BNHS Grabs “Best Webpage Design” Title... page 2 CONGRATULATIONS!
GRADUATE OF BATCH 2009-2010
Get to Know Vol. XC
No.2
Balanga City, Bataan
November 2009- March 2010
Hon. Jonathan E. Malaya
Page 6
BNHS Undergoes Earthquake Drill By: Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla
“I am very happy with the satisfactory performance of the earthquake drill in our school, considering the fact that it was our first time and that at least, we are a little bit prepared now if ever such calamity strikes our country. I am also very thankful to our dearest governor and mayor because of this kind of training. This is a very helpful advantage for us to be ready in case of any earthquake occurrence in our school.” Thus emphasized by Dr. Simeona B. Emata, school principal, after students went through the earthquake drill. Such training was conducted to exercise the preparedness of the students and the teachers, held this 17th of March. Students and teachers applied what they have learned on the recent orientation about calamity readiness. Moreover, the said drill was made possible through the help of City Disasters Operation Center (CDOC), headed by Engr. Noli A. Dizon in cooperation with the City Rescue Medic Team (CRMT), composed
Ass. Sec. of DepEd to Grace BNHS Graduation By: Ralphe Lawrenze Alarcon
BNHS participates in the earthquake drill which educates teachers and students proper training for such possible earthquake situations.
of volunteer nurses, and also in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire (BOF) whose members were F02 Louis B. Magpoc, F02 Francisco B. Vereña, Jr., F01 Romelito Pacled, F01 Carlos G. Bugay, FB Rechel Domingo and F01 Maritess Emperial. In addition to this, the whole event was then covered by United Nations Televisions (UNTV), Channel 37. Prior to drill, a School Disaster Management Committee was formed.
First Batch of SPA Students to Graduate in March By: Reyzeljan Josef delos Trinos
Fifty nine skilled students from Special Program in the Arts are expected to graduate this coming 23rd day of March at Bataan People’s Center. The batch is composed of Dance, Instruments, Voice 30 students from IV-Luna and Theater Arts. At the and 29 students from IV- same time, the students Rizal under the advisory are also competent in basic of Mrs. Elsa P. Camingal subjects that Department of and Mrs. Edna F. Manlapig Education (DepEd) offers. Meanwhile, the following respectively. are the qualifiers in the The said students are well-trained in the University of the Philippines following specialization: College of Music: Belstein Creative Writing in English James L. Loyola and Fritzie and Filipino, Visual Arts, V. Villanueva.
1,000 Sophomores Take NAT By: June Andrean Banzuela
Bataan National High School once more has become a witness of perseverance and knowledge of students after around 1,000 sophomores took the annual National Achievement Test (NAT) on March 11. DepEd administers in which students were NAT to determine the to answer under specified capacity of students’ time in different subject knowledge in different areas such as English, subject areas and to Math, Science, Araling assess the efficiency of Panlipunan and MAPEH. Results will be posted at school-based learning. The said examination the guidance center before contains 360 test items the month ends.
Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education, Jonathan E. Malaya will be gracing the forthcoming graduation day, 23rd of March at the Bataan People Center. The said Assisstant Secretary will be the keynote guest speaker during the students’ graduation. Furthermore, Hon. Malaya was first appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on his current position at the age of 32, making him the youngest Assisstant Secretaries in Government Service today. Also, he was selected as the Chief of Staff, Office of the Solicitor General, Department of Justice. Later on, he was appointed Judicial Staff Head, Office of Associate Justice Antonio Nachura, Supreme Court of the Philippines.
BNHS Celebrates 94th Foundation Day By: Diane Marie Z. Reyes
Bataan National High School (BNHS) celebrates its 94th Foundation Day at the BNHS School Ground, March 2. Dr. Simeona B. Emata, Secondary School Principal IV of the school headed the celebration along with alumni guests Mrs. Dulce Reyes, Board of Director (BOD) of BNHS Alumni BNHS faculty, students and alumni commemorate the foundation of the Association and her husband beloved Alma Mater through offering wreaths to the Arellano MonuEngineer Teodorico Reyes, Student Government (SSG). and wreaths at the Cayetano Furthermore, the Arellano Monument as part department heads, faculty participants offered prayer of the celebration. members, and Supreme
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News
//The Bataan
Campus Scribes Bag Awards in the 31st RSPC By: Diane Marie Z. Reyes
Students of Bataan National High School brought home the bacon in the 31st Regional School Press Conference in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija last December 8-12. A total of twelve students, together with Mrs. Teresita E.
Cabatic, adviser for Filipino and Mrs. Edna F. Manlapig, teacher in English IV, represented the school in the regional tilt which was participated in by 17 divisions. Janine Veronica E. Saplagio of IVCopernicus and Renee
Rose Austria of IIIGarnet bagged the 6th and 8th places for Feature Writing and Photo Journalism, both in Filipino category respectively. Moreover, ang Bataan – Pahinang Balita took home the 10th place title from the said contest.
BNHS Grabs “Best Website Design” Title By: Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla
Bataan National High School grabbed the special award for the Best Website Design on the second Doon Po Sa Amin (DPSA) Learning Challenge held at A Venue Hotel, Makati City last February 3-7. Out of 145 participating schools, ten were chosen, holding different titles of their categories. Moreover, ten students of BNHS competed on the said event, namely Paolo Balderia, Martin Mariano, Eduardo Gutierrez , Janine Veronica Saplagio, Kristel Ann Pineda, Alpha Sharmaine Salonga, Alnie
BNHS webpage team with the faculty poses with the 10,000 pesos check they got from SMART for winning the Best Webpage Design.
Camu, Claire Nichelle Pauline Cueto, Mir Castro and Janine Torres, all from IV-Copernicus, together with their adviser Mr. Renato M. Fernando. On the contest proper in Makati City, only two delegates out of ten members
were allowed to represent their school, accompanied by their adviser. Furthermore, DPSA, in partnership with Smart Schools Program, awarded BNHS with Php10 000 worth of prize as the Best Website Design.
B N H S w i n s M e t r o b a n k - M TA P - D e p E d M a t h Challenge By: Kriserla Paula D. dela Rosa
Bataan National High School topped the 2010 Metrobank-MTAP-DePed Math Challenge Division Team Oral Competition for Secondary level held last February 12 at Friendship Hall of Balanga Elementary School. The said competition mastery of basic mathematical Timbang (I- Aristotle); trained is a Math contest for skills; discover mathematical by Mrs. Lolita Dominguez Second year: Kathryn Anne elementary and secondary talents among the students; students in both public and develop the values of hard Lasam (II-Euclid), John private schools nationwide. work, perseverance, honesty, Roland Reyes (II-Euclid); It is implemented by the teamwork and sportsmanship; trained by Ms. Merciliza Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and provide students with Zabala Third year: John Francis (MBFI), the Mathematics opportunities in leadership Buduhan (III-Galilei), and cooperative undertaking. Teachers Association of the Christian Kenneth Garduce A total of five teams went Philippines (MTAP) and the (III-Edison); trained by Mrs. through the competition. The Department of Education Susan Madayag competing schools wereTomas (DepEd). Fourth year: Marvin The overall objective del Rosario College (Tdel), Olavides (IV-Archimedes), of the Metrobank-MTAP- City of Balanga National High DepEd Math Challenge is School (COBNHS), Bataan John Edrel Gabriel (IVto contribute in improving Montessori School, and Copernicus); trained by Ms. the quality of mathematics Jesus Is Lord School (JIL). Jocelyn Dizon In connection with this, education in the Philippines. The first place team winners Specifically, it aims to: are the qualified contestants winners and trainers were awaken greater interest in the Regional Team Orals advised by the City Division in Mathematics among Competition on February 26, Superintendent of Schools in Balanga, Mr. Jessie D. elementary and secondary 2010 at Angeles City. Students who top-notched Ferrer, to practice more with students in both public and private schools all over the the challenges are the speed and accuracy to be able to bring home the bacon as country; encourage students following: First year: Gil Wendell they compete for the regional to strive for excellence in Mathematics; encourage Quijano (I-Pasteur), Darlene challenge.
//November 2009 //March 2010
Paule Dominates SSG Elections 2010 By: Ralphe Lawrenze Alarcon
Aleli Ann T. Paule of 3-Edison is the newly elected President of Supreme Student Government (SSG) for Academic Year 2010-2011 in the elections held on February 22. Meanwhile, the new set of officers is as follows: Vice President: Kara Mei L. Herrera Secretary: Vhal Anghela T. Estacio Treasurer: Ruth Ivane T. Pabustan Auditor: Keziah S. Sioson PIO: Patricia Mae T. Tuazon Peace Officer: Ritz Lara J. Cruz 4th Year Governor: Theodore Waldo G. Enriquez 4th Year Representatives: Shaira Joy Balana
Pauline Margareth Aromin John Paul Manalaysay Marck Louise Alfaro Ellie Rose Santos 3rd Year Governor: Patricia Tapan 3rd Year Representatives: Jean Cathlene Banzon Diana Velasco Mika Landicho Leonardo Guinto Kim Israel dela Rosa 2nd Year Governor: Daniel Leinard Cruz 2nd Year Representatives: Edsel Nuestro Nowell Apalla Aleli Ludovico Pamela Grace Ledesma Alissa Joyce Torres The said election was assisted by the 4th year incumbent SSG officers under the advisory of Ms. Medina D. Roque.
Seniors Pa r t i c i p a t e i n Recollection by: Mary Mercedita R. Landayan
Bataan National High School (BNHS ) fourth year students participate in the recollection last February 20 and 27 at the Francisco Balagtas Library in connection to their upcoming graduation. The said recollection was lead by Ms. Teresita and Aracelli
J. Marteja and 4th year chairman Ms. Ofelia M. Tibig and was officiated by the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross Bro. Miguel Ma. Perey, Bro. Reinold Ma. Balanquit, Bro. Chad Ma. Feliciano, Bro. Froilan Ma. De Atras and Bro. Lorenzo Ma. Dondoyano.
Student Leaders Join 21st YMCA National Assembly by: Paolo G. Balderia
MC B. Guanzon, IV Platinum, Supreme Student Government (SSG) President, Theodore Waldo G. Enriquez, SSG Vice-President with Ms. Medina D. Roque, SSG Adviser took part in the 21st Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) held at Senior Mess, Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City, January 1417.
The four-day convention revolves with the theme, “Youth Facing the Challenges of the Time.” YMCA also hosted the 14th National High School Club Adviser Seminar. Various skills for learning, innovative learning and strong Christian Values were inculcated to the participants through games, contests and devotion from Thursday to Sunday.
//November 2009 //March 2010
News Juniors Organize 3rd
//The Bataan Page | 3
Annual Bazaar
By: Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla
By: Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla
To empower the youth through entrepreneurship, the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Department held its annual Bazaar on February 12 at Magsaysay Gym which took place from 8am3pm. Students who participated in the annual event belonged to IIIDiamond, III-Pearl, IIIRuby, III-Emerald, IIIJade and III-Amber. Such third year students created booths on the said gym, cooked meals and also desserts that they
While showcasing their baked goods, a junior student gives back the change for their sold product.
had sold to their fellow students in the campus. In addition to this, this bazaar program, a project of TLE Department under Mr. Romy Bascara, was a proposal by Rochelle Rodriguez, a Student
Representative, together with Mrs. Leticia B. Almazan, Go Negosyo Coordinator. Furthermore, earnings from the livelihood project will proceed to the TLE Department.
Villanueva, Balderia Bag Awards on 8th STEP-RSDC
Kerby Villanueva of IV-Manganese and Paolo Balderia of IVCopernicus grabbed the first and second places respectively on the 8th Regional Students Technology and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines – Regional Skills Development
By: Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla
Competition (STEPRSDC) last December 2-4 held at the Baler National High School in Aurora. Villanueva brought home the 1st place title on the category Net Weaving, guided by Mr. Amador Barcarse, while Balde-
ria clutched the 2nd place award under the category Electronic Poster Making, together with his coach Mr. Gerry A. Deocareza. In addition to this, the two competed with 17 Divisions of Region III.
BNHS’ SPA Dance Ranks 3rd in Balanga Got Talent By: Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla
Bataan National High School’s Special Program for the Arts (SPA) – Dance bagged the 3rd place on Balanga Got Talent last December 23 held at Balanga City’s town plaza. Students who competed to the tune of Bad Romance were
Ronnery James A. Yema of IV- Luna, Virgilio M. Pineda, Jr. of IIIAquino, Eugene Paolo M. Reyes of IV-Luna, Johnny S. Tomboc of II- Abelardo, Zydy S. Banzon of IV-Rizal, Eunice Ann R. Nisay of IV-Rizal and Giselle S. Gallanero of IVRizal, together with
the guidance of their trainor Mrs. Cristina Z. Reyes. Furthermore, the said event was a competition of both secondary and tertiary levels. Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) and Microcity grabbed the 1st and 2nd places correspondingly.
1,139 BNHS Students To Graduate in March A total of 1139 fourth year students are about to graduate this coming March 23 at the Bataan People Center.
By: June Andrean S. Banzuela
The number of graduates in the Special Science Curriculum (SSC) is 157; in Special Program for the Arts,
BNHS Holds SSC and SPA Screening Test
there are 59 graduates and a total of 987 senior students in the Basic Education Curriculum (BEC).
Special Science Class (SSC) and Special Program in the Arts (SPA) had screening test and auditions for the incoming batch of high school student last February 8 -18. Three hundred twelve Arts. “The auditions for SPA aspiring students from different elementary schools will still be open before in Bataan took the screening May, since few elementary test for the SSC curriculum. students knew this kind Furthermore, the of curriculum”, said Mrs. examinations for the Charo Banzon, adviser of said curriculum will be Instruments class. Moreover, results for the administered on March 20. For the SPA curriculum, SSC examinations have no approximately 140 sixth exact date yet and will depend grade students underwent on what the Regional Office the audition for the seven of the Department of Science specializations namely and Technology (DOST) Creative Writing, Vocal, announces, while the results Instruments, Visual Arts, for SPA curriculum will be Dance, Theatre and Media released on May.
BNHS Reigns at the 1st PROWESS By: Alberto S. Espinosa
Bataan National High School triumphed at the first PROWESS (Province – Wide Educational Challenge for Senior Students) Academic Derby held last February 24 at Bataan Heroes Memorial College. Marvin Olavides, Kriserla Paula dela Rosa and Melquisedic Masamoc, all from IV – Archimedes, together with their adviser Ms. Mary Criselda Matic, ranked as the champion on the said tilt. In addition to this, Jose Rizal Institute – Orion and Llamas Memorial institute bagged the 1st and 2nd places respectively.
Teatro Arellano Presents Annual Play By: Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla
John Paul Zulueta and Frances Erika David, the stars of the play, kiss in one of the heart-pounding part of the program.
Bataan National High School’s Teatro Arellano conducted its annual acting performance last December 19 held at the Bataan Youth Center. Their play presentation, Beauty is a Beast, was starred by John Paul Zulueta of II – Amorsolo
and Frances Erika David of III – Kasilag. The said stage play, which had three runs, was made possible with the guidance of Mrs. Vilma S. Fernando and the assistance of the teachers from English Department.
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//The Bataan
Opinion
//November 2009 //March 2010
Until We Meet Again
N
Editorial: The Final March
A
fter 94 years of its founding, Bataan National High School is still standing in the summit of honor and excellence. On this 23rd of March, about a thousand senior students will take their final steps in BNHS. These senior students are about to unlock another threshold of opportunities. These students are to cross another line to wander the alley of life. BNHS has become the bridge and link to diverse cultures and individual differences. It has been an outlet for many to ease the hectic schedule for academic standings and co-curricular affairs. It has been a gracious place to earn colleagues and comrades. More especially, the institution of blue and white has been a spot to grow up with, that the increase in age is but a number and what is more important are the experiences and lessons everybody has learned. People say that life during high school will not be at its best if the institution does not hold a promenade ball or Christmas program yet BNHS has proven to its community that these do not count. The home of Blue Eagle teaches a worthy lesson to its people that celebration lasts for an hour or a day but being together forever and always is life’s guarantee It has been said that good beginning must come to an end. The four year struggle of batch 2009-2010 is clearly illustrating a picture perfect view of triumphant professionals. And this four-year struggle is the primary step to defy pain in future life. And to the batch that has left a legacy for the past four years, let us all keep the fire of our torch burning.
The Bataan
Ralphe Lawrenze M. Alarcon
//SY: 2009-2010
Editor-in-Chief
Denisse Ann L. Tiangco • Bea Karla P. Binungcal Associate Editor
Mrs. Agripina A. Buensuceso Mrs. Teresita E. Cabatic
Theresa Marie M. Cagaoan • Marvin M. Olavides Managing Editor
Advisers
Diane Marie Z. Reyes • Jasmin Joyce P. Sevilla Mary Mercedita R. Landayan • Kriserla Paula D. dela Rosa
Mrs. Elena V. Almario
Vienna Ma. Aurora J. Austria • Janine Veronica E. Saplagio
Mrs. Virginia S. Enriquez
News
Feature
Filipino Department Head
English Department Head
Alberto L. Espinosa • Receenil H. Valencia
Engr. Carlos dela Fuente
Ciril Lou Dilig • Jerome Dela Cruz
Simeona B. Emata Ed., D
Sports
PTA President
Cartoonists
Principal
Pamela Grace Ledesma June Andrean Banzuela Contributors
Paolo G. Balderia
Lay-out Artist/Photographer
Rochelle T. Triguero • Kristina Patricia Dela Rosa Circulation Manager
Official Publication of Bataan National High School
ot a single word can express how much Arellanistas take pleasure and agony in their stay in this institution: the getting up so early and going home late scenario; the making of alibis whenever we want to go out from the subjects we think boring; hating all those fellow students who think of themselves as allknowing; running together with classmates for a shuttle ride; the Flag Ceremony which starts at 6:45 in the morning with the scouts who act as Junior Police; the teasing of the shuttle barker of students who do not want to go home yet; staying under the shade of the canopy during snack and after lunch; the morning-afternoon schedule during the periodical exams; and the frequent striking for 1st place during contests whether academic or co-curricular affairs. Beyond all these things, each of us has to face the fact that four years ago, the innocent students of 2006 who stepped in Bataan National High School, are about to leave. At the end of the day, I have all my trash inside my bag. I have no money left in my pocket but I have my friends around. The years have gone so fast. I have only few days left. I have not thought that the last few days of my high school life would run so nostalgic. I don’t even think that I have already left half of myself in the dear BNHS. No wonder that I have been learning life’s lessons around the school corners. Individual differences beyond the complex similarities let me think that some of the things in life can’t be had in just one leap. It would be unfair to others who strive so hard. Being judgmental doesn’t fit for the place. If you lose, then you lose and if you win, then you win. We need not to gossip behind other’s back but we need to help ourselves to improve lives and count our blessings. As we make diverse fate, we take different paths. In the long run, those who have worked harder than before will bring home the bacon and those who
expect a lot from themselves will be exploited with their arms wide open waiting for nothing. You might think that I have discussed matters that have been so formal. These things should not just be stored in mind but should be put into practice in our lives. These might not be realistic to each of us but it will surely help in propagating individuality especially in working with others before prioritizing oneself without sacrificing one’s ego. As the vision of our institution says, the youth community of BNHS is the world’s hope. Ever think about if one sitting beside you genuinely likes you for who and what you are? Ever think about why you are inside this hall of ivy? Or ever think about why you are reading this? This might be fate but surely it’s God’s will that everyone in this world would be connected in this small way. Like any other youth of my age, I have fallen in love but love has always been failing me. Though it does not sound good, I gain something that others cannot get away from me. We call it experience. Experiences are said to be the best teacher and they really are. It’s too late that the best lessons are learned after we are beaten by life’s struggles. So much word cannot even express how much I adore and love people who helped me for what I am today. What I am today is a fruit from the taps on my back, the whispers in my ears and the messages from my mobile phone, more importantly is what my eyes can see and what my heart feels. They may not say it directly but I know that they care for me. I need not to say who they are for they know who they are. I love them today, tomorrow and always so God be with them. Another journey is to end, another one is to come. Batch 2009-2010 is about to take off for another mission; the doors are to shut. Only memories remain but what we will earn is the prestige of being a product of unending excellence of peninsula’s pride, Bataan National High School.
//November 2009 //March 2010
//The Bataan Page | 5
Opinion
My Denouement Gearing up for Life’s
C
“
Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Our graduation is an affirmation that our Alma Mater has provided us with opportunities to be not only academically excellent and socially prepared but spiritually responsible as well. After four years of guidance accorded to us by our teachers, we have become more self-reliant, disciplined and rational. Self-reliant in the sense that we have learned to be independent and responsible. Disciplined for now we are able to control our urges and whims. We became rational for we have gained a newly found knowledge. And these are the precious gifts we must hold in the new steps that we are going to take in the next months. It’s a new journey, a new chapter in our lives. When you talk about college, you’ll come up with words and ideas like courses and careers. It’s indeed tougher than high school because it’s the first step for a brighter future ahead us. Once you made a wrong decision about your course, you have nothing else but to shift to course from one to another. And it would take time and money. College means right decisions and right decisions need reality check. You need to know what you really want, and not what anyone wants for you. Seniors, let us take a risk and make a change. Emerson wants us to be reminded that we don’t need to follow what’s on the trend. We need to take chances on something we never thought we would enter just because we didn’t know what we want
at the moment. We could make a difference and be a model to everyone.We could be remarkable as long as the character within us is thoughtfully and lovingly nurtured, consistently cultivated and carefully guarded. Success is our dream ever since we set foot on school grounds. And this we achieve, as we finish our high school education. But the days after tomorrow would be another journey. Let us be reminded that not all dreams can be achieved nor expectations be met. Dreams can be realities if we work hard for it. It is our choice and it is our future. Mistakes are lessons to be learned and it makes us grow to maturity. And as long as we are armed with the proper attitude and deep motivation to success, we will not fail. Lastly, let us not forget to look back and remember all the significant people who have journeyed with us to become what we are today – our parents and family for all their support, our teachers for molding us into good students, our classmates and friends for all the memories (Tikoy and Archi fam, Blair, Tropang Gulay, Bekler, Yogurt girls, Mount Fuji, Guy with the red bag, Poy, Bash, Sis, Twin, Kaduet, Merciful, Zen, Jane, etcetera.. etcetera..), and above all to our Lord Almighty, the ultimate source of wisdom and light. Thank you so much! This is my denouement. And allow me to share a wonderful quotation I’m inspired with since elementary – “What we are today is God’s gift, and what we become is our gift to God.” Congratulations fellow Seniors. See you later, Bataan National High School.
K n o wing W hic h W a y to T urn
F
ew more days to go and we, seniors, will soon be throwing off the bowlines and will be sailing away the safe portals of our dear Alma Matter. The four painstaking yet enjoyable years in high
school coupled with tears, laughter, school works and experiences are soon to be paid off with the ineffable feeling of marching towards the stage to finally harvest the fruit-of-our-labor, the diploma.
Hindrances
onfidence and willingness can never help us achieve our goals without the aid of preparedness. Deteriorating economic crisis, lack of concern from authorities and slow response of people to help the earthquake victims, all the shattered promises of the government. . . it seems that we can never deny the fact that we are always not ready for the storms this world is throwing. When will we ever wake up from our fairytale dreams and realize what all these obstructions mean? Lately, a sudden earthquake with 7.0 magnitude hit Haiti. Thousands of people were buried alive and were asking for immediate help but they were disappointed for the slow response of the authorities. The lack of preparation was evident. The fear from the violence and the merciless killer can still be seen in the victims’ eyes but, we couldn’t give enough assistance because we know that we’re not geared up for this kind of situation. Life is full of trials and obstacles. Facing them can
be considered as fulfilling your dreams and reaching for your goals by taking your first steps . . . goals that are gradually fragmented into pieces until those bits slowly disappear because we are not equipped with the right attitude and perception . . . we are not prepared for whatever obstacle may come. We are just like a weak person lost in the middle of a dark and vast forest without any protection to all the harms and threats that we might encounter. Nothing will happen if we would stay like this. We would all hope to achieve something, try to embrace it and then fail to do so. It is a never-ending process of life that everyone is tired of experiencing. Why not make it: willingness to reach for something, preparing eagerly to get it, trying to fulfill it . . . win or lose, we know that
the fight is worth it because we did everything we could. It’s an attitude that should be practiced by everyone around the globe. If we would make such thing to serve as a routine, then our country has a greater possibility of being progressive. Maybe we could turn things upside down and help this economy by being prepared and by examining every angle of the recent and upcoming catastrophes. If we have always been ready, maybe the crises will not be piled up and that would make a big difference in our country’s current state. Anyone who is always set is like a dark room which is slowly brightened up by a lamp. We just always have to be ready in order to deal with life’s challenges. Let’s now enter the world of amendment . . . ready, set, gear up!
However, while in a state of euphoria that at long last, all of the efforts we had exerted all throughout those years are ultimately recognized, there’s always reality that will tap our consciousness and will make us ask ourselves the question, “What now? Now that high school’s over, where am I heading to?” One of the hardest decisions to make after graduation is choosing what career to pursue upon reaching the collegiate level. With numerous fields to explore and a vast array of options to select from the field of medicine, to law, to education; it’s like an eternal search for the missing piece of the puzzle. Yet the transition to a higher level of learning is incomplete if one does not know what he or she wants to become. Yes, we may all have earned good grades, have completed the requirements and have equipped ourselves with the experiences we might be
able to use in the coming years ahead but what is moving on with the next chapter without knowing the apt path to take? As Mevalan Rumi puts it, “Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.” If one starts to get confused with the career he or she wants to pursue, above all, there is nothing to listen except to one’s own heart. Your heart will tell you where to find that one facet where you’ll feel the happiness and contentment you’re looking for. Certainly, there’ll be no regrets for no matter how difficult to complete the course you chose, all of the hardships, sweat and tears will be rewarded with the sweet fruits of success and fulfillment because you simply love and enjoy what you do. Albeit it might appear easy, there’s always pressure that will force you to take a path that is inappropriate for your
proficiency. Most of us are tempted to try a career just to be with our closest buddies. Or, some may be forced to take a course out of their interests because it is what their parents wanted them to become. Despite all these, we must all keep in mind that each of us is uniquely gifted with various skills and in order to hone them, we must place ourselves in the appropriate domain or expertise for it doesn’t mean that if a friend or a relative excels greatly in a field, you also will. As they say, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. The key to successful future lies within the decision you choose on what to become. After all, it is you who writes your story and it is you who can fulfill the goals you want to achieve in life. So before I end this column, I leave you the lines from a popular song, “For in this cycle that we call life, we are the ones who are next in line.”
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//The Bataan
Feature
HON. JONATHAN E. MALAYA,
An Educator by
Asst. Secretary Jonathan E. Malaya is one of the youngest Assistant Secretaries in Government Service today. He was first appointed to that position in the Office of the President , Malacanan, at age 32 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He served as an Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel. At age 33, he was appointed Chief of Staff, Office of the Solicitor General, Department of Justice. Later on, he was appointed Judicial Staff Head, Office of Associate Justice Antonio Nachura, Supreme Court of the Philippines. Notwithstanding his sojourns to other government agencies, his heart remained with the Education sector. Maybe because he is the son of educators: his father was a law professor while his mother was a public school teacher who rose through
the ranks to become Schools Division Superintendent of Camarines Sur. It also helped that he previously served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Education. Thus, when Secretary Jesli A. Lapus offered him the chance to rejoin the Department, he immediately accepted. At age 34, he was appointed Assistant Secretary for Special Projects and Legislative Liaison of the Department of Education. In joining the DepED, he brought with him a wealth of experience in legislative staff work, working behind the scenes in crafting policy and law. In the Philippine Senate, he served as Director for Legislation (Director II) to Senator Mar Roxas. In the lower house, he was Supervising Legislative Staff Officer to the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments, and to the Chair of the Committee
Heart
on Basic Education and Culture. An educator at heart, he taught Public Speaking, English Literature, and Political Theory at Assumption College- San Lorenzo and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines- Manila. He has also written four (4) books, the foremost of which is the critically acclaimed So Help Us God: The Presidents of the Philippines and Their Inaugural Addresses, a book on presidential history written in 2004 and Hit the Podium!: Getting Started in Debate, a text book on public speaking used in schools across the country. An alumnus of the University of the Philippines Diliman, he was a member of the champion UP Debating Team, writer for the Philippine Collegian, and a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award given by the State University.
Why No One Likes You by: Bea J. Austria
“No man is an island.” This is indubitably one of the most commonly used and quoted saying of all time. But behind this five – word quote lies the truth about life. No one can truly live alone. We can all nod our heads to the fact that we can do things by ourselves, but after sometime, we will find ourselves going back and turning to other people for help. But have you, or a person you know, ever felt like an island, solitary and disliked? Delve into these thoughts and find out why no one even bothers to like you. Does your seatmate flit around your room to go and find another place
to sit in just to be away from you? You may be talking too much. Yes, there really are people who blab their way too much about nonsense stuff, much more than what their seatmates’ ears can take. Well, it’s not really wrong to talk but you should also consider the right place and time. If you chat with your seatmate about the latest movie you’ve seen while your chemistry teacher discusses how to balance redox reactions in acid solutions, you will undoubtedly be disliked by everyone staying within a five-meter radius from you. Do your classmates glare
at you, like you are some sort of a retardate? You can’t really blame them. Besides, it is you who’s been secluding yourself and acting weirdly since the first day of school. You seem to have built your own world where no one dares sojourn. Well, no one would actually like someone who would abruptly smile or laugh with no reason at all during class. That would be creepy. Do your classmates roll their eyes whenever you get higher grades than they do? You may be disliked because you are the ‘teacher’s pet’. Some teachers say that they don’t have favorite
//November 2009 //March 2010
Accepting the Inevitable by: Bea J. Austria
Of the many things that make us scream, run, and tremble, there’s one thing people fear the most – Death. Death, in its simplest definition, is the end of life. It is the point where you should waive everything you’ve lived for, your family, your friends, and everyone who has made you worthy of your existence; the point where you relinquish all the principles you held on to for so long and every other thing you believe in; the point where you are left with one option and that is to lament over the rueful things that, now you realized, you should not have done in the first place; the point where you finally found a reason to open your eyes to the fact that all the efforts you made to keep yourself alive, in this moment, turn out to be meaningless; the point where you depart from the world you know. The end. People tend to make every means they could to live, avoiding anything that could cause even the slightest possibility of danger. It’s not bad to act like this, but further actions at par with this will only cause one to experience more pain and have a hard time accepting death than those who go with the flow and believe that when
death comes, it comes. It cannot be denied that people, being just people, irrationally fear something that naturally occurs to every human being, but let’s face it, accepting death is not easy at all. It will take some time for all of us to accept the heart- breaking fact that eventually, we will all have to face and feel the poignantly subtle touch of death. We still cringe to the distressing thought of our loved ones dying, deeming who’ll be gone earlier and when. Adversely, sometimes, we also need to look into the sunny side of things. When you die, at least, you won’t have to worry about the things you used to worry about anymore. Instead, you will have to start a new life in heaven, that is if you were good when you lived, as others believe. Well, no one really knows what life after death is. That’s another thing, you get to know what becomes of you when you die. Doesn’t that excite your senses? Besides, Norman Cousins said, “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside of us while we live.” But this is one poignant truth- Death is inevitable. Learn acceptance, you know you’ll be needing it someday.
students, but trust me, they do. Well, maybe not all, but once your classmates find out that you are indeed the teacher’s pet, they will absolutely dislike you. Do your classmates’ faces turn sour and cross when you come upon, or even just walk across them? I think it’s about
time you take in the brutal truth – You stink. I believe you don’t need anymore explanations for this. So now you have read deeply enough to figure why no one likes you. These may be cruel subjects but they’re facts. Call me impudent, I just love the truth.
//November 2009 //March 2010
Sports
//The Bataan Page | 7
Filipino-American J.R. Celski wins Bronze Medal in 2010 Winter Olympics 19 February 2010 - Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that FilipinoAmerican, J.R. Celski, bagged a bronze medal in the Short Track Speed Skating category of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, currently being held in Vancouver, Canada. Mr. Celski, a FilipinoPolish speed skater, represented the United States. Raised in Washington, Mr. Cleski started inline skating at age 3 and transferred to short track speed skating in 2002. He battled from an injury he sustained 5 months ago to finish third at the competition with a time of 2:12.460 in the Men’s 1500 meter race. He was unable to complete in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy because he missed the minimum age requirement
J.R. Celski dashes on the ice to bag the Bronze Medal for the 2010 Winter Olympics
by 17 days. He had previously won two gold medals at the world championships and had already qualified for three Olympic events. In a related development, Amanda Evora, a FilipinoAmerican, together with partner Mark Ladwig, competed in the figure skating pair’s competition. They did not win a medal but came up with personal bests in their first ever Olympic Games. The 25-year-old Filipina who trains in Florida and Ladwig posted a personal best score during the competition. The tandem’s score of 114.06 points, based on difficulty of
elements and grades of execution, was their best of the season by more than 15 points. Combined with their personal best in the short program Sunday, their total score of 171.92 points put them in 10th place. Evora is considered to be the first person of full Filipino ancestry to represent the United States in a Winter Olympic games. Her father Vic was born in Calapan, Mindoro while her mother, Mary Anne was born in Ilagan, Isabela. Evora began skating at the age 6 and said her dream has always been to make it to the Olympics .source: http://dfa.gov. ph/
SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BASKETBALL WORD JUMBLE PUZZLES
Unscramble the first four words in each set of jumbles. Then use the circled letters to unscramble the final word. Some of the words may unscramble into more than one word, but only one word is related to the puzzle.
Answers: 1. ball,court,hoops,forward,foul shot 2. Barkley,McHale,Jordan,Bird,Chamberlain 3. Heat,Magic,Bulls,Knicks,Celtics 4. Clippers,Kings,Jazz,Blazers,Grizzlies
Lathalaing Pang-isports: ni Jan Irvin B. Bantog
Laro ng Lahi
Kung tatanungin mo ang mga matatanda ngayon tungkol sa mga laro ng lahi, tiyak na napakarami nilang maisasagot. Ngunit sa kabilang banda kung tatanungin mo naman ang mga kabataan kung may natatandaan o alam silang mga halimbawa, bibilang ka pa ng minuto bago sila makasagot. At kalimitan, ang dahilan ay hindi nila matandaan o wala lang talaga silang alam. Lumaki at nagkaroon ng puting buhok ang ating mga lolo’t lola at tanging laro ng lahi ang nakagisnan. Kahit na magpakwento ka tungkol sa masasayang minuto na napahihiyaw sila dahil sa katuwaan sa paglalaro, hindi ka magsasawang pakinggan ito dahil ang kanilang mga karanasan ay sadyang nakaaaliw. May nasisiraan ng tsinelas, may umiiyak dahil tinamaan sila ng lata sa paa at mayroon namang ibang nagkakandarapa na s’yang pinagmulan ng sugat na bakas ng kaligayahan sa pakikipaghabulan. Ang maiinit na ulo ay napapalitan ng mga ngiti sa labi, mga hagik-gikan at malalakas na tawanan na kung minsan ay nangyayari sa ilalim ng maliwang na buwan. Nakatutuwang isipin na dahil sa mga laro ng ating kultura na sumasalamin sa ating makulay na kasaysayan na nagbigay sa ating mga lolo’t lola ng mga makabuluhang kwento na sa ngayon ay kanilang ibinabahagi sa atin. Sa kabilang dako, at dahil masyado ng tumataas ang antas ng kaalaman sa agham at teknohiya ng mga kabataan sa kasalukuyang milenyo, nakalimutan na nila ang mga laro ng lahi na pinayabong at pinagyaman ng mga nakatatanda. Nakalulungkot mang isipin na ang karamihan ay wala talagang nababatid ukol sa mga laro ng kultura na tuluyan nang natabunan ng mga libangang naihahatid ng makabagong mundo tulad ng computer, cellphone at iba pang pinaunlad na kagamitang pumapatok sa mapaglarong isipan ng kabataan, ito ay isang malaking katotohanan. Lingid man sa kanilang kaalaman na kahit nakapagbibigay-aliw ang mga makabagong gamit na ito, wala pa rin ito sa kalingkingan ng mga nakagisanang laro ng lahi ang mga ngayo’y nagmimistulang na lamang na “NAKARAAN”. Sa bawat pindot sa keypad ng cellphone, sa bawat pitik ng mga daliri sa computer, ay tayo na rin mismo ang pumapatay sa mga laro ng lahi. Hindi nito matutumbasan o mahihigitan pa ng ating mga nakagisnang kultura; ang mga katutubong laro na nakapagpatatag ng pisikal nating pangangatawan at nagpayabong ng kaalaman. Kung ang laro ng ating lahi ang siya nating pagtutuunan, higit tayong makatutulong sa muling pagbibigay-buhay sa kultura ng ating kinamulatang lipi. Laro ng lahi ang nagsilbing buhay ng mga kabataan sa mga nakaraang panahon at ang tanging paraan natin upang bumawi sa kulturang dulot na laro ng lahing ito, ay ipagpatuloy, pagyamanin at linangin ang nasimulan ng mga lumipas na oras tungo sa isang mayaman at maipapagmalaking kultura. Kaya naman taasnoo nating sambitin ang katagang, “Kultura ko ito, Pinoy ako, Pinoy tayo.”
PACQUIAO OUTPOINTS, DOMINATES CLOTTEY IN A ONE-SIDED FIGHT
Sports Editorial:
A Better Way
A
to
Live
sport is a recreational activity where we can be physically and mentally fit. It is one way to test one’s skill, cooperation, patience, and discipline. But ever thought of this pastime that serves as an entertainment be a key to improve lives as well? We often think of agility, strength, speed, and skill when we hear the word ‘sports’. It is the world of the toughest and strongest athletes the planet has ever known. We stick to the idea that it is a test to find out who the strongest person is thus; neglecting ourselves from realizing that sports have many more advantages and these can even aid in our everyday life. Good health is a benefit that sports can give anyone. If we perform any activity like badminton, tennis, gymnastics, golf and other games habitually and in the proper procedure, then we can surely be fit. Thinking of strategies to win a game also develops our mind. This enhances our brain’s ability to function faster than usual until we get to the point where we behave like a well-oiled machine. Because of the profits a sport can give, it is indeed a way to improve our lives. If yesterday was a mess, then wake up! Stop slacking around and being stuck because of a boulder covering your way. Why do useless things if you can rather do swimming? Why waste your time arguing with your friends if you could invite them to play soccer with you? Sports don’t only help us maintain our mental abilities and physical appearances but also, teach us the true meaning of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and bond formed among the players. Because of this, the painting of our lives will be more colorful. Sports can also be the stairway to success. Just look at Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao . . . a well-known boxer whom everyone idolizes. There’s also Paeng Nepomuceno, a great bowler who always strike for the goal. They are just some examples of athletes who are continuously bringing honor to our country. Why not be like them even in our own method? If playing different sports would be our hobby, then we could surely help our economy. That’s why the government launched different sports program and a lot of sport clinics around the country. They want us to see that there is still hope to improve our lives in our own entertaining way. They also want to ensure that each and everyone is in great shape and to let us see that we could excel in a field we like through extreme practice and perseverance. So let us all enter the world of sports where we learn, have fun, and achieve a better way of living.
DALLAS – Manny Pacquiao did not get the knockout most people wanted, but he did get all the points needed to beat the defense-minded Joshua Clottey and retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt late Saturday night at the Cowboys Stadium. A huge crowd of 50,944, the third biggest in modern history, came to see the fight, and for 12 rounds they watched Pacquiao dominate an opponent who was so busy defending he almost forgot to throw punches. It was the first boxing event ever held at the $1.2-billion stadium, and Pacquiao, the greatest fighter in the planet today, made sure it was worth remembering, even for the millions who watched from around the globe. For the first time in his last five fights, Pacquiao had to listen to ring announcer Michael Buffer go to the scorecards. And unanimously, he was declared winner “and still” the reigning WBO welterweight champion. Right from the start Pacquiao went after Clottey, but right there as well, he and his cornermen knew it was going to be a long night because the former champion hardly engaged, contrary to what he said he’d do. Clottey did prove he was tough because after all the punches he took, especially those to the body, he remained standing until
Pacquiao makes a strong blow as Clottey tries to evade from his powerful punches.
the end, never really getting hurt. He covered up so well it looked like his gloves were glued to his face. Still, the crowd loved the fight because it was a very busy one for Pacquiao who threw a total of 1,231 punches, landing 246 of them, against Clottey, who threw only 399 punches, and was lucky to land 108 of them, including a few good ones. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, said the size of the crowd that showed up in his stadium was beyond his imagination. It was third largest in modern history, next only to the 72,000 that watched the Muhammad Ali-Leon Spinks 2 at the Superdome in New Orleans in 1978, and the 60,000-plus of the Pernell Whitaker-Julio Cesar Chavez fight at the Alamodome in San Antonio in 1993. “He’s a good fighter and he’s strong. Yeah, his punches hurt, too. I was not in a hurry to knock him out because I knew he was just looking for the big shot. He was waiting for the perfect timing to land a good counterpunch,” said Pacquiao. “I felt
EAST defies All-Star Game by: June Andrean Banzuela and Alberto Espinosa
Dwyane Wade outplayed all other players as he exhibited 28 points and 12 assists terminating an undermanned West, 141139, in the Cowboy’s Stadium, Arlington Texas last February 14, 2010. Western Conference los its key players like Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers due to injuries inserting Dirk Nowitzki and Chauncey Billups The said event set a world record at most number of attendants in a basketball game. The stadium hooked up 108,713 basketballs fans. First half of the game was a very close and intense
match. East and West players showed off niffy passes and show-stopping dunks. 7679. ncredible performances by Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, who scored 25 points, set the tone for the second half of the game. But Carmelo Anthony led all scores in the West putting up 27 points and 10 rebounds making the game more exciting down the wire. Chris Bosh made two clutch free throw shots giving the East the upper hand with less than 3 seconds left in the game. Luck was not on the other team’s side as they couldn’t make the game winning shot. Dwyan Wade was named All-Star MVP of the game.
his power. And I was cautious of his power throughout the fight,” said Pacquiao who stretched his incredible win streak to 12, and improved his ring record to 51-3-2 with 38 knockouts, including his last four fights.“Joshua fought a defensive fight. That’s his game. That’s why it was hard to knock him out. But the chance to fight the best only comes once in a lifetime so I felt he should have fought more,” said Roach. During the post-fight press conference, Clottey admitted that for the first time in his career he felt that he truly lost a bout, because his three previous losses were all questionable. Against Carlos Baldomir, he was disqualified due to head butts, and against Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto last year he said he felt he won. “He has the speed so I think I really lost the fight. He has very good movement and he has the speed that was hard for me to handle. His speed was really difficult for me,” he said. source: Abac Cordero/ The Philippine Star
BNHS Humakot ng Parangal by: Renz Marion Barnus
Muling nag-uwi ng karangalan ang Bataan National National High School (BNHS) sa ginanap na Central Luzon Regional Athletics Association o (CLRAA) sa Malolos City, Bulacan kamakailan. Nagkamit ang BNHS ng medalya sa larangan ng running - Alvin T. Dionisio, silver medal sa 1500 m at bronze naman para sa 3000 m sa ilalim ng pagsasanay ni Mr. Antonieto R. Prado; at taekwondo - Tsuyoshi V. Namaru para sa Bantamweight Division, Miguel A. Alcantara para sa Lightweight Division at Orlando Leano Jr. sa Welterweight Division, ikaapat na pwesto sa ilalim ni Mrs. Elsa P. Camingal.