Features

The Year of Indie Gaming

ARTICLE BY BERNICE TINIO | WRITER

Throughout video game history, the industry has been dominated by the presence of huge developers and triple-A games. In the last decade, almost every title to have won ‘Game of the Year’, with notable examples like The Witcher 3 or God of War (2018), has come from a major publisher, boasting huge budgets, developer teams, and marketing campaigns. From this, it’s safe to say that these games were very much at the forefront of the mainstream market, capturing the attention of both consumers and media. 

What Happened to Taylor Swift's Lyricism?

ARTICLE BY AlYSSA AGUIRRE | WRITER

“A half-hearted, soulless product, “The Life of a Showgirl” severs any wisps of Swift’s usual god-tier lyricism, lingering rhythms and relatability from her musical notoriety,” states journalist Morgan James—a harsh review from the famous pop star’s recent addition to her discography. Critics and Swifties across the globe have expressed disdain or even concern over the release of Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, released October 3rd. While criticism is nothing new for the singer, this incident felt quite different because even the most devoted of fans disapproved of her latest release, leaving many to wonder: what went wrong?

The Colors of Christmas 

ARTICLE BY COLEEN TIONGSON | WRITER

As Christmas fast approaches, colors such as red, green, white, blue, and gold become overwhelmingly seen in our surroundings. Trees, lights, ornaments, garlands, parols, ugly sweaters, and other objects come alive as they are adorned with these festive colors. Though, have you ever wondered what makes these colors so iconic during this season? 

The Seven Days of Anticipation 

ARTICLE BY MIKA MADDELA | WRITER

With Christmas only seven days away the Filipino streets are bustling with joy while malls are filled with Christmas songs and joyful people as everyone awaits and prepares for Christmas day. With people wrapping their presents, setting up their Christmas decor, and preparing their trips and feasts with family members, everyone is ensured to have one jolly celebration. People of all ages unite as one to prepare for this feast. With this being said as Christmas day rapidly approaches, everyone has their own special way of preparing for it seven days beforehand. 

BURNING PASSIONS:

Regi Depante

BY CHLOE MARTINEZ | WRITER

Baking is a much loved pastime and hobby for many. The act of baking can even be called therapeutic by some as it impacts one’s mental health in a good way, relieving one of stress and allowing the baker to let their creativity flow. Various members of the Woodrose body have turned to baking, deeming it their hobby or passion that gets them through the quarantine period. 

But for one particular student in Grade 11, baking has become both a passion and a career. 

To the senior high students, Ms. Ramos is the easygoing, super cool teacher to be remembered by all for her fun antics and entertaining lecture videos. When asked about her hobbies, Ms. Ramos was quick to answer with a laugh: "Doing the dishes." But of course, underneath that lies something much bigger than plates and dish soap. "I'm passionate about helping people, being there for them. If I can be of help to people, I try my best to extend a hand," she says.

Should people with online platforms be morally obligated to share political content?

BY HANNA MARASIGAN | WRITER

Today, we find ourselves environed by political content– popping up on our feeds in every scroll we make. And while this does come with its advantages, it often renders us stuck in this dilemma of whether to click that share and post button or to just keep things to ourselves... 

So should people with online platforms be morally obligated to share political content?

How to Fall Back in Love With Your Sport

BY SASHA ROCHA | WRITER

To an athlete, the game means everything. Endless hours of grueling training, the disappointment of loss, the satisfaction of victory, and the everlasting bonds made with teammates are core memories on and off the field. It’s a thrilling and mostly gratifying time for those who have gotten the pleasure of experiencing it. However, sometimes the game isn’t as fun as it used to be. It takes more effort to want to go to practice, the game can’t end soon enough, and you’re more drained than you’ve ever been playing the sport you used to love so dearly. What happened?

HUMAN RIGHTS:

Are They Worth Celebrating?

BY CHLOE MARTINEZ | WRITER

73 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, rights that every human being, regardless of race, religion, gender or beliefs, are entitled to. Following the establishment of these rights, every year on December 10, the whole world celebrates these human rights to equality, to liberty, security and life.

From flocking to the mall entrance before the opening of a sale to waiting until midnight to check out items for free shipping, shopping habits have drastically changed since the emergence of the COVID-19 virus. With malls, markets, and shopping centers enforcing strict health protocols, most have opted to shop in the safety of their own home.  Shoppers, along with the shops, have transferred to the online platform to continue their transactions while local and international businesses have also adapted to the circumstances by setting up their online platforms.