Faces Archives - The Flame

Feb52020 No Comments

Philip Jamilla: Persevering with the masses

by DJULIENNE FLOR V. FOSTER photo by FRANCES MARIE G. IGNALAGA/ THE FLAME PHILIP JAMILLA always thought that he would live a normal and quiet life. He would pursue his master’s degree, become a professor, write for magazines, and eventually publish his own books. Little did he know that his plans were about to change when he was tasked to cover a rally. He still remembers the scene so vividly. A crowd had already been gathering right outside the campus, as they began their march towards Luneta Park, chanting “Marcos, Hitler! Diktador, tuta!”. He followed them, compelled to not end his coverage there. He was astounded by what he saw; a large sea of people, sharing the same fire in their eyes. As they raised their hand-painted placards in the air, the activists fiercely called

Jan242020 3 Comments

John Dale Trogo ignites the true Filipino Artlet spirit

Faces

by MARY NICOLE P. MIRANDA DESPITE THE many jobs he had, the call of teaching and inspiring students always prevails in John Dale Trogo’s heart. As a Filipino professor, his mission is to equip his students well. This does not only end at the four corners of the classroom and does not limit to the pages of the book; he makes sure it starts from within their roots — their true Filipino identity. His stepping stones John Dale Trogo is a Filipino professor at the University. He is also a member of the faculty in the College of Education. Before becoming a professor, he was a trainer in various review centers for the Civil Service and Licensure Exam for Teachers. He also worked as a junior researcher in GMA network, where he was able to travel to different places around t

Dec222019 No Comments

Christian Tuaña: Defying Limitations

Faces

by PATRICK V. MIGUEL THE CLOCK hits 9 in the morning, and Christian Tuaña jolts awake. Upon opening his eyes, he utters a curse before muttering,“Here we go again”. Inside his closet is an armor he set to wear every school days. A pair of black slacks and the iconic Artlet uniform. Wielding a cane, he can transcend all limits. He prepares himself every morning, filling his backpack with magical instruments throughout his victory on his everyday battles. He leaves his house around 12 PM with a mystical carriage that will carry him to a place filled with knowledge and wisdom. A venue of self-expression and inclusivity. There is enthusiasm inside his pocket before entering St. Raymund’s. “Minsan oo, minsan hindi…. Nagiging excited… ako if there’s something to look forward to

Jun182019 No Comments

Kiana Porras’s call to selfless service

Faces

by LORRAINE B. LAZARO and MARIA CECILIA O. PAGDANGANAN IF HAVING an unconventional and forward-looking mindset is indeed a powerful tool that can leave an impact on the world, then Kiana Porras is undoubtedly redefining what it means to be an environmental advocate. Kiana’s fervid outlook in life has always been to help the environment. She dedicates her time and service for the earth through volunteering for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines. Despite having to juggle many responsibilities, she believes that every minute of volunteering she offers is her way of paying it forward. “It’s something I really want to do. It’s something that I think may purpose siya at the end of the day. It’s more than just having an impact sa personal life mo,” she says. “It’s also [...]

Jun182019 No Comments

Froilan Calilung ignites nationalism through teaching

Faces

by SYRAH VIVIEN J. INOCENCIO and MARY NICOLE P. MIRANDA THE CLOCK shows four in the morning—it is hours before the break of dawn, but for Froilan Calilung, his day has already started. He rises then sits on the edge of the bed where his wife also lays. He closes his eyes once again and converses with the Man above. Froi, as he is fondly called, stands up and stretches his limbs before heading toward the kitchen where he always makes breakfast for his wife and daughter. His duty as the pillar of the home does not stop there yet. After breakfast, the politics professor eagerly prepares to go to his 7 a.m class to do what he loves the most: teach. Prioritizing learning On a typical Thursday, in the College of Fine Arts and Design where Froi holds his classes for fourth ye

Jun182019 No Comments

Angelo De Alban rises from the rubble

Faces

FRUSTRATED with the regressive state of the country, Angelo De Alban carries the needed documents to file his candidacy as he steps inside the headquarters of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Intramuros along with his wife Shao. He does not let himself get fazed by the intimidating questions that the media greets him with, knowing that he is advocating for worthy causes like health and food stability, cultivation of the agriculture sector, fighting for the urban poor, and championing special education, something he keeps close to his heart. “We provide special education in Bulacan. You know, we are the only private school recognized by the government providing special education [...] in our village alone. When we were growing up, we know there are [...] children who nee

Apr302019 No Comments

A speech therapist’s pledge

Faces

By SYRAH VIVIEN J. INOCENCIO and LORRAINE B. LAZARO BEYOND the pristine and lovely neighborhood of Blue Ridge B, Quezon City is a sanctuary for life-changing miracles: Maria Lena Buhay Memorial Foundation Inc., the country’s first oral school for the deaf. Every day, the foundation’s cherished schoolchildren with bright smiles and big ambitions are given a chance to experience the world better through a rekindling of their God-given gifts. Each day is another opportunity to maximize their potentials through the caring efforts of motivators who believe in and never give up on them. Heading the school is a teacher and a mother who embraces each child with love. Leticia Buhay talks with the students while noticeably pronouncing every single word correctly. Whenever one child is

Apr302019 No Comments

Benjo Gutierrez wields his pen for the people

Faces

By ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR. and LORRAINE B. LAZARO ONCE MOVING to the beat of the music, Benjamin Joshua “Benjo” Gutierrez is now moving to the rhythm of his words. The former Salinggawi Dance Troupe captain used to participate in cheerdance competitions for the tiger university, but since bagging his diploma, he found himself focusing more on a much bigger fight: a fight to let people know the harsh reality of life, which he faces through writing. “Nabuhay ako sa cheerleading; ‘yun ang bumuhay sa akin. Pero for me, tapos na ako sa phase na ‘yun. May mas [malaki] na ako na kalaban, may iba na akong ipinaglalaban,” he says. An avenue for others As a cheerleader from high school up to college, Benjo, who used to juggle his priorities and responsibilities for both his ac

Feb112019 No Comments

Reymark Simbulan is ready to rise again

Faces

By JOY THERESE C. GOMEZ A FATEFUL incident that happened almost two years ago left Reymark Simbulan with a temporary handicap. In a bout with overpowering tendencies to end his life, Reymark jumped from his condominium unit on the 17th floor. While his life has never been the same since then, the repercussions of the episode turned out to be a way for him to fully embrace and accept himself. The former Artlet Student Council president calls the process of recovery a “war”—it does not come without sacrifices, and it is a series of battles that he needs to overcome one by one to become stronger and more resilient. Reymark also says that although he had to give up certain goals like bagging Latin honors and being able to play sports, the setback has not stopped him from movin

Jan122019 No Comments

Neil Sebastian brings reality to the reel

Faces

By SYRAH VIVIEN J. INOCENCIO and JOAHNA LEI E. CASILAO IN A time when apathy is said to persist among the youth, Neil Sebastian promotes interest in social issues through what he creates best: films. The budding filmmaker marries his beliefs and advocacies with every film he produces. Similar to how a little pebble creates ripples when dropped into water, Neil aims to make an impact on his audience one film at a time. “‘Yung mga goal ko na gawin na film [is] something that makes people think, makes people decide, makes people know about a certain issue. I always make sure that [the film] is something relevant,” he says. The philosophy freshman also asserts that a film should consist of the filmmaker’s stand on a social matter. For him, it is not only about spreading aware