16 August (Friday): KSU Taytay Campus Gymnasium
1:49 PM.
The narrative unpauses.
Hidy Medona finally reached her destination. She stopped beside the reserved seat, catching her breath.
Princess Cleria looked up, unbothered. "Oh, you're here already."
She clutched her bag from the reserved monobloc chair and placed it down on the floor to clear the space. Hidy sat down immediately, dropping her own bag onto the concrete floor beside Princess's.
"Thanks," Hidy breathed out.
The two leaders began to talk—light, short bursts of conversation about the assembly flow, their heads leaned close together.
Meanwhile, just to their right, Jiro and Aprille's conversation continued, shifting from backstories to the grim reality of the immediate future.
Jiro sighed, checking the time.
"So..." he started, looking at Aprille. "7 AM call time tomorrow? For the Filipino subject?"
Aprille nodded, her expression mirroring the collective exhaustion of the class. "Yeah. 7 AM."
"That is so early," Jiro complained, shaking his head. "It's hard to get a ride at that time, you know? Even if I'm just nearby. Jeepneys are rare at 6 AM. Especially on a Saturday. Ahuy."
He could already picture it—standing on the curb, waiting for a jeepney that wasn't coming, fighting the early morning lethargy.
Aprille smiled, though there was a hint of worry in her eyes. "I thought so. And the worst part? Maybe there would be no prof again."
Jiro laughed dryly. "True. There is still a high possibility that they might ghost us again."
He ticked off the list of tomorrow's disasters on his fingers.
Jiro pulled out his phone, scrolling through his files to find the soft copy of his COR. He zoomed in, squinting to verify the details of the Saturday gauntlet.
"Check this out," he muttered, holding the screen toward Aprille.
He read the list aloud, dissecting the schedule like a forensic analyst.
"First, FIL 1 PDF (Pag-aaral ng Diskurso sa Filipino). 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Instructor: Jeypi Shono."
"Second, HUM 1 (Art Appreciation). 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Instructor... Jeypi Shono."
Jiro paused. "Wow. Seven hours straight with one professor? It's like the Doc Rick situation all over again. One seating, two subjects."
"And look," he pointed to the timestamps. "No break time. Straight duty."
"And finally," he scrolled to the bottom. "PATHFIT 1 (PE 1). Movement Competency Training. 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Instructor: Edwardo Casto."
He blinked.
"Room 407?"
"PE... but assigned in Room 407 and not the Gym?" He laughed dryly. "Ha... that is funny. Maybe a simple error? Or maybe we do jumping jacks between the armchairs? We don't know."
He looked up, summarizing the impending doom.
"So basically: One, a marathon lecture with Mr. Shono from 7 AM to 2 PM. Two, PE in a classroom—so we get sweaty in an enclosed space until 4 PM. And three..." He paused for dramatic effect. "We have a video presentation or vlog to do. And we have to submit it on Monday immediately."
Aprille let out a nervous laugh, the absurdity hitting her. "Wow. That is… absurd."
Jiro laughed dryly, but then the logic kicked in, wiping the smile off his face.
"Wait," Jiro said, his voice dropping to a whisper of realization. "If we are booked solid from 7 AM to 4 PM... and we are strictly required to shoot inside the campus... and the campus is closed on Sunday..."
He looked at Aprille, the horror setting in.
"When exactly are we supposed to shoot this video? During the nonexistent break? After 4 PM when the sun is setting and we look like hagardo versoza?"
Aprille's eyes widened. "Hala! Oh, right!" She looked genuinely annoyed now. "How is that even possible?"
"So, we have a deadline, but no timeline," Jiro concluded. "Hahahaha. We are doomed."
He leaned back in his chair, staring at the stage.
"College is really fun," Jiro muttered sarcastically. "It's supposed to be Orientation Week, but there's an activity already. Noice."
As the talk of impossible timelines subsided, a notification popped up in the main section group chat.
It was Reo Bairo again.
Reo Bairo:Sent a Photo.
She sent a screenshot of the unopened Google Form that Dr. Manazaki had sent earlier for the NSTP registration. The screen displayed the dreaded message: You need permission.
Reo Bairo: "Is this appearing for you guys too?"
No one replied.
Jiro didn't see the message; his data was turned off to save battery and focus on the real-life doom spiral with Aprille. The rest of the class was either too engrossed in the General Assembly or pretending to listen while scrolling through TikTok. The query floated in the digital void, unanswered.
The General Assembly flowed on. It became more interesting as the student leaders took over, cracking jokes and engaging the crowd. Phone usage dropped noticeably as the program actually became engaging.
3:13 PM.
The event officially ended.
"Thank you, Future Educators!" the emcee shouted.
Jiro sighed quietly.
There is that word again. Educator. He was used to hearing 'teachers' or 'professors'. For a former engineering hopeful, 'educator' still sounded like some premium, high-tier vocabulary word that didn't fit him at all. Whatever that really means.
Chaos resumed.
Some students—the true volunteers—stayed behind to help stack the monobloc chairs.
Others... just frantically rushed to the gate.
FINALLY!! Let's go home!
Jiro joined the exodus. He walked out of the campus gate, leaving this whole confusing 'educator' environment behind for the weekend.
Just right outside, he hopped onto a tricycle.
The ride home was quick.
He arrived at his house around 3:28 PM.
He dropped his bag. He took off his shoes.
As simple as that.
But the silent victory of getting home early wasn't over. The chaos of the main section group chat was just getting a second wind.
3:53 PM.
Princess Cleria (VP):Sent an image.
It was an announcement post from the Governor. It declared a long weekend break from August 23 (Friday) to August 26 (Monday) due to two consecutive holidays.
Princess Cleria: "Uy, guys. Is this applicable to college? Long weekend break?"
Hope flared in the chat. A long weekend? A break from the madness?
Four minutes later, Aprille Bolente crushed that hope.
Aprille Bolente: "Pity us, we have Saturday class."
Jiro stared at his phone.
Right. The Saturday Curse.
Six minutes later, he typed his reply, driving the nail into the coffin.
Jiro Sanata: "So, we are not on a long weekend break."
Sad reacts only.
Ten minutes later, the topic shifted back to the broken technology. Princess Cleria finally replied to the image Reo sent earlier—the Google Form asking for permission.
Princess Cleria: "Same here. Can't open it."
Jiro nodded to himself.
So I wasn't the one. It was the link.
35 Technology, 0 Students.
That registration link scammed us.
Then, a new notification.
4:16 PM.
A new group chat appeared on his list.
Mekayla Sano created the group "MMW".
Mekayla Sano added you.
Jiro blinked at the name.
MMW.
Yes, simply MMW. Not "Group Falcon," not "Math Group," not "Manazaki's Minions." Just MMW.
Simple. Direct.
Another group chat to mute.
But the digital noise regarding the vlog project in the MMW/NSTP 1 group chat (or rather, their specific group chat for the project, likely created earlier or just discussing in the main GC) was deafeningly... silent.
6:02 PM.
It had been almost two hours of waiting for a real reply. The only signs of life were three thumb-up reactions—one from Windy Viyago, one from Jiro, and one from Niewi.
Seen-zoned by the majority.
Finally, Niewi Voeliè broke the silence.
Niewi Voeliè:Sent a long text message.
It was the complete copy of the KSU Vision, Mission, and Values.
Text format. Not an image.
Jiro nodded in approval. Smart. Accessible. No data required to view.
A minute later, Jiro decided to steer the ship.
Jiro Sanata: "Guys, suggest for our intro part. Just let's not go straight to the Vision. We need a theme or creativity. Just drop your plots here."
Niewi replied almost immediately, backing him up.
Niewi Voeliè: "@everyone for the Vision and Core Values, maybe we should appear in a single frame and recite it together^^"
Niewi Voeliè: "For the Vision, we already have ideas on how to express the words while reciting. Let's focus on Values for just now."
Niewi Voeliè: "Then let's discuss in person tomorrowww."
It was a solid plan. A plan that required feedback.
They waited.
And waited.
7:00 PM.
Crickets.
7:30 PM.
Tumbleweed.
Bruh... Jiro stared at the screen. Are we talking to the void?
Finally, at 7:46 PM, a notification popped up. It was Lindsey Soliko, the class treasurer.
Lindsey Soliko: "Good eve, may I ask what we'll do? I was absent earlier."
Jiro's fingers flew across the keyboard. Finally, a human.
Jiro Sanata: "We need to make a vlog for the VMV. Deadline Monday. Shoot tomorrow. Wear uniform."
He typed out the instructions clearly, filling her in on the details she missed during the assembly she skipped.
Lindsey Soliko: "Wehh?"
Lindsey Soliko: "Okay, I'll memorize it now so we can start the video tomorrow."
Lindsey Soliko: "Sorry I couldn't attend because I was sick earlier."
At least she replies.
One member catch-up complete. The rest... pending.
But Jiro's phone wasn't done buzzing.
At exactly 7:46 PM—the same time Lindsey replied—another notification bar dropped down from the top of the screen.
This time, it was the KSU Taytay BEED 1-A group chat.
Mekayla Sano (Secretary): "@everyone, announcement regarding what was discussed earlier in the meeting about Buwan ng Wika (Language's Month)."
Jiro switched chats instantly. New Intel.
EVENT: BUWAN NG WIKA CELEBRATION
WHEN: August 29
WHERE: Gymnasium
WHAT TO WEAR: Kimona/Filipiñana for female and Barong for male.
Jiro groaned. Yah, that required Barong. Again.
Pledge: Our treasurer will collect funds from our class to contribute for the said event. The collected money will be used for the prizes to the winners of the upcoming activities. ANY AMOUNT WILL DO.
Deadline: August 22
"Any amount will do," Jiro read.
Translation: "You better give something or we will stare at you." Forced voluntary tribute.
Mekayla continued with the mechanics.
"Since there are four courses in KSU Taytay Campus, each course is considered as one team. For example, from BEEd-1 to BEEd-4, we are considered as one team."
United Front. The chaotic course has to band together.
"Mostly for the activities, only one participant per team is allowed, though there are some group activities."
MORNING ACTIVITIES:
Kasuotan (Fashion show) - 1 participant
Singing (OPM songs) - 1 participant
Spoken poetry - 1 participant
Cooking (simultaneous) - 1 participant
Poster making - 1 participant
Cooking, Jiro noted. Literal cooking show.
Then his eyes drifted back up to one specific bullet point.
Poster making.
A spark of dormant interest flickered in his chest. Arts. That was actually his hidden trait. He used to be the poster-making kid back in the day. As he calculated the years, a sudden realization hit him.
It had been exactly ten years since he won 1st place in a poster-making contest during his elementary days.
A decade ago, Jiro mused, staring at his screen. Maybe I should join? Like a 10th-anniversary comeback arc? Hmm, I'm not sure yet... it's been ages since I actually joined one, but... it's tempting.
He kept scrolling down the announcement.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES:
Palarong Pinoy (Pinoy Games) (Team Building)
Agawan base (Capture the Base) (Team)
Isa, dalawa, tatlo, takbo (One, Two, Three, Run!) (Team)
Pinoy garter (Team)
Luksong beki (Jumping Gays) (for gays)
Jiro blinked. Luksong beki? Inclusive sports. Nice.
And finally, the motivation.
Prizes: Cash or electric fan.
Jiro stared at the last line, a dry smirk forming on his lips.
An electric fan?
It sounded absurdly low-budget for a campus-wide event, but honestly? It was painfully practical. He remembered the broken blades on the ceiling of Room 404, and the recent announcement that their official new base, Room 406, probably wasn't any better equipped. Winning an electric fan would actually be a massive, life-saving upgrade for BEEd 1-A.
But then he shook his head, the cynical reality setting in.
That's unlikely, he thought. Like BEEd 1-A actually cares about the grand prize. Like I actually care.
The truth was, they were all just exhausted freshmen. Sweating over a grand prize wasn't in their current survival manual. Joining the event was already enough effort. Just give them the signed viewing form, secure that sweet, sweet attendance sheet, and they would call it a successful day.
The electric fan was just a funny bonus in a broken system.
After reading the parade of announcements in the main GC, Jiro just sighed.
Yoww, let's play video games first, he decided, stretching his arms. Enough of this college stress.
He exited the messaging app and launched a game on his phone, trying to lose himself in a digital world where problems could be solved with a tap and a swipe, not a lesson plan. But even as his thumbs hovered over the screen, his brain wouldn't stop running background calculations.
How on earth are we going to shoot a video tomorrow?
The numbers kept looping in his head. 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Straight classes. Mr. Jeypi Shono for seven hours, then Mr. Edwardo Casto for PE.
He found himself actually praying to the universe for academic negligence.
I hope they ghost us again, Jiro thought, laughing dryly as his character dodged an attack on screen. I really hope that there will be no professors to show up tomorrow hahahaha. If they show up, we have zero time to record. If they ghost us, we have a whole empty campus to ourselves. Please, be ghosts.
He played for a few hours, the repetitive action smoothing out the spikes of his anxiety.
10:21 PM.
Jiro was lying in bed, the game closed. He was busy scrolling on Reddit, chuckling at some random memes, when a chat head notification suddenly popped up on his screen.
It was from the KSU Taytay BEED 1-A group chat.
Oh, come on. It's almost midnight.
He tapped the bubble. It was Hidy Medona, the class president, dropping a late-night manifesto.
Hidy Medona: "Good evening 1-BEED, these are the things you need to prepare and accomplish as soon as possible according to its deadlines. MMW & NSTP RELATED."
Jiro braced himself. Doc Rick's demands are officially documented.
Hidy Medona: "1. Performance Task (MMW & NSTP) — Recital Video Presentation of V, M, & VALUES. DL: Monday (morning) | Aug. 19
Note: kindly send it to me before monday so I can sort it out properly each group."
Right. The impossible task. Send before Monday means Sunday night at the latest.
Hidy Medona: "2. Provide a Scientific Calculator and indicate your full name on it. — this will serve as our first quiz in MMW DL: Next week"
Jiro blinked. Wait, what? Bringing a calculator serves as our first quiz? Wow. That is the easiest quiz in college history. A literal pay-to-win quiz.
Hidy Medona: "3. Bring your calamity donation stuff on Monday and kindly drop it in our donation boxes. "Pres what kind of donation is this? Clothes? Shoes? Groceries? Canned goods?" — Any kind of stuff that you can donate that you think is still fine to use. DL: Monday (morning) | Aug. 19"
So on Monday, I have to carry my heavy bag AND canned goods or old clothes. Great. I am a walking cargo truck.
Then, he read the fourth rule. It was the most bizarre one yet.
Hidy Medona: "4. Every friday - no soda, 1 cup of rice only, No disposable cups, spoon and fork, bring your own essentials. No plastic allowed every Friday bes! ;)"
Jiro stared at the screen, utterly baffled.
No soda? One cup of rice only? No plastic?Is this a university course or a weight-loss bootcamp? Who regulates someone's rice intake?!
Before anyone could type out their outrage or confusion, Hidy immediately sent a follow-up announcement to clear her name.
Hidy Medona: "Just to clarify, guys, regarding no. 4, that is not from me haha. Dr. Ricky Manazaki (Doc Rick) asked me to announce that. That is his advice, not mine."
Hidy Medona: "Soon, the canteen will implement a policy that disposable essentials will no longer be allowed, so it's better that we practice as early as possible."
Jiro sighed, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Ah, Doc Rick. A math professor, an idol, a campus fashionista, and now our personal dietitian and environmentalist. The man really does everything.
A minute later, Hidy sent her final message for the night.
Hidy Medona: "Sorry for late reminder, I just finished my three meetings tonight, hehe, goodnight!! ^____^"
Jiro read the sign-off and actually felt a pang of sympathy for her.
Three meetings on a Friday night? While we were sleeping or gaming, the President was still working.Yeah, better you than me, Pres. Being a class officer is a trap.
He double-tapped her message to leave a heart reaction. Acknowledged. Respected.
He locked his phone, plugged a charger, and put it on the floor under his bed. He stared up at the ceiling, listening to the quiet hum of the Taytay night.
Tomorrow was Saturday. The gauntlet awaited. Seven hours of Mr. Shono, two hours of Mr. Casto, and an impossible vlog to shoot with a group of people he barely knew.
I really, really hope they ghost us tomorrow, Jiro prayed one last time.
He closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion finally pull him under.
August 17 (Saturday)
4:30 AM.
Jiro woke up. But not by choice.
SLAP.
"Jiro! Wake up!"
His mother's hand connected with his foot. The universal alarm clock.
He groaned, rubbing his eyes. It was Saturday. The day of rest for normal people. The day of suffering for BEEd 1-A.
He went through the motions of the morning ritual—eat, shower, dress. But this time, there was a slight variation in the loadout. He decided not to bring his heavy glassware lunch box.
Strategy: Travel light.
He hoisted his bag. It was lighter, yes, but the massive 22oz insulated tumbler inside still weighed a ton.
Still heavy. But manageable.
He left his home at 6:30 AM.
He walked the 105 meters to the main road, expecting a quick 800-meter ride to the market. He stood on the curb, waiting.
And waiting.
And waiting.
Sheesh.
He checked his phone. 6:40 AM.
I am right. Getting a jeepney at this hour on a Saturday is such a pain in the ass.
Minutes ticked by. The road was surprisingly empty of public transport.
6:45 AM.
Still nothing.
6:47 AM.
Finally, a jeepney appeared on the horizon. But it wasn't slowing down. The driver looked like he was in the middle of a drag race.
It's now or never.
Jiro flagged it down, waving his hand frantically. The driver barely tapped the brakes.
The jeepney was still rolling—fast—when Jiro made his move.
He ran alongside it, grabbed the handrail, and swung himself onto the estribo (step board).
Whoa!
The momentum almost threw him off. His feet scrambled for grip on the metal step as the jeepney accelerated again. He clung to the rail for dear life, his heart hammering against his ribs.
That was close.
Raging Road moment unlocked.
He managed to pull himself inside and secure a seat, exhaling sharply.
Safe.
The ride was fast—terrifyingly fast. He reached the New Public Market at 6:50 AM.
He didn't waste time. He power-walked to the tricycle terminal and hopped in.
He arrived at the KSU Taytay gate at 6:58 AM.
Two minutes.
"Good morning!" he shouted to the guard, not even stopping to look.
He sprinted across the parking lot, entered the building, and faced the stairs.
The Fourth Floor Hike: Speedrun Edition.
He took the DOWN ONLY staircase again.
Rules? I am late!
He bounded up the steps, taking them two at a time. First. Second. Third. Fourth.
He turned the corner into the hallway, his chest heaving.
7:01 AM.
He was taking the last three steps of the stairs. His eyes were already level with the Fourth Floor.
Directly in front of the stairwell, the door to Room 406 was wide open. The windows facing the hallway were also flung wide, offering a clear view into the classroom.
From his lower vantage point on the stairs, Jiro could see straight inside.
The room was buzzing with students, chattering loudly, bags on armchairs, fans struggling to spin (at least, the blades were spinning).
But his eyes went straight to the front.
The teacher's table.
Empty.
Jiro slowed his ascent. He took the last step onto the landing not with a sprint, but with a slump.
Voila.
No prof yet.
He leaned against the stair railing, catching his breath while staring into the room.
Finally!!
I risked my life on the estribo for this?
END OF THE RAGING ROAD