The Lead - USLS

𝗠𝗔 𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗧 𝗞𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗟-𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞?

The light is coming—with a capital L.

This November 3, the University Student Government teased the official announcement for every Lasallian's most anticipated time of year: the official Lasallian Week 2024 with a sear of light across the dark in its publicity material.

But while most green-blooded students with Animo are familiar with the event's concessionaires, inter-college competitions, and club-manned booths, maybe not everyone knows why we have it.

Through the coordination of the Office of Student Affairs, the USG, and the different clubs and councils, all Lasallians are given an entire week to rest and relax after months of academic workloads with more incoming through different festivities and entertainment.

HORROR ROOM

Such festivities include the now-iconic Horror Room, organized by the BA Communication department and headed by the fourth-year students.

A truly famous event that draws crowds even from different schools and audiences, the Horror Room has seen different iterations: a walk through a folklorish nightmare, underscoring a woman scorned in a hellish love triangle with 2022's Una Dungan; a frenzied ride through a twisted circus, with arachnid women, ice cream freaks, and more dragging you along with Carnival of Terrors; and even a virtual edition, serving up synchronous scares behind the façade of a simple online screening activity with Disconnected. But the end outcome remains the same: enter afraid, exit screaming, living fears brought to life in between and on Lasallian grounds.

This year's Horror Room aims to do the same and has even begin teasing itself through the Morgue de Peligro page. Cadavers and corpses litter the promotional material, as anticipation comes to life for an experience that appears undead.

SINECOMM

The BA Comm department truly proves itself versatile, however, as the seniors conjure fears and another subsect of the program delves into a different experience, one that highlights the cultural identity of the city and island we reside in and come to love, through the literal lens of its filmmakers.

SineComm, the long standing traditional activity of the Communication Society USLS, provides a film exhibition experience every year to connect interested Lasallians to the movie magic of Negros and Bacolod, with films by directors and crew from these areas. The local movie making scene has seen a recent boom with this year's SineKahirup and Bacolod Film Festival, so expect a moviegoing experience from auteurs that know what it's like as a Negrense inside and out.

INTERCOLLEGE EVENTS

Aside from the different club booths from our co-curricular organizations, as part of the USG's events, the culminating and initiating events of L-Week see all five colleges go head to head in extravagant and intense competitions of cultural and artistic finesse.

L-Week 2022 amplified the sounds of each college with a Battle of the Bands competition, where the Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy soared to the top of the charts under the retro and throwback theme

The year after, the station changed channels from pop and rock to showtunes with a Musical Theatre competition where the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, then called the College of Engineering and Technology, combined the tech innovations of their disciplines and the theatrical arts, as they brought Encanto to life—and the first place podium.

That same year saw a character in person contest in the same vein as Your Face Sounds Familiar, where the College of Arts and Sciences' own Lady Gaga made the crowd go Gaga with her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights and welfare, bagging her the win.

L-WEEK '24

But when all is said and done, no matter the L-Weeks held in the past, each one in the coming years bring all new experiences and memories to treasure and cherish. New Horror Rooms, new SineComms, new inter-college contests to scream and cheer through await. But the feeling of excitement, leisure, and joy remain the same.

Only time will tell how the light of a new L-Week will illuminate students' lives—and this one sure looks bright.



via Frank Ampil, Crew 2 | The B-Hive
Graphics | Daniela Jamandre, Crew 2

COMM FILMMAKERS SELECTED FOR SINENEGRENSE '24

Sine Negrense revealed its shortlisted 2024 finalists for the "Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival," among them films directed by second-year students Kyle Ebro and Nean Alegario from the University of St. La Salle's BA Communication department.

An annual film festival, Sine Negrense is "a premier showcase that unites artists, audiences, and industry professionals, all while promoting the vibrant film culture within Negros Island," according to an official release.

Ebro and Alegario, and their films, "Kailinit" and "Tani", respectively, feature in the interschool category, alongside ten other selections.

In the Open Category, noteworthy Lasallian inclusions are the following:
• "A Flower A Day" by Chelsea Tasic
• "Aninaw" by Charlene Tupas
• "Ilo(y)" by Bryce Lozada
• "Gumon" by Kent Caduhada
• Mag Man: Ex Communicado by Thomas Gucaban
• "Laragway sa Karon" by Pau Santos and Nina Villanueva
• "Thelm Me Why" by Fredu Bayon-on and Vanneza Estañol.

In collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Province of Negros Occidental, the Negros Cultural Foundation, and the Negros Museum, this year's festival is set to run from December 2 to 6, culminating with Sine Negrense Awards Night on December 6.

Text | Frank Ampil
Image provided by Sine Negrense

: Peace and Warmth

Waking up in this very bed,
For which I knew you once lay to rest.
With a scarf around your neck, decorated in red,
Tugging your hands around your chest.
I still remember the day of your passing.

Like an image taken from a camera, clear in my mind.
In the early morning of January 22, 2021.
A day we would never leave behind.

READ THE FULL LITERARY PIECE BELOW.

Text | Trish Canastillo
Visuals | Keziah Pancho

CAS IMPERIUM IGNITES, FUELING RIVALRIES AND EARLY VICTORIES

Roaring with camaraderie, the houses Orphic, Calian, Amory, and Eraya filled the various venues within the USLS grounds with cheers as the first day of CAS Imperium commenced on October 26, 2024.

The CAS Council launched Imperium 2024 with the parade of athletes at the grandstand, with DSA Secretary Luther Dapat opening with reminders of sportsmanship for her fellow athletes.

In the battle of brains, Orphic’s men outsmarted their opponents in Othello, securing the championship title with 334 points and a first-place finish in Chess.

Eraya’s women triumphed in the Othello championship with 356 points and came out on top in Chess.

Orphic, with the strong-willed freshmen, sweeped the court for the Volleyball men’s division beating their reputable seniors from Calian, Amory, and Eraya in their matches with a 3-0 record, setting up a showdown with their Calian seniors, holding 2 wins.

Meanwhile in the Volleyball women’s division, the Calian women dominate Orphic and Amory, 2-0.

The Calian men and the Amory women outplayed their opponents in Table Tennis in their respective divisions, claiming the top spot for their houses.

5 sports events will take place in the morning, followed by cultural events in the afternoon, as the fierce fight of championships will resume on Monday, October 28, 2024, on USLS grounds to determine which house will fortify the crown before the culminating awards ceremony.

Text | Flynn Buenaflor
Photos | Lorie Galacio

CAS IMPERIUM ROARS CULTURAL INTERCONNECTEDNESS

In a display of talents and wits, the four year levels of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) gathered to commence “Imperium: Unleashing the True Lions's Dominion, Rectifying the Path to Greatness”, on the 21st of October, held at the MM Audi A.

The event began with a Pain Management talk by physiatrist and physical rehabilitation medicine specialist, Dr. Celine Villona, followed by the discussion of CASEducation led by Ms. Marianne Ape, Head of the Department of Cultural Affairs in the University Student Government (USG).

In the cultural competition, each of the house representatives showcased their skills in Spoken Word Poetry and Impromptu Speaking, emphasizing on themes of cultural diversity and appreciation.

The Spoken Word category included Prince MJ Titular of BSPS1-D (House of Orphic), Juliana Sagun of BSPS2-B (House of Calian), Shakira Jean Dela Peña of BSPS3-A (House of Amory), and Trisha Abeto of ABPS4-A alongside Rien Nillos of BSBI4-A (House of Iraya).

On the other hand, Flynn Marie Buenaflor of ABCO1-A, Sophia Bianca Estrella of ABPO2-A, Yuval Adera of ABPO3-A, and Charles Gan of BSBI4-A, showcased their wits in the Impromptu Speaking competition.

The program concluded with motivational remarks from judge and former USG Executive President, Ken Paolo Gilo, who encouraged the audience and contestants to "[...] use your gift of speech and debate for the good", honoring and acknowledging the hard work and gifts of each Artian.

Text | Mariel Soliguen
Photos | Josh Tad-y

COMM FILMMAKERS SECURE TWO-PEAT DBGYFF REGIONAL WIN

In the recently concluded Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF), the short film entry directed by third-year AB Communication student Daniela Jamandre placed ninth among the top 10 winners of the East Asia and Oceania Region.

The five-minute film "It Rhymes With Green" takes on the story of a young girl, Rhyme, who realized that if she wants to make a difference, change must start within herself.

Jamandre said that the short film's concept was guided by the festival's season 3 theme: “I Have a Dream Youth and Climate Change - Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener”, emphasizing that she wants to make the audience feel hopeful and recognize the time to step out of their comfort zones.

Produced under Playback Productions, Jamandre also worked with a team of AB Communication students, including fellow juniors Kylah Malaluan and Marcus Sardua, and seniors Vinz Comoda and Martin Torre respectively.

Jamandre first won the aforementioned award the previous year with "Indayog" as her directorial short film debut.

Text | Reylanie Esquerida

CSU GENERAL ASSEMBLY SEEKS STRONG CONNECTION

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Communication Society - USLS (CSU) held its First General Assembly at M23 and M24, accompanied by the majority of the Communication Department, including faculty and students, alongside the College Dean, Dr. Rowela Chiu.

The assemblage sought to forge a new path as it introduced the set of officers for A.Y. 2024-2025, underscoring the accomplished events and those to come.

It also aimed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the department to promote collaboration from generation to generation.

More so, CSU believes in the prowess of communication not only as a piece of the curriculum but also as part of creating a community filled with empowered associates.

That said, the latter part of the assembly welcomed a colloquy as students raised concerns about significant matters that required attention.

The assembly ended as the attendees took photos together, taping the notion, “Basta Comm, Bilib!,” emphasizing the welcoming domain of the department.

Text | Ivan Navarro
Photos | Trish Canastillo

: Chasing daydreams, never people.

Through the bustling hallways of college, it is undoubtedly impossible to escape the magnetic pull of having a crush. You know that feeling: when your heartbeat picks up when they pass by; for a split moment, time seems to come to a pause. For most people, it is easy to chalk it up as a fleeting attraction, but for those of us who give in to the depths of infatuation, it is almost like a rollercoaster of emotions that blurs between reason and delusion.

Going back to my junior high school years, I remember the excitement of “collecting” crushes like badges on a boy scout’s sash. From gamers to bookworms, I found a certain charm in individuals who would pass by like a blur. Yet as I got to know them, through gossip and awkward group projects, I realized that this “excitement” was more enticing than the actual person themselves. This idea of them, along with their Facebook profiles contributing to it, became my reality, giving me delusions that overshadowed every truthful reasoning.

Now, as a college student, having crushes always feels like a high-stakes situation; seeing them everyday intensifies the delusions. Oftentimes, I lie awake, making up scenarios in my head—what if we take the same jeep on the ride home? What if we bump into each other when I walk to my next class? Although, with the silence that comes with the night, I cannot help but wonder if it will lead to a genuine connection or if my imagination has effectively twisted fiction into reality.

I find myself caught in romantic comedies’ webs. I adore rom-com, from slow burns between coworkers to fake relationships. They set the bar for an ideal love story, however, they twist and turn with our perception of how we see it in real life. It leads us to believe that love is effortless, that you can woo, or be wooed, with flashy gestures. The truth, though? Real relationships demand intimacy, genuine vulnerability, and hard work – qualities that seem to fade away in rom-com fantasies.

The media that we consume does an amazing job at storytelling, but it seeps into our expectations. We project these irrational ideals onto our crushes, unconsciously setting them up for failure. As we get to know them, these ideals die out, replaced by disappointment. “They could have turned out to be almost anyone,” I often remind myself with the words of Jackson Browne. “With the possible exception of who I wanted them to be.”

Yearning, in all its forms, for someone you barely know can feel inebriating, letting us escape the taints of the world with its sweet sense of “kilig”, but are we actually longing for something real, or is it easier to stay out of the messiness of relationships with delusions? Ignorance, like they always say, is bliss—but is it really?

So, the next time you have a crush on someone you don’t know that well, ask yourself this: do you like them as a person—as themselves, flaws and all—or do you like them as an idea? As thrilling as liking someone can be, we should be able to separate illusion from reality. So do not drown in your daydreams; the genuine connection you truly deserve feels warmer in your palm than within your imagination.

Text | Gere Gutierrez ([email protected])
Visuals | Adrienne Verba

Editor's Note: The views and opinions of the writer do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publication and its members.

CAS HOLDS FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR A.Y. 2024-2025

On October 14, 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) held its First General Assembly with the Dean for Academic Year 2024-2025 at Santuario de La Salle which was attended by the CAS student body, faculty, department chairs, and the College Dean, Dr. Rowela Chiu.

In an aim to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among the CAS community, the assembly included discussions on future events and initiatives planned for the academic year, as well as key accomplishments from the previous year, celebrating the hard work and dedication of both learners and educators.

Furthermore, concerns raised by the students and faculty were also addressed, promoting transparency and collaboration within the college.

The assembly concluded with an open forum, allowing attendees to express their thoughts and suggestions for further improvement of the Artian community.

Text | Arianne Leones
Photos | Gab De La Rosa

: mapagparaya, mapagpalaya

hayaan mo akong lumingon
sa nakaligtaang mga pagkakataon
mga oras na hawak ko ang mundo
mga oras na narito ka sa tabi ko

basahin ang unang pahina
isang tuldok, alam kong talo na
pagbigyan mo akong magpatuloy
baka sakaling sa buhay mo'y mayroon pa akong natitirang tinta

READ THE FULL LITERARY PIECE BELOW.

Text | lirio blanco
Visuals | Adrienne Verba

: Loathing Spaniards but Not Their Bread?

Would it be grotesque when asked what a typical Lasallian bread is, many of the students would say it is Spanish? At the University of St. La Salle, these iconic rolls are a highlight of most of everyone’s days. Yeasted and rolled into log-shaped goodness with a sugary, buttery filling that tastes divine, these are enjoyed on the outskirts of USLS and every piece is infused with love, tempting the glum Lasallians after a hard day of learning.

READ THE FULL FEATURE BELOW.

Text | Ivan Navarro
Visuals | Adrienne Verba
Photos | Josh Tad-y

: destined

it's all just fun and games
nobody will get hurt, they say
I've got a trick right up my sleeve
a determined force willing to play

devised is a battle plan, from the mind
percieved is the condition, from the heart
this soul of mine notes such bright colors
so promised is the motion to start

READ THE FULL LITERARY PIECE BELOW.

Text | Seattle
Visuals | Keziah Pancho

The Philippine Ballet Theatre staged "Ibalon, the Ballet: The Love of Handyong and Oryol," with the University of St. La Salle at the USLS Coliseum this September 24.

The show served as a fundraiser event by University President Br. Kenneth Martinez Severino FSC, DMin, to be channeled into arts and culture throughout Visayas.

Based on a Bicolano legend, "Ibalon" tells the love story between the seafaring warrior Handyong, portrayed by Matthew Davo, and the cursed princess Oryol, portrayed by Jessa Tangalin, against the backdrop of Philippine heritage and culture.

Text | Frank Ampil
Photos | Gab De La Rosa

PAHINA NG KASAY52AN COMMEMORATES 52 YEARS SINCE MARTIAL LAW

Spearheaded by the University Student Government (USG), in collaboration with the Communication Society USLS, USLS Political Science Society, and the College Councils, “PAHINA NG KASAY52YAN: 52nd Martial Law Commemoration” commenced at the USLS Grounds on September 23, 2024.

To commemorate the 52nd year since former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law, the event opened with a Ribbon Cutting and Exhibit at the USLS Coliseum Lobby where students also gathered for a Panel Discussion as speakers Julie Dojillo, Edgar Cadagat, and Primo Lamayo shared their personal stories of resilience and resistance.

In the afternoon, a silent walk and candlelight vigil were also held starting at the amphitheater where participants marched and stopped outside the college library for a special performance by the Communication Society USLS before proceeding to the USLS Gates 1 and 2, carrying with them the message to resist and remember.

CSU performed a re-enactment of the brutalities faced by victims and survivors during the time of Martial Law and expressed their disappointment over the recent election of a second Marcos, reminding the audience of the importance of remembering the past to build a better future.

The performance then ended with the line "Never Again, Never Forget. Never Again to Martial Law!" to remind us not to be victims once more of a corrupt and tyrannical regime.

Text | Arianne Leones
Photos | Gab De La Rosa, Eunice Denuevo

: do the trees forget?

In a land of scattered isles, a dark cloud once loomed. The people, like stalwart trees, stood firm against oppression's howling winds. Their roots intertwined, they swayed and bent but did not break. Whispers of resistance rustled through their leaves, their very bark becoming armour against the tempest.

For years, they weathered the storm, resolving hardening like volcanic stone. Through unity and sacrifice, they grew tall and strong, pushing back until the darkness finally dissipated. Freedom's sun, long obscured, burst forth in radiant glory. The land rejoiced, its inhabitants dancing in the warmth of hard-won liberty.

READ THE FULL LITERARY PIECE BELOW.

Text | Chauncey Laybon
Visuals | Keziah Pancho