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A.Y. 2023-2024
Meet Biyo!
Tiffany Sawaki
Biyo is a creative in every sense of the word. Their favorite hobbies are all about content creation: writing, illustrating, designing, and photography.
Besides their penchant for the arts, Biyo is keen on unlocking the truth. A journalist by heart, they use their many skills to see and share the stories that matter.
Biyo aspires to make a difference, a true Mover of society.
Biyo is a creative in every sense of the word. Their favorite hobbies are all about content creation: writing, illustrating, designing, and photography.
Besides their penchant for the arts, Biyo is keen on unlocking the truth. A journalist by heart, they use their many skills to see and share the stories that matter.
Biyo aspires to make a difference, a true Mover of society.
4 Walls
Mizuki Hosokawa
For Ruth Sanchez's "4 Walls"
Originally published in True Monarchs: Southville@33
For Ruth Sanchez's "4 Walls"
Originally published in True Monarchs: Southville@33
Out of Body
Lauren Masilungan
Have you ever had, for lack of a better term, an "out-of-body experience?" This may be most common while dreaming as if you're having a first-person point of view to a story you have no control over. It may be entertaining, but particularly for me, a little unnerving. Sitting in the driver's seat like my hands are bound, unable to regain control of the wheel that seems to have a mind of its own—that's what it feels like.
With this drawing in particular, I tried replicating the specific feeling of falling through the sky in a dream, barely conscious, yet still aware of that sensation of plummeting to the earth, only to shoot up awake in bed, wide-eyed and gasping. Truly, the most frustrating part of having dreams like these, is that most of the time, you wake up with absolutely no memory of the context at all.
It's such a specific, yet universal experience, that I wanted to somehow explain and evoke this peculiar sensation with art.
What is art for, than to explain the inexplicable?
Have you ever had, for lack of a better term, an "out-of-body experience?" This may be most common while dreaming as if you're having a first-person point of view to a story you have no control over. It may be entertaining, but particularly for me, a little unnerving. Sitting in the driver's seat like my hands are bound, unable to regain control of the wheel that seems to have a mind of its own—that's what it feels like.
With this drawing in particular, I tried replicating the specific feeling of falling through the sky in a dream, barely conscious, yet still aware of that sensation of plummeting to the earth, only to shoot up awake in bed, wide-eyed and gasping. Truly, the most frustrating part of having dreams like these, is that most of the time, you wake up with absolutely no memory of the context at all.
It's such a specific, yet universal experience, that I wanted to somehow explain and evoke this peculiar sensation with art.
What is art for, than to explain the inexplicable?
She Who is the Life of the Sea
Rianne Beltran
I settled on making the piece centered around the sea since it would be the easiest thing for me to interpret. I wanted to challenge myself when using cooler tones since I tend to use warm ones. The title of the drawing is “She Who Is The Life Of The Sea," which would be something similar to Mother Earth, hence why I chose to use circles for the hair to represent the movement of the sea. The lights on her hair represent the pearls. Sadly there is no deeper meaning other than “it just popped out of my head and I drew it cause it seemed fun” which applies to most of my artworks—no rhyme or reason other than it looks pretty.
I settled on making the piece centered around the sea since it would be the easiest thing for me to interpret. I wanted to challenge myself when using cooler tones since I tend to use warm ones. The title of the drawing is “She Who Is The Life Of The Sea," which would be something similar to Mother Earth, hence why I chose to use circles for the hair to represent the movement of the sea. The lights on her hair represent the pearls. Sadly there is no deeper meaning other than “it just popped out of my head and I drew it cause it seemed fun” which applies to most of my artworks—no rhyme or reason other than it looks pretty.
The Power of Joy
Shia Carreon
As we experience problems either big or small, we have to choose whether to be happy or joyful. However, don't be confused with the two because there is a major difference. Happiness depends on the circumstance, and it's more materialistic and its feeling is only temporary. When things don't go our way, this happiness fades away, leading us to lose hope. Joy, on the other hand, is constant despite the circumstances. Even in the hardest moments, it will persevere until the very end because it knows that the problems in life will help us grow. So through this artwork, I encourage you to choose joy and choose to smile at the storm.
As we experience problems either big or small, we have to choose whether to be happy or joyful. However, don't be confused with the two because there is a major difference. Happiness depends on the circumstance, and it's more materialistic and its feeling is only temporary. When things don't go our way, this happiness fades away, leading us to lose hope. Joy, on the other hand, is constant despite the circumstances. Even in the hardest moments, it will persevere until the very end because it knows that the problems in life will help us grow. So through this artwork, I encourage you to choose joy and choose to smile at the storm.
Melancholy of an Office Man
Julia Barretto
For Ruth Sanchez's "Melancholy of an Office Man"
For Ruth Sanchez's "Melancholy of an Office Man"
A Bug's Life
Camilla Kim
For Daphne Soriano's "A Bug's Life"
For Daphne Soriano's "A Bug's Life"
Le Triomphe
Tiffany Sawaki
For Regina Zalameda's "Le Triomphe"
Originally published in True Monarchs: Southville@33
For Regina Zalameda's "Le Triomphe"
Originally published in True Monarchs: Southville@33
Amethyst Torch
Kelsey Colasito
For Martha Pinca's "Amethyst Torch"
Originally published in True Monarchs: Southville@33
For Martha Pinca's "Amethyst Torch"
Originally published in True Monarchs: Southville@33
Lavender
Sarang Ha
We all have our own struggles in life. For some, it's family, for others it's grades, for others it's body image complexes, and so on. There will be many moments when hope turns to despair when we think we can overcome them. But in the end, I wanted to convey the message that if we don't give up and keep going, we can overcome our struggles, so I created an abstract artwork that represents the light shining despite the many vortexes masquerading as salvation in the darkness. The purple swirls are despair masquerading as light, and the similarity between light and despair conveys the message that if we overcome our hardships, we will be able to use them as opportunities to overcome them.
We all have our own struggles in life. For some, it's family, for others it's grades, for others it's body image complexes, and so on. There will be many moments when hope turns to despair when we think we can overcome them. But in the end, I wanted to convey the message that if we don't give up and keep going, we can overcome our struggles, so I created an abstract artwork that represents the light shining despite the many vortexes masquerading as salvation in the darkness. The purple swirls are despair masquerading as light, and the similarity between light and despair conveys the message that if we overcome our hardships, we will be able to use them as opportunities to overcome them.
Hope in Falling
Shia Carreon and Rianne Beltran
For Ehra Dizon's "Hope in Falling"
For Ehra Dizon's "Hope in Falling"
Respite
Ye Rin Oh
All of us will have happy moments in our lives. Some play with friends or listen quietly to music, but I like to rest in quiet places. I tried to express my happiest moments through my very first abstract artwork, which I drew using only the simplest lines possible. This piece depicts me resting under the sky.
All of us will have happy moments in our lives. Some play with friends or listen quietly to music, but I like to rest in quiet places. I tried to express my happiest moments through my very first abstract artwork, which I drew using only the simplest lines possible. This piece depicts me resting under the sky.
A.Y. 2022-2023
Campus Journalist
Tiffany Sawaki
Happy Teacher's Day!
Mizuki Hosokawa
Being a teacher is a difficult job because you have to guide, teach, and look after multiple students at the same time. They work day and night preparing lessons and activities for us students every day. So go on and greet them and give them a hug, as today is their special day! Happy Teacher’s Day!
Being a teacher is a difficult job because you have to guide, teach, and look after multiple students at the same time. They work day and night preparing lessons and activities for us students every day. So go on and greet them and give them a hug, as today is their special day! Happy Teacher’s Day!
Behold, the Monarch
Tiffany Sawaki and Mizuki Hosokawa
In celebration of our beloved School Spirit Week, we decided to draw what we envisioned Southville would look like if it was a person. We used the school logo as our color palette, and we employed motifs from our uniforms to match the overall vibe of who the students of this school are. Nothing brings more justice to the word 'Monarch' than to show the regality and confidence of Southville. Welcome them: THE Monarch
In celebration of our beloved School Spirit Week, we decided to draw what we envisioned Southville would look like if it was a person. We used the school logo as our color palette, and we employed motifs from our uniforms to match the overall vibe of who the students of this school are. Nothing brings more justice to the word 'Monarch' than to show the regality and confidence of Southville. Welcome them: THE Monarch
Bejeweled
Ehra Dizon
An artwork based on the song 'Bejeweled' by Taylor Swift. Even while life may sometime seem gloomy and blue, we must always remember that deep within each of us is a light that has the power to change things. We have the power to bring life to it all. It only takes a little polish to make us sparkle once again. Remember, a diamond's gotta shine!
An artwork based on the song 'Bejeweled' by Taylor Swift. Even while life may sometime seem gloomy and blue, we must always remember that deep within each of us is a light that has the power to change things. We have the power to bring life to it all. It only takes a little polish to make us sparkle once again. Remember, a diamond's gotta shine!
Fly High!
Lauren Masilungan
We're all too busy wanting to grow up already, be independent, and to make our own decisions, but often times we get blinded by that desire and forget to enjoy the fun of our youth. We as kids should stop taking our youth for granted, because its the shortest period of our life and yet can produce the fondest memories.
You don't need to grow up to achieve all the goals you've set for yourself. We need to realize the importance of living our childhood to the fullest and utilizing it to fly high!
We're all too busy wanting to grow up already, be independent, and to make our own decisions, but often times we get blinded by that desire and forget to enjoy the fun of our youth. We as kids should stop taking our youth for granted, because its the shortest period of our life and yet can produce the fondest memories.
You don't need to grow up to achieve all the goals you've set for yourself. We need to realize the importance of living our childhood to the fullest and utilizing it to fly high!
Cliché
Yoeiza Garcia
(Community Submission)
As term exams are nearing, I decided to use my last bit of free time to paint before full-on studying for finals. The word “cliche” had been running through my mind, perhaps because one of our past lectures in LangLit reminded me of it.
When I think of paintings, I always have a picture of Starry Night and other artworks of the sky. The night sky has always been a cliché, whether it be in photography, paintings, and art in general. As contradicting as it sounds, that’s why I decided to draw a night sky. While in the midst of painting, I realized what made night skies so cliché was their beauty and diversity; Some always include the moon in their artworks, some exclude the clouds and just add stars, while others add trees or mountains on the horizon. Well, as much as I admire the moon, I simply painted the stars and clouds because personally, I think they’re the ones least seen when the moon is present.
The best way I can describe how I personally feel about the night sky is that it reminds me of how many things, places, and history I don’t know. I am reminded of the fact that while I’m admiring a starry, dark night, some could be under broad daylight or even watching the sunset. The night sky has a different meaning to each and every person; Some find comfort in the night, while some find terror in it. Clichés aren’t always a negative or bad thing, sometimes it’s their mystique and beauty that makes them that way.
(Community Submission)
As term exams are nearing, I decided to use my last bit of free time to paint before full-on studying for finals. The word “cliche” had been running through my mind, perhaps because one of our past lectures in LangLit reminded me of it.
When I think of paintings, I always have a picture of Starry Night and other artworks of the sky. The night sky has always been a cliché, whether it be in photography, paintings, and art in general. As contradicting as it sounds, that’s why I decided to draw a night sky. While in the midst of painting, I realized what made night skies so cliché was their beauty and diversity; Some always include the moon in their artworks, some exclude the clouds and just add stars, while others add trees or mountains on the horizon. Well, as much as I admire the moon, I simply painted the stars and clouds because personally, I think they’re the ones least seen when the moon is present.
The best way I can describe how I personally feel about the night sky is that it reminds me of how many things, places, and history I don’t know. I am reminded of the fact that while I’m admiring a starry, dark night, some could be under broad daylight or even watching the sunset. The night sky has a different meaning to each and every person; Some find comfort in the night, while some find terror in it. Clichés aren’t always a negative or bad thing, sometimes it’s their mystique and beauty that makes them that way.
Astray in the Caves
Lauren Masilungan
It's not easy getting lost. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious in a place, mentally or physically, you're unfamiliar with. I've been there before and I'm sure everyone else has, too. When you feel that doubt and uneasiness seeping in, don't forget to take a deep breath, steady yourself, and ask for support from the people you know have got your back.
I wanted to draw this piece to practice on more natural backgrounds since I typically tended to only stick to modern architecture. I also wanted to be able to portray that feeling of helplessness and dread in the two characters' expressions.
It's not easy getting lost. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious in a place, mentally or physically, you're unfamiliar with. I've been there before and I'm sure everyone else has, too. When you feel that doubt and uneasiness seeping in, don't forget to take a deep breath, steady yourself, and ask for support from the people you know have got your back.
I wanted to draw this piece to practice on more natural backgrounds since I typically tended to only stick to modern architecture. I also wanted to be able to portray that feeling of helplessness and dread in the two characters' expressions.
It's Finals Week, Monarchs!
Kahel Cristobal
Finals week is coming up, which means so are doubts and worries but do not allow yourself to fall for the tricks your mind may play on you, the thoughts that you are incapable. Putting in effort for your future is a must but so is trusting yourself.
Do your best and let time do the rest.
Finals week is coming up, which means so are doubts and worries but do not allow yourself to fall for the tricks your mind may play on you, the thoughts that you are incapable. Putting in effort for your future is a must but so is trusting yourself.
Do your best and let time do the rest.
Behold!
Kahel Cristobal
You did it! Exams are over and now all there is to do is wait for the results. A lot of anxiety can build up during this but the hard part is over and you survived. Have this cat for comfort during these nerve-wracking times!
You did it! Exams are over and now all there is to do is wait for the results. A lot of anxiety can build up during this but the hard part is over and you survived. Have this cat for comfort during these nerve-wracking times!
To Offer
Kelsey Colasito
Sometimes we tend to forget to take care of ourselves, we reach to the point where we ask the people around us if they’re are okay that we fail to remember to ask ourselves, but that doesn’t mean no one is there to reach us out a lending hand. There will always be someone, looking after you, and willing to offer you their time.
Sometimes we tend to forget to take care of ourselves, we reach to the point where we ask the people around us if they’re are okay that we fail to remember to ask ourselves, but that doesn’t mean no one is there to reach us out a lending hand. There will always be someone, looking after you, and willing to offer you their time.
Bagyong Paeng
Kelsey Colasito
(lit. Typhoon Paeng)
I just wanted to paint this scene when I was going home. I was staring outside the window and saw how hard the typhoon is. It's not considered as a super typhoon but the damages we received from this? This is the time where I felt the climate change.
(lit. Typhoon Paeng)
I just wanted to paint this scene when I was going home. I was staring outside the window and saw how hard the typhoon is. It's not considered as a super typhoon but the damages we received from this? This is the time where I felt the climate change.
The Value in Reading
Bea Magbanua
An activity that opens your imagination and widens your knowledge. Reading is an essential basic skill useful in daily life. It is a hobby recommended for everyone, as it helps increase your knowledge and take in information, allowing you to learn more about different things while also developing different skills. Additionally, it's entertaining to read and it can help provide relaxation while reducing stress.
Many people, including me, enjoy reading the interesting stories books hold, and the experience of going through a good book! Nowadays I don't often have the luxury of time to spend finishing the books I start reading, but I'd like to get back on track. I wanted to encourage and spread the importance and experience of reading!
An activity that opens your imagination and widens your knowledge. Reading is an essential basic skill useful in daily life. It is a hobby recommended for everyone, as it helps increase your knowledge and take in information, allowing you to learn more about different things while also developing different skills. Additionally, it's entertaining to read and it can help provide relaxation while reducing stress.
Many people, including me, enjoy reading the interesting stories books hold, and the experience of going through a good book! Nowadays I don't often have the luxury of time to spend finishing the books I start reading, but I'd like to get back on track. I wanted to encourage and spread the importance and experience of reading!
A.Y. 2021-2022
Untitled
Vi Mokhtar
"Anxiety is something that has plagued my life. It's a tough experience to feel like everything you've done is wrong. It feels like your whole body is undergoing a shock and you start to freeze up. I tried capturing that in this painting. Releasing all my emotions into art helps me recover from horrible anxiety attacks and lets me vent my frustrations in a healthy manner."
For Mental Health Week
"Anxiety is something that has plagued my life. It's a tough experience to feel like everything you've done is wrong. It feels like your whole body is undergoing a shock and you start to freeze up. I tried capturing that in this painting. Releasing all my emotions into art helps me recover from horrible anxiety attacks and lets me vent my frustrations in a healthy manner."
For Mental Health Week
A New World With Art
Charis Kim
"Different challenges constantly emerge in this new set up. These challenges could be both a make or break in our lives. Amongst the various challenges, our mental health tends to be at risk due to different factors, and it is crucial that we find our own means to motivate ourselves.
This drawing shows how impactful art is during his tough times. Though sometimes he may encounter challenges, through art he can manage and keep up his determination."
For Mental Health Week
"Different challenges constantly emerge in this new set up. These challenges could be both a make or break in our lives. Amongst the various challenges, our mental health tends to be at risk due to different factors, and it is crucial that we find our own means to motivate ourselves.
This drawing shows how impactful art is during his tough times. Though sometimes he may encounter challenges, through art he can manage and keep up his determination."
For Mental Health Week
Lake of Silent Tears
Gabbie Hermosilla
"Even from an early age, people get stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and even depressed, which can lead to mental breakdowns or violent actions. Some, though, decide to gather all the bad thoughts, feelings, and words, and use their imagination to vent their emotions without causing much conflict in the real world.
I am one of the unlucky ones with the curse of overthinking and imagination. Overthinking can lead to fear, and imagination can make that fear come to life, little by little. So, I cope with it by pouring it out on paper, keyboards, or canvases. This calms me down and stops me from doing anything I might deeply regret."
For Mental Health Week
"Even from an early age, people get stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and even depressed, which can lead to mental breakdowns or violent actions. Some, though, decide to gather all the bad thoughts, feelings, and words, and use their imagination to vent their emotions without causing much conflict in the real world.
I am one of the unlucky ones with the curse of overthinking and imagination. Overthinking can lead to fear, and imagination can make that fear come to life, little by little. So, I cope with it by pouring it out on paper, keyboards, or canvases. This calms me down and stops me from doing anything I might deeply regret."
For Mental Health Week
My Dear Friend Totoro
Gabbie Hermosilla
Trick or Treat
Jacinda Alonso
How Halloween Came to Be
Seojeong Park
For Isabela Castillo's How Halloween Came to Be
For Isabela Castillo's How Halloween Came to Be
Tikbalang
Jacinda Alonso
For Sihyun Park's Creatures Around The World
For Sihyun Park's Creatures Around The World
Egg Ghosts
Jacinda Alonso
For Sihyun Park's Creatures Around The World
For Sihyun Park's Creatures Around The World
El Chupacabra
Jacinda Alonso
For Sihyun Park's Creatures Around The World
For Sihyun Park's Creatures Around The World
Up
Tiffany Sawaki
For Lora Park's How to Improve One's Productivity
For Lora Park's How to Improve One's Productivity
A Gathering During Crisis
Mizuki Hosokawa
"Establishing a club is a difficult undertaking – from handling the members to organizing different activities. Don’t even get me started with the amount of effort it takes to urge everyone to participate! This proves even harder to do now in an online setting, making things harder for us to properly interact with each other. However, launching or joining a club is a way for students to make connections while nurturing their interests. The new clubs we’ve established whose focus are on the arts, media, communication, and more prove that a lot of things are possible to achieve even in the hardest of times. So what are you waiting for? A club is waiting on you!"
"Establishing a club is a difficult undertaking – from handling the members to organizing different activities. Don’t even get me started with the amount of effort it takes to urge everyone to participate! This proves even harder to do now in an online setting, making things harder for us to properly interact with each other. However, launching or joining a club is a way for students to make connections while nurturing their interests. The new clubs we’ve established whose focus are on the arts, media, communication, and more prove that a lot of things are possible to achieve even in the hardest of times. So what are you waiting for? A club is waiting on you!"
The Imperfections Only I Can Love
Vi Mokhtar
"No matter how ugly you may seem, you will always be a part of my journey! All the mistakes I've made will be there beside me to help me grow."
"No matter how ugly you may seem, you will always be a part of my journey! All the mistakes I've made will be there beside me to help me grow."
DTIYST: Reflection
Gabrielle Hermosilla
Mizuki Hosokawa
Park Seojeong (Dolly)
Tiffany Sawaki
Vi Mokhtar
Jacinda Alonso
A.Y. 2020-2021
Work From Home
Therese Jovellana
For Io Carpiso's HOMEWORK: 4 Tips On Protecting Your Sanity for Online Classes
For Io Carpiso's HOMEWORK: 4 Tips On Protecting Your Sanity for Online Classes
Disconnection
Tiffany Sawaki
Check In
Vina Mokhtar
It's Rough
Tiffany Sawaki
Mental Health in Times of Pandemic
Maxine Sanjorjo
For Lora Park's How to Stay Healthy in Quarantine: Five Physical and Mental Health Tips
For Lora Park's How to Stay Healthy in Quarantine: Five Physical and Mental Health Tips
War at Home
Therese Jovellana
For Samantha Timbol's War at Home
For Samantha Timbol's War at Home
Timeless Triumphs
Vina Mokhtar
For Claire Tatad's Timeless Triumphs
For Claire Tatad's Timeless Triumphs
Connection Deception
Jacinda Alonso
Mazeophobia I
Vina Mokhtar
For Mattea Moreno & Marti Pinca's Mazeophobia
For Mattea Moreno & Marti Pinca's Mazeophobia
Mazeophobia II
Vina Mokhtar
For Mattea Moreno & Marti Pinca's Mazeophobia
For Mattea Moreno & Marti Pinca's Mazeophobia
The New School Uniform
Tiffany Sawaki
Self Care
Therese Jovellana
For Justina Torres' From Me, To You
For Justina Torres' From Me, To You
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