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Jan. 25 - Carrying the Philippine flag at the opening ceremony and the only Filipino representative in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, 21 year-old Alpine skier Asa Miller is set to compete in the slalom and giant slalom events. Miller is a dual citizen of the United States and the Philippines. He was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, to an American father, Kelly Miller, and mother Polly Bisquera from Sta. Cruz, Manila. He was introduced to skiing by his father, who was a ski patroller at the time, when he was just one and a half years old, and honed his talents to become the outstanding skier that he is today. First competed in the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018 when he was only 17 years old, ending at 70th position in the slalom event, Miller is drawing inspiration from his family and countrymen. Alpine skiing, often known as downhill skiing, has been a part of the Winter Olympics since 1936. There are 11 alpine skiing events at the Beijing Olympics, with 33 medals on the line. Skiing is almost non-existent in the Philippines due to the tropical environment. In the 98-year history of the Games, the Philippines has only had six Filipino Winter Olympians; one of them is the presently Filipino-American Asa Miller.

As a Filipino, it is not new to us to be labeled as hospitable and God-fearing that we always say ‘Ang Diyos nga nagpapatawad, ako pa kayang tao.’ And we take it to extremes. We easily forgive others that we also forget what they have done and still invite them to our homes to show our hospitality? Isn’t that great? No. It is not. Especially when it comes to the Marcoses. “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan?” This was reiterated by Mr. Bonifacio Ilagan, a Martial Law Survivor, in an interview created by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines in 2016. And this is still a timely reminder to all of us about what happened back then should not be forgotten. Yet, Martial Law is still affecting us in a different and contradictory way calling it “the golden era” and even invalidating other Filipinos who are oppressed by that time. Thus, they are praised by some for the disinformation. Filipinos are really great at forgetting the past and some of us even have the audacity to support the oppressors. Well, maybe the reason behind this ‘amnesia’ is because of the Martial Law itself where media was oppressed, those who spoke the truth were imprisoned, tortured, and/or killed. Other Filipinos were fed by lies and Marcoses are so good at corruption that until now they are still corrupting the minds of the current generation. Martial Law are still affecting the decisions of many of us due to lack of heroes that can tell their stories but already murdered before they do so, a lot of propaganda materials that are circulating, and constant increase of uneducated and insensible Filipinos like Toni Gonzaga. And as a matter of fact, we are considering being anti-Marcos as a political stand rather than a truth that we should live by to never forget and to tell ourselves “Never again!”

Nov. 8 - The Quezon City University (QCU) commended John Paul Nalla, Joshua Cervantes, and Zoren Santiago for passing the October 2021 Electronics Engineering Licensure Examination. The Professional Regulation Committee (PRC) released the results of the Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) board examination. Of 1,484 candidates, 710 passed. It was an overwhelming joy for the three QCU ECE students to be among those who passed the ECE exam. According to Nalla, patience is going to be a major factor before reaching the goal. Having passed the ECT exam first, he was about to take the ECE board exam when the pandemic hit, which made him unsure whether to take the test, “Akala ko mga 2 weeks, 3 weeks matatapos na yung pandemic pero hindi kaya nag doubt na ko kung magtatake pa ba ako,” He said. Decision wasn’t the only problem he had. Nalla was placed into conditional remarks for not reaching the mathematics requirement. Fortunately enough after the results came in, it was a relief for him that all the hardship paid off, “Iba yung saya sa dalawang taon na paghihintay. Andami kong natutunan talaga,” Likewise, Cervantes also shared his experience of becoming a licensed engineer. He reflects upon all the sacrifices he has made and explains how his technical training has enabled him to learn fast and have clear objectives towards reaching his goal. Although he passed the three other subjects in the board exam, it wasn't enough as he was also given a conditional remark. He did, however, pass on his second attempt. QCU taught him the value of hard work and diligence. "To achieve what you want, it requires sacrifice," he said. Both ECE board passers expressed their gratitude to God, their loved ones, professors at QCU, and most of all to the "OPLAN Rehab" who encouraged them to continue. (OPLAN Rehab is the name of their group according to Nalla). “Hindi naman talaga kailangang matalino ka, tiyaga at consistency sa pag-rereview lang ang kailangan,” Santiago stressed. While he describes himself as an average student, his perseverance enabled him to reach his goal of becoming a licensed Electronics Engineer. Santiago mentioned that taking the board wasn't what he planned to do but was influenced by his parents, “Gusto kong patunayan sa mga magulang ko na pwede silang magkaroon ng sariling engineer,” he said. God, his friends, and the professors at the university are among the many things he is grateful for. Three other graduates from the same program passed the ECT exam, earning QCU a 37.5% passing rate on the ECE board exam and a 100% passing rate on the ECT licensure examination.

Halloween is just around the corner yet it isn't new for me. Probably because everyday is Halloween when you're in college. Terror professors and “Singko” will scare you more than ghosts and creepy crawlies. They say “Be scared of the living, not the dead,” yet I couldn't help but tremble in fear every time I overhear it. I hear voices and I know it's true. Some say that I've gone crazy but deep down, I know I'm not and that what I’ve heard is real. I started hearing voices when I was in my senior high school days. We were shooting in a cemetery for our group report on history when I decided to go for a walk since it is our break. My feet brought me to the place where no one was around, and as I walked around there was one Mausoleum that took my attention. I don't know why but my eyes got fixated on the building that is reserved for a family of politicians in our province. Suddenly, the wind blew so hard that it sent chills down my spine. And as the cold wind grazed my skin, voices came out of nowhere. Voices that are full of rage and misery. "Help us! Remove these chains!" "No! I beg you, spare my life!" "I aim for freedom yet death is what I got" "Not my dad! Take me instead, I'll do everything!" Even if I cover my ears and sing loudly, the madness from their voices won’t stop and it bothers me because those voices still linger. It gives me chills all the same, it breaks my heart. Voices that speak untold stories, secrets that've been concealed with them. It’s a bit terrifying how these people died through the hands of those in power – the abused one and took advantage of. There is a story I will never forget. She was raped, tortured, and decapitated. A writer, unafraid of telling the truth and her raw stance on issues. She inspired people to become vigilant and be more aware of social injustice. They tried to silence her, bribing her to cut off her probity but she declined. So they silenced her… forever. It’s been said that people still see her lurking around the place where they found her, still looking for her missing head. She was crying for justice and freedom because her perpetrators have never been caught, CASE CLOSED just like how they silenced her. Until today, I can still hear voices. But unlike before, I am able to see them. Those stories terrified me back then, but now? No. I love hearing stories no one tries to listen to. I love listening to the voice of those who are abused, those who fight for their rights, those who are weak and powerless, and those who are weary. Listen to everyone but pick out who you listen to. Listen but be receptive. I think I’m running late. It’s time for me to listen to their stories. I checked my bag to see if I forgot something. Ah yes! my head. Where could it possibly be? Have you seen it?

Christians and Catholics visit their deceased loved ones in memorial grounds, remembering, praying, offering flowers and lighting up candles every year in this season of serenity and solemnity. The time where we perpetuate the communion of all the saints and bereavement reserved for our long-gone relatives. Strange though it may seem, before the pandemic began most Filipinos set up picnics in graveyards and memorial parks having a small feast in front of the gravestone. But why do we keep on this tradition? This is a strong tradition that’s been observed up until now. Undas is a major holiday in the Philippines, adopted from the Spaniards on account of spreading christianity throughout the region and has become a huge part of Filipino culture. Although, this year's holiday will be a lot different from what we’ve been used to, this won’t stop the Filipinos from valuing the traditions.What we are accustomed to will be possible through cyberspace. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Radio Veritas, and Quiapo Church opened their respective online platforms to continue the tradition in a virtual world. A year ago CBCP Media Officer Msgr. Pedro Quitorio said, "There will be live online Masses that will be streamed from different places,”. Virtual visitation through Google street view, prayer and candle lighting will be possible through CBCP’s “Undas” website. The Himlayang Pilipino in Quezon City also opens “Virtual Dalaw” for the public. Conceivably, as soon as Filipinos will be vaccinated, the quarantine is lifted, and the transmission of virus will slow down ─ we might go back to the usual days where we can talk with our relatives with no technology in between. But more than anything else, Undas season really helps reunite families from different parts of the world virtually and physically, because the sense of belongingness has been and will always be at the backdrop of Filipino identity.

“If it is meant to be, it will be”, these are the words from the newly appointed student council president in an interview with the QCU Times. On October 20, Rozz Asriel Abordo, a fourth-year BS Industrial Engineering student, took the oath of office as the new president of the student body. Abordo expressed his excitement and confidence since the student council is not new to him, as he was the SSC vice president for external affairs for SF campus. Having said that, he still thinks that his new role, in contrast to his previous position, is more challenging. Apart from conducting online leadership training and webinars, he also aims to make the council more active and involved for the benefits of the students. “Student council will serve as the voice of the students of Quezon City University,” Abordo said. He added that the council will be the bridge for students to the administration of QCU. The goals of the new supreme student council are to live up the 1 QCU goal wherein each and every organization within the university will work hand in hand to achieve a harmonious connection, He said “... inaasahan natin magkaroon ng collaboration ang bawat organizations para makapag formulate ng mga activities for the students of QCU,”. The long-term plans of the organization are the continuous webinars that the successors of the council will keep on doing and forging connections and partners outside the school to support more upcoming projects for a greater and better environment for the university. Abordo pledges to do his best to produce a better term and this will be achieved by all of the members of the Supreme Student Council with him leading the way.

Oct 29 - The second phase for laptop and pocket WiFi distribution was launched on the Main Campus during the third week of October at the initiative of Mayor Joy Belmonte, Councilor Ally Medalla, and other members of the Board of Regents. The distribution plan was mentioned on Mayor Joy’s “Ulat ng Bayan” last July 1, 2020. “... pati ang college students sa Quezon City University ay magkakaroon ng laptops sa darating na school year” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. In total, 8,000 laptops, which have been procured by the University, will be distributed to both faculty staff and students as part of this phase initiative. Since the program launched last November 2020, 5,375 laptops have been distributed to students and faculty. Also last year, 4,813 pocket WiFi units with monthly load were distributed, this year 489 units have been distributed, bringing the total to 5,302. (Based on the records of the Office of Student Affairs and Services Department) Originally, laptops were to be distributed to students from the last academic year 2020 - 2021, but many of them didn't turn up - hence the distribution reached the 2021-2022 QCU freshmen. “Kung bakit sa 1st year natin binigay, simply because many distribution schedules [conducted] for the old student, pero dahil hindi sila nag avail ang assumption natin meron na silang gamit. Besides, mayroon tayong survey sa laptop and pocket wifi for those who are willing to avail,” said Ms. Merly Dela Cruz, Director of OSASD. The laptop distributed was a Dell Latitude 3410 10th Generation Intel Core i3 model. Another batch of distribution is being planned by OSAS on November 24. Further announcement. will be posted on OSAS FB page.

Oct. 29 - Nearly 300 students of Quezon City University (QCU) received their 1st dose of AstraZeneca vaccine at Batasan campus through the initiatives of Quezon City LGU led by Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte and the chairperson of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera. The vaccination rollout program, “Padyak para sa Flexible Learning, sama-samang Vaccination Program for Tertiary Students”, is for the anticipation of limited face-to-face classes or hybrid flexible learning. Mayor Joy declared that QC already reached 100% fully vaccinated in 1.7 million population which consists of 80% of the adult population in the city. Another 10%, reaching 90% of the population for the 1st dose vaccine with 1.9 million population as of October 2021. Promise for QC Youths In her message, Mayor Joy assures that, “... it’s about time for minors to be vaccinated”. She added “... we started vaccinating our 12 to 17 last Friday [Oct. 22, 2021]. Meron po tayong 300,000 [population of] youngsters and I’m looking forward to finishing yung [vaccination] ng 300,000 na yan by the first half of November.” Philippines is one of the two countries that still haven’t resumed face-to-face classes due to the pandemic and many youths suffered from this. She guarantees that as soon as youths get vaccinated, the education system in the country will be back on track to help students cope up with the things that have been missed. Flexible Curriculum The demand for quality tertiary education is sky-high especially for degrees that require “hands-on experience”. Chair Popoy considered creating a flexible curriculum to ensure the even implementation of limited face-to-face classes throughout the country. In the press release of CHED last September 28, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the expansion of limited face-to-face classes for the following degrees: Engineering and Technology programs Hospitality/ Hotel and Restaurant Management Tourism/ Travel Management Marine Engineering Marine Transportation “Ang approach po natin, tinignan po natin ang mga degree programs na kailangan [ng hands-on experience] para maka-graduate, para makakuha ng licensure test, at para makakuha ng essential skills,” said CHED chairperson Popoy de Vera. QCU is one of the higher education institutions to open limited in-person classes in the National Capital Region (NCR). He said that guidelines will be strictly implemented to protect the students and prevent the spread of the virus. Out of 89% of universities who reported to CHED, 75% of Higher Education Personnel (HEP) or nearly 188,000 faculty employees had been vaccinated nationwide according to Chair Popoy de Vera. He added, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has 86% of vaccinated individuals, Region 3 and Region 11 have an 80% vaccinated rate, and lastly Region 4B and 12 with less than 68% of the total vaccination rate. Education is a Substantial Sector QCU President Dr. Atienza said that the initiative to open the education sector will be worthwhile, especially at the tertiary level. “Hindi lang economic sector and pinagiisipan ng pamahalaan. Ang susunod na mahalaga sa economic eector ay education sector… lalong lalo na ang higher education, dahil kayo ang susunod na magpaparticipate sa ating pagawaan, sa ating mga establisyemento, at sa ating mga paaralan at unibersidad bilang bagong manggagawa,” “Dapat pagpasalamatan natin ang opportunity na mabigyan tayo ng bakuna, dahil ang gusto ng ating lungsod Quezon, ang gusto ng ating pamahalaan ay lahat tayo ay protektod,” says Dr. Atienza. Students will be vaccinated again on January 7, 2022, for their 2nd dose.