LA F U E WOM EN EM POWERM E

NT
R ZA MA GAZINE

What it takes to be
fragile yet resilient

Issue 1 April 2021 lafuerza.com

 HER EYES, HOPE AND LOVE
WOMEN PREVAILS
Female Inspired SHE IS EVERY
Short stories ASPECT OF THE
and poems WORLD. AND IN

+ More Inside

01
 Editor's Note

A Collection of Stories
"We believe that no girl should grow up thinking
that they are not supposed to do things because
they are a “girl.” That shouldn’t be the case. We
are more than these labels".

I know a few empowered women who

Many believe that there is a woman in
experienced this but stood up to make a
every man’s success, but have we really
change. Katherine Goble was judged for
taken the time to acknowledge their efforts
being an African-American woman who
for themselves? (title and page no.) Even if
works for NASA. Believe it or not, she is
we experience these prejudices, we stand up
one of the engineers who helped John
more substantial. Even if we need to prove
Glenn be the first man to orbit the earth.
and prove again before society totally
See her story on page (title and page no.)
abolished these stereotypes, we will do so.
Mulan joined the army to keep her father
We believe that no girl should grow up
safe. When her comrades knew she wasn’t
thinking that they are not supposed to do
a woman, they threw her away. Despite
things because they are a “girl.” That
that, she stood for what she believed in and
shouldn’t be the case. We are more than
saved China from invaders.
these labels.

Mulan is no different from Former Senator

Enjoy flipping through the pages of this
Miriam Santiago, the most potent woman
magazine as you see empowered women
senator we’ve seen. Senator Miriam stood
who left a mark in our history and our lives.
by her beliefs even if men tried to pull her
Through these stories, may you have a
down. See their story on pages (title and
different perspective for who we are, as
page no.) and (title and page no.)
women-- remarkable women. Welcome to
the first issue of La Fuerza!
Elle Woods experienced being objectified
for her looks and is called “dumb” and
only served looks, not brains. In her story,
she proved them all wrong. Someone can
be beautiful and intelligent at the same
time. Admiral Lexington Tempest’s
abilities were judged by her comrade. Still, Alyssa Kate Dela Cruz
she was able to rise up and succeed with Editor-in-Chief, La Fuerza
the job. See her story on page (title and
page no.) and (title and page no.)

WWW.LAFUERZA.COM

02
 LA FUERZA
APRIL - MAY 2021

Editorial Platform

The media, the government, and society label women as damsels in distress. These
limited women from sharing their great ideas that can change the world. In
Breaking Boundaries, we believe that women are more than what society thinks.
Females can play different roles than what you think. Together we rise against
adversities!
Editior-in-Chief Dela Cruz, Alyssa Kate
Associate Editor Miranda, Angelica
Managing Director Serapio, Heza Allyson C.
Layout Artist Serapio, Heza Allyson C.
Photographers Gimotea, Ella
Martinez, Earl Vincent
Dela Cruz, Alyssa Kate
Miranda, Angelica

Artists Serapio, Heza Allyson C.

Duya, Michelle Anne D.
Caballero, John Gabrielle
Writers Dela Cruz, Alyssa Kate
Miranda, Angelica
Serapio, Heza Allyson
Duya, Michelle Anne D.
Gimotea, Ella
Martinez, Earl Vincent
Caballero, John Gabrielle

Table of Contents

Written by: POEM TITLES LITERARY PIECE

Heza Allyson C. Serapio
Power | Page 4 The Lady President We Never Had | Page 9
Angelica Miranda Beyond | Page 4 Movie Review: Mulan | Page 14
Earl Vincent Martinez Female's Fight For Equality | Page Women Can Be Superior to Males on
5 More Than One Occassion | Page 16
Alyssa Kate Dela Cruz
Movie Review: Hidden Figures | Page 12
Ella Gimotea "Akala Ko" | Page 6 Behind Every Successful Man is a
Behind Every Successful Man is a WOMAN (and That is a Wife and a
Michelle WOMAN | Page 7 Mother) | Page 11 Movie Review: Legally
Duya John Gab Fragile Yet Resilient | Page 8 Blonde | Page 17 Short Story: Superhero |
Caballero Damsel in Distress | Page 8 Page 19

University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro

Manila,
WWW.LAFUERZA.COM
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POWER
HEZAALLYSONC.SERAPIO
In her hands, she has the
Others see them weak, but they have
power For life to grow and
power to speak
prosper
Their hearts are tender, when crushed
In her life, she has the
you’ll hear thunder
will In this life, she
The power that women hold
stands still
Cannot be replaced with any amount of gold

She’s got lions in her heart

In this society, she takes
“Women do bleed, but women
part A scorching fire in her can lead.”
soul
They know she’s here to reach her goal

Women with power move forward

They stand with their roles and work hard
Women do bleed, but women can lead
What may seem impossible, can be
possible with women

Photo: Heza Serapio

In the chaos,
She is silenced
In the injustices faced,
People turned a blind eye.

Beyond
Underestimated, neglected,
mistreated.
Being taken for granted,
Sparked a fire in her soul.

She is more than what the society says

she is.
Angelica Miranda
Fierce, strong, courageous, and
resilient
Is what she is and more.
More than one will ever imagine,
Is what she can be.
Filled with wisdom and grace, She
will create her own destiny.

In the face of adversity, She

will overcome.
Because she believes.
What the world sees,
Doesn’ t define and dictate what she can
do.
The beauty of her soul, Will
move mountains.
Photo: Canva
04
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FEMALE'S FIGHT FOR EQUALITY

Earl Vincent Martinez
Photo: Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (LC-DIG-ppmsca-38888)

In societies,
Who follow patriarchy. It is time to fight,
Women are voice-less. Against a system so old.
Yet, still evident.
But if we allow,
This kind of society. It might be a fight,
To exist on Earth. That may look impossible.
To those who gave up.
We are preventing,
God’s free will to all of Those who persevere,
us. To females at best. Fight on till equality.
And never give up.
All females out there,
Do not be afraid to
rise. To have your
freedom.

Photo: Google
05
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"Akala Ko"
Alyssa Kate Dela Cruz
Maraming nagsasabi
Na ang babae ay para lamang sa
bahay Magluto, Maglaba, Mag alaga
ng bata Ngunit di nila nakikita
Na tayo ay higit sa kanilang akala

Di nila lubos maintindihan

Ang hirap maging isang
babae Maraming umaasa
Maraming sumasandal
Pasan-pasan niya ang mundo

Lumalabas siya nang may

ngiti Upang maitago ang pait Ngayon, naabot na niya ang tugatog
Sa sinabi ng kanyang ama ng tagumpay
“Di para sayo ang pagiging Lahat ay masaya, ngunit sabi niya
inhinyero, Sapagkat ikaw ay isang “Simula pala lamang ito ng tunay na
babae.” laban.” Kahit malayo na ang narating,
Marami pa rin ang huhusga sa
Tugon niya, “Kaya ko ito kaniyang abilidad
Ama, Abangan mo ako”
Nagsumikap siya Kailan ba matatapos?
Nadadapa, ngunit bumangon muli Hanggang kailan ba susubukin
Dahil walang taong makapipigil sa taong Ang abilidad ng isang babae
may pangarap Matatapos lamang ito
Kapag bukas na ang isip ng madla

Kailan iyon
mangyayari? Di tiyak
ang sagot
Kaya babae,
Tumayo ka at sabihing
“Higit ako sa iyong inaakala.”

0 6
 WOMAN
W WW .LA F U E R Z A .COM | 2 0 2 1

Behind every successful man is a ...

by Ella Gimotea
Photo: Google

God created women from the ribs of a We know a lot of strong women who
man. paved their ways,
That's why they go together, hand in Manage to create names, provide for
hand. their family.
Man provides for the family and On the other hand, men have stayed
protect his wife, on the home,
Woman loves the man, supports him spending time with the child, taking
all her life. care of the family with love.

But in today's time, these expectations This only proves that roles do not
suddenly change, come and be limited with gender.
Demands of life now require a lot of So long as we know our capabilities,
roles in different ranges. then life in general would be better.
Men and women who should be called Let's accept that men could also be the
as partners, light guiding the family,
now competes with one another, till and women can be that wall who can
they become strangers. protect everyone fearlessly.

0 7
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Fragile
yet resilient
Michelle Duya
As a lovely flower she may seem
Lies within a soul wanting to scream
Don’t you dare underestimate
The willpower she may create

She is capable of loving

Beyond what the society is judging
Versatility is her power
And a sense of pride to tower

Independence is her specialty

No need to rely and seek loyalty
Beauty is just superficial
Attitude is what makes her special

We won’t ever exist without her

Besides a child to
deliver
She is what makes this world a better
place Photo: Google
In her honor deserves such great embrace

Damsel in
Distress
John Gab Caballero Although she guarded her
Demure, delicate, dainty all she is children
expected to be a princess
expected to submit f
expected to just smile, be pretty, o
that’s about it r
s
She is look down upon incapable h
like a fleeting rose or a frail butterfly e
easy to crush, shatter, disable,
unable to fight, naive, liable c
a
She must be protected n
 ’t do anything for herself women fought for her standing in
can’t live without men for she can’t
society live pass every man’s
fight nor defend
expectation they won’t see them
as equals because in their
opinion
a woman is a trophy, a damsel in
distress, a temptation
 W W W .LA F U E R Z A .CO M | 2 0 2 1

The Lady
President
We Never Had
Heza Allyson C. Serapio

Photo: Google

What made her the woman that she is she started her life as a lawyer, she wrote law books,

Former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago was born

in Iloilo City, Philippines, in 1945. Her mother,
Dimpna, was a college dean, while her father,
Benjamin, was a district trial judge. She is the eldest
among the 7 children. She sent her 7 siblings to college.
Former Senator Miriam graduated with flying colors
from elementary to high school and finished magna
cum laude in Bachelor of Arts in Political science at the
University of the Philippines Visayas. She then went
to Manila and took law at UP Diliman. The former
senator topped all written examinations and was
appointed in high positions in Campus-wide elections.
She even had a record as the only woman appointed
twice to have the campus beauty title of the UP ROTC
corps sponsor. After she got married, she became a
record-setter at the University of Michigan law school.
She earned the Master’s Degree in Law after a year
and then pursued postdoctoral studies at Oxford
University. She served the public through outstanding
judicial excellence both inside and outside the country.

At twenty-five, she was offered to join well-known

law firms in Makati but refused. She wants to serve
the government. She took a teaching post in the
evening, which made her a professor of political
science at Trinity College and of law in UP Diliman. As
autobiographies, and annotated principal codes of law in
her country, such as the Constitution, Rules of court, and
the like. Because of her cleverness, she is widely
acknowledged as an expert in constitutional and
international law by the press and fellow senators. Indeed,
she is a woman of many wonders.

As a politician, she dedicated her life to public service

through the government’s judicial, executive and
legislative branches. According to records, she consistently
filed numerous bills and resolutions. The late senator also
authored several notable laws, such as the Anti-Bullying
Act, Cybercrime Prevention Act, Oil Pollution
Compensation Act, Biofuels Act Intellectual Property
Code, Fair Election Act, and Magna Carta of Women.

As she became a wife, she had numerous memorable

quotes that she said in an interview with CNN
Philippines. Couples must really learn from her and their
husband’s marriage life. Being best friends with your lover
is way much sweeter than being a couple alone. This is
because you understand each other and have each other’s
back. It is more precious when you know each other
thoroughly inside and out. She mentioned that when an
individual is married, one will realize the need to kill
his/her ego, which is the key to better understanding. If
the relationship always has misunderstandings, what
could possibly happen? These lines are not only written
down but are also lived out by the former senator.

09
 It was difficult for her to be a public servant while
Three words came to my mind as I write this essay;
being a dedicated mother of two. Even though it was
courageous, professional, and extraordinary. Many history
tough, she simultaneously managed to be an
books gave Former Senator Santiago the title, “Iron lady of
amazing mother and a devoted servant leader. She
Asia. “ Indeed, she deserves the title. Being the eldest
was very demonstrative of her love. Senator Miriam
among seven siblings is a tough spot. Still, due to her
showed her affection through hugs and kisses to let
family’s love and support, she learned the value of
her family feel her presence and love. Her passion is
education and its importance. With this, she grabbed every
way above the clouds. Even on the most challenging
opportunity and strived hard to improve herself as she grew
day of her son’s life, she said she will never be over
up. Also, this is her way of showing her siblings that a good
his loss, for she had put so much love and hope for
and quality education is the key to open new doors and
the future that was about to be for his son. Even
welcoming opportunities that come along the way.
though she went through rough times, she managed
to put a smile on her face, ready to face the world.
As I approach the end of this piece, I tell myself that truly she
Her Impact on the Filipino Youth deserves to be the president of the Philippines. She believes
that speaking up on issues other politicians would prefer to
leave unnoticed would bring answers to those who seek.
She proved that she is trustworthy, hardworking, and
Many people tried to bring her down. Still, she set an example
an excellent public servant. She was considered “The
for standing for the truth, even if others think otherwise. I
Smartest of them all” because of her witty quotes that
find similarities between Former Senator Miriam Defensor
made most Filipinos laugh and think. If we analyze
Santiago and the Disney princess Mulan. Like Mulan, men
some lines in her book “Stupid is Forever,” her
tried to bring her down, but she still managed to bloom in
principles can be seen. Even the relatable hugots about
adversity. Many women live up to the life of our beloved
the millennials remained iconic! Many Filipino readers
senator. The masses still regret losing a true servant leader, a
consider these to be significant since it represents a
woman of great courage, dedication, and fighting for what is
vital role in the people’s everyday lives. These witty
moral. This is the story of Former Senator Miriam Defensor
lines help readers be critical about the things
Santiago, the best president we never had.
happening around them. What she did to our country,
including her beliefs and ideas, benefited this rising
nation and its beloved people even though she’s gone.

"Three words came

to my mind as I
write this essay;
courageous,
professional, and
extraordinary".
Miriam Defensor Santiago
Former Judge of the International
Criminal Court
10
 Behind every successful man is a WOMAN (and that is a WIFE & a MOTHER)
Whenever we meet a
respectful child and know
how to humanely interact
with others, we all assume
that the child has been
raised well by his/her
mother. If we see a happy
adult, it means he is loved
unconditionally by his
wife. But if you think of it,
it is unfair that we judge
these marvelous women
by how we see her child or
husband. These women
are great, but if the child
and the man act
otherwise, we blame the
mother or the wife.
As the famous quote said, “Behind
every successful man is a woman.”
Let’s change that a little bit. Why
don’t we say, “In every successful
field, there is a woman too.” In every
remarkable woman we look up to,
they have written great stories in our
history. Here are some of them.
In 1986, a courageous woman stood
against the reigning dictatorship in
the Philippines. Former and first
woman President Corazon Aquino
amplifies the voice of million Filipinos
to oust the dictator Former President
Ferdinand Marcos. Imagine how
strong of a woman she is. After her
husband was assassinated, she still
stood up straight to end the Marcos
regime.
When we talk about Science, we
mostly mention Albert Einstein,
Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin, Isaac
Newton, and many other male
scientists. It has been our notion that
Science is a male-dominated field --
until Marie Curie came. Despite facing
adversity and discrimination all
throughout her career, Curie
Ella Gimotea
continued to excel and proved her
presence. Some of her notable
achievements are discovering Radium
and Polonium. She also invented the
portable X-Ray. Curie is the first and
only person to win two Nobel Peace
Prize in Sciences (Physics and
Chemistry).
Leaders should not always be men
because some progressive countries
are led by women. 2020 has been a
great year for great women leaders.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern cleared out the first and
second wave of Covid-19 in New
Zealand through her strict
implementations of community
quarantine and hard lockdowns.
Kamala Harris, the Vice President of
the United States of America, made
history. She is the first woman, first
black
American, and first Asian American
who has won the post in the US.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen
remarkably manages Covid 19 in her
country despite having 23 million
constituents.
If manners make man, I can
say that courage makes a
woman.
It is not easy to be a woman. It
requires a lot of courage to set
aside yourself to help others,
to love others, and sacrifice
your time and effort for
others. Women are brave
enough to be selfless in this
cruel, patriarchal society.
Women are courageous as
they take the role of being a
mother who needs to give
light to her children,
who tend to be distracted and
pressured by society. A wife also
needs to be brave enough to break
gender stereotypes for her family.
What if we give credit to where it is
due? Let’s acknowledge and
appreciate the women in our lives
for what they have done for us. Let’s
reciprocate the efforts and sacrifices
they had given to us since we were
born and their guidance when we
decided to raise our own family. Yes,
it is true. Most of the time, we
succeed because of the help we got
from them, but let them own their
spotlight.
March is Women’s Month, and I must
say this is not a coincidence. It
encourages us to continue to march
forward to a society where women do
not need to always stay behind but be
alongside every man, continuing to
write success stories.
11

“That’s just the way it is.” This line is repeatedly stated in
the 2016 biographical drama Hidden Figures. This film
showed that the last person we expect to do the job well
will exceed our expectations. Hidden figures evolve in the
story of Katherine Goble-Johnson (Taraji P. Henson),
Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Dorothy Vaughan
(Octavia Spencer). These three women of NASA helped
achieve Former President John F. Kennedy’s goal to reach
the moon before the end of 1960. They changed things
from just the way it is, to what it should have been.
CONTEXT:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) was established in 1958 for extensive space
exploration and research. There are many affiliated
research centers in NASA, but this film mainly focuses on
Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. In 1957,
they competed with Russia’s Sputnik to be the first to
have a significant technological advancement.
Surprisingly, Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite, was
successfully launched on October 4, 1957. This milestone
of the Soviet Union urged NASA to intensify their
research. Space science requires intensive computation, so
International Business Machines (IBM) provided high-
level computers to achieve NASA’s goal to reach the moon
before 1960.
Katherine Goble, Dorothy Vauhgan,and Mary W.
Jackson all started as math teachers, before
entering NASA. Katherine Goble is one of three
black students who studied in West Virginia
Graduate School. Before entering NASA in 1952, a
relative told Goble that the West Virginia
Computing group in Langley Research Center is
hiring black women to join the group. This group
was headed by another black woman, Dorothy
Vaughan. Dorothy left the job during WWII to
enter NASA’s laboratory, but due to Jim Crow
Laws, Dorothy was segregated to the West
Computing group. She became the group’s
manager, which made her the first African-
American manager in NASA. Mary W. Jackson
finished a dual degree in Math and Physical
Sciences at Hampton Institute before entering NASA in
1951. She wanted to be one of NASA’s rocket engineers,
but she did not have the required courses due to school
segregation. To acquire the additional courses, she filed a
petition to the court to attend the required classes.
SUMMARY:
The Space Task Group, headed by Mr. Al Harrison (Kevin
Costner), needed a “computer.” They asked if someone in
the West Computing Group can do that. Dorothy
Vaughan volunteered Katherine Goble to join; Katherine
accepted the job. As soon as she entered the doors, white
men judgingly looked at her. Head Engineer Paul
Staffords (Jim Parsons) underestimates her abilities,
saying that his numbers are “spot-on,” therefore checking
is no longer needed.
One time, Mr. Harrison noticed that Katherine was gone
for a long time, so when she returned, he asked her what
took her so long. Katherine told Mr. Harrison that she
needed to go to the colored bathroom, which is half a mile
from the Space Task Group office. Katherine also
mentioned the discrimination she experiences in the
office, like the coffee pot for “colored” people. Because of
this, Mr. Harrison removed every “colored” sign he saw.
All the Space Task Group capsules, like the Freedom 7 and
Liberty 7 capsule, launched successfully. However, the
group has some problems with John Glenn’s (Glen Powell)
Friendship 7 mission.
M OVIE REVIEW:
From
What It
Photo: Google
is, To
What It
Should 12
Be:
Hidden
Figures
(2016)
Alyssa
Kate Dela
Cruz
 Even if there are inaccuracies with history, I still think that the movie
balanced creativity and history. I can understand some inaccuracies
since the film is not a history movie. The film perfectly captures how
the media should represent the minority without making the majority
be stereotyped. Even if racism persists, some white characters
genuinely support them, like John Glenn’s character.

FINAL VERDICT:
There is only one unjustifiable thing in the world, and that is
discrimination. I get confused whenever someone is discriminated
Photo: against because of gender or complexion. I cannot imagine how many
Google talents or innovations we lost because of these stereotypes.

The task force needs to ensure that Friendship 7 will drop

The prejudice the blacks experience is unacceptable
to the reentry site. Otherwise, it might lead to the capsule
because it is based on the color of their skin. It saddens me
spinning forever or the capsule burning to reentry. In the
that some black kids grow up thinking that being black is
iconic blackboard scene, Katherine solved for the math
a sin. The same goes for gender. Media also play a
using Euler’s Method. This computation allowed the “go-
significant role in this, for most females in movies are
no-go” to push through. After solving the conflict, Mr.
portrayed as damsels in distress or as housewives. By
Harrison asked Katherine to go back to the West
making movies such as Hidden Figures, gives a new
Computing group. Meanwhile, Dorothy fixed the IBM
perspective on who we are.
computers, using a book and some knowledge on
mechanical engineering. Due to a lack of manpower,
In this film, black women are represented in a different
Dorothy was asked to work in IBM. She said that if the
view. Hidden Figures represents the minority who made
West Computing Group’s women lose their job, she will
tremendous impacts but are not recognized. The film can
reject it. The manager agreed for the whole group to be
make you angry, sad, happy, and proud all at the same
transferred to IBM.
time. Hidden Figures represented the minority that is
often left out in our history books. Besides proper
During the launch of Friendship 7, John Glenn asked
representation, this film also teaches us to remove
Katherine to check the numbers from IBM. Katherine
prejudice towards anyone. If we ever experience being
agreed with the numbers, and the launch continued. This
kept in a box, we must go out there and prove that we are
made John Glenn be the first man to orbit the earth three
more than what others think. Instead of just following
times. After this launch, Katherine also worked on other
“What it is,” let us change it to “What it should be.” We rise
space projects such as the Apollo 11 and Space Shuttle
amongst all adversities!
mission.

CRITIQUE:
Mr. Al Harisson and Engr. Paul Staffords are fictional
characters. They are a representation of the white men
that Katherine Goble worked with. The film shows that
"This film also teaches us to
Katherine is the only one who solved the math for Glenn’s
historic flight, but in reality, there are about 300
remove prejudice towards
engineers who worked for this. This is shown in the iconic
blackboard scene, where Katherine solved the math using
anyone. If we ever experience
Euler’s Method. Though Euler’s Method might be used in
reality, it is not the only equation used. In the film, John being kept in a box, we must
Glenn waited for Katherine’s calculations before his flight.
Though this happened in real life, Glenn did not wait for go out there and prove that
her computations. He called on Katherine before the flight
to ensure that it will be a success. In the movie, Dorothy we are more than what others
Vaughan is not a “supervisor” in the beginning of the film.
Based on NASA’s biography, when Katherine and Mary
entered the west computing group, she was already a
think".
supervisor. Not making Dorothy, a supervisor, in the
beginning, might be factored in the movie to show the
unequal work treatment between the whites and blacks.
13

Mulan (1998) is a Disney film about a young woman who
disguises herself as a man to keep her father from death
while serving in the army. Mulan is not your typical hero;
she is a warrior who battled against social standards and
gender stereotypes. With faith, courage, and determination,
Mulan overcomes obstacles to bring honor to her family.
CONTEXT:
Mulan is based on ancient Chinese literature entitled
“Ballad of Mulan.” During the Northern Wei period, the
northern regions of Han China were often conquered by
the Hun people. In the ballad, Mulan dominates her place
after enlisting in the army by effectively showing
outstanding combat techniques and sword battles. She stays
in the military for a very long time while keeping her true
self covered up. When her time in the military ends, she
gets back to her family. She declines an offer of recognition
for her contribution. At that time, her fellow soldiers only
find out she is a woman.
SUMMARY:
Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) is a young lady and the sole child of
her respected family. Despite her intelligence and kindness,
tomboy and awkward Mulan is insecure to turn into an
elegant and composed bride. When the Huns attack China,
the domain enlists a man from each family into the military.
Mulan’s dad, Fa Zhou (Soon Tek-Oh), who has an old injury,
chooses to battle for his country and honor his family.
Mulan got dismissed by the matchmaker (Miriam
Margolyes) because of an accident. After learning about the
ongoing enlistments, she made a choice to go instead of her
father. She trims her hair short, wears the armor of his
father, and takes his draft data before braving to the camp
in his place. She implores the forefathers of her family for
safety and success, then left as a disguised man with her
family’s horse. The forefathers awaken and choose to send
the Great Stone Dragon, the mighty guardian, to safely
return Mulan back home. However, due to an accident,
Mushu (Eddie Murphy), a little disgraced dragon, assisted
Mulan in the military. Mushu stepped in to acquire his place
back among the forefathers as a guardian.
Embrace The
Real You
(Movie Review)
Angelica Miranda
Mulan hesitantly enters the camp. As soon as she enters, she
unintentionally causes a fight after adhering to Mushu’s
peculiar guidelines on the best way to imitate and associate
with men. General Li’s son, Captain Li Shang (B.D. Wong),
was delegated by his dad to prepare the new soldiers.
Simultaneously, General Li (Donny Osmond) goes to defend
the Imperial City with his army. Shang is disinterested with
the messy newcomers, particularly to clumsy Mulan. Mulan
introduces herself as Ping, Fa Zhou’s son. After a while,
Mulan and other soldiers have endured and completed their
training. While they were marching towards the mountain
pass, the Huns saw the military. After being seen by the
adversaries, Mulan saw an opportunity that would defeat
the Huns. However, at that point, her true identity was
discovered. After knowing the truth, she was expelled from
the army.
The people of China thought they won the battle. During
the victory parade, the Emperor (Pat Morita) is captured by
the Huns. Shang, Yao (Harvey Fierstein), Ling (Gedde
Watanabe), and Chien-Po (Jerry Tondo) go to Mulan for a
salvage plan. They disguised themselves as concubines,
except for Shang, who would invade the palace and strike
the Huns. Chien-Po brings the Emperor out of danger while
Shang and Shan Yu (Miguel Ferrer) fight. Mulan draws him
to the top of the castle for the last battle. Mushu, equipped
with a gigantic firecracker rocket, lights himself at Shan Yu
and explodes to bits in a bright presentation. The Emperor
emerges and tells Mulan that, despite her deception, she
rescued China. Then, he bows to Mulan in the highest form
of respect, and the crowd follows the Emperor. He proposes
to Mulan to be a part of his trustees, much to Chi Fu’s
surprise, but Mulan politely rejects and shows her desire to
return home. To honor the Fa family, the Emperor presents
her with his medallion and Shan Yu’s sword.
"Mulan is one of the greatest movies
and one of the greatest Disney
princesses the world has seen. It
inspires everyone to be true to
themselves, despite what the world
says".
14
ANALYSIS: FINAL VERDICT:
Mulan showcases a different side in the world of Disney
princesses. She was not royal by blood nor married a prince Mulan is one of the greatest movies and one of the
to represent a happy ending. She was a clumsy and greatest Disney princesses the world has seen. It inspires
awkward girl, which is relatable for many teenagers. It was everyone to be true to themselves, despite what the world
a Chinese girl’s duty to present herself as a desirable bride. says. It encourages people to be different, stands out, and
Mulan hesitates about this. She desired to make a path of takes courage while traveling to make ourselves known to
her own. When the Huns attacked China, men from every the world. She showed us that society’s standards
family were summoned to join the army. The surprising shouldn’t limit us. Being extraordinary means being
thing was when Mulan disguises herself as a man in place of comfortable with our own skin.
his father. The latter is no longer capable of joining the
military. It shows her courageousness, love and brings “My, what beautiful blossoms we have this year. But look,
honor to her family. In the timeline of the movie “Mulan,” this one’s late. But I’ll bet that when it blooms, it will be
they lived in a patriarchal society. But Mulan broke society’s the most beautiful of all.” This quote was spoken by
standard with her disguise. With perseverance, Mulan’s father when she returned home feeling ashamed
determination, and faith, you can do anything you set your because of the disastrous meeting with the matchmaker.
mind and heart to. Though she wasn’t physically strong, she We all have our own time to bloom into the person we are
found strategies and techniques to accomplish her tasks. She meant to be. It may come to a time that almost everyone
saved China through her cleverness and creativity. has blossomed, and you’re still waiting. This doesn’t mean
you are a late bloomer; the world is just preparing for an
In the first musical number, “Honor To Us All,” shows how extraordinary person like you to be seen.
Mulan is being prepared and dolled up as a pleasing bride.
She is very anxious, knowing deep inside that she does not
fit in with the other brides. Mulan shows how she loves and
cares for her family by going to the matchmaker even
though it is not what she wants to do. The second musical
number,” Reflection,” illustrates why she is struggling with
fitting in. What the people see, even her own reflection that
she sees, is someone she doesn’t know. She desires to be her
true self and show the world what’s inside her heart. The
third musical number, “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You,” shows
15
the stereotypes about men. Captain Shin Yang is
disappointed that the new recruits in the army lack
masculinity and strength, most especially Mulan. But
because of her passion for succeeding, she’s the first to reach
the 50 ft tower. With this, it is shown that not only men can
be strong but also women. As they march to war, the fourth
musical number, “A Girl Worth Fighting For,” reminds the
army of what keeps them inspired, the girl of their dreams.
They share their ideal types from looks to being a good
housewife. When Mulan’s turn, she suggests a girl filled
with wisdom and always speaks her mind; the soldiers
dismiss it. What will make us fall deeply in love and fall
deeper is what is in one’s heart. One’s outlook in life,
kindness, and compassion will make us stay in love. This is
why Mulan is different and inspiring because she is not the
one to follow or conform to society’s standards--
encouraging that it is okay to be different and not fit in. We
are made to stand out.
Photo:
WOMEN CAN BE
Googl
e SUPERIOR TO
MALES ON MORE
THAN ONE
OCASSION
By Martinez, Earl Vincent A.

Admiral Lexington carrier bridge,

Tempest is a smart leading thousands of
and diligent lady soldiers.
working as an
admiral in the A few months later,
United States Navy. after arriving at
The admiral looks Yokosuka, there was a
on at the view of North Korean missile
the ocean aboard attack on one of the
her flagship escorted US bases in the north.
by her task force as She quickly realized
they sail from their that her task force
homeport towards and the base were
their forward possibly the following
operating base at targets. She called on
Yokosuka, Japan. her troops for an
While she leads her emergency meeting.
task force from the “Troops, the North
bridge, she knows Koreans attacked the
that just beyond US bases in the north.
the horizon is a We might be the next,
potential war with so I need all ships
North Korea. ready and shoot down
However, she is any incoming missile.
determined that she Be ready,” the admiral
will do her best no ordered.
matter what lies “Yes admiral!”
ahead of them. She After the meeting, the
has proven herself squad immediately did
to be one of the best her orders. Soon, her
officers and been entire base got
given command at underway and out to
first a cruiser sea while shooting
squadron, even if down several North
males looked down Korean missiles.
on her during the Through her quick
naval academy. She thinking and decision-
quickly rose through making, her task force
the ranks and is now was spared from
standing in the destruction. The group
United States’ quickly reported their
newest aircraft status and commenced
a a d scattered teams.
assets. When they
n l Admiral Lexington
reached the next
i s Tempest’s task force
significant base,
m h has successfully
they were notified
m a withdrawn out of
that war has been
e v range of attacks till
declared and that
di e further notice,
her task force is
at d together with all their
badly needed in
e is vital
the upcoming
e s
conflict. Admiral
v o
Tempest’s squad is
a lv
the only well-
c e
organized and fully
u d
equipped naval
at i
task force left.
io n
“Admiral Tempest,
n t
your squad is the
of o
only naval task
th m
force left.” the
ei o
President told her.
r r
“But sirr, we are
vi e
outnumbered.
ta c
Don’t you think it’s
l h
too risky?”
a a
“Admiral, I trust
s o
you. You are wise
s ti
and you can lead
et c
your troops to
s. u
success. You have
M n
my back.”
e it
“Okay sir. I will await your
a s
orders.”
n d
The President and the
w u
Admiral did a salute and
hi e
left.
le t
In a debriefing,
, o
Admiral informed
th t
her troop about
e h
the President’s
ot e
orders and planned
h ir
their attacks. After
er l
getting the
ta a
debriefing, they
s c
quickly move out
k k
to protect the
fo o
remaining
rc f
evacuation of the
e c
civilians out of the
s o
immediate
le o
crossfire. With her
d r
naval knowledge
b d
and lessons, she
y i
was able to repel
m n
several enemy
al a
attacks on the
e ti
civilian transports.
a o
A month after the
d n
attack, Admiral
m a
Tempest’s troops
ir n
were able to
c
r
t
o
ut, her task force
would be the first
d
e US task force to o
a
t
g
o
enter the enemy
harbor after the
h
e
b
official surrender er
a a
of North Korea.
When she b
c
c
k
returned home,
she received the
es
e
a t
medal of honor t
s o
from
President.
the
She
n
e
f
t was promoted to o
i
h
e
the rank of Fleet
Admiral, a m
r
e
i position not held
by anyone since
at
.
r
the end of WW2. te
S
f
a
r
o
m
m " w
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S ha
m i h t
e
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s e lie
d
.
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b y r of
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l

Legally Blonde Movie Review (2001)
Photo: Google
Legally Blonde (2001) is a film about a fashion
student who went to law school to chase her ex-
boyfriend. She seemed to stand out among the
students because of her taste in fashion and was
often called a “dumb blonde.” She tries to prove
them wrong by doing her best in law school and
winning a case.
CONTEXT:
Legally Blonde is based on the novel of Amanda
Brown. Amanda wrote her experiences as a fashion
student to a law student. Often misjudged by her
peers, she tries to prove them wrong. This prejudice
is the reason why Amanda wrote Legally Blonde.
She wants to show the perks of being cultured with
fashion and filled with knowledge and wisdom about
the laws. She broke the stereotype about blondes
where people see them as airheads, only good at
being pretty. The author manifests that women can
have the best of both worlds -- being bright and
beautiful.
SUMMARY:
Elle Woods is a girl who is a sorority leader and a
fashion merchandising student. One night, she and her
boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, the governor’s son,
went on a date. Elle assumed that Warner would
propose to her, but he dumped her because he
thinks Elle is not a girl to be taken seriously, for she
only knows stuff about fashion and beauty. Warner
also said that their breakup is mandatory so that he
can focus on law school.
Eventually, Elle thought of an idea about showing
Warner that she is capable of achieving the same
things he did. In this way, she can take him back. Elle
studied hard to get into the same school as Warner.
She succeeded in getting into Harvard Law School.
While moving to Harvard, Elle
Stay unbothered till
you have proven
yourself right
Michelle Duya
caught everyone’s attention because of her contrasting
personality with her peers. She encounters Warner, but
he is already engaged to Vivian Kensington, his old
girlfriend. Vivian takes Elle for a fool. She thinks Elle
doesn’t have what it takes to be a law student.
Later on, Elle tells Warner her plans to apply for her
professor’s internship. Warner told Elle that it is a
waste of time because she’s not intelligent enough. At
this point, Elle realizes that Warner will never take
her seriously; this motivated her to study hard.
Next semester, their highly respected professor, Callahan,
chooses some first-year interns to work on a high-
profile case. Callahan included Elle, Warner, and
Vivian in the internship. Callahan will be defending
Brooke Windham, a fitness instructor whom Elle
admires. People accuse Brooke of murdering her
husband. Brooke can’t provide an alibi because it will
ruin her reputation as a fitness instructor because
the truth is, she had liposuction. Elle promised not to
tell anyone Brooke’s secret. Suddenly, Vivian and Elle
are gradually becoming friends. Vivian spilled the
tea about Warner getting into Harvard just because
of his father’s help. Emmett Richmond, Callahan’s
junior partner, discovers Enrique, Brooke’s so- called
lover, was gay because Enrique knew the designer
brand shoes Elle wore. Through that, Emmet saw Elle’s
potential.
One night, Callahan seduces Elle. He says that if not
for Elle’s looks, she couldn’t have joined the internship.
Elle walks out and decides to quit and tells Emmet
what happened. Then, Emmett exposes Callahan’s
behavior, and Brooke fires Callahan. Brooke replaces
him with Elle. Elle is under the guidance of Emmet,
as she is only a law student, citing a Massachusetts
Supreme Court ruling that law students may represent
clients as long as they
have the supervision of a licensed attorney.
17
 At the trial, Elle started to throw some questions at Chutney,
Brooke’s step-daughter. Elle notices some unclear
inconsistencies in Chutney’s story. Chutney testified that she
was home during her father’s murder but did not hear the
gunshot because she was in the shower after getting her
hair permed that morning. Elle pointed out that washing
permed hair within the first 4 hours would deactivate the
ammonium thioglycolate. Chutney should have known that
because she said it wasn’t the first time she permed her hair.
If she did take a shower, how come her perm was still intact?
That’s how Elle proved that Chutney is lying. Chutney confesses
that she was supposed to shoot Brooke but mistakenly shot her
father. Chutney had a grudge against Brooke because she hated
that her father married someone who is the same age as her.
The trial ended, and finally, Chutney went to jail.

Warner realizes that Elle is not what he thinks she is. He begs
Elle to take him back, but Elle rejects him because she
considers him a shallow person and a complete fool. Elle and
Vivian became best friends, and Vivian dumped Warner. After
two years, Elle had a graduation speech while Warner
graduated with no honors, no job, and no girlfriend. Emmett
now has his law firm, and he is dating Elle. That night,
Emmett plans to propose to Elle.

ANALYSIS:
Elle Woods doesn’t just represent blonde girls, but all
women. Women are assumed to do little things which only
suit their femininity. An example is when most people suppose
Elle can only excel in stuff relating to beauty and fashion.
They judge her from what they see, not the potential within
her. Her boyfriend underestimates her and doesn’t take her
seriously because she was a fashion student. As desperate as
Elle is to her boyfriend, she does everything to win him back,
even if it means going to the same school with him. It was
Elle’s primary purpose on why she entered law school, but
when she did, she completely forgot why
she entered law in the first place. Elle didn’t think of Warner anymore; all she thinks about is how to win the
case of her client Brooke.

One factor of the movie that promotes women’s empowerment is when Vivian and Elle became friends. They started
talking about Warner, and they just laughed about it. Seeing Vivian’s character development was satisfying because,
at first, she despised Elle to the core but formed a friendship with Elle later on.
Elle was so focused on winning the case. She visited Brooke to collect confidential details in which she kept. I like
how dedicated Elle is. She tries hard to contribute to the topic. On the other hand, Callahan thinks Elle is just
“looks,” which is why he accepts her as an intern. He tries to take advantage of Elle, but Elle refuses. A woman
is not all about beauty; women have substance. In short, Elle did not excel because of her beauty, but because of
her knowledge and wisdom, she worked hard to pursue. This scene made a significant impact on objectifying
women. Women deserve respect for who they are and their inner qualities. When Elle won the case, people who
didn’t believe her were shocked since they thought Elle was a dumb girl who wins everything with her looks, but
she proved them all wrong. She’s got all the wits and glamour. She realized she doesn’t deserve a man like
Warner, who lowly thinks of her, so she decided not to get back with him -- and it’s just the right thing to do. All of
this happened because she had faith in herself to do whatever it takes to win that case. She finally realizes her
worth, moving on with a new lover who truly deserves her because he saw her potential from the very beginning.

FINAL VERDICT:
Legally Blonde breaks all the stereotypes about women. The film teaches us that we are so much more than
expected. Never underestimate the power of women because despite all the tranquility we are expected to radiate,
we are born to do what anyone can do. Legally Blonde encourages women to see the potential within them.
Don’t do it for a man, do it for yourself. Do what makes you think will have an extensive and significant impact on
your life. Never be afraid to take risks, just like Elle did when she pursued law school. You never know what you love
doing unless you take the risk. If you
go way out of your comfort zone, then there’s a big chance your life will be better than what you have now.

18
In 1917 on a small farm in Berkshire, England, lived a
be a hero that saves people from despair, from the
girl named Margaux Evans. She lived happily with Emily
bad guys that suck their strengths.
Evans, her mom, and Charles Evans, her dad. Birds
sing sweet songs, fresh breezes, a place where all is
After a year, the war subsided. Men who survived the
well and just. She has a quaint life on the farm with
conflict went back to their families, but Margaux’s father
her mom and dad; they live pretty simply.
never came back. A month later, an officer broke out
the news to her family. “I’m sorry, but Charles Evans
Every morning, Charles goes to the chicken coop to died in the line of duty. Do not worry this is the letter
gather the hatched eggs then to the backyard to
he wrote before stepping on the field. I’m sorry for
harvest some vegetables. He then brings these
your loss,” and the officer left. The family broke down,
harvests to the kitchen, where Emily cooks breakfast.
her mother was lost at words, while Margaux just
After doing those house chores, the whole family
stood there, astounded.
starts working on their farm, helping each other out
with what they need. Her mom harvests the
After a few years, everyone was starting to move on
vegetables, and her dad carries them to their house.
from the war, except for Margaux. She still cannot read
Margaux checks if all of the vegetables are just right
the letter his father left after he died. Even if she
-- their teamwork helps them make a living but also did well in her classes, she still cannot accept her
gives them some more time together. After work, her
father's death. Until one time, while walking to class,
parents play with her, and tell her stories. All these
she noticed a little girl who was crying. Margaux
beautiful memories make her golden childhood all the
approached her.
more special. But, that beautiful memory was lost
because of a sad day that altered their lives.
“Hey little one, what are you doing here?”
“I am waiting for somebody,” the girl
The country is fragile, for it lacks security because there
answered. “Okay. What is your name?”
is a high probability that the country will go to war.
Margaux asks.
So the government proclaimed that one man in each
household should be recruited to train as a military to
“Margaux. You can call me Margaux.”
serve the country. Charles, being the only male in the
house, was required to comply. He was pleased and
“Wow we have similar names!” the little girl
proud to serve the country, but Margaux and Emily felt
worried. Margaux tried to convince him to not go
smiled. “Do you want me to be with you while
because she will be sad if he ever leaves. Her dad
explained that it would be a big honor to serve the
you wait?” “Sure.”
country. Her dad was so proud to have the chance to
join the military, for he wants to be a part of history
And they waited there for hours. Margaux wanted to
wherein he defends and sacrifices for his
ask the little girl who she was waiting for, but Margaux
countrymen.
did not want to make her uncomfortable. A few hours
passed, yet they are still waiting. It seems like the
The time has come for the war. Margaux happily said
waiting never ends. So Margaux tried to initiate a
goodbye to her dad as he joined the military. The
conversation with the child. The little one told Margaux
whole family cried, but they were still proud of how
that her father also died from the war, and left him a
strong of a man he is. Because of this, she now idolizes
letter for her to read. The child brought out an
her father; her dad is her inspiration. She daydreams
envelope and gave it to Margaux. At first, Margaux
about how rewarding being in the military must be.
was hesitant to open the letter since she and little one
She pretends to
just met. Little Margaux allowed her to open the
envelope.

SUPERHERO
Alyssa Kate Dela Cruz
John Caballero
 Photo:
Google
19
 Margaux started to read the letter.
She realized that the letter was for her.
She was confused. Why would she have
this letter? Margaux read the letter. The
letter reminded her of the good times
her father and she had; when they
would play, when he would tie her hair
up in a ponytail, when her father plays
the guitar while she sings. Every
memory went back to her. In the letter,
her father said that his untimely death
should not stop her from being a
superhero. Her father tells Margaux
that she should be brave to walk
through the course of life; he tells her
that even if he’s not physically
Photo: present, he will be there for her
Google spiritually. Her father told her to not
limit herself to the dwellings in the past.
Instead this should fuel her passion to do
better. Her father also reminded her
that being a woman is one of the
greatest gifts nature can provide;
because women are strong, independent
people.

After reading the letter, she realized that the little one is her wounded inner child. The child she kept
away starting when her father died. Margaux had a cathartic cry after this epiphany. When Margaux fell
asleep after crying, the child stayed by her side all the time. Margaux woke up, and it was getting dark, she
figured that she should go home already. While walking home, she thought that maybe this is the start
of her true healing journey.

After a few years, Margaux founded an organization for women with a wounded inner child. It is a safe
space for them to open up, to heal, and eventually, to bloom into someone they are supposed to be.
Margaux achieved her goal to be a superhero; she became a superhero in her way by saving other’s
dreams. “We are all wounded, but just like physical wounds, these emotional wounds can also heal.
And when we do, let us continue and prove to ourselves that we can be better. Let’s go beat some
bad guys!”
20