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The Prism, Tacloban City (2025)

23/12/2023

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞

In the bustling halls of the university, where ambition meets expectation, a silent crisis is brewing.

Exhausted eyes, sleep-deprived smiles, days bleed into nights, fueled by caffeine and desperation. Students, juggling mountains of coursework, extracurricular commitments, and the ever-present pressure to excel, are buckling under the weight of stress. With their mental health bearing the brunt of the burden.

Imagine waking up to the incessant chirping of an alarm clock, not just signaling the start of another day, but the commencement of a marathon of deadlines, exams, and presentations. This is the reality for millions of students worldwide, their schedules overflowing with academic obligations that leave little room for anything else. Sleep becomes a luxury, meals become rushed affairs, and social interactions dwindle to fleeting exchanges between classes.

The constant pressure to perform, fueled by an environment obsessed with grades and rankings, creates a toxic cocktail of anxiety and self-doubt. The fear of failure looms large, casting a shadow over every homework assignment and test scores. This relentless stress manifests in a myriad of ways: sleepless nights, crippling anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and even physical symptoms like headaches and digestive issues.

The impact on mental health is undeniable. Studies have shown a strong correlation between academic pressure and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation. The pressure to excel can become so overwhelming that students lose sight of their own well-being, neglecting their physical and emotional needs in pursuit of academic validation.

Students must remember that their worth is not defined by grades or test scores. Seeking help when overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to strength and self-awareness. Engaging in self-care practices, prioritizing sleep and relaxation, and building strong support networks are essential for navigating the academic landscape without compromising mental health.

The pursuit of knowledge should not come at the cost of one's well-being. It is time to break free from the shackles of academic pressure and prioritize the mental health of our students. Let us foster learning environments that nurture not just academic excellence, but also healthy minds and resilient spirits. Only then can we truly equip students to succeed, not just in the classroom, but in life.

✍️: M. A. Pajarilla |The Prism Publication Feature
💻: A. M. Alfaro |The Prism Publication Creatives
Edited by: M. Pasalo

23/12/2023

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝟔.𝟐 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚

Beijing, China– Just before midnight struck on December 18, Monday a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck northwestern China.

It can be considered as the deadliest quake in the nation in nine years.

The strong earthquake that happened left at least 118 people, more than 700 individuals are injured, homes turned into rubble, damage roads closed, loss of communication lines and electricity outlines due to the 6.2 magnitude earthquake of the remote mountainous region area of Qinghai and Gansu provinces of northwestern China.

Authorities immediately mobilized emergency rescue team units to evacuate citizens who were affected and retrieve missing persons.
However, the harsh sub-zero conditions made it hard for the rescuers to search and treat possible survivors.

Earthquakes are common in western provinces such as Gansu which lie on the eastern boundary of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, a tectonically active area.

China’s deadliest quake in recent decades was in 2008 when a magnitude-8.0 temblor struck Sichuan, killing nearly 70,000 people.
The epicenter was 5 km from the border between Gansu and a neighboring province, Qinghai, where strong tremors were also felt.

✍️: M.J. Dela Rea |The Prism Publication News
💻: D. Calo |The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐌𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫

When I was young,
the radio was my companion,
Mesmerized by the music,
Oh, the excitement I felt,
The play of words,
rolled smoothly from her
The clarity of her voice,
echoed in the vastness of my mind.

When she starts talking—
Goosebumps rising.
The way she speaks,
Brings life to my imagination
The aura she carries, hypnotized me
Became my motivation and inspiration.

Endlessly wondering,
'How professional is she',
Clear and coherent as she speaks
Enthralls me
A thought keeps running,
'can I do the same?'
'Can I be like them?'
A never ending dream

Years of experience,
Carries insights and knowledge
expectations rise than expected
A privilege of her help

Finally saw her
We took a picture—
Such a treasure,
I would keep—
In my heart so deep.

✍️:R. Viñas |The Prism Publication Literary
💻:A. M. Suyom |The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐔𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞

a multifaceted world
where variants of reality diverge
a collection of illusories
to get a full view
a sole lense won't do

a world irrevocably paradoxical
with a myriad of irregularities
broken in a way
a specified lense wouldn't even suffice
let alone one that is unwiped.

✍️:C. N. Ladrera |The Prism Publication Literary
💻: A. M. Suyom |The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐄 𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐋 𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐘𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐀𝐋

The ongoing territorial disputes over Philippines and China is still on the rise as new reports about one of several Chinese vessels photographed by the Western Command loitering around the Ayungin Shoal on Thursday (Dec. 14, 2023). This latest movement of China have prompted some experts to prematurely conclude that it’s not just an attempt to trespass rather, it has launched full-fledged invasion of the West Philippine Sea.

According to the Western Command (Wescom), despite heightened concerns raised by some security experts, Puerto Princesa Palawan do not consider the swarming of Chinese vessels in the Ayungin Shoal as invasion.

“As far as we are concerned, what we are seeing on the ground are the same old swarming tactics employed by the Chinese," Wescom spokesperson, Commander Ariel Coloma added.

In an article written by maritime security expert and former United States (US) defense official Ray Powell, calling Beijing’s increased presence in the disputed waters an “invasion”, Coloma stated that the entry of Chinese vessels into the shoal's interior is a rare event, potentially constituting an "unprecedented" development and urged the author to explain his basis for using the term "invasion" in his article for it has led many to believe that the already tense situation in the West Philippine Sea has escalated even further.

Within the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal there is a single China Coast Guard (CCG) ship lingering in the area along with other nearby stationed CMM Chinese maritime militia vessels, a pattern consistent with conventional Chinese swarming strategy.

As a response to the situation Coloma stated that “We have air and surface assets currently patrolling the area. This is in addition to the littoral monitoring station aboard BRP Sierra Madre. We have been deploying our troops to try to confront these Chinese vessels,” Coloma added.

He then stated that higher headquarters will decide whether a stronger response by the Armed Forces of the Philippines is warranted.

(Photo courtesy of Wescom)

✍️: J. M. Avelino / The Prism Publication News
💻: D. Calo/ The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐚

Alone under the sky— wondering,
Watching the sea— pondering,
As my eyes land that ethereal beauty,
You glow so bright, filling me.

My heart that has experienced the worst,
In this world of unending loathe,
You make it bright,
By your unending light.

Your light, my solace.
My anxiety feels peace,
Your light, my safe place,
My worries feel at ease.

Your light is my anchor,
Thy presence that devours,
Your beauty — timeless,
You— priceless.

The haven in my the darkest of night
The shelter who keeps me alright
By your light, wipe away my anxious tears
And lighten up away my fears.

✍️: J.A. Paquiding / The Prism Publication Literary
💻: A. M. Suyom / The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

There is much more to say,
but I stayed silent.
Trying to be okay,
hampering moans that are strident.

With emotions suppressed,
tears poured like a cloudburst.
As though life is cursed,
to have everything of worst.

One moments of happiness,
for a season of despair.
Craving for calmness,
through this arduous affair.

With the moon as a spectator,
of my woeful nights.
Reminiscing our every endeavor,
feeling fits of delight.

✍️: J. A. Palacio /The Prism Publication Literary
💻A. M. Suyom /The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓!

In an intense elimination round match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Blacklist International emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Geek Fam in the M5 World Championship. The Blacklist International team showcased their resilience by securing three thrilling comeback victories after losing Game 1 to a determined Indonesian squad.

Geek Fam started strong in Game 1, dominating Blacklist’s side lanes and causing early deaths for Kiel “Oheb” Soriano. With an impressive 11,000 gold lead, Geek Fam seemed poised for victory. However, the tide turned in favor of Blacklist after taking down Manuel “Nnael” Simbolon and executing a lord take, allowing them to swiftly destroy Geek Fam’s turrets in less than two minutes.

Blacklist International continued their winning streak, ultimately sending Geek Fam home. The Geek Fam team, led by two Filipinos, Allen “Baloyskie” Baloy and Mark “Markyyy” Capacio, had an impressive run, securing their qualification for the world championship and making their first-ever MPL Indonesia finals appearance.

Unfortunately, Geek Fam faced a setback in the playoffs when Nnael received a two-game suspension for an inappropriate gesture during their group stage match against European team Deus Vult.

Blacklist International will now face Deus Vult in the next round, who advanced after a nail-biting 3-2 victory against Cambodian representatives SeeYouSoon. The match is scheduled for Saturday morning at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

In another M5 action, Deus Vult showcased their resilience by coming back from a 2-game deficit to eliminate SeeYouSoon. This achievement marks a historic moment for the European, Middle East, and Central Asia region, solidifying Deus Vult’s dark horse status against a strong Cambodian team. Carl “Carvi” Tinio, Eduard “Magistor” Rukosuev, and Kemiran “Sunset Lover” Kochkarov stood out as key players in Deus Vult’s comeback, earning MVP honors in all three wins.

✍️: P. Serdeña |The Prism Publication Sports
💻: D. Costa |The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐂𝐀𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝟑, 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐚’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝

San Beda University emerged as the champions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men’s basketball finals after a thrilling showdown against Mapua University. In a game filled with intensity and excitement, San Beda secured a 76-66 victory in the decisive Game 3, leaving Mapua’s championship dreams shattered.

The clash between San Beda and Mapua on Sunday, December 17, at the Araneta Coliseum showcased the determination and skill of both teams. San Beda’s Red Lions showcased their dominance, claiming their 23rd championship title in NCAA men’s basketball history. Their remarkable performance throughout the season culminated in a resounding victory in the finals.

Coach Yuri Escueta of San Beda expressed his admiration for the players dedication and perseverance. He acknowledged the challenges they faced and praised their ability to overcome adversity. Escueta, who was awarded Coach of the Year, commended the team’s hard work and resilience.

Yukien Andrada of the San Beda Red Lions delivered an outstanding performance in the crucial game. He contributed 20 points, including 18 crucial points in the closing minutes, along with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Mapua struggled to maintain their momentum, allowing San Beda to seize the opportunity and claim the championship.

With this victory, San Beda extended their lead over the Letran Knights, who hold 20 titles, cementing their status as one of the most successful teams in NCAA men’s basketball history. On the other hand, Mapua showcased their strength throughout the season but fell short of clinching the championship. They finished tied for fifth place with the JRU Heavy Bombers, both with six titles each.

The triumph of the San Beda Red Lions in Game 3 of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball finals reflects their unwavering determination and hard work. Their relentless pursuit of excellence paid off with a well-deserved championship win, solidifying their legacy in NCAA men’s basketball history.

✍️: J. M. Deymos |The Prism Publication Sports
💻: D. Costa |The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝟐

In a stunning turn of events, San Beda's head coach made a strategic decision to start rookie AJ Royo in Game 2 alongside the team's seasoned players. This marked Royo's first-ever starting role in the season, and Coach Escueta revealed the interesting reason behind this choice.

"Natulog ako nang maaga nung Friday ng gabi, natulog ako ng 8:00, napanaginipan ko na ini-start ko siya eh, kaya stinart ko siya today," Escueta shared after the Red Lions' win last Sunday.

It turns out that Coach Escueta had a dream where he saw Royo excelling in the starting lineup. Trusting his instincts, he implemented this change in their game plan, and it proved to be a game-changer.

Facing off against Mapua's formidable guards, Royo showcased his composure and held his ground, contributing six points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. His defensive skills were also on display, as he made significant contributions in stopping Mapua's backcourt.

"𝑯𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆. 𝑯𝒆'𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔," 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑬𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒂.

This bold move by San Beda's coach paid off, as they secured a hard-fought 71-65 victory. The team's trust in Royo's abilities and his impactful performance proved to be a key factor in their success.

✍️M. A. Telimban | The Prism Publication Sports
💻D. Costa | The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐓𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲: 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬.

Guessing that most of us would agree that sometimes it is a tiring world; it is tiring when responsibilities, expectations, and dreams burst into reality like shoppers on the day before Christmas.

It is tiring when you feel like you are running out of time, running out of air, and left behind like unwanted merchandise waiting for a landfill. It is tiring when you are unhappy, worn out, and lost; navigating your way through a stream of pushcarts.

It is tiring to be wearing white, standing still; watching a movie about strangers roaming around. It is tiring how those brown, lifeless boxes pile up and are still pulled by gravity. It is a tiring world indeed, and we need more of these smiles.

✍️&📸: Scott C. Alonzo | The Prism Publication Creatives
💻: M. Aballe | The Prism Publication Creatives

22/12/2023

𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐄 𝐌. 𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐍: 𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘
𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄

"𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓈𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓌𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁, 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒, 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓆𝓊𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹, 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝓇𝒾𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝓁𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓀𝓈."
-𝒱𝒾𝓇𝑔𝒾𝓃𝒾𝒶 𝒲𝑜𝑜𝓁𝒻

A poet, a mother, a mentor, and an educator- all embodied in one woman.
Merlie M. Alunan is a Filipina poet, also known as the "Mother of Waray-Waray Poetry". Was once in the middle of solitude when she found herself reading and writing poetry. The life experiences of Ms. Alunan have never been easy. Without any support as a single mother, she still paved the way for her success. Her story proves that hardships do not mean ruining one's individuality, rather it builds one into a great masterpiece.

In May of 1983, she arrived in Ormoc City from Cebu after living in with her then husband, and her life there did not go well. Despite the obstacles Alunan was facing, and the uncertainties, she did not let the chance to brood on being broken. And in June, of the same year, she was hired as a professor at the University of the Philippines in Visayas-Tacloban College. However, she was still in the process of healing and finding the courage to step away from her comfort zone. The opportunities and her destiny to become a poet have made way to where she is now.

Together with fellow Waray literature scholars and poets, they held the first Creative Writing Workshop. Alunan also explored different writing fellowships as a recipient from the UP Creative Writing Center. She also gave life to her poems using different languages which makes it undeniably unique and interesting. During those years, her poetry started to receive recognition from prestigious award-giving bodies. Her collections of poems entitled 'Poems for Amina' won first prize in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

In 2010, she also received the award, 'Ananda Coomaraswamy Fellowship in Literature' from the Sahitya Akademia. Wherein she gave lectures in different universities in India. The 'Ani Ng Dangal' from the National Commission for Culture and Arts in 2014 with her most recent poetry collection, 'Running the Ghost' won the National Book Award for Poetry in 2018.

Alunan is more than just an English writer. She is also known for advocating the use of our own native language most especially when crafting literary works. She is now a professor Emeritus in University of the Philippines and awarded upon her retirement in 2008. Without doubt, she deserves the manifold recognitions. The mind-opening collections of her poems are proof that she can regenerate language and make it sing.

She is, indeed, The Timeless Legacy of Literature.

✍️C. J. Lorica / The Prism Publication Feature
💻A. M. Alfaro / The Prism Publication Creatives
Edited by: M. Pasalo

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