The Synthesis

𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐒𝐔 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 "𝐌𝐔𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐓" 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

Student leaders and advocates gathered online on April 25, 2026, for "MUKLAT: A Political Education Session," a six-hour webinar aimed at shaking off youth apathy and discussing national issues.

The event was a massive collaboration between Sorsogon State University (SorSU) and various groups, including the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) SorSU Student Chapter, NSTP Kaagapay Organization, Student Midwives’ Association, The Synthesis, The Artificer, BU Chemical Science Society, Buklod BU, Buenos Kontra Korapsyon, and the Alyansa ng Nagkakaisahang Iskolar ng Bayan (ANIB).

The event opened with a warm welcome from Krystal Lyn Coretcha, setting a tone of urgency for the youth to facilitate meaningful national change.

The first segment, hosted by Rjhay Mulimbayan Reyes, focused on "Democratic Participation in Time of National Challenges." The discussion highlighted key ways for the youth to stay relevant : staying engaged, expanding the movement, remaining grounded in the realities of the masses, working actively for change, and exercising the right to vote.

The second session featured Hon. Sofia "Iya" Trinidad, National President of the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP). Introduced by Janelle Villamor of ANIB, Trinidad tackled the complexities of national democracy and citizen engagement. She talked about how important it is for students to stay involved in politics and society. She explained that even in a progressive society, if the youth stop caring, corruption wins.

The final part of the session, addressed the shrinking democratic spaces in the country. Jan Sander Abad, Lead Convenor of Buenos Kontra Korapsyon, Introduced by Eunice Tordillos of ANIB, discussed the heavy realities of red-tagging, psychological warfare, and the implications of the Anti-Terror Law.

Abad exposed the stigma surrounding activism, famously often dismissed with the phrase "Aktibista kasi 'yan." He emphasized that activism is a necessary response to societal failures, stating, "May aktibismo kasi may mali, may lumalaban kasi meron kailangang ipaglaban."

The discussion also touched upon the "corned beef narrative" and the culture of victim-blaming that often accompanies red-tagging. Abad concluded that red-tagging serves no constructive purpose in a democracy and only puts lives at risk.

The forum concluded with closing remarks from Kristal Lyn Loretcha of ANIB, leaving the participants with a call to remain vigilant and protective of their rights as students and citizens.

Everything is political. Find your voice and speak your truth.

via 𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗟𝗘𝗘
Opinion Writer, The Synthesis

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | 𝗠𝗨𝗞𝗟𝗔𝗧 𝗡𝗔! 🔥

Kasalukuyan nagaganap ngayon ang MUKLAT: A Political Education Session — isang espasyo ng makabuluhang talakayan kung saan sama-samang hinuhubog ang kamalayang kritikal ng kabataan.

Sa mga oras na ito, nagkakaisa ang iba’t ibang lider-estudyante, organisasyon, at progresibong indibidwal upang makinig, matuto, at suriin ang mga isyung panlipunan na humuhubog sa ating lipunan.

Hindi lang ito simpleng diskusyon — ito ay pagkilos tungo sa mas mulat, mas handa, at mas makabuluhang pakikilahok para sa pagbabago.

Patuloy tayong maging mapanuri. Patuloy tayong maging bahagi ng solusyon.

𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐨𝐇𝐚𝐒 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐐𝟏 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲

SORSOGON CITY — Faculty-researchers Dr. Aaron A. Funa, Ms. Jerica D. Latonero, RM, MSPH (BSM Faculty Member), and Ms. Karina Mae Garcia-Carillo (BSN Faculty Member) from Sorsogon State University — College of Health and Science (CoHaS) have recently published a paper in a prestigious Wiley Q1 Journal, the International Nursing Review.

The recently published paper is a testament to the dedication of CoHaS faculty members to health and the community, and marks a significant achievement for the university. Entitled “Midwifery Should Not Be Rendered Secondary in Health Policy: A Philippine Perspective,” it underscores the vital part that midwifery fulfills in community health and health policy.

The study spotlights the midwives who remain undervalued in Philippine settings despite their vast contribution to the healthcare system of the country. It is an enlightening paper that highlights the need for sufficient recognition and support for midwives who form the foundation of community health through their clinical expertise in the field of maternal and prenatal care.

This remarkable achievement also marks Dr. Funa’s 6th Scopus-indexed paper, an addition to the 5 papers Dr. Funa had previously contributed to Sorsogon State University’s (SorSU) 15 total Scopus-indexed papers as of April 2026. Following this, he also holds the second spot in the Top 10 Scopus Contributors of SorSU.

Dr. Funa, Ms. Latonero, and Ms. Garcia-Carillo continue to exemplify a commitment to utilizing research and expertise to promote health. Along with all faculty members of the CoHaS, they continue to be great inspirations to student-health practitioners, ensuring that the new generation of professionals have highly qualified mentors guiding them along the way.

This new achievement for Dr. Funa, Ms. Latonero, and Ms. Garcia-Carillo, is a milestone as well for Sorsogon State University, the community, and the health industry.

via 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗬𝗦𝗘 𝗝𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘
News Writer, The Synthesis

— photo credits from Dr. Aaron Funa’s Facebook post.

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗨𝗞𝗟𝗔𝗧!

We proudly present our three esteemed speakers for “𝗠𝗨𝗞𝗟𝗔𝗧: 𝗔 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻”—distinguished voices committed to fostering political awareness, critical discourse, and civic engagement. Each one brings a unique perspective that will challenge, inspire, and empower every participant.

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱?

Join us this Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 8:00 AM via Zoom, and be part of a meaningful conversation toward informed and active citizenship.

Catch us live as well on our page! Tara, sama-sama tayong mamulat at kumilos!

𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬𝗔 | Why couldn’t it have been in this lifetime?

— bigboystunna

My greatest weakness is that I’m scared of risking. Im afraid of losing something valuable in exchange for a chance for something better.

It was unexpected—it was like being hit by a bullet train from behind. It was weird at first and i tried to deny it but the more time goes, the more it became clearer .

“I was scared to lose you then, secrets turn into regrets”

Am I really gonna risk everything we have for something way more?

So I stay here, in between—between courage and comfort, between speaking and swallowing every word I wish I could say.

“Buried feelings grow
Oh, you were a good dream”

Because the truth is, I’ve learned how to live with this—the almost, the nearly, the could-have-beens.

“Was there a lifetime waiting for us in a world where I was yours?”

I’ve learned how to keep you close without ever really holding you, how to memorize the way you laugh without ever being the reason behind it.

And i thought that was enough—it never was.

“Tangled with another's eyes
Never mind, you were never mine”

Realizing that I never really had you to begin with.

Because if I take that step, if I finally choose to risk it all— there’s no turning back to what we used to be.

And I don’t know if I’m ready to lose the only version of you that I’m allowed to keep

“Was it the wrong time, what if we tried giving in a little more?”

Time wasn’t to blame, nor this lifetime—it was my own fear and hesitation that made it so I never truly had you.

I hope there’s a lifetime waiting for us—but damn it why couldn’t it have been in this lifetime.

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Hindi lahat ng kuwento ay hanggang pang note app mo lang. Unspoken words demand space, too, and they have to travel beyond the self.

Kung may sinusulat ka sa dilim, sa byahe, o bago matulog, 𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒂.

Come be part of our 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘𝐀!

Access the link to submit an entry!
🔗https://forms.gle/q2dWPX5C1cZCmn9S9
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𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬: How Harmful Plastics are to Marine Life

The ocean covers almost 71% of our planet’s surface (Team, 2024). It is the home of thousands of hundreds of marine animals (All about ocean, n.d.). But today, it became a landfill full of garbage especially plastics. This Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”. This reminds us that we have the power to create change for the betterment of our planet and to take care of the creatures that live in it.

Just like the turtle, Peanut.

Peanut is a Red-Eared Slider turtle that became famous because of the unique shape of its shell. It was found by a hunter in Missouri in 1993, entangled in a six-pack plastic ring. The plastic ring has been stuck to its shell so long that she grew up on it forming its unique peanut-shaped shell (Woodbury, 2024).

Last August 2025, Peanut celebrated her 41st birthday, a milestone that marks her as one of the oldest and most famous survivors of plastic pollution.

Every year, it is estimated that eight million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans, equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the sea every minute. This staggering amount contributes to a growing crisis, with plastics now found in every corner of the ocean, from the surface to the deepest trenches (Jessica, 2025).

It is estimated that over 100,000 marine mammals die each year due to plastic pollution, with many species affected by entanglement, ingestion, and toxic contamination (Baker, 2025).

Peanut’s story reminds us that plastic waste life in long-lasting and unexpected way. Even if Peanut survived, not every animals are not as lucky. This now represents a more pressing issue: animals becoming trapped or altered by human made waste. Whether through entanglement or ingestion, plastic harms their natural growth, movement, and survival.
But it is never too late for change, it is still possible to make a difference. Small actions like proper waste management and reducing single-use plastic can help reduce the amount of plastic that pollutes our environment when done correctly.

In the end, the ocean reflects our choices. If we treat it like a dumping site, marine life will continue to suffer. But if we choose the responsibility to protect it, the future generations will be saved and safe. The story of Peanut and countless other marine animals serves as a warning, lesson and a call for action before lives are permanently shaped by plastic pollution.

By 𝗘𝗨𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘 𝗛. 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗔
Science and Technology Editor, The Synthesis



References:
All about the ocean. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/all-about-the-ocean/

Baker, S. (2025, July 31). How does plastic pollution affect marine life? Fauna & Flora. https://www.fauna-flora.org/explained/how-does-plastic-pollution-affect-marine-life/
Jessica. (2025, June 10). The shocking truth: How 8 million tons of plastic is destroying marine life. Marine Biodiversity Science Center. https://www.marinebiodiversity.ca/the-shocking-truth-how-8-million-tons-of-plastic-is-destroying-marine-life/
Team, I. (2024, November 😎. How much percent does ocean take up of the Earth? The Institute for Environmental Research and Education. https://iere.org/how-much-percent-does-ocean-take-up-of-the-earth/

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝: 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐨𝐇𝐚𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 (𝟖) 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

SORSOGON CITY — The College of Health and Science (CoHaS), along with the entirety of the Sorsogon State University (SorSU), celebrates a remarkable milestone following the release of results of the Midwives Licensure Exam (MLE) held on April 14-15, 2026. This achievement is a true testament to the wisdom and perseverance executed by our graduates, outstandingly garnering a 75% passing result for first-time takers. This commendable result notably exceeds the 42.42% national passing rate announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), bringing great pride to the university.

In hindsight, this year’s results were objectively lower than the 76.92% from MLE of November 2025. However, when both results are viewed against the corresponding national passing rates, 42.42% and 57.62%, SorSU evidently delivers consistent outstanding results, widening the approximately 19% gap from November 2025 to an approximately 33% lead in April 2026. A shift that showcases the ever-steadfast growth and excellence of its students, mentors, and systems.

SorSU CoHaS proudly congratulates the following newly licensed midwives, who have dedicated their hearts and minds to the noble cause of maternal and prenatal care:

1. Aballe, Jowela H.
2. Balayo, Lovely R.
3. Bautista, Graciel C.
4. Dedase, Kyla A.
5. Lustestica, Jesel
6. Prieto, Joan
7. Rodriguez, Margie G.
8. Villare, Christine Mae T.

This milestone underscores the time and effort that our student midwives put into their training, ensuring that they are able to deliver excellent care anchored on their wisdom, expertise, and empathy. Along with this, CoHaS extends its most heartfelt commendation and gratitude to those who have supported and guided these new professionals through their journey: Dr. Teresa Haide R. Belgica, Dean of CoHaS; Ms. Mary Anne Frances D. Reyes (Associate Dean, Midwifery Program); and all faculty members and students of CoHaS who have been catalysts to this momentous achievement.

Congratulations! We are proud of you!

via 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗬𝗦𝗘 𝗝𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘
News Writer, The Synthesis

𝗠𝗨𝗞𝗟𝗔𝗧: 𝗔 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Sa bawat diskusyon, hinuhubog ang kamalayang kritikal at handang tumindig para sa katotohanan. Ito ang pagkakataon upang makinig, matuto, at mas maunawaan ang lipunang ating ginagalawan — at kung paano tayo maaaring maging bahagi ng makabuluhang pagbabago.

Inaanyayahan namin ang lahat ng lider-estudyante, youth organizations, at mga progresibong indibidwal sa isang educational discussion sa darating na 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠, na gaganapin online via 𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲).

Ang 𝗠𝗨𝗞𝗟𝗔𝗧 ay isang plataporma para sa pakikinig, pagkatuto, at sama-samang pag-unawa sa mga isyung panlipunan, at kung paano maaaring maging bahagi ang kabataan sa makabuluhang pagbabago.

Magparehistro rito:
https://forms.gle/efdGb5JxuCM4oi8K6
https://forms.gle/efdGb5JxuCM4oi8K6
https://forms.gle/efdGb5JxuCM4oi8K6

Kasama natin sa MUKLAT ang:
• Buklod BU
• BU Chemical Science Society
• BUeños Kontra Korapsyon
• The Artificer
• The Synthesis
• IIEE Sorsogon State University Student Chapter
• SORSU Student Midwives’ Association
• Sorsogon State University Kaagapay NSTP Organization-City Campus

𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁. 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮. 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗶 𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗼. ✊

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸!
‎
‎The 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹, in collaboration with the SorSU University Student Council, the Sorsogon State University Biological Society, and The Synthesis, invites student leaders to join 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗦𝗨: 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗦𝗨𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀. Where leadership is anchored on climate action empowered for sustainability, and pursued for our beloved Earth.

This talk aims to ensure that student organizations learn about our 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, appreciate the 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀, and commit to 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆.
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‎Date: April 28, 2026
‎Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
‎Venue: SorSU E-Library
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‎𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸!

𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝘛𝘏𝘙𝘖𝘜𝘎𝘏 𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘋𝘌𝘙𝘚𝘏𝘐𝘗!
𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒂 𝒔𝒂 𝑷𝒖𝒔𝒐, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒔𝒂 𝒎𝒈𝒂 𝑷𝒖𝒔𝒐







Layout by:
𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮
Editor-in-Chief, The Synthesis

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗘𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗦𝗨

On 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, Earthlings, in partnership with 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙀𝙙, presented “Lumina,” an interactive exhibit illuminating knowledge about our existence and our responsibility toward the planet. The exhibit was held at 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 – 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀, where three engaging activities were prepared for students to learn while having fun.

The exhibit opened with a captivating light show, where storytelling was presented in a creative way. It left students in awe while delivering an important message. The show highlighted the early beginnings of Earth, when only dinosaurs and other animals existed, followed by the rise of
humans. As humanity progressed, pressing issues such as pollution, hunting, illegal logging, and war began to surface. The presentation concluded with the powerful words, “𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵. 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀,” leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The next activity featured a variety of life-sized interactive gadgets that encouraged hands-on learning. Among these were a 3D pin art display that allowed students to create imprints of their hands and faces, optical illusions that challenged their perception, and a portable microscope that enabled them to observe tiny details of objects up close. Another highlight was a device that transmitted small amounts of electricity when participants held hands, demonstrating the flow of energy in an engaging way. These interactive stations not only entertained the students but also sparked curiosity and deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

The final activity was the planetarium experience. Students entered a closed dome where a clear view of the sky was projected above them. Inside, they watched educational videos about stars, meteors, the Sun, the Moon, and constellations. The experience made them feel as if they were traveling through space, allowing them to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the universe while learning about celestial bodies in an engaging way.

Overall, the “Lumina” exhibit successfully combined education and entertainment, creating a meaningful learning experience for the students. Through its creative presentations and interactive activities, it not only expanded their knowledge but also inspired a deeper sense of
responsibility toward the environment and the world they live in.

via 𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗬𝗔𝗛 𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗘𝗝𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗢
News Writer, The Synthesis

Captured by 𝗝𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗗
Photojournalist, The Synthesis

𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝒏𝒈𝒂 𝒃𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒍 ?

May mga sandali sa ating buhay na tila tayo’y nalulunod sa halakhak ng tukso—mga biro na nagmumula sa kawalang-malay, ngunit nag-iiwan ng bakas sa ating pagkatao. Sa bawat tawa ay may tinig ng katotohanang pilit nating nilulunod; sa bawat mapanuksong salita ay may lihim na damdaming nagkukubli sa pagitan ng pag-amin at pagtakbo. Ang biro, bagama’t tila magaan sa pandinig, ay maaaring maging salamin ng ating mga sugat—mga takot na tinatakpan ng ngiti, mga katotohanang ayaw nating harapin, at mga damdaming pilit nating binabansagang “patawa” upang hindi masaktan.

Sa pagtutuos ng katotohanan at pagkukunwari, lumilitaw ang mga tanong na matagal na nating iniiwasan: alin ang mas totoo—ang mukhang nakangiti o ang pusong nagkukubli? Sa pagitan ng katatawanan at katotohanan, sino ang tunay na hangal—ang nagkukubli sa maskara, o ang naniniwala sa palabas?

Ngayong Abril, ating tuklasin ang mga anyo ng pagbabalatkayo sa pamamagitan ng mga akda ng mga SorSUeñong mamamahayag. Kabilang dito ang 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒓, Opisyal na Pahayagang Pang-mag-aaral ng Pampamahalaang Pamantasan ng Sorsogon, Kampus ng Lungsod Sorsogon; 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒓, Opisyal na Pahayagang Pang-mag-aaral ng SorSU Bulan; 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎, Opisyal na Pahayagang Pang-mag-aaral ng SorSU Castilla; 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒒𝒖𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍, Opisyal na Pahayagang Pang-mag-aaral ng SorSU Magallanes; at 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒚𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔, Opisyal na Pahayagang Pang-mag-aaral ng Kolehiyo ng Pangkalusugan at Agham.

At sa huli, gaano mo man ituring na isang biro ang buhay, mananatili itong nakabitin sa pagitan ng pagtawa, pag-iisip, at pag-unawa—sapagkat sa sandaling tuluyan mong buksan ang iyong mga mata, doon mo lamang makikilala kung sino ang tunay na hangal.

Sa panulat ni: Errol Jade Malazo, Literary Editor, The Artificer
Sa paglalapat ni: Andrea Lanuza, Layout Artist, The Artificer