The Flame Homepage

chief does not only concern planning the editorial side of the publication, but as well as hurdling all of the criticisms other student organizations may throw against us. We admit that the Flame has been “barely productive” over the past few years. From the glorious past inscribed in its identity for being one of the most influential publications in UST decades ago, it has lost its old flare and unfortunately got extinguished over
the years.
But just like what one of our alumni told us, it is impossible for a simple fire to burn all the time. There will be instances wherein it may be in its highest peak—probably flaming and burning—but may also be in its lowest, just like a “spark” that struggles to light and ignite.
I must say that even if the Flame has flickered over the years, it will never run out and it will never die, primarily because of being backed by its rich tradition and the present staff’s great dedication.
the present staff’s great dedication.
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Back when I was in my first year in college, I told myself that I will join as many student publications as I could. I can still vividly remember the first time I saw the Flame’s poster calling for applicants. Since I was still a newcomer, I felt afraid and nervous, but at the same time, very much thrilled to join.
Luckily, I passed the exams. I was called for an interview, and to cut the long story short, I became a full-fledged member of this publication.
I could still remember how happy I was when I got the text message from Ate Kaye, then member of this organization’s Editorial Board, confirming my membership. I was very ecstatic during that moment. Never did I expect that I was accepted for something big.
Despite the negative remarks that I have been hearing about the publication’s stability, I will always have a strong faith over this organization because it is in the Flame where I first learned the fundamentals of real journalism like catchy leads, objective writing, unending revisions, big shot interviews, and a red-inked paper trail.
I was caught off-guard with its system at first, but I must admit that it has greatly prepared me for bigger challenges ahead.
Now that I am one of the people obliged to keep it on track, I feel honored, and at the same time, challenged to bring back its old flare.
When we had our call for applicants last year, I was thinking if students from this Faculty still believe in our endeavor. I was afraid to hear indecorous comments about our attempt to get back on track because people might have forgotten what the Flame is.
But despite that fear, here we are again, trying to save the remaining flare that our minds could offer. Mending this issue together was a challenge, but as we strive to bring back the old glory of this publication, we hope that this would not be a vain attempt, but a good sign for an intensified beginning.
Despite the fear that emanates in our minds, we offer the Artlets community the best that we could give.
In this endeavor that we are pursuing to keep this publication alive, we are hoping that everyone will support and encourage us to do our best to keep the Flame burning.

REVIVING something that has long been in hiatus is not an easy task. Of my three years stay at the Faculty of Arts and Letters, one of the frequently
asked questions I have always heard is— “Buhay pa ba ang Flame?”
It is quite ironic to think that of all the faculties or colleges in the University, it is the Faculty of Arts and Letters that does not have an active student publication, the very same faculty offering the course AB Journalism. I admit that every time I hear students ask if the Flame is still alive, I cannot help myself but wonder, ask the same question, and feel a tinge of disappointment inside.
As I was appointed editor in chief of this publication, I already knew that my last year in college would be very exhausting and challenging. I was very much reluctant to accept the post at first, but I eventually gave in as I entrusted my personal doubts to fate. Little did I know, being its editor in