Ad Astra’s “EMBARK VOL. 8” and the Benildean Press Corps’ (BPC) “The Benildean: Reacted” are deemed finalists under the Best Student Organ for the college category in the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

CMMA revealed the roster of finalists for this year’s awards in a Facebook announcement on Oct. 13. Under the Best Student Organ for the college category, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde shared the category with The Varsitarian (University of Santo Tomas), Phoenix Tabloid (Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas), The DWCC Gazette (Divine Word College of Calapan), and Orange (First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities or FAITH Colleges).

BPC’s The Benildean: Reacted is a magazine-journal that explores the consequences following an unsuccessful insurgency, the return of power to a controversial family, and how these events led to the complexity of society’s expansive internet realm. This edition investigates parasocial relationships—as well as those stemming from online connections—as it explores how cyberspace can be a double-edged sword.

Meanwhile, EMBARK VOL. 8 is a Frosh magazine published annually by Ad Astra. For this volume, it focuses on the idea that comfort zones are not meant to be broken out of, but rather expanded as it urges readers to find comfort in difficult situations where one can ramify and grow.

Ms. Dayanara Cudal, Head of the Student Publications Unit, shared her gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I’m beyond happy that both of the Unit’s organizations were able deemed finalists in the prestigious Catholic Mass Media Awards. It is a reflection of the students’ creativity and excellence in their respective fields, as well as our commitment to elevating journalism on the campus level. We will take this nomination and continue our work to the Benildean community and Filipino people.”

According to a post by the official Facebook account of CMMA, the awarding started in 1978 by former Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, originally as the Manila Archdiocese’s way of honoring people and institutions who “promote and uphold Christian values in their works in the most outstanding way.”

As of writing, the CMMA has not yet announced the date of the awarding ceremony.