Writer

Carlito O. Mortel

Written Articles

Theater & Arts

In full bloom: A review of Ateneo Blue Repertory’s Spring Awakening

A teenage sexual rebellion in late-19th century Germany fuses with rock ‘n’ roll to make a delightfully fun frenzy in Spring Awakening. Ateneo Blue Repertory’s (blueREP) season finale takes on Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s 2006 Tony Award winner for Best Musical and achieves numerous heights with a dynamic cast and wildly entertaining direction. Spring […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

April 1, 2019

By Carlito O. Mortel • April 1, 2019

Hub

Underrated study spaces on campus

For many Ateneans, ringing in the new year also means a new semester is just around the corner. There are more challenging classes, a different set of profs, and another chance to reach your dream QPI. It’s no surprise that students tend to flock to the library and Katipunan coffee shops during the busier days […]

By Zoe T. Andin and Carlito O. Mortel

January 23, 2019

By Zoe T. Andin and Carlito O. Mortel • January 23, 2019

Food

Katipunan Budget Steak Crawl

Steak is often regarded as a luxurious food far beyond what the student budget can afford. Thankfully, the enjoyment of eating a quality steak is now more accessible for the regular college student. With this list, Vantage rounds up a list of steakhouses that fit right into the usual student budget. These four places around […]

By Zoe T. Andin, Carlito O. Mortel and Justin Ginete

November 15, 2018

By Zoe T. Andin, Carlito O. Mortel and Justin Ginete • November 15, 2018

Theater & Arts

The price of passion

Freelance artists have long been offered exposure rather than monetary compensation for their work. The recent issue with Jameson Blake, where he “commissioned” artists over Twitter with the offer of exposure through a “shoutout,” caused an uproar in the Filipino creative community—along with heated debates on paying artists what their craft is worth. Whether it […]

By Annicka B. Koteh and Carlito O. Mortel

November 10, 2018

By Annicka B. Koteh and Carlito O. Mortel • November 10, 2018

Other

Genghis Gang review

Customization is the name of the game in Genghis Gang. The stall, inspired by long-standing Katipunan establishment Sweet Inspirations, serves mongolian bowls made customizable according to what carb, meat, and side you want in your bowl. Taste The stall’s fried rice is a standout. Well-cooked rice and mix-ins provide a satisfying and easy-to-eat mouthfeel that […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

October 15, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • October 15, 2018

Other

BUILT review

There are many ways to interpret the burger, and over the years, JSEC has had plenty of interesting concepts that put a spin on the classic. Instead of adding another twist, BUILT wanted to bring the burger down to its roots—to serve it with no frills or fuss, for the quintessential burger experience. Taste BUILT […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

October 14, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • October 14, 2018

Other

West Side Chicka review

Recreating the wing-eating experience in JSEC without the messiness is a tall order, but West Side Chicka tries to do just that with a contemporary twist: Naming dishes after popular hip-hop artists. Taste Each of their dishes contains a cut-up chicken breast fillet that is coated, fried, and then dipped into one of their sauces. […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

October 14, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • October 14, 2018

Other

Pasta La Vista review

As the only stall that sells pasta in JSEC, Pasta La Vista serves the market of Ateneans looking for a noodle fix in campus. The idea of pairing their signature pastas with sausages, though, makes each dish a hefty meal that can stand up against the usual rice-and-ulam combinations surrounding it. Taste The Giovanni features […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

October 14, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • October 14, 2018

Other

Kim Campanilla: The donya with a heart

Kim Campanilla’s fiery personality is evident from the moment you hear her voice. The “sometimes maldita, always pabida, diva señorita” might seem like a donya at first, but in truth, Kim prides herself on being relatable and having a big heart. “It’s just that I have a diva side,” she explains. The communication junior has […]

By Carlito O. Mortel and Justin Ginete

August 11, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel and Justin Ginete • August 11, 2018

TV & Film

Is it better to speak or to die?: A review of Call Me by Your Name

  The critically acclaimed, Sundance Selection film of 2017, Call Me by Your Name premiered in the Philippines last January 31. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film is based on the eponymous novel by author André Aciman. Set in picturesque, 1980s Northern Italy, the movie features the summer romance that develops between Elio Perlman (Timothée […]

By Red T. Bautista and Carlito O. Mortel

March 7, 2018

By Red T. Bautista and Carlito O. Mortel • March 7, 2018

Hub

A battle of love: Conquering the distance

Each semester, many Ateneans leave for JTA (Junior Term Abroad), which means months spent in a different country away from families, friends, and for some, their significant others. Of course, diving into a long distance relationship is not without its difficulties. These young lovers are without a doubt excited for each other’s future adventures, but […]

By Nika D. Crisostomo and Carlito O. Mortel

March 5, 2018

By Nika D. Crisostomo and Carlito O. Mortel • March 5, 2018

Music

Review: Good for You

After releasing lead single “Caroline” to critical and commercial success, Aminé follows it up with Good For You, an album with just as much joy and bounce as the aforementioned song. The album is filled with songs to bop to as Aminé narrates stories from his life in a relatable way, making his tracks with […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

January 29, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • January 29, 2018

Music

Review: American Teen

The late teen years are called the coming-of-age years because they mark both the end of youth and the start of adulthood. At nineteen years of age, Khalid debuts with American Teen, an album full of the whimsy and the woes of how it feels to be an adolescent in his eyes. The titular track […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

January 29, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • January 29, 2018

Music

Review: ctrl

Love isn’t a rare topic in the music scene. From the Motown classics of Marvin Gaye and the like in the ‘60’s, to the screeching power ballads of the rock bands of the ‘80’s, love has a rich history in music. In 2017, artists like SZA continue this tradition of love. In ctrl, SZA talks […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

January 29, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • January 29, 2018

Music

Review: Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1

After a three-year wait, Calvin Harris is back with Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, a groovy album packed with superstar features. The tropical, funky sound he injects each track with is infectious, and while it’s not a spark of genius or anything completely innovative, it’s certainly one of the most fun albums to come out […]

By Carlito O. Mortel

January 29, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel • January 29, 2018

Food

Battle of the Holiday Drinks

Every year, the four big coffee chains (Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Bo’s Coffee, and Seattle’s Best) release special Christmas drinks to celebrate the holidays. Each coffee shop tries to put a unique spin on their drinks, and they get more creative each year. It just so happens that all four are present along […]

By Carlito O. Mortel and Caitlin C. Young

January 9, 2018

By Carlito O. Mortel and Caitlin C. Young • January 9, 2018

Music

Shades of black

In the ever-changing worlds of rap, hip-hop, and R&B, it’s clear to see who’s who in terms of royalty. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Kanye West have top-billed worldwide tours and have become household names. Those like Kehlani, Bryson Tiller, and Miguel, on the other hand, have created an underground community for contemporary R&B, […]

By Carlito O. Mortel, Patrice V. Miranda, Online Media and Angela Natividad

November 10, 2017

By Carlito O. Mortel, Patrice V. Miranda, Online Media and Angela Natividad • November 10, 2017

Music

Three tones of heartbreak

The universal themes of love and loss are nothing new to songwriting, but the heart beats much differently in these pieces. Here, Vantage rounds up three records that tug at the strings of longing and regret. Whether it’s Lorde’s post-party reflections, HAIM’s wishful lyrics, or Kesha’s wild anthems, you’re sure to hear something that throws […]

By Online Media, Annicka B. Koteh, Carlito O. Mortel and Angela Natividad

October 1, 2017

By Online Media, Annicka B. Koteh, Carlito O. Mortel and Angela Natividad • October 1, 2017

Food

Barchurro review

Behind the red and black stall at one corner of JSEC, the phrase “Buena onda” is displayed. A Spanish saying that translates to “good vibes,” it’s a symbol of joy and belongingness in Spanish communities, something that Barchurro wants to replicate in JSEC with their authentic churros. Taste Barchurro’s pride is the fried-to-order churros. Served […]

By Online Media, Carlito O. Mortel and Angela Natividad

September 23, 2017

By Online Media, Carlito O. Mortel and Angela Natividad • September 23, 2017

Food

The Coffee Collective review

Here in Ateneo, coffee choices are usually limited to coffee shops outside campus or the instant coffee available in Gonzaga. The Coffee Collective comes as a solution to this problem, becoming a source of premium coffee on campus. Taste The Cold Brew has a bitter bite that mingles with a tame hit of acid and […]

By Carlito O. Mortel, Online Media and Angela Natividad

September 23, 2017

By Carlito O. Mortel, Online Media and Angela Natividad • September 23, 2017