Pasay City Secondary Editors Guild

19/06/2025

Mensahe ng Pasay City Editors Guild para sa Ika-124 Anibersaryo ng Kapanganakan ni G*t. Jose Rizal

Sa bayan ng Calamba, lalawigan ng Laguna, unang nasilayan ng mga sinag ng araw ang munting Rizal: ang sanggol na tatahak sa landas ng pagiging pambansang bayani, ang isisilang na tinig ng bayan, at ang magiging pag-asa ng lahing Pilipino.

Ngayong ika-164 anibersaryo ng kanyang kapanganakan, muli nating ipinagdiriwang hindi lamang ang kanyang alaala, kundi ang diwang hindi kailanman ipinipi, panulat na kailanma’y hindi itinigil, at paninindigang hindi kailanman yumuko.

Bilang mga tagapagsalita ng katotohanan, bilang mga kabataang manunulat ng lungsod, inspirasyon namin si Rizal: hindi lamang dahil sa kanyang talino o galing, kundi dahil sa kanyang tapang na magsalita sa panahon ng katahimikan, at pag-ibig sa Inang Bayan na nilampasan pa ang kanyang sariling kaligtasan.

Sa panahong patuloy ang laban para sa edukasyon, kalayaan, at pagkakapantay-pantay, dalangin naming maging buhay sa bawat pahina ng aming pagsusulat ang kanyang mithiin: isang lipunang may dangal, may diwa, at may diwaing handang mag-alay ng sarili para sa kapakanan ng marami.

Mabuhay ang alaala ni Dr. Jose Rizal. Mabuhay ang kabataang sumusulat para sa bayan.

15/06/2025

Para sa mga ama na tahimik na nagpasan ng bigat ng mundo.
Para sa mga ina na marunong ding magsuot ng sapatos ng isang ama.
Para sa mga gurong naging ilaw at haligi sa parehong pagkakataon.
Para sa mga amang patuloy na minamahal—kahit sa mundong minsan ay hindi sila kinikilala.

Para sa’yo, Super Dad.

Hindi lang sa dugo nasusukat ang pag-aaruga.

Happy Father's Day.
Mula sa Pasay City Secondary Editors Guild, mga salitang alay sa lahat ng anyo ng ama.

11/06/2025

Taun-taon nating ipinagdiriwang ang Araw ng Kalayaan.

Ngunit sa gitna ng mga bandila at parada, hindi natin maiwasang itanong: ito ba ang kalayaang pinangarap ng ating mga bayani?

Kalayaang hindi lamang nasusukat sa pag-alis ng dayuhang pamumuno, kundi sa pagkakaroon ng dignidad, katarungan, at pagkakapantay-pantay.
Kalayaan sa gutom.
Kalayaan sa marami pang bagay na nakakulong ang bawat Pilipino.

Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, hangga't may mga pusong handang magmahal sa bayan, hangga’t may mga tinig na hindi tumatahimik, buhay ang pag-asa para sa isang tunay na malayang Pilipinas.

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan.

Huwag tayong tumigil hangga’t ang bayan ay tunay nang malaya.

Isang mensahe mula sa Pasay City Secondary Editors Guild

07/06/2025

𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐩 𝐍𝐢𝐲𝐨 𝐏𝐨 𝐁𝐚 𝐀𝐤𝐨?
[𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍]

"No matter gay, straight, or bi, le***an, transgendered life, I'm on the right track, baby, I was born to survive."
—Lady Gaga, Born This Way

Sa panahong ating ginagalawan, unti-unti na nating nararamdaman ang pagdampi ng liwanag sa matagal nang nilulumot na dilim. Subalit sa kabila ng pag-unlad, may mga kaluluwang patuloy na nagkukubli, may mga tinig na hindi pa rin makapangahas magsalita, at may mga pusong nangungulila sa pagtanggap, hindi dahil sa kakulangan, kundi dahil sa takot.

Ako si Alexis Pabello—isang batang mamamahayag, isang tinig sa mga pahina, ngunit may tinig ring madalas matakpan ng pangamba. Araw-araw ay tila paglalakad sa bubog, sapagkat sa likod ng bawat salita ay ang tanong na paulit-ulit kong itinatanong sa sarili: Tanggap ba nila ako? Tanggap ba nila ang kabuuan ko, bilang isang bakla, bilang isang nilalang na ang tanging kasalanan ay ang magmahal ng totoo at mabuhay nang totoo?

Ngunit sa bawat artikulong aking inilalathala, sa bawat titik na aking binubuo, unti-unting nababasag ang katahimikang pilit isiniksik sa akin ng lipunan. Unti-unti kong nauunawaan: walang mali sa pagiging bakla. Walang mali sa pagiging ikaw. Ako'y isinilang hindi upang ikubli ang sarili, kundi upang yakapin ito. Sapagkat kung hindi ako ganito, siguro'y hindi nila makikilala ang Alexis na may tinig, may paninindigan, at may puso para sa katotohanan.

Sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Pride, isang paanyaya ang nais kong ipaabot: mga kapwa ko bahaghari, isigaw natin ang ating mga saloobin, isayaw natin ang ating mga kwento, at ipinta natin ang ating mga karanasan sa mga mata ng mundong minsan ay tumanggi sa atin.

Sa mga patuloy pa ring nagtatago, hindi dahil sa kahinaan kundi dahil sa pangangalaga sa sarili, hindi kayo nag-iisa. Darating ang araw na ang takot ay mapapalitan ng tapang. Darating ang araw na hindi mo na kailangang itanong kung tanggap ka nila, dahil tinanggap mo na ang sarili mo nang buo.

Maging sino ka man, bakla, tomboy, bi, trans, q***r, o alinmang kulay sa bahaghari—karapat-dapat kang mahalin, igalang, at ipagdiwang. Sapagkat sa mundong ito, ang pinaka-rebolusyonaryong gawain ay ang mabuhay nang totoo.

Sa bawat pintig ng puso nating bahaghari, tandaan mo: Wala kang kasalanan. Wala kang dapat ikahiya. Isinilang kang may dahilan at ang dahilan mo ay mabuhay, magmahal at magpakatotoo.

𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘨𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘪 𝘴𝘢 #𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩2025 𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘯𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘰 𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘪 𝘴𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢.

𝘚𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘬𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘶𝘶𝘩𝘪𝘯, 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘈𝘒𝘈𝘛𝘈𝘖𝘕𝘎 𝘔𝘈𝘔𝘈𝘔𝘈𝘏𝘈𝘠𝘈𝘎 𝘯𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵 𝘕𝘈𝘎𝘓𝘐𝘓𝘐𝘕𝘎𝘒𝘖𝘋 𝘗𝘈𝘙𝘈 𝘚𝘈 𝘒𝘈𝘛𝘖𝘛𝘖𝘏𝘈𝘕𝘈𝘕.

Para sa iba pang kapana-panabik na mga balita, i-like at i-follow ang Ang Haligi - Pasay City West High School FB Page.

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✍️: Alexis Pabello
👩‍💻: Sofia Sapuyot

06/06/2025

From the Pasay City Secondary Editors Guild, we join our brothers and sisters in Pasay and across the world in celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.

Rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and devotion, this sacred occasion honors his willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of compassion, generosity, and unity.

May this day bring peace, reflection, and renewed purpose to all who celebrate.

03/06/2025

A heartwarming reminder from The Fawn: Stop Homophobia. For somewhere over the rainbow, there’s a kid waiting to be seen.

—𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗡—
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘸
🖋️ by: Shawn Derick Sistoso
💻 by: Eden Rei

My rights as an LGBTQ+ student remain at high risk, bit by bit fading from the grasp of my hand; just like how rainbows fade into the atmosphere. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m terrified.

Being a kid who grew up in an unsafe household, where events like yelling and dishes being thrown against the cold cement wall would always triumph over communication, made me feel like I was stranded in no man's land. The only time when a kid like me felt heard was when I had my sisters by my side, always reassuring me that we’d make it through all the hardship together. They taught me how to be investigative, empathetic, and most of all, the voice of the oppressed. After a few years, I finally had the courage to open up to my family about my homos*xuality and how I don’t feel safe in the outside world, let alone my house itself. They understood and took my concerns seriously, something that religious governments wouldn’t dare to do.

Imagine that you’re a child of two overly religious parents, claiming that if you’re romantically attracted to the same gender, you’d never end up in God’s good graces and be sent to hell, the inferno of the damned. You fear for your life as you walk around the streets, constantly on edge due to the rise of hate crimes in your area. You live your life as if you were to be shot on sight if someone were to find out you were attracted to the same gender, dress like the opposite s*x, or even act outside of the norm for that fact. That scenario only encapsulates a fraction of today's problems, and we have failed to make it right.

𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗜: The Social Stigma

According to a research paper entitled “2024 Philippines National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People,” conducted by The Trevor Project, found that 3 in 4 (75%) of young people who identify as LGBTQ+ have seriously considered su***de, and nearly half (46%) have attempted to take their own lives. Along with that, 62% have reported having symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as engaging in self-harm in the past year, with a staggering 59%.

Almost 1 in 5 (19%) of the LGBTQ+ youth have been threatened or subjected to conversion therapy. George Barasa, a Gay gender non-conforming Kenyan living in South Africa, and a survivor of conversion therapy, explained that, “Conversion therapy is not a single event—it is a process of continued degradation and assault on the core of who you are. There are often repeated violations in the form of psychological and sometimes physical abuse…It is not one instance—it is a continued sense of rejection. The pressure is enormous.”

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) found that LGBTQ+ Filipinos continue to experience stigma, prejudice, and discrimination in various aspects of society. The stigma manifests in different ways, such as bullying, teasing, and harassment in families, schools, and communities. Experiences like these contribute to intense psychological distress, which includes the following: fear, sadness, anger, alienation, and internalized hatred towards oneself.

𝗔𝗖𝗧 2: Religion, Culture, and Background

According to an article in Time Magazine, reconciling LGBT identity with Catholic faith presents challenges in the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country. Many LGBTQ+ individuals still face opposition and struggle to integrate their faith with their s*xual orientation and gender expression. This tension reflects the broader societal challenges of balancing religious beliefs with LGBTQ+ acceptance.

A 2024 study published in the International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science found that LGBTQ+ Filipinos with strong religious affiliations often experience internal conflicts between their faith and s*xual identity. The study highlights that many individuals face discrimination and exclusion within their religious communities, leading to feelings of isolation and distress. These challenges are compounded by teachings that label homos*xuality as morally wrong, exacerbating the psychological burden on LGBTQ+ individuals striving to reconcile their beliefs with their identities.

𝗔𝗖𝗧3: Importance of the SOGIESC bill

The S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC) bill focuses on a country where no person is discriminated against based on their s*x, age, class, status, ethnicity, color, disability, religious and political beliefs, s*xual orientation, gender identity or expression, or s*x characteristics. This bill ensures equal rights for all Filipino citizens, not just the LGBTQIA+ community.

A common misconception that has been ingrained in the media’s mind is that the said bill only chases after more rights and is claimed “unfair” as they already have the same rights as the average man. However, they fail to realize that this also protects heteros*xual men and women from discrimination, rendering their arguments almost ironic to the entire point of the bill. From what I’ve observed in my city, homophobic religious people usually use the bible as an excuse to undermine the true colors of the Bible. The clashing part of their “word from God” is that they, too, are protected, as religious beliefs are to be respected.

Being a child is one thing, but being a child who identifies as a homos*xual is an entirely different story. I worry about my education, because to think that one day, if the wrong people are elected, the only thing that’ll ever help me get to a safe place would be stripped away from me. It is said that the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines guarantees the right to liberty. Specifically, Section 1 of the Bill of Rights states that "no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law". This fundamental right is enshrined within the constitution to protect individuals from arbitrary deprivation of their freedom.

Hopefully, one day, I will wake up to see the birds chirping, the streets safe and lively, and the rainbow full of color.

02/06/2025

Sa bawat taludtod, may tapang. Sa bawat salita, may pagmamahal.

Ngayong Pride Month, ibinabahagi ng Ang Bantayog ang isang tula mula sa isa sa mga mamamahayag ng nito na si Rhealyn Bacud — isang pagpupugay sa pagkakaiba-iba at pagmamahal sa sarili.

02/06/2025

As a new Congress begins this June, we are reminded that laws shape lives — and that the cost of delay is real. It’s time to pass a bill that affirms dignity, protects identity, and moves us closer to true equality.

From the archives of The Quantum: Soggy Bill

As a new Congress opens this June, we ask:
Will they finally listen, or let another term pass soaked in silence?

SOGIESC stands for S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and S*x Characteristics — terms that describe how we identify, express ourselves, and experience the world.

Contrary to the myth that the SOGIESC Equality Bill only protects the LGBTQIA+ community, the truth is this: everyone has a SOGIESC. Whether you’re cisgender or q***r, straight or gay, you have a s*xual orientation, a gender identity, a way of expressing that identity, and physical traits related to s*x.

That’s why the SOGIESC Equality Bill matters. It’s not about granting special privileges — it’s about ensuring no one is harmed, excluded, or denied opportunities just because of who they are or how they express themselves. For too long, students, workers, and everyday Filipinos have been denied protection simply because their SOGIESC doesn’t align with outdated norms.

For more than 2 decades, the SOGIESC Equality Bill has gathered dust while more and more lives are ridiculed, restricted, and rejected.

Enough delay. Enough excuses.
The time to pass the SOGIESC Bill is now.

Read from the archives: Soggy Bill
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EhHRY4jNx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/06/2025

Ngayong buwan ng Hunyo, umaalingawngaw ang panawagan: Karapat-dapat ka. Hindi dahil natutuhan mo itong ipaglaban—kundi dahil simula’t sapul, karapatan mo ito.

Basahin ang artikulong “Karapat-dapat Ka” nina Kristine Nicole A. Baldo at Loraine Olilang mula sa Ang Bagwis, isang paalala na sa mundong puno ng pagbabago, ang pagiging totoo sa sarili ang pinakamagandang kulay na maipipinta.

"𝙆𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙩-𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙖"

Karapat-dapat kang mahalin, igalang, at tanggapin—hindi sa kabila ng iyong pagkatao, kundi dahil sa kung sino ka. Ang iyong kulay, tinig, at pagkatao ay may lugar sa mundong ito. Hindi mo kailangang humingi ng paumanhin sa pagiging ikaw dahil walang mali sa pagiging totoo.

Ngayong Pride Month, ating bigyang-pugay ang lahat ng miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community at palakasin ang panawagan na walang sinuman ang dapat pagkaitan ng karapatan dahil sa kanilang kasarian o pagkakakilanlan. Ang bawat kulay ng bahaghari ay may sariling kwento ng tapang, pag-asa, at pagmamahal.

Walang mali sayo, hindi ka nag-iisa, kasama ka sa kulay, at mahalaga ka gaya ng iba. 🏳️‍🌈

✍️: Kristine Nicole A. Baldo
💻: Loraine Olilang

01/06/2025

Hindi mo kailangang magbago para matanggap. Ang mundo ang dapat matutong tumanggap sa iyo. Mula sa Ang Bantayog, hindi ka depektibo, at iyan ang totoo.

"𝙃𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞 𝙠𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙠𝙩𝙞𝙗𝙤~" ✨

At iyan ang totoo. Lahat tayo ay pantay. Anuman ang iyong kasarian ay 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘺𝘢, bagkus ay nararapat na ipagmalaki at gamitin sa tamang paraan.

Ngayong makulay na buwan ng Hunyo, ating kilalanin at bigyang-papugay ang mga kababayan nating bahagi ng 𝘓𝘎𝘉𝘛𝘘𝘐𝘈+ 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. Silang may mga malalaking ambag at magagandang impluwensiya sa bansa at daigdig.

Para sa mga bahagi nito, nais naming malaman ninyo na 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘪'𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘮𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘺𝘰 𝘴𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯. Gaya ng isang bahaghari, isa kayo sa mga nagsisilbing pag-asa sa kabila ng mga suliranin.

Karapatan ninyo ang mabigyan ng 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘨𝘢𝘱, kaya huwag matakot tumindig.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!🏳️‍🌈💖



✍️: Andrea Dawn Fernandez
💻: Jillianne About
✅: Gng. Jacqueline D. Reyes, Gurong Tagapayo

01/06/2025

Three simple words. For many, a lifelong weight. In this heartfelt Pride Month feature, The Ivory of Democracy explores what it means to come out in a world that still tells people to hide.

Read the full feature Mama, I’m Gay by Maria Marinelle Pawa, with layout by Ashley Maglucot.

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 || 𝙈𝙖𝙢𝙖, 𝙄'𝙢 𝙂𝙖𝙮

✍️: Maria Marinelle Pawa
💻: Ashley Maglucot

Three words a lot of people can't seem to let out continue to sit heavily on the back of their tongue like a scream begging to come out. They know that no matter how liberating it will feel after letting those words come out, it might also be greeted by rejection or a strained smile that tries to understand but fails.

It all starts with finding out about the closet and how its walls will protect their true nature from all the meticulous eyes and judging looks. They hid it in there, thinking that it's their only choice and how pretending to be “straight” for a while will transform them into one.

“Why do I feel wrong for just being me? ” is what they ask into the pillows at night, unaware that it is the world— not themselves— that needs changing.

This is what Pride is all about: creating the world a place where nobody has to be afraid to come out. Where saying, “Mama, I'm gay” feels as natural and ordinary as saying, “Mama, I'm straight,” not like stepping into shame, but simply sharing a part of who you are.

National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, 74% of LGBTQ+ youth in the Philippines said they have experienced discrimination at some point because of their gender identity or s*xual orientation, and for the sole reason that they dared to be “different.”

In the colorful celebration of Pride Month, in the corner, there are still people screaming, “That's a sin!” “You are not normal!” Which is why Pride still matters— because being recognized, loved, and safe shouldn't be a privilege; it should be a right.

Envision a society where families publicly support their gay children at graduations, birthdays, and even first loves, and where every LGBTQ child is not just accepted but celebrated. A society in which people ask for pronouns without reluctance, where science and math classes promote inclusivity, and where no one is made to feel bad for just existing.

This type of change can start in the little things, like a mother choosing love over silence or a friend choosing respect over a joke. It doesn't have to start with massive regulations or loud rallies. For acceptance to be effective, it need not be revolutionary. Sometimes all you need to do is listen to someone and believe them when they tell you, "Mama, I'm gay." This time, it should be greeted with a beaming smile, a warm embrace, and a simple assurance that every child should hear: "And I love you just the same."

Happy Pride Month! 🏳‍🌈

29/05/2025

Hands spoke, hearts listened, and gold was won.

The Pasay City Secondary Editors Guild proudly congratulates gold medalist Rhian Gabrielle Pagbunucan for her outstanding win in SNED EXPO - Story Interpretation in Filipino Sign Language, coached by the ever-dedicated Ms. Kleer E. Tantay from the Philippine School for the Deaf.