The Eaglet Publication 2019-2020 Magazine by The Eaglet

The

Eaglet VOLUME 33 NO. 2 SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF THE BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN - BACOLOD

Highlights

EDITOR’S NOTE p. 1

OPINION p. 2

NEWS p. 6

TRAVEL & EXPLORE

p. 16

FEATURE

SCITECH

p. 8

p. 13

ENTERTAINMENT p. 19

About the Cover

Editor's Note

The cover shows the making of a soon to be an alluring and exceptional building. Its prolonged construction has a reason, to give the Augustinian students a sublime experience when its time for completion has come. Behind its serene cover are the hardworking and conscientious workers taking time in rebuilding the gym. Every great thing takes time, no matter how small or big it may be. We shouldn’t expect good things to happen so soon, because rushing things may lead to cheap outcomes. Any idea, skill, or even monuments take time to be dictated into a good one. In conclusion, if any good thing happens, remember that it carries a story in itself, stories that people have invested great amounts of time into it. We should always keep in mind that we should never judge a book by its cover.

The Eaglet STAFF BOX - SCHOOL YEAR 2019-2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Therese Erika Gomez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Angelica Calvo MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Tingson

SPORTS Irish Claire Osorio OPINION Daniel Mohammadi Alysa Villanos SCITECH Josef Alpas Adrian Sean Torres

NEWS Precious Amethyst Agustin Jael Mathea Tipon

PHOTOJOURNALISTS Jean Margaret Ortega Martina Mantuano

FEATURE Eula Marie Victoriano Irish Guarra Francheska Castroverde

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Gavereal Cahilig COMIC ARTIST Joedy Arroyo

by Therese Gomez

Change. It is the only thing that’s constant in this world. We grow. We learn. We experience. I believe that these three factors contribute greatly to our success in changing for the better. But, there are also fears that are holding us back from making that important decision to change. “What if I’ll fail?”, “What would others say about me?” These are questions that linger in our minds as we contemplate and they are like chains that we need to break free from. Change is never going to be easy. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows. At some point, we may even get discouraged, leading us to stop following our dreams. However, we must remember that we’re not doing this transformation for the opinion of other people. We are not doing this to please others. We are doing this for ourselves because we want to feel good and make the most out of life. It’s okay to take a little rest. Take your time. What’s important is that we keep going. Slowly and surely, we’ll get there.

GRADE SCHOOL STAFF Renee Zoie Margaja Lanz Theus Paderes Christopher James Lagarta Yasmin Kate Tarroja Jurrien Fremourene Dubouzet Lianne Genita Ardee Vinette Bunda

When we try to change for the better, we envision the results - the goals that we want to attain. That’s good because that can also be our motivation. However, why not try focusing on the journey and the process? Let us get rid of the mindset that we will only love ourselves when we reach a certain goal or achievement. As we get closer to our ambitions, we should try to learn more about strengths and weaknesses. Eventually, our knwoledge about our character will lead us to self-love. By then, we will be able to embrace change fully. Always remember that it’s never too late to change and when you do choose to take that step, do it for the better you.

HIGH SCHOOL STAFF Gwenyth Marie Mendoza Genelle Quizan Angel Brizo Ana Yzabelle Berbenzana Juan Alexandros dela Banda TECHNICAL ADVISER Ms. Marifel Chavez PRINICIPAL Mrs. Donah Banaticla BED REGENT Rev. Fr. Patrick Paul de Castro, OSA

The Eaglet is published by the student body of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod Basic Education Department. Views, comments, opinions, articles, or news, etc. found herein are personal to the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the school and its administrators.

Opinion

Teenage Depression:

dUTERTE'S PRESIDENCY:

SILENT BUT DEADLY by Matthew Tingson

According to the Department of Health (DOH), 3.3 million Filipino teenagers suffer from depression and they do not know how to deal themselves. The following factors contribute to the increase of such mental illness: social media, cyberbullying, self-shaming, stress and pressure. You will know if you have depression if you have these following symptoms:

A Big Impact on the Filipinos

1) emotional changes, such as feeling of sadness, frustrations, hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest and pleasure, low self-esteem, worthlessness and frequent thoughts of death 2) behavioral changes, such as; tiredness, insomnia or sleeping too much, changes in appetite, use of alcohol or drugs, agitation, slow thinking, frequent complaints, social isolation, less attention to personal hygiene, angry outburst, and selfharm. Depression is very dangerous and can lead to suicide. If such symptoms continue, begin to think on how to stop them and seek help from professionals. Here are some ways on how to deal with depression. 1) Reach out and stay connected. Look for support from people who make you feel safe. Being surrounded by positivity will lift your spirits. 2) Do things that make you feel good. Do your favorite hobbies. 3) Get moving. Exercise is something you can do to loosen your mood, or take a dog for a walk. 4) Eat a healthy diet. What you eat has a direct impact on the way you feel so reduce your intake of foods that contain high amounts of caffeine, alcohol, trans fat, and chemical preservatives. These adversely affect your mood. 5) Get a daily dose of sunlight. Sunlight can help boost serotonin levels and improve your disposition. 6) Channel negative energy. Try painting, dancing, and/or any recreational activities in order to get your mind off of things. Don’t be afraid to seek help from professionals and family members. Thus, we need to fight against depression to promote a positive way of thinking. We have to be strong and aware of our loved ones and learn to help them when they need us.

by Matthew Tingson

Duterte’s platforms and projects for the Philippines lead to the future change dreaming of from his Administration. But how are we going to deal with it? Are we capable enough to see and understand what his future dream here in the country is? Is he capable enough to face the real challenges and difficulties the Filipinos are experiencing?

EJK, and the War on Drugs. These let the people believe that “this administration is a brutal one”. The administration made the Philippines a “conjugal presidency and government”.

Somewhat, Duterte made some spots in the Philippines well-taken care of. He rehabilitated Boracay in Malay, Aklan for 9 months and developed a better sewage system. He started Duterte’s presidency still remains a implementing road, street and infrastructure mind-boggling topic towards the Filipinos. His works for the BUILD, BUILD, BUILD project. platforms stated that he will change the systemized government of the Philippines. Some of his Duterte’s presidency made the Filipinos trust supporters believed in his projects, but many the administration and Duterte, himself. The chose to criticize. His slogan, “Change is com- president made a lot and gave his best, along ing.” makes the people wonder about the cer- with his cabinet members. More projects and tainty of his goals for the country during reign. platforms are being implemented by the administration. We can’t deny the brutality when the Most of the masses are bashing them on implementation of certain projects started, but how they are working for the development of then again, his administration paved way for the country. It seems that their projects make better discipline and nationalism. the people scared and disappointed. During his administration now, certain issues came up such as the implementation of the TRAIN Law,

Opinion

tALENT OR hARDWORK?

by Francheska Castroverde

People nowadays tend to do sex, use drugs and get drunk like it’s normal. Some may say that this is their thing after getting broken because of love. But, is this truly the definition of love?

Hard work can explore new

horizons of talents. For instance,

learning piano lessons to eventually

orres an T

elle Q u Gen iz

We can’t avoid different problems coming in unto us. But if you truly love each other, no difficulty can destroy your relationship. One of the main problems is having a third party. One of you may be tempted to cheat, but always remember that when you decide on doing this, there are a lot of consequences. You need choose between your short-lived happiness and someone you love and grown into.

Adr ia work beats talent. Hard

For me, hard work is more important. What is talent without hard work? We can’t develop our talents when we are not working hard. When we work hard, we can improve and achieve more. With hard work, we can succeed in everything we do, because hard work with the right attitude is the key to success.

Love has many definitions depending on how you understand it. Putting yourself in a relationship would also change your lifestyle. Being in a girl-boy relationship is normal but age does always matter. Age does matter in the sense of adulting. Being in a relationship means developing a lot of mature emotions. But without enough time, will your relationship last long?

nne S o l d lle A e v i Ne

BREAKUPS

lla

THE

Impact of

We all know that talent and hard work pay off, and result to success. In other words, you become more revolutionary, artistic, and original. Hard work. It is truly applicable to anyone who is already used to it. It also refers to the continuous commitment towards the particular goal of a person. Talent. It is the natural ability of a person. For me, both of them are useful and convenient, because there is a saying that says, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. Whereas hard work is more important than talent as talent will only carry one so far. If one is not willing to put in the work to harvest and cultivate their talents, then the talent itself is essentially useless.”

become one of your talents requires hard

work. After months of aggressiveness and

drive to play music, you might have perfect-

ed the right tone and rhythm of the melody.

Doing inappropriate things due to this isn’t normal at all. Having break ups would even teach you a number of life lessons. It could be your inspiration to do things that would lead you towards a better future. Don’t let love kill you. Instead, let love be your guide towards your destiny.

Dancing is another example. It also needs hard work to perfect graceful moves and hard steps. Thus, practicing really hard is vital. Hard work can enhance in-born talents.

4 5

News

TEATRO AGUSTINO, dumalo sa iba’t ibang HANAS workshops

Ika-57 Foundation Day, pinangdiriwang ng mga Agustino

Jael Mathea Tipon Jael Mathea Tipon Dinaluhan ng mga miyembro ng Teatro Agustino ng Basic Education Department sa Junior High School ang iba’t ibang HANAS workshops na ginanap sa Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod at Negros Museum noong nakaraang bakasyon. Ayon din sa Festival Director ng HANAS worshops na si Mr. Rudy Reveche ay ginawa ang HANAS Scholarship Program upang mas lalong mahanas ang galing at talento ng mga mag-aaral dito sa Bacolod at buong Negros Occidental. Itong programa ay nagsimula noong Disyembre at mayroong iba’t ibang workshops dito gaya ng; Playwriting workshop, Screenwriting workshop, Editing, Voice and Movement, Asian Dances, Film workshops, Acting workshops at marami pang iba. 6

Ang nasabing programa ay sinusuportahan ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Colegio San Agustin Bacolod, The Negros Museum at iba pa. Nakatanggap ng mga sertipiko ang mga nakakumpleto ng 120 hours sa pagdalo sa iba’t ibang workshops noong Agosto 2019. “HANAS”, mayroong dalawang ibig sabihin, una ay ang magaling ka na, expert o napag-ensayo mo na nang mabuti at ang ikalawa naman ay ang mahanas ang galing ng bawat mag-aaral.

Sabay-sabay na pinangdiriwang ng mga Agustinong mag-aaral, guro at mamamayan ang ika-57th Foundation Day ng Colegio San Agustion Bacolod noong July 8, 2019 na ginanap sa CSA-B Open Court. LOVE: The Augustinian Path to Communion and Solidarity”, iyan ang tema ng nasabing okasyon na nangangahulugang tayo ay makakapagbigay ng pagmamahal sa pamamagitan ng pantay-pantay na pagtingin sa bawat isa. Sinimulan ang programa sa pamamagitan ng Institutional Mass sa umaga at pagkatapos ay nagkaroon ng maikling programa.

Kasabay rin dito ang Induction ng mga bagong Student Affairs Ogranization o SAO Officers upang masimulang mamahala sa Junior High School at maging isang magandang ehemplo sa mga kapwa nila mag-aaral, ito rin ay nasundan ng Acquaintance party ng Senior High School and College Department. Ang araw na ito ay nakabuo ng mga bagong masasayang alaala at ito rin ang kauna-unahang Institutional program na kung saan ay makikita ang pagkakaisa at pagpasok sa panibagong paglalakbay ngayong school year 2019-2020.

Feature

The Hearts of Today’s Generation in the Walks of Time

Villa San Agustin Campus Celebrates Buwan ng Wika

by Irish Guarra

Ever since the world has been masterfully created by God, changes and developments preceded. The more developed learning process comes by, and changes the ways of the learners of the 21st century. Learning was developed to illustrate the skills and knowledge of the students. Schools focus on promoting the understanding of academics to a higher level. Students are exposed to technology and media, thus giving them the chance to become better learners. The 21st century learners denote that they are capable of many skills from a wide variety of subjects. Technology makes learning easy. Students in this generation are more artful compared to past learners as the teaching strategies today are more immersive. Learning is not just about books and theories in the four corners of the classroom. Learning is about real-life experiences and being able to handle real-life challenges. Millennials are known to be self absorbed. But they are not, they are just eager to learn. They are active, smart and creative in many different ways. They are indeed prepared for the innovative and dynamic future for they learn a monolithic amount of knowledge in a given amount of time. They are preeminent and perceive things as beauty. The shaping of the minds of the future generation is important for them to adapt in this forever changing world. The 21st century learners have a deep understanding of the world and they can make sound decisions economically and logically. Learners today are more flexible and ready for the big future ahead. Whatever may come, the 21st century learners remain focused on the desire to make this world a better place. Thus, our love and support are greatly needed. 8

by Irish Guarra The students of the Villa San Agustin Campus made their entrance at the Multipurpose hall in their stunning and quaint Filipino attire for the Buwan ng Wika celebration last August 23, 2019, with the theme, ‘Wikang Katutubo, Tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino’. The smiles on their faces and dazzling attire showed that the Filipino culture is still alive in their hearts. Excitement and admiration are in the eyes of the visitors and parents who came to witness the celebration. The program started with the words of wisdom shared by Teacher Yen and Sir Gilbert. After that, the beaming crowd were hyped as the declamation contestants of intermediate and grade levels took the stage with confidence. The judges watched their performances and the audience cheered blissfully as they unleashed their skills. The crowd was even more excited when the dance performance of every grade level started. Dancers in their Filipino attires moved with ease as they danced to the rhythm of authentic Filipino songs. Supportive parents show their pride as they take pictures and videos during each performance. The program in the multipurpose hall ended but the fleet of fun continued in every classroom. The dazzling decorations made by the parents and teachers for the “Salo Salong Pinoy” astonished every eye. Different Filipino dishes brought by each student, such as pancit, puto, kuchinta, adobo, chicken barbeque, loads of fruits and many more are beguilingly presented on the table. Before filling the stomachs of students with the mouth-watering dishes, Filipino games such as ‘going to the market’ and others were played. It was a celebration of happiness and values – a successful event. The day ends with the hearts of every student filled with gratitude and minds that understand the meaning of the celebration. Buwan ng Wika depicts our Filipino culture and it reminds us of the treasure that we have as Filipinos in the past, present, and future.

Feature

The Paper Paradise

Feature

The Honesty of Augustinians

by Gwyneth Mendoza, Angelica Calvo, Jean Ortega, Genelle Quizan

Abortion, suicide, and drug addiction are counted to be a few of the many main problems faced by the society in today’s generation. A short play entitled, “Paraisong Papel”, directed and written by Mr. Fundador Tipon II was made to be performed in the different theatre festivals last February 2019.

What attracts a person the most is your honesty to yourself to God. Two young Augustinians, grade 5 students Joe Juayong and Mark Colangoy, returned a wallet to its owner, grade 9 student Kurt Victor Treyes. The story goes as how Saint Augustine had inspired his young Augustinians by his values and moral beliefs.

The play mainly focuses on the trials that most Filipino teens are facing. It was about three kids named Klarisa, a girl who was living far away from her family which was the cause of her suicide. Sergio, a boy who was mistaken to be an illegal drug user, and Liway a girl who didn’t even get a chance to see the world for she was a victim of abortion. They were in a paper boat owned by Landong. The short play was performed by alternate persons with the same characters namely Mandela Marie F. Diadio and Francheska Joan E. Castroverde portraying Klarisa. John Daniel Macadangdang and Charles Vincent M. Hedriana for the character of Sergio ,Arlian Contemplacion and Marielle Grace Adrias as Liway.

It all started from a simple walk to the boy’s restroom when they found a wallet. A question might pop up into your mind, “Were they tempted to keep it?”. They truthfully told us that they really wanted to return it since they didn’t know what to do with it as well. They immediately did what a student would do in this situation: They went to the principal’s office and surrendered the wallet to the student intern. In order for them to know whose wallet it is, they opened it and found an I.D of a grade 9 student. The wallet was said to contain a large amount of money.

The play was performed in the theatre festivals, Kuris Theatre Festival, Tugabang Arts Festival, Iloilo Theater Festival, and was performed again during the BED play festival. Cast and Production crews were from Teatro Agustino Club headed by Therese Erika Gomez, their club chairman and company, being facilitated by their adviser Mr. Fundador Tipon II.

Even the simplest actions can bring so much happiness to a person. As Augustinians, we should take it as an inspiration to do more for our generation. According to Saint Augustine, “The truth is like a lion, you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose, it will defend itself.” Indeed, the truth will set us free. 11

by Francheska Castroverde

Feature

The Greatest Threat by Eula Marie Victoriano

When we think of culture, we think of social systems that bring up the full potential. We need to respect it because it possesses the soul. But is there no problem at all? Religion is the belief that we need to worship our personal gods. It’s important because it shapes people’s behavior, customs, traditions, beliefs, and ultimately morals. Most people think that religion unites us but there is one disadvantage to that. Since religion consists of many rules and regulations on how to behave and etc., according to many researchers on the internet, scientists have found that religion is dividing early societies instead of uniting them. Thus, due to human imperfection, religion has become corrupted, political, divisive and a tool for power struggle. For some people, it’s illogical to say that religion divides us. However, religion can divide communities as it creates and emphasizes differences in beliefs and opinions between people. This will result in conflict, tension and even the greatest threat beneath our lives: discrimination. Discrimination is the unjust or prejudical treatment of different catagories of people and things. It is a means of treating a person unfairly because they possess certain characteristics that are foreign to some. There are 9 types of discrimination: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. As always, religious discrimination affects every single country. From Western Countries and Middle East, to Southern Asia. Today, it’s still ongoing and many people have debates on whether it unites or not. But let’s not forget this: We need to stop the stereotypes and stigmas because each of us is entitled to our own belief. As long as we have our morals intact, religion will never again be a barrier. 12

Memes : Laughter for the People

SciTech

by Adrian Sean Torres

It’s not every day that you see something funny. In this gray and gloomy world, we need something to lighten up the mood. This is where the internet phenomenon, “memes” come in. Memes are jokes that are illustrated and often feature humor. It is something that we can relate to and laugh at when we are anguished. There are different kinds of memes. The Classics are memes with mascots and jokes. Example of this is the “Thinking Velociraptor.” The Trenders are what we get in our era. They burn out for after a month, and then disappear forever. Another type of meme is the One-Hitters, which are really rare pictures with equally rare captions. One of the greatest types of meme is the Wholesome Memes, which feature really cute animals or babies to make depressed people lift their spirits up. But there are memes also that endanger people’s lives. On July 27, this year, Matty Roberts, 21, created a Facebook event called, “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us.” The raid was supposed to happen on September 20, this year. The US Government has warned the citizens not to raid the Nevada air base. 150 people arrived at the air base, making no attempt to pass through the gate. One was arrested for public urination, and the other for trespassing. No matter what memes are, they are a beauty for people. They provide happiness and laughter to people of all ages. The beauty of memes is that, even though some are completely useless, or are educational, they make people laugh. Wherever you are, whatever you are, memes will always cheer you up. It’s every day that you see something funny. But with memes, it makes it worth it to laugh. When you think you’re a failure, or think that you’re useless, memes can cheer you up. 13

SciTech

h i v: A Disease that We should Consider

SciTech

by Athalia Juanillo

The world before is filled with dangers that could harm us greatly and it continues to rapidly develop greatly in this time. There are so many dangers that could harm us like accidents, natural hazards and many more, and one of the most deadly are diseases and infections that sometimes has no cure. And HIV is a disease or infection that the world has been facing, is facing and will be facing. HIV stands for “human immunodeficiency virus”. HIV is actually a virus, a virus that spreads through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. According to Hiv.gov, it is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, if not treated. HIV is different from other viruses because the human body cannot get rid of HIV completely, even with treatment. Meaning, once you have HIV, you’re bound to it your whole life. As of today there is still no cure for it but with the proper medication, HIV can somehow be controlled. There is a medicine called ‘antiretroviral therapy’ or ART. Though it cannot completely erase HIV, it is recommended to patients who have this virus to somehow prolong their lives, lower their chances of infecting others and most importantly, it can help them stay healthy because once their health lowers or their immune system, they could have a high chance of dying. That is why their doctors recommend them to take it everyday. If not undergoing proper medication, your HIV can get worse and it gets worse by stages. There are three stages of HIV: Acute HIV infection, clinical latency and of course, AIDS or ‘acquired immunodeficiency syndrome’. Acute HIV Infection is the first stage of HIV. Within 2 to 4 weeks after being infected, many but not all develop flu-like symptoms that is often described as the “worst flu ever”. Symptoms of this stage include fever, swollen glands, sore throat, rash, muscle and joint aches and pains, and headache. If ever you are undergoing any of these symptoms or are already in the Acute stage it is best to consult your doctor and take the prescribed medication. The second stage is the Clinical Latency. “Latency” means a period where a virus is living or developing in a person without producing symptoms. People in this stage do not experience any symptoms or only mild ones. During the clinical latency stage, the HIV virus continues to reproduce at very low levels, even if it cannot be detected with standard laboratory tests. If a person with Clinical Latency goes through ART, they may live with this stage for decades and not progress to AIDS. The last stage is AIDS. This is when the immune system has already been damaged badly or severely and you can become vulnerable to any infection. Without treatment, people with AIDS can survive for about 3 years. Once you have a dangerous opportunistic illness, life-expectancy without treatment falls to about 1 year. ART can be helpful for people who have AIDS when diagnosed and can be lifesaving. HIV is indeed dangerous, so that is why we should always be careful of our choices and things we do. We should always be concerned of our health and our own body. 14

Pagbabago ng Mundo ni Josef Andrei Alpas

Ang Artifical Intelligience ay ginawa para magbigay utak sa isang programa o makina. Kaya nitong magsagot ng problemang mathematika, basahin ang susunod na galaw sa paglaro ng chess, at ang kinakatakutan ay kaya nitong alamin paano gamitin ang mga delikadong armas. Ito ay pinagaralan sa ngayon upang maiwasan ang trahedya at ayon sa eksperto, kaya nitong lagpasan ang kakayahan ng tao sa anumang bagay. Ang mga sistema ng AI ay nauna nang kumuha ng libu-libo, kung hindi milyon-milyong mga trabaho. Kaya’t lumalabas na ang mga cashier, receptionist, telemarketer, at mga teller sa bangko. Meron na ding sasakyan na nagmamaneho sa sarili, drone na nag gumagana gamit ang sarili, at iba pang mga conveyor. Ang mga pabrika ay nagiging ganap na ng makina, sa gayon man paghugas ng kotse, at mga sinehan. Nanganganib na ang trabaho ng mamayan sa pamamagitan ng mabilis na pagpabuti ng mga algorithm ng maaring magtipon ng impormasyon at maihatid ito nang mas mabilis, at mas tumpak. Ngunit habang nagbabago ang lipunan upang mapaunlakan ang buong mundo ng serbisyo sa makina, magbubukas din ito ng mga bagong trabaho para sa susunod na henerasyon. Pagsusulat ng software, pag-aayos at pagpapanatili ng mga robot, at pagbuo ng bago at mas mahusay na mga sistema. Ang mga makina ay nauna ring kumuha ng mapanganib na mga trabaho. Ang pagampanan sa trabaho ng bombero, pagmimina, pag-drill ng langis sa dagat, konstruksyon, at iba pang mga trabaho na may mataas na dami ng namamatay ay papalitan ng mga makina na hindi maaaring magkasakit o masaktan. Hindi namin alam kung ano ang magiging hitsura ng isang buong-manggagawa sa AI, ngunit maraming mga ekonomista ang naniniwala na ang mundo ay maaaring maging mas maliwanag at mas mapalad na lugar sa mga makina na kumukuha ng mas mapurol at mapanganib na mga trabaho. Sa mas maraming pag-aaral ng A.I., mas malinaw na nagiging malawak ang sakop ng kapangyarihang at iyo ay may malaking responsibilidad. Tulad ng sinusubukan ng mga futurist na magplano ng isang mabilis na pagbabago at pagsulong sa mundo. Kaunti lamang ang mga kumokontrol sa pinakabagong mga pambihirang tagumpay sa pagkolekta ng data, pagproseso, at pagsusuri, at habang inaasahan naman na makakatulong ang AI na isulong ang pagbabago sa ating lipunan ay may posibilidad na gamitin ito sa masamang paraan na tutungo sa pagkasira ng ating pamahalaan.

Travel & Explore

The More We Plant Trees

The augustinian bond in boracay version 2.0 BY JOEY SUCLAN

by Emily Joy Maraňon

From childhood, we have heard that tress are our best friend but in real life, we did not see anyone who treats trees as their best friends even though they are the most important source of life on earth. We all know that tress have a lot of benefits for us. They are connected to us and to all the living form on earth for they maintain the natural balance. It was very early in the morning and the sun has not come out yet. I and the other selected faculty members and other participating schools of the said activity trod the path to Sitio Campuestuhan, Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay City to join in the Tree Growing Activity of Community Extension Program Office of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod in partnership with Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA). This activity aimed to convey the message that our best friends needed to be saved from rapid cutting. Cutting trees means destroying life on earth. Human must be aware and serious of this issue and start doing their best to save the tress and land to avoid landslide. This small step not only could help our mother earth maintain the balance of nature, also spared us human beings from extinction. So, the time has come that we should be responsible of our actions and start ways to save our best friends. 16

Exciting. Splashing. Fascinating. These are the things I can say with the Summer trip of the Augustinian family in Boracay Island last April 5-8, 2019. The said trip was facilitated by the FEASA officers and the school administrators. More smiles were shared and more experiences were gathered along the way from our Home, Our school, CSA-B going to Dumangas port to Caticlan and finally arrived in the latest renewed Boracay Island. 17

Entertainment

MATH IS EASY Exciting. Everybody is very eager to witness once more the beauty of this place after the total rehabilitation. It has been inculcated in every spirit that once you are in to this tourist destination, you will be amazed of the experiences that you may get and be captured by the different authentic views. More than the feeling of excitement, the Augustinian family was able to hold a talk on Environmental Awareness by Professor Nestor Yungue, a truly blooded environmentalist. The main aim of the activity is to propagate awareness and knowledge about caring our environment. Afterwhich, more exciting moments happened as we gathered in the banquet of Eucharistic celebration and started the adventure by strolling, swimming, and resting in any comfortable zone as far as the white sand be your guide way back home. In late afternoon, the members of the educative family feel more excited playing Bingo with significant prizes awaits them. As time went on, the Malibu Night was the focus of everyone most especially preparing the candidates for the search and some talent show.

BY GAVE REAL CAHILIG

Splashing. And the Malibu Night comes with splashing colored concept, variety of distinct costumes, and different rare talents. The program was highlighted with the search and the dance as to celebrate the gift of family. Everyone may have different move and groove, dancing differently on the floor but amazingly enjoying the show. The next morning, island hopping and land tour was held to add more the extraordinary and captivating memories. Splashing into the deep, seeing more sea creatures below, and tasting the authentic sea food over and over again made everybody enjoy life, itself. Fascinating. The trip is beyond expectations. I can really say that the wonderful things I’ve seen in this island gives me the best reason to be motivated in everything that I do because God would always offers us the best in everything. This life experience would not that fascinating without the presence of each of the Augustinians. I’ve enjoyed the trip because of them. Boracay is really a great place to go but this would be more significant if you are with your family, the Augustinian Educative Community. Therefore, the joy of being an Augustinian is like exploring the Boracay Island. Filling your spirit with excitement, making more splashing experiences, and taking every moment a fascinating chance. 18

Entertainment

The Introduction BY GAVE REAL CAHILIG

Break Na Tayo BY GAVE REAL CAHILIG

Must See, Must Read: The Underland Chronicles BOOK REVIEW BY IRISH GUARRA

In capturing the feel of being bonded, The Underland Chronicles is indeed the perfect metaphor. It is a story where love and sorrow synchronized, making an elegant coexistence. The book series ‘The Underland Chronicles’ is an epic fantasy composed of five novels, written by Suzanne Collins and first published between 2003 and 2007. It is a story of an eleven year-old Gregor and his adventures in the Underland, a hidden land under New York City. The captivating first book, Gregor the Overlander tells the story of Gregor; who followed his little sister, Boots, and fell in an opening in the wall of their apartment’s laundry home and perceived a cavernous atmosphere beneath New York City. His desire was just to go back home safe and sound until he discovered that he was involved in a prophecy that foretells the future of the Underland.

Gregor was drawn into a deeper crisis in the book four; Gregor and the Marks of Secrets. The rats as the Gnawers, headed by Bane, drawn the Mice out of Regalia and driven them into the Firelands, a place where the air is toxic and ashy. Luxa, the queen of Regalia wanted to help the mice. Gregor falls in love with Luxa and they work together to stop the Gnawers from killing the Mice and their human protectors. Book five, Gregor and the Code of Claw, the last book is the greatest challenge for Gregor and on to his family. The last prophecy, which everyone in the Underland is keeping it a secret from him. Sandwich’ last prophecy, The Prophecy of Time, calls out for Gregor’s death. He must have the courage to face the battle. A war to end all wars, a downcast and crestfallen encounter happened. It challenges his will to live and his love for the Underland which he never knew had been growing. How ironic it is that a year ago, he cared nothing about this creepy place under New York, with human size bats and rats, but now the table was turned. He wanted to protect the land and also, to bring his family back home. The fifth book will reveal a new princess, and a code to be cracked. Even though swords are clashing, bloods are spreading and some lives vanished, the story have an anti violence concept that Gregor wonders if he couldn’t have succeeded without even the enemy rats being harmed. He wanted another solution that could make humans and rats unite without hurting or banishing anyone. He conveys the message that we should value everyone who sacrificed themselves just for us to have this moment where we could make things right again, where we should stop harming each other. Instead, we should make a bond with our enemies; there will be no treaties, so that everyone could live in peace. Gregor empathy erased everyone’s wrath that voiced their complaints. This is a great masterpiece that honestly moved my heart upon finishing reading the five books. There are strong characters, vivid descriptions, flawless pacing, breathless excitement, laughs and cries, and a unique platform that makes this story different from other fantasy stories.

Through the prophecy founded by Bartholomew of Sandwich years ago, the Underlanders named Gregor the ‘warrior’ and his sister Boots, the ‘princess’. His father is also involved; whom who had been missing for almost two years. He encountered an army of rats who wish to eradicate humans in the Underland. Together with his sister and other Underlanders, they continued the journey. This conveys his love for his father and his sister that whatever the circumstances are, he would risk his life to send them back home to the Overland where his family is waiting. But it turns to be very hard since another prophecy blocked his inner peace, in the second book; Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane; he is expected to kill a hidden enemy who’s long forgotten. The Regalians convinced him to kill the rat Bane, whom they believed will lead the army of Gnawers that will conquer the Underland. He never thought of a coalition between him, the Underlanders, and Bane who would mourn the fact that although he is able to read, he cannot write because he has no thumb. Gregor encountered a lot of struggles, including the deaths of some friends. In the third book, Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods, the warm bloods in the Underland, which includes the humans, bats and rats, is now a blood borne death. A plague spreads in the Underland. When they arrive in the subterranean city, the plague is spreading and one of Gregor’s closest companions Ares and his mother are victims and lie dying in the Regalian hospital. A quest to find a cure in the dangerous underground called the Jungle was organized. Only then does Gregor begin to understand how the illness plays with the fate of all warm-blooded creatures.