4th Issue of The Scroll S.Y. 2023-2024; Epilogue: The Final Odyssey, Ascend of a New Dawn

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AsthisisthelasttimeIwrite AsthisisthelasttimeIwrite this letter for this fun yet complex this letter for this fun yet complex journey of The Scroll, I cannot help but journey of The Scroll, I cannot help but feelgratefulandfulfilled.Wearegrateful feelgratefulandfulfilled.Wearegrateful forthesupportofourdearScrolladviser forthesupportofourdearScrolladviser and department chair, and we are and department chair, and we are grateful for the talented and dedicated grateful for the talented and dedicated team of writers and editors, especially team of writers and editors, especially Matt, who worked countless sleepless Matt, who worked countless sleepless nights just to make sure that we release nights just to make sure that we release issues of quality. And we are grateful to issues of quality. And we are grateful to you,ourreaders,whospendtimereading you,ourreaders,whospendtimereading and appreciating our work from cover to and appreciating our from cover to cover. It truly means the world to us cover. It truly means world to us writers, editors, and artists to be seen writers, editors, and artists to be seen andheard,evenintheformofliterature. andheard,evenintheformofliterature.

Ourfourthandfinalissuefor Ourfourthandfinalissuefor this academic year, with the theme " this academic year, with the theme "The The Final Odyssey, Ascend of a New Dawn Final Odyssey, Ascend of a New Dawn"" markstheendofourjourneyasthe2023markstheendofourjourneyasthe20232024 staff of The Scroll. After facing the 2024 staff of Scroll. facing the obstacle-filled journey, we take in the obstacle-filled journey, we take in the lessons,treasurethememorieswemade, lessons,treasurethememorieswemade, and value the newly-found family and and value the newly-found family and friendswemadealongtheway. friendswemadealongtheway.

This57thvolumeholdsboth This57thvolumeholdsboth closure and opportunity for future closure and opportunity for future writers, and we hope that this inspires writers, and we hope that this inspires aspiring writers and artists to join and aspiring writers and artists to join and showcasetheirtalents.Forthefinaltime, showcasetheirtalents.Forthefinaltime, on behalf of The Scroll, let me welcome on behalf of The Scroll, let me welcome youtothestoryofhowourjourneyends. youtothestoryofhowourjourneyends. STEPHANIELAGUTOM

Ma'amMartin

Managing Editor

Mikko Ashley Abanto

Jose Rizal University

by: Stephanie Lagutom

by: Stephanie Lagutom

SSure enough, everyone feels the rising and occurring temperature;

I mean, who doesn't? When we were out of an air-conditioned room, parts of our body that we didn't know could sweat, would sweat. It has become a nationwide problem, especially while the academic year is still ongoing, that the heat index is "normally" set at "danger" levels

Metro Manila has been on "danger" settings for the past two months; numerous suspensions of classes have been imposed for precaution, and it has been affecting the academic calendar since its occurrence.

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

The suspension of classes, ranging from a day to a week, has disrupted school activities for the sake of safety. For some schools, they implement online classes for the remainder of their calendar to eliminate inconsistency and danger altogether.

Thankfully, to combat these issues, learning can still continue because of the platforms that have been around since the pandemic era. While on-site learning is on pause, online classes still remain a major part of learning, making them our safety net in these unexpected times. But is suspension the most effective precautionary measure?

The academic calendar had to adjust due to the pandemic that hit us a few years ago, marking the start and end of classes with a two-month change. Yes, this adjustment was beneficial in the past, but it negatively impacts us today and likely will in the upcoming academic year if it isn't revised.

Authorities have discussed reducing school days and conducting Saturday classes to aid the shift back to the normal school calendar, with classes starting in June and ending in March, but the soonest year it would affect would be 2025.

With the last two to three months of school scheduled during the hottest period of our year, our remaining days would consist of buckets of sweat and endurance for a diploma.

References: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/18/2356076/38-areas-could-hit-danger-level-heat-index-may-18/amp/ https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1928960/hot-weather-prompts-5800-schools-to-switch-to-online-classes-other-modes/amp https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/906713/deped-school-opening-2025/story/?amp

Math Day Celebration: Adding Fun and Counting Joy

BY CASSANDRA ALBUNA

The Mathematics Department of the JHS Division, held a three day celebration for the annual Math Day along with different segments: theMATGO,“MyDayPi Day”,andtheMath QuizBeeCompetition.

On March 13, 2024, students played a BINGO inspired game with their self-designed “MATGO” cards during their Math period, the respectivewinnersreceiveddelicioussnacksatthe endofthegame.

On March 14, 2024, the JHS division celebrated the “My Day, Pi Day” with each class arranging their own party with aims to highlight the “Pi”attheirdesignatedclassrooms.

On March 15, 2024 the celebration came to its finale with a program organizedbytheMathematicsDepartmentattheCentennial auditorium.

The JHS Principal, Mrs. Grace Marie B. Martin, indulged the fellow Rizalians and thanked everyone who participated in the event. A day filled with entertainment was served with the String and Glee Club performing a lively intermission to brighten the occasion. The Mathematics Department also welcomed a former pupil who is now a well-known singer Illest Morena to perform someofherbesthitsonitslastday.Through herinteractionswiththestudents,IllestMorenaliftedeveryone'sspirits.

At the end of Illest Morena's spotlight, the program carried on with the Math Quiz Bee Competition with the theme ”Playing with Math '' which then led to the awarding of medals. Jehyan Lizelle Flauta, Ma. Kathryn Gita, and Grace Quijano as Champions of Grade 7. Gian Ladia, Hailie Gutierrez, and Godfrey Salaya as Champions of Grade 8. James Caranto, Arsid Combenido, and Aidan Acop as Champions of Grade 9. Seth Sarino, Liam Dimapilis, and Xandreigh Guillermo as Champions of Grade10.

Page-Turning Showdown: Inter-School Book Talk Competition Returns for Year Two!

BY ERIN MORALES

In a celebration of literary fervor and intellectual prowess, the Junior High School Division proudly hosted the eagerly awaited second year of the Book Talk Showdown Inter-School Competition. The event, held to showcase the literary talents andpassionforreadingamongyoungstudents,wasa vibrantgathering.

With the formalities Mrs. Grace Marie B. Martin, principal of the JHS Division, gave her welcome remarks and she made mention of the participating schools like Solano National High School in Nueva Vizcaya and the Las Pinas National High School Almanza in Las Pinas City. In addition, she encourages everyone to keep their passion for reading for it sharpens one’s mind and keeps everyoneupdatedofwhatishappening.

Concluded, the stage was then graced by the esteemed Board of Judges, namely Mrs. Rachel Aubrey S. Bosito Chair, Filipino Department, Mrs. Jeannette P. De la Cruz an English college professor, and Mrs. Rovelyn A. Arcilla Chair, English Department and the chairman of the Board of Judges which was introduced by Ms. Maria Lilian P. Matutina, Adviser of The Scroll.

The highlight of the event, the Book Talk Proper, commenced with participants from various schools passionately discussing their chosen literary works. Danielle Grace T. Pilaspilas from Solano High School, Nueva Vizcaya, kicked off the competition with her insightful analysis of 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins that made her the champion of the competition, showcasing her exceptional talent and passion for literature. She was followed by Hailey E. Nilo from Las Piñas National High School Almanza, Las Piñas, who enchanted the audience with her discussion on 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' by J.K. Rowling who earned her second place. Mrs. Rovelyn A. Arcilla was given the task toannouncethewinnersbeingtheChairmanoftheBoardofJudges.

Following a brief intermission filled with captivating performances, the competition resumed with the second part of the Book Talk Proper. Roline Redd P. Carreon from Jose Rizal University, Mandaluyong, captivated the audience with her discussion on 'The Iron Trial' by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare, securing the first-place position. Niña June Claire Tan, also from Jose Rizal University, Mandaluyong, claimed the third-place position with her insightful analysis of 'Care of the Soul' by ThomasMoore.

As the curtains drew to a close Mrs Gemma V. Garcia Student Development Coordinator delivered her Acknowledgement encouraging everyone in the Zoom meeting to get hold of a book and read anytime and anywhere.She also extend her heartfelt congratulations to all the participants. On yet another exhilarating chapter of the Book Talk Showdown, the legacy of literary excellence and camaraderie continued to inspire generations of young readers to embark on their own literary adventures, one pageatatime.

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

Unleashing Artistic Vibes with the New BT-MAPEH Chair: Ms. Marissa M. Rongcales

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

ANNE KIRSTEN BALTAZAR

MS. MARISSA M. RONGCALES

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

CARLO GABRIEL DUCUT

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

MR. ROBERTO H. LAYAGUE JR.

Thai Triumph: Unlocking International Victories

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

CASSANDRA NICOLE ALBUNA

Empowering Change: The Journey of a Chief Girl Scout During the Pandemic

DHAVJANMARIE

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

ERIN MADISON MORALES

Mrs. Lapuz shines as JRU’s Employee of The Year awardee

FLORENCE CRUZ

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

MRS. REBECCA C. LAPUZ

JRU-JHS Kicks Off Intramurals for SY 2023-2024

MIKO ABANTO

On April 3, 2024, Jose Rizal University's gymnasium was abuzz with excitement , as the Junior High School Division (JRU-JHS) held its annual and highly-anticipated intramurals, with students and guests filling the gymnasium to capacity as they witnessed and participated in a significant and crucialpartofeverystudent'shighschoolexperience.

The event began with a parade featuring players from Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, and Chess, with the players proudly representing their teams and colors: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Black, and White. Followingtheparade,attentionshiftedtotheMr.andMs.Intramuralcompetition,showcasingthecharmand talentofRizalians.

IntheMs.Intramuralscompetition,RossenLouiseApostolfromGrade10captivatedtheaudienceand judges, winning both Ms. Intramurals and the Rizalians’ Choice Award. Jazereid Guce impressed everyone, earning the title of 1st Runner Up. Niczie Jewell Guillido from Grade 7 stood out with her performance, winning Best In Sportswear and securing 2nd Runner Up. Driz Azhlene De Luna from Grade 9 won Best in Talentandalsosecured3rdRunnerUp.

IntheMr.Intramuralscompetition,JoselitoTorresfromGrade9dominated,sweepingthecompetition to claim Best in Talent, Best In Sportswear, and the coveted title of Mr. Intramurals. Michael Ray Guillartes from Grade 7 secured the 1st Runner Up position. Louchas Marquez from Grade 10 received multiple awards, including the Rizalians’ Choice Award, Mr. Photogenic, and 2nd Runner Up. Rafael Iglesias from Grade 8 securedthe3rdrunner-upposition.

AstheintramuralsforSY2023-2024startoff,JRU-JHSfacultyandstudentsalikeareexcitedtotakepart in and experience the upcoming days of athleticism, sportsmanship, and the creation of unforgettable memories,whichwillbringtheJHSandRizaliansclosertogetherwithourRizaliancorevalues.

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

The Rising Heroes of the Game: JRU-JHS Wraps Up its Intramurals with Style!

Jose Rizal University Junior High School (JRUJHS) concluded its annual Intramurals Day on May15,2024withabangastheyheldthegradelevelcheerdancecompetitionandthe Recognition of exceptional Rizalian Athletes, marking the conclusion of weeks filled with Rizalians’ athleticismandsportsmanship.

Thecheerdancecontestservedasthehighlightof the event, showing the talent and enthusiasm of each grade level as they vied for the championship title during the culminating activity. The performances delivered a deserving and lively end to the JRU-JHS Intramurals. Grade 8 emerged as champions, with Grade7claimingfirstplace,Grade10securingsecond, andGrade9earningthird.

A dancesport intermission featuring Xai Slavik Angelo Sabalo of 10-D and Sakura Pauline Marie BernarteentertainedandenergizedtheRizaliansearly before the start of the awarding ceremony, adding to thelivelyandexcitingmoodinthegymnasium.

After the intermission, the highly anticipated awarding ceremony began, as the JHS principal recognized and honored the achievements of welldeserving Rizalians across the various sports and tournamentsoftheIntramurals.

For chess, Zachary Aquino of 7C emerged as thecChess champion for Grade 7. Mark Baradas of 7E and Cypher Trovela of 7A took the first and second runner-up respectively. In the Grade 8 category, Charles Cortina of 8D dominated, followed by Janina TanandElyzhaReyes,bothalsoof8D.JulianaPeninoy of 9D clinched the top spot in Grade 9, with Sean Balneg of 9A and Kanishka Rajiv of 9E rounding out thetopthree.PeterFerrerof10Ewasthechampionfor Grade 10 and also triumphed in the Open Division, with Sean Balneg of 9A and Juliana Peninoy of 9D takingthesecondandthirdplaces,respectively.

In the badminton tournament, Policarpio of 7A won the men's category for Grade 7, while Mendoza of 7B and Baylon of 7C secured the first and second runner-up spots. Tyrone Malbog of 8A took the title for Grade 8, with Jolo Credo and Kyle Manapat of 8B following closely. John Joseph Bobis of 9C emerged victorious in Grade 9, with Vincent Alafriz, also of 9C, and Luke Radovan of 9D as runners-up. Mark Santos of 10BledtheGrade10category,withJamesHapaof10C andKielRoxasof10Binthenexttwopositions.

For the women's badminton category, Arellano of 7C claimed victory for Grade 7, with Cassandra Azarcon of 7C and Samantha Cerro of 7E as runnersup. Joan Seminiano of 8C topped the Grade 8 competition, with Jaycel Coronado of 8D and Rania Bagay of 8D following. Simran Brar of 9B triumphed in Grade9,withIvyMorialfof9EandAloraCasuyonof9A trailing. Gabrielle Dela Cruz of 10A was the champion for Grade 10, with Sabriyyah Dig of 10C and Xara Von Caldozaof10Aasrunners-up.

The basketball finals, the Red Knights emerged as the Champion for Division B, with the Blue Warriors and White Mercenaries trailing. In Division A, the Yellow Crusaders triumphed, followed by the Green DefendersandRedKnights.

In volleyball, the Blue Warriors clinched the Division B championship, with the Green Defenders and Red Knights as runners-up. In Division A, the Blue Warriors reigned as champions, followed by the Black SpartansandYellowCrusaders.

The event also honored the mythical six and MVPs. The Mythical 6 for Volleyball Division A includes Leanne Crisostomo, Jhudiel Pingol, Jairuz Guia, Ace Mallari, Stephanie Lagutom, and Dashia Santos, with CrisostomooftheBlueWarriorsbeingtheSeasonMVP. TheMythical6forVolleyballDivisionBfeaturedIvonne Solayo, Meraña Krystelle, Meraña Shelle, Lance Garciano, Justine Acevedo, and Marcydeena Guinto, with Meraña Krystelle of the Blue Warriors being the SeasonMVP.

For Basketball, the Mythical 5 and MVPs for DivisionAincludedSeanGabrielSimo,JamesHitiayon, Sean Gile, Louchas Marquez, and Maliq Oriarte, with the season MVP being Sean Simo of the Yellow Crusaders. In Division B, the Mythical 5 included MJ Lazaro, Drake Dahilig, Drei Agliam, Chauncey Bataller, and Calix Tubig, with the season MVP being MJ Lazaro oftheRedKnights.

MIKO ABANTO

Jose Rizal University JHS - The Scroll

The Last Quest: The Eternal Happiness

BY: KURT ADREI MEJICA

After Leon became a leader of his own army, the story didn’t stop there; he wanted to be the best, he wanted to be the king. Since the king didn’t have a son or daughter, he thought that maybe he had a chance to be the next ruler. So there he was, training day by day to prove that he was worthy of being given the throne. As the days came, he became stronger and wiser, every kingdom feared Leon; he was unstoppable. After the time came and the king had passed away, it was no doubt that Leon was immediately given the role of the king, but he still wasn’t content. He was lonely, he became selfish, greedy, and callous. He then realized it when it was too late, he had nobody to accompany him. When the king had nothing to make him happy, he then asked his guards to put posters around the town that said

“IF YOU CAN TELL THE KING HOW TO BECOME HAPPY AGAIN fr, YOU WILL RECEIVE A LARGE SUM OF MONEY.”

As soon as people saw it, lots and lots of people immediately tried. As expected, they didn’t succeed. As the king was losing hope, an old man entered the hall. When he was asked to speak, the man said “Have you tried, achieving eternal happiness?” The king asked, "No? What even is that, old man.”

The old man replied, “Legends have said that once you obtain eternal happiness, you will achieve eternal peace too.”

The king questioned,

“And if it's true, where might you find the so-called, eternal happiness?”

The old man answered,

“In a certain piece of land, a land so lifeless, from there you can find someone, a monk who has achieved eternal happiness.” The king was confused, “How can you find someone in such a lifeless place?”

Before the king could mumble another word, the old man vanished into a pile of mist. This left the king confused, “Is there really such a thing as eternal happiness?”

He thought to himself.

To test it, he went to send a few soldiers to find the “lifeless” place the old man mentioned earlier. He then gave them supplies and weapons that will last them a few months and sent them. After 5 months of waiting, not one or two soldiers came back. He then waited 4 more and as expected, no one still came back.

After a whole year, one soldier came back. This left the king confused as their supplies were only for a few months. Surprised, the king asked

“How did you survive with such a measly amount of supplies?”

The soldier couldn’t reply, as shown by his torn up clothes and scared expression, he was traumatized. “A plant… a plant…”

The soldier then collapsed after a few seconds.

As soon as Leon heard the word plant, he immediately remembered the Tyndareus, the man-eating plant. The plant was known to guard the desert and eat anyone who dares to enter its territory. Leon then went to put on his gear in an attempt to see the lifeless place himself, even though Leon was hesitant, he was determined to achieve happiness again, since it was his only goal. After preparing the supplies, Leon and his guards went to venture the world, in order to find the monk. As they reached a forest, the king noticed that his soldiers were missing one by one. He was then terrified and hurried his army to get out of the forest. As they were marching, they found out that plants were taking the soldiers and eating them, while trying their best to stay unnoticed. As soon as they got out of the forest, they went to set their camp at a nearby swamp and rest for a few days.

They soon realized that these man-eating plants were everywhere since the disappearances didn't stop at the forest. As they went to continue finding the lifeless place again, an army of plants appeared and blocked their way with their sharpened tools made with stones and leaves. As they fought, the king made an escape plan. As the plants didn't have eyes and mainly relied on sound, the king and his soldiers took advantage of this and threw explosives, they then made their way out of the swamp. As they ran, a soldier noticed a weird looking piece of land, he then told his teammates, and they decided that they would explore it. They prepared their weapons as they knew they will be fighting hordes and hordes of the carnivorous plants again. Once they felt the hot and weird atmosphere of the desert, the king sent a few brave soldiers to volunteer to scout the area. After a day, the scouts came back, they told the king that they had seen a huge plant, almost as if it was their leader. The king then made a decision to fight it, but not without preparation.

They set up their camp and started training, preparing his soldiers and their powers to deal with the “leader”. After a month of training, he realized that they needed to hurry, as their supplies are getting low. They then decided to fight the plant. As they marched towards it, they knew that it might be their last moment, as the plant was humongous. They embraced themselves for the final fight of the mission. When the king saw the plant, the king felt true He knew that it was the Tyndareus, though he didn't know how it survived its death. The king knew that only a few of his soldiers were gonna survive, he didn't even know if he would. When the soldiers rushed the leader, it immediately took a huge chunk of the army. As the soldiers unleashed their powers, it almost had no effect on the plant, almost as if it was invincible. When they had thought they lost, the king awakened his with every shot, a chunk of the plant was incinerated like it was nothing. When they had triumphed, the king found the monkey, at the top of a pyramid. After he had accepted eternal happiness, he questioned the monk, “I really have to shave off my head and leave my role as the king?! Are you crazy?!” The monk replied "Yes my child, I may be crazy but remember, you went through all that just to see me.”After that, the king accepted and he became a monk, accepting eternal happiness into his life. (THE END)

fear.

TRUE powers and

Ang Huling Sandali

BY MAYA FABIAN

Alas-singko nako nakauwi galing sa lamay ng asawa ko. Pinihit ko ang susi sa pinto at sabay binuksan ito papasok. Dali-dali kong sinara ito at umakyat sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay namin. Dumeretso ako patungo sa kwarto, nagpalit ng damit, at nahiga nalang sa kama, dala sa pagod ng mga nakaraang araw.

Pumanaw ang asawa kong si Clara, ilang linggo nang nakalipas. Kanser ang ikamamatay nito. Halos isang taon na niyang inilalaban ang sakit, at sa halip na gumaling ang kanyang kalagayan, mas lalo itong lumala. Hindi kinaya ng kanyang katawan ang mga gamot. Lumisan siya at iniwan akong walang magawa at walang salapi. Sumabay pa dito ang patong-patong na mga bayarin para sa gamot na ibinigay, pati na rin sa serbisyo ng punerarya. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako. Kahit na pilit kong ipikit ang mga mata, hindi ako makatulog. Marami pa rin akong inaasikaso. Nakatitig na lang ako sa kisame, iniisip kung paano ko mababayaran ang mga naiwang gastusin ni Clara. Kasabay nito, paulit-ulit kong binabalikan ang mga alaala naming dalawa. Ni hindi namin natupad ang pangarap niyang magkaroon ng mga anak. Napamuni-muni na lang ako hanggang sa tuluyan akong nakatulog. Maya-maya, naalimpungatan ako nang may naramdamang umupo sa dulo ng kama. Napabalikwas ako sa aking nakita.

“Clara?” Tanong ko, boses puno ng pag-aalinlangan. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit para mahawakan siya. “Ikaw ba talaga yan?”

“Oo, mahal,” bulong niya. May suot siyang puting bestida, at tila nilulukob siya ng liwanag mula sa bintana. “Nakalimutan mong magpagpag.”

Oo nga pala. Naalala ko ang mga nangyari sa lamay. Inaya ako ng mga kaibigan ko na magpagpag, ngunit tumanggi ako dahil sa pagod. Nagmadali na lang akong umuwi.

“Mahal,” Sabi niya, sabay abot sa kamay ko. Hinawakan niya ito at pinisil. “Masaya ako at nakita ka. Gusto kong sabihin sayo na magpatuloy ka, kahit gano pa man kahirap.”

Hindi ko maiwasan na maluha sa mga sinasabi niya. “Clara, ang hirap ngayong nawala ka. Sobrang bigat sa pakiramdam. Hinding-hindi ko na kaya. Gusto ko ng makasama ka.”

“Ngunit hindi ako nawala sa tabi mo, mahal,” Ngumiti siya at hinaplos ang aking pisnge, at saka pinunas ang mga luha ko. “Nasa puso mo ako, sa bawat oras at sandali. Mabuhay ka, hindi lang para sa pamilya at kaibigan mo, kundi para sakin.”

Lumapit siya at hinalikan ako sa labi. Di nagtagal, unti-unting nawawala ang imahe niya sa kwarto, at naiwan akong umiiyak. Ramdam ko pa rin ang kanyang malamig na paghalik, bakas ng kanyang pagpaalam.

Napatitig ako sa labas ng binata at nakita ko ang buwan sa gitna ng kalawakan. Sa kabila ng mga pasakit, may nadama akong kakaiba. Tila naibsan kahit papano ang bigat ng pagpanaw ni Clara. Napalitan ito ng munting kapayapaan, na sa kahit alam kong wala na siya sa tabi ko, mananatili parin siyang nagbabantay, tulad na lang ng buwan sa kalangitan.

VOYAGE TO SUCCESS

BY BERNADETTE TAN

CHASING DREAMS: A SYMPHONY TO SUCCESS

Jose Rizal University

BY JOENEL MORAGA

BY SOPHIA GELLIDO

VICTORY'S SONG

BY TIM KEVIN BERMUEL

Jose Rizal University

HULING TAKIP SILIM

BY MERLIEZ MANDAP

DILIM AT LIWANAG

Jose Rizal University

BY MAURAIN JOY OBONA

Jose Rizal University