na rin simula ng iyong pag-alis. Marami na akong ipinadalang liham sa iyo, isinabay ko sa mga sulat ni Victoria.

Sa mga araw na palihim, pinagmamasdan kita habang hindi ka nakatingin. Hindi mabura sa isip ko ang iyong ngiti at kabaitan. Madalas kong tanungin ang sarili ko: gaano kaya kasaya ang magiging asawa mo balang araw?

Parte ka ng buhay ko, Emilio. Lahat ng liham ko tungkol sa rebolusyon ay para rin sa’yo—sa mga ambisyon mo, sa mga pangarap mo. Nahulog ako sa’yo, hindi mo man napansin.

Isa sa mga lihim kong itinatago mula sa pamilya ko ay ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo.

Mas lalo kitang minahal noong napagpasyahan mong magtanim ng ylang-ylang sa likod ng bahay. Doon ako palaging nauupo. Doon kita hinihintay.

Minsan nga, hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko’t tinatawag kita para lang makasama ka sa ilalim ng mga punong ‘yon.

Hindi tanggap ng lipunan ang ganitong damdamin. Lalo na sa’ting dalawa—ako, anak ng politiko; ikaw, anak ng masa. Kapag nalaman ito ng mga prayle, kapwa tayo pag-iinitan.

Delikado na ang lagay ko. Ramdam kong bilang na lang ang araw ko. Hindi ako ligtas. Hindi ang damdamin ko. Hindi ang kaluluwa ko. Pero kung may huling hiling ako, ito iyon:

Kung hindi lang sana malupit ang mundo… handa akong ialay ang buong buhay ko para lang makasama ka. Tayong dalawa—magkayakap sa ilalim ng punong ylang-ylang.

Ang mga alaala mo, Emilio, ang tanging dala ko sa kabilang buhay.

Nagmamahal,

Horacio

Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko, Malaking luha ang tumulo sa aking mga mata. Minahal niya ako. Hanggang sa kamatayan, mahal niya ako. Hindi ko man lang nasabi sa kanya na minahal ko rin siya.

illustration by Sienna Rio Young | FORWARD Staff Artist