Today's Carolinian

Today's Carolinian The Progressive Official Student Publication of the University of San Carlos The students were victorious in reinstating the Student Government.

The Today's Carolinian (TC) is the progressive official student publication of the University of San Carlos. It began as a re-established student publication of the University of San Carlos (USC) during the 80's, almost 10 years after Marcos' Martial Law seized the existence of student publications and other student institutions nationwide. It happened when the students launched its first strike a

gainst the administration to reinstate the student council and the student publication of the USC. And then, the latter eventually brought back the student publication on September 1983 with Jose Eleazar Bersales as its transition Editor-in-Chief. With TC's incisive analysis on issues concerning the University and the country, not to mention its commitment to quality journalism, there was no doubt that TC became the premier student publication among the universities in Cebu.

IN PHOTOS: Various progressive groups have mobilized from Plaza Independencia to Waterfront Police Station 3 to the Depa...
17/10/2025

IN PHOTOS: Various progressive groups have mobilized from Plaza Independencia to Waterfront Police Station 3 to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 office today, October 17, to protest against state fascism. Students and members of various sectoral groups waved their flags and placards, chanting against corruption and denouncing red-tagging, media suppression, and other injustices.

The protest stems from the September 29 subpoena issued by the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office against several activists, invoking Batas Pambansa 880 (BP 880). The legal action targets those who joined the September 5 protest at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), where activists denounced alleged corruption behind infrastructure projects.

BP 880, a relic of the Ferdinand Marcos Sr. dictatorship—an era marked by repression, economic instability, and political unrest—has once again drawn widespread criticism. Progressives condemn its use today as a disturbing echo of past attempts to silence dissent and punish legitimate criticism of the state. 53 years after the declaration of Martial Law, the nation continues to face repression and deep-seated political and economic crises. Today’s mobilization stands as a powerful reminder that the struggle for genuine freedom and true democracy persists.

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Photos and Caption by Dorothy Dawn Canada

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

Carolinian Roots, Coloura RoutesLights ready. Crowd giddy. Drumrolls, please. The stage splashes with Coloura — a band o...
15/10/2025

Carolinian Roots, Coloura Routes

Lights ready. Crowd giddy. Drumrolls, please. The stage splashes with Coloura — a band of Carolinian alumni whose passion and dedication for music have taken them from casual jam sessions at the halls of the University of San Carlos to blossoming into one of Cebu’s brightest voices in the indie music scene.

The journey of Coloura begins on a humble note, rooted in friendship and a shared love for music. “We started out as a cover band just to pass the time,” bassist Robert Lim recalled. “We’d jam in the dorms between classes, not really expecting much.” But everything changed when they started to write their own songs. Alongside Robert are vocalist-guitarist Jake Relacion, guitarist Emil Baleva, and drummer Ziv Zoleta — and together, they found their calling through music. “When we started making originals, that’s when it clicked,” says Relacion. “Suddenly it wasn’t just jamming anymore — it felt like we were building something.”

Their Carolinian identity glued them together and inspired their music. “The Carolinian factor really brought us together,” Relacion reflects. “It was easier to click because we had the same circles and the same kind of experiences. It felt natural.” That bond became their foundation, allowing them to build Coloura together while balancing academics and life.

Like any masterpiece born from rough sketches, even a great band like Coloura once carried traces of struggle. For them, it was the limited financial resources as an independent band. “As students, we didn’t really have money for gear,” Baleva explains. “So we had to get creative. We soldered our own cables, reused parts, even turned Robert’s house into a studio.” This DIY spirit shaped their identity and shows that heartbeat strumming in every note they play. “Recording at home wasn’t just a budget choice,” Lim adds.”It made us more hands-on with the music.”

Coloura’s music is based on more than fleeting emotions — or a spur of the moment. It is a lively palette of colors, splashing a variety of genres together in a vibrant mix that invites fans to harmonize and be one with the music. “We pull from personal experiences, but we all experiment with the sound. We don’t like to stick to just one genre.” As Relacion explains. “We just want people to vibe, to feel the joy in the music.”

While they experiment with a wide palette of indie music, they also find inspiration closer to home. “Growing up as a band, we went to gigs to listen.” Relacion recalls. “For example, some of the bands — Honeydrop, Mandaue Nights, Cobra Commander, Pop Fashion — local bands.” These bands helped shape their perspective on what it means to create authentic local music.

The band’s crescendo came with their live performances. “Our album release party was unforgettable,” Relacion shares. “We got to play almost our entire catalog. The energy was different – it felt like all the years of work and struggle finally made sense.” Venues like Cebu Music Space, Crossroads Mall, and Unity Cafe have become familiar stages, each one offering the opportunity to connect more closely with their fans. For the band, it was a theatrical dream turned into a musical reality.

Coloura looks ahead with plans to keep experimenting, performing live, and creating more music videos. But their advice for aspiring Carolinian musicians is simple but circles back to their own journey, “Experiment and don’t be afraid to try new things,” Baleva says. “Stay true to yourself, and don’t lose the joy of making music.” Relacion adds, “And remember — balance. Your health, your studies, your relationships, they matter as much as the music.”

Coloura is more than just a band. They are living proof that being great musicians is measured not by lavish equipment, but by the passion and authenticity to perform music. What began as a pastime in the USC dorm rooms now fills Cebu’s stages with performances that are bold, vibrant, and alive with color. As the lights rise on Cebu's indie stage once more, the crowds buzzing in anticipation, one thing is for sure, Coloura’s song is far from its final note.

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Feature by Jami Capacite
Visual by Maire Baring

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

IN PHOTOS: Wildcats get tamed as Warriors extend their winning streakThe Warriors ended round 1 of the basketball matche...
14/10/2025

IN PHOTOS: Wildcats get tamed as Warriors extend their winning streak

The Warriors ended round 1 of the basketball matches with another decisive win against the CIT-U Wildcats, defeating them with a final score of 63-41 on October 12, 2025, at the Cebu Coliseum.

From the first quarter, the Warriors showed great energy and momentum, quickly racking up 31 points in the first half, fueled by multiple successful 3-point shots. Their intensity remained high throughout the game as they maintained strong defensive pressure.

Kyle Maglinte was named Player of the Game once again, contributing 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals to help secure the victory for the Warriors.

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Photos and Caption by Pearl Braga

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

From the Baseline: The Lady Warriors' Journey of Grit, Grace, and GloryAs the reigning 2024 CESAFI Women’s Volleyball ch...
13/10/2025

From the Baseline: The Lady Warriors' Journey of Grit, Grace, and Glory

As the reigning 2024 CESAFI Women’s Volleyball champions, the University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors are redefining excellence in Philippine collegiate sports. Blending unyielding determination, seamless teamwork, and strategic brilliance cemented their dominance in regional play and set themselves as challengers on the national stage. Their recent landmark victory over the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles at the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu leg was more than just a win — it was a statement. From gritty defenses to explosive offenses, the Lady Warriors have not only defended their title but raised the bar, inspiring a new era of competitive spirit in Philippine volleyball.

How the Lady Warriors Master the Classroom and The Court

The Lady Warriors victory over the Blue Eagles carries significance for inter-university competitions, particularly those extending beyond the National Capital Region (NCR), such as the UAAP. This achievement highlights how teams from regional leagues challenge and even surpass powerhouse champions, proving that talent and determination have no bounds.

The team expressed deep gratitude for the exposure, saying, “We’re really grateful for the opportunity to play against Ateneo and Adamson knowing the high level of their playing. This experience motivates us to keep improving and shows that schools outside NCR can also compete at a high standard” This win is not just a triumph but a beacon of hope for universities beyond the NCR, demonstrating that regional teams can rise to the challenge and compete fiercely in the UAAP.

The Lady Warriors are not just athletes; they are students who juggle demanding academic workloads alongside rigorous training. Balancing school and volleyball is no easy feat – this dual commitment requires exceptional discipline, yet they make it look easy.

“Time management is the key jud. We set clear priorities and use our free time wisely” they said.

They also acknowledged the vital support from their institution.“They give us access to quality training facilities and offer guidance and counseling to help us handle the pressure of being student-athletes. This support makes it easier for us to balance both academics and sports effectively.” they added.

Not Just A Team But A Family

Reflecting on their journey, the team described their experience as both challenging and rewarding. “We’ve grown as athletes and as a family, sharing victories, defeats, and countless hours of training together.” they said, emphasizing the strong bond that fuels their teamwork on and off the court. This relationship, built through blood, sweat, and tears forge a resilient bond and amplifies their competitive edge. In a sport where split second decisions rely on trust, Captain Jolly Velasquez shared insights into her role.

As the team’s setter and captain, she explained “One of my biggest strengths this year is my ability to trust my teammates and lead them effectively, and in court I make sure to distribute the ball strategically and give everyone the opportunity to shine. At the same time, I take on the responsibility of keeping the team composed and connected, especially during high-pressure moments, so we can work together as one.”

However, the team is aware of areas that need improvement. “We sometimes struggle with unforced errors and communication lapses. We plan to focus on better teamwork drills and game simulations.” By addressing these gaps through deliberate practice, Velasquez and her team are aiming for greater achievements – and ultimately for gold.

They Serve Confidence and Let the Spikes Do the Talking

The Lady Warriors’ win sparked a flurry of social media reactions, some of which dismissed their achievement by labeling their school as a “nugu” or underdog. Rather than engaging in negative debates, the team channels this noise into fuel for their performance.

Responding with poise, they said, “We respect everyone’s opinion, but we let our performance speak for itself […]. At the end of the day, we worked hard for the win, and we take pride in representing our school with dignity.” This confident response not only silences critics but inspires us to prioritize actions over words.

A standout moment in their recent games was their rally from a two-set deficit, the team recalled, “One memorable moment was when we came back from a two-set deficit to win the game. It tested our resilience and proved we can stay strong even when things look tough.” This turnaround wasn't luck but from unyielding spirit and tactical adaptability under duress.

As defending 2024 CESAFI champions, the Lady Warriors acknowledge the dual nature of expectations. They explained, “It brings both, but we see it more as motivation. We want to keep improving and show everyone that our success wasn’t a one-time thing” This perspective fuels their drive to maintain excellence and continue making waves in the volleyball community.

In a heartfelt message the Lady Warriors said, “Thank you for everyone who believed in us. Your cheers and encouragement push us to give our best every game.”

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Feature by Sophia Lorin Abria
Visual by Gian Marie Itable

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

VAMOS: Congratulations to fourth-year BFA-Cinema student Ichael Cenabre for winning the Special Jury Prize, and to CINEM...
12/10/2025

VAMOS: Congratulations to fourth-year BFA-Cinema student Ichael Cenabre for winning the Special Jury Prize, and to CINEMATA for being awarded the Top Participating School Prize at the Dilaab Film Festival held last Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Cenabre’s film, “Mo Kanta Kay Way Laing No Choice” was his official entry to this year’s Dilaab Film Festival, held in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The festival featured nine short films inspired by the real-life stories of five individuals connected to the organization.

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Visual by Flor Villamor
Caption by Kyle Dominic
Photo courtesy of The Freeman

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

IN PHOTOS: USC Warriors tames down the Benedicto College CheetahsThe University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors broke their...
11/10/2025

IN PHOTOS: USC Warriors tames down the Benedicto College Cheetahs

The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors broke their two-game losing streak with an upset victory over the Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs, 51–47, on October 9, 2025, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Kyle Maglinte was named Player of the Game after contributing 14 points, two rebounds, three steals, and one assist in USC's second win of the season.

The Warriors improved to a 2-2 win-loss record, while the Cheetahs dropped to 3-1 after suffering their first loss of the season.

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Photos and Caption by Pearl Braga

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: Following the release of the last memorandum announcing the recent suspension of classes from October...
11/10/2025

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: Following the release of the last memorandum announcing the recent suspension of classes from October 10 until October 13, 2025, the Office of the Vice Presidents of the University of San Carlos (USC) has issued a new memorandum on the new adjustments to the academic calendar for the remainder of October 2025, in light of the major quake that recently struck Cebu on October 10.

According to the memorandum, classes will resume online on October 14 until October 18, with administrative staff working from home until further notice. Meanwhile, midterm exams scheduled for October 13-18 have been moved to October 20-30, 2025. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of midterm grades is set on November 15, 2025. USC Days 2025, which was scheduled for October 20-25, has been postponed till further notice.

The administration appealed for continued patience and understanding as adjustments are made to ensure safety and academic continuity amid ongoing aftershocks.

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News by Shasmecka Reambonanza

Student Leaders: Informal Discussions Not Enough, Long-Term Solutions Needed Post EarthquakeThe mayor’s consultation wit...
11/10/2025

Student Leaders: Informal Discussions Not Enough, Long-Term Solutions Needed Post Earthquake

The mayor’s consultation with university administrations and student councils lasted approximately 30 minutes, prompting calls from various student leaders for more long-term and tangible solutions to school policies following the September 30 earthquake.

The meeting was held on the afternoon of October 9, 2025, at Cebu City Hall, where representatives from various university administrations reported on the status of their respective schools following the earthquake.

The administration president and vice presidents of the University of San Carlos were notably absent, with representatives instead being School of Law and Governance dean Atty. Jose Glenn Capanas and faculty members from the Department of Civil Engineering.

USC declared in the meeting that the university has been compliant with safety requirements, from ensuring the buildings have been checked to regularly conducting earthquake drills.

While midterms are to be held face-to-face, they will be reducing the number of students allowed to enter campus buildings as a precautionary measure.

“We also have to limit the number of hours the students are supposed to stay [in campus],” Atty. Capanas said.

Mayor Nestor Archival called upon the meeting following a dialogue conducted with student council representatives from USC, SWU, CITU, and UPC the day prior, who brought attention to the lack of transparency and consultation regarding post-earthquake school policies.

The University of San Carlos was particularly victim to such criticism, with the administration calling to immediately resume face-to-face classes amidst students reeling from the consequences of the earthquake – from directly affected families, destroyed infrastructures, to mental health concerns following the trauma of the events.

Students across Cebu have called for academic leniency and reconsideration of policies following the earthquake, with universities having various responses to student calls. USC, despite clamor to suspend classes and exercise academic leniency, has pushed for online classes in line with midterms next week.

USC Supreme Student Council President Maui Cruz emphasized in the meeting that the SSC, similarly to other student organizations, has petitioned multiple times to the administration for student concerns, only to not receive a response. She urged for more transparency and consultation from the administration.

In an interview with Today’s Carolinian, Cruz emphasized that the consultation with the Mayor even happened because students felt unheard by the administration.

“The surveys, petitions, we have launched [...] the administration has not paid attention to any of it. The students’ input would have been helpful to craft long-term, tangible solutions to their problems,” Cruz said.

TJ Rapisora, a councilor from the University of the Philippines Cebu University Student Council, pointed out the lack of tangible and binding courses of action from the administrations – with students only given 10 minutes to speak in the 30-minute-long meeting.

“When we raise our concerns regarding policies that affect us, students, we are met without responses, [and even] silencing. Diri nato makita (‘here we can see’) even with this platform na limit ang atong time as students to speak on our concerns,” Rapisora said.

The councilor urged fellow student leaders to go beyond such platforms and to arouse, organize, and mobilize to collectively face the systemic issues in the education system.

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News by Gwyneth Antonio
Visual by Ferbie Escaño

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: In response to the magnitude 7.4 tremor that struck this morning, October 10, the University of San C...
10/10/2025

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: In response to the magnitude 7.4 tremor that struck this morning, October 10, the University of San Carlos (USC), through the Office of the University President, has announced the suspension of classes and work until October 13, 2025.

In an official memo released today, the administration cited the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of Carolinians as a comprehensive inspection and safety assessment will be conducted in all university buildings.

Furthermore, the memo noted that this round of inspections may take longer due to today’s tremor closely following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu last September 30. The university urges the Carolinian community to remain resilient amid the ongoing quakes, adding that a detailed joint memorandum on classes, midterm examinations, work, and USC Days will be issued soon by the respective Vice Presidents.

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News by Antonette Anrikamae

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: Following the series of earthquakes that struck Cebu and the Visayas region, the USC Supreme Student ...
10/10/2025

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: Following the series of earthquakes that struck Cebu and the Visayas region, the USC Supreme Student Council (SSC) has appealed to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) to suspend all face-to-face classes across USC campuses and to exclude all lessons and requirements from October 1 to 12, 2025, from the midterm examinations.

The SSC cited safety risks, psychological distress, and limited access to utilities and transportation after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on October 10, whose epicenter in Manay, Davao Oriental, was nonetheless strongly felt across Cebu. This tremor occurred less than two weeks after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake centered in Bogo, Cebu.

Survey results submitted with the appeal revealed that most students feel unsafe returning to campus due to continuous aftershocks and concerns about structural stability. In response, the SSC urged the USC administration to shift to asynchronous learning, conduct immediate safety assessments, and hold an urgent consultation with the council to discuss long-term, pro-student measures for safety and learning continuity. The SSC emphasized that “genuine academic excellence cannot exist where safety and compassion are set aside.”

Read the USC SSC’s letter of appeal here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14Kenc7uU8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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News by Antonette Anrikamae

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Mindanao at 9:43 AM today, October 10, 2025, with its epicenter loc...
10/10/2025

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Mindanao at 9:43 AM today, October 10, 2025, with its epicenter located east of Manay, Davao Oriental.

Students and faculty currently in both the Downtown and Talamban Campuses rushed outside the school buildings due to the tremors felt. Students are now advised to go home following the evacuation.

ADDENDUM: The magnitude stated has been changed from 7.5 to 7.4 to reflect the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's (PHIVOLCS) latest correction of the recent earthquake's magnitude.

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News by Jude Estorninos
Documentation by Christafari Racal and Deni Molato

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

The Glass Child Stuck In The MiddleBeing a middle child feels like living in a strange in-between. You’re not the firstb...
09/10/2025

The Glass Child Stuck In The Middle

Being a middle child feels like living in a strange in-between. You’re not the firstborn who carries the weight of expectations, nor the youngest who gets the soft treatment and extra attention. You’re somewhere in the middle, expected to understand, expected to adjust, and expected to grow up faster than you should. People often admire middle children for being mature, dependable, and strong, but deep down, it doesn’t always feel like a compliment. It feels like being invisible.

The middle child often ends up playing roles that shouldn’t have been theirs to begin with. When parents are busy handling the oldest and protecting the youngest, the one in the middle quietly learns to pick up the slack. Household chores, small responsibilities, even being the go-to person for advice — all of these somehow land on their shoulders. And because they rarely complain, everyone assumes they’re fine.

They become the “glass child” — appearing strong and steady on the outside but see-through in the eyes of their own family.

The imbalance is easy to notice but harder to talk about. Achievements don’t always shine as bright when you’re in the middle. Parents, relatives, or even neighbors might celebrate the oldest child’s milestones like they’re grand fiestas, while the middle child’s successes get brushed aside with a pat on the back and a quick “congratulations.” Over time, the message becomes clear: your hard work is good, but not quite enough to deserve the same spotlight.

And it doesn’t stop with achievements. Discipline, too, often feels uneven. The middle child can make one small mistake — maybe coming home late or messing up a chore — and suddenly it’s treated like rebellion. Yet when the younger sibling slips up, it gets softened with excuses, or worse, forgiven altogether. It creates this lingering thought: Why is it a big deal when I stumble, but not when they do?

All of this builds up in silence. Middle children rarely ask for more because they know their parents already carry heavy burdens. They don’t demand specific clothes, don’t complain about what’s on the table, and don’t openly share their struggles. Instead, they learn to swallow it all down, smiling on the outside while locking away their needs. They become the reliable ones, admired for being patient and understanding, but not always loved for who they really are.

And that’s the hardest part. It isn’t the spotlight that most middle children crave; it’s appreciation. It’s being asked what they want without guilt, being recognized without comparison, and being loved not for their maturity but for simply existing. Deep inside, they want someone to lean on too, someone to have their back when things get tough.

The truth is, middle children are not just fillers between the oldest and the youngest. They are more than the balance-keepers and more than the “mature ones.” They are glass — fragile but not unbreakable — and all they ask is to be seen, to be heard, and to be valued just as much as anyone else in the family.

—
Literary by MIKA
Visual by Janna Rivero

Visit Today’s Carolinian’s official social media channels: https://bit.ly/todaysusc

Today's Carolinian has been operating independently since 2019, without funding from the university. To support the publication, please make a donation through our finance officer:

M*****a M.
09668273480 - GCash

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The Today's Carolinian (TC) is the official student publication of the University of San Carlos. It began as a re-established student publication of the University of San Carlos (USC) during the 80's, almost 10 years after Marcos' Martial Law seized the existence of student publications and other student institutions nationwide. It happened when the students launched its first strike against the administration to reinstate the student council and the student publication of the USC. The students were victorious in reinstating the Student Government. And then, the latter eventually brought back the student publication on September 1983 with Jose Eleazar Bersales as its transition Editor-in-Chief. With TC's incisive analysis on issues concerning the University and the country, not to mention its commitment to quality journalism, there was no doubt that TC became the premier student publication among the universities in Cebu.