TNPicks: Our Appreciation List for 2024

As the midterm elections approach, political upheavals have dominated the headlines this year. Our leaders’ lust for power has shattered the mirage of unity between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. The dismantling of the Marcos-Duterte political alliance has led to countless congressional inquiries investigating the War on Drugs, VP Duterte’s unexplained disbursement of confidential funds, and human trafficking cases committed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

However, amid the political drama, campus journalists remained firm in exposing how Filipinos are the biggest losers in the scuffle between the country’s most powerful politicians. While Marcos and Duterte may currently stand on opposite sides, student publications have reminded the public that on top of our leaders’ wish list is acquiring power, while addressing the economic crisis remains the last.

In the fifth edition of our appreciation list, we have compiled works from our fellow campus journalists that we believe are innovative and have bravely responded to the call of the times.

To our colleagues, we thank you for your work.

Tinig ng Plaridel


Seven Fangki, Multimedia Editor

Top Pick: Alipato Episode 1: Ang Oil Spill sa Cavite by Tanglaw
Directed, Written, and Filmed by Dan Alexander Abas
Report by Jayvee Mhar Viloria, Mervin Delos Reyes, Paolo Miguel Alpay

In communities where livelihoods depend solely on the bounty of the sea, the oil spill caused by the sinking of an oil tanker in Manila Bay has become a harrowing crisis. Fishers in Noveleta, Cavite, find themselves struggling to stay afloat as the fishing ban imposed to clean up the spill deprives them of their primary source of income. Many relied on “ayudas,” which often fell short of meeting their families’ needs.

The first episode of Alipato, Tanglaw’s mini-documentary series, shows how these fishing communities sail despite the slippery situation brought by the oil spill. By immersing viewers in their reality, it vividly portrays the day-to-day struggles of those forced to navigate strong waves of uncertainty. The release exposed how every stroke of a fisher’s paddle reflects a relentless pursuit of solutions. 

Tanglaw’s approach to creating their first mini-documentary series, Alipato, is exactly the kind of storytelling we need–urgent and straightforward. By amplifying the voices of the marginalized and presenting their lived realities, the series effectively raises awareness among its viewers.

Bonus Picks: Bakit Wala Nang Mother-Tongue sa Bagong DepEd Kurikulum? by The GUIDON; Ghosting: Protecting Whose Peace? by The LaSallian;  #AmpatuanMassacre Coverage by The Communicator


Jewel Soho, Graphics Editor

Top Pick: Dendelot sa Lapida by Mcjanrey Valencia (UP Baguio Outcrop); Graphics by Jinky Jasmin Jacinto

Rotten systems bury their people long before they even bite the dust, denying basic healthcare and dignity to the poor. Framed through the tradition of offering dendelot—a sticky, sweet delicacy laid on graves during Undas (All Saints’ Day)—as an atang, Mcjanrey Valencia’s poem mourned lives stolen by neglect, poverty, and an anti-poor system. 

Each stanza hauntingly showed a portrait of individuals suffering—a grandfather who never made it to the hospital due to unbearable costs, a friend driven to death by stigmatized mental health struggles, and many others crushed by poverty and cruelty. The sweetness of the dendelot became more than just an offering to the deceased. It was a bittersweet echo of having rights beyond reach. 

The digital watercolor art accompanying the text is also striking—a dendelot drenched with its sweet, sticky sauce evoking both sweetness and blood. It looked as if it was mourning the sacrifices of those who passed. The visual imagery of the poem alongside the art captured all the emotional weight.  

This piece is more than an elegy, but rather an outcry of rage and resistance against a society where survival seems like a privilege and dying may just be another bureaucratic process for some

Bonus Picks: By Filipinos, For Filipinos: Embracing the self through Sikolohiyang Pilipino by Amanda Palmera, Aaron Perez, and Joseph Razon (The LaSallian); Liham ng Nagmamahal at Nakikibaka by Ligaya_sa_PakikiBaka (UP Baguio Outcrop); Bus Reveries: Hostage-taking by Anne Kristine N. Rivera (The Manila Collegian)


Stephen Busico, Photo Editor

Top Pick: 52nd Martial Law Commemoration Photoset Coverage by UP Baguio Outcrop
Photos by Mike Molina, Iaego Villanueva, and Dana Guarino

An effective photojournalist captures photos that tell a compelling story, even when viewed on their own. This quality was exemplified in the photoset published by UP Baguio Outcrop during a mobilization for the commemoration of the 52nd Anniversary of the Martial Law in Baguio City.

The photoset featured multiple angled shots emphasizing emotions, movement, and the participants’ calls to action against the Marcoses. With well-thought-of photography techniques, the images highlighted the advocates and activities central to the occasion. This work stands out as an excellent example of storytelling through photography, narrating themes of progressiveness, resistance, and solidarity.

Bonus Picks: Black Friday Protest Photoset by Neil Gabrielle Calanog (Tanglaw); Mayo Uno Photoset by CM Tabora, Hadassah Bernardine, John Pedaria, Thea Sy, Viancey Reboya, at Jeaver Aoanan (UPLB Perspective); DLSU Green and Lady Tankers Shoot by Kim Lim, Pablo Hermoso, and Von Gacutan (Archers Network)


Niklas Arriola, Sports Editor

Top Pick: Sa varsity prio, ang usapin ng pribilehiyo by Diana Luspo and Maryrose Alingasa (Tanglaw) 

In the quest for honor and excellence, student-athletes are willing to leave everything on the court to take home the coveted championships to their beloved schools. However, that struggle only covers their athletic side on their title.

Tanglaw gives a full-court vision of the academic obstacles players have to juggle during training and tournaments. Student-athletes also have to compete to secure slots during pre-enlistments which could spell the difference between a spot on the roster and sitting out the season. Most importantly, the piece discusses what the term “varsity” really means and what privileges these student-athletes actually receive. 

While teams work tirelessly to secure every possible privilege for their players, the piece uncovers the harsh realities they often encounter. These include being entangled in systemic struggles as students, which can affect their performance while representing UP in sports tournaments. 

Bonus Picks: What makes a woman? by Angel Joyce C. Basa (FEU Advocate); We cover the highlights, you miss the Struggle by Johann Ayrriel Caceres (The Republic Online); Rising above: DLSU athletes’ journey of resilience by Dayne Aduna, Angel Migue & Samantha Vidal (The LaSallian)


Anj Guillermo, Features Editor

Top Pick: Through sticks and strings: Pinoy puppeteers struggle to survive post-lockdown by Ma. Alyanna Selda (The Flame)

More often than not, feature articles are expected to be light, shallow, and the “softer” version of hard, in-depth news. However, this piece by The Flame is one of many articles that prove how creativity and substance can seamlessly go hand in hand. 

Focusing on the life, passion, and artistry of Enrique “Ricky” Paez, a veteran puppeteer in Intramuros, Manila, The Flame’s article written by Ma. Alyanna Selda serves as both a tribute and a call to action to resuscitate the seemingly dying art of puppetry. 

The article delves not only into the intricacies of the art form itself but also into the lives of those who keep it alive in a post-pandemic world. It highlights the resilience of artists like Paez, who, despite dwindling audiences and limited recognition, continue to breathe life and soul into their craft.

The author’s writing style is key to conveying the depth of the story. Selda showed how simple, straightforward but carefully chosen words can actually carry significant meanings. The article does not beg for sympathy or pity. It is rather true to the journalistic principle of telling personal narratives with accuracy and truthfulness. But the way it was crafted makes it a standout piece. Not only does the article tackle the challenges faced by local puppeteers, but also offers solutions for what can be done to address them.

Above all, I commend The Flame’s willingness to cover stories like Paez’s. His story might seem mundane and ordinary at first glance, but a closer look reveals their deeper meaning and value. 

These are the kinds of stories that push feature writing beyond its usual stereotypes—proving that it is more than just superficial topics and fancy prose.

Bonus Picks: Malayo sa Bituka: Ang Mga Pangkalusugang Implikasyon ng Pagpag by Marlon Gordocillo (The Manila Collegian); How The Philippine Justice System Colludes with the US to Intensify Political Persecution by Patrick Kyle Adeva (Philippine Collegian); Home away from home: Christmas in temporary PLHIV shelters by Lui Mendiola and Alyana Fabella (The Guidon); Love Me Tender: The Traumas of Intimacy and Identity by Vayne Altapascine Del Rosario (SINAG)


Kevin Christian Pilapil, News Editor

Top Pick: Tao Po: Knocking on the UP Baguio Admin Amid Student Surveillances by Joseph John Melo Beaniza, Joellene Landingin, Rachel Ivy Reyes; Graphics and Layout by Kessha Carreon (UP Baguio Outcrop)

When the studentry rises, state harassment follows. Despite the transition of leadership from Duterte to Marcos-Duterte—and the eventual rift between the two regimes—state-sponsored repression persists, targeting students, particularly journalists and leaders, through various forms of censorship and intimidation.

This investigative article of UP Baguio’s Outcrop exposes how faces of harassment, including offices, task groups, and memorandums, are far from isolated. Outcrop’s piece reveals the pressing need for the university administration to take a stronger stand in safeguarding its community.

This story aims to compel the administration to acknowledge and address the “danas” of its students, especially in times of need. As the article asserts, “the highest office on campus must, of course, stand for higher calls.”

Bonus Picks: Ang Mahahabang Pilang Sakit ng PGH-OPD by Alexandria Buenaventura, Princess Catacutan, Carlos Manuel Eusoya, and Frances Cruz (The Manila Collegian); ‘AI a tool, not replacement, for librarians,’ Thomasians told by The Varsitarian; Students question ‘fairness’ of PHILO 1000 structure, to be mandatory for all enrollees next AY by Mariah Veronica Keith Rubia (Atenews)


Bea David, Managing Editor

Top Pick: Rush Hour Na Naman: Metro Manila’s Active Transport Hurdles over Challenges by Franchesca Grace Adriano and Patricia Kate Azicate; Graphics by Aldreich Pascual (PUP The Communicator)

For many, the Metro Manila transportation system is terrible. The Communicator was able to navigate the region’s flawed transit network through a comprehensive analysis faced by commuters while also highlighting the gaps in the region’s transportation infrastructure. The article immerses readers in the urban chaos of Metro Manila roads that reveal the harsh realities of long commutes and unsafe streets that countless Filipinos face every day.

The inclusion of diverse voices—from students, veteran bikers, and women facing harassment—broadens the discussion on safety, accessibility, and gender-based challenges. This narrative blend and analysis make issues like these closer to readers and adds the sense of urgency to address transportation inequities.

Critiquing the current system while advocating for practical, inclusive solutions is something that The Communicator effectively pointed out in the article. Amid the challenges, this piece champions solutions that benefit the greater public. Spotlighting multiple voices calls for a change through a narrative that not only informs but also inspires. 

Bonus Picks: Graveyard of Repercussions by Danielle Barredo (The Communicator); Hope over the Horizon: Living on Pag-asa Island by Lyana Roussu Aquino and Nikolai Ordoña (The Guidon)


Azel Cabais, Associate Editor

Top Pick: Babala: Huwag Maglaro ng Apoy by Maria Carmilla Ereño, Franchesca Beatrice De Asis, and Kim Hernandez (The Manila Collegian)

The country connects the poor and the powerful with matchsticks—with the former on the rounded edge and the latter holding the wooden end. 

This piece from The Manila Collegian sheds light on the long-standing struggle of informal settlers to fight for space as their homes are being reduced to ashes for the benefit of private and government entities. While the National Housing Authority is mandated to relocate fire survivors to “affordable, livable and adequate” housing, the poor bear the weight of further costs and distance, uprooting them from their community and livelihood. 

The article also condemns the lack of government consultation with marginalized communities, which is an essential piece the relocation puzzle requires. We must understand that the best way to help a community is to work with them, and this goes beyond instances of fire, other incidents, and calamity. This, in general, is a mindset that must be brought into resolving any problem and addressing the needs of the Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the way it was written creatively—with scenes relatable to Filipino audiences—effectively reels readers in.

The Manila Collegian also highlighted the way fire can mean differently for different people in a single situation. As fire ravages homes and lives, for the powerful few, it becomes an opportunity to cement their position in the government. It reveals how inhumane politicians can be—taking advantage of the plight of those in need, giving out money and ayuda—to make themselves seen even brighter than flames because they know too well how they can make the people’s losses as their gain.

Bonus Picks: Sa pagsasara ng Midland Courier: Ang malamig na reyalidad ng community papers by Ian Raphael Lopez (Tanglaw); Paglabas sa Pamantasan, Kahingian sa Iskolar ang Pagtangan na Magserbisyo sa Bayan by Philippine Collegian Editorial Board; Never too far: Learning from teachers in far-flung areas by Aidan Bernales and Ewan Tyler Constantino (The Guidon)


Christian Chua, Editor-in-Chief

Top Pick #1: SIPI 2024: The Data on the 2024 CSSP Student Council Elections by Vayne Altapascine del Rosario (SINAG)

Data stories have long been a staple of college publications at UP, especially during the student council elections season. But I can confidently say that SINAG’s SIPI 2024 was among, if not, the best data projects I have read in a while. Right from the outset, SIPI 2024 drew me in with its pretty, interactive and easy-to-read graphs. What kept me reading for more than an hour, though, was its impressive analysis that identified voter and turnout trends in the local council races at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP). I felt I gained a solid understanding of the political dynamics at CSSP just by reading the story. 

SINAG also went beyond merely analyzing college-wide results. The writer provided a rundown on which departments were party strongholds or which ones could swing either way. Another highlight was SINAG’s nuanced approach in reporting poll turnout, as it distinguished between undergraduate and graduate student participation. Had SINAG limited itself to presenting the college-wide figures, the report would not have been able to reveal the turnout disparity between the two voter groups. 

The vibrant campus politics within CSSP deserves equally robust reporting and SINAG delivered on that front. What is even more remarkable is this entire project was executed by a single staffer who wrote the story, created the graphics and developed the website. Imagine what kind of stories student journalists can tell if we receive the consistent funding that we deserve.

Top Pick #2: Lampas sa Eleksyon, Tungkulin ng Kilusang Estudyante na Makisangkot, Magwasto at Magkaisa by the Philippine Collegian Editorial Board

The dominance of abstentions jolted Diliman in the last two election cycles. In fact, a question about retaining abstain votes on the ballot, raised during the College of Science’s election forum, was likely a key factor in the outcome of the October 2024 Special Elections. Following the debate, the issue of abolishing the abstain option sparked online discourse, exposing divisions among the student body. 

Amid the noise, Philippine Collegian’s editorial was able to stress how urgent it is for the student movement to properly implement accountability measures and to dig deeper into probing the root cause of waning student participation. After all, whether abstain votes are removed or retained, many students remain disillusioned from campus politics. This disconnect, as Kulê highlights in its editorial, has weakened the movement’s campaigns on issues like campus commercialization, budget cuts and militarization.

Kulê emphasizes that merely settling the debate on abstain votes will not miraculously help elected council officials to push more students to attend mobilizations, join educational discussions or serve at the council. It is by regaining the trust of the student body that can help the movement regain its footing as the country faces a worsening political and economic crisis.

Bonus Picks: 5 Shots, One Mother, and a Newfound Crusade: The Odyssey of Nanette Castillo  by Krisis; Alipato Episode 1: Ang Oil Spill sa Cavite by Tanglaw; The Peasantry Throughout History by Philippine Collegian; From streets to sheets: Motorcycle drivers ride on sex work as they traverse hard times by The Flame