Writer

Natalie R. Gavino

Nat is a junior seeking love in everything: From films to the human psyche. She enjoys listening to indie rock and knitting along the way. Find her on Twitter: @natgavino.

Written Articles

Hub

Outside Gate 2.5: Reshaping Atenean campus culture

As the Ateneo community enters another online school year, the memory of on-site life seems to be getting hazier to the students. This change of setting has rendered the student body nostalgic and curious about campus life as evidenced in viral sentimental posts offering glimpses of what Ateneo used to be. Nonetheless, campus culture can […]

By Therese Garcia, Natalie R. Gavino and Giu Martinez

September 13, 2021

By Therese Garcia, Natalie R. Gavino and Giu Martinez • September 13, 2021

Other

Vantage POINT: September 2021

This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little […]

By Therese Garcia, Natalie R. Gavino and Giu Martinez

September 4, 2021

By Therese Garcia, Natalie R. Gavino and Giu Martinez • September 4, 2021

Music

When the sun merely shimmers: Solar Power Review

COMING FROM a four-year hiatus, Lorde graces the world with a serene tale of stepping into adulthood through Solar Power. As promised in “Liability,” she predicted: “You’re all gonna watch me disappear into the sun.” Now she basks in the light with her long-awaited third album and captures the subtle glimmer—rather than the blinding flare—of […]

By Natalie R. Gavino

August 27, 2021

By Natalie R. Gavino • August 27, 2021

Theater & Arts

Tanghalang Ateneo’s Password: 03d1pu5_r3x parallels ancient prophecy to current times

How does one portray Greek tragedy without performing onstage? Tanghalang Ateneo presents a timely response in the form of Password: 03d1pu5_r3x. Adapted from Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation of Oedipus Rex and directed by Ron Capinding, the play modernizes an ancient prophecy that’s uncomfortable to witness, but draws in audiences with relevance to the present. Beginning […]

By Natalie R. Gavino

February 24, 2021

By Natalie R. Gavino • February 24, 2021

TV & Film

Malcolm & Marie raises hollow arguments

“I promise you, nothing productive is going to be said tonight,” Marie (Zendaya) proclaims when challenged by her boyfriend Malcolm (John David Washington) to argue. Audiences can only hope it’s a promise left unfulfilled for a movie reliant on long-winded monologues. Sadly, Malcolm & Marie predicts its own inadequacy barely 15 minutes into the film. […]

By Natalie R. Gavino

February 10, 2021

By Natalie R. Gavino • February 10, 2021

TV & Film

A love letter to the fictional founders of Facebook

Coming-of-age is a Vantage column where staffers share their opinions on a specific beat. From in-depth analyses of TV series to miscellaneous musings in music (and everything in between), this monthly column is an avenue to spread and inspire thought-provoking ideas. In this column, Vantage Magazine staffer Nat recounts why a story about the creator […]

By Natalie R. Gavino

January 20, 2021

By Natalie R. Gavino • January 20, 2021

TV & Film

The Boy Foretold by the Stars places love in fate’s hands

As the first Boy’s Love (BL) film in Philippine cinema, Dolly Dulu’s The Boy Foretold by the Stars carries the weight of expectations packaged into high school romance. Its attempts at balancing sincere intimacy and heightened infatuation between two high school boys are as endearing as any romcom should be. Despite the film’s lack of […]

By Natalie R. Gavino

January 6, 2021

By Natalie R. Gavino • January 6, 2021

Music

Protest music: Voices of a nation

It’s no secret that music is widely used as a form of expression, often reflecting human experience. Many artists write about how they feel or what they know, whether this is love, loss, or friendship. This is why artists often turn to protest music when wishing to express their views on society.  As social and […]

By Natalie R. Gavino and Danielle H. Ramos

September 30, 2020

By Natalie R. Gavino and Danielle H. Ramos • September 30, 2020

Hub

Von Carolino: Cool, hot, queer phenomenon

Von Carolino (3 AB COM) dazzles with their presence, even through video call. Coming into the interview in a neon green windbreaker and a full-face glam makeup look, Von takes their tagline “Your cool, hot, queer phenomenon!” to heart as they divulge insights and experiences as a student and as an OrSem host.  VANT: Hey […]

By Natalie R. Gavino

August 22, 2020

By Natalie R. Gavino • August 22, 2020

Other

Vantage POINT: April 2020

This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Danielle H. Ramos and Nigel Yu

April 17, 2020

By Natalie R. Gavino, Danielle H. Ramos and Nigel Yu • April 17, 2020

Theater & Arts

How Gantala Press is breaking the silence

In the midst of a political climate riddled with oppression, it is important for the arts to be brought to the forefront, now more than ever. In the past, the likes of Jose Rizal have proven that writing is an art form that can open Filipinos’ eyes to the unacknowledged realities of our country.  Among […]

By Natalie R. Gavino and Anya Nellas

April 14, 2020

By Natalie R. Gavino and Anya Nellas • April 14, 2020

Theater & Arts

For the love of art

February often denotes Valentine’s and romance, but it also happens to be National Arts Month. Bringing an exciting assortment of exhibits uniting local artists and fans, February takes love in more than one direction. Love for the arts may be a different kind of love, but it’s a love all the same. Celebrate creativity, self-expression, […]

By Natalie R. Gavino and Nigel Yu

February 12, 2020

By Natalie R. Gavino and Nigel Yu • February 12, 2020

Hype

Memes of the decade

For many of us, the best notifications come in the form of “Your friend tagged you in a post.” Some people take a more active role, and can’t spend a day without sharing memes on their News Feeds. With the popularity of memes ever on the rise, these funny, and sometimes idiotic, posts have become […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Lyrah Lapid and Beatriz C. Reyes

January 8, 2020

By Natalie R. Gavino, Lyrah Lapid and Beatriz C. Reyes • January 8, 2020

TV & Film

Womanhood: A subversive take on horror

Avid horror fans mostly consume these movies for a thrill, but along the way, many of these narratives still depict women in black and white. The damsel-in-distress or its dangerously overused “strong female” counterpart are all too familiar even amid ghosts and gore. Yet, horror becomes more than just entertainment when it magnifies the struggles […]

By Natalie R. Gavino and Jana V. Codera

October 24, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino and Jana V. Codera • October 24, 2019

Food

Chow Mein review

More often than not, different JSEC stalls serve similar kinds of food, especially when it comes to Chinese cuisine. Chow Mein then faces the challenge of setting itself apart through its simple yet quality menu. With this stall’s generous amounts of fresh oriental food, students easily find savory comforts on campus. Taste An essential to […]

By Natalie R. Gavino

October 16, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino • October 16, 2019

Exposé

Walk the talk: Teachers beyond the classroom

To the typical student’s eye, the professor may simply be another face among many that they encounter day-to-day. Often confined to the classroom or the occasional greeting along the hallway, both parties can assume the traditional roles of master and pupil with hardly any deviation. But lest we forget, behind the faculty IDs and reams […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Allan Popa on literature for society

A writer, professor, and advocate, Allan Popa, PhD (Department of Filipino) serves as a creative force to be reckoned with. In collaboration with Heights Ateneo, he is a contributor to Kuwentong Pambata 2019. The project serves as a platform for Lumad children to showcase their culture through art. This is in line with his dream […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Michael Pante on activism and historical truth

A true champion of the truth, Michael Pante, PhD (Department of History) advocates against historical revisionism in light of events such as the burial of Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Previously, he was a member of Tanggol Wika, an organization that was formed after the protest against the Commission on Higher Education […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Arjan Aguirre on politics in practice

Whether through research or the occasional stint on network news, Arjan Aguirre, MA (Department of Political Science) constantly seeks ways to make a difference in the sociopolitical sphere. He mainly provides policy recommendations to legislators based on his field work. All this activity outside the classroom is channelled back into it, with his lessons in […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019

Exposé

Jaya Pilapil Jacobo on gender equality

As a transgender woman and professor, Jaya Pilapil Jacobo, PhD (Department of Filipino) is deeply immersed in the LGBTQ+ community. She promotes gender equality and its importance inside and outside the classroom—and in turn, opens students to a better understanding of it. She helps organize workshops on LGBTQ+ youth literature, in affiliation with the University […]

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes

September 25, 2019

By Natalie R. Gavino, Arnald Paguio and Beatriz C. Reyes • September 25, 2019