The Spectrum - USLS

In the face of a world desensitized to the misgivings of callous men, it’s paramount that we be grounded in integrity for charity during this season where our fellowmen commit to pious communion.

May the hands offering sacrifice this Eid al-Adha be blessed to share their graces to the weary and worn. Eid Mubarak!

Graphics by Boots Jasper Nato

In preparation for the upcoming academic year, Lasallian student leaders from institutional clubs and organizations gathered for the Orientation for New Executives (ONE) Day and the Induction Ceremony held at Santuario de La Salle, May 26.

Opening with a talk by Student Affairs Coordinator Angelo Cachero on the university’s vision for student leadership, various offices and departments also proceeded to orient the attendees on campus protocols and on processes surrounding facility reservations.

"Leadership is not authority; it is responsibility […] how willing you are to serve, especially when nobody is watching," emphasized by the inducting officer Engr. Kathlyn Mae T. Garriel in her message for the students.

via Aine Guillem | THE SPECTRUM

With 330 incoming third year students from both its Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs, the University of St. La Salle Psychology Department officially hosted its 9th Pinning Ceremony at Santuario de La Salle, May 25.

“Psychology is one of the most flexible programs that will allow you to apply to various opportunities,” said guest speaker and psychology program alumni George Martin Ampil III on his address that tackled the purpose of psychology beyond the academic halls and highlighted post-graduation breakthroughs for its respective disciplines.

The annual ceremony serves as a formal recognition of the students’ academic efforts and a celebration of their progress as they take another step closer to becoming mental health professionals.

via Jenny Millares | THE SPECTRUM

Securing a back-to-back victory, the College of Nursing emerged as champion of the Animo Grand Perpetual Cup 2026 with 1,320 points, during the Animo Grand Cup with the theme “Mythic Soiree: A Gathering of Excellence”, at the Santuario de La Salle, May 22.

The event, spearheaded by the University of St. La Salle (USLS) - Student Government, gave awards and recognitions to selected student leaders from various clubs, colleges, and organizations that showed mystic excellence throughout the academic year.

Below were the awards presented:

LASALLIAN CHAMPION - College of Nursing (CoN)
1st runner-up - Yu An Log - College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA)
2nd runner-up - College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
3rd runner-up - College of Engineering (CoE)
4th runner-up - College of Education (CEd)
5th runner-up - College of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH)
6th runner-up - College of Computing Studies (CCS)

MINOR AWARDS
Best in Project Portfolio - CoN
Best in Final Interview - CoN
Best in Advocacy Project - CoN

EXECUTIVE BRANCH AWARDS

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE LEADER AWARD Cabinet Secretaries:
Department of Advocacy Programs - Paul Daniel Serrano
Department of Administrative Services - Jianne Denise Del Castillo
Department of Cultural Affairs - Bianca Althea Medallo
Department of Human Resource and Development - Lovely Grace Buenafe
Department of Public Relations - Eliana Ofelia Ting
Department of Sports Affairs - Ma. Franchezca Cabañero
Department of Religious Services - Benedict Damian Segovia
Samahang Lasalyano - Princess Crizyl Abendan
Department of Academic Affairs - Athina Louise Locsin

Deputy Secretaries:
Department of Academic Affairs - Samantha Verba
Department of Advocacy Programs - Xcy Tumios
Department of Administrative Services - Jasper Laguitan
Department of Budget and Finance - Paul Gabrielle Corral
Department of Cultural Affairs - Jay Mark Soluta
Department of Human Resource and Development - Garlyn Angel Mombay
Department of Public Relations - Kyla Asetre
Department of Sports Affairs - Debbie Paulienne Espeleta
Department of Religious Services - Cindy Balbastro
Liaison for Campus Clubs and Organizations - Kaira Canarejo
Samahang Lasalyano - Dustin Dominic Austria

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE LEADER AWARD
Lasallian Ambassadors
President - Sofea Garzon
Vice President - Louiesa Victoria Luterio
Secretary - Andrea Carla Maranon
Treasurer - Ana Maristella Be

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE MEMBER AWARD
Department of Academic Affairs - Johanna Maris Marzo
Department of Administrative Services - Patricia Loraine Barena
Department of Advocacy Programs - Julian Luigi Sansing
Department of Budget and Finance - John Alfred Baylon
Department of Cultural Affairs - Mariel Soliguen
Department of Human Resource and Development - Jane Trishia Encarnado
Department of Public Relations - Leigh Andrew Eslawa
Department of Religious Services - Kristoffer Martin Espinosa
Department of Sports Affairs - Kenneth Marie Barredo
Liaison for Campus Clubs and Organizations - Lance Andreana Barco
Samahang Lasalyano - Jes Cedrick Talidong

OUTSTANDING AMBASSADOR AWARD
Lasallian Ambassador - Jay Rela

JUDICIARY, LEGISLATIVE, AND COMMISSION AWARDS

Most Outstanding Commission on Audit Commissioner - Carlos Gabriel Ocampo
Most Outstanding Commission on Elections Commissioner - Carol Encontro
Most Outstanding Administrative Staff - Angel Faith Diamante
Most Outstanding Justice - Lexis Keith Gotera
Most Outstanding Senate Staff - Kaye Andrei Dusaran
Most Outstanding Senator - Aldrien Jems Tiad

UNIVERSITY STUDENT GOVERNMENT SERVICE AWARD
Commission on Audit - Cliff Paulo Alpas
Commission on Elections - Aubrey Lianne Nemenzo
Judiciary Branch - Carl Christian Caduhada
Legislative Branch - Flytzyl Kyentchie Philip Meija

COUNCIL AWARDS

Ascendant College Council - CTH
Emergent College Council - CCS
Eminent College Council - YAL-CBA
Gallant College Council - CAS
Noble College Council - CEd
Radiant College Council - CoE
Valiant College Council - CoN

MOST OUTSTANDING ELECTED OFFICER
CAS - April Grace Palanog
CCS - Samuel Reese Anton Apua
CEd - Renier Tejada
CoE - Elrach Gabrielle Galido
CoN - Crisrey Mark Diosano
CTH - Nikka Mae Garcia
YAL-CBA - Jerricah Lyn Alaman

MOST OUTSTANDING BATCH REPRESENTATIVE
CAS - Christian Gaco
CCS - Dante Filasol Jr.
CEd - Jade Castre Olite
CoE - Joshua Inventor
CoN - Kadesh Uzziel Nino
CTH - Abrielle Hon Golvio
YAL-CBA - Kyreen Pearl Santillan

CLUB AND ORGANIZATION AWARDS
Torch of Excellence - Marketers' Unions USLS
Vanguard Spirit - Amity Youth Volunteer - La Salle
Steward of Vision - Karylle Constantino (Marketers' Union USLS)
Best College Publication - The Nightingale (College of Nursing)

INSTITUTIONAL AWARDS
- Artists' Hub
- The Spectrum
- The Yearbook

SIBOL LASALYANO EXECUTIVE AWARDS
Executive President - Jansen Carl Usi
Executive Vice President - Lance Raven Lapinig
Executive Secretary - Hannah Gracecelle Escober
Executive Treasurer - Stacy Kisabel Beleganio

via Frances Thea Prado | THE SPECTRUM

As he took his last breath on a Good Friday three centuries ago, St. John Baptist de La Salle left behind a ministry that shaped education from elite vainglory to a true service for the youth through founding the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

May this solemnity of which he was exalted patron of all teachers bring us closer to our institution's founder, whose legacy of teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives served as his testament to mirror God’s grace.

Illustration by Jan Brilly Chavez

Every voyage taken is anchored by a mother’s love, seen in the weary eyes that stayed awake through feverish nights and the nimble hands that steadied the seas so that our own sails could catch the wind.

Standing as the quiet hull of the ship, supermoms weather the harshest waves so that we may never feel the turbulent tides—making sure we cross the waters in comfort.

To all the mothers and mother figures alike, wishing you a day filled with love. Thank you for bridging the distance between our first sail and our greatest journeys.

Illustration by Thomas James Divinagracia

“Higit sa perlas mula sa kaibuturan ng karagatan ang naiuwi ninyong tropeo dahil kahit sa sandali ninyong paglalayag, bitbit ninyo pauwi ang mga kaalaman at karanasan na siyang magiging laman ng inyong lathalain, inspirasyon ng bubuing tula […], at hanguan ng totoong balita.”

(The trophy you brought home is more than a pearl from the bottom of the ocean because even in the moment you sail, you carry home the knowledge and experience that will be the content of your publication, the inspiration for the poem [...], and the inspiration for real news.)

These were emphasized by the moderator of The Spectrum Mhargie Morales, at the 10th Campus Press Awards during the third day of the 16th , anchored to its theme “ : Ilayag ang Kwento, Ihatid ang Tao”, at the Natures Village Resort, May 8.

With this, the following major and minor awards were granted to the selected participating schools, respectively:

MAJOR AWARDS
BEST MAGAZINE:
First place: The Hillside Echo
Second place: Tolentine Star
Third place: Ad Astra

BEST MAGAZINE LAYOUT:
First place: Ad Astra
Second place: The Hillside Echo
Third place: Tolentine Star

BEST NEWS ISSUE
First place: The Hillside Echo
Second place: Tolentine Star
Third place: The Channel

BEST NEWS ISSUE LAYOUT
First place: The Hillside Echo
Second place: Tolentine Star
Third place: The Channel

BEST LITERARY FOLIO:
First place: The Hillside Echo
Second place: The Benildean Press Corps
Third place: Tolentine Star

CAMPUS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR:
Jan Karl L. Velado - The Hillside Echo

MINOR AWARDS
BEST EDITORIAL SECTION:
First place: The Benildean Press Corps
Second place: UNOR - Tolentine Star
Third place: The Channel

BEST EDITORIAL CARTOONING:
First place: The Hillside Echo
Second place: Tolentine Star
Third place: The Benildean Press Corps

BEST COMMUNITY STORY:
First place: The Benildean Press Corps
Second place: Ad Astra

BEST COMMUNITY PHOTO
First place: The Benildean Press Corps
Second place: Ad Astra

BEST FACEBOOK PAGE:
First place: The Hillside Echo
Second place: The Benildean Press Corps
Third place: The Northern Forum

via Kyla Cumawas | THE SPECTRUM

Stories and experiences of several communities were explored and set forth across several barangays in Bacolod City for the first-ever community engagement on the second day of the 16th at Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City, May 7.

The engagement immersed the delegates to write and capture stories into zines of people in the Pottery, Furniture, and Fishing Village communities in Brgy. Pahanocoy, Boy’s Home and Agribusiness Farm in Brgy. Granada, and Association of Persons With Disabilites in Brgy. Mandalagan.

Meanwhile, series of plenary talks continued with “How Stories from the Margins Weave into the Filipino Storybook (Community Journalism)” by Neil Eco, as well as parallel talks of “Ecopoetry: Nature as Dynamic Element of Art (Creative Writing)” by John Iremil Teodoro, “Adjusting the Lenses (Photojournalism)” by Aeson Baldevia, and “Drawing Resistance (Editorial Cartooning)” by Renan Ortiz.

via Chelsey Libo-on | THE SPECTRUM

“Alam mong tama ang iyong ginagawa kapag naiinis sa iyo ang masasamang tao,” emphasized by illustrator and educator Renan Ortiz in his parallel discussion, “Drawing Resistance,” which highlighted the role of cartoonists in challenging systems of power, addressing issues that affect the public, and communicating clearly through visual storytelling.

During the session, Ortiz traced the history of cartooning, explained the differences among corporate, state, and alternative media, and underscored the responsibilities carried by cartoonists in society.

‎BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
‎PLATINUM SPONSORS:
‎Impress Quality Printing Phils, Inc.
‎Café Molinos
‎
‎BRONZE SPONSORS:
‎Altanna
‎Ritwal Cafe
‎
‎SPECIAL THANKS TO:
‎Anna Maria Villanueva
‎Perlyn Joy Suganob
‎Shane Ceasar Mercado Lacson
‎John Mark Geronimo
‎Anne Malaluan
‎John Martin Geronimo
‎Edgardo Francisco Diola
‎
‎

Right moment. Right place. Right equipment.

Multi-awarded photographer and creative Aeson Baldevia inspired fellows in his parallel talk "Adjusting the Lenses" that photojournalism is about presence, purpose, and perspective that allow everyday life to be seen and appreciated.

Baldevia, who was also a fellow of the during his college years, circled back to the experience and added that campus journalists are reminded that their lenses are not only tools for storytelling, but also instruments of responsibility and truth.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
‎PLATINUM SPONSORS:
‎Impress Quality Printing Phils, Inc.
‎Café Molinos
‎
‎BRONZE SPONSORS:
‎Altanna
‎Ritwal Cafe
‎
‎SPECIAL THANKS TO:
‎Anna Maria Villanueva
‎Perlyn Joy Suganob
‎Shane Ceasar Mercado Lacson
‎John Mark Geronimo
‎Anne Malaluan
‎John Martin Geronimo
‎Edgardo Francisco Diola
‎
‎

Words became a call for resistance and remembrance as poet, writer, and environmental advocate John Iremil Teodoro took the stage during a parallel talk, urging writers to transform literature into a weapon against climate injustice and ecological destruction.

“Eco-poetry is the fusion of literature and environmental studies,” underscored Teodoro in his talk entitled “Eco-Poetry, Nature, and the Art of Poetry,” as he emphasized that literature must move beyond creative expression, amplifying the voices of communities silenced by environmental crises and challenging systems that continue to exploit both people and the planet.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Impress Quality Printing Phils, Inc.
Café Molinos

BRONZE SPONSORS:
Altanna
Ritwal Cafe

SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Anna Maria Villanueva
Perlyn Joy Suganob
Shane Ceasar Mercado Lacson
John Mark Geronimo
Anne Malaluan
John Martin Geronimo
Edgardo Francisco Diola