https://issuu.com/thesouthernscholar

The Southern Scholar, Salinas Drive Brgy. Lahug, Cebu City (2026)

08/06/2026

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆

As we celebrate World Ocean Day, let us remember that protecting our oceans is a responsibility we all share. Through small actions and mindful choices, we can help keep our seas clean and thriving for future generations.

So together, let us protect the ocean and preserve them for the future.
_
words by Angelica Diaz
layout by Gael Mandawe

05/06/2026

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬

Do we choose colors when we love,
or do colors choose us,
painting our hearts with shades we never knew we carried?

Red burns with intense passion and desire,
crimson as lips and wine.

Orange carries platonic, warm, and gentle love, just as sunsets stretch above us.

Yellow glows with happiness and optimism,
brightly filled with hope and sunlight.

Green grows both the thorns of envy
and the leaves of harmony and balance.

Blue holds loyalty and trust in one hand,
and sadness in the other.

Purple lingers with calm affection,
resonating with deep understanding.

And when all colors gather as one,
they do not ask for names,
nor search for borders between hearts.

They do not see gender, nor count our
flaws like scars upon the skin.

They simply love— in every shade,
in every form, embracing what the world tries to divide.

For when every color finds its place,
the darkness is not absence,
but a canvas vast enough to hold us all.

And in that boundless wheels of colors,
love recognizes nothing— only the courage
the freedom, the will to love without the feeling of judgment from others.

May this kind of love strike us beautifully.

_
literary by Darlly Restauro
illustration by Gezaira Negro

03/06/2026

The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) proudly congratulates its successful examinees in the May Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examination (CPALE), following the release of the official results by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our new Certified Public Accountants, as well as USPF’s commitment to academic excellence and professional preparation.

31/05/2026

“𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿”

Pride is always brighter when we stand together as one. This June, let’s celebrate the diverse identities, voices, and experiences that make our communities vibrant and strong.

As we celebrate this month, let’s remember that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, respected, and loved. Let’s continue creating spaces where authenticity is welcomed and differences are embraced.

Just as the colors of the rainbow add beauty to the world, so do our unique identities. This Pride Month, let’s celebrate love in all its forms, advocate for equality and dignity for all, and continue building a future where everyone can live openly, authentically, and without fear.

Happy Pride Month!

__
caption by MG Cueva
layout by Charlotte Gianne

🌈

31/05/2026

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲, 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗱𝗲.

Along the quiet stretch of the coast, the fisherfolk carry on the work the sea has always asked of them — work measured in saltwater, in patience, in the worn grace of weathered hands. From the oyster beds to the fishing nets, each frame holds a story of livelihood and endurance, of a quiet dignity that asks for no witness and keeps on all the same.

photos and caption by Ken Pyru Besana

28/05/2026

𝗖𝗘𝗔 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀

The College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) conducted its pinning ceremony and recognition program last May 22, 2026, highlighting leadership transition, academic excellence, and the achievements of board passers during the event attended by students, faculty members, and administrators.

The ceremony formally opened with an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. On behalf of Engr. Mario O. Arnaiz, Assistant Dean, Ms. Noreen Sevilla delivered the opening remarks and later introduced the keynote speaker.

Dr. Lucio A. Pulmones, Vice President for Academic Affairs, served as the keynote speaker and shared an inspirational message to students as they take on greater responsibilities in their academic journey.

One of the highlights of the event was the pinning ceremony, followed by the oath of seniority and the investiture of responsibilities, symbolizing the official transition of duties among student leaders.

The program also featured farewell and acceptance speeches. Vinz Khenny Lisondra delivered the farewell speech, while Giodelyn L. Toco gave the acceptance speech on behalf of the incoming student leaders.

CEA also recognized its board passers during the event. Engr. Nanette P. Dimagiba, CEA Coordinator, led the recognition rites, while Engr. Vincent Jake Verdida Alivio, 4th Placer in the GELE 2025, delivered an inspirational message encouraging students to strive for excellence in their chosen fields.

Closing remarks were delivered by Engr. John Jacob O. Escala, Dean of CEA, who encouraged students to uphold leadership, responsibility, and academic integrity.

To conclude the celebration, the audience was entertained by the CEA intermission number from the “Pinners” of the senior class batch 2026–2027, followed by the singing of the USPF Loyalty Song.

_
via Angelica Diaz
photo by Sarah Nator, Bridget Pagobo

27/05/2026

𝗠𝗬𝗞𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗔

𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑪𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆

OUR PROMOS

𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬 & 𝑫𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑲 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑩𝑶
1 drink + 2–3 hours of play (per person)
Pay only for the actual price of your drink.

𝑮𝑹𝑶𝑼𝑷 𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬 𝑫𝑬𝑨𝑳
Groups of 3 or more players get 5% OFF the total bill

Includes:
✔ Access to board games and TCGs within the Game Zone
✔ Borrow games from our collection
✔ A cozy space to play, relax, and connect

𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗭𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗘

𝑷𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑺𝑬 𝑹𝑬𝑸𝑼𝑰𝑹𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻
✔ Each player must purchase at least one drink
✔ Includes 2–3 hours of playtime (per person/group)

𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬 𝒁𝑶𝑵𝑬 𝑶𝑵𝑳𝒀
Board games and TCG play are only permitted within the designated Game Zone.

𝑩𝑶𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑾 & 𝑹𝑬𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑵
✔ Borrow games from our collection
✔ Please return all games complete and in good condition
✔ An ID or deposit may be required

𝑩𝑬 𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑭𝑼𝑳
• Keep noise at a friendly and considerate level

𝑪𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑵 𝑨𝑺 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑮𝑶
• Tidy your table before leaving
• Help keep the space clean and enjoyable for everyone

𝑵𝑶 𝑶𝑼𝑻𝑺𝑰𝑫𝑬 𝑭𝑶𝑶𝑫 & 𝑫𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑲𝑺
Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
(Cakes are permitted with a corkage fee.)

𝑻𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬 𝑬𝑻𝑰𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑻𝑻𝑬
Be mindful of other guests.
Avoid occupying extra space or seats unnecessarily.
Maximum of 5 players per table.

𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑳𝑬 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯 𝑪𝑨𝑹𝑬
Please handle all games and cards responsibly.
Report any damaged items immediately.
Replacement fees may apply.

𝑨𝑺𝑲 𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑭𝑭
Need assistance? Our team is always happy to help!

𝑵𝑶 𝑷𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑺𝑬 𝑽𝑰𝑶𝑳𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵
All guests are required to make a purchase.
Repeated violations may result in removal from the premises.

𝑫𝑨𝑴𝑨𝑮𝑬𝑫 𝑶𝑹 𝑳𝑶𝑺𝑻 𝑰𝑻𝑬𝑴𝑺
Guests will be charged for the repair or replacement cost of any damaged or lost items.

Disrespectful behavior, cheating, disruptive conduct, or excessive noise may result in immediate removal from the premises. Let’s keep MyKope Akademia a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable space for everyone.

These rules are in place to ensure that all guests have a great experience and to help maintain a cozy, respectful, and fun environment for coffee lovers and gamers alike.

𝑮𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑪𝑶𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑬. 𝑮𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑻 𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬𝑺. 𝑩𝑬𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺.

___
words by Donnah Alcala
photo by Bridget Pagobo
layout by Gael Mandawe

25/05/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦, 𝗔𝗜, 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
𝗧𝗦𝗦 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 “𝗗𝗮𝗻-𝗮𝗴” 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁

Student journalists of The Southern Scholar (TSS), the official student publication of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, convened at the university on May 23-24 for the 4th TSS Summit, an annual gathering aimed to strengthen journalistic competence in the age of artificial intelligence.

Bannered by the theme, “Piercing the Artificial, Illuminating the Truth,” the summit featured a wide array of activities and lectures, including the Oath Taking Ceremony of the Editorial Board, the Journalist’s Creed for staffers, an orientation about TSS, and team-building activities designed to develop collaboration and leadership skills applicable to the publication’s operations.

The plenary session featured former TSS members, including former Editors-in-Chief Neil Adrian Povadora, now a Social Media Specialist from Cebu Daily News (CDN) Digital, and Josh Almonte, now a Social Media Manager from Sugbo.ph, alongside former Art Editor Engr. Amiel Aguilar.

In his talk titled “Is AI a Threat to Journalism?,” Povadora emphasized that it is not AI that people should fear, but whether humans can still recognize what is real and true. He also added that while AI can write, humans can still create stories and perspectives that AI cannot fully replicate.

Almonte, meanwhile, shared tips on how to ace event coverage and discussed the importance of photojournalism in delivering compelling and truthful stories.

Also gracing the stage was Engr. Aguilar with his lecture, “Hello AI, Bye Creatives,” where he concluded his talk by saying, “Bye AI, Hello Creatives.”

One of the highlights of this event was the awarding of certificates recognizing the commitment and dedication of the TSS Editorial Board and staff, as well as the loyalty service awards for staffers who have served the publication for three years or more.

The election for the new TSS Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editor for the Academic Year 2026–2027 was also conducted, where current Associate Editor Allain Ralph Legaspi and current Art Editor Ericka Mae Acosta were elected to the respective positions.

This year’s summit carried the title “Dan-ag,” a Visayan term symbolizing light and radiance, reflecting The Southern Scholar’s commitment to illuminating truth and responsible journalism in the age of AI.

——
via Baby Trisha Quimod
📷 Allain Legaspi, Sarah Nator, Lorence Bonane, Bridget Pagobo, Ken Pyru Besana

24/05/2026

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸?

Been so busy catching up on sleep, healing, and treating myself well that I almost forgot final examinations are coming. Time really flies when you’re trying to survive the semester one day at a time.

Now it’s the season of sleepless nights, piled-up reviewers, pressure, and silent prayers before every exam. But despite the stress and exhaustion, this is also a reminder of how far we’ve already come.

Good luck, Uspians!
__
caption by Darlly Restauro
comic by Angel Kudera

The Southern Scholar

08/06/2026

05/06/2026

03/06/2026

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

28/05/2026

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25/05/2026

24/05/2026

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