The Official Student Publication of St. Mary’s School
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Daniel Christopher Galuna
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Summer Jane Temple
MANAGING EDITOR
Bianca Czarina Razon
BROADCAST EDITOR
Kirsten Christianne Gorospe
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Maegan Julienne Suazo
VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN EDITOR
Kyubin Park
COLUMN EDITOR
Sarah Magto
NEWS EDITOR
Riona Yna Bernabe
FEATURES EDITOR
Tara Rafaelle Aznar
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDITOR
Bernice Lara Aragon
SPORTS EDITOR
Elisha Kyle Canios
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Anahira Estelle Rey Palabrica
QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER
Elisha Marie Lavitad
ASSOCIATE STAFFERS
Zyrah Louise Abejuela
Yannah Angela Abucay
Earth Thea Ellorin
Maria Franceska Magto
Luke Albert Plamor
Erika Zara Rotoras
Yaku Montano
CONTRIBUTORS
Alexis Charm Abaigar
Noelle Ada Clara Palabrica
Zariah Anika Rotoras
Li Say
MODERATOR AND SCHOOL PAPER ADVISER
Ms. Margaret Louise Costello
2
EDITOR’S NOTE
The PH in Preparation for the 2024 Olympics Miles to Smiles: The MAC Fun Run Comeback 1 11 17 22 24
From the Editor-In-Chiefs, Daniel Christopher Galuna (SY 2023-2024) and Summer Jane Temple (SY 2024-2025)
FEATURE
A Student’s Insights on the Living Legend: Ms. Pinky Polestico
Honoring Sir Roland: The Pillar of St. Mary’s Theater
Introducting Mr. Chris Costello and Honoring Dr. Michael P. Costello
The Legacy of SMS Over The Years: The Abucay Siblings
We Tell the Story: Once On This Island (In Photos)
A Night To Remember
My Senior High School Experience So Far
EDITORIAL
JHS to SHS: The Talk About Senior High School
What Makes a St. Marian
What the Older Generation Can Learn from Gen Z The Truth Is Never Fully True
NEWS SCI-TECH
SIBYA 2024 in CDO
SMS Elected New SC President Christmas: How SMS Celebrated Amazing Display of Artistry on Eng-AP Celebration
Recap of the MSIT Week 2024
SPORTS
Dragonboating: A St. Marian Experience
ABOUT THE COVER
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” - William Arthur Ward
This issue is dedicated to two pillars of St. Mary’s—Ma’am Pinky and Sir Roland—who have inspired generations of St. Marians in their unique ways. We salute these veteran teachers for their passion, dedication, and the lasting impact they’ve made on our lives.
On behalf of the BGV Editorial Staff, it is with tremendous pleasure that I present the second semestral issue of the BlueGold Visions for Academic Year 2023-2024. As Editor in Chief, I am proud to have presided over the formulation stages of this edition. Words cannot describe the commitment, perseverance, and sacrifice each staffer has placed in this paper. While I may no longer be of service to this organization that I have called home for the past six years, I will always be there in spirit. As I traverse the ambiguous path called college in the Ateneo, I am confident that the BGV will be in the best pair of hands there is, in the name of Summer Jane Temple.
The BGV will have its first female Editor in Chief in the post-pandemic era and that fact speaks for itself. Summer has performed outstandingly as a bona fide staffer of the paper for the past five years, culminating with her service as my Associate Editor and now as my successor as Editor in Chief. I thank her for being the perfect balance to our tandem and for facilitating the final stages of this edition’s publication. Along with KC, Bianca, and the amazing Ma’am Maggie, her tenure will be both great and spectacular indeed.
Now, as I bid goodbye, I am optimistic on the future of student journalism, at least in the context of St. Mary’s School. Talent in fields such as current affairs, interactive media, and the creatives is outpouring, and I wish those who seek to enrich their talents via the BGV all the best. For now, however, I hope that you enjoy this edition, crafted for all St. Marians.
DANIEL CHRISTOPHER GALUNA
Editor-in-Chief | SY 2023-2024
Good day, dear readers and members of the SMS community!
This issue has long been in the works, since the end of Dani’s term up til the beginning of mine. I’ve seen the immense time and effort our team has dedicated to its completion—from our seniors (now alumni) and former staffers to my steadfast allies, our lovely moderator, Ma’am Maggie, and even our newest members!
I’m grateful for each and every one of you. This issue is for all our contributors, those who supported us behind the scenes, and you, dear reader.
I only hope that whoever picks up this publication will find intrigue in its articles, marvel at the beautiful art and pictures, or draw inspiration from it. Enjoy our latest issue! :)
SUMMER JANE TEMPLE Editor-in-Chief | SY 2024-2025
Editor’s Note
A Student’s Insights on the Living Legend Ms. Pinky Polestico
by DANIEL CHRISTOPHER GALUNA
Ma’am Pinky is a testament to the St. Marian dream. An Ateneo de Manila graduate, she has been a cornerstone of our school since its early days, sharing her deep expertise in language and literature, from Shakespearean sonnets to propaganda techniques. Now in her fourth consecutive year as principal of the Grade School department, she continues to serve alongside her secondary teaching responsibilities.
I transferred to St. Mary’s more than six years ago, in 2018, when I started my secondary education. While Ms. Pinky was not my first-ever English teacher in SMS, I was able to hear about her personality from her current and former students, and even her peers alike. From all the testimonies I have gathered, I pieced together a striking first impression of her: a person who likes to keep it serious whenever teaching is involved. From that moment on, I knew that at some point in academic life, I would bear witness to a living legend’s work being imparted on her mostly adolescent students.
That opportunity came three years later, in August 2020, when Ma’am Pinky became my English teacher. Unfortunately, this was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While circumstances were less than ideal, I still vividly remember her lectures. One memorable moment occurred during our first English 9 class, when she asked us to write a sentence on the relevance of studying English in contemporary times. In my eagerness, I wrote a long, convoluted sentence that resembled a paragraph. Instead of criticizing me, Ms. Pinky gently encouraged me to be more concise, a piece of advice that left a lasting impression.
Despite no longer being a student of hers after ninth grade, I never felt that our interactions were over. Rather, I believe that these grew exponentially as we became more comfortable with each other, shown by our common yet casual greetings whenever we pass by. Even during my time at Blue-Gold Visions, she was one of the few people I could turn to for guidance on language and more. As such, regardless of whether this being intentional or not, I have come to feel her maternal touch. This was particularly evident when she joyfully celebrated with me in April after learning I had received a scholarship from Ateneo de Manila, her alma mater. Up to this day, my personal admiration for her has never diminished.
Ms. Pinky is indeed an asset to the humanities. While I may no longer be her student, I will always bring with me the lessons I have received from her wherever I may go. In a world that often ostracizes freedom of expression, she stands out as part of a select few who will always push you to go beyond paradigm. We should all strive to be like her—dedicated to knowledge and true to the values that define us.
PHOTOS
Aisha Polestico & Maegan Suazo
Honoring Sir Roland The Pillar of St. Mary’s Theater
by ALEXIS CHARM ABAIGAR
Sir Roland V. Rivera, whom we refer to simply as Sir Roland, is a highly respected teacher at St. Mary’s School. Beyond his teaching duties, Sir Roland also serves as the director of our school’s annual plays, a tradition that has long been a hallmark of our institution. St. Mary’s School has always promoted the arts, particularly through our annual plays. Over the years, I have witnessed countless upperclassmen flourish in the world of theater, thanks to Sir Roland’s guidance.
Personally, I recently had the honor of playing Ti Moune in our latest production, “Once On This Island.” I was used to having minimal stage time and staying backstage, admiring the performances from afar. Taking on a major role where I could hardly stay backstage and was always in the spotlight was a big adjustment. What I admire most about Sir Roland is his clear vision and direction for the plays. He knows exactly what he wants, and when the students follow his instructions well, it creates a truly amazing portrayal of a scene. This aspect of his directing style motivated me to improve my portrayal of Ti Moune, even though I still struggle to fully immerse myself in a role. My primary goal was to ensure that the SMS musical comeback would not be a disappointment, especially under the exceptional direction of Sir Roland.
Sir Roland V. Rivera’s contributions to St. Mary’s School extend far beyond the classroom. His dedication to fostering a love for the arts and his ability to inspire students to achieve their best on stage, either as cast or as crew, are truly admirable. We are grateful for his leadership and the lasting influence he has on our school’s theatre community.
Introducing Mr. Chris Costello and Honoring Dr. Michael P. Costello
by JASMINE PAULA
As someone who has been a St. Marian for pretty much all my life, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if Sir Mike were still with us. The stories about him always bring a smile to my face, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s up there, watching over us. Is he always at the edge of his seat up there, with his heart melting with joy as he sees how far we’ve come?
One thing I’ve learned as a St. Marian is that no one is ever forgotten. Whether you’re an alumnus or someone who transferred to another school, we always welcome you back with open arms. This enduring connection is part of the legacy left by Sir Mike. Our school events serve a dual purpose: they’re a time for fun and a reminder of the values our school stands for. Foundation Days, for example, remind us of what it means to be a St. Marian and the mission Sir Mike set out to achieve. This year, I participated in the FUN-RUN and the annual play for the first time. These events are not just tributes to Sir Mike’s passions for running and storytelling; they also raise funds for scholarships, reflecting his belief that providing a quality education can help change the world.
Sir Mike’s legacy lives on
through his children, who now lead our school with the same passion and ambition. Ma’am Maggie, with her contagious energy, and Sir Chris, our new school director, are a powerful sibling duo.
SMS announced its new school director in the school year 20232024, after the leadership of our dear Sir Nonong Palabrica. While “new” might describe his role, Sir Chris is anything but new to our school. As an alumnus of the school, SMS has always been Sir Chris’s home. He has never forgotten the family-like atmosphere this school has and that you can’t experience it anywhere else. He said,
It’s just a wonderful community and I’m so proud to be part of it. “
He appreciates school events like the Foundation Days and the Annual play, noting that SMS does things differently, with a distinct spirit.
The goal of sir Chris is to make SMS the best school in the region. As the School Director, he faces challenges, but he’s ready to tackle them one step at a time. He acknowledges that SMS has room for improvement, and he’s already working on a growing list of ideas
to enhance our school. “We called this School Year “St. Mary’s 2.0” for a reason,” he says. “This is where we are kicking things off into a new and exciting direction; and this will continue well on into the coming years. This is just the beginning!”
When he’s not busy with his duties, Sir Chris enjoys reading— whether it’s fiction, thrillers, horror series, or even comic books. He’s also a film enthusiast, a basketball and NBA fan, and he loves cooking or exploring new restaurants. Most importantly, he cherishes time spent with his kids and family.
As said, our school director may be “new” but his pride and ambitions for SMS are unmistakable. We wish sir Chris the best of luck as he leads us forward!
BELEN
The Abucay Siblings The Legacy of SMS Over the Years:
by SARAH MAGTO
Over the past 37 years in St. Mary’s School, many lives were molded, crafted, and lived. The ever small but ever great community has always shined differently from the start, filled with students of various talents and personalities. St. Mary’s School is more than just a school, rather, it can mean many different things to many different people, generation by generation. To look through those past years, we asked three of the ever-achieving Abucay Siblings: William, Laizel, and Yannah, a few questions that took them back to memory lane.
SMS can signify various things to the students, and out of all the things it may portray, the one thing most say is that SMS is their ‘second home’. To many, the school is their comfort place full of friends, fun, and laughter, but also a growing ladder that has shaped them into the person they are today; the words all three siblings had alike. “It was a one-of-a-kind experience because of the learning environment.” Laizel recalls about her St. Marian days, “Since there were only a few students back then, our teachers were hands-on and delivered quality education for us.” she added. However, amongst the hands-on education and tight-knit community, the school has achieved in teaching and developing time-management skills to the students. As the words of William Abucay say, “During my time as a student-athlete, I managed to balance academics and sports while
excelling at both. Time management was a key skill that I’ve learned when I was at SMS.” The same goes for the two younger siblings, balancing both worlds with discipline was something they had learned from SMS; “I believe that education is always a priority for a better future… I also realized that the more I engaged myself with physical activity, the more active my brain becomes.”
Laizel relates, a mindset with a new perspective, something that other students can apply too.
SMS does not only specialize in teaching students time-management skills but also English and communication skills. William and Laizel had experienced the drastic adjustments from a small school to widely populated universities. The adjustment was indeed an effort, but with the communication skills they had learned from SMS, the load weighed lighter. Laizel talks about the shock of transferring to a big university, “Since Filipino wasn’t my forte, I used English to communicate… Speaking in English allowed me to communicate globally and nationally, I’m thankful for the English-speaking environment in SMS that made me exposed and developed my mastery in the language.”
“What makes SMS special to me is the family spirit environment and the annual play, being part of it is like a trademark of being a St. Marian.” The youngest, Yannah says. Despite SMS being a small community, the warmth grows the biggest, like the warmth of a second home.
IN PHOTOS: Once On This Island
Our annual play brought together a peasant girl, a handsome Grand Homme, and four powerful gods in a tale of love, sacrifice, and destiny, all unfolding on a single, enchanted island. An enduring tale for all ages, “Once on this Island” celebrates the healing power of storytelling and the strength of community, despite life’s heartaches and injustices.
Reminisce through these images from our performances held on April 11-13, 2024, at Rodelsa Hall, and remember the magic we created together, and the timeless stories that bind us.
This is why we continue to tell the story—because in every tale, there’s a part of us all.
Words by MS. MAGGIE COSTELLO
PHOTOS | Armand Ansaldo
by ZYRAH LOUISE ABEJUELA
In SMS, the essence of prom is to bond the juniors and seniors, and for legacies to continue. With that, prom in our school is not just defined by the only night the girls glam up, the guys suit up, and everyone dances on the dance floor. It is the endless meetings held on how to raise funds, the events organized, and the hot afternoons practicing the dance.
On the 15th of March 2024, amazing memories were made by the senior high school students. With the theme “Masquerade Night,” the Lords and Ladies of St. Mary’s School enjoyed a night of fun, dancing, and laughter.
The event began with the grand entrance of all the students, presented by Sir Alfel Opena and Ma’am Frances Picar. After all the students walked the red carpet with confidence, the school director, Chris Costello, presented his welcoming address. Where he wished the students to have a fun-filled night. The fun surely began after Sir James Flor Terec led the prayer to bless the food. The students enjoyed their meals at their designated tables with meaningful conversations. It was made more fun by a special performance of the “Taguanao Boys” of grade 11 where
they danced to a variety of songs and even jammed to the famous budots.
The night would not be complete without more dancing. A dance choreographed by Kirsten Gorospe, Mia Diana, and Sam Palma, with the help of PE teacher, Sir Ian Zapanta, was presented by the students. After they tangoed to Jazmine Sullivan’s ‘Bust Your Windows,’ the grade 11 paid their tribute to their seniors. The grade 11 students filled the hall with laughter with a parody of Joseph Salas’s short films Unta Lang and On My 18th. They ended the tribute with messages for the graduating seniors. After an emotional moment, the final award was given. Gabby Uy and Yna Verdadero were crowned Prom King & Queen.
To continue what generations of St. Marians have done, the tokens were given to the juniors by the seniors who have left a mark in St. Mary’s School. And for the first time ever, the newest legacy key was given to D’vienne Na-
nol and Bianca Razon by Zyrah Abejuela. Before the final dance, the Seniors’ Prophecy was read by Joseph Salas—taking us all to the 2024 batch’s lives 10 years from now. The prophecy was uniquely comedic; a smile plastered on each student’s face throughout Joseph’s delivery.
Multiple students were assigned during PE class to make steps for the final dance. Grooving to Bee Gees’ Night Fever and More Than a Woman, the students danced the night away with their teachers. When the song ended, the DJ started firing up the dance floor and there, the party just began.
Prom was a culmination of the bond the juniors and seniors made. Throughout the school year of fundraising and planning, the hardships paid off with the happiness that overflowed and the memories that were made. As Sir Ian called it, “simple but meaningful.” It was truly a night to remember.
Awards
Prom King — GABBY UY
Prom Queen — YNA VERDADERO
Mask of the Night — ETHAN VALERIO
Solo of the Night — KYUBIN PARK
Couple of the Night — SUMMER TEMPLE & CARL CHING
Legacy Key & Tokens Turnover
When you think about senior high, what comes to mind? Is it piles of homework? Romance and excitement? Maybe…stress? I mean, all those are actually right (personally, though, romance is not exactly the biggest concern in senior high). I also thought the same thing back when I was still in junior high, as I was always stressing about the future dreadful works in senior high. As a senior student, I will share what I have experienced so far.
First off, Senior High is not THAT stressful. I know, surprising, right? In my experience, the teachers here tend to be more flexible than in junior high, maybe to encourage more independence among us. We also have fewer subjects, and each class can stretch out for an hour or two. Although this might be tiring, I prefer this setup to dealing with an overwhelming amount of subjects. In between classes, we sometimes take the opportunity to take mini-naps because we’re just as tired as the teachers.
Even though I stated that it is not as intense as I
feared, being a senior student still comes with plenty of challenges. When I became a senior student, it was finally full face to face classes, which meant that I had to take it seriously. When my classmates and I were still in grade 7, we all acted like kids. To see my classmates actually being responsible now, taking up the role of seniors, was really motivating.
As senior high students, we take on the responsibility of organizing and leading many of the school’s major events. It’s a time when we truly get to put our leadership skills into practice. Throughout our time in senior high, we’ve been at the forefront of important events such as Foundation Day, the Christmas Festival, and Valentine’s Day. Leadership becomes crucial at this stage because we’re often tasked with administering and ensuring the success of these events. While the pressure can be stressful, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t worry—it’s a unique experience that will shape you just as it has shaped me.
EDITORIAL
The Grade 10 students’ last few weeks of Junior High School ends this year. It is quite thrilling and scary to think that in a few months, we will begin our Senior High years. Thrilling: for facing new subjects and becoming a Senior, and scary: for the new challenges and unfamiliar roads to cross. What is the SHS curriculum? Why do we need it? Those questions surface our minds as our 10th Grade school year’s end approaches fast.
One of the first questions asked when Senior High is mentioned is, “What strand are you going to take?”; it really is easier to ask than to decide. The entirety of my Junior high school days, that question stuck in my head. Choosing a strand makes one debate between practicality and desire, and most of the time, practicality wins. In a lot of instances, students sort themselves in the strand that is more feasible, and less on the strand that their hearts want. But is SHS actually feasible itself? The Philippines’ employment-requirements still contain discrimination towards SHS-only graduates. “In the classified ads when they look for an employee, it’s always almost must be college graduate. They are disregarding senior high graduates. This must be changed. That already, senior high graduates are discriminated against.” Sen. Raffy Tulfo called out. As quoted, it is evident that most workplaces still require fully graduated college students to enter the workforce. And to note that the sole purpose of the K-12 curriculum was to open more job opportunities to those who struggle in completing college education, proves this purpose unattained. Leaving us students to question if it really is worth it.
Feasibility in line, the K-12 curriculum also challenges our citizens financially. One of the main reasons why the talk about the discontinuation of SHS is because of the difficulties about making ends meet. “It is a bit of a sacrifice but the yields, if we our education system right, will really be greater.” PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas says, declaring that SHS is a necessary financial sacrifice to consider, despite the country’s economic class ranges. Raagas then reasons that the exposure to workplaces through work immersions in SHS greatly benefits the students for their future in terms of work experience and training. Stating, “If you have a system that graduates people with better skills, they get to hire a competent workforce.”. It is a great enough reason to achieve in SHS because of the skills and experience you gain through work immersions, and additionally, for the better of the country’s work and labor quality. However, we must see secure job or internship opportunities for SHS graduates for the better of practicality.
The SHS curriculum is indeed beneficial to Filipino students in terms of developing academics, experience, and skill. However, the country fails to consider the potential of SHS graduates, leaving those efforts to waste. The Philippine workforces should recognize and become more open to SHS graduates in terms of internships and employment. As moving up Grade 10 students, this gives us security and confidence about SHS that it will be practically beneficial to us in the future, whether continuing college or not. In doing so, the implementation of the SHS curriculum serves its main purpose and finally gives our country something in return.
What Makes a St. Marian
by KIRSTEN CHRISTIANNE GOROSPE
St. Mary’s School has opened doors for their students to showcase their skills and talents in various activities. The school does not only focus on academics but it allows the students to discover and hone their skills in sports and arts, no matter what skills they have they will find a home here. What makes St. Mary’s School different from other schools? It is known to be a tight knit community, only having around 20 students per section making it easier for them to socialize with their batch. School events such as barn dance, intramurals, and the annual play sets it apart from other schools. These activities allow the students to develop camaraderie and complete their SMS experience. Listed down below are examples of some circumstances students may experience to call themselves a St. Marian.
A student can consider themself a St. Marian if they are able to accomplish their work on a short notice, for example the day before the event you were asked to perform or showcase your talent in either singing or dancing. If they have joined in a water gun fight during the school’s foundation days. If they have been handcuffed to their friend, crush, or stranger to raise funds for the prom. If they are not strong movers but were forced to become dancers for barn dance or cheer dance. If they have tried to find music for their presentations that nobody else will use. If they have found a reason to smile despite the heavy workload may it be because of their classmate or just to laugh their sorrows away. If they have joined the annual school play as a cast or crew member. If they have discovered a talent that they didn’t know of.
These are only some things that a student may experience. Anyone who goes in and out of the campus is considered a St. Marian whether you are currently a student or already an alumni. The school has taught its students to be well-rounded, not only prioritize their academics but also their extracurriculars, and mental health. It will always be considered the second home of new students, old students, alumni, and students at heart. Not a single memory will be forgotten because it will all come back as soon as you step foot on the campus. As they say, once a St. Marian, always a St. Marian.
Fostering empathy requires understanding between different generations. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and perspective, individuals can strengthen their communities by promoting inclusivity. So here are four things the older generation can learn from Gen Z.
1. Tech Savviness and Digital Literacy
Gen Z is adept at using technology to streamline tasks, automate processes, and find creative solutions to everyday problems. Older people can learn from this mentality too; for example, get into using productivity apps.
Technology enables access to diverse cultural resources, art, and global perspectives, it also facilitates seamless global communication. The internet offers immediate access to vast knowledge resources, empowering individuals to learn, research, and stay informed, easily and conveniently.
2. Social Awareness and Activism
Gen Z’s passion for social justice and activism stems from their strong sense of empathy, and desire for positive change. Growing up in an era marked by social and political upheaval, they are deeply aware of global issues such as climate change, racial injustice, and gender equality. Their inclusive attitudes, willingness to challenge norms, and dedication to making a difference reflect a collective commitment to creating a more equitable and just society for all.
3. Mental Health Awareness
Gen Z’s openness to discussing mental health problems and concentration on self-care make other generations realize the need to demystify mental health taboos. While intelligence aptitude is usually considered the central measurement of intellect, Gen Z is gradually demonstrating the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), as they can teach older people that taking care of one’s own mind should be put first. Additionally, older generations can advocate for policies that promote mental health awareness and accessibility to resources such as therapy and counselling.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility
Gen Z’s ability to embrace change, overcome uncertainty, and use technology and social connectivity to address difficulties is what makes them resilient and adaptable in a world that is changing quickly. Growing up in a time of rapid innovation and change, Gen Z has developed the ability to think creatively, accept different viewpoints, and swiftly adjust to new circumstances.
By accepting a growth mindset, seeking new experiences, embracing lifelong learning, and supporting flexible work arrangements, older generations can foster adaptability and flexibility. With these techniques, they may effectively manage change and be a role model for future generations.
The Truth Is Never Fully True
by DANIEL CHRISTOPHER GALUNA
On May 9, 2016, Filipinos went to the polls to form their next government. As expected, the populist, anti-establishment Rodrigo Duterte easily won the highest office of the land as his main rivals Grace Poe and Mar Roxas, were virtually tied for second place. The race for vice president proved to be a dead heat between Bongbong Marcos and Leni Robredo. In the end, Robredo clinched a narrow victory over Marcos by a margin of around six-tenths of a percentage point. While Duterte’s win was widely accepted, the Marcos camp chose to file an electoral protest. Robredo assumed the vice presidency on June 30. She continued in office and was able to finish her term amidst the said protest which was only resolved in February 2021, as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal unanimously ruled against claims of electoral fraud. Nonetheless, Marcos easily won the presidency in a rematch against Robredo in 2022 by achieving the biggest landslide in modern history. Up to this day, the Robredo victory eight years ago has not been universally accepted amongst Filipinos.
A lie becomes a fact when spread thousand-fold. While technological advancements have made it easier to live one’s life, these innovations have also made it less harder to identify the truth, as is the case for the many. Media manipulation in the form of deepfakes and fake news have caused the decline in truth reporting as it shall be called. It is agreed upon that the press no longer grounds itself on a singular truth. A 2023 report published by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism showed that in the Philippines alone, only one news network was deemed trustworthy by a majority of Filipinos. This correlates with a 38-point overall trust rating given by Filipinos on their news and the nation’s ranking of 132rd out of 180 in the RSF World Press Freedom Index. The media is no longer the undisputed voice of reason as it is now an arena for bringing life to personal agendas. The view that some media outlets, if not all, are there to spread propaganda characterizes what civilization has become. Thus, how does one tell their story vividly yet validly?
A creative touch gives more truth to an eyewitness account. When a journalist writes up a news article, they are expected to go straight to the point: no malice and no shenanigans. As such, objectivity has become the golden standard for journalism. Such a criterion becomes an irony on the side of the paper as one must never assume that every reader can comprehend the story being told. After all, context always matters. Even headlines are now being made to be understood by the broadest possible majority, especially in this time of decreasing literacy levels amongst children and adolescents. Considering this, journalists are granted another title slash burden on their shoulders: qualified storyteller. Not only must journalists identify which facts are relevant, they also have to figure out how to shape their scoops in the simplest way possible. However, if the point of journalism is to simply report the facts as they are, then why has the field not been fully automated yet? Is artificial intelligence not yet capable of replicating such processes?
Change is never objective. In fact, change is nothing without context. The idea of a context means that a subject is always in hindsight. One can never discuss, analyze, and even propose “change” without perspective. This may be deliberate or unintentional, depending on what is being envisioned. The proverbial nature of mankind teaches us that change is the only constant in the observable universe. Despite this, change can never be done nor dealt with on its own. A much-need companion comes to play: the truth.
The truth will no longer set you free. In this world of political correctness and moral compasses, there are no facts, only assumptions. The paradigms surrounding journalism support this. Those in the realms of the media will always have a viewpoint on matters of public importance, most especially if these become questions of fact. People do not want to know the truth, nor do they want to know who is saying the truth. They simply want to hear their ideal truth. This becomes a problem when the press is the first line of defense against any
attempt at distorting the truth. A dilemma becomes manifold as those in the media start to realize that they can be both guardian angel and devil’s advocate at the same time. Dictionaries tell us that journalism, as a core discipline, is grounded on what is true or not. This is called into question as the true purpose of a journalist becomes more vague as years pass by. After all, in the 21st century, there is no single definition of a journalist. As the proverb goes, its beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
The truth will never be universal ever again. Families will refrain from contemplating what seems to be true at the dinner table unless they are in for a series of squabbles. Friendships will solidify into assessments of loyalty, rather than into relationships guided by facts. More importantly, the validity of news articles will no longer be judged on their truth value but on their logical relevance towards a common view. As the creatives suffer from unwarranted comparisons with automated machinery, one advantage lies adamant which, if done well, will ensure its long standing relevance in this almost-automatic universe: its ability to maintain that human touch in the stories we tell every single day.
Hence, there is indeed narrative resonance in creative resistance. Assumptions of fact will never be sustained without first passing tests of artistic skepticism. Conscience and guilt are now concepts of the past. No matter if you are a journalist or not, the truth is no longer that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There is no single truth, nor is there a single standard in deciphering the truth. Lie detector tests serve no use other than to prove a point. Ideological leanings and political stances no longer discredit a journalistic piece. In fact, it can even do the opposite. As we enter the age of deception: nothing is true. As such, the question remains,
how does one tell their story vividly yet validly?
SIBYA 2024 in CDO
by RIONA YNA BERNABE
On June 29, 2024, student journalists from different schools converged in SIBYA 2024: The Twelfth Northern Mindanao Student Communicators Congress. It was held at SM CDO Downtown Premier with the theme
Narrative Resonance in Creative Resistance
Founded in 2012, SIBYA is an annual, student-led, and non-profit congress that continues to gather its participants from Northern Mindanao through invitations and promotions. SIBYA aims to pique the interest of journalists by covering various pressing issues and subjects of local, regional, and national journalism. It persists in spreading the importance of truthfulness and responsible journalism while examining historical and political issues through the lens of the media.
The event commenced with an introduction by The Crusaders Publication, highlighting three distinguished speakers from the fields of media and journalism. The first speaker, Mr. Neil Eco, who works for Altermedia People’s Alternative Media Network and strives to amplify the stories of the marginalized. The second speaker, Ms. Jaque Manabat,
is a multi-awarded winning multimedia journalist recognized for her innovative storytelling methods. Lastly, the third speaker, Ms. Chiara Zambrano, is the Chief-Correspondent for Conflict and Defense AT ABS-CBN Corporation. These experienced journalists were invited as speakers who dove into the theme “Narrative Resonance in Creative Resistance”. They tackled topics of historical distortion and revisionism, covered the importance of context, and told a story with compassion.
Aside from this, SIBYA held a photography and essay writing competition and the outgoing Editor-in-Chief of Blue Gold Visions, Daniel Christopher Galuna emerged as the Champion in the Essay Writing – High School Category with his award-winning essay that was entitled “The Truth Is Never Fully True”. Overall, the congress emphasized that journalism must consider its audience and the tone of its delivery. According to Ms. Zambrano, journalism is not about fame or bravado, it is about the context in the story and the eye for compassion, highlighting whose voices need to be heard. In her words, “Tell your story accurately, unapologetically, and assertively, or someone else will tell it for you”.
The 2024 student council elections ran from March 11-29 2024, with 24 student nominees randomly assigned to three parties after being selected by their year levels.
The Democratic Party, led by presidential candidate Mr. Third Madriaga, campaigned on promises of a more “listening and engaging student council.” Secondly, the Vox Party and their candidate, Ms.Rozvette Bernanbe, says, “Being president may be a difficult task, but I would like to help unite everyone and get along with each other”. Meanwhile, the Liberty Party, with Ms. Noel Ebabacol as their candidate wanted to “build a foundation necessary for our students to grow and expand their skills”.
On May 3, the Miting de Avance took place on May 3rd, hosted by Daniel Galuna and KC Gorospe, where each presidential candidate would deliver their sentiments, and persuade the audience why they should be voted.
The results of the election were posted on May 9, 2024. The Liberty candidate, Ms. Noel Ebabacol won the polls. She was in the lead with 45%, Ms. Bernabe with 41%, and Mr. Madriaga with 14%. Each candidate showed promising platforms, and all had their own opinions, but they all shared a similar goal to become the bridge between teachers and students, to become a strong foundation, and to create a student council to both serve and lead the students with a harmonious environment.
by YAKU MONTANO
Sedited by RIONA YNA BERNABE
t. Mary’s School (SMS) celebrated its first Christmas Family Festival on December 20, 2023. This event was organized by the Academic Council, consisting of Sir Chris Costello, Ma’am Maggie Costello, Ma’am Arcy Gabiana, Ma’am Pinky Polestico, Sir EJ Innes, and Sir Ian Zapanta. The efforts were further supported by Student Council President Gabrielle Estrella, and the Prom Committee Head Zyrah Abejuela.
According to Sir Ian, this was a catered event aimed to “bring back a tradition of the school where all the SMS community could gather and celebrate Christmas among SMS family”. The festival kicked off early in the day with the setup of stalls, followed by an early morning mass in the court, and later parlor games were held by the Student Council. Additional activities were scheduled for the afternoon. The main event of the day was the illumination of the Molave Tree in the evening, during which all attendees circled the tree while Dr. Marilou P. Costello delivered her address.
Following her address, the Christmas Variety Show began, featuring students displaying their skills to the crowd. The Grade School Choir Club and a guest, Mr. John Paul Romero, an alumna captivated the audience with their voices. Actors from the Year-Round Production of “Once on This Island” sang “We Dance”. While
Grade 11 students Summer Temple, Hira Palabrica, Charm Abaigar, Park Kyubin, Dukie Magto, and Erika Rotoras danced to “Bubble” by STAYC. Families were treated to a meal, and the evening concluded with the customary “Christmas Kringle”, a gift exchange event involving students from all year levels.
To conclude, the transpiring of the festival centered around family bonds. Lanterns were hung, and students showcased their diverse skills. As stated by the SC President Gabrielle Estrella, “There are many reasons to celebrate the Family Christmas Festival but what’s more important were the memories made within that day that will last for a lifetime, and perhaps even become a cherished SMS tradition for generations to follow.”
by CHESNA FELICITY SABANAL
On January 29, 2024, St Mary’s School (SMS) celebrated its annual English-AP Week. This Celebration is a four- day event in which students from Junior and Senior High demonstrate their skills and knowledge on the subjects’ various competitions that the school had prepared.
Teachers have described this celebration as an “educational and expressive event”, an event where students can build their confidence and curiosity. To kick things off, the first competition was Circle Story, where students from Grades 7-10 chooses their representatives and were given a topic and a limited amount of time to create a story on the spot. The second was the Poetry and Essay Contest, where the representatives will be given prompts to write about respectively. Third, was the Quiz Bee, where the representatives for the Grades 7-11 competes in a battle of knowledge. The speaker will give questions related to English or AP and the representatives will be given time to think of an answer and write it down. Lastly, the fourth event is the culmination. On the fourth day, students would gather and show off their
costumes, dressed up as their favorite characters from a book, an anime, or a tv show. The event then ended with the awarding ceremony for the winners of each contest, including the “Best in Costume” award.
The English-AP Week has aided the students in building up their confidence, and in polishing their knowledge in Filipino and World History, and in showcasing their talents for writing poetry and essays. This celebration will continue in the following school years and will also continue to shape the ‘hope’ and ‘future’ of our country.
by BERNICE LARA ARAGON
On February 23, 2024, St. Mary’s School (SMS) was abuzz with excitement, as students eagerly gathered for the anticipated MSIT (Math, Science, and Information Technology) Day. With classes set aside for the occasion, the campus became a hive of collaborative learning and spirited competition.
The day began promptly at 8:30 am, with students forming into pre-arranged groups to strategize for the main event – the “Enigma Stations.” These ten dynamic challenges were meticulously crafted to assess students’ proficiency in math, science, and information technology, setting the stage for an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience.
Following the team meetings, the official program kicked off at 9 am, featuring various activities under the theme of “Survival of the Fittest.” From the exhilarating MSIT Quiz Bee to the Science Bingo, students eagerly showcased their knowledge and skills across various disciplines, igniting a sense of enthusiasm among participants.
Before diving into the main event, everyone enjoyed a well-deserved lunch break, replenishing energy for the activities ahead. The teams also received a com-
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
prehensive orientation, ensuring they were adequately prepared and informed to tackle the obstacles awaiting them at the Enigma Stations.
As the afternoon unfolded, teams navigated through the Enigma Stations, encountering a dynamic mix of puzzles and hands-on challenges that put their problem-solving abilities to the test. Teachers, who were the station masters for the day, supervised these stations while grade 12 students provided assistance. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as students collaborated, employing their collective knowledge and cleverness to overcome each station’s unique obstacles.
As all teams finished the stations, the day ended in a simple awarding ceremony celebrating the achievements of the victorious teams. With smiles of satisfaction all around, everyone reflected on a day filled with camaraderie, intellectual stimulation, and the spirit of MSIT. As the event drew to a close, anticipation already swirled for the next MSIT Day, promising even greater excitement and discovery on the horizon.
According to multiple sources, Physical Education is a subject where students can engage in various physical activities and sports curtailed to improve their physical fitness, motor skills, and overall well-being. These activities may involve individual and team sports, dance, martial arts, fitness, and outdoor leisure activities, with a prime example being the Dragon-boating sport.
Dragon boating is a Chinese-originated water sport dating back 2,000 years ago (Nsw, n.d.). It comprises a team of people, paddling in long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails. Over the past decades, the sport gained popularity worldwide as a competitive and recreational activity such as in the Philippines where it has become a thriving part of the country’s sports and cultural scenery.
In AY 2018-2019, dragon boating was incorporated into the SHS Curriculum as part of the Physical Education subject at St. Mary’s School, making it the first Filipino school of its kind to do so. Prior to this, Mr. Ian H. Zapanta and some of his colleagues in the High School Faculty were already involved in dragon-boating and spearheaded the movement to include the sport in the academic curriculum. According to Mr. Zapanta, who is now the High School Principal and Sports Coordinator at SMS, the school collaborated with a parent, who was also the CEO of Dragon Boat Cagayan, to advance this project. After a year, the sport was introduced to the school’s Grade 12 students, where they had their first race and clinched third place in the Chinese New Year 18 Under Dragon Boat Competition.
However, due to the unprecedented pandemic, the dragon-boating experience in SMS came to a hiatus which lasted for a couple of years until it resumed in the AY 2022-2023, during which then-SMS student Jannen Kate Labrada was a part of the graduating batch. She described the experience as “tiring yet simultaneously enjoyable.” She added that the experience made her realize the vitality of unity within a team, as success does not only depend on having muscular and strong individuals, but also on maintaining effective communication.
To end, dragon-boating promotes body positivity as a sport and fosters teamwork and understanding among diverse team members, which are qualities that students could carry in their future endeavors as adults of the world. It is a significant and memorable experience for St. Marian students before they embark on their new journey after high school, which is their collegiate years. Mr. Zapanta hopes that students will continue to love their bodies, as he always says, “[a] healthy body has a health mind.”
The PH in the 2024 Olympics
by YANNAH ANGELA ABUCAY and BIANCA CZARINA RAZON
The opening of the Paris Olympics 2024 last July 26, was full of sparkling excitement and anticipation from the different athletes around the world. This year the Philippines participated in this quadrennial event of sports in Paris, France, showcasing not only athletic skills but also the country’s hard work, determination, and continuous pursuit of excellence. As the country prepared to participate in the world’s most prestigious and renowned sporting event, many investments, initiatives, and aspirations were made to support Filipino athletes on the international stage.
Among these athletes are outstanding stars like EJ Obiena and Nesthy Petecio, who have secured their spots through direct qualification. Recent successes, like Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have highlighted the country’s potential on the international platform. Their remarkable
skills in pole vaulting, boxing, and weightlifting show the Philippines’ potential in sports globally. However, some challenges remain such as lack of money and the need for better training facilities. These athletes along with others from different sports embody the value of resilience, talent, and determination that define Philippine sports. According to the Philippine Olympic Committee, Filipino athletes participated in a month-long training camp in France before the Paris Olympics. This intensive training program provided athletes with the necessary preparation, conditioning, and strategic planning to adjust, adapt, and excel in their respective sports during the event.
The Philippines opened a new chapter in history books for the country’s sports history. The “Golden Boy”, Carlos Yulo brings home two (2) gold medals in both the men’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise and vault finals. As to other
categories like boxing, Nesthy Petecio won silver in the women’s 57kg division. To complete the total medals obtained by the Philippines, Aira Villegas got the bronze medal in the women’s 50kg division. This marked the 100th year of participation of the country in the Olympics, having a total of 22 athletes as representatives.
Every participant in the Paris Olympics never missed and disappointed their hometown. We witnessed incredible displays of skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship, inspiring and uniting people from all over the world. The Filipino athletes raised the flag full of pride and joy as they fulfill their dreams in playing in an international sporting event. We continue to stay thrilled and honored to have talented citizens like these people, this achievement will surely serve as a stepping stone to aspiring athletes in the country.
Miles to Smiles: The MAC Fun Run Comeback
by BIANCA CZARINA RAZON
St. Mary’s School kicked off the year 2024 with the annual Michael A. Costello Fun Run at the Cagayan de Oro City River Boulevard, marking its return after 4 years.
The starting line was filled with enthusiasm from the runners who participated in this joyous event. The fun run featured three categories: 1k, 3k, and 5k. Participants who excelled in each category showed their determination and passion towards gaining a position on the podium. The River Boulevard was overflowing with positive energy from the
community up to the last mile.
One of the people who made this event possible was Mr. Ian H. Zapanta, the High School Principal and race director. He ensured that all participants had a safe yet enjoyable race. According to Mr. Zapanta, “[t] he plan is to generate funds through the MAC Fun Run to expedite for the annual play expenses in which the proceeds of the play will go to the MAC scholarship program.” As one of the P.E. teachers, his vision is to inspire everyone to be physically healthy through exercising, and to be eager to do fitness activities
which are considered as a satisfaction to his goal.
The MAC Fun Run is one of the annual events help by the school to support funding for MAC scholarship recipients, with all proceeds directly benefiting the scholarship foundation. With the support of the entire SMS community, they were able to make a difference through this event. Their unwavering support demonstrated their care and exemplified the true meaning of family, showcasing St. Mary’s School’s commitment to providing students holistic development.
