Search Results

When was the last time you opened Instagram Reels? Or a better question, when was the last time you opted for Reels over Tiktok or YouTube? Surely, like many people in the mainstream, you would have probably opened your Tiktok account to consume your daily intake of randomness. To Facebook, its attempt to regain almost 30 million users is also hampered by the dominance of these two social media giants. But that is just one of the many reasons why Meta's earnings dipped a little deeper by 26% on the first week of February. Apple announced another layer of security for its user. A pop-up notification appears whenever an app “wants to track your data” for advertisement. For Facebook, which capitalizes on the care-free nature of tapping the “agree” button users, this was detrimental. This $230 Billion loss was the company’s lowest for the longest time. Although there were dips back then, with the dominance of other platforms it may still be hard for Meta, its new company name, to recover. Meta has, for years, engaged with stagnant but steady approaches. It's only now that we see Meta take on a high-risk high-reward approach with its recent rebranding. The attempt seems to make the company look like other tech giants like Apple when it announces a new phone by September or for when Elon Musk decides to release whatever niche technology comes to mind. But through time, Facebook, the app, has lost its stronghold for being the top social media site in terms of retention. Influencers mainly drive people into an app, and Facebook has a clear lack of such actors, to begin with. It has not been famous for most influencers, since they mostly flock to YouTube and Tiktok to get more clout. Data concerns had been raised as well for the past few years. From Mark Zuckerberg summoned to the United States Congress for an investigation on privacy concerns to the bombshell whistleblowing from France Haugen, Apple’s move to take a higher step towards securing its users only solidified these concerns for some. While we shift towards one platform to another, one can only wonder if this is the end for Meta– had they bled their magic out completely? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Jantzen Eros Layout and Design by: Dan Kurt Buenaventura Sources: https://www.reuters.com/technology/facebook-owner-meta-forecasts-q1-revenue-below-estimates-2022-02-02/ https://www.reuters.com/technology/what-do-apples-new-iphone-privacy-changes-mean-consumers-businesses-2021-04-26/

Perhaps you already hate living and ironically thought how bold your parents were to give birth to you without your consent — whether you wanted to live, and deal with your possible flaws, or die. But now, that you are free to make your own decisions and able to consent, you now have the freedom to choose if you want to live in the same way embodied above: you'd instead love or still hate life. Yet, you never give yourself time to think or consider what you really want. Or, you would change the whole perspective: regardless if you love or still hate life but now learning to speak up what your psyche really wants. Simply put, you know the right moment when to answer "yes" and "no" to others because you listen and take judgment from yourself first before anyone else. You then prioritize how you perceive certain decisions and actions first–and there’s nothing wrong with it. If you are struggling say “no” to others, here are some things you should remember: The first is that when people ask you, it means that they want you to decide on something. They’re requesting, and whatever your answer may become valid enough for them to continue or not. Second, what you decide to offer is always enough. Third, you are capable of changing. The crucial point to changing is knowing you need to change. You might not know how to say “no” now, but it does not mean you will never know how to stand for what you really want. You will learn how to answer "no" without feeling responsible for your own struggles. And your growth, someday, will be too much for people who once told you that you have nothing to offer. And without doubt, robbed your peace. That their disturbing actions won’t longer be tolerated. Possibly just after the moment your mother gave birth to you, they told you, whilst mesmerized, you were perfect. But no, you are not. You are beautifully flawed, wired for struggle but you are tough. You are worthy of love and care that must start with yourself. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Christine Mae Anne Vallecera Layout and Design by: Dan Kurt Buenaventura

The world of Philippine Sports is rather complicated. It can’t escape from the circus called ‘politics.’ Many Filipino athletes are natural citizens, but those who rank as phenomenal change their nationalities. Every time we see a rising potential, we don’t know whether they’ll stay or not, just like the others. Wesley So disgusted with Philippine Politics Around 2013, one of the youngest athletes ever to be the Chess Grandmaster, Wesley So, transferred from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) to the United States Chess Federation (USCF). The World’s no. 8 states his reasons for changing federations were mainly found in politics (READ: We are so like Wesley So | ABS-CBN News). He also added that although he loves the country, he did not have the ‘connections’ that are needed to succeed. On the 26th of February 2021, the reigning US Chess Champion is officially living in the greener pastures of America as an official U.S. citizen. Hidilyn Diaz and the ‘Matrix’ Even the first Filipina Olympic Gold Medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, couldn’t escape the political circus in our country. She was accused by the Malacañang as a part of a conspiracy to discredit President Rodrigo Duterte (READ: Hidilyn Diaz, Gretchen Ho tagged in Palace 'matrix', deny knowledge of video sharer | ABS-CBN News). The said statement of the palace puts the weightlifter in fear of her and her family’s safety. She even stated that she had no time to join those conspiracies as she’s too busy preparing for SEA Games 2019 and the Tokyo Olympics 2020. She also asked for financial help for her Olympic bid that time as she’s ‘hirap na hirap’ but the PSC refuted the claim and stated that they are ‘Very Supportive’ of her Olympic campaign. Yuka Saso waving the Japanese Flag The move of the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open champion and the world no. 8, Yuka Saso, from the Philippines to Japan (READ: Yuka Saso to no longer carry PH flag in LPGA (tiebreakertimes.com.ph)) is a disheartening one for Filipinos. National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) secretary-general Bones Floro already knew it was coming. The main reason Saso represents the Japan flag as indicated by Floro is on the business side. She could get bigger sponsorship in Japan compared to the basketball-crazed country Philippines. One of the reasons also is the power of a Japanese passport where she didn’t need to apply for a visa to travel for her tournaments (READ: Yuka Saso makes bitter ‘business decision’ to change citizenship | Inquirer Sports). Ernest John Obiena and PATAFA’s Rift The never-ending conflict between the National Pole-vaulter, EJ Obiena, and Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association President Phillip Juico (READ: TIMELINE: Falling out with PATAFA mars EJ Obiena rise (rappler.com)). The feud started when PATAFA disclosed to the public and ordered Obiena to return about P4.9 million to them, indicating that the pole-vaulter falsified the documents of his coach Vitaly Petrov’s salary. Obiena and his coach refuted PATAFA’s claims and will sue them for defamation. PATAFA even stoop at its lowest that they didn’t include EJ Obiena to the National Team for the upcoming SEA Games on May 12, 2022. EJ delays his season debut as the issue mentally affects him (READ: EJ Obiena pushes back season debut, withdraws from Germany tilt (rappler.com)). Chot Reyes’ sowing what Tab Baldwin reaps After a successful year for the Gilas and Tab Baldwin last year, Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas announced that Chot Reyes will be once again the Head Coach of the National Team leaving Tab Baldwin to go back focusing the Eagles as their head coach (READ: Chot Reyes back as Gilas coach after Tab Baldwin steps down (spin.ph)). We can’t hide the fact that the Gilas overachieved last year when they beat the Asian powerhouse and rival, South Korea, not once but twice and topple Indonesia and Thailand as they end 2022 FIBA Asia Cup qualification with six (6) wins and no (0) lose. So the ‘resignation’ of Tab Baldwin as the National Team Head Coach seems suspicious and the Filipino fans like the system of Coach Tab. Vincent Reyes, also known as Coach Chot is somewhat a close friend to the first Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) President and Business Tycoon, Manny V. Pangilinan or also known as MVP, and the current SBP President Al Panlilio who also a businessman. Chot Reyes was employed between 2016 to 2019 by the television network owned by MVP, TV5 as President and CEO (READ: (38) Chot (Vincent) Reyes | LinkedIn) PUBLIC REACTION The public expressed dismay to the Philippine Government and their respective sports association but Filipinos voiced out their support for Wesley So, and Yuka Saso as they can escape the circus happening in the country and can focus only on improving their game. The public doesn’t mind and even encourage EJ Obiena and other national athletes like Carlos Yulo to change representations as they want them to excel in their careers and get away from politics, supporting the slow and steady system created by Tab Baldwin to develop the country’s national basketball team and disproves of getting PBA players who only train for 3 weeks to compete in international competition. CONCLUSION The politics in Philippine Sports is getting out of hand. It is like an intentional low blow to the athletes who are campaigning for our country. The government lacks support that is sufficient for the athletes to stay in their home country. There is even a lack of coverage to the sports our country was excelling like Chess, Golf, Athletics among others. The MVP Group supports almost all of our athletes but one sponsor can’t even help the likes of Yuka Saso to stay in our country. What the Philippines need right now is to focus more on the sports we excel in and find and develop the prospects. We also need to protect our athletes from bureaucrats who are abusing their powers to control our national athletes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Marcus Lex Cajusay Layout and Design by: Charles Ian Ramos

After almost two months since typhoon Odette (Rai) brought torrential rains, violent winds, landslides, and storm surges across 11 regions on different islands in Visayas and Mindanao, making nine landfalls between December 16 and 17, the extent of damage the typhoon brought into the country gave a clearer picture of how much help and support was needed to address. Situation update As of February 2, the typhoon had affected an estimated 9.9 million Filipinos across over 9,000 barangays in the six worst-hit regions, leaving approximately 2.4 million people in need of assistance. A total of 1.7 million houses, 16,000 schools, and 330 health clinics have been damaged or destroyed. Over 10 million hectares of crops have been affected, and 80 municipalities are still experiencing power outages or interruptions based on the latest report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA). According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 409 people were killed, thousands were injured, and 631,000 people were displaced across ten regions, with approximately 144,000 still displaced, and many more living in a damaged shelter with limited access to basic services. Government and humanitarian support Following a typhoon of this scale, there are immediate needs which include emergency shelter, food, water, sanitation facilities, evacuation assistance, family reconnection, healthcare and education, protection of vulnerable people, and case management. These needs will persist even after the recovery period begins. In addition to immediate action, long-term recovery needs include the reconstruction of homes and community infrastructure, the restoration of electricity, water, and sanitation systems, and assistance for damaged businesses and agriculture. The national government has released a total of 4.7 billion to local government units (LGUs), and the disbursement of financial aid is currently ongoing according to Secretary Eduardo Año. As of January 25, victims of Typhoon Odette had received a total of P 179 million in aid from the government. In December of last year, President Duterte stated that each family affected by Odette would receive P5,000 to help and support them in recovering from the typhoon's impact. In addition, the members of the private sector vigorously responded to the calls for help from the areas directly affected by Typhoon Odette through the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF). Calls for extended assistance Communities in the affected areas require more assistance to deal with the massive damage and disruption caused by Typhoon Odette. The Humanitarian Country Team released a revised Humanitarian Needs and Priorities Plan (HNP) that reflects the new understanding of the scale and extent of the damage brought by the typhoon, which affected nearly 10 million people. According to Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines, the revised HNP is based on over 70 field evaluations, and despite tremendous rapid response by the government and civil society organizations, humanitarian needs remain extremely high. The revised HNP targets 840,000 individuals, up from 530,000 in the previous HNP, and requests for $169 million (PHP 8.6 billion) to meet these needs, supporting ongoing Government-led initiatives. Humanitarians have listed shelter, food security and agriculture, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), protection, and early recovery among the top response priorities for the six-months plan. Education is also well-supported. The revised HNP will also address needs in Caraga and Southern Leyte as well as in two additional areas of Region VII: Bohol and Cebu. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Pamela Peñalver Layout and Design by: Dan Kurt Buenaventura References: https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/philippines https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disaster/super-typhoon-odette-rai/ https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111142 https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1544748/fwd-p179-million-aid-so-far-given-to-typhoon-odette-survivors https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/private-sector-sends-aid-odette-stricken-communities

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) will have a budget of ₱2.6 billion for 2022, up by 41.2% from the previous year's ₱1.84 billion, staving off the administration's proposal of a near ₱60-million cut. The bulk of the spending measure—₱1.48 billion—will finance employees' salaries and compensations. Another ₱831.7 million will go support the university's daily operations such as utilities and repairs, while infrastructure projects and the acquisition of equipment are allotted ₱291.6 million. Also included in the appropriation is a ₱31 million budget for the repair and rehabilitation of various laboratories in the main campus, while a portion of a ₱90.9 million project will be used to fund the operationalization of face-to-face classes. Though a substantial increase, Sintang Paaralan's budget is still much lower compared to other public higher education institutions. The University of the Philippines System (UP System), excluding the UP Philippines General Hospital, has 54,000 students and an ₱18 billion budget, amounting to ₱331,000 per student for this year alone. Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) can spend ₱117,000 per scholar, while both Philippine Normal University (PNU) and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) can allocate ₱50,000-₱60,000 per learner. In contrast, PUP with ₱2.6 billion serves around 70,000 scholars, meaning each PUP student can only receive an education worth ₱36,000. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Patrick Rabi Sources: General Appropriations Act Vol. I-A F.Y. 2022 General Appropriations Act Vol. I-A F.Y. 2021 *for the student population in the universities stated, info was acquired through the respective university's websites

The year is ending, deadlines are fast approaching, and Spotify is wrapping up people’s past tunes in this pandemic. And now, is a time to wrap up and rewind how the Philippines ended up in its current predicament. The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the previous name of COVID-19, in the country dated January 21, 2020. The carrier was asymptomatic, meaning the person had the virus but showed no symptoms. Just as in the case, the country showed no overwhelming shock even if an underlying disaster was present. Unbeknownst to us, this simple arrival had contributed to the plunge of the Philippine economy to its worst contraction. “The economy had already posted a 10 percent contraction in the first three quarters, the worst since the 1985 debt crisis, due to a plunge in private domestic demand, deep contraction in investment activities, and weak exports.“ (The Worldbank 2020). The COVID-19 Pandemic filled news reports back in January 2020 with president Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to not close the country’s borders and have not issued a ban on travel between China. "As of now, we cannot understand why there is a need to impose a ban on Chinese nationals. I wish that the mayors carefully study the proposals and talk with the DOH before they decide if it is needed". The Chinese Consul General Jia Li also argued through an interpreter during a press conference in Cebu (CNN, 2020). Safety protocols, sanitations, and the preparedness to combat the virus were not something the people and authorities prioritized at that time. 2019-nCoV was like a robber who came unannounced. Henning Mankell’s quote: “Impossible planning, strange priorities and a continual lack of information.” reflected the earlier stage of the pandemic. The limited amount of information present and disseminated during that time urged the Filipinos to be content and continue with the daily routine. The majority of the people would admit that they felt relieved and didn’t treat the announcement as a big deal. The suspension of classes was a sigh of relief for students since it gave them a chance to bid goodbye to the deadlines and lectures. But the ever-increasing cases in the coming months have shifted the public’s perception; that an infected one’s fate is death. “But, this pandemic robbed something from me, from all of us.” Lalaine Ramos, 19, student of Information Technology. COVID-19 robbed students of memories of the lives of loved ones, plans, and dreams. Just like a house is thrown into a frenzy after a robbery. The virus threw the country into a frenzy and rendered 64% of households had a member lose their job due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as of 2020, and 792 thousand overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated (Statista Research Department, 2021). The list goes on. As part of this devastating history, you know how the story goes on to the present. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Nethaniah Jan J. Lim Layout and Design by: Mark Halim and Adrian Nabua

𝗔𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗮? Tila sumusunod sa isang magandang ritmo ang tinta nito kapag nagsimula nang lumapat sa papel. Lumilikha ng matatalinhagang salita hanggang sa makabuo ng mahiwagang kwento—pagpapakawala ng masidhing damdamin at pagtatalo ng pagbabago. Matindi ang talas na kayang pumunit ng maling pamamalakad. Masyadong matalas na kayang magmulat sa nakapiring na mata at gumising sa natutulog na diwa. Isang propagandista ang nagsimula ng laban. 𝗜𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶 𝗻𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗱. Tinahak nang buong tapang ang malawak at asul na kalangitan. Kasarinlan. Iyan ang hinahanap mo. Isinama mo sa himpapawid ang sambayanan, hindi mo iniwan bagkus ay mas itinaas pa ang pagpagaspas. Dahilan upang mabura ang mababang pagtingin sa atin ng mga dayuhan. Pag-asa ang dala ng bawat paglipad mo sa mga Pilipino, ngunit kataksilan para sa mananakop. Hinawakan ka sa leeg at itinapon sa hawla. Ito ang paraan nila upang agarang patayin ang apoy na iyong sinimulan bago pa man sila tuluyang masunog nito. Ngunit nagkakamali sila. Bagama’t nakakulong, ang pagnanais na lumaban ay higit pa sa mga rehas na bakal. Tumatagos ang hangarin na sapat upang magsimula ng rebolusyon. Bagama’t nakakakulong, nakaukit sa isip at puso ng kapwa Pilipino ang iyong walang takot na pagsulong, nagtulak upang sila naman ang sumubok. Sumubok na bagtasin ang takot at pang-aalipin. 𝗜𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗱𝘂𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗮. Sa likod ng pagbuo kina Ibarra at Simoun ay ang pagbagyo ng mga pagsubok. Ngunit katulad ng isang kawayan, sumabay ka lamang sa galaw ng hangin at hindi nagpatinag. Nanatiling matatag, nakatayo, at lumalaban. 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗵𝘂𝗵𝘂𝗸𝗼𝗺. Tinanggap ang kapalaran basta para sa bayan. Anong kadakilaan. Papasikat ang araw nang pinakawalan ang bala. Simbolo ng pag-asa ang umaga. Sa huling hininga ay pinakita ang paninidigan. Pinilit bumagsak nang nakaharap – tanda na kailanman ay hindi naging taksil. Katapusan ng lahat sa iyo maliban sa iyong kabayanihan, nang humimlay ang katawan mo sa damuhan. Mananatili kang buhay sa iyong mga likha. Likha na puno ng pagmamahal sa bayan. Ito ang simula. 𝗡𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗯𝗮 𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴? Ikaw, Rizal, ay huwaran ng kapayapaan. Panulat ang sandatang pinili na maging ang mga letra ay bumagtas mula sa papel hanggang sa kaibuturan ng mga Pilipino. Ikaw ang nagsindi ng apoy ng himagsikan, patuloy itong nagningas nang dahil sa kamatayan mo. Sino ba ang makalilimot sa ganitong kadakilaan. Hindi matatapos ang sinimulan mong laban. Patuloy kang mananatili sa piso, patuloy kang makikita ng lahat ng Pilipino. Maipaaalala na hindi kailanman katanggap-tanggap ang kabuktutan sa lipunan. Ikaw, Pepe, ang mukha ng rebolusyon. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Jessel Tuazon Layout and Design by: Simon Estanislao

Ginising ako ng ligalig at pagkasabik mula sa aking pagkakahimbing—sumakit ang likod ko. Ngayon na pala ang araw na espesyal daw sabi nila. Ako si Bong, kilala sa palayaw na Bongbong, huwag ka mag-alala, ‘di ako mula sa marangyang pamilya. Ipinanganak ako kasabay ng araw nang pagsilang ni Hesukristo. Ewan ko ba naman sa mga magulang ko, nais pang sumapaw ako sa pinakamabiyayang araw na ito. Amoy ko na mula sa kusina ang spaghetti at shanghai na bagong init mula sa Noche Buena kagabi, siguradong aabutin nanaman ito hanggang putukan sa Enero. Sinilip ko ang kwarto ni Inay subalit magulong higaan at katahimikan lang ang bumungad sakin. Baka nakipagchismisan nanaman ‘yun kay Aling Marites, jusko! Walang araw talaga na pinalalampas. Kinuha ko ang aking cellphone upang tignan ang aking messenger; umuulan ng “𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘴!” mula sa aking mga kaibigan at kakilala. Masaya. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako kasi lagi na lang nila nakalilimutan na araw ko rin ngayon, sino ba naman ako di’ ba? Tanaw ko mula sa aming bintana ang mga kabataang nakajaporms at bihis na bihis, hapit, nagsusumabog ang kulay at nakapinta ang mga ngiti. Sino ba naman ang hindi matutuwa na mabigyan ka ng aguinaldo’t regalo ngayong pasko? Sana all, sabi nga nila. Binagtas ko na ang aming banyo upang maligo at makagayak na. Mukang magiging abala ako ngayong araw. Kailangan ko na ata bumili ng pangkulay ng buhok, isang malinis na pulang damit, pares ng maong na pantalon, at leather shoes ang napili kong suotin. “𝘕𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘸𝘢𝘱𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘺, 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘨!” asar ko sa aking sarili habang nakaharap sa salamin. Isinuot ko na ang aking ngiti. Palabas na ako ng aking pintuan subalit may humarang sa akin, nakakunot ang kanyang noo, nakasalamin, nagdidikit ang kanyang kilay na tila siya’y naiirita. Napakalinis niyang tignan, nakasuot siya ng ternong puti na pantaas at pambaba. “𝘚𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰 𝘬𝘢𝘺𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢?” wika niya sa akin. Aba’y sino ba itong babae na ito? Palubog na ang araw subalit ‘di pa rin ako pinapayagang lumabas ng babaeng iyon. Pinili ko na lang tumungo sa aking silid, nangingilid na ang aking mga luha. Nakalimutan na kaya nila? 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. dinig ko ang bilang mula sa labas, Kaya’t binuksan ko ang aking pinto. “𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 64𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙏𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝘽𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙜!” Sabay sabay nilang sambit sa akin. Andito rin pala si Sarah, Roke, at ang katukayo kong si Bong, hawak nila ang mga lobo at isang Braso de Mercedes na cake. Alam na alam talaga nila ang aking paborito. Siksik at liglig ng pasasalamat ang aking puso. Halos mag-iisang dekada na din kaming magkakasama rito, mga magulang na pinili na lang kalimutan at isantabi na animo’y mga laruan lang. Masaya naman ako lalo na sa nabuo naming samahan at pamilya sa lugar na ito, subalit ‘di ko pa din mapigilan na magbaliktanaw sa nakaraan lalo na ang espesyal na araw na ito. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Moises Caleon Layout and Design by: Dan Kurt Buenaventura

The time is finally ripe, and the cold weather brought tidings of the Season of Christmas, the season of giving and reminiscing the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They are imbued with red and green colors from houses up to the establishments bringing out their best Christmas decorations while celebrating different traditions considering the happy holidays. Aside from all the Christmas lights, Parols, Belen, Simbang Gabi, and Noche Buenas with Fruit Salads, Aguinaldo is another Filipino tradition wherein every Filipino child or adult yearns to receive in this season of giving. The practice of giving Aguinaldo is deeply rooted during the Spanish era, and the word Aguinaldo comes directly translated to present or bonus. Usually, aguinaldos are given towards carolers singing Christmas songs and to little kids handed out gifts by their aunts. How did the Filipinos pick up this tradition from the Spaniards, and how did it become a popular tradition here in the country. In theory, there are 4 possibilities on how the Spaniards had the inkling about aguinaldos and how we adapted to this tradition. First is Pagan Traditions, this pertains to our ancestors worshiping gods when famine and strife come especially during winter where snow and calamities fall. This tradition wherein leaders of the pagan tribe would offer gifts to their gods up to their servants which might have been the start of the giving of aguinaldos adapted from Paganism, transitioned to Christianism in the early times. Second among the possibilities lie within the 3 Kings found in the Bible, wherein these 3 Kings bear gifts to the newly born Jesus. The thought that these gifts symbolize that the birth of Christ marks as a gift from God to the people. This explains why during Christmas, giving gifts to Jesus as He was a gift to us is a commemoration of our salvation is indeed a joyous moment. Thirdly, St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop in Asia Minor, was a generous and pious man and often gave people gifts and food. According to some accounts, St. Nicholas was allegedly seen would throw bags filled with gifts on top of chimneys which credited him the title of modern-day Santa Claus. This selfless act of giving of St. Nicholas inspired gift-giving from people who know its tale and might be the causality of gift-giving or aguinaldos to some. Fourth is the evolution of gifts, and this pertains to every community bearing their traditions from hanging socks on the chimney to holding facilities up to the Christmas carols. During the 10th century, this has become the norm of giving people things from homemade things but later revolutionized since toys, foods, furniture, etc., can be bought almost anywhere. Even with the threat of COVID-19, the light of gift-giving still stands since it symbolizes the love and appreciation we have for our friends and family. It is not plausible to know how the Spaniards gave these aguinaldos since there are infinite possibilities for giving gifts. These gifts and traditions are just a way of showing love to the people around us such as friends and family in this holy season of giving. Caring for each other is one of the best Aguinaldo that one can have in this time of recession. With the alert level, 2 quarantine restrictions are loosened, caroling and some Christmas activities are allowed. Christmas might not be the best as it is now with the pandemic, but we can bless each other with hope and love in this season of giving. I hope we can all receive the gifts we want but still cherish the people who remember us this Christmas, happy holidays. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Leo Llanita Layout and Design by: Adrian Nabua References: ALAMIN: Pangangaroling at pagbibigay Ng aginaldo, kailan nga BA nagsimula? (2021, November 19). Balitambayan. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/talakayan/811582/pangangaroling-at-pagbibigay-ng-aginaldo-kailan-nga-ba-nagsimula/story/ BULGAR. (2020, December 22). Kasaysayan Ng pagbibigay Ng Aguinaldo. Bulgar Online. https://www.bulgaronline.com/post/kasaysayan-ng-pagbibigay-ng-aguinaldo

Back when I was a child, I can remember that Christmas was all about Santa Claus. The anticipation from an adult to give me a present or money has been the practice that I got used to. When I grew up, I learned that Christmas was the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ for most of my Christian brethren, yet this would not come to my attention without the effort of the church or my catechist to teach this knowledge to me. This idea ruined my childhood as I thought I had to participate in this ‘season of giving’ mandatorily, taking out the real essence of Christmas—to celebrate and empathize with the birth of Jesus. He was rejected and deprived by many so much that Mother Mary would not have a decent place where she delivered or gave birth to Him. When we were children, most of us were conditioned to perceive the faux essence of Christmas—hanging several socks, visiting our godparents, going house-hopping, and doing caroling, all to be done for a child to accumulate money and gifts. This notion has been the annual cycle. On the contrary, only a few were taught of celebrating Christmas by knowing the story of Jesus, how He and His parents were neglected when he was about to be born and how He empathized with the marginalized sector of our society throughout His life. It is undeniable that the bastardized culture of Christmas has been constantly perpetuated. Thus, those children who were conditioned by society to tether the essence of Christmas to material gifts have now turned into anxious late adolescents or adults skeptic with how the world turns the genuine celebration of Christmas into an expensive tradition. Hence, if one were to ask kids if they still feel the presence of Christmas or if they are excited to celebrate Christmas, they would answer yes. But when you address this question to late adolescents and adults, you would probably get a shrug or sigh. This is probably because the former were able to celebrate it genuinely and enjoy the reward of it without further realizing yet what Christmas is really for, while the latter was being honed unto responsibility of being a giver shortly, and discovering how Christmas often celebrated in the mainstream as a mere extravagance–but what is indeed more horrifying is the fact that significance of Christmas seemingly varies in accordance to someone’s age in order for them to genuinely enjoy and feel it. Conversely, you will see how far our society has developed and gradually leave the essence of celebrating Christmas—the absence of understanding why Christ-like people occur—the dilemma of the existence of the poor and oppressed people are long-standing and still being unrecognized as an alarming dilemma by our society which has been consistently intensifying. It puzzles me how the system conditioned ordinary citizens to practice generosity during Christmas, but never demands the wealthy to slice a million or billion pesos of their excess money or assets to help the living Christ in our society. As Christmas fast approaches, beautiful lanterns, enormous Christmas trees, and shadows created by flickering Christmas lights scatter around the country. Beyond this beautiful facade of celebrating Christmas, may the ‘Christmas is truly in our hearts’ transcend into constant assertion for the right of every Filipino family to have decent food to eat, and shelter to accommodate their family—not just during Christmas but in their everyday lives. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Jennifer Balgos Layout and Design by: Mitzi Dupree Muros

Maraming oras at oportunidad na ang ninakaw sa atin ng pandemya. Kaya naman karamihan sa atin ay natutunan nang iasa sa mga online shopping application ang pagbili sa kahit anumang maisipang pangangailangan at luho. Ang Pilipinas ang nakapagtala ng pinakamalaking pagtaas (53%) sa paggamit ng mga shopping applications gaya ng Shopee at Lazada sa buong Timog-Silangang Asya. Dahil dito, umabot sa 4.9 bilyong beses ang naitalang pagbisita ng mga Pilipino sa mga umusbong na shopping applications noong isinailalim ang buong bansa sa mahigpit na lockdowns. Nakasanayan na rin ang pagbili ng mga pagkaing tutugon sa tawag ng tiyan gamit ang mga food delivery app tulad ng Grab Food at Foodpanda. Kung kaya naman ay hindi malayong tumaas ang kontribusyon ng e-commerce sa paglago ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Mula nang malapit ang puso at bulsa ng karamihan sa mga online shopping application, hindi na maitanggi na marami nang mamimili ang napagastos nang malaki sa tuwing magkakaroon ng pangmalawakang pagbaba sa presyo ng mga produkto. Ayon sa nakalap na datos mula sa survey na ginawa ng ShopBack, 79.8% sa halos dalawang libong gumagamit nito ang nagsasabing mas maraming oras ang inilalaan nila sa pag-browse sa tuwing sasapit ang buwanang sale tulad ng 11.11 at 12.12. Nakaeengganyo nga naman ang isang araw na pagbaba ng mga presyo, libreng pagpapadala, at mga puntos na maaari mong makuha sa pagbili. Dahil sa mga nakaaakit na alok ng mga online shopping app, malaki ang tsansyang mauwi ka sa maling desisyon na gigising sa iyo bago ka pa tuluyang makatulog. Ang labis at hindi matalinong pagkonsumo ay walang mabuting maidudulot sa atin. Bilang mamimili na may makatwirang pag-iisip, ang pinakaepektibong hakbang ay ang matuto patungkol sa tamang pagkonsumo. Sa unti-unting pagbubukas ng mga establisyemento, ang mahabang panahon na pagkakakulong sa kani-kaniyang mga tahanan ang siyang nagtulak sa karamihan upang dagsain ang mga sikat na establisyemento at pasyalan. Dito na umusbong ang terminong ‘revenge shopping’, kung saan ang mga mamimili ay bumabawi sa mga nawala o ninakaw na oras ng pandemya sa pamamagitan ng madalas na paggastos at paglabas. Ang mga ganitong eksena matapos ang mahabang panahon na hindi pagpunta sa mga nasabing lugar ay inaasahan na. Gayunpaman, ang matinding pag-iingat bilang responsableng mamimili ay kinakailangan pa rin upang hindi na tayo magsisihan pa at muling bumalik sa umpisa. Ang huling tatlong buwan ng taon ang itinuturing na panahon kung saan ang paggastos ng mga tao ay mas mataas kumpara sa mga nagdaang mga buwan. Ito ay dahil sa mga natatanggap na insentibo ng mga manggagawa, at mga padala ng mga kamag-anak na nagtatrabaho sa labas ng bansa. Habang patuloy pa rin natin kinahaharap ang pandemya, ang paggastos sa ganitong panahon ay naaapektuhan dahil sa mataas na bilang ng mga nawalan ng trabaho bunsod ng pagtigil at pagiging limitado sa operasyon ng mga establisyemento. Dahil sa labis na epekto ng pandemya sa kita ng mga ordinaryong manggagawa, tuluyan na itong nagresulta sa pagbaba ng kanilang kakayahang kumonsumo at gumastos. Sa kabila nito, marami pa rin sa atin ang sinisikap na ipagpatuloy ang nakasanayang pamimigay ng mga regalo. Dahil sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon, mas mabuting gawin na lamang ang pamimili ng regalo gamit ang mga online shopping app. Sa ganitong paraan, magkakaroon ng pagkakataong ikumpara ang presyo ng mga produkto, pagkakaroon ng malawak na opsyon sa mga regalong maaaring bilhin, at ng mas mahabang oras para mag-isip bago tuluyang bilhin ang produkto. Sa kabila ng matinding kagustuhan, ang responsable at matalinong pagkonsumo ay dapat pa rin nating patuloy na gampanan, nang sa gayon ay hindi natin naisasantabi ang mga bagay na dapat pinaglalaanan ng pera at panahon. Ikaw, bilang mamimili ay may kakayahang gumastos, kumonsumo, at makipagtransaksyon sa anomang oras at paraan na gustuhin mo. Ngunit dahil sa kinahaharap na pandemya, ang nakasanayang pamamaraan ng pagkonsumo at paggastos ay nagbago. Kaya naman upang matugunan pa rin ang luho at pangangailangan, naitulak tayong sumabay sa pagbabago na inihain sa atin ng makabagong lipunan at kasalukuyang pandemya. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Christine Vallecera Layout and Design by: Dan Kurt Buenaventura Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/opinion/pieces/372-online-selling-fuels-economic-activity-during-pandemic-?fbclid=IwAR2uyIomtDSrFkER_5bB2HTdMCJcAIDdbi_qeGS-BCP-oLZgicpyCEA4SkI https://www.bworldonline.com/filipinos-look-forward-to-monthly-online-sales-compare-prices-across-platforms-when-shopping-online/

Last November 9, the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) officially released the country’s 2021 3rd quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report. The economy grew by 7.1% from July to September, which is greater than last year’s 3rd quarter GDP of -11.6%. It exceeded the forecasted figures made by various institutions and groups such as Asia and the Pacific, Asia Institute of Management, and Union Bank of the Philippines Inc. The Philippines is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that shows substantial growth despite COVID-19 challenges, according to the Philippines News Agency (PNA). Compared to the previous quarter, a growth rate of 7.1% is less than the 12% rate measured last 2nd quarter. This was primarily due to stricter policies implemented by the government to combat the Delta variant surge. The Gross Domestic Product or GDP is one of the most important indicators in measuring the performance of a country's economy. It is the monetary value of all produced final goods and services within a country in a given particular period of time. It shows economic outputs created inside a country for a specific period. A higher GDP means a greater amount of goods and services were made within that country and that time period. It can be calculated annually or quarterly. In the case of the Philippines, both are being practiced. Also, there are 3 approaches in measuring GDP. These are Income, Expenditure and Output approaches. 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 From the word itself, Income approach deals with the income earned from factors of production. Wage, rent, interest and profit, or also called National Income, are added together with statistical discrepancy and consumption on fixed capital less net primary income to derive GDP. Net Primary Income from the rest of the world this 3rd quarter was reduced by 52.3% whereas Gross National Income grew at 2.8%. 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 On the other hand, the expenditure approach estimates spending made by the different sectors in the economy. It is often illustrated using the formula, C+I+G+Nx. C stands for the consumption made by the household, I for investment from the private sector, G for government expenditure and lastly, Nx equals export minus import. From the data released by PSA, household consumption’s contribution to GDP amounted to 7.1% while Gross Capital Formation was 22%. Government’s expenditure shares from the total GDP was 13.6% while export was recorded at 9% and import at 13.2%. 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 Output, also called Product or Value-added approach, calculates the total output produced within a country after subtracting the costs incurred in producing intermediate goods. Intermediate goods are different from final goods that GDP accounted for. The first one is used for further production, whereas the latter is ready for consumption. Furthermore, major economic sectors like service, show a positive growth with 8.2% followed by the industry sector with 7.9%. These were mainly influenced by wholesale and retail trade, repair of vehicles and motorcycles and other service-related businesses. On the down side, agriculture, forestry and fishery contracted to 1.7% for this quarter. COVID-19 does not only affect people’s health. According to a report made by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) last June 30, the global economy may lose more than $4 trillion dollars from 2020 to 2021. This is mainly due to losses experienced by the tourism sector as movements of people from one place to another are being restricted to control the spread of the virus. Likewise, developing countries tend to suffer great losses compared to the others because vaccine roll-out is uneven across nations. It is therefore important for countries to come up with effective recovery plans that will pump their economy back to usual. In the Philippines, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that the keys to improve the economic condition of the country are acceleration of vaccination programs, maximization of budget and reopening the economy. According to the Department of Health (DOH), there were a total of 70, 294, 534 doses administered as of November 15. Meanwhile, various groups and institutions have raised their GDP growth forecasts for the last quarter. From the initial 3% growth rate forecast, Goldman Sachs Economics Research saw that it will improve to 4.9% for this year while Pantheon Macroeconomics projected 5.5% GDP rate. This is greater than the growth target of 4-5% set by the government. On the other hand, Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) forecast shows a 5.5% GDP growth rate whereas inflation will be at 3.5% for the year 2022. It also shows that by the end of 2022, the Philippines' economy may recover to the pre-pandemic level. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by: Karen Mamplata Layout and Design by: Ian Ramos Sources: https://www.bworldonline.com/lockdown-likely-hurt-q3-gdp-growth/ https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1159184 https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gdp.asp https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-economics/chapter/measuring-output-using-gdp/ https://psa.gov.ph/national-accounts https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/11/tmt-anniversary/economic-outlook-for-2022-tenuous-optimism/1817627 https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Q3%202021%20Pub_1_ONS-signed.pdf https://unctad.org/news/global-economy-could-lose-over-4-trillion-due-covid-19-impact-tourism https://doh.gov.ph/covid19-vaccination-dashboard https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/11/tmt-anniversary/economic-outlook-for-2022-tenuous-optimism/1817627 Camba, A. L., Maniego, N. L., Ronan, J. R., & Payumo, C. S. (2014). Understanding Economics. Manila: ALTEO Digital & Printers Inc. McConnell, C. R., Brue, S. L., & Flynn, S. M. (n.d.). Economics Global Edition. Philippines: C&E Publishing Inc.