NOT every year in an institution’s history is meant to be remembered. Some years become milestones by virtue of a number. The first year marks a beginning. The 50th becomes a celebration of lessons and endurance. The hundredth promises commemoration before it even arrives. They are the years that naturally invite speeches, ceremonies, and, well, retrospection.
Then, there are years like the ninety-eighth.
It is an unremarkable number, at least on paper. Too late to be a beginning, too early to be a centennial. It possesses none of the symbolism that history usually reserves for round figures. Yet perhaps that is precisely what makes it interesting. Without the expectation of grandeur, the 98th year demands something quieter: preparation.
Publications like The Varsitarian, after all, are sustained less by the moments that history remembers than by the ordinary years in between.
Leading the ‘V’ on its 98th year made that difficult to ignore. It meant leading a publication that already knew who it was long before we arrived. Our task was never to reinvent it. It was simply to leave it a little stronger than we found it.
Every editorial board inevitably leaves its own mark. Publication Year 2025-2026 became a year of growth—not because we in the Editorial Board set out to change the V into something different, but because we constantly asked ourselves how a publication approaching its centennial could continue serving the Thomasian community with the same relevance and conviction that had defined it for decades.
Our editorial work extended beyond the routines people often associate with campus journalism. It became an exercise in finding new ways for a nearly century-old publication to remain present in the lives of Thomasians while staying true to the principles that brought it this far. On some days, we went beyond the traditional definition of a campus publication by expanding our coverage of events and issues.
Many of us carried responsibilities beyond the newsroom. We balanced deadlines with classes, examinations, internships, graduations, personal struggles, and the uncertainty that naturally comes with preparing for life after college. In our little space at Room 105 of the Tan Yan Kee Student Center, we found our solace. On days when we could not function as students, on days when we could not function as writers, and on days when we could not function as humans, the V office was there to force us to keep going; but above all, it was there to embrace us.
Looking back, I’d say that this has always been what the V meant to me throughout the past four years. Home. Solace. I think that’s what I will remember most. Not the exhaustion itself, but how everyone kept showing up anyway.
Throughout the year, we chronicled not only the stories that shaped campus life but also the issues that reverberated far beyond España. We covered student-led initiatives and protest actions, graft and corruption, documented one of the largest Traslación gatherings in history, and reported on developments that directly affected the Thomasian community, from changes in campus concessionaires and student services to policies involving the administration and faculty.
In mid-August, the staff, led by our amazing Sports team, began its coverage of UAAP Season 88. For the publication, it became one of the most important coverages we would ever have because UST was the season’s host school. Our team held meetings, sleepovers, and presswork to cover the marvelous opening ceremonies and other UAAP events. To Karis, Rob, Hirro, Chloe, Aidan, Jed, and the entire Sports section—you didn’t disappoint. With that, I’m so proud of what we have done together.
In September, the University, led by several student leaders, staged a campus walkout to denounce widespread corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the two houses of Congress, and other government institutions. I am grateful to have such an amazing team composed of the News, Special Reports, and Photography sections, together with our moonlighters, in delivering comprehensive coverage of this historic event.
Throughout the year, the Features, Literary, Filipino, Science and Technology sections quietly but consistently reminded us that journalism extends beyond breaking news and sports. Their compelling feature stories, thoughtful literary pieces, and meaningful human-interest narratives brought depth, color, and heart to every issue we produced.
To Billy, Shield, and Marielle, thank you for pouring your talent and passion into the works you give.
In January, among their extensive Church-related coverages, our Witness or Religion section led the Traslación coverage from the early hours of the morning until the procession concluded. They worked tirelessly to capture one of the country’s largest annual religious events. To Vince, I’m so proud of you. Thank you for embracing the responsibility of telling stories of faith with compassion and integrity.
Beyond these, we continued the work through our extra-editorial initiatives, some of which also reached significant milestones. The Creative Writing Workshop, for instance, celebrated its 20th edition, continuing its tradition of nurturing young writers and storytellers. The publication also expanded beyond the España campus with the establishment of The Varsitarian in UST General Santos.
And somewhere in between all of that, the recognitions came too.
This year, the ‘V’ earned six awards at the 11th Philippine Student Quill Awards; emerged as a multi-category winner at the College Media Association Pinnacle Awards and won seven Apple Awards in the United States; became the first Philippine and Asian student publication to receive honors on both the national and regional levels of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards; and received several recognitions during UST’s Student Awards Day.
These recognitions stand as a testament to the V’s commitment to excellence, made possible by the dedication, passion, and hard work of the people behind it.
Four years ago, I walked into the V hoping simply to become part of it. I had no idea that one day I would have the honor of leading it. Some of the most important and happiest moments of my life happened here.
And I’m glad you all witnessed them.
From Chals, who was a Special Reports writer, to Chals, who became the Special Reports editor; to Chals, who became the Associate Editor; and finally, to Chals, the Editor in Chief—I’m glad I got to become the Varsi Chals everyone knew.
However, I always knew that the version of me everyone had come to know would end the moment I passed on the torch. Looking back, I’m grateful that it did because I truly would not have wanted it any other way.
To the Editorial Board, Karis and Sofi, there were days when the work felt overwhelming and moments when the weight of everything seemed impossible to carry. Yet we got through everything because of your strength and courage. I am forever grateful that it was Chals, Karis, and Sofi who did it—the first female-led EB after a long while.
To Reyza, thank you for everything.
To every staffer who gave this publication year a part of themselves through sleepless nights, missed weekends, endless revisions, and unwavering commitment—thank you.
To our section editors, Carlo, Denzel, Ralent, Rob, Vince, Billy, Shield, Marielle, Aidan, Chloe, Jed, James, and Amanda—thank you.
To our advisers, Sir Ipe, thank you for your patience, wisdom, and guidance that you have given me since I shifted from the College of Education to Journalism.
To Sir Lito, thank you for being a father figure in the publication. Your confidence in our decisions, especially during moments of uncertainty, allowed us to lead with greater courage. We will always remember your kindness and warmth that made every story conference memorable.
To the generations of editors and staffers who came before us, thank you for leaving behind a publication worth inheriting.
To Hirro, who was my first editor in chief and who also became one of my best friends in the V; to Edj, my best friend and my first managing editor; to Ate Jacq, my first associate editor, who I now look at as my ate—thank you for inspiring and motivating me over the past four years.
To Logan and Nyah, my first editorial board—thank you. To Ate Camille, my first editor, thank you for believing in me. To my co-writers in Special Reports, Kuya Eduardo and Luna—thank you.
To Ralent, who worked under me for three years, thank you for being the best writer one could ever ask for. Thank you for being my go-to buddy, a great brother, and my best friend.
And to those who will come after us, I hope we have done the same.
As this chapter comes to an end, I leave with nothing but gratitude, for every story, every lesson, every mistake, every friendship, every difficult conversation, every victory, and every ordinary day that, looking back now, turned out to matter more than I ever realized. Thank you for trusting me with this publication.
Paalam, Varsi. I’ll celebrate you every day—quietly, but always with pride.
Minsang V, Mananatiling V.
