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When April Plays Again: Music, Memory, and Your Lie in April
Written by Ruthie Suarez Every April, I always end up rewatching Your Lie in April. It has become something I naturally return to when spring comes around. There is something about that time of year that matches the story’s feeling. Everything feels a little softer and more emotional, and the show fits that mood in a way that makes it hit differently every time. The first time I watched it, I did not expect it to stay with me the way it did. I thought I was just watching a sad anime about music, but after it ended, I couldn’t really move on right away. It stayed in my head…
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Seeing Ourselves On Screen: Why Representation Matters
Written by Hannah Sazon I was scrolling on my phone when I first saw that there was a new DreamWorks Animation movie centered around Filipino culture coming out. Forgotten Island is about 2 Filipino best friends who find themselves transported to a mysterious island inspired by Filipino folklore, and encounter mythological creatures that uncover deeper connections to their identity and heritage. I was honestly really excited finding out, and it made me think about why. In recent years, there’s been an increasing Filipino representation in the media. Whether it’s music artists like Olivia Rodrigo, small scenes of Tagalog in The Pitt, or quick references in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this…
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Guide to the Ultimate Spring Break
Written by Asmi Chinauriya Spring Break is the ultimate “light at the end of the tunnel” for many college students, as it indicates the end of midterms. Hence, it becomes that much more important to make sure that you make this week worth every moment. It all has to start with a plan. It can be to lie in bed for 17 hours straight or a plan to go to parties. Whether it is a trip or additional time for you to lock in, there needs to be something in mind that can serve as the skeleton of this Break. Though I have to admit spontaneous events can still be…
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Spring Cleaning: Ins and Outs
Written by Francesca Tero “Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once,” is a quote from Taylor Swift’s 2022 NYU commencement speech. I reflect on this quote a lot these days. Maybe more so because I am graduating from college this year and have a lot of life decisions and major changes around the corner. When I think about who I was 4 years ago and the person I am today, I look the same and mostly feel the same. However, I think a lot differently. My college experience felt like always juggling 20 different things at once and trying to excel at all…
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How Godzilla: Minus One Encapsulates Perseverance
Written by Sydney Nguyen October 25th, 1944, marked the first organized kamikaze attack that took place during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The success of the kamikaze tactic (a suicide attack that involves a pilot flying their aircraft directly into enemy ships) was exaggerated greatly through Japanese military propaganda, as it was rooted in the Japanese ideals of honor, sacrifice, and religion. Therefore, in post-war Japan, the kamikaze pilots who returned alive were perceived by citizens as cowards who failed to serve their nation and were viewed as physical representations of Japan’s defeat. Fear is a prominent motif that drives the plot of Godzilla: Minus One. Kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima…
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Why “Transform” by Daniel Caesar Feels So Real
Written by Ivan Li Some songs don’t just sound good—they feel honest. “Transform” by Daniel Caesar is one of those songs. It connects with a lot of people because it reflects the way people actually are, not some perfect version of life. Right from the beginning, when he says, “If a leopard never changes its spots, how can I change what I’ve got?” It brings up a question that a lot of people probably think about at some point. Everyone wants to grow or become a better version of themselves, but it’s not always easy. Sometimes it feels like certain habits or parts of your personality are just stuck with…
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Spring into Music: Refreshing Songs for the Soul
Written by Chloe Tabaco It’s a beautiful day outside. Birds are singing, and flowers are blooming. On days like these, people like me… are creating their 259th playlist. As the weather gets warmer and we set the clock an hour forward for better sunsets, I find myself wanting to share the gift of music with all who wish to broaden their horizons. I take pride in my search for uncut gems with fewer than 10,000 listens, as well as the songs with millions that I still feel need love. From indie rock to disco-lounge, this article will go over my top five spring songs to stop and frolic in the…
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When Pixar Feels Like a Love Letter: Watching “Elemental”
Written by Mikhaella Lopez The theme of love is a recurring point that is seen in almost every Pixar movie. Whether that be familial love like Marlin and Nemo in Finding Nemo, or a platonic love between Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan in Monsters University, love exists in every single movie Pixar has created. As someone who grew up watching Disney and Pixar movies, I fell in love with the different characters throughout the years; from Lightning McQueen from Cars to Mama Imelda from Coco, there were many characters to love. I first heard of Elemental back when I still used to work as a boba barista at a…
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3 Love Songs That Hit Different: Thinking Out Loud, Goodbye, and All of Me
Love comes in many forms: sweet, tearful, exciting, and heart-melting. Music has a way of expressing these emotions that words alone often can’t. From the thrill of new romance to the ache of heartbreak, certain songs stand out for their lyrics, melodies, and pure emotional energy. Here are three love songs that hit differently and remain timeless favorites. 1. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran No list of modern love songs is complete without Ed Sheeran’s masterpiece. With its smooth piano, gentle rhythm, and heartfelt lyrics, Thinking Out Loud is the ultimate celebration of enduring love. Sheeran’s voice makes every line feel personal and intimate, whether you’re slow dancing…
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How I’m Spending Winter Break
Written by Hannah Sazon One thing about UD is that we are blessed with an especially long winter break. With classes not starting back up until February, breaks are a rare opportunity to actually breathe, reset, and make the most of the time we don’t have during the semester. Instead of letting it slip by, I am planning to make the most of this break by keeping myself busy, balancing rest, personal interests, and preparation for the spring semester. During the semester, hobbies are the first thing to go when things get hectic, so one of my priorities this break is to get back into the things I enjoy. I…
