The
REF 5 LEC TOR AUS, NOHS tie bonds ASEAN is The real deal, people! SO Get involved! More on page 2
“I am one of the four!”
Volume LXXXIII Issue I August-Oct.2017
by: Jazzlyn Orpiada egros Occidental High School and Australian institute, Livingstone Christian College have strengthened their ties of friendship and curriculum enhancement.
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Sports
A dreamer’s first time
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The Official English Publication of Negros Occidental High School
Livingstone Christian College principal, Mark Laraghy, and curriculum specialist, Amanda Roberts revealed their plans of having the Global Citizenship passport on their two-day visit here in the Philippines. “This program will link our schools through online interaction, students can learn from each other the things that they can’t get from the books,” Roberts stated, adding, “These global opportunities will flourish the students’ future in their respective endeavours as we learn to understand the cultural values of other nations.” She also summarized that categories for teleconferencing include culture, demographic, region, weather, food, and religion through the on-going AustralianASEAN BRIDGE (Building Relationship through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement) partnership project R .
NOHS BSP preparing for the jamboree. Cris Galamiton
NOHS-BSP to join ASEAN jamboree by: Jazzlyn Orpiada Boy Scouts of the Philippines NOHS Chapter will participate in the upcoming 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree on Nov. 27- Dec. 2 at Energy Park, Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte with the theme, “Growth and Stability.” The Jamboree is expected to have more than 20,000 participants covering all the 121 Local Councils of the BSP, as well as member-
countries of the ASEAN and other countries in the AsiaPacific Region. “I think this training will improve myself because there will be a lot of educational and physical activities.” Ken Paolo Gilo, a member of the BSP NOHS Chapter, said. Activities in the Jamboree will include ASEAN-based activities like Jungle Adventure Trial and Aquatics, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management. R
NOHS Rondalla to join national contest
Mark Laraghy, Principal of Livingstone Christian College of Australia.
by: Jazzlyn Orpiada Negros Occidental High School Rondalla surpassed the regional elimination round of National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) 2017 at Siliman University, September 16, together with Cebu’s representatives. “We’ve encountered many hardships, from the balancing of the music, tightening of schedules, up to the instruments we used, it was all worth it,” said Nuneza.
Joni Cleo Pacalioga, conductress and Kristine Nuneza, team leader of the group, admitted that their main edges in winning were not only their unity and determination, but also the contest piece they used. “Our parents, teachers, friends, and most of all, God, motivated us in winning this competition,” said Nuneza. NOHS was the only pride of Negros, together with the three groups from Iloilo and Cebu, filling the four spots in the competition R.
2 Opinion
The
Reflector August-October 2017
Know HIV, no HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the big challenges that public health faces. An estimated 36.7 million people were positive with HIV in the early 2015, and the population is expected to grow higher until today. The Department of Health (DOH) stated that in April
governmental organizations. The Philippines takes a step against HIV, and also implemented the Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, that mandates awareness through a comprehensive nationwide educational and information campaign.
EDITORIAL
Strength in ASEAN
F
ilipinos should make the most out of the ASEAN Integration. Philippines allocated Php 15 billion for the mobilization and actualization of its chairmanship in the ASEAN Integration as it turns 50 this year, and as they continue the second year of the ASEAN Economic Community, with the theme: “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”. With this billion-worth of event, the Filipino citizens will be able to experience various benefits. The actualization of free trade is what the integration would like to achieve for this year. It will lower the cost of living in the country. Thus, this builds a better and more comfortable life for Filipinos. Quality education, through the ASEAN Integration, can also be experienced by the Filipinos. Filipino students can apply for scholarships among the members of ASEAN and study in the respective country. Increasing the number of jobs for the Filipinos by allowing the service providers across the region and by increasing the foreign investments by removing restrictions, is one of the goals of the integration. More jobs are what the Filipinos need, and so jobs are what the integration will also eventually provide. A better life due to free trade, more employed Filipinos, better quality education, and greater investments will eventually lead to the growth Philippines. Therefore, Filipinos should be aware of their benefits from ASEAN and indeed make the most of the integration. R
The Staff
REFLECTOR
“Awareness remains to be the most feasible solution in hand.” 2017, more than 600 Filipinos whom are mostly millennials, were diagnosed with HIV. Most cases of HIV were obtained from unprotected sexual intercourse. The DOH has designated 50 treatment facilities in the country. It has also been spreading awareness through symposiums, Info-Ads, and non-
The war agauinst the prevalance of HIV cases in the country is not an overnight battle. Awareness remains to be the most feasible solution in hand. Filipinos need to further be educated and informed to win this battle, but nevertheless, I am glad, knowing we are moving one step ahead against HIV. R
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Garbage scattering everywhere cause floods in a small amount of rainfall. As a student, how can I prevent someone from throwing garbage anywhere? Thank you. Sincerely yours, Amie Acupan Dear Ms. Felasor, It’s like a domino effect - start to discipline yourself along with your peers. Set as a good example to others and if you see someone scattering their trash you can just tell or talk to them nicely. Sincerely yours, The Editor
Sports Writer Editor-in-Chief News Writer Feature Writer Ken Gilo Rolyn Legaspi Jazzlyn Orpiada Reya Hina-ut Cartoonist Photojournailst Layout Artist Megumi Gelogo Khyle Felasor Charlie Labios
The
Reflector August-October 2017
News 3
Eng pub EIC is 11th councilor by: Jazzlyn Orpiada
Double ping. The Reflector Editor-in-Chief Ken Paolo Gilo was elected as Bacolod City Boy Councilor during the Boys and Girls Week Celebration of the Rotary Club Bacolod held at the Bacolod City Library, Nov. 10. Elected city officials of the Boys and Girls Week will be having their duty at the New Government Center on Nov. 20-24. “Service is my passion,” Gilo stressed. “However, I should make sure I am able to balance all my responsibilities.” Gilo also emphasized that he is excited to be sitting in the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall with his fellow elected city officials. “The Boys and Girls Week is a Ken Paolo Gilo during his campaign speech in Bacolod Library Hub. great avenue for our student leaders to in the same event namely April Rose hone their skills in good governance,” Gatoc stated. Three other Negros Occidental High Exaltado, Myzelle Claridad, and Bea Negros Occidental High School Supreme Student Government Adviser Cecilia School student leaders also participated Nova Monsale. Elected city officials will be reporting to their respective counterpart’s office at the NGC. R After the run/walk, the Youth by: Ken Paolo Gilo The Youth Empowering Youth Empowering Youth Initiative also had Initiative launched the KapayapaRun, a peace concert and an advocacy fair. Carlos Hilado Memorial State a 3 km run/walk peace campaign College performed in the said concert held at the New Government Center, and conducted a Zumba Dance. October 30. “I was happy because I was The KapayapaRun had a general by: Jazzlyn Orpiada watching the presentation together registration of Php 80. Attendees could Negros Occidental High School’s also avail registration with peace shirt with my friends,” Jaya Ariola, a The Reflector Broadcasting team takes KapayapaRun attendee. at Php 180. part as student reporters in DYHB Tatak YEY officer Jade Miraflores had Collected monetary would go to RMN Radio Station every Sunday, 5:30 the Marawi Evacuees, Sowing Legacy a talk in the advocacy fair, promoting pm. Movement Scholars, and Negrosanon future activities and inviting the youths Flora Lingamen-Carpio and Mario to apply in the Negrosanon Young Young Leaders’ Summit 2018. Amaca, station anchors, are the ones “I am very grateful to all who Leaders Summit and Negrosanon who gave the broadcasting team the attended the KapayapaRun,” YEY Vice Young Environmentalist Summit. opportunity to be exposed to on-air “The NYES is an avenue to President John Patrick Plaida stated. experiences. “This will be a great help to all the catalyze quality Negrosanon youth “We wanted to share the environment advocates,” Miraflores beneficiaries.” knowledge and experience that we had emphasized. R to young journalists, so giving them real opportunities would definitely fuel the fire they’re burning,” Carpio stated. The Reflector’s Adviser, Jennifer Aranico was also overwhelmed with the opportunity given to the broadcasting team. “Of course I’m happy. Aside from it, experiencing broadcasting on-air, it would also serve as their training,” Aranico said. R The Kapayaparun partcipants joining the zumba after the run. NYLS Page
NOHSians join Kapayaparun
EVERY SUNDAY
Campus press on DYHB
4 Feature
The
Reflector
Senator for a day:
August-October 2017
the Philippine Model Congress experience
by: Khyle Jewel Felasor
Jaya Ariola at the Senate of the Philippines.
“Bayang magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan, alab ng puso sa dibdib mo’y buhay,” she sings out loud, her right hand against her pounding heart, getting goosebumps from looking around the room and realizing she is singing with the future of the country: hundreds of young leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were gathered at the Committee Hall of the Philippine Senate, armed with big ambitions and brilliant minds. Ma. Jaya A. Ariola, an aspiring Lawyer and a Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) student from Negros Occidental High School, was selected to be a delegate in the 6th Session of the Philippine Model Congress at the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City, Metro Manila from September 9-10. “From thousands of applicants all over the country, I am so honored to be chosen as one of the 500 delegates at this year’s PMC!” Jaya exclaimed. The Philippine Model Congress (PMC) is a simulation of the Congress of the Philippines which aims to give the Filipino youth an opportunity to work together and propose solutions to contemporary national problems. “It was mentally overwhelming- discussing, debating, and voting on bills in the committee sessions. It’s exhausting- dissecting and weighing every aspect of a social issue, questioning everything you’ve ever known.” Jaya said, “I have so much yet to learn. I have always known this. But never in my life have I ever felt so motivated to educate myself more than the experience I had in those two days.” “Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta, buhay ay langit sa piling mo. Aming ligaya nang pag may mang-aapi ang mamatay ng dahil sayo,” she sings one last time, her heart pounding against her chest, - she is the future of the country- along with young leaders like her from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered at the Committee Hall of the Philippine Senate. R
Danjugan Island and beyond
First Person
by: Khyle Jewel Felasor
Clothes, check. Phone, check. Earphones, check. Everything must all be set and ready because getting lost in an unfamiliar island was not on my planner. The clock said 5:50am. I hurriedly closed the door, and that’s where the adventure to the south began. As early as March 31 to April 2, I, along with other 20 youth volunteers and campers, already went for a summer camp initiated by the Eco School Movement in Danjugan Island. However, just a foreword, Danjugan Island is not your ordinary beach. Located in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Danjugan Island, or simply known as Danjugan, is a marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary. The island has an incredible biodiversity given its small size, and it’s a home to at least 72 bird species, 10 bat species, 17 mangroves species, 572 fish species belonging to 139 genera, 244 species of hard corals, 8 seagrass species, and 74 species of macroalgae. “The island was purchased from a milestone fundraising
campaign by an NGO, the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. (PRRCFI), to make it a sanctuary for wildlife and waters around it as a marine protected area,” Dave Albao, Executive Director of PRRCFI, highlighted. “ Albao added that it was done to ensure the sustainability of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, and to establish an environmental education and research center. “I’ve never seen a place like Dajungan Island before! It’s a total package; the forest, the caves, the lagoons, the sleeping quarters, and the beaches,” Ane Jill Lima, now an 18-yearl-old camper, remarked. “ There, I have done things like kayaking, snorkeling, visiting bats at dawn while skipping at bioluminescent algae late at night, and swimming along with schools of various colorful fishes on a coral-studded seabed. Wildlife and biodiversity are thriving in the place. “As we find ourselves so caught up in our busy city lives, a visit to Danjugan Island is truly a breath of fresh air,” Lima ended. Clothes, checked. Phone, checked. Earphones, checked. Everything was still there - complete. I thought I was ready, but it turned out that I never was. I barely had any pictures taken. I hardly opened my phone and listened to my favorite playlist. I let my guard down. Danjugan Island made me feel so connected. Though ironically, by being so connected, I got lost in moments I will remember in this lifetime and beyond. R
Left to right: Turtle beach, Tower, Tabon Beach, Murray Lagoon. Photos taken by Colline Lazona and Ane Jill Lima.
Feature 5
The
Reflector August-October 2017
Only Roli by: Reya Grace Hinaut
R
oli Calfoforo describes himself as a normal man. He went to study at Negros Occidental High School, and proceeded to college at University de La Salle. After which, he became a teacher for the very subject he studied in college, Computer Science, only one of many around the Philippines. The next thing he knew, he became one of only four teachers on a plane to Australia, with a mission to spread the Philippines’ culture. Calfoforo was chosen through a series of interviews and class observations to represent the Philippines in the ASEAN-Australian Building
Roli Calfoforo in
Learning k by: Reya Grace Hinaut
Grade 10 student Marian Hannah Bedayos was smiling as she watched both Filipinos and Taiwanese dance together on center stage. She was smiling as they played a game together, and as they laughed together, she was laughing with them, too. Then, as the Taiwanese taught her Mandarin, she rightfully taught them Filipino, too. The day that the Taiwanese students from the FuJen University came to Negros Occidental High School cultural exchange was a day that Bedayos found
Relationship through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement (BRIDGE) partnership program. “Personally I think that Sir Calfoforo was perfect for the program, because I’ve personally experienced how charismatic he is,” stated student Rica Sophia Villacanas. “Sir Amaca made the right choice in choosing him; he is an expert at what he does.” While in Australia, Calfoforo taught 21 third grade students from the Livingstone Christian College in Brisbane about the Filipino culture. “I learned that they are individualistic people, as compared to us Filipinos who are communal,” Calfoforo said. “I also noticed that they are advanced in their education because the third graders are already learning basic programming.” Calfoforo said that his college education definitely helped during his stay at Australia, especially since it was related to their class topics. “Computer science is difficult, because it requires logic and you need to be good in math,” said Calfoforo. However difficult it was, Calfoforo said that it was enjoyable, and as much as he enjoyed Australia, the Australians enjoyed him, too. R
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hard to forget. She described it as a day of learning, of creating friendships, and of making merry. “First, students from our school’s special program in arts did a folk dance as a means of entertaining our guests,” Bedayos recalled. “This was nothing out of the ordinary; SPA students often did that for programs.” Bedayos was surprised to see them invite the Taiwanese onstage. “As shocked as I was, I believe it was a nice and thoughtful of our schoolmates,”
Taiwanese students participate in the guessing game during their visit in the NOHS AVR.
Bedayos said. “It turned out to be one more way to make our guests feel more welcome, and I’m really proud our schoolmates were able to do that.” After that, they played a game where the Taiwanese needed to guess the meaning behind a Filipino word. “I found it entertaining, because sometimes they can be wrong but they know how to laugh at themselves,” said Bedayos. “It’s also a really fun way to learn Filipino!” Next, the Taiwanese taught them how to read pinyin, or mandarin characters. “I am so grateful that I got to leearn a new language, it has always been my dream to be able to speak in more than one language,” Bedayos said. Bedayos said that the day was fulfilling for her, especially because the Taiwanese students were nice people. “They had very charming personalities, and they would make great teachers one day, if they wanted to be,” Bedayos concluded. “I would love to learn from them again.” R
6 Science & technology
The
Reflector August-October 2017
HIV Awareness:
Reflector August-October 2017
Arnis in SEA Games
Solution to fastest growing epidemic in Asia
by: Rica Villacanzs he booming music and masked performers that attracted various tourists and locals alike were drowned out as a man was rushed to the hospital for recurring fever, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid weight loss. Yet another HIV case was recorded shortly after the man was tested. According to City Health Office Social Hygiene Clinic division chief Dr. Babylin Drilon, Bacolod City ranked second in Western Visayas with cumulative HIV cases from 1984 to 2017 leading to 332 cases and first in Negros Occidental with 36 cases and five fatalities this year. According to UNAIDS, as of 2017, the Philippines has the highest increase at 141% of annual infections from 2010 to 2016 across countries in Asia Pacific. It is one of the only seven countries where the number of HIV cases have increased by over 25% from 2001 to 2009. The data provided however are only those who got tested and figures may increase over time. The Red Whistle, an HIV prevention advocacy group, stated that people still have difficulty getting tested for HIV especially those below 18 which require a parental consent. “Sex education is necessary to inform the youth of health risks they are facing now,” The Red Whistle co-founder Niccolo Cosme said. “It’s important to desensitize the youth that it’s okay to talk about sex but there are options and risks they need to know before engaging in it.” Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a lifelong disease that attacks the body’s immune system, mainly the CD4 cells which help fight off infections. Over time, HIV, if left
T
Infographic by Reya Grace Hinaut.
untreated, can destroy majority of these cells, making it vulnerable to infections and cancers or even lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), also known as late-stage HIV, where the infection is extremely advanced and if left untreated will lead to death. “The problem is that most of the people infected with HIV are unaware,” Grade 10 student Reya Grace Hinaut said. “If HIV/ AIDS awareness was taught in school along with better support from the government, it might shed some light to those left in the dark.” HIV is usually transmitted through vaginal or anal sex with someone that has HIV without using condoms, sharing injection drug equipment and breastfeeding from an infected woman to her child. As to popular belief, it is not transmitted through skin contact or contact with objects used by a person infected with HIV nor is it transmitted through saliva and sweat. According to the Department of Health, unprotected sexual contact continues to be the number one mode of transmission at 1,068 cases out of 1,098 cases nationwide, with men having sex with men comprising 918 out of 1,068. Although there is currently no effective cure for HIV according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antiretroviral therapy or ART is available as treatment. If taken correctly every day, ART can prolong the lives of HIV-infected people, as well as keep them healthy and greatly lower the chances of affecting other individuals. R
Sports 7
The
EDITORIAL
PH unfit for hosting
P
hilippines should not host the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. The Philippines is not yet capable of hosting the SEA Games for it is still recovering from the damages dealt by the war at Mindanao. The place is not yet suitable for enjoyment and is still under investigation for it is not fully secured yet. Instead of spending money in preparation of the sport facilities, accommodations, and equipment, the Philippine government can use it in order to restore and rebuild the city of Marawi and other cities and places that have been destroyed and was affected by the war. On July 21, 2012, the PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez announced that the Philippines was withdrawing as host of the said biennial meet due to the situation of the country caused by the war. The hosting rights was then given to Brunei, however, the Philippine Olympic Committee announced on July 10, 2015 that the games will be staged at Manila, Philippines. The Philippine government should know their priorities. Hosting the SEA Games 2017 will not be a wise decision. There are still a lot of necessities in our country that our government should be attending. The Philippines is still under recovery. It cannot host activities while its countrymen are still suffering and are also in need of help of the government. If we host SEA Games, it’s whether our countrymen will suffer, or the event itself. R
Arnis should be included in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Philippines hosted the SEA Games in 1981, 1991, and 2005. In 2019, it will be our fourth time to host the said event. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez stated that the Philippines’
to empty hands, and from empty hands to weapons. Arnis is not all about fighting; it improves the practitioners’ form, breathing, relaxation, movement, balance, flexibility and timing. These practices that can strongly improve an individual’s well-being are not exclusive to Filipinos, and
“It will be a sin for us not to have Arnis in the 2019 SEA Games.” national sport, Arnis, may be included again in the 2019 PH SEA Games. Arnis is the national sport of the Philippines, and it has a strong presence in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The essence of Arnis is the ability to translate from weapons
we could effectively promote Arnis to other countries by exposing it. What the 48-year old Senator and Arnis practitioner Juan Miguel Zubiri said was right, it will be a sin for us not to have Arnis in the 2019 SEA Games. R
Did you know? If Michael Phelps was a country, he’d rank no. 35 on the all-time Olympic gold medalist, ahead of 97 nations.
Tug of war was an Olympic event between 1900 and 1920.
Left-handed people are better at sports that require good spatial judgement and fast reaction, compared to right-handed. Photos taken from www.google.com
The Reflector
SPORTS
Espida caps int’l TKD tourney
Ceres FC celebrating after a goal. www.fox sport.com
by: Ken Paolo Gilo
T
atak probinsyal. Negros Occidental High School Taekwondo Jin Arianne Espida bagged a silver medal in the World Cadet Taekwondo Championship held at Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, Aug. 24-27. Espida is a grade eight Special Program in Sports student. “I learned to love taekwondo,” Espida said, “I worked hard and devoted myself in taekwondo in order to achieve my dream.” She also stressed that she was happy and overwhelmed with the fact that she was able to represent her school and the country in an international tournament, and that she couldn’t reach any of these without the support of her family, friends and taekwondo advisers. Espida’s coach, Pamela Caminos, said, “She is exceptional, but the student needs our support in the future competitions that she will be joining in as her parents also struggle financially.” R
Arianne Espida holding the Philippine flag after the awarding.
NOHS athletes gear up for Provincial Meet by: Ken Paolo Gilo It’s the time of the school year again. Negros Occidental High School student athletes of different sports are now practicing daily as they prepare for the upcoming Provincial Athletic Meet on December 10-15. Practice schedules of the student athletes that will be competing for the Provincial Meet alternate between morning and afternoon daily. “It’s favorable for both the subject teachers and the student athletes,” NOHS Arnis Team Coach
Mary Gazele Siason said, “It will give the student athletes a chance to catch up with their lesson the next day since the schedules are alternating.” Siason also stressed that the NOHS coaches are teaching the student athletes on how to be responsible citizens. NOHS Chess Player Myzelle Claridad said, “The new practice schedule allows me to pass performance tasks on time and still join in group activities.” R
Living the sports writers’ dream
First Person
by: Ken Paolo Gilo
Stephen Schrock receiving the ball. www.rappler. com
“You two are the only high school students that had the privilege to cover an International football game.” As Allen Del Carmen, Editor-in-Chief of the Star Life, said these words, honor and pride swelled in our hearts. We didn’t expect ourselves to be in the Media Booth at the top of the Panaad Park and Stadium together with the other journalists coming from big organizations such as CNN Philippines, The Bacolod Daily Star, and the Philippine Inquirer, covering an international
football game viewed by 7,534 football fans filling the stadium. Despite the fact that our First Grading Periodical Exam was scheduled the next day, we chose to cover this game. At first, we were simply in awe at the spot where we were assigned, which was the Media Booth. By the 2nd mark, Jose Elmer Porteria had made the first goal, whose time we forgot to record because of how overwhelmed we were. “I know that covering an international football game is no joke, I felt honored and pressured at the same time,” Brynx Junil Alegarbes said. R