The Access

𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 | More than independence

This year marks the 128th anniversary of the Philippines’ independence—commemorating Filipinos’ freedom after more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Through endurance, Filipinos waged resistance—marking one of Asia’s earliest national revolutions in 1896. And on June 12, 1898, independence from Spain was declared by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, who then became the country’s first president.

As we celebrate the country’s freedom, we are reminded of the sacrifices our ancestors endured, the battles weathered, and the stories lived through. The freedom they fought so hard to attain—has it really been fulfilled? While the nation is no longer under colonial rule, its progress remains limited by systemic issues.

Freedom exists in the sense that we have acquired our own identity—yet we cannot escape from tyranny. Filipinos continue to suffocate under the politicians who have promised to govern our country with honesty. Foreign powers no longer dictate the country’s affairs. However, many citizens continue to face inequality and poor justice— never truly guaranteeing a sense of freedom.

The greatest threat to Filipinos’ own freedom is themselves. The tolerance of unscrupulous actions by corrupt officials continues to hold back the country’s growth. The mishandling of public funds, disorganized planning, and the deprivation of resources for education and healthcare—these pressing issues only tear down the wings Filipinos are meant to soar with.

In a country filled with such goal-oriented and highly skilled workers, the limitations within the country cause Filipinos to seek freedom elsewhere—ironically, in foreign countries. The places our ancestors longed to be free from is the same place we run to due to the constrained opportunities in the country—so when have we ever truly exercised our right to freedom?

Independence Day, more than just a historical commemoration—it should serve as a call to every Filipino, both leaders and citizens, to uphold integrity in all aspects, protect democratic institutions, and hold accountable those who perpetuate the crippling state of the country. The Philippines is still worth believing in, still worth representing, so long as Filipinos stand their ground, fight against injustice, and rise with true independence—free from manipulation.

One hundred twenty-eight years after the declaration of independence, the Philippines stands as a sovereign nation. However, true independence cannot simply be measured by yearly ceremonies—but by the state of its people, where no Filipino is ever restricted. Until such challenges are overcome, Filipinos should not run away from these issues, rather face them knowing that hope is never lost, and the freedom inherited must be fully realized.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Kelly Adlaon
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Eva Nora Reyes

Any complaints? Feel free to message us directly

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘 𝟳.𝟴 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗢; 𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao on Monday morning, June 8, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting emergency response efforts across affected areas in the southern Philippines.

Government agencies and local authorities immediately began monitoring coastal communities and assessing potential damage as residents were urged to remain vigilant for aftershocks and follow official safety advisories.

As of posting, authorities continue to evaluate the impact of the earthquake while disaster response teams remain on standby.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Maria Celestine Melencion
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Kristine Alguno

Any complaints? Feel free to message us directly

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | The rain will pass

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” –Dolly Parton

A rainbow comes after a storm–formed after the struggle. Like the LQBTQ+ community, after decades of discrimination, rejection, and inequality, they have shown us that hardship is never the final answer. But the rainbow isn’t just a burst of colors after the rain–it carries a story worth telling.

To many, those who identify as LGBTQ+ are often misunderstood, misjudged, and seen only through labels. However, behind those labels lies individuals whose experiences, struggles, and difficulties transformed the rainbow into a symbol of hope, visibility, and harmony of diversity. Yet, still, up until today, there is still a part of humanity that looks at the rainbow without ever seeing the people behind it.

Some still see the rainbow as just colors in the sky, without realizing it carries the weight of real lives. Lives that have been overly-questioned, overly-judged. Lives who feel like they need to explain who they are just to be accepted. Yet their stories continue to exist, waiting to be simply understood and accepted.

And still, after every storm, the rainbow returns–unbroken. Reflecting the strength of those who live its meaning every day. With each color holding a story of struggle, courage, and staying true to ourselves, it is no longer something we see in the sky. But rather than the hardships of the people who were unaccepted by the very own world they were born in. It doesn't fade easily, nor do the stories behind it.

So, as Dolly Parton says, “If you want the rainbow, you 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 put up with the rain.” Maybe perhaps the rainbow is still forming–not yet, but not never.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Kierra Amber Bondoc
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Anne Bacus

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | MSHS starts off Brigada Eskwela and Enrollment for SY 2026–2027

Minglanilla Science High School (MSHS) conducted Brigada Eskwela and enrollment from June 1 to 5 to prepare classrooms, school facilities, and student registration for the opening of School Year (SY) 2026–2027 on June 8.

Teachers, parents, students, and volunteers participated in the annual Brigada Eskwela program, helping clean classrooms, repair school facilities, and improve the school environment ahead of the start of classes.

The weeklong activity aimed to ensure that learning spaces are safe, clean, and ready to accommodate students when classes begin.

Alongside Brigada Eskwela, the school also facilitated enrollment for new and returning students. Parents and guardians visited the campus to submit requirements and complete registration procedures for the upcoming school year.

Students who participated in Brigada Eskwela expressed their willingness to help prepare the school for another academic year, while parents and volunteers shared their support for the school’s initiatives.

The combined efforts of the school community through Brigada Eskwela and enrollment activities reflect the spirit of bayanihan and the commitment of stakeholders to support quality education at Minglanilla Science High School.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Michael Johan Rodriguez
𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 𝐁𝐘 : Cheska Enriquez, Liam Basalo, Mary Nicole Bas, Shenise Bianche, Angelie Gabrielle

Any complaints? Feel free to message us directly.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | The Access Feature writers at SunStar's Junior Journo Program

The Access Journalists of MSHS took part in SunStar’s Junior Journo Program, gaining firsthand experience in the craft of news writing through guided sessions with media professionals. The activity allowed participants to hone their understanding of accuracy, ethics, and the responsibility that comes with telling real stories.

The editorial staff extends its gratitude to SunStar for the invaluable lessons and opportunity to learn from industry practitioners. With sharpened skills and renewed purpose, these young journalists continue their commitment to delivering stories that inform, empower, and make an impact.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Kyner Lapitan
𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗬 : Sam Geraldo

𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚.. 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧..?

That could only mean... 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞!

Dust off those notebooks, charge your laptops, and get those creative juices flowing—because your voice deserves to be heard. Whether you're into hard-hitting news, slice-of-life features, or opinion pieces that spark the debate, this is your time to shine!

New year, new stories, new bylines. Let's make every word count, every headline hit, and every article be written with truth.

So what are you waiting for? The newsroom's open, and we're ready for YOU.

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlEyUBrtnXF5tea5sDxINaq2EJyC_K3nDSN-QPmGIACxOANQ/viewform

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Amara Paraiso
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Kyner Lapitan

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐍 | The Price of Love

When Wallets Are Empty, Can Love Still Be Full?

Flowers wilt, dates cost money, and rent keeps rising. Love is slowly becoming a luxury rather than a necessity. Nowadays, everything we buy or spend on for our loved ones is becoming more expensive. In the Philippines, where economic challenges continue to affect many families, inflation has caused the prices of basic goods and services to increase, making it harder for people to afford even simple gestures of affection.

See full story in post.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Clint Lasola
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Kyner Lapitan
𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐁𝐘 : Heleanna Gimenez

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | The spectrum beneath

Beneath a white light, is a spectrum of vast colors.

Yet, many only see the light itself, never realizing the countless shades within. Humanity is much the same. We walk beneath the same sky, breathe the same air, and share the same world that floats in the abyss, yet, society often struggles to accept that people were never meant to be identical.

Too often, inherited beliefs speak louder than lived experiences, and judgment arrives long before understanding ever has the chance to.

And this is the moment to pause.

Pride Month is not merely a celebration of colors, identity, and expression.

It is a celebration of freedom—the freedom to exist without apology, to embrace one’s truth without fear, and to live authentically in a world that too often demands conformity.

It is the moment to cast aside judgements that make people question whether they are enough. The whispers of criticism and rejection dig deep into the hearts, leaving wounds that linger long after the words have faded. For some others, the struggle is not discovering who they are, but wondering whether the world will allow them to be.

It is also a moment to remove the stigma attached to identities that society often misunderstands.

Many have spent years carrying the battles they never chose to fight. Yet, despite the weight they bear on their shoulders. They still stood with courage, resilience, and a light that brings to a world filled with darkness.

This is where they can exhale.
This is where they can breathe.

Unity begins when people set aside the labels they unknowingly place on others. For we rarely know what a person is truly going through until we take the time to understand their story.

Expression is not wrong. It is not a mistake. It is simply another form of truth—one that reflects who a person is beyond expectations and assumptions. Some ideas, however, have been shaped by generations of misunderstanding, where difference is often mistaken as wrong. But difference has never been the enemy of unity. Ignorance is.

And perhaps what remains is not difference itself, but the way we continue to misunderstand what was never meant to divide us.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Seth Ulysses Resus
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Liam Francis Basalo

🎶 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐤𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧.

Looking back at our old memories might feel like watching a movie, but a brand-new chapter for us, is officially unfolding. It's time to step away from the past and face the future!

Enrollment season is officially here, Mingscians. Let’s head back to the lockers and get ready to aspire, perspire, and inspire for the upcoming academic year.

Wait, You haven't joined any publication yet? Hindi mo ba alam that's the new meta?! For those who want to kick start their S.Y 2026-2027 with the English Publication of MSHS-- Feel free to DM us or message Kyner Lapitan personally!

📅 Mark Your Calendars: June 1 – 5, 2026
🎒 Are you ready, Mingscians?

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Kyner Lapitan
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Kristine Shanaya Alguno

𝐻𝐸𝑌 𝑂𝐻 𝐻𝐸𝑌 ‼️👋🏻

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𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗕𝗬 : Zamantha Sedano
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : Angelie Gabrielle