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The Echo, Olongapo City (2025)

25/07/2025

𝐑𝐀 𝟏𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

Campus journalism is more than a response to repression—it is a force that shapes change.

This National Campus Press Freedom Day, The Echo honors every campus journalist who dares to write, question, and resist. We reflect on how far the campus press has come, from its roots in resistance during repressive times to its recognition under RA 11440 as a vital force for truth and democracy.

But the fight is far from over. Campus press freedom must be lived, not just legislated. The Echo stands with every voice that refuses to be silenced, because campus press freedom is not where our power ends—it’s where it begins.

🎨✍️ Raphanyl Asuelo and Heloise Tan

24/07/2025

[𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋] 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

When justice bends towards the broken, something shifts.

For years, justice in the Philippines has worn a blindfold—not to symbolize fairness, but to ignore the pleas of those too poor, too powerless, or too far from privilege.

In the chilling tale of the 34 missing sabungeros, 34 families waited. But media interest faded just as quickly; the headlines, like the sabungeros themselves, vanished. Now, the case resurfaces with force.

It began as a sport—cockfighting. When the pandemic halted physical sabong venues, it moved online. E-sabong, accessible and live-streamed, became a multibillion-peso industry. But profit brought conflict, and conflict brought disappearance.

Between mid-2021 and early 2022, 34 men vanished. Known as the “34 Missing Sabungeros,” their disappearances made little noise. Why? Because they weren’t billionaires’ children, nor politicians. They were just ordinary people.

In 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Philippine National Police (PNP) opened an inquiry. By December, three police officers were indicted and others charged, but truths remained buried.

Now, over three years later, justice shows a gleam as pressure mounts. A whistleblower, Julio “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” a former security chief, alleged that the sabungeros were packed into sacks and dumped into Taal Lake. He claimed “Atong Ang,” a wealthy sabong operator, was behind the abductions linked to cheating and game-fixing.

His allegations went further, naming familiar figures from showbiz, politics, and public office. Among them, actress Gretchen Barretto was said to be present in Ang’s operations, not merely as company, but as an active participant in the events leading to the disappearances.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla named Atong Ang and Barretto as primary suspects.

Ang responded—not with evidence, but with lawsuits. A move expected when power is challenged. His lawyer, Atty. Kapunan, argued they have no history of killing, making the claims questionable.

However, Patidongan also attempted to extort ₱300 million from those he implicated, offering to clear their names.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed 15 police officers involved are now under restrictive custody. Here lies the irony—those meant to uphold the law are among the accused. Officials once loyal to justice are now seen bending it for personal gain.

Whistleblowers grow more vocal. Families refuse to mourn in silence. This case is revisited not out of urgency, but because the silence has become too loud to ignore.

On July 10, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard retrieved a white sack suspected to hold burned human remains. The administration pledged cooperation upon confirmation. But the public asks: Why now? Why nearly three years later? Who gained from the silence?

The rich no longer fear the law—they control it. They command what should never have been theirs. Reports are erased with a handshake. Guilt is erased with a favor. A call silences the system built to speak for the voiceless.

Justice is not blind—it simply looks away when power is involved.

This is no longer a plea for justice—it is a demand for accountability. Stop scratching the surface. This must not be another headline buried by money. What’s owed to the 34 is not just justice, but truth. And truth demands names, accountability, and action.

✍️ Jannah Lumanlan
🎨 Azriel Dominisac

24/07/2025

[𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐬] 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞

In the wake of recent calamities, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s attempt at humor wasn’t just ill-timed—it exposed a deeper disconnect between leaders and the people they’re meant to serve. If the public already struggles to receive proper aid during disasters, must they also endure insensitivity? In times of crisis, Filipinos deserve more than jokes—they deserve leaders who lead with compassion and urgency.

✍️ Raphanyl Asuelo
🎨 Ruelyn Lacuesta

23/07/2025

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥

In typhoon-related emergencies, these hotlines are available to provide immediate assistance. Government agencies in Olongapo, Zambales, and Bataan encourage residents to keep these numbers easily accessible and ensure all household members are familiar with them. Preparedness begins with knowing who to contact.

Stay safe, stay ready, and look out for one another.

21/07/2025

[𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒] 𝐈𝐦𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐭-𝐌𝐀𝐍: 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐀 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝

𝘈𝘵 46, 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘺—𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘢𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴.

On July 19, 2025, the Filipino icon stepped back into the ring after a four-year hiatus to face 30-year-old WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Arena. It was a moment drenched in nostalgia, pride, and anticipation. From every corner of the arena, Filipino voices rang out in support as their nation’s greatest boxing legend raised the flag once more.

From the opening bell, the match was adrenaline-charged. Barrios, with youth and reach on his side, looked sharp and calculated. But Pacquiao was undeterred—moving in with bursts of speed, sneaking in powerful body shots and signature left hands.

Although he did not defeat Barrios, Pacquiao did not lose either.

Two judges scored the bout 114-114. The third had it 115-113 in favor of Barrios. A majority draw. Barrios retained his title, but Pacquiao retained something more—relevance, heart, and honor.

“I thought I won the fight. I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. But it was a wonderful fight,” Pacquiao said post-match, visibly satisfied despite the outcome.

Barrios, who closed strong in the championship rounds, showed class and admiration in return.

“I thought I pulled it out, but I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him—somebody with so much experience who has accomplished so much in this sport. We left everything in the ring. Nothing but love and respect,” Barrios remarked.

The match statistics backed the competitive nature of the fight. According to CompuBox, Barrios landed 120 punches out of 658 thrown, while Pacquiao connected on 101 of 577. Pacquiao’s power punches stood out—he landed 81 compared to Barrios’ 75. In rounds five and six, he surged forward with relentless flurries, cutting through Barrios’ guard and forcing him into retreat.

At an age when most fighters retire, Pacquiao didn’t just return—he reminded the world of why he’s a legend. His footwork remained sharp and his timing? Still elite. And while his speed was a step slower than in his prime, his instincts and ring IQ were as dangerous as ever.

This wasn’t a cash grab or a nostalgia tour. It was a calculated comeback. A testament to a man whose greatness was never confined to his youth.

Throughout his career, Manny Pacquiao has transcended boxing. Rising from poverty in General Santos City, he became the first and only eight-division world champion in history. His name echoed in every major arena around the globe, but his roots never left him. He carried the Philippines on his back in every fight, every win, every loss—with humility, faith, and fight.

July 19 was no different.

The crowd at the MGM Grand may have seen Barrios in his prime, but they witnessed Pacquiao with a legacy behind every punch. This is the same man who dismantled Oscar De La Hoya in 2008, floored Ricky Hatton in just two rounds in 2009, and outlasted Keith Thurman in 2019 to win the WBA (Super) welterweight title at age 40. Each of those bouts built the mythos that carried into this return—a boxer whose resume reads like a Hall of Fame plaque.

He may have fallen short of becoming the oldest WBC welterweight champion in history, but he achieved something arguably greater—he proved that pride, passion, and perseverance know no age. His return was not just a boxing match—it was a statement.

For Filipino fans watching live and around the world, the night was more than a fight. It was a celebration of resilience. A reminder that Manny Pacquiao is not just a boxer—he is a living symbol of what it means to dream big and fight harder.

At several points in the match, the MGM Grand Arena erupted as Pacquiao unleashed rapid-fire combinations reminiscent of his younger years. While Barrios kept his composure and answered back with technical precision, Pacquiao’s bursts of brilliance sparked hope in the crowd—a hope that perhaps, time had not fully caught up to the legend.

Pacquiao’s ability to endure the full 12 rounds against a champion nearly two decades younger spoke volumes. He didn’t just compete—he pushed Barrios to his limits. In the eleventh round, he had the crowd on its feet as he pressed forward, closing distance with that familiar fire in his eyes.

“I still feel strong. I still feel fast,” Pacquiao said during the post-fight press conference. “If there’s a rematch, I’m ready. I want to keep fighting—for the fans, for the country.”

Barrios welcomed the possibility of another showdown. “He earned it. I’d fight him again. He still moves like he’s 30,” Barrios responded.

But even without a rematch, Pacquiao’s return was already a triumph. It brought back a story many thought had ended. It showed that heroes don’t always fade—they sometimes choose to rise one more time, not because they have to, but because they still believe they can.

In every feint, in every jab, Pacquiao carried the weight of his people. The millions who grew up watching him rise from underdog to icon, the young fighters he inspired, and the workers who paused their day just to see him fight. For them, he is more than a name. He is a mirror of the Filipino spirit—undaunted, enduring, and dignified.

He didn’t just box—he became a bridge across generations. A former street kid turned senator—a father, an idol, and a warrior. Someone whose story reminded Filipinos that even in hardship, greatness can bloom.

In the end, the draw didn’t define Manny Pacquiao’s return—his heart did. At 46, he stood toe-to-toe with a world champion, proving that greatness doesn’t fade with age. He fought not just for a title—but for pride, for legacy, and for every Filipino who sees him as a symbol of resilience.

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯—𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘢𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴.

✍️ Shaine Del Rosario and Raphanyl Asuelo
🎨 Heloise Tan

21/07/2025

[𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄] 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚

“𝘕𝘪𝘩𝘪𝘭 𝘥𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘴, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘴,” nothing about us, without us.

Long has this slogan lived through the past echoes of activists fighting for what’s right. The phrase’s purpose took root centuries ago, and even now, it is upheld by the disability rights movement. It stands for the rightful involvement of marginalized groups in the creation and implementation of all decisions that concern them—stressing that no policy, law, or plan should be decided without someone from the affected group at the forefront.

This mantra, deeply tied to the heart of disability rights activism—the very cause that gave it prominence—is still held dear by the people and kept near by those who stand for it. It serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come, and all that we have yet to carry out.

Innovation has never been halted by limitation. To those willing to bridge the gap, a hindrance is not taken as surrender, but as an opportunity to think beyond their predicament—beyond the restriction. The 47th National Disability Rights (NDR) Week sets off to break down the barriers and stigma surrounding PWDs through the advancement of technology and progressive policies. It aspires to become a catalyst for innovation, one necessary to establish a more inclusive society.

Held annually from July 17 to 23, the celebration explores a theme each year that addresses the complications, concerns, and hardships that PWDs often endure alone. It aims to raise awareness while also improving conditions for those affected. This year’s theme, “𝘐𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳,” strives to foster communities built on accessible, collaborative, and innovative foundations.

The struggles that come with living with a disability extend beyond physical limitations. And though we’ve made great strides in inclusivity—such as the passing of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons—many challenges still persist.

Despite established policies, implementation and enforcement of accessible environments remain inconsistent. The Accessibility Law, or Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, requires that buildings, establishments, and public utilities install the proper facilities to accommodate PWDs—yet compliance continues to fall short.

Barriers in education also remain. Trained educators and facilities equipped for inclusive learning are limited. Employment opportunities, meanwhile, are often hindered by workplace discrimination and a lack of accessible environments. In healthcare, inadequate information, poor communication, and the lack of specialized facilities result in neglect and unequal treatment.

Living as a PWD often means shouldering immense expenses—ranging from medical fees and assistive devices to specialized care—placing a heavy burden on financial stability. Advanced assistive technologies, while helpful, remain unaffordable or inaccessible to most. Public transportation systems are still rarely accommodating, restricting independent mobility and furthering the sense of isolation.

Social stigma, however, remains the most invisible and damaging wall of all. Despite the progress in public perspective, PWDs continue to face harmful misconceptions, unfair judgment, and prejudice. This often manifests in subtle but damaging ways: stereotyping, generalization, discrimination, and doubt in their capabilities. Disabilities—whether visible or not—are either patronized or invalidated, pushing many into silence rather than support.

Inaction, too, becomes complicity. National Disability Rights Week is not just a celebration, but a call to break this silence. It demands awareness, equity, and lasting action. We cannot stay silent and passive while PWDs continue to fight for the inclusivity and justice they have long deserved.

Let the words of disability activist and poet Robert M. Hensel inspire advocacy within us—“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.”

✍️ Iya Cruz
🎨 Nicole Cruz

21/07/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐲

𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴. 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘺-𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘹 𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴—𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.

The 2025–2026 Supreme Student Learner Government (SSLG) and Supreme Elementary Learner Government (SELG) elections at Columban College, Inc. – Asinan Campus unfolded as a defining sequence in the academic year—not merely as scheduled democratic exercises, but as student-led efforts to examine leadership, legitimacy, and representation.

Throughout the campaign period, student engagement came alive in room-to-room speeches, digital promotions, and spontaneous discussions—each reflecting a growing awareness of one’s stake in shaping campus leadership. But this momentum needed more than enthusiasm—it needed direction, accountability, and scrutiny. That’s where The Echo came in.

With "Beyond the Candidacy", its two-week coverage from July 7 to 21 sought not only to report events, but to deepen the conversation—to ask what leadership means, what students truly deserve, and how truth must always have a place—even at the heart of a school election.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

What rooted the coverage was a simple yet powerful belief—students deserve to be informed with depth, accuracy, and transparency. Elections, no matter how localized, reflect the values and vision of the electorate. In the absence of responsible journalism, these moments risk becoming hollow traditions rather than meaningful processes.

The Echo recognized this and responded accordingly. By setting the foundation of Beyond the Candidacy, the publication declared its editorial responsibility—not to merely observe events, but to contextualize them for the benefit of the student body.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Throughout the coverage, candidates were invited to discuss not just their goals, but their motivations. Through interviews and digital profiles, The Echo examined the deeper intention behind each candidacy. Were these individuals seeking change, representation, and service? Or were they participating out of expectation, habit, or popularity?

These features provided students with insight that went beyond slogans. They created space for critical evaluation, prompting the campus community to distinguish between performance and purpose.

𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 "𝗬𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼?"

Among the most notable features of the campaign season was the “Yes or No?” segment—an editorial initiative that asked candidates to take unambiguous positions on relevant school and pressing social issues. The intent was to simplify accountability and provide voters with concrete positions. The response was immediate and divisive.

While the segment received reactions for its directness—it sparked widespread engagement, with comment sections turning into active forums of debate. Critics cited the format’s limitations, yet the underlying goal—to push for clarity over evasion—remained intact. By stepping beyond surface-level reporting, The Echo sparked conversations, inspired reflection, and helped drive a culture of informed student engagement.

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺

The Echo maintained a visible presence during every miting de avance, from the elementary level to senior high school. The publication’s editorial staff and its contributors documented speeches, platforms, student responses, and key moments across all events.

This on-site coverage ensured students had more than filtered versions of the campaign—they witnessed the energy, delivery, and demeanor of each candidate in real time. These efforts helped ground the election in experience rather than hearsay, giving every voter a broader view of their options.

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀

While election results determine leadership, reflection determines engagement. Through this coverage, The Echo prompted students to think critically—not only about who to vote for, but why those choices mattered.

This reflection manifested in commentaries, messages, and schoolwide discussions that extended far beyond the campaign period. The electoral season became an opportunity to measure the political maturity of the student body—and to realize how much potential it holds when supported by credible information.

𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The conclusion of the campaign season does not mark the end of The Echo’s role. If anything, it reaffirms the need for consistent, fearless, and principled journalism within the academic community.

The Echo upholds its commitment to truth-telling, accountability, and civic education. As the coverage is formally concluded, we move beyond platforms and promises, beyond votes and victories—toward a continued duty to question, report, and remind.

The coverage may have ended. But the call for truth continues—and The Echo will continue to answer it. Even as the noise of campaigns fades, we amplify what matters.

𝘐𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘦, 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘤𝘩𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴—𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩.

🎨✍️ Raphanyl Asuelo

20/07/2025

[𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞] 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝

Luminauts sweeps victory—after a spirited campaign and a successful election at Columban College, Inc. – Asinan, the result of the student votes are all in.

Officially introducing the newly elected officers of the Supreme Elementary Learners Government (SELG) following the several days of the campaign season.

All winning candidates proudly represent the party Luminauts, marking a clean sweep in this year's race.

For the Presidential position, Belle Mae Labayan of Luminauts was duly elected, garnering a total of 53 votes.

Alongside the Presidential position—the Vice Presidential position, her running mate from Luminauts, Althea Marie Cabanatan secured a total of 47 votes.

In the Secretary position, Apollo Jesus Guevarra of Luminauts was chosen with a total of 62 votes. Louise Al Ogi of Luminauts was elected as Treasurer with 43 votes. Alongside him, the Auditor position, Brylle Nathaniel Macapagal of Luminauts was chosen with 45 votes. For the position of Public Information Officer, Zedrian Eli Cortez of Luminauts earned a total of 47 votes. For the position of Peace Officer, Ysabella Maryam Bagapuro of Luminauts was elected with 51 votes.

For the Grade Level Representatives, who shall serve as the voice of their respective cohorts: Luminauts' representative, Rich Amour Zablan won as Grade 6 Representative with 44 votes. His running mate, Chanielle Dominguez earned a total of 49 votes as Grade 5 representative. Moreover, from Luminauts, Willa Charlotte Marcos received a total of 43 votes as Grade 4 representative. Resulting in a tie, Knox Morgan Aban of Luminauts and Yaustin Gio Basuel of Lodi both garnered a total of 41 votes as Grade 3 representatives.

With the proclamation of these newly elected officers, the Columban College, Inc. – Asinan's student community entrust the SELG to a new generation of leaders—young individuals guided by integrity, service, and excellence.

Report by Justine Leomo

20/07/2025

[𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞] 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬-𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

After days of campaign rallies, room-to-room speeches, and online engagement, the official results of the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) elections have finally been released. On July 12, 2025, the Columban College, Inc. - Asinan SSLG posted the list of elected officers through their official page, officially closing the chapter of candidacy.

Highlighted below are the student-leaders who took the stage, faced the studentry, and stood their ground—each delivering their final, fervent declarations during the Miting de Avance on July 11, 2025.

With a total of 2,206 students participating in this year’s elections, the unprecedented voter turnout stands as a powerful reminder—the student voice is not only alive, but roaring. In the hands of these leaders lies the weight of trust, the urgency of action, and the responsibility to be more than just remembered—but to be transformative.

Now, we move beyond the candidacy—into a season that demands not just presence, but purpose. The Echo remains steadfast in its commitment to document, question, and support this next wave of leadership. From campaign platforms to concrete plans, from promises made to duties now shouldered—this is where leadership meets accountability.

🎨✍️ Ruelyn Lacuesta, Edrian Carillo, and Aleisha Mangalindan
📸 Zaenab Giva, Junuel San Pedro, and Heloise Tan

18/07/2025

[𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄] 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥.

Inside the walls of a school where life moves in bells and buzzers, where voices collide in crowded hallways, and clamor rises from every corner—there are things left unsaid. They linger in the background—quiet, unshown, and almost invisible. But they are there—present, persistent, and existent.

From a student who wipes away tears in the back row, too ashamed to cry out loud. To a classmate who fidgets with their pen, a brilliant idea trapped behind a hesitant smile. And even to a janitor who moves silently through the corridors, long before the sun rises and long after the last student leaves. These are testaments of time, from voices spoken through and by vividity.

These stories don’t trend and they don’t win awards. But they carry weight—the kind that presses against the soul of a school. And most of the time, no one hears them. Not because they aren’t important, but because no one listens with enough compassion to truly understand—or to appreciate the quiet thought they carry.

Every July 18, the world is gently reminded to do just that—to listen. World Listening Day, established in 2010 by the World Listening Project in honor of Canadian composer and acoustic ecologist R. Murray Schafer, is more than just an observance. It’s just another day on the calendar—easy to miss, easy to ignore. But World Listening Day was never meant to shout. It’s a quiet reminder to pause, to notice the things we often silence—from the rustle of leaves to the weight in someone’s voice. It all matters.

In a world that rewards noise, choosing to listen becomes an act of quiet power. Nowhere is this more needed than in schools, where the vibrant chaos of youth often drowns out the silence many students carry. It’s a fragile kind of silence—one that hides behind grades, laughter, and uniforms. And it is within this quiet that campus journalism finds its truest purpose—not in amplifying the loudest voices, but in listening for the ones still waiting to be heard.

At The Echo, listening begins long before a story is written, before a quote is gathered, and even before the first draft is typed. It begins with paying attention to the quiet—the unsure student glancing around the classroom, the whispered frustrations over lunch, and the subtle movements of people trying their best to matter. Journalism here is not just about reporting. It’s about witnessing, feeling, and translating silence into something that finally speaks—that soon—shouts.

The mission has always been clear—hear the veracity’s heartbeat. But that kind of heartbeat doesn’t thump with applause or ring out in announcements. It pulses in the pauses between sentences, in the stories that don’t ask to be told but quietly hope someone will notice. It echoes through hushed conversations, silent persistence, and unseen acts of care. And when campus journalists take the time to find those moments, they do more than inform—they uplift. They remind the community that truth doesn’t always need to be loud to matter.

Listening is never as simple as it sounds. It asks for more than ears—it asks for presence, for patience, and for vulnerability. But more than anything, it asks for courage—the kind campus journalists summon each time they choose to tell a story that might otherwise vanish. They give voice to those who have waited in silence. They carve out space for truths that don’t scream to be heard, but whisper—hoping someone is finally listening.

On World Listening Day, The Echo doesn’t just celebrate sound—it confronts silence. It calls on its readers to listen with intention—with empathy, curiosity, and a quiet boldness. To lean into the overlooked truths, the unheard voices, and the stories resting beneath the surface of school life—the ones that rarely make noise but always matter. In every story it amplifies, The Echo continues to reverberate accuracy and reveal sovereignty with clarity and purpose.

And yet, even in the thickest noise, 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴.

Let this day be more than a date on the calendar. Let it spark a quiet revolution—one that begins not with noise, but with a pause. Because in every untold story, there is truth waiting. And in every listener, there is hope that it will finally be heard. In a world that never stops talking, it’s the listeners who lead with quiet strength. And through the stillness they choose to honor, silence no longer hides—it speaks, it pulses, and most importantly—it shouts.

True to its name, The Echo begins not by speaking—but by listening deeply, 𝘴𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥.

✍️ Raphanyl Asuelo
🎨 Erica Mariano

17/07/2025

[𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄] 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧, 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐬

We outgrow many things with time, but when something comes back and still makes you feel everything, finding its rightful place in your heart, that’s when you realize—𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦.

Formed in 2014, IV of Spades quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of funk, pop-rock, and retro flair. Songs like Mundo, Hey Barbara, and Where Have You Been, My Disco? became anthems for a generation of OPM listeners. Their sound, style, and energy made them one of the most unforgettable acts in modern Filipino music.

In 2018, the band’s journey shifted when lead vocalist Unique Salonga left to pursue a solo career. The remaining members—Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, and Badjao de Castro—continued as a trio and released their debut album, CLAPCLAPCLAP!. But soon after, the group fell silent, and for five years—fans were left with only memories, solo works, and quiet hopes for a reunion.

In 2025, IV of Spades released Aura, their first track as a complete group since Unique Salonga’s departure in 2018. The song marked a quiet but meaningful reunion, showcasing a more reflective and emotionally grounded sound. Instead of revisiting their old musical identity, the band introduced a matured and redefined version of themselves.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱

IV of Spades became one of the most influential OPM bands of their generation, known for their fresh sound and bold artistic direction. Their breakout hit “Mundo” became a cultural phenomenon, gaining hundreds of millions of streams and inspiring a wave of interest in local alternative music. The band won several major awards, including New Artist of the Year at the Awit Awards, Band of the Year at the MYX Music Awards, and Favorite Song for Mundo, cultivating their place as a powerhouse in the Philippine music scene.

When the group eventually disbanded and went silent, the OPM landscape felt the loss. Their absence left a creative gap, especially among young listeners who resonated with the band’s authenticity, artistry, and emotional depth. For many, IV of Spades was not just a band—they represented a movement that made local music feel alive, original, and proudly Filipino again.

𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘃𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸, 𝗨𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱

“Minsan ay ’di mo rin ba maipinta, ang aura ng ‘yong mukha?” captures the quiet struggles many people face—the weight of emotions they can’t name and expressions they don’t fully understand. It reflects those moments when someone wakes up feeling heavy, unsure whether it’s sadness, weariness, or something deeper that can’t be put into words. Sometimes, even the reflection in the mirror feels distant and unfamiliar.

The lyric speaks to the shared human experience of emotional uncertainty. It reminds listeners that not every feeling needs to be defined to be valid, and that it’s normal to not always understand what one carries. In that simple yet haunting question, there is comfort—knowing that even unspoken feelings deserve to be felt.

𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁𝘀, 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴

“Kahit minsa’y magulo, kahit medyo alanganin” speaks to the quiet chaos people often carry within—the kind that doesn’t always show, but is deeply felt. There are days when nothing feels certain, when choices blur, and emotions feel too tangled to name. Yet somehow, people keep moving, holding on to whatever little strength they have, even when it feels like everything inside is unsure.

It’s a feeling many understand—pushing through confusion, showing up despite doubt, and choosing to stay even when it’s easier to give up. In their return, IV of Spades reminds listeners that growth still happens in uncertain spaces, and that even silence can be part of becoming. Sometimes, being unsure doesn’t mean being lost—it means you’re still unfolding, still becoming who you’re meant to be, even if it takes time to see it.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗨𝘀

“Kilala mo naman akong laging kakailanganin ng pag-ibig mo,” is not just a line—it’s a confession. One that echoes the quiet truth so many are afraid to say out loud—that sometimes, no matter how far we go, there is still a love we return to in silence. It’s the kind of love that anchors, softens, and lingers in the spaces where pride once stood.

There’s a deep vulnerability in needing something that much, and an even deeper courage in admitting it. Listeners hear this line and see parts of themselves—not just in romance, but in life’s constant reaching for something that feels safe and true. Because whether it’s love, comfort, or clarity—people are always in search of what makes them feel most alive. Oftentimes, that’s a person, a feeling, or even a song that reminds them they’re not alone.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴

And lastly, “Ikaw pa rin ang hahanapin” is not just a lyric in IVOS’ newest release to be sung—it’s a truth that stays long after pride fades, after silence stretches, and after love is tested by time. It speaks of a heart that knows where it belongs, even when it’s wandered, even when it’s hurt. Because some loves aren’t just memories—they’re destinations the soul never stops returning to and the kind that stays etched beneath the surface.

In the end, it’s not the noise, the distance, or the years that define what matters most—it’s who the heart still longs for when everything else falls quiet. And when the world feels too loud, too lost, or too late—it is still their name that rises. That’s not weakness, that’s love in its most honest form, in its barest truth. It’s the kind that chooses the same person, over and over, even in the dark—even when every reason says it shouldn’t.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁

There are comebacks that demand attention, and then there’s Aura—a return that simply asks to be felt. IV of Spades didn’t try to recreate the noise of their past, instead, they leaned into silence, memory, and restraint. The song carries the weight of distance, of growing up quietly and separately. It speaks in soft echoes and in pauses that say more than any loud return could.

It was the silence before the sound—the stillness that held stories, growth, and grief in equal measure. Like a canvas left blank, unpainted, Aura doesn’t try to fill every space, but lets the emptiness speak. It holds doubts, distances, and becomes in the way only time can teach, grounded by the type of love that survives without needing to be seen. And even after everything, the song stands—not just as a comeback, but as a quiet remembering of what was, what is, and what never really left.

Even amidst all the ache, uncertainty, and quiet battles no one sees—there is a kind of love we can still return to—the one that first saw us, stayed with us, and held us through the heaviness we didn’t know how to carry. It’s the love that didn’t ask us to be whole to be worthy, that stayed steady when everything else was falling apart. And even when we drift and break, that love waits—not with urgency, but with open arms. Because sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is come back to the love that first believed we could make it, even when we no longer believed it ourselves.

Sometimes in life—and in love—the ones who leave don’t stay gone forever. Time stretches, hearts drift, and silence lingers—but not all distance means loss. Some departures are simply pauses, and some stories are just waiting for the right moment to begin again.

IVOS’ return is a quiet echo of a deeper truth—that what’s meant to return always does, softer, wiser, and more whole. And when it finally finds its way back, we’re reminded that love—like music—it can still rise, even after all the noise has faded.

Like Aura, your love never needed to announce its return—𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘐𝘝 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘥—quiet, steady, and most deeply felt in the stillness that made room for its becoming.

✍️ Raphanyl Asuelo
🎨 Keira Dimalanta and Heloise Tan

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