Chi Rho Publications

26/11/2025

The law chooses simplicity, but reality often does not.

Today’s raises concerns about the filed ‘Emman Atienza Bill’ and the dangers of reducing a complex mental health crisis to being victimized by a single villain: cyberbullying.

Whether you’re an ordinary citizen or a policymaker, there is an urgent need to keep systemic neglect in the picture during conversations about su***de. When we overlook inaccessible resources, economic precarity, and institutional failures, we risk memorializing tragedy without learning from it.

Article and Caption by Sofia Ysabel Mariano, Opinion Writer
Layout by Justine Kish Valiente, Layout Artist

26/11/2025

Last November 17, various students and campus journalists from different colleges gathered at Miriam College SMT Lecture Room 3 & 4 for a forum on the safety of women journalists, echoing a powerful call to protect the voices who carry truth to the public frontlines while at the same time face threats of violence and increased risk of safety.

Through thoughtful exchanges between the speakers and audience, the forum centered on topics of safety, mental health, and digital threats.

Dr. Melanie Reyes, the Executive Director of Miriam College Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the complex landscape journalism faces today, where verifying truth is increasingly challenging. She reminded the audience that this forum is more than an exchange of ideas but a call to action. This was followed by Margit Loidolt, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul of the Austrian Embassy in Manila, who emphasized Austria’s commitment to the advocacy of ensuring the safety of women journalists worldwide.

The first panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Lorna Israel chairperson of the International Development, Innovation and Sustainability (IDIS) department, featured Jamela Alindogan, International journalist and Executive Director of Sinagtala center for women and children in conflict, and Nataliya Gumenyuk, CEO of Public Interest journalism. They discussed the unique challenges women journalists encounter on the frontlines, from misogynistic attacks and red-tagging to unequal sympathy and the pressure to stay silent about harassment. Both emphasized how appearance is often weaponized to discredit women, and how the power of women’s storytelling must be recognized and protected.

The second panel, “From the Newsroom to Cyberspace: Ensuring Safety in the Digital Age”, moderated by Jona Villasante, featured Karen Lema, Bureau Chief of Reuters and President of FOCAP, and Mariejo Ramos, Correspondent for Context News of Thomson Reuters Foundation. They shared experiences of coordinated online harassment and the emotional toll of reporting on sensitive issues, calling for better digital safety preparedness and mental health support.

The third panel was entitled “Next-Gen Journalists: Building a Culture of Safety and Inclusion”. Moderated by Kelsey Hadjirul, the discussion featured Therese San Diego-Torres, President of the Asian Institute for Journalism and Communication, and Rhea Padilla, News Director and Board Secretary of Altermidya. They highlighted the need to adapt to new media spaces while ensuring communities still have the access to truthful reporting, and stressed the urgency of establishing ethical guidelines for the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within and beyond journalism.

Finally, the last panel, entitled “Global Alliances for Safer Journalism Lessons from Europe and the Philippines”, comprised Julia Haas of the OSCE, Ms. Pia Friedrich, First Secretary of the German Embassy Manila, and Aida Sahraoui Solerof, a member of UNESCO. The final panel session, moderated by Ayeshane Balili, discussed the necessity of global frameworks for journalist protection, the connectivity of online and offline violence, and the correlation of democracy with easier access to global protection. UNESCO’s initiatives such as the UN Plan of Action and campaigns on AI facilitate gender-based violence were also underscored as essential tools for protecting women journalists.

The multiple discussions raised a productive conversation on the need of increased mechanisms that should reinforce a collective commitment to safer journalism and raised queries on the cultures practiced in confronting the issue.

This event was made possible through the Miriam College Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), the Media Freedom Coalition, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and Chi Rho Publications, with coordination support from Mia Franczesca D. Estipona, Regional Project Coordinator of the Media Freedom Coalition Secretariat.

Report by Eunela Rain Ayop, Features Editor
Layout by Samara Linsangan, Photographer

25/11/2025

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (2025)

Trigger warning: mentions of physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and economic abuse.

The women’s fight for rights is arguably one of the most significant developments in human history. However, women have yet to break off from forms of oppression such as discrimination and violence.

Today, the world commemorates International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW) which calls for the safety, security, and human rights of all women.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2022), 17.5% of Filipino women aged 15-49 experienced some form of violence from their partners/husbands.

Physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and economic abuse are types of violence against women, punishable by the law under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9262), the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7877), and the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313).

Today marks the beginning of the Philippine government's annual 18-day campaign to end VAW, running until December 12. It serves as a reminder that protecting women is not just a seasonal cause, but a sustained commitment that requires empathy and collective courage.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women may be centered on women but its impact extends to all.

And so, as we honor this day, may we refuse silence, reject tolerance for violence, and rise to build a world where no woman lives in fear, because a future free from violence is not just possible, it is necessary, and it begins with all of us.

Write-up and layout by Greatian Vicente, Literary Writer

25/11/2025

1 MONTH LEFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 🎄

Here's something to look forward to during the finals season!

Christmas is just around the corner, and we hope you'll have a warm and jolly season. May your days be merry and bright, Knollers! 🌟

Caption by Diane Lamano, Managing Editor
Layout by Diane Lamano, Managing Editor and Marithea Balopeños, Senior Layout Artist

25/11/2025

Imagine a tale where sisterhood twists into shadow, and the phrase "once taken, it can never be returned" echoes as if it's the absolute truth.

In this week's , Clau Soriano tells a haunting narrative of betrayal, where a person's supposed sister became the specter of their anguish. Everything once cherished–all snatched away, mourning for having to feel as if they never belonged to them at all.

Caption and Layout by Leianna Lopez, Literary Editor
Work by Clau Soriano, Literary Writer

21/11/2025

‘MIRIAM COLLEGE, NGAYON AY LUMALABAN!’

The Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Miriam (Sanggu) organized a White Friday Protest to stand against corruption and demand answers, action, and change at the Miriam College Perimeter Fence today, November 21.

Knollers wore white as a symbol of solidarity, and chanted “Ang Miriam College, ngayon ay lumalaban!” while encouraging vehicles to honk their horns to strengthen the noise over the barrage.

Report and Photos by Thea Nicole Reyes, Associate Editor and Althea Santos, Illustrator

20/11/2025

On November 5, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Department of Political Science hosted "CTRL + Politics: How Pop Culture Shapes the Political Scene in the Philippines" at the UST Auditorium in the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building.

The forum featured five distinguished speakers who examined the intersection of pop culture and politics, ranging from media experts to the academe. Asst. Prof. Ronald M. Castillo, a professor of the UST PolSci elective ‘Special Topics on Diplomacy in Asia,’ gave an engaging discussion on how internet networks operate and classified pop culture as a product of historical and social contexts. Director, writer, and producer Charlie Vitug demonstrated the connection between politics and media representation, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement in informed political participation. UST alumnus Kishi Abaca (Political Science ‘25) presented research on the portrayal of anti-dissent in Filipino films from 2010 to 2024 and its effect on youth activism. Her work explores the tangible effects on-screen representations have on the attitudes and perceptions of the youth Filipino activist movement.

Mx. Czekaina Esrah Rapanot, an instructor from the University of the Philippine's College of Mass Communication, addressed how media shapes identity politics. She highlighted the relationship between consumerism, media influence, and public consciousness surrounding the culture of advertising.

Asst. Prof. Christopher Mitch Cerda from Ateneo de Manila University concluded the speaker series with insights on video game politics and the mediatization of political discourse, stressing the need to preserve authentic political identities to combat misinformation and artificial intelligence amidst digitalization.

In closing, Asst. Prof. Ma. Zenia Rodriguez gave a message to the audience, encouraging them to utilize pop culture as a lens for analyzing Philippine politics. CTRL + Politics showcased pop culture's role in bridging media and academic discourse with lived experiences in contemporary Philippine politics.

Article and photos by Sofia Martinez, Literary Writer

18/11/2025

Cards were laid, and surely, Chi Rho played!

NEWSROOM FEATURE: Miriam College’s campus press gathered for Chi Rho’s general assembly at the SMT Lecture Rooms 1 and 2 on November 17.

With the theme of "Echoes of Truth: Journalism Amidst Humanity's Missteps," the general assembly celebrated the near release of CARITAS 2025—the official digital magazine of Miriam College. CARITAS heads, Eunela Ayop, Features Editor, and Marithea Balopeños, Senior Layout Artist, gave a sneak peek into the works of this year's issue.

CARITAS highlights the creative expression of the members and contributors through its central concept, "Felhtritt: Missteps of Humanity." Inspired by the seven deadly sins, this theme explores how lapses in society are evident, while allowing for diverse interpretations of these misguided choices and actions. Overall, Eunela emphasized that this year's CARITAS is both a confession and a confrontation of our mistakes, of humanity's missteps, encouraging us to speak up about these discomforting yet necessary truths.

Although the magazine is yet to be in circulation, the project heads shared that the featured works are surely worth the wait. Marithea unveiled a preview of the magazine's content, such as the editorial photos that illustrate a specific capital sin. Likewise, Fritz Uggas, the head photographer of the CARITAS promotion team, shared some behind-the-scenes photos that certainly made the audience excited.

The staff dressed according to the magazine theme, and four of them successfully clinched the best dressed award: Thea Santos, Mara Romilla, Keii Ordoñez, and Julia Abacan.

The publication also engaged in interactive activities, such as "Guilty or Nah?" wherein shocking revelations from the audience were shared. The members and officers also participated in a game called "Sack It!" A thrilling five rounds highlighting teamwork and collaboration. Driven to win, members risked their sight and trusted their group as they deciphered several trends.

Moreover, Leianna Lopez, Literary Editor, and Fritz Uggas, Interim Head Photographer, invited the staffers to participate and look forward to Chi Rho's biggest event, the third installment of the interschool student competition Verses and Visuals.

Special thanks to Chi Rho’s General Assembly sponsor, Moussetache Cafe.

Written by Leianna Lopez, Literary Editor
Photos by Samara Linsangan, Photographer

18/11/2025

ICYMI: The annual "Lugawan Para sa Mindanao" for Miriam College's Mindanao Solidarity Week took place at the Little Theater Foyer today, November 18.

For 50 pesos, students gathered at the foyer to enjoy a warm lugaw for peace. "The idea is to pay a little bit more than the usual cost of a bowl of lugaw and to be aware that the extra is for an important cause," said MC Center for Peace Education (CPE) in its concept note for Mindanao Solidarity Week (MSW).

The "Lugawan" fundraiser is a decades-old a tradition of the Miriam College community in solidarity with Mindanao, and has become a flagship feature of MC CPE's MSW.

This year's proceeds will support the Twinning Project with 2 public schools in the BARMMM, Mindanao-related causes, and UNICEF's humanitarian aid to Palestinian war victims.

Report by Ruth Nacional, Editor-in-Chief
Photos by Danna Engracia, Photographer, and Fritz Uggas, Interim Head Photographer

17/11/2025

‘ONE KATIPUNAN, NGAYON AY LUMALABAN’

For International Students’ Day, progressive groups and students from schools along Katipunan avenue mobilize as “One Katipunan” to protest against corruption, fascism, and state neglect in front of the Santa Maria della Strada Parish today, November 17.

Among the youth leaders who spoke in the program were Joaquin Buenaflor, Chairperson of the UP Diliman University Student Council, Annika Torres, President of the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, and Elisha Zantua, Finance Officer of the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Miriam.



Report by Ruth Nacional
Photos by Samara Linsangan, Photographer

14/11/2025

11/11/2025

LIST: 10th MCIS MUN Awardees

The Secretariat, Chairs, delegates, and the faculty members gathered at the Miriam College Henry Sy, Sr. Innovation Center for the awarding ceremony of the 10th Miriam College International Studies Model United Nations (MCIS MUN) on November 8, 2025. Celebrating the event’s conclusion and recognizing the delegates’ undertakings, the 10th MCIS MUN served as a platform for meaningful discussions and debates on pressing global issues, fostering critical thinking and collaboration throughout its sessions.

The program started with an opening message from Ms. Mirma Tica-Ortiz, the moderator of the MCIS MUN. Ms. Tica-Ortiz looked back on the past ten years of the MCIS MUN, which has evolved and culminated in this year’s successful conference, grounded on the theme: “One Humanity, Shared Responsibility: Promoting Dialogue and Diplomacy Toward Sustainable Development.”

In her speech, she emphasized the true meaning of the gathering, which is a celebration of academic rigor, global responsibility, and collaboration, as well as the power of dialogue demonstrated at the conference, with shared experiences and knowledge turned into discussions for sustainable communities. She also echoed the inspiring words of Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and alumna of Batch 1979, who emphasized global citizenship and human dignity as guiding principles in every meaningful conversation.

Secretary-General Christianne Kelsey Hadjirul then delivered a report on what MCIS MUN truly stands for. She highlighted youth commitment, critical thinking, and courageous leadership that our time urgently demands as the climate crisis escalates and the world faces complex challenges. Reflecting on the months of preparation, she acknowledged the efforts of the Secretariat and Chairs working to ensure the event’s success. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to the International Studies faculty members, partners, and sponsors. Concluding her report, she left the audience with a powerful reminder to “keep the fire burning, and to keep the IS proud.”

In presenting the awards to the participants, Ms. Mirma Tica-Ortiz was joined by senior lecturer Ms. Jonalyn Villasante and the Secretariat to present the awards.

The recipients of the Opening Plenary Speaker Awards are:
Katrina Omagap from the Delegation of the People’s Republic of China
Julianne Duyala from the Delegation of the French Republic
Maria Roselda Ysabel Almazan from the Delegation of the Czech Republic
Morgana Villamil from the Delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and
Jacinta Sillorequez from the Delegation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The Rapporteur Awards were given to:
Jarynn Aleczandra Topacio (People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria) from the (Second Committee)
Fiona Gaibrielle Faustino (People’s Republic of China) from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Stephanie Claire Soldao (The Republic of Indonesia) from the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW)

The Best Policy Paper Award, given in recognition of outstanding skills in writing policy papers, was received by:
In the General Assembly: Maria Reina Yumen Zenarosa (South Africa), Carmela Ador Lapesura (Czech Republic), and Hannah Jezel Brania (Republic of the Union of Myanmar).

In the Second Committee: Alexa Ligaya (The Republic of Indonesia) and Mariella Mariz Rapiñan (The Islamic Republic of Pakistan).

In the UNHCR: Kasheena Collado (French Republic) and Kish Iyanah Repayo (The Republic of Indonesia).

In the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW): Anastasia Claudia Esguerra (Czech Republic), Julia Margareth Borres (Democratic Republic of Congo), and Stephanie Claire Soldao (The Republic of Indonesia).

The Outstanding Delegate Awards were given to:
Sereena Belen (The Islamic Republic of Pakistan) and Morgana Villamil (Democratic Republic of Congo) from the General Assembly

Yasmin Marcos (The United States of America) and Mavicka Noela Demetillo (People’s Republic of China) from the Second Committee

Princess Angela Comiso (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Kasheena Collado (French Republic) from the UNHCR

Alicia Kelis Yamaguchi (Argentine Republic) and Julia Margareth Borres (Democratic Republic of Congo) from the CSW.

Ms. Bing Fortin bestowed the Aurora Buncio Awards on the Delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Delegation of Indonesia for their outstanding diplomatic performance.

Certificates of Appreciation were also given to the Chairs of the Committees: Gratianna Francisco (Chair), Marie Gabrielle Patasin (Co-chair), and Isabella Alday (Legal Officer) of the General Assembly; Alessandra Sophia Leano (Chair), Beyonce Kristen De Leoz (Legal Officer), and Keechee Delos Ama (Co-Chair) of the Second Committee; Anna Katrina Juanitas (Chair), Alyssa Navajas (Co-Chair), and Althea Ann Igliane (Legal Officer) of the UNHCR; and Marguerite Therese Batara (Chair), Raisha Helen Balili (Co-Chair), and Chelsea Ann Ma****lo (Legal Officer) of the CSW. The Secretariat, led by Christianne Kelsey Hadjirul (Secretary-General), Maria Alexandra Belleza (Chief de Cabinet), and Sophia Mikaela Segundera (Deputy Secretary-General), was also recognized.

In closing, Chief de Cabinet Maria Alexandra Belleza took the stage to congratulate everyone for their hard work and achievements throughout the conference. Belleza reflected on the memorable dialogues that explored global issues and solutions, reminding the audience of the valuable experiences and lessons learned in global leadership that will continue to inspire and guide them in the years ahead. “Be bold, be empathetic to continue to speak truth to power,” Belleza said as she concluded her speech.



Report by Hannah Jezel Brania, Opinion Writer
Photos by Danna Engracia, Photographer