AU The Standard ― Jose Abad Santos Campus, 3058 Taft Avenue, Pasay City (2026)

04/09/2026

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥’𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘 | 𝘽𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙩 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙠, 𝘽𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩?

"Sig**o, kaya mabigat ang bawat patak, dahil hindi naman talaga tubig ang bumabagsak.

Kasama nitong bumabagsak ang pagod."

𝘐𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘪 𝘑𝘓 𝘟𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴 | 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘪𝘯-𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧

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Hindi lang patak ng ulan ang bumabagsak sa aming bubong.

May mga patak na tila may bigat ng isang buong tahanan ang bumabagsak sa yero, sa kalsada, at sa mga balikat na matagal nang sanay magbuhat.

Unti-unting umaakyat ang tubig…
Una sa kalsada.
Sunod sa hagdan.

Hanggang sa hindi mo na alam kung saan nagtatapos ang baha at saan nagsisimula ang bahay.

“Baha na naman!”

Parang panibagong pagbati ng kapitbahay sa bawat pag-ulan.

Walang gulat.
Walang pagtataka.
Pagod lamang.

Para bang bahagi na ng panahon ang matutong mag-angat ng mga gamit, magsara ng pinto, at magdasal na sana ay huwag nang tumaas pa ang tubig.

Kakabangon lamang namin mula sa sunog.

Hindi pa man lubusang nawawala ang amoy ng usok sa mga dingding, kailangan na naman naming humarap sa panibagong sakuna.

Parang walang pahinga ang mahirap.

Kapag hindi puso ang mabigat, bulsa naman.
Kapag hindi bahay ang nawawala, kalusugan.
Kapag hindi gamit ang kailangang palitan, gamot.

Minsan, naiisip ko—Pasan ko ba ang mundo?

“Ako ata ang paboritong sundalo ni Lord.”

Dati, sinasabi ko ito na parang biro.
Ngayon, parang mantra na.
Isang paraan upang pagtawanan ang mga bagay na hindi ko kayang baguhin.

Dahil ano pa ba ang gagawin mo kapag paulit-ulit kang sinusubok ng buhay?

Tumawa ka na lang.
Kahit kaunti.
Baka sakaling hindi mo maramdaman ang bigat…

Pero may mga araw na hindi sapat ang pagtawa.
Lalo na kapag ang ulan ay bumabagsak kasabay ng suspensyon.

May mga estudyanteng masayang umuuwi kapag kanselado ang klase.

Ngunit may mga estudyanteng ang unang iniisip ay kung paano sila tatawid.

Kung gaano kalalim ang tubig.
Kung may masasakyan pa.
Kung ligtas bang lumusong.

At kung wala nang ibang paraan—Lumusong.

Sapatos sa kamay.
Pantalon na itinaas.
Bag sa balikat.
At isang tahimik na dasal sa dibdib.

Dahil ang paaralan ay maaaring magsuspinde ng klase, ngunit hindi nito kayang suspindihin ang pangangailangan mong makauwi.

At minsan, ang isang paglusong ay nagiging lagnat.
Ang isang lagnat ay nagiging gamutan.
Ang gamutan ay nagiging reseta.
At ang reseta ay nagiging isa na namang bagay na kailangang pag-isipan…

“Saan tayo kukuha ng pambayad?”

Sa ospital, walang libreng paghinga.
May presyo ang gamot.
May presyo ang pagsusuri.
May presyo ang bawat gabing hindi ka makakauwi.

At habang nakahiga ang katawan, nakatayo naman ang problema sa labas.

Naghihintay ang bayarin.
Naghihintay ang pamilya.
Naghihintay ang utang.
Kaya minsan, mas nakakatakot pa ang pagkakasakit kaysa baha.

Dahil ang baha, humuhupa.
Ang utang, hindi.

Tumatawag ka para humingi ng tulong.
Naghihintay…
Tumatawag muli.
Naghihintay…

Parang ang sagot ay laging nasa dulo ng isang linya na hindi naman sumasagot.

At habang naghihintay ka, patuloy ang ulan.

Patuloy ang lagnat.
Patuloy ang buhay.
Walang pause button ang kahirapan.
Walang hold music ang gutom.
Walang “sandali lang” ang pangangailangan.

Kaya sa bawat tulong na hinihingi, bakit tila kailangan mo munang patunayan na karapat-dapat kang tulungan?

ID.
Beripikasyon.
Dokumento.
Patunay.

Samantalang ang baha ay hindi kailanman nagtanong kung sino ka.

Hindi ito humingi ng pangalan bago pumasok sa bahay.
Hindi ito nagtanong kung may pambayad ka bago sirain ang gamit mo.
Hindi ito nagtanong kung mayaman ka bago ka lunurin.

At marahil iyon ang pinakamasakit…

Na ang kalamidad ay pantay-pantay kung manakit.
Ngunit sa kakayahang bumangon ay hindi.

May mga taong may bubong na matibay.
May mga taong may sasakyan.
May mga taong may ipon.
At may mga taong ang tanging panangga lang sa baha ay ang pag-asa…

Sana, sa pagkakataong ito, hindi na umabot sa loob ng bahay.

Minsan, naiisip ko ang mga salitang, “Nabuhay kang mahirap, mamamatay kang naghihirap.”

Napakasakit pakinggan…

Pero mas masakit kapag unti-unti mo itong nauunawaan.

Kapag ang batang lumulusong sa baha ay siya ring batang kailangang magtrabaho balang araw upang bayaran ang pang-ospital ng magulang.

Kapag ang estudyanteng lumiban dahil walang pamasahe ay siya ring estudyanteng nangangarap makatapos upang makaahon.

Kapag ang pamilyang nawalan ng bahay sa sunog ay siya ring pamilyang kailangang mangutang upang makapag simula muli.

At pagkatapos, uulan na naman.
Parang walang katapusan.

Parang may kamay na paulit-ulit na pinipisil ang sugat upang matiyak na hindi ito magsasara.

Kaya hindi ko na alam kung ulan ba talaga ang kinatatakutan ko.
Ang ulan? O ang katahimikan pagkatapos nito.
Dahil pagkatapos ng ulan, makikita mo ang lahat…

Ang putik sa sahig.
Ang basang mga gamit.
Ang mga sirang dingding.
Ang mga resibong hindi kayang bayaran.
Ang estudyanteng may sakit.
Ang magulang na nag-aalala.
Ang pamilyang muling magsisimula.

At ang taong nakatingin sa lahat ng ito, nagtatanong sa sarili kung “hanggang kailan?”.

Sig**o, kaya mabigat ang bawat patak, dahil hindi naman talaga tubig ang bumabagsak.

Kasama nitong bumabagsak ang pagod.

Ang takot.
Ang utang.
Ang mga pangarap na kailangan munang ipagpaliban.
Ang mga pangakong matagal nang hinihintay.
At ang pag-asang kahit minsan, sana naman, may sumalo.

Ngunit wala.

Kaya muli tayong mag-aangat ng gamit.
Muli tayong maghihintay.
Muli tayong lalangoy.
Muli tayong babangon.

At kapag natuyo na ang kalsada, maghihintay na naman tayo sa susunod na ulan.

Dahil sa mundong ito, tila ang mahirap ay kailangang matutong mabuhay sa gitna ng baha.

Hindi dahil sanay siya.

Kundi dahil wala siyang ibang pagpipilian.

At kapag muling bumagsak ang ulan—muli kong sasabihin:

“Ako ata ang paboritong sundalo ni Lord.”

Hindi na para magbiro.

Kundi para kahit papaano, maniwala pa rin ako na may dahilan kung bakit kailangan kong magpatuloy.

Dahil sa bawat patak, may bigat.

At sa bawat bigat, may buhay na pilit pa ring umaahon.

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Disclaimer: The following Literary work is published to promote creative expression and intellectual engagement. The views, opinions, and interpretations presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Arellano University The Standard – Jose Abad Santos Campus, or its administration.

𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘪 𝘕𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘔. 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 | 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵

28/08/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀

They said the flood would never return…

They stood before cameras, beneath bright banners and polished words, promising stronger roads, deeper drainage, and walls that would keep the water away.

They called it progress. They called it protection…

And we believed them.

Years passed, then came the rain…

At first, it was gentle, like a familiar tapping against rooftops.

Then the streets disappeared beneath brown water.

The road cracked open like an old wound. Plastic bottles, fallen branches, and pieces of broken homes drifted past our windows.

I stepped outside and looked down.

The flood was strangely clear for a moment.

There, in its trembling surface, I saw a sign…

FLOOD CONTROL.

I almost smiled.

But the water moved.

The words twisted.

The proud letters became upside down, broken by ripples and rain. Behind them appeared what the sign had failed to show: cracked roads, overflowing streets, abandoned promises.

That was when I understood.

The flood was not merely reflecting the sign.

It was reflecting the truth.

Yesterday, they promised that no Filipino would have to fear the rain again. Today, we were measuring the water against our doors, praying it would stop rising.

My neighbor carried his belongings on his back. A mother held her child above the water. An old man stood beside what remained of his home.

And the rain kept falling.

I looked again at the reflection.

The sign was still there.

FLOOD CONTROL.

But beneath it, the water whispered another story:

How many times must we drown before a promise becomes real?

Perhaps this was not simply the storm of today.

Perhaps it was the storm of yesterday returning—the storm of forgotten warnings, unfinished projects, and promises washed away before the rain ever came.

We blamed the clouds.

We blamed the river.

But as the water rose, I finally realized the most frightening thing about the flood:

It was not the water that lied to us.

It only showed us the truth.

𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘉𝘺: 𝘑𝘓 𝘟𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴 | 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘪𝘯-𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧

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Disclaimer: The following literary work is published to promote creative expression and intellectual engagement. The views, opinions, and interpretations presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Arellano University The Standard – Jose Abad Santos Campus, or its administration.

𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘉𝘺: 𝘑𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘪ñ𝘰 | 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵

23/08/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻

“May naisip ka na bang kurso na puwede mong kunin sa kolehiyo?”

Binasag ni Mama ang katahimikan ng hapunan habang nagsasandok ng kanin sa kaniyang plato.

Hindi agad ako nakasagot at nanatiling nakaupo sa hapag-kainan.
Ni hindi ako makatingin nang maayos sa kanilang lahat.

“Ayaw mo bang mag-engineer? Malaki ang kita roon.” sabat ni papa.

Dinampot ko ang kutsara at nagsimulang durugin ang mga ulam sa pinggan.

Binilisan kong kumain kahit ang bawat lunok ay kasabay ng pilit na pagsuka sa kaba na naiipon sa utak ko.

“Paano kung mag-teacher ka na lang? Mas praktikal ‘yun.”

“Puwede, pero maganda rin ang nursing. Matutulungan mo pa kami ng mama mo sa mga gastusin.”

Nagpalitan sina mama at papa ng suhestiyon.
O utos—o kaya pagpipilian—o kung anuman ang tawag nila dito.

Halos walang araw na lumipas na hindi nila ako hinikayat na maging engineer, g**o, o nurse dahil malalaki raw ang sahod sa mga propesyong iyon.

Subalit paano kung wala sa tatlong iyon ang nakikita kong landas para sa sarili ko?
Paano kung sa kabila ng lahat, hindi ko matagpuan ang sarili ko sa alinman sa kanila?

Sumagot ako nang mahina…

“Bachelor of Fine Arts po sana ang kukunin ko.”

Mula pagkabata, minahal ko na ang sining ng paglikha. Bihira kong sabihin kina Mama na ang gusto ko talaga ay ipagpatuloy ang pagpipinta. Nagdadalawang-isip akong magsabi, hindi dahil ikinahihiya ko iyon, kundi dahil alam kong hindi iyon ang pangarap nilang makita para sa akin.

“Fine Arts? May pera bang magpapakain sayo ‘pag nakapagtapos ka sa kurso na ‘yan?” sagot ni mama.

“Ma, hindi naman po ako pitaka. Hindi lang po pera ang kailangan ko, kundi yung landas kung saan naroon din yung passion ko.”

Pinilit kong magsalita, pinipigilan ang namumuong luha sa’king mga mata.

“Passion? Anong silbi ng pagmamahal mo sa sarili mong pasyon kung hindi ka naman nito kayang dalhin sa mansyon? Anong kikitain mo diyan? Pambili ng sardinas?” Sarkastiko, subalit may galit, lungkot, at dismaya na sagot ni papa.

Binitawan ko ang kutsara.
Masyado na talaga yatang mahal ang tubig, ang gas, at bigas—maski ang isang lata ng sardinas ngayon para lang mapunan ng bawat guhit ng linyang ginagawa ko, may gastusin pa ring maghihintay sa akin.

Marahil, tama nga sila mama at papa…
Aanhin ko nga naman ang fine arts?
Aanhin ko nga naman ang gusto ko?

Sapagkat sa mundong ito, hindi sapat na mahal mo lamang ang ginagawa mo…

Kailangan mo rin itong pagkakitaan.

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Disclaimer: The following literary work is published to promote creative expression and intellectual engagement. The views, opinions, and interpretations presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Arellano University The Standard – Jose Abad Santos Campus, or its administration.

𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘪 𝘉𝘦𝘦 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘧

𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘪 𝘕𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘔. 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 | 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵

19/08/2026

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗔 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀?

A State of the Nation Address is more than a constitutional obligation—it is the nation’s annual mirror. It reflects where we stand, where we aspire to go, and whether our leaders can turn ambition into reality. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fifth SONA was filled with bold commitments and a vision of national progress. But as the applause faded, one question remained: Will this speech be remembered for its promises or for the changes that followed?

One statement stood out: “Hindi ako Presidente ng pamilya. Hindi ako Presidente ng aking mga kaibigan. Ako ay Presidente ng Pilipinas.” Alongside this came the commitment to be held accountable of those involved in the questionable flood control projects. It was a strong message against corruption, but accountability requires more than speeches. It demands transparent investigations, equal justice, and consequences regardless of power or political connection.

The President also introduced measures to ease the burden of rising living costs, including fuel assistance, tax reductions, expanded SSS and Pag-IBIG benefits, and VAT exemptions on selected medicines. These offer much-needed relief, but lasting economic security also requires stable jobs, fair wages, and opportunities that allow Filipinos to move beyond daily survival.

Agriculture was once again recognised as vital to the country’s future through promises of better irrigation, mechanisation, crop insurance, and lower production costs. Environmental efforts, including the goal of planting one million trees, also reflected a long-term vision. Yet food security remains difficult to achieve while farmers continue to face rising costs, climate-related disasters, and unstable market prices.

Infrastructure remained a major priority with plans for new MRT lines, expanded roads, lower transport costs, renewable energy projects, and discussions on nuclear power. These initiatives may encourage growth, but their true value will still depend on whether they improve mobility, connect underserved communities, and make daily life easier for ordinary Filipinos.

Education and healthcare also received significant attention through new classrooms, AI literacy, scholarships, improved teacher support, expanded PhilHealth benefits, and wider access to medicines. The President likewise stressed protecting young people from harmful online influences. However, progress requires more than expanding programmes—it also demands quality education, critical thinking, accessible healthcare, and services that reach those who need them most.

On the global stage, the administration highlighted stronger trade partnerships, increased exports, and emerging industries such as space technology. Among the initiatives that drew attention was the proposed US-led Pax Silica partnership, which aims to establish technological hubs, AI facilities, and semiconductor manufacturing. While supporters see potential for investment and employment, some concerned sectors have raised questions about its environmental impact, land use, and possible effects on indigenous communities. These concerns highlight the need for transparent consultation and responsible development.

The speech ended with a patriotic message that inspired national pride. Still, patriotism is best measured not by powerful words but by policies that improve the lives of every Filipino.

The fifth SONA was undeniably ambitious. It envisioned a Philippines powered by innovation, strengthened by accountability, sustained by infrastructure, and united by resilience. It challenged Filipinos to believe that better days lie ahead. Yet hope, while essential, is not a substitute for results. A speech can inspire a nation for an afternoon; good governance inspires confidence for generations.

Perhaps the true legacy of this SONA will not be written in the pages of the transcript or measured by the standing ovations inside the halls of Congress. It will be found in flood control projects that finally withstand storms, classrooms filled with students instead of empty promises, hospitals where no patient is turned away because of financial hardship, roads that truly lead to opportunity, and farms where those who feed the nation can finally reap the harvest of their labour.

In the end, Filipinos are not merely asking for another inspiring address. They are asking for something far more profound: proof. Because the true State of the Nation is not defined by the eloquence of its speeches, but by the lives transformed after the microphones are turned off.

𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘺: 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴-𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘻𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 | 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳
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Disclaimer: The following opinion work is published to promote creative expression and intellectual engagement. The views, opinions, and interpretations presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Arellano University The Standard – Jose Abad Santos Campus, or its administration.

𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘺: 𝘑𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘰 | 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵

13/08/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀!

From July 24-30, 2026 — The Arellano University – Jose Abad Santos Campus MAPEH Department held the 2026 Division Meet Tryouts for the Academic Year 2026 - 2027, gathering aspiring student-athletes in Futsal, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Chess, Arnis, Taekwondo, Athletics, and other sporting events at various locations throughout the Campus.

Throughout the week-long selection process, student-athletes from Junior High School to Senior High School underwent skill assessments and competitive evaluations under the supervision of the respective head coaches of each sporting event. The tryouts aimed to identify and form the university's official roster of athletes who will represent the campus in the upcoming Division Meet.

With the roster getting ready to roll, the selected student-athletes began their preparations and will continue to strive until September to get ready for the upcoming Division Meet. The Arellano University - JAS wishes the athletes to carry the university’s colors with pride and honor.

𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘺: 𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘬

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𝘗𝘏𝘖𝘛𝘖𝘚 𝘉𝘠:

𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵
𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘰 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘻 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵
𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵

01/08/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗔 𝗦𝗜 𝗔𝗧𝗘

Dahil ang hirap ko raw abutin, ang hirap ko raw maging kapatid.

Sa gulo ng bahay, ako lang ata ang nagpapaningning nito. Sa dinami-rami ng hindi nakapagtapos, ako raw ang pag-asa. Ang hirap daw tumabi sa’kin dahil baka maikumpara. Hindi ko naman piniling maging sukatan ng tagumpay, pero parang gano’n na rin ang nangyari.

Sa bahay namin, hindi sinusukat ang pagiging ate sa pagkakasunod ng kapanganakan o sa dami ng medalya. Sinusukat ito sa kung gaano karami ang kaya mong ibuwis nang hindi nagrereklamo.

“Kababaeng tao, hindi marunong maglaba?” Reklamo ni mama, nakakunot ang noo sa akin nang magkamali ako sa pagpindot ng labahan.

“Ang tali-talino sa eskuwela pero hindi magamit sa simpleng bagay.” Iritableng bulong niya.

‘Tulad ni Darna, lumulunok na lamang ako ng tila’y bato. Kapag napagsabihan, tama dapat sila. Kapag napuna, kailangan tanggapin. Para sa ikabubuti ko naman din ‘yon, hindi ba? Ika nga nila, kailangan nila bunso ng role model. Nakakatawa lang, wala namang naging ate ang ‘tulad kong ate.

Sa family pictures, lagi nilang napapansin.
“Bakit ang layo ni ate sa frame?”

Eh kasi, bunso, ayaw ni Darna na nagpapakita ng mukha porke’t may ginawa siyang maganda. Hindi siya nagmamayabang sa dyaryo. Hindi nagpapakitang-gilas sa telebisyon. O baka ayaw niya na rin mapagkamalang pabida. Ayaw na rin ng dalagang kainin siya ng mga matang laging nakatingin sa bawat galaw na ikinikilos niya at naghihintay lang ng susunod niyang pagkakamali.

Sa bawat responsibilidad na ipinatong sa balikat ko, may mas mabigat pang ipinapatong na inaasahan. At sana nga, may maasahan din ako, may mapatungan din ako ng pag-asa.

Sa mga pinagpatong-patong, hindi ko na alam kailan ako huling natanong kung kaya ko pa ba. Kung kaya ko pa bang lumipad, bumuhat, at ngumiti habang suot ang pulang helmet.

“Bakit hindi ka na masyadong kumakain?” sambit ni papa habang ngumunguya, nakayuko sa plato niya.

Dahil kung masyado o bihira man ako kumain, ako parati ang bunot. Kung hindi sugapa o maramot, masyadong mapagbigay ng tira sa kapatid.

“Bakit hindi ka na natutulog? Gusto mo ba magkasakit?”, tanong naman ni mama na may halong sermon.

Dahil kapag hindi ako nag-review, kasalanan kong naging mababa ang marka ko.
Hindi ako puwedeng pumalya. Hindi ako puwedeng mapagod. Hindi ako puwedeng maging sapat lang. Hindi naman po ako tulad nila bunso na mapupuri sa kaunti lamang, hindi ba?

Tuwing may na-mamaster naman kasi ako, may naghihintay na bagong kailangan baguhin. Parang bawat araw ay may bagong powers o kakayahang kailangan makamit si “Darna”.

Ngunit ang nakakalimutan ng lahat, hindi naman laging nakasuot ng pulang kapa ang mga bayani.

Bago maging bayani ng iba, tao muna siya. At iyon ang hindi nakita ng lahat…
Na si Darna, sa pag-uwi niya, hindi na naghahanap ng panibagong laban.
Naghahanap lang siya ng tahanang hindi niya kailangang iligtas o i-ahon.

Sa likod ng mga medalya, sa likod ng matataas na marka, sa likod ng mga papuri at inaasahan, may isang anak na napapagod ding umuwi. May isang estudyanteng gusto ring magkamali nang hindi hinuhusgahan. May isang ate na gusto ring may umalalay sa kaniya.

𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘺: 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦

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Disclaimer: The following literary work is published to promote creative expression and intellectual engagement. The views, opinions, and interpretations presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Arellano University The Standard – Jose Abad Santos Campus, or its administration.

𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘺: 𝘈𝘪𝘳𝘢 𝘋𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘢 | 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵

27/07/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗶𝘁

Two burrows, one rabbit.
Just like two fabrics, needing to stitch.

Both couches provided guidance,
Yet the rabbit must pick.

Oh, mother rabbit—is it possible if both I must sit?

Half the week she anchored there,
The other half suspended here,
Yet home was far from what appeared.

Sometimes she wish,
Another hope, yet another miss.

There was this vision,
Far from true—
That maybe there would be something new.

A taste of peace, and not anger in silence—
She would split in two, to not be tireless.

Two homes she attended,
Two doors she went through.

One welcomed warmth,
One welcomed rules.

Worn, she was— running back and forth
The lamp flickers as a tear rolled down.

She realized the difference between a house and home,
Just by the footsteps on the ground.

Though, why did it have to be two burrows, anyway?

Why not one shelter, a husband, his loving wife, and a family?

How odd, must say, raising a glass to the irony.
Cheers to destiny—

And to the rabbit who learned to live in two burrows.

𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺: 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘩 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴 | 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳
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Disclaimer: The following literary work is published to promote creative expression and intellectual engagement. The views, opinions, and interpretations presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Arellano University The Standard – Jose Abad Santos Campus, or its administration.

𝘐𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘺: 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘩 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴 | 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳

25/07/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦.𝗬. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

On July 23, 2026, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) held its first general assembly in the Main Building Lobby of Arellano University, Jose Abad Santos Campus, acquainting students on what to expect this school year.

The assembly began at 9:23 a.m., with the Master of Ceremonies, Jon Florenz S. Mercurio, presenting the CAS chorale who performed a prayer, the National Anthem, and the Arellano University Hymn.

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Teresa N. Rivera, delivered the opening remarks and shared an introductory message through recorded video, welcoming students to a new chapter in their life. Mr. Sherwin M. Punla, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, through a video message reminded students of the CHIEFS core values, and shared an inspiring message encouraging students to make the most of their college years.

After the inspirational message, Dr. Jhason Cabigon, Director of Occupational Safety and Health Standard, reviewed the university health protocols via video presentation. This message was followed by a discussion to help students build a drug-free campus.

A brief introduction of AU Officials, CAS administrators, followed by the faculty and staff, was conducted by Mr. Florenz Mercurio and a presentation on learning modality, netiquette, and the grading system was shared by Prof. Deborah A. Acab.

The Intermission then commenced, with a dance performed by Mr. Aby Catalogo and Ms. Michelle Felia.

Next, career opportunities for CAS students and graduates were presented by Dr. Sammy Q. Dolba (AB English), Prof. Noel Delos Triños AB- (Political Science, AB- History), Prof. Esterlita D. Espina (AB Psychology), followed by Alumni Career talk, by Mr. Adrian Delos Reyes.

Subsequent to the career talk; student life, organizations, and opportunities in CAS, along with CAS announcements were delivered by Mr. Zakhary Corey P. Simangan, CASSO Governor. A part of this, The Parliamentarians, Psychology Society, and CASSO Members were formally introduced to the new students.

To complete the event, Dr. Archieval A. Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President of AU-JAS campus, gave the closing remarks concluding the assembly at 11:15 a.m.

𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺: 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘒. 𝘈𝘭𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪, 𝘖𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳

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𝘗𝘏𝘖𝘛𝘖𝘚 𝘉𝘠:
𝘌𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘩 𝘌𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵
𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘰 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵

12/07/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗔𝗨-𝗝𝗔𝗦 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔.𝗬. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

Newly elected college student leaders of Arellano University - Jose Abad Santos Campus formally took their oath of office during the Chiefs' Organization Oath-Taking Ceremony held on July 3, 2026, at the campus quadrangle.

Senior Student Council President Ms. Allyza Monique C. Apolinario served as master of ceremonies. The opening prayer was led by Supreme Student Council Head Committee Ms. Ashley Sta. Ana, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the Arellano University Hymn.

Branch Office of Student Affairs Coordinator Mr. Albert James C. Respino then welcomed the newly elected student leaders and shared his experiences in leadership and words of encouragement. This was followed by the introduction of the student leaders by College OSA Coordinator Ms. Mazel Fadrogane.

Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Lemuel Ritchie S. Cervantes administered the oath of office as the inducting officer, officially inducting the newly elected student leaders. A certificate of appreciation was later presented to Mr. Cervantes in recognition of his role as the inducting officer.

Delivering an inspirational message, AU Chiefs' Awards Night 2026 Most Active Adviser Ms. Tonne Crizelle N. Agulto, who shared her experiences in student leadership. She reminded the newly inducted officers, "Being a student leader is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about listening to your fellow students, respecting their opinions, and leading with integrity, even when no one is watching."

The awarding of certificates to the organization officers, together with their advisers, was conducted with the assistance of Ms. Fadrogane, Mr. Respino, Mr. Cervantes, and the deans of each organization. SSC President Mr. Sam Christian Paghubasan delivered the closing remarks before the ceremony officially concluded with a photo opportunity.

𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺: 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘢 𝘏. 𝘍𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘰, 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩

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𝘗𝘏𝘖𝘛𝘖𝘚 𝘉𝘠:
𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘰 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵
𝘑𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢 | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵

04/07/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗢𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

On June 26, 2026, the Arellano University Jose Abad Santos Campus Junior and Senior High School departments conducted an Oathtaking Ceremony at the AU-JAS Quadrangle.

The program began with Ms. Deianne Kesley V. Encarnacion, the Master of Ceremony. This was preceded by a prayer, the singing of the National Anthem, and the Arellano University Hymn. Elementary Level Principal, Ms. Emily H. Escobido, delivered her welcoming remarks where she highlighted responsibility, compassion, and to stand for what is right.

Ms. Crisennie A. Martinez, the Elementary and JHS OSA Coordinator named all JHS organizations. It was continued by Mr. Romeo N. Mendaño, SHS OSA Coordinator, to recognize all SHS Clubs. Followed by the Branch OSA Coordinator, Mr. Albert James C. Respino for a short speech.

Next was the vow of all High School organizations headed by the Assistant Vice President, Dr. Archieval A. Rodriguez. Then an inspirational message for the Alumni and Former Supreme Student Council President, Ms. Rona Mae C. Jamila, as she shared her achievements and leadership experience.

After the motivational message, Mr. Aljon G. Lacatan, High School Principal, then delivered his closing remarks. The ceremony concluded with a recognition and photo opportunity for the new student leaders of Academic Year 2026-2027.

𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺: 𝘌𝘳𝘥𝘺 𝘕𝘦𝘪𝘭 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴, 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘏𝘚

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𝘗𝘏𝘖𝘛𝘖𝘚 𝘉𝘠: 𝘟𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴 | 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘪𝘯-𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧

AU The Standard ― Jose Abad Santos Campus

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