Feature

The stories of untold victors: '23 NSCUAA Bicolana 4th placers

In the recently concluded 2023 National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (NSCUAA) Games held in Tarlac, Bicol displayed adamant poise, bagging numerous medals in chess, swimming, and athletics. As remarkable as it may sound, behind the glory and praise of our medal-bearers are Bicolana women, who were a notch away from adding up to the region’s medal tally. Stepping into the spotlight of these near-medal achievers, here are the battle-for-bronze stories of Bicolana athletes who, despite confronting formidable pre-tournament obstacles, sported their prowess and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest athletes in the country in the 2023 NSCUAA Games.

Sa tinta at hinaing: Hangad ng tagagawa ng propesyon

Taga-hila kami ng hagdan pataas patungo sa hakbang ng kani-kanilang pag-asenso sa buhay. Ngunit, kami naman itong hinahayaan lang madulas pababa at inaapak-apakan upang manatili lamang sa aming mga kinalalagyan.

Lupang Hinarang: Hagulhol sa Hinanging Himig

Hindi lamang tuwing Setyembre naririnig ni Inang Bayan ang mga pekeng metaporika sa kanyang tinatanging awit— sapagkat sa araw-araw na pagtugtog nitong musika, punong-puno ito ng pagkukunwari.

I’m Back In Beyubs, Yet Leaving Soon - Senior, ID 2019

I always dreamed of parties after exams. Fancy study sesh at coffee tables. Meet-cutes in the university library. Running with someone in the BU oval. Falling in love. Crying together with my college friends because we can't handle life anymore. Breaking down. Getting drunk. Rinse. Repeat.

VICENTE JAO'S CURTAIN CALL

Vicente Jao III–a rising Bicolano artist from Sorsogon City, Sorsogon who ghost-sang for the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry Joven Tan’s “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok ko” as the prominently multi-awarded singer Rey Valera. Despite what seemingly is a flourishing triumph now, Jao’s upbringing has not been really full of rhythm and harmony. In fact, music was his only ally during those hard times.

Sitio Olag Settlers Demand Dialogues With New BU Admin

𝑩𝒚 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒂𝒔𝒊, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒐 | Behind the towering structures of Bicol University (BU), the households of Sitio Olag play tug-of-war with the BU administration in a territorial dispute that has been recurring for a few decades.

Cracks On Pavement: Bumpy Path On Future-proofing Jeepneys

𝑩𝒚 𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆 𝑲𝒊𝒎 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆 | On the frontline of local news channels in the Philippines right now are the people who, instead of sitting in their usual spot on a jeepney’s driver seats, are on the road holding placards demanding a reconsideration of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).