The Nucleus Contest Issue Vol. 56 No. 1

To write in the service of truth CONTEST ISSUE VOL.56 NO.1 S.Y. 2019-2020

Laro ng Lahi: a Game of Nations

ART aches Editorial

page 10

page 5

Bankrupt!

Bank Robbed! page 11

Features Talahib EndoFIGHTS

page 16

Science Below the Belt

Jñana Resurreccion and Nathan Herrera

Beyond the ñ stage. Using artistic performance, 10 Einstein and 10 Faraday raise awareness on different social injustices during the speech choir and sabayang pagbigkas competitions.

Bea Balasabas With High School School With the the students students of of Manila Manila Science Science High (MSHS) travelling from different parts of Metro Manila (MSHS) travelling from different parts of Metro Manila and and Rizal Rizal on on aa andnearby nearbyprovinces provinceslike like Laguna, Laguna, Cavite, Cavite and daily to face face survey survey daily basis, basis, The The Nucleus Nucleus conducted conducted aa face face to on 319 students about their views on onNovember November12 12toto2121toto 319 students about their views whether there is a transport crisis or none. on whether there is a transport crisis or none.

Based the respondents respondents Based on on the the results, results, 93 93 percent percent of of the said the other other 55 said ‘Yes’ ‘Yes’ while while only only 22 percent percent said said ‘No’ ‘No’ and and the percent answered ‘No Opinion’. percent answered ‘No Opinion’.

Almost respondents stated stated they that have they ahave Almost all all of of the the respondents harda hard travelling, be it through utility vehicles, time time travelling be it through public public utility vehicles, school school services, or private carsasserting thus asserting their opinion services or private cars, thus their opinion about about ongoing transport crisis in the Philippines. ongoing transport crisis in the Philippines.

According of discipline, discipline, According to to the the responses, responses, lack lack of overpopulation, road construction construction were were the the main main overpopulation and and road causes causesof ofthe thecrisis. crisis.

Maurice of the the Maurice Navarro, Navarro, 10 10 Roentgen Roentgen and and one one of respondents pointed out that “if there was no transport respondents pointed out that “if there was no transport crisis, crisis,the therich richwould wouldbe beutilizing utilizingpublic publictransport.” transport.”

Among Opinion’, most most Amongthose those who who voted voted ‘No’ ‘No’ and and ‘No ‘No Opinion’, reasoned out that they do not commute and experience reasoned out that they do not commute and experience enough enoughto togive givetheir theirthoughts thoughtson onthe theissue. issue.

The claims of of The result result of of the the survey survey contradicted contradicted the the claims presidential ‘no mass mass presidential spokesperson spokesperson Salvador Salvador Panelo Panelo on on ‘no transport transportcrisis’ crisis’in inthe thecountry. country.

What MaScians think about transport crisis Casmir Fermin and Sean Vergara

page 19

TRASH TALKS

Sports

MSHS tackles waste issues; seeks greener campus Casmir Fermin

Saving our earth only takes a few small steps which can lead to big advances.

To contribute in solving the ongoing environmental issues of today, Manila Science High School (MSHS) upped its game this year by initiating several programs committed to reduce the school’s waste.

Through the joint efforts of Youth for the Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), Manila Science Teachers and Employees Cooperative (MaSci-TEC), Supreme Student Government (SSG), and the General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA), new systems and guidelines on waste issues were carried out.

No to plastic utensils and food deliveries In partnership with MaSci-TEC, YES-O implemented the banning of the use of any plastic utensils in the school canteen. This is to encourage students, teachers and staffs to bring their own utensils.

In addition, to reduce waste particularly plastics inside the school, the SSG with the collaboration of MaSci-TEC and YES-O also made it public that food deliveries including take-outs brought into school are now prohibited and will be blocked from getting inside the gate.

As of now, there is no penalty imposed for non-compliance, however, with its first year of implementation, YES-O is hoping that MaScians will continue to follow the restrictions seriously in the upcoming years.

Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Eva S. Nacion, principal, reached out to the nearby fast food chains to work on their own projects which can help in reducing waste. It brought the nearby KFC, Jollibee and McDonalds food-chains to become straw-less.

Waste Segregation Segregation bins were recently installed in the school canteen for proper waste management.

Sinson aims to sustain excellence as new principal Liam Magadia

Hoping to uphold the long line tradition of excellence of Manila Science High School (MSHS), Mr. June Hayden R. Sinson, the newly installed principal, conveyed his will to serve the whole community during the welcome ceremony held at the Barotilla Hall, November 18.

Sinson never expected to be transferred after only a year of serving as the principal in his former station.

Not new to excellence According to Sinson, long before his assignment to MSHS, he had already been competing with MaSci in different research

Guidelines were posted on how to properly segregate waste but according to Mrs. Sheryl Contreras, chairman of MaSci-TEC, based on observation, the system was not as effective as expected.

“Perhaps they don’t know where to throw their trash, or they don’t want to segregate”, she said.

In order to make it more convenient for collecting trash, improvement was done with the former dumping ground of garbage beside Gate 3.

It was an eyesore and also attracted cockroaches, rats and even rabid cats, said Nacion.

Tetra Pak Recycling Contest At the beginning of September, YES-O announced that MSHS will participate in the Tetra Pak Care and Share Program which will Continue on PAGE 2

contests for 12 years, thus, he never expected to lead the school and work with the teachers that he once considered as one of his strongest opponents.

“Such an irony!” he exclaimed.

Moreover, he was also given various speaking engagements usually held in MaSci, which according to him during interview, were organized not only for MaSci teachers but also for teachers in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Continue on PAGE 2 Leading the way. Mr. June Hayden R. Sinson, 11th principal of Manila Science High School (MSHS) delivers a message to the students after he was formally introduced to the whole community at Amadome, November 27.

Bea Balasabas

Batch ’94 graces homecoming with a cause

Manalo explained the process from pre-production and post-production of a film and Aplal shared tips on using the camera and other filmmaking gear.

Meanwhile, Sanchez discussed ways on how to make a film's visuals and audio effective in conveying a message.

Career Talk To guide Grade 12 students on their future career paths, four members of batch '94, now professionals in their respective fields, served as speakers in a career talk at the Amadome, September 18.

Sharing their experiences from MSHS to their professional career were Dr. Charissa Gonzales, obstetriciangynecologist from the Perpetual Succor Hospital, Atty. Kristine Audrey J. Cabebe, assistant city prosecutor of Manila from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Judee R. Quiazon, executive director of Taguig Region

from Business Network International Philippines, and Kristine Bo-o, supply chain manager from Mundipharma Distribution GmbH, Philippine Branch.

Amherst Plant Tour Through Mr. Jeffrey Nuestro, also from batch ’94, a field trip was organized at the Amherst Laboratories in Biñan, Laguna on October 10.

Grade 9 Mendel, along with Mrs. Mary Ann Certeza, Chemistry teacher, was given the chance to visit the facility housing several machines that produce different kinds of packaged medicines.

Agham: Kaakibat sa Kaunlaran ng Lipunan at Ekonomiya Patterned after the Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, batch ‘94 with the help of the Science Department organized the "Agham: Kaakibat sa Kaunlaran ng Lipunan at Ekonomiya" (AKKLE) program at Alzona Hall, October 11.

With their batch mates as speakers, the program covered the following topics: Beyond Sex and Gender, Asst.

Prof. Enrico Baula; Take a Step Inside a Medical Laboratory: Who’s Who and What’s What, Michelle M. EncinasLatoy, M.D.; Toilet Talk—Leaving No One Behind, Mira Bungatong Bacatan; Engineering for the People, Dr. Richard Hizon; The Science of Happiness and Relationships, Mae Seracarpio; The Game Theory in Everyday Life, Dr. Romeo T. Balanquit; Health in our Hands: The Power of Hand Hygiene and Infection Prevention Practices, Felma Garcia,; Hanap Patay, Hanapbuhay: An Inside

MPSTA-NCR in the Unity Walk from Morayta to Mendiola, October 4.

Headed by Ms. Leversia Rivera, MSHS-FEC president, MSHS delegates were Mrs. Maria Cecilia Correa, Mr. Jay Apejas, Mr. Peter John Rinchon, Mr. Jonathan Ytang, Ms. Cynthia Cauzon, Ms. Ginarose Habal, Ms. Karriana Lei Parica, Mr. Raymond Apostol, Ms. Mary Jane Aljecera, and Ms. Joanna Dionisio.

Tribute to teachers To commemorate the annual teachers’ day celebration, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) and General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA) prepared a pageant-themed program at the Amadome.

Each grade level presented audiovideo presentations and performances while the SSG, GPTA and MSHSFEC gave tokens of appreciation to the teachers.

Moreover, the MSHS-FEC sponsored a luncheon to honor the MSHS teachers at the Alzona Hall, October 9.

Voicing out their rights Signifying their call, MSHS teachers and employees assembled for a “30K” human chain formation at the Amadome, October 11.

This is to demand the government to grant P30,000 for Teacher I as entry-level while P31,000 will be given for Instructor I. According to Ms. Rivera, the president has made promises countless times and the last time he mentioned the salary increase of teachers was when he responded to the big protest of teachers—Unity Walk.

“President Duterte deceived us; if he has the political will and if he was able to pamper the military and men in uniform by giving them 100 percent increase, why would he make a lot of excuses?” she said.

“I am a part of this big sector of teachers [ACT] in the Philippines who advocate for quality education– accessible, relevant, liberating, this is why I partake in protests for higher wages,” she added.

Passing the torch of excellence. Grades 9 and 10 students listen to the words of encouragement of Mr. Seymour B. Sanchez from batch ‘94 as he closes the “Agham: Kaakibat sa Kaunlaran ng Lipunan at Ekonomiya” (AKKLE) program.

John Manalastas, batch ‘94

Liam Magadia and Prinz Arellano

To help their alma mater through student empowerment, this year’s Silver Jubilarians, the Manila Science High School (MSHS) class of 1994 headed series of activities starting first quarter of the school year.

Google Talk To inform MaScians about technology innovations and inspire them to create their own, invited speakers Rikki Macolor and Amante Alvaran, both employees of Google, held a forum titled “Google talk” at the Alzona Hall, July 7.

Filmmaking Seminar-Workshop In preparation for the annual Cinemascian Film Festival, film crew members Dexter Manalo, Gelbert Aplal and Seymour Sanchez held a film seminar-workshop at the Barotilla Hall, September 18.

Teachers, employees unite for wage hike Justin Aquino

Taking a stand and joining the movement, the Manila Science High School-Faculty and Employees Club (MSHS-FEC) staged different activities supporting the nationwide fight for salary increase and humane working condition during the annual celebration of Teachers’ Month and World Teachers’ Day. Black: the color of protest As part of the Manila Public School Teachers Association-National Capital Region (MPSTA-NCR), MSHS-FEC encouraged teachers and employees to wear black every Friday to show their solidarity in raising awareness regarding salary increase.

Teachers also used social media as a platform to urge the government for substantial salary increase. They uploaded their photos holding placards with statements showing their calls.

One with Unity Walk Despite the heavy rain, MSHS teachers still joined the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and

MaScians soar high in Shanghai J-Ayame Ocampo

After emerging as champion in the 12th China in Your Classroom Quiz Bee competition last February 9 at Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, Quezon City, three students from Manila Science High School (MSHS) enjoyed an all-expense paid trip to Shanghai, China, May 17 to 21.

Winners were William Patrick Panganiban, 11 Boyle; Jaerey Austin Quitangon, 10 Einstein; Mark Joseph Rodenas, 9 Calvin, and Neon Chauncey Lazare, 8 Pauling. However, due to personal reasons, Panganiban was not able to join the trip.

Joining the three MaScians in the sleeping giant were Ms. Ruth Dayrit, teacher-coach, Ms. Maria Eva S. Nacion, principal, Ms. Amalia Solis, Social Studies supervisor of Department of Education (DepEd) Manila, and Dr. Genia V. Santos, chief of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD) of DepEd-NCR.

Reaping what they sowed. With big smiles on their faces, the three MaScian winners take a pose with their mentors and organizers in front of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai, China, May 18.

Ms. Ruth Dayrit The delegates visited various popular destinations like the Gucheng Park, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Zhujiajiao, and Shanghai Disney Resort.

They were also given the chance to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, feel the cold weather, and appreciate Chinese culture.

In an interview, Quitangon mentioned that going to China was a

remarkable adventure and felt that their hard work paid off.

“The experience was fantastic, knowing full well that the trip is a fruit of your labor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rodenas shared his thoughts on the importance of competitions like this in strengthening our relationship to other countries.

“It is a way of understanding the Filipino-Chinese community,” he said.

Look at Running a Funeral Business, Sherwin Velez; and Adolescent Health and Wellness, Dr. Tin Caringal.

According to Mr. Seymour Sanchez, chair of the 1994 homecoming and proponent of the series of talk, the alumni-speakers were happy because MaScians were interactive during discussion.

He also emphasized the praticality of projects with its long-term effects to the students.

"It is better to invite alumni as speakers for them to see the state of MaSci, rather than just asking them for donations." he added.

Alumni Homecoming Culminating the celebration, a meet and greet program was held at the Alzona Hall, October 12.

Based on records of all the previous homecomings, batch ‘94 has the most number of alumni attendees.

Aside from batch ‘94, other alumni present were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) undersecretary Major Gen. Rene Glen O. Paje, class of 1979 and the newly installed Department of Education (DepEd) NCR Director, Dr. Malcolm S. Garma, class of 1987.

Former and current teachers and student-scholars also joined the celebration while the officers of the Manila Science High School-Alumni Foundation, Inc. (MSHS-AFI) presented the accomplishments and financial reports of the organization.

Sanchez hoped that batch ‘94 succeeded in relaying the message to the younger students about the very purpose of the homecoming.

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Sinson aims...

He also accompanied studentresearchers from MSHS in international competitions in the past, one in 2008 and another in 2010.

The game is on, Sinson Although he clarified that he will not make any promises, Mr. Sinson stated in an interview that he has ideas in mind which he plans to implement during his term.

In making decisions for the school, he mentioned the importance of valid research to come up with the appropriate solution for a problem.

He also plans to increase the student population of MaSci, since the construction of the new building is already finished.

“This will allow more students to experience the MaSci mode of teaching.” he said.

Mr. Sinson also aims to strengthen the teachers’ social interactions through attendance in various seminars.

“We always learn new things every time we redo things,” he added.

On the way to MaSci He started his career in the public education system in 2003 as a Physics teacher at Ramon Magsaysay High School. Later on, he taught biostatistics and biotechnology and became Master Teacher II in the same school.

His journey of becoming a school administrator started when he was appointed as the Science department head at Gregorio Perfecto High School, then promoted as principal at Valeriano Fugoso Memorial High School, transferred to Sergio Osmeña High School, and finally to MSHS.

PHOTONEWS Trash issue. Two garbage collectors clean up the trash dump near the Bordner Building during the fourth day of Brigada Eskwela, May 23.

Supreme Student Government

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Trash talks...

run from September 2019 to March 2020. This was an activity introduced by the GPTA after coordinating with Tetra Pak Philippines.

Participating schools received their own Tetra Pak recycling bins which were specifically crafted for this event.

This contest aimed to educate students about the proper way to recycle Tetra Pak packages: rinse the carton and then do the 3Fs—Flip, Flap, Flat before putting them in the recycling bin.

According to Engr. Rudith Elena Joson, GPTA President, there is also a pending partnership with Unilever Philippines for a project where Unilever will collect flexible plastics from MaSci and exchange these for Unilever products.

Pera sa Basura Last school year, the GPTA launched a project called ‘Pera sa Basura’ which was originally meant to augment the budget for the traditional dance of the Grade 9 and 10 students, but it was expanded as a fundraiser for the GPTA this school year.

Students, teachers, and even parents are instructed to bring or collect their own recyclable waste from the school and their homes to be weighed at GPTA’s partner junk shop and be converted into their cash-equivalent.

The top three sections with the highest generated funds got a portion

of the total amount raised from this project.

“It was a worthwhile activity because we were able to raise funds and help the environment by keeping trash away from landfills and bodies of water,” said Joson.

Future plans In an interview, Ms. Nacion said sustainability is the utmost priority when it comes to dealing with new systems and guidelines.

She then mentioned a number of proposed guidelines and projects that focused on improving the school’s current status on the environment.

The school canteen plans to invest in transparent and unbreakable cups instead of the current paper cups.

There was a recent installment of a sanitary napkin vending machine and there are plans to add more with the addition of toothpastes and soaps.

There are also proposals for fixing the rough pavement surrounding the school and adding plants along the sides of the Maceda and Senior High School building.

Ms. Nacion focused on reducing the volume of waste in the school and to attain this goal, the canteen needs to sacrifice its use of plastics.

“We have to address our problem inside the school. So, it will be a sacrifice on their [the canteen’s] part,” she said.

MathScian wizards triumph in nat’l, int’l contests Liam Magadia

Opening the doors of opportunities. Hon. Cristal Bagatsing leads the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Senior High School (SHS) building.

Marean Gonzales

SHS studes to use new building Casmir Fermin

After more than a year of construction, Senior High School (SHS) students can now enjoy the new four-storey, twelve-classroom SHS building after its inauguration during the celebration of Foundation Day, October 7.

Gracing the ceremonial ribbon cutting were Hon. Cristal L. Bagatsing, 5th District Representative of Manila City, Ms. Maria Eva S. Nacion, principal and Engr. Rudith Elena Joson, president of the General ParentsTeachers Association (GPTA).

Bagatsing expressed her excitement with the new space designated for the senior high students for their opportunities to work productively.

“Mas empowered sila [senior high students], they will have their own nook where they can actually focus on their studies and their extracurricular activities,” she said.

Meanwhile, the administrators were also pleased about the new building and believed it will prevent the inconvenience among the students during their classes by providing a conducive learning environment.

According to Joson, the office of Hon. Bagatsing is continuously coordinating with the school about future plans and projects to help students and teachers become more comfortable in the school.

“Nag-ocular na ako sa SHS. Marami na akong nakikitang need ng improvement,” Joson said.

New mural draws attention online Ziya Agulan

Depicting the core values of science, truth and country, the new mural on the facade of Manila Science High School (MSHS) received positive reactions online after a photo of it was uploaded in Facebook, May 31.

During the annual Brigada Eskwela, student-artists headed by Marco Leander S. Gono of 10 Faraday completed the mural titled ’Batis’ as a way to welcome MaScians during the opening of classes.

Amazed by its message, Ms. Angelou Hermosa, English teacher, took a photo and uploaded it on her personal Facebook account where it started to get online recognition.

The first part of the mural portrayed ’Agham’ with the color blue, showing the school’s passion for science, arts, and other academic fields.

Meanwhile, the center portion highlighted ‘Katotohanan’ with the color yellow, showcasing MaScians’ fight against deception featuring the school’s student publications, The Nucleus and Ang Ubod.

Lastly, the color red symbolized ’Bayan’ which was inspired by the collective efforts of the whole student body to be of service to the nation.

The GMA News and Current Affairs also noticed the post and asked permission to upload the photo to their online network.

Art-ivists. Student-volunteers work together in painting the mural titled ‘Batis’ during the Brigada Eskwela.

Ms. Angelou Hermosa

‘Sabayang pagbigkas’ contestants cry indigenous people’s rights David Silava

Participants of this year’s sabayang pagbigkas competition made a strong stand with indigenous people’s rights as they showcased their own interpretation of Pat Villafuerte’s ’Wikang Katutubo: Tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino’ during the Filipino month celebration at the Amadome, August 30.

Often unheard, the plight of indigenous people became the highlight of Grade 10 students in their performances but the version of section Faraday emerged as the first place.

Using chants like “Lupang hinarang, wikang Pinas-lang!” and showing tribal prints and advocacies in their costume, their performance raised awareness on the discrimination among classes and the oppression of indigenous people as they triumphed with pride.

According to Marco Leander Gono, one of Faraday’s speech choir directors, the performance of their section focused on the importance of native languages as part of indigenous peoples’ rights.

Meanwhile, Lance De Leon, president of Gabay ng Wika, emphasized the importance of Filipino language in recognizing indigenous languages.

“Isinulong ng piyesang ‘Wikang Katutubo: Tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino’ na siya ring tema ng buwan ng wikang pambansa ang pagkilala sa wikang Filipino at pagtuklas ng iba'tibang dialekto.” he added.

This year’s celebration of Filipino Month is in accordance with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s proclamation in conjunction with the International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Equipped with critical and analytical thinking, students from Manila Science High School (MSHS) proved their mathematical prowess after garnering awards and recognition in numerous contests, local and abroad.

Bagging awards in the 15th International Mathematics Contest in Singapore on August 2 to 5, Lineth Julia Muldez from 9 Darwin, Francis Erluph Cabanting and Gianpaolo Adriel Griño from 10 Copernicus, and Ronaldvince Yrlwin Aquino from 8 Pauling, won merit award, bronze medal, silver medal, and gold medal respectively.

Aquino also received a gold medal in the Hong Kong International Math Olympiad held from August 30 to September 2. Meanwhile, Muldez also reaped two awards in the International Mathematics Open for Young Learning never stops.

Mr. Edgar Sarmiento takes a pose after being recognized during the awarding ceremony of Division Stategic Intervention Module (SIM) contest.

Mr. Virgillio Bea

MSHS teacher wins big in SIM contest Alexander Evangelista

Bringing honor and pride to Manila Science High School (MSHS), Mr. Edgar V. Sarmiento, Grade 10 Araling Panlipunan (AP) teacher, claimed two awards in the Division Strategic Intervention Module (SIM) contest during the awarding ceremony held at the Conference Room of Schools Division Office (SDO) Manila, July 24.

His entry about shortage bagged first place while his topic about inflation secured third place.

According to Mr. Sarmiento, his entries about contemporary issues of our society focused on increasing students’ skills in learning through different tasks, activities, and enrichment programs.

Aside from finding intervention materials for learners’ difficulties in lessons, he also described the contest as a pleasing experience for his professional growth.

“I decided to join SIM not only to help the learners but also to improve my own teaching,” he added.

He also conducted division-level demonstration teaching last October 1 at the Alzona Hall with his advisory class Grade 10 Faraday on topic about contractualization.

With the achievements of Sarmiento, Mr. Virgilio Bea, head of the Social Studies department expressed his admiration and cited him as one of the best teachers not only in the department, but in the entire MaSci community.

Achievers competition in Singapore, September 14 to 16, winning a gold medal in the individual category and the title as second runner-up in the team category.

On the other hand, Issam Wang from 11 Fermat brought home five awards this year, two of which are bronze medals from the Hanoi Open Mathematics Challenge in Vietnam, held from April 2 to 6 and from the China Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, July 8 to August 2. He also won the coveted Peter O’Halloran Certificate of Excellence for getting a perfect score and the Prize Award for being a top scorer in the Australian Mathematics Competition, August 8. He also nabbed a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad, September 21, wherein he got the highest score out of all the contestants.

Raphael Adrian Galang from 11 Boyle snagged a silver medal

in the South Africa International Mathematics Competition held from August 1 to 7, winning the title as first runner-up in the team contest, where the whole team answers questions together, and second runner-up in the group contest, where they answer questions separately and their individual scores are added up.

Wang and Galang, along with Evgeny Cruz from 9 Darwin, also qualified for the 22nd Philippine Math Olympiad (PMO) NCR Area Stage.

Winners of the PMO will represent the country in the International Math Olympiad (IMO) 2020 to be held in the Russian Federation.

According to Mr. Reynaldo Rafols, Mathematics teacher and coach for mathematics competitions, hard work is the key to success, both on the part of the contestants and the trainers.

“Training should be continuous and must be part of the routine in class,” he added.

‘Nukle’ scribes excel in journalism tilts Prinz Arellano

The MaScian pen once again proved its might as campus journalists of The Nucleus, official English publication of Manila Science High School (MSHS) conquered four journalism contests for the first half of the school year 2019-2020.

JourKnows This two-day seminar-workshop and contest sponsored by Division of City Schools (DCS) - Manila was held at St. Anthony School Manila, July 30 to 31.

Adrian Mallorca and Jaemie Talingdan, both from 10 Faraday, ranked first place in Column Writing and Science Writing category respectively, while Eunice Dapitan of 10 Moseley won the third place in the Collaborative Desktop Publishing.

Journeylism Caravan Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Journalism Guild and DCS staged the Journeylism Caravan to schools from Districts 4 to 6 at Manuel Roxas High School, August 22.

For the Editorial Writing, Mallorca and Dapitan got first and third place respectively; Talingdan secured first place in the Science Writing category; Jñana Resurreccion, 10 Faraday bagged second place for the Editorial Cartooning; and Prinz Arellano, 10 Copernicus claimed the third spot in News Writing.

Division Schools Press Conference The Nucleus campus journalists triumphed in the annual Division Schools Press Conference garnering several awards in different individual and group categories.

In the individual contests held at President Sergio Osmeña High School last August 24, Reigne Kacy Fama of 10 Lawrence ranked first in the Feature Writing; Talingdan earned the third place for Science Writing; Bea Balasabas, 10 Moseley acquired the fifth place for Photojournalism while Dapitan settled in eighth place for the Editorial Writing.

PHOTONEWS

Goodbye and thank you, Maam Nacion. Grade 10 students send their well wishes as Ms. Maria Eva S. Nacion, outgoing principal, hugs them during the Bea Balasabas Mental Health Talk, at the Alzona Hall, November 18.

Matthew Castro also won the first place in the Sports Writing held at Cayetano Arellano High School, September 21.

Meanwhile, in the group categories, Nathan Herrera, 9 Mendel; Vince Rome Lising, 9 Calvin; Sean Edward Vergara, 10 Einstein and Mallorca, garnered the first place in the Online Publishing category held at the Conference Hall of the Division Office, September 9.

Moreover, Miranda Reyes and Liam Magadia, both from 10 Copernicus, won second best overall production in TV Scriptwriting and Broadcasting after Magadia won first place in Best Development and Communication and second place Best Field Reporter while Reyes settled third place in Best Videographer and Best Field Reporter during TV Scriptwriting and Broadcasting held at Manuel Roxas High School, September 7.

Liyab The Torch, official student publication of Philippine Normal University (PNU) organized the annual NCR-wide journalism contest titled ‘Liyab’ last October 12, with the theme “Gampanin ng mga Kabataang Manunulat: Masidling Pagpapaalab ng Pluma Tungo sa Pagpapamulat ng Masa” In the Photojournalism - Photo Essay category, Marean Gonzales, 9 Burbank claimed the third place; Lising got the first place in Sports Writing; while Rovin Montaño, 9 Burbank, and Fama secured the fifth and sixth place in the Feature Writing respectively.

With the total accumulated points from the individual contests, The Nucleus earned the title as the second place in Special Citation award-English category, while the 2018-2019 issue of The Nucleus and 2019-2020 issue of The Embryo were judged as the Best Broadsheet and Second Best Magazine respectively, thus granting again the Evelyn Pacheco Award Best Student Publication to The Nucleus.

UN parade bets call for sustainable development Sean Vergara

And I, Thank You! Radiating her charm on the stage, Shayla De Luna, 8 Edison, introduces herself as Ms. Sweden in the United Nations parade at the Bea Balasabas Amadome, October 18.

New dep’t heads commence first day of service at MSHS Prinz Arellano

Three new breed of leaders formally assumed office in Manila Science High School (MSHS) as newly appointed academic department heads after a welcome program held at Barotilla Hall, June 25.

Serving as new guardians of excellence were Mr. Mark Gil Tabor, Science department head; Mrs. Cristina Solis, Mathematics department head; and Mr. Anthony Ducta, Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) department head.

Mr. Tabor was a Science teacher for nine years at Teodoro Alonzo High School before being designated at MSHS.

He earned a master’s degree in general science education from University of the Philippines - Diliman.

On the other hand, Mrs. Solis was a Master Teacher in Mathematics at the Gregorio Perfecto High School for 14 years.

She conducted and presented researches in teaching strategies and student development in different conferences both national and international level.

Lastly, Mr. Ducta came from Mariano Marcos Memorial High School as a former officer-in-charge of the TLE department.

He was also the School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (SDRRMC) and Research coordinator.

New faces to remember. From the left, Mr. Mark Gil Tabor, Mrs. Cristina Solis, and Mr. Anthony Ducta speak about their excitement to work with the Bea Balasabas MaSci community as new department heads this year.

Student efforts yield awards from various competitions Mentored under Ms. Joahna Sean Vergara and Liam Magadia

With knowledge and determination, students of Manila Science High School (MSHS) brought home recognitions from local competitions for the school year 2019-2020.

Through the collective efforts of Gallia Richel Escalante, 7 Archimedes, who won first place; Aislee Jesika Libardo, 8 Marconi; Reyzandro Unay, 9 Mendel, and Jeanele Valencia, 10 Newton, MSHS ranked second in the Reading Proficiency Division level Contest held at Ramon Avancena High School, August 22.

Fernando Joaquin II, 10 Roentgen, with his trainer Mrs. Maria Cecilia Correa, won second place in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Oratorical Contest District level held at Manuel G. Araullo High School, August 30.

Joining for the second time, MSHS won numerous awards, including the Overall Second-Best Performing School in the 11th Sci-Math Interschool Challenge 2019 at De La Salle University – Integrated School (DLSUIS) Biñan, Laguna, October 12.

PHOTONEWS Singing her heart out.

Serenading the crowd, guest performer Miss Ramonne sings her original songs during the Battle of the Bands 2019 at the Amadome, October 8.

Bea Balasabas

Lei Cabreros, Science teacher and Mr. Kenneth Benales, Mathematics teacher, Brianna Villaverde and Justin Paolo Rigos of 10 Einstein with Lance Victor del Rosario of 10 Copernicus emerged as champion in Robotics Innovative Project while Jayce Eunice Salvador, 10 Einstein, Paolo Tagadi-ad, 9 Burbank, and Mikhail Joshua Peña, 8 Edison settled as the second runner-up in the Digital Poster Contest.

Venus Kate Verde, 8 Edison with the help of teacher-coach, Ms. Joanna Dionisio, placed third in the Word Factory contest during the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Cup held at the Teacher’s Camp Baguio City, November 6.

Lastly, the MSHS debate team, Bernadette Taroc and Ji Hee Lee, 12 Maxwell and Adrian Raphael Mallorca, 10 Faraday, coached by Mr. Raymond Apostol, proved their arguments after reaching the final round and placing first runner-up in the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Cup held at the Hube Hall, YWCA Founder’s Federation of the Philippines, November 9 to 10.

Supporting the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), two student representatives from each section voiced out their advocacies on achieving a progressive world through their wit, talent, and creativity in their costumes in a parade of nations as part of the Social Sciences Month celebration at the Amadome, October 18.

Divided into three segments, candidates were asked in the prepageant round to deliver a prepared speech about the current situation of their assigned countries. After eliminations, contestants gave their take on certain contemporary issues in the head-to-head challenge and the

question and answer portion for the final round.

In the end, Ms. Colombia, Aliyana Lopez of 9 Calvin and Mr. India, Joshua Martin Ulanday of 7 Armstrong came as third runner-up, while Ms. Philippines, Arwen Nicole Lumanog of 7 Euclid and Mr. Colombia, John Paul Villena of 9 Calvin got the place of second runner-up.

As the final names were called, Mr. and Ms. Morocco, Lynus Aio de Torres and Leya Althea Senen of 10 Einstein won the place of first runner-up and Mr. and Ms. Italy, Isiah Adrian Quiambao and Sophia Franscine Cadelina of 8 Pauling graced the stage as Mister and Miss United Nations 2019.

The celebration was made possible through the efforts of the United

Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) club of Manila Science High School with the goal of further educating students on SDGs. Justin Paolo Rigos, UNESCO club president, viewed this activity as an effective way to remind students about their roles in achieving a progressive nation “Choosing sustainable development as the theme makes people remember the important goals we need to accomplish in the continued development of our society.” Rigos added.

The UN General Assembly set the SDGs as the blueprint to achieve a better future for each country by the year 2030.

GPTA projects cater studes’ welfare Abigail Cuevas

Fixing the broken pieces. Construction workers start working on another project to improve school facilities during the Brigada Eskwela.

Supreme Student Government

School improvements set in motion Prinz Arellano

After completion of the Senior High School (SHS) building, Manila Science High School (MSHS) continued to go through renovations and receive assistance from both public and private organizations for school improvement during the school year 2019-2020.

According to Ms. Maria Eva Nacion, principal, the following were the initial improvements implemented through the funding from the local government: roof of Main and Maceda buildings; repair of comfort rooms; drainage system of Maceda building; and construction of higher main gate.

In addition, the hallways of Alzona and Barotilla halls were also renovated, while air conditioning units were installed in the faculty rooms.

A couple of drinking water stations were also constructed and the installation of digital signboard located at the entrance of the Main building were made possible through the

Grade 9 orator advocates social service

General Parents-Teacher Association (GPTA).

On the other hand, former Mayor Joseph Estrada distributed hard hats and survival kits to all the students of MSHS during Brigada Eskwela.

There are also plans on reconstructing certain portions of MSHS such as the pavement of school grounds, water system in Maceda building, roof of Amadome, deck floor of Science building and the stairways and fire exits at the Alzona Hall and Computer Science building.

Ms. Nacion said the projects make it difficult for the students and the teachers to do their daily routine, but the enhancement of the school was enough to help them on their longterm needs.

“Medyo mahihirapan yung mga estudyante at saka mga teachers pero maganda naman ‘yung kakalabasan, kasi sa pagpaplano naman nandoon ung sustainability,” she added.

PHOTONEWS

Voice of the unheard. Jake Elmer Senosa of 12 Maxwell shows support to the marginalized as he invites students to join the LiYab club during the Club Fair, at the Amadome, July 12.

Adrianne Magat

Compassion in charity This was the message of Jermaine Maraviles, Grade 9 Calvin in his speech that bested ten other participating schools in Manila during the Talumpatian 2019 competition held at Adamson University, September 20.

In his winning piece, Maraviles emphasized the role of charity in showing affection towards others and how it makes a person become more humane and kind as a member of a community.

Mr. Ferdie Carpio, teacher-coach, shared the challenge of the contest not only in the technical aspect but also with the sincerity of delivery and the advocacy behind the speech.

Bringing Manila Science High School (MSHS) its fifth championship title in a row, Maraviles proved that MaScians do not only excel in Science and Mathematics but also in Filipino and literature. “[Oration] is something I do to express myself and I am pleased to bring honor to my school,” he added.

San Vicente de Paul church organized the Talumpatian 2019 with the theme: “San Vicente de Paul: Kaagapay sa pagpapalakas ng mga kabataang minamahal at binibiyayaan sa misyong paglilingkod sa mga dukha” in celebration of their patron saint’s feast day.

Committed to provide support for the betterment of Manila Science High School (MSHS), the General ParentsTeachers Association (GPTA) initiated projects starting the opening of classes.

One of their primary projects is the transportation assistance to the teachers and students during trainings, seminars and competitions outside the school.

Through the efforts of the officers and other parent-volunteers, travelling such as going to the venue and back to MSHS became easier and safer for participants.

The association also extended financial assistance intended for the projects, school activities, allowance and registration fee during contests and seminars.

According to Engr. Rudith Elena Joson, president of GPTA, this is their way of building good relationship to the school for the betterment of the students.

For their upcoming projects, GPTA is planning to conduct educational field trips and organize seminars strengthening students’ values, leadership and technical skills

Supreme Student Government

SSG, YES-O implement ‘No Plastic Policy’ during the annual Food Bazaar Sean Vergara

With the increasing amount of plastic waste produced during school programs, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) in coordination with the Youth for Environment Schools Organization (YES-O) implemented a no plastic policy during the staging of this year’s Food Bazaar at the Amadome, July 30.

Aside from featuring different food and drinks from different regions, the organizers included the absence of any plastic product in the presentation as one of the criteria for judging.

Participating sections were instructed to incur point deductions from their final score once proven that plastic was used and proper waste

segregation before, during, and after the activity was not observed.

According to Bianca Naig, president of YES-O, the goal of this policy is to promote sustainability through lessening the production of waste particularly the accumulation of single-use plastics produced from school activities.

Meanwhile, the SSG emphasized to the participants the possibility of holding a school activity without compromising the environmental advocacy and responsibility of the school.

In the end, Grade 8 Pauling was declared as the overall champion with their products from the Western Mindanao region.

EDITORIAL

Dear The Nucleus Editors,

Manila Science High School has long been a respected educational institution because of the excellent academic performance of the students. As a science high school, it is expected that we give utter importance to the Science subject.

However, one might be disappointed to find out that our school lacks the facilities for a proper animal laboratory, and that the lab equipment used during classes are already outdated and needs upgrading.

As a result, students conducting research will have to seek assistance outside for laboratory testing and need to pay the cost from their own money.

It is clear to me that the sources of school budget are from the government and other organizations like alumni foundation and parents-teachers association. While it is admirable that our school is looking better, it is still important that we think about what our priority should be. There are many things that we could turn our attention to, like making the animal laboratory functional and reviving the lost botanical garden that both facilities will help improve the learning experience of every MaScian.

But despite this present situation of falling behind, I still see our school as an esteemed one. We, as a community, each have a role to play in making MaSci a better place for learning.

Jeanele Valencia

10 Newton

Dear Jeanele, We, at The Nucleus, share the same sentiments. We are pleased that you still have the positive outlook towards our school’s status. As fellow students, we, too, agree that as an educational institution, our school should give great attention on improving the resources necessary for the teaching-learning process not only limited to Science subjects, but also to other learning areas.

Aside from the physical learning environment most of the budget goes, learning materials are also equally important to fully sustain the excellence in the teaching-learning process.

We believe that while there are still numerous things to improve, we hope that our fellow students still continue to strive for progress and our leaders will hear our voice and take an appropriate action that would benefit every MaScian equally. Your letter to us would be a step closer in making sure that our concerns as students will reach the rightful persons.

Jaemie Talingdan Editor-in-chief

Grabbing the audiences’ attention is one thing, but sending a message through art is a different story.

Whether it be film, performance, or graffiti, different artistic media have helped countless social justice movements gain the necessary attention in the public sphere. In a society that belittles art and advocacy, art became an outlet for representation— for the voiceless to express their grievances.

Many applaud the Manila Science High School’s (MSHS) annual speech choir competitions that showcase MaScian talents in interpreting their assigned pieces. In addition, MaScians are wellknown for being active participants of the Children’s Museum and Library Inc. (CMLI), Sigabo, an NCRwide Speech Choir contest, exhibiting pieces from Filipino poets addressing current social issues.

However, in a similar event, the University of the Phillipines-Visayas (UPV) Skimmers performance garnered mixed reactions from netizens for using satirical cheers in condemning the current administration.

These show how easily presentations as simple as MaScians’ speech choir performances and cheers of UPV Skimmers, could be striking for Filipinos. Such productions are not mere academic stints—they are proof of how the injustices faced by the oppressed could also affect the students.

As the UPV Skimmers are free to criticize the government, threats toward the Skimmers from President Rodrigo Duterte’s loyalists are also defensible. With this, President Duterte’s supporters threw online harassment against the UPV Skimmers with netizens arguing that kids should focus on their studies and that taxes should not be wasted on statefunded institutions with such questionable ideologies.

Similarly, many slammed Panday Sining’s graffiti on the walls of MSHS, along with a few establishments around Manila City. The cultural group of Filipino youth reasoned that their cries would remain unnoticed if it were not for the media, giving their advocacies the necessary attention it deserves.

On the other hand, the newly painted mural also went viral, depicting MaSci’s passion for science, truth, and country. Through art, MaScians used the walls as a platform for the institution’s advocacies.

Nevertheless, some graffiti are improper ways of protest. Although freedom of expression is encouraged, it also has its equivalent restrictions.

These acts of peaceful objections could be done without destroying public space. Indeed, art is inherently non-violent; but aside from the message it sends, Panday Sining’s disregard for existing policies and Mayor Isko Moreno’s effort to clean Manila made the people condemn their graffiti more.

Then again, education goes beyond the memorization of formulas and chemical equations.

Besides, humanity benefits not only from what people remember from textbooks, but from how people understand what it means to be human. When

s’ Offic cleu on Hazial u in g N t e men e at

St Th

Letter to the editor

ART ACHES

the political climate threatens to control narratives, instilling the worth of discourse and dissent is the true essence of education.

Undoubtedly, online discourse proves that Filipinos are socially-aware. It is unfortunate, however, that art does not receive as much attention as the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), the removal of Filipino from mandatory subjects in college, and the current administration’s handling of the West Philippine Sea dispute. In fact, the stagnancy in addressing these issues influenced the emergence of such art.

Certainly, part of artistic practice is social responsibility towards its audience.

Furthermore, eye-appeal does not equal to art.

Aside from captivating its audience, any art form could send messages past the aesthetics. With this,

“

When the political climate threatens to control narratives, instilling the worth of discourse and dissent is the true essence of education. art is suited for the age of social networks. People react to and share things that move them, further broadcasting the grievances of the artworks and its artists.

Truly, the true value of art goes beyond the aesthetic—it is providing people perspectives. Art, in forms of performance and graffiti, disrupts people’s pre-conceived views on art and their pre-determined ideas about messages tries to convey.

It cannot be denied that artistic movements are aimed at hearts and minds, not bodies or buildings.

The goal is to push people to question what influences the creation of such—not force compliance. In this sense, art can warn the audience about numerous social issues and ultimately contribute to change in society.

While changing laws are essential, policies will not be followed unless people internalize values that lie within them. Being personally moved by emotionally powerful stimuli like art influences people to progress and question what inspired these performances.

Besides, the least that the government could do is to pay attention to all stories that art aches to tell.

The Nucleus, the official English Publication of Manila Science High School, condemns the acts of hazing or the infliction of physical or mental discomfort leading to the deaths of numerous students, including the recent case of Darwin Dormitorio, a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet.

Dealing with the fear of losing a husband, father, or brother in the battlefield is a nightmare of every soldier’s family. Worse is the grief and anger of any parent with losing a child under the circumstance that the PMA cadet was killed.

Justifying hazing as a “matter of personal perception” meant to train the future warriors does nothing but worsen the situation for the grieving families.

The severe beating the cadets were subjected to were made to appear that it is for their own good.

Upperclassmen maltreating their younger colleagues demonstrates the future of our military who does not hesitate to take even an innocent life.

Burying a loved one is never easy, but losing a child in a battle against his own companions, is fraught with a complexity on its own.

Criminal charges and expulsion from the academy may not bring back the life of these cadets but the complete elimination of the cruelty of hazing passing on brings them justice.

Clenched fists are not the standards for bravery.

Are you in favor of t he reimplementat ion of mandatory ROTC in Senior High School?

Alexander Evangelista and Casmir Fermin Abigail Cuevas and Jaemie Talingdan

YES

34%

NO

65%

1%

NATIONAL POLL

YES

Republic Act 9163, known as the “National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001”, was passed on January 23, 2002 to resolve conflicts and revise the Mandatory ROTC program. Now, in President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, the congress is pushing for the return of Mandatory ROTC for Senior High School students to instill nationalism to the youth.

NO

It can be a cause of hazing or violence that can lead to injury, death and the authorities abuse of power

I am in favor of the reimplementation of mandatory ROTC in SHS because students could learn some actions to help the nation someday.

- Anon

- Jasmine A.

VERDICT 65 percent of 319 students rejected the reimplementation of the mandatory ROTC. They believe that this can cause hazing and other forms of harassment, while there are other ways to instill nationalism into the youth.

Should t he No Homework policy be approved?

Alexander Evangelista and Casmir Fermin Jaemie Talingdan

NO

n k is a mewore school o h e s Becau l part of theed it so integra, and we n learning systemn continue we ca e of school. outsid dilla Miran - Hanz s students keep lessons, work Home ck of theiremoved it on traith it being rive effects and w cause negat s. might report card o n Buen on our Stephe k r a -M

LOCAL POLL NO

Senate Bill 966 or the proposed “No Homework Law” seeks to prohibit teachers and instructors to give assignments to learners during weekends in order for students to have more time for family bonding, leisure, and mental health maintenance

YES

Be morecause stud and time fo ents ne Teach their r themselveed s mor ers usu f ally amily. usuale. homew g ive ork than - Coke Sometimes and stress the workload handle. It wis too much to have weekenould be nice to and person ds for yourself al plans.

- dabatable

YES 61%

37%

2%

NO OPINION

VERDICT

61 percent of 319 MaScians approved of the implementation of the No Homework policy. This shows that most students would prefer to be at home with their families on weekends rather than spend their time working on requirements.

Add Insult to Injury Extending a helping hand is the last thing we are capable of doing when we are crippled too.

In light of recent events involving the construction of Philippine-based backroom operations of Chinese gambling companies or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) Hubs, nearby residents have shown resistance, fearing the economic implications of the said development.

Since China’s gambling ban, most operations have taken place outside their country, forcing workers to work within legal technicalities. The Philippines, a country with autonomy from China, cheap real estate, and a flourishing labor market makes a perfect candidate for online gambling operations. Along with this came thousands of Chinese workers, causing an unexpected influx of foreign nationals, both laborers and tourists.

Aside from more job opportunities for these foreigners, they were also exempted from income tax—a requirement for all employees in the Philippines. In addition, they are also provided with seemingly comfortable lifestyles, with most POGO hubs flaunting a ‘live, work, play’ concept, allowing their employees to lodge and work freely. The demand for staff housing has also raised real estate prices on surrounding areas, disrupting Filipinos who wish to rent or buy property nearby.

The situation shows how little regard the Filipino government has for its citizens in comparison to workers from another nation. In terms of labor, the government strives to paint the Philippines as a utopia for foreign investors, ignoring the fact that millions of Filipinos suffer from unemployment

dilemma they want to resolve for foreigners.

Although the aforementioned may be true, people only see the gist of the issue, not realizing that the foreigners’ compelled choice to work for a Chinese gambling corporation in another country has its own drawbacks.

The plight of these Chinese workers does not fall far from what OFWs experience abroad. Recruiters also exploit poor Chinese workers’ despair for employment, profiting from unfavorable working conditions foreign nationals face.

Chinese nationals fly to Manila with a hundred-thousand-peso salary

“

“

The point in contention is not the difference in race, but rather the disparity between the upper and lower classes. in mind, yet no form of security nor working permits were provided.

Instead, they were met with a drastic salary cut, daily 12 hours of work and restrictions to leave Manila. In a week of work, they were only granted a dayoff to roam around the bay walks of SM Mall of Asia facing the blatant xenophobia that only worsens their conditions.

On the other hand, the situation of the locals must first be taken into consideration before the backroom operations of these Philippine-based Chinese gambling companies.

NUCLEUS OF THE MATTER JAEMIE FRANCINE TALINGDAN

The Philippines is not only economically unprepared to welcome these laborers, its citizens are also socially ignorant of the issues at hand, resulting in slanderous attacks and racist remarks.

Online gambling controversies also came at the rise of the Philippines and China’s territorial disputes, worsening Chinese employees’ predicaments.

Undeniably, a large-scale influx of workers and tourists affects the Filipino citizens. As Chinese workers settle in the densest parts of the cities, cultural differences emerge, including the outrage on Chinese-only restaurants and unfavorable tourist behavior.

These issues may trigger nationalism among Filipinos. However, it is not justifiable to verge on racism and generalize them—all because of a few wrongdoers.

Despite the existing power dynamics between the two countries, the working class are all victims under institutions and corporations built on deceit and broken promises. As exploitation knows no nationality, Filipino and Chinese masses alike should recognize each other’s crises.

The point in contention is not the difference in race, but rather the disparity between the upper and lower classes. While the people sympathize with the struggles of other nations, the government should prioritize their sworn duty: serving the welfare of the Filipino people.

After all, shouldering the plight of these foreign workers only immobilizes the Philippines further than it already is.

Infallible Foundation To build a stable establishment, one should begin with a reliable groundwork.

Schools are often recognized for their successful alumni but the true staple of every institution is the teachers who nourish it. This is especially true for Manila Science High School (MSHS) where sustaining the tradition of excellence would not be possible without its educators.

For instance, most people seem to forget that the competitive, stressful, and demanding environment that the pioneer science high school creates affects not only its students but also its teachers. If the students are set to a higher standard, what more to the educators training them?

However, it is this practice of putting teachers in such high pedestals that causes a great disparity between them and students. MaScians often expect their teachers to be flawless and all-knowing when in truth, most of our faculty are also in the process of learning. Often times, these expectations escalate from simple mistakes committed by teachers into sensationalised “trademarks”.

Teachers work a six-hour shift with consecutive classes, paired with the challenge of preparing lessons, assignments, and exams for their students. This leads to busy days and sleepless nights. Undeniably, whether due to exhaustion or confusion, teachers commit errors.

While some might reason out that these statements are only sensationalized for entertainment purposes and that it means no harm, it does not change the fact that it harms the reputation and character of the teacher involved. The repeated

reminders of one’s simple oversight is disrespectful and blasphemous.

Regardless of the intention, students should recognize the teachers’ jurisdiction inside the school. Teachers deserve respect for their dedication and commitment regardless of minor and otherwise harmless mistakes.

In particular, another challenge that teachers face is dealing with parents.

As the students’ guardian inside the institution, teachers need to coordinate with the parents to ensure the welfare of students. As their second parent, educators have the responsibility to intervene with a child’s behavior inside the class. This, however, could pose

“

“

Teachers deserve respect for their dedication and commitment regardless of minor and otherwise harmless mistakes.

a problem when the parent does not agree with a teacher’s observations, thus creating conflict between the child’s home and school environment.

Beyond the MSHS walls, teachers are still victims to a system that creates a hectic environment. With their densely-packed schedule, educators neglect their own well-being for the sake of the students that they teach.

Despite the large role that teachers play in our society, most people deprive them of the acknowledgement and compensation they deserve.

VIA SATELLITE EUNICE DAPITAN

Similar to the disrespect that the faculty encounters from students is the government’s obvious disregard for their plights. For a long time, teachers demanded higher wages, additional funds for teaching materials, and better benefits, and yet their cries remain unheard.

While the current regime spends multitudes on extravagant events, raising the minimum wage for all teaching staff lingers at the bottom of their priorities.

Even when multiple government officials received hefty salary increases, teachers, along with their efforts, remain unnoticed. The injustice that teachers face on a daily basis from students and authorities alike is a mockery of their importance to society.

Teachers carry the progress of our country in their hands through their job of educating the future generations. In an institution like Manila Science High School, their responsibility increases alongside the pressure with regards to supporting the development of future minds.

While a teacher may be concerned with nurturing students into better individuals, it is also the students’ responsibility to support teachers in their endeavors. It is time for everyone to start recognizing the importance of teachers in the progress of our nation and give them the respect and appreciation they deserve.

For when the supporting structure is as reliable as the foundation, a building’s integrity is secured.

COMMENTARY

IN A CAPSULE

ADRIAN RAPHAEL MALLORCA The political fever, warmed-up by personality-based campaigns, shows signs of a deeper illness manifesting in the Philippines’ current political system.

Undeniably, politicians appeal to the masses during electoral campaigns. The underlying issue is how Philippine politics became a matter of personalities, patronage, and political dynasties — posing not as mere symptoms but rather as a dying democracy.

The opposition is a system of checks and balances critical to any functioning democratic government.

In the recent 2019 midterm senatorial race, 63 candidates fought for 12 seats.

Unfortunately, for the first time since 1938, the opposition failed to win seats in the senate, filling the congress with 20 against four from the minority bloc.

The two-thirds majority puts the Philippines under a political environment that treats the opposition as mere participants. Supermajority in Congress gives the president an express lane to legislation, effectively impairing the watchdogs of the government to keep an eye on the government and its policies.

Among the top hopefuls are plunder-charged convicts and celebrity politicians, thereby proving that the Philippines has a personality-based electoral system.

In addition, campaign strategist, Malou Tiqia, said that celebrity politicians have 42 percent voter

FAVORABLE FEVER Veiled Approach

awareness. This explains why some attempt to act like celebrities to boost their popularity. Political advertisements also earn the candidate a spot in the senate despite depicting nothing about the candidate’s political agenda.

Having familial support for political agenda decreases the counterbalances in the government. In fact, 163 political families remain in authority in their respective localities, which attests how bearing a famous political name allots a position in the government.

“

...a government built on fan loyalty ceases to serve its purpose.

Meanwhile, election time appears to benefit the poor. Candidates give basic necessities during campaigns, knowing this furthers voters’ approval.

These lead voters to become political zealots. These supporters overvalue any information, validating their pre-existing views while downplaying anything that proves their sentiments otherwise. These biases claim that those opposed to them are ignorant, rarely considering the same may be true about their own followers.

Nonetheless, politicians are not celebrities—they are public servants whose job merits criticism and must be held accountable for their actions.

Fulfilling their sworn duties does not

beget applaud; failure to do so must entail condemnation, not justification.

Expecting voters to exercise perfect rationality when voting is idealistic.

People are too busy devoting their time providing for their families to pay attention to politics.

Though ignorance of one voter appears negligible, collective inaction induces great harm in society. It is an illness beyond the shortcomings of officials.

Perhaps, stagnant political inertia makes voters assess candidates poorly.

Vote buying also hints that with the Filipino’s living conditions, voters willingly exchange their democratic right for money. This justifies why changes are unseen, no matter who is tasked to improve the plight of constituents, devaluing their purchasing power for votes.

Certainly, a government built on fan loyalty ceases to serve its purpose. It would be entertaining to those who treat democratic decline as entertainment shows to keep track of, but it hinders working coalitions from addressing problems faced by the country. Furthermore, the passing of laws becomes secondary priority if the standards of politics is solely based on one’s image—or the lack thereof.

While some might have reservations in expecting changes, Filipinos should never stop demanding and expecting better leaders. As voter awareness spreads, it would induce levels of population immunity against incompetent officials.

The time to act is now, for what good will preventive measures do if the Philippines is under a dying democratic government, strengthening only those in power.

Shining a spotlight ROOKIE IN BLUE REYZANDRO UNAY II

Keeping the innocent cowering in the dark is not a thing to be taken lightly.

Evidently, Manila Science High School (MSHS) has overwhelming support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + (LGBT+) community.

From rainbow pins to pride flags hanging from homeroom walls, MaScians are quite vocal with whom they stand with. While one can hear the clamor and shouts of students from inside the school’s walls, outside is a different story.

In contrast with the way MSHS advocates their political beliefs, the ‘support’ other high schools show only amounts to tentative tolerance, which is not what is needed. The vagueness of their stance does nothing to develop that tolerance into true acceptance. Support is always appreciated, but if acceptance does not become internalized in our values as a society, then it will not have lasting impact. It deprives a part in society past acceptance that the LGBT+ community has been fighting for.

To break the stigma of homophobia rooted in Filipino culture, the message of equality must be pushed to even greater extents than it ever had. If not, then every protest and effort the LGBT+ movement has made this far will amount to nothing. To be able to make the impact this advocacy needs, it

must be backed by everyone. Failing to achieve this would mean cheating the LGBT+ out of the very thing they have been striving for—it is nothing short of injustice.

Indeed, undue prejudice and societal stigma has plagued the LGBT+ community for centuries. It propagated the trend of hiding their identities out of fear, spawning concepts like ‘coming out’ when feeling the need to hide oneself is already a blatant red flag. Moreover, discrimination, being justified by religion and years of cultural reinforcement, has stood as destructive obstacle not only in the Philippines, but also in the entire world.

“

...the social backlash seen against homophobic remarks and behaviors show that society is progressing.

In the midst of this, however, the social backlash seen against homophobic remarks and behaviors show that society is progressing.

It is only right then, to progress along with the rest of the society. It does not matter whether or not the other schools agree with the views of the community. Schools in general should contribute to the safety of society, for everyone’s sake. Adding to the rift dividing Filipinos should never be a priority at all.

In a world that is mostly populated by people in position of privilege, equality is nothing short of oppression. LGBT+ and more communities, victimized by the same oppression, can only be lifted from their position through mass equity and empowerment.

Certainly, granting them more rights does not mean fewer rights for the privileged.

Furthermore, religion should not be used to justify the discrimination against the LGBT community. In fact, there is no ethical reason to justify discrimination of any sort against anyone for being who they are. There are more things that could be done beyond voiceless toleration.

While it is good that people are starting to take action in their own ways, it is important to admit that this is not enough.

Fortunately, MSHS has become a safe haven for the LGBT+ community.

This is further propagated by the student body, the faculty, and staff.

Scathing remarks and toxic comments hurtled to the school due to their vocal stance are brushed off, confident in the just cause behind their actions to keep fighting. Even extending inwards, MaScians educated those who are caught in problematic thinking just as passionately as indignant students are rebuked. Loud and proud, Manila Science High School stands vigilant with no intention of ever stopping.

MSHS bravely illuminates those who have been in the dark for so long.

There should be no second thoughts from other schools when it comes to shining that light for a spectrum.

Rookie in Blue is an open column for MaScians who wish to express their opinion on The Nucleus.

Alexander Evangelista and Eunice Dapitan

Jaemie Talingdan

A knight’s position may be granted through the monarchy’s approval but his influence is powered by the support of commtoners.

At the end of June 2019, Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso was inaugurated as Mayor of the City of Manila. In the span of 100 days, he has already implemented major changes to the city. Moreno envisions a “Clean Manila” that is cleared of the filth left by the past administration.

His actions have gained the satisfaction of citizens. He is already going beyond what the previous administration could not achieve, such as cementing unattended and bumpy roadways, imposing sanctions for underperforming police, and implementing curfew hours to lessen cases of juvenile crimes. Through his active social media presence, citizens can see him take action and serve an active role in solving our community’s problems.

Not only is social media easier to access but it also gives him a way to bond with the younger generation. Providing a connection to them through social media has earned their favor, however, his engagements have yet to win over the approval of some.

His actions as mayor, such as the clearing of marketplaces and the immediate shut down of Isetann mall for lacking business permits, show his iron fist when it comes to those who violate the rules and regulations of the administration.

However, his actions have also sparked criticism among citizens particularly students. The cleansing of roadways left people concerned with its effects, pertaining to the livelihood of street vendors who are affected financially. Street vendors may not be seen as important to some people, nonetheless, they still play a vital role in our city.

Moreno was a man raised in the streets of Manila, so he should be more empathetic with the struggles of impoverished citizens. However, he must realize that the livelihood of these street vendors is inexpensible, especially since most lack the educational background to pursue other jobs.

Furthermore, the adjustments he initiates might be too abrupt, and those affected experience difficulty in conforming to the alterations. For instance, the clearing of the marketplaces may have caused improvements in space, but it greatly affected the income of the vendors.

In an age where plenty of social, economic and political issues are rising, we can say that his presence has an impact on our society. He is providing solutions to our issues and working towards a brighter future. He implements his actions with a firm grip on the law, and intends to improve the city.

Despite this, we are still anticipating his future actions while in position, hence we have hope that Francisco Domagoso would prove himself as a mayor that is concerned with the progress of the city and its residents.

Through the experience one will gain over the course of their career, they have the potential to develop into a knight that serves the interest of the people above all.

COMIC RELIEF

Jñana Resurreccion

Go t t a C atc Got at c h ‘em ‘e m All

Do you want to be the very best but feel like sending yourself to the Pokemon Center even before battling with hordes of requirements?

Whether being excused for days or procrastinating for hours, excusing yourself to avoid accomplishing your tasks is surely not the way to go. Here are techniques on how to successfully catch ‘em all!

PICK-A-TYPE

Emmanuelle Zamudio Abigail Cuevas

Poison

Burned

Psychic

The amount of information you force in your brain might cause you to burn out.

As the stress continues, you begin to lose interest and motivation. Try to reframe the way you work. Use mnemonics, flashcards, and other approaches in reviewing.

Remember crying while typing your IMRAD? With the daily stress you handle, overthinking and breakdowns are not rare. Having to manage your mental stability while doing requirements is a big hurdle to productivity.

Fire

Magsunog ng kilay! Reviewing for exams is a must! It could depend on how familiar you are with the topics but spending an hour or two studying could keep your passion for learning from losing its flame.

Ground

Poisoned

Carrying the workload of your groupmates could infect your productivity, literally.

Toxicity also affects the mental state of your pabuhat groupmates—getting good grades without contributing anything. The antidote to completely poisoning yourself is intervention. If you are that groupmate, do your classmates a favor and start participating

Asleep

Putting your grades at the edge of the cliff are projects which could not be finished inside the school or online.

If you come from the south, you know the struggle of travelling far in order to contribute to projects.

Electric

There are papers and outputs where ideas must flow freely. These are the kinds that you must not rush. Getting in the momentum might take you some time but once the ink drops, ideas will surely pour.

Rest is indeed an essential but given the trade-offs, you must be willing to sacrifice either rest or your requirements Caffeine may become part of your essentials but sleep is also crucial to your well-being. Carefully weigh-in what is worth setting aside. In case you fell asleep unknowingly, remember a late submission is still better than zero.

For some, using technology and digital projects are easy. However, not all are blessed with fast internet connection and non-lagging devices. This What makes you immobile is the unwanted problem will affect the technological difficulties.

Slow connections and time allotted for each lagging devices could affect your productivity. To work requirement. effectively in making infographics or editing videos and presentations, avoid overworking your computers—they also need to rest.

Paralyzed

Grass

Having to finish reading books and watching films require more than a day to do—unless you rely on summaries.

Like plants, this kind of requirements need you to be absorbent. It is also difficult to force into a hectic schedule.

With a lot of stuff to think of, you might face these unwanted effects that come with dealing with your requirements.

Group works are hard by itself but what is more deadly is having toxic group mates! Finishing tasks with pabuhat members affects your collective output. Spending time delegating tasks may be a barrier in achieving poison immunity.

There are seven kinds of requirements, each with its corresponding difficulties. Classify your challenges into these types before facing them oneby-one.

Water

SUPER EFFECTIVE!

Along with the grades you will receive is the chance to get your long-deserved rest.

Regardless of type, time management is the best approach in effectively accomplishing these requirements that grants you the skill to become a real student legend.

Poke yourself! Hit yourself in the head and understand that it is better to catch up with your lessons and requirements while you still can.

Natural selection is key to our evolution; whereas, adaptation is equally vital to our species’ survival.

Controlling the harshest weather conditions, MaScians have mutated from years of standing in line and waiting for PUVs. With the ability to control the weather, MaScians brave the sun’s torrid heat and diverge floods brought by the strongest typhoons, with ease.

storm:

Gesturing With nature MaScians bear daily skin-to-skin contact with fellow commuters in overcrowded public utility vehicles (PUVs). This leads MaScians to easily pass through solid matter, such as jam-packed public transportation vehicles, known as phasing.

Phasing also works in electrical lines in the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) after every technical disruptions.

Recent data from the Asian Development Bank shows that Metro Manila is the most congested city in Asia. With the constant struggle to endure the horrific traffic situation, MaScians living within and beyond the borders of Manila have unsurprisingly mutated from creative means, as one might suggest, into special abilities essential in battling the transport crisis.

Witness these com-mutants living among us.

Being stuck in traffic forces MaScians to create mental illusions, distracting them from the wasted time. They learn how to visualize their estimated time of arrival as if they could see beyond congested roads. Also, astral projection—sending consciousness to travel in the astral plane gives MaScians hope to reach the gates of MaSci even if it means leaving their physical bodies behind.

Tele-pathetic:

Mind over Matter

shadow cat: Not feline it

Ever wished to acquire the power of teleportation while stuck in traffic? In a blink of an eye, MaScians could now escape the consequences of reckless driving and inconveniences brought by the unending road re-piping and widening. It is made possible by generating teleportation warps to displace people and objects.

blink: off In a snap

Organisms, more adapted to their environment, are more likely to survive.

However, commuters should not be on the adjusting end to the government’s failure to address the transport crisis. Besides, vehicles should travel freely, similar to how the government treats the transport crisis—as a passing issue.

Adrian Mallorca

|

Sarah Soriano

MaScian Purity Test

Ever feel like drowning with the amount of ex perience MaSci throws yo u at every day? Test how many points you will get to se e for yourself how immensed you are with the M aScian culture:

rian Mallorca, Rathnait Banga, Ad Kacy Fama

Hold your gadgets and prepare to charge!

Whether it be due to oversleeping or an already huge workload, it is inevitable for us MaScians to forget a requirement.

With a little luck and determination to beat the clock, MaScians have adapted these everyday materials and applications into the greatest weapons in a fight versus deadlines.

n Jñana Resurreccio

Far From Home – 4 point s

Paper Jam – 4 point s

Second home – 3 point s

Food Wars – 2 point s

arrived at home later than 8pm because of traffic, staying to finish class project s could fall asleep anywhere in MaSci

Keep the Change – 3 point s

passively said “keep the change” because the cashier had no coins

Mistaken Identity – 4 point s

greeted people “Mabuhay” mistakenly inside or out side the campus

Name tagging – 5 point s

calling names of those wearing name tags

looking for printers, may it be in the canteen or in Ma’am Lee’s room running out of food and attacking your classmate’s lunchbox

National Ream – 3 point s

providing paper for the whole class

Space Exploration – 2 point s

looking for a whole lot space when it comes to class practices especially during speech choir season

Doom Dozer – 4 point s

fell asleep during class discussion or taking a quiz

Masters of Deception – 6 point s Portal – 2 point s wearing layers to hide misplaced ID or necktie

your

Overnight Owls – 8 point s

went to sleep at a classmates’ house to accomplish something undone

Songs of Salvation – 5 point s

entered accident

the

wrong

room

by

Usain Bolted – 4 point s

arrived in school beyond 6:45 am but still attended the flag ceremony

in desperate times, using choral pieces as your chant s during speech choir

Star Awardee – 5 point s

may it be walking barefooted along the halls before a contest or performing with almost unclothed bodies.

noticed that you were wearing foot rug the whole time while on the way to your next class

We Bear Bares – 6 point s

Out standing – 8 point s

star awardee who rarely sit s in classes due to co-curricular activities

Willful Walks - 5 point s

walking at ease knowing you’re already late, stopping by at nearby stores before the second period class

Dialing – 4 point s finding the nature’s call

area

to

answer

Art Attacks – 5 point s

uniforms drenched with paint due to making props

Ghost Buster – 4 point s

trying to meet with local ghost s usually in the Bordner building

had tons of stars in Ma’am Palisoc’s class

Foot Robbed – 2 point s

A (un)likely match

Ally: The local class calligrapher

Someone failed to bring the laptop with the presentation?

Worry no more! A search for a marker near the board and a quick sprint to the retail store is all you need. Manila papers and whiteboard markers, although not meant to be, always worked well together in desperate situations.

With a little help from a classmate with beautiful handwriting and a few crafting here and there, you are all set and good to go to carry on with your presentation.

Pick pocket – 2 point s

saw a ballpen somewhere and kept it immediately especially if it is a G-tec

Soap O Pera – 5 point s

made soaps for a project then sold it in an event afterwards

Research Top-picks – 3 point s

went to answer nature’s calling without any water in the bathroom

Let There be knees - 4 points

Filmora: highlight your story

Ally: The local class wifi hotspot provider

MaScians are no strangers to digital outputs, often coming up with excellent concepts using the format.

Although sometimes, using resourceheavy applications like Adobe Photoshop or InDesign can slow down their productivity. To buy themselves time, Canva and Microsoft Office Powerpoint– both unique for their wide range of templates and features–are their go-tos.

These two apps, when combined, are the ultimate duo and work more efficiently with a stable internet connection, providing you more options for your graphic editing needs.

The students of MaSci are also talented in film-making, evident in the annual Cinemascian.

Wondershare Filmora is their first choice when editing because of its simple interface and its large catalogue of effects to choose from.

Because of its user-friendliness, the application has been popular for most students and small-scale businesses as it can produce intricate and professional videos in no time– perfect when you are running out of your seconds!

Ally: The local class videographer

Allies: The local class printer and ela-STICK man

borrowed a scientific calculator during an exam

Li-quit – 4 point s

The power-duo

Sticky Situation

Calcu? LATER – 4 point s

got rejected countless of times in terms of research

Round 33 Round

Round 22 Round

Round Round 11

Round Round 44

Aside from saving the Earth from all the waste that comes with printing polymer tarpaulins, printing paper tarpaulins or ‘tarpapel’–as coined by Filipino teachers–save money and time when producing large scale graphics. This all could be done with the help of Microsoft Publisher which allows MaScians to choose from many preset sizes (custom sizing is also available) for their tarpaulin needs, and more. Keep in mind though, that aligning the papers together to form one giant piece can be quite tricky so always make sure to have lots of glue or other adhesives at your disposal.

Go and explore!

Use these products and make it work according to your needs for it would be of your advantage in our collective battle against time. Be cautious, however, and always remember that the best weapon to combat our lack of time is to manage it carefully and to our full capability.

Rovin Montaño Jñana Resurreccion

Dark-

your knees became numb after long hours of speech choir practice

Still worried about diving into the Batis ng Diwa?

You surely haven’t done most of the things this way, there are more things to discover and explore! You do work accordingly, but you do not have much experience yet. This type usually falls under Grade 7 MaScians, since they are still undergoing transition from elementary years.

Hold your breath, it gets better!

Everything is in between! There are still spaces in between the solvent particles, it means that there are more room for knowledge and understanding. Similar to the diluted ones, less timid than before, interactions with different people happen more.

Learned to go with the Flow!

Saturated! All the spaces between the solvent particles are filled with stress and reqs. Things are getting harder as you ascend, beware! Grades 9 to 12 may be getting lots of points in this category. However, these are not by fault. This usually occurs because of workloads and tiredness combined.

Done, down, and drowning.

Facing the greatest challenges and striving to get on the pedestal of excellence, Super Saturated MaScians have done their best. Accumulating and absorbing lessons and hardships in highschool, they became chockfull of skilled and experienced ates and kuyas.

Do not worry, the score you got in this test does not define the real essence of being a MaScian. These tests validate your experiences as you journey through MaSci, helping you realize that a lot are facing the same waves as you do. Besides, we are all submerged under the same Batis ng Diwa.

Pair a white card with any of the surrounding blacks. Playing the gender card should not be a gamble, for the issue of sexism and misogyny will not triumph no matter the odds.

CARDS

AGAINST MISOGYNY

Adrian Mallorca Jñana Resurreccion

Beating the Bullies

,

All things were made upon the glory of His name. Behold Him who gives rightful punishment to the seated who abuse their power and blessed are the oppressed and disadvantaged who seek sanctuary in him.

They offer themselves and all dear to them for the redemption of their souls, in communion with those whose memory we venerate.

Renaissance Man (noun) a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas- mostly in the field of Science and the Arts.

Rebirth and new beginnings, these are the true meanings of Renaissance. A golden age of scientific development and artistic movements, just like the MaSci’s batch 1994, where three of the alumni’s devotion to the arts flourished amidst a science-based school. They proved that MaScians are not only capable in the sciences, but also in the arts.

Visage Virtuoso c. 1994

Salvator Media

Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination for the ideal proportion of the human body caused the creation of the famous Vitruvian Man. A man that dwells with perfection and aesthetics, Jigs Mayuga is a fashion and photography makeup professional who believes beauty must come naturally. Sculpting masterpieces out of cosmetics and visage, his hands worked upon Bea Alonzo, Andi Eigenmann, and Bela Padilla, making him a maquillage marvel.

Deemed it wise to seek formal training before starting his career, Jigs gathered his palette and talent through theoretical and practical learning. In his field of artistry, crafting a face to look flawlessly natural takes more effort than blending cosmetics to create a made up picturesque. Like any other Renaissance man, Jigs partakes his philosophy: to truly understand the study of aesthetics, one must learn acceptance. He believes beauty is holistic and maintenance of natural glamour is substantial.

Sketch of a Symphonist c. 1994

c. 1994 Crafted to astonish art practitioners and sold as the

world’s most expensive painting, introducing: Leonardo da Vinci’s, Salvator Mundi. Savior of the world- of media, Mr. Seymour B. Sanchez’ talents and abilities in the media arts is priceless compared to the painting’s colossal price tag. He is an advocacy filmmaker, communication and film professor, freelance writer, and former producer for news and current affairs programs—one can say that he is truly a media messiah.

Winning prestigious awards in the field of filmmaking such as the Grand Prize in the 2007 Viva – Pinoy Box Office (PBO) Digitales for his first short film Lababo and many more, he proved and utilized media arts in order to showcase social issues. For him, writing articles and shooting films are like honing a powerful weapon, it helps change peoples’ perspective in the world.

Painted to captivate spectators in The Louvre, Leonardo da Vinci’s Portrait of a Musician is his most preserved artwork.

Known for canvassing an Eraserheads musicale, Dexter Martinez Santos revitalized the songs of the iconic Filipino 90s band through theatrical medium, he is the director and choreographer of “Ang Huling El Bimbo”. Stitching vignettes and vaudevilles to craft live cinematheque, this artistic director harmonized the creative and managerial side of leading a theater company, indeed, he is a musical maestro.

Blessed with a discerning artistic team and dedicated cast, Dexter perceives the challenge of the pressure that comes with lifelong reveries, regardless, he harnessed his wits and gifts to direct a musical featuring the immortalized tracks of Eraserheads. Before reviving and relaying the message of the play to the audience, he mused that satisfying the narrative is more vital. Acclaimed for his brilliant talent behind the stage, Dexter shares his wisdom: a musical is not a one-man artwork but a team handiwork, with him were dexterous artists and technicians, for that, he is truly grateful.

Learning how to stabilize these two fields can help prevent the emergence of another dark age, just like the Renaissance.

Balancing both the realms of science and arts, analytical and free-flowing, the ability to understand, discover and enhance things can be used to enlighten the people around you, using art to understand the inner consciousness and science to realize the external truth.

Kacy Fama and Miranda Reyes |

Jñana Resurreccion

State of the nacion

Batis ng diwa. Starting off as the

spring of knowledge, Ms. Maria Eva S. Nacion first embarked on her MaSci journey in the early 2000s as the Science Department Head.

Ginto’t

dalisay.

A

Sa bawat sulok ng bayan natin, kaniyang bandila ay dalhin.

year

after MaSci’s golden anniversary, Ms. Nacion returns as the principal of the school, managing the school’s transition to a K-12 system.

Her story does not end here. Ms. Nacion’s departure only marks the start of a new era, with her are the lessons she had taken along the way.

Kadluan ng karunungan. Despite the trials

brought by the mercury spill, the cradle of knowledge ceases to succumb. The years 2016 and 2018 were the years of action for both teachers and students, holding a candle lighting event for Martial Law victims and a sitdown strike for salary increase. Amid the criticism, Ms. Nacion stands her ground, supporting the fight with the students and teachers.

Sa agham ay tampok na tunay. The

rise of the senior high school building served as the students’ new home. After a while, the first batch of SHS STEM graduates under the care of Ms. Nacion.

Pangalan mong mutya at mahal. As Ms. Nacion departs, the tales of her legacy as the 10th principal of MaSci lives on.

Jaemie Talingdan and Miranda Reyes |

Sarah Soriano

Invent

to Prevent

Battling the elements through innovation

In order to survive catasrophes brought by natural disasters, ideas and innovations are needed to build foundation that can help humans endure the wrath of the elementals.

The Local Science Fair is held annually to showcase MaScians’ talents and knowledge in the field of science and innovation. By wielding knowledge and curiosity, these MaScians created devices that can suppress the fiasco formed by some natural disasters.

Burning Warning!

Research is life. Mateo Marquina, 8 Marconi, presents his winning research project to Mrs. Rebecca Roxas, Science supervisor of Division of City Schools-Manila during the Open House at the Main Building, September 19.

Bea Balasabas

MaSci researchers present projects; hope to improve people’s lives Wenzell Muñoz and Samantha Magpayo

Aimed to produce new knowledge and to deepen understanding in the life and physical sciences, robotics and innovation, student-researchers of Manila Science High School (MSHS) defended projects and bagged five top prizes during the Division Science and Technology Fair (DSTF), held at Ramon Avanceña High School, October 2 and Pres. Sergio Osmeña High School, October 12.

Innovated mainly to reduce casualties brought by fires through text alerts, Firstene Arvhie Badua of 10 Moseley topped the individual Robotics category with his research 0titled “Affordable and Effective Texting Fire Detector (AETFD) 2.0.”

Researchers Marifred G. Shannah Ocot, Isabel Delos Santos and Charlemaigne Pineda of 7 Armstrong found a quick solution against halitosis with their study “Using Apple Cigar, Cucumber Extract and Peppermint Extract as an Oral Hygiene product.”

It targets to inhibit the growth of Jñana Resurreccion

Adrianne Magat

Lights out. It is 3 a.m., piles of papers surround you and the thought of memorizing the periodic table sends chills down your spine. Sightless, you find it so difficult to accomplish tasks and the exhausting heat even adds to your frustration. Well, worry no more! A MaScian managed to devise an innovation that could bring the solution to energy problems.

Staphylococcus aureus, a species of bacteria which causes bad breath, thus bagged first place in the Grade 7 Physical Science group category.

Meanwhile, Ma. Callista Huela Morales, Lester Marquin Matta, and Philip Anthony Rabatan of 8 Marconi utilized katmon for construction purposes. Their research “Katmon (Dillenia philipinesis) as an alternative Dye Tracer”–a study which may provide people in rural areas a cost-effective tracer, emerged as the champion in the Grade 8 Physical Science group category.

Likewise, Mateo Rafael Marquina of 8 Marconi dominated the Life Science category with his project “The Study of Gugo (Entada phaseoloides) Bark as a Cleaning Agent for Oil Spills.” It intends to use a common medicinal plant to remove petroleum leaks in water surfaces.

Lastly, the team of Andrei Mark Calma, Lance Justin de Leon, and Lynus Aio Miguel de Torres of 10 Einstein also conquered the Life Science group

category with their research titled “Development of Rice (Oryza sativa) Seedlings through Inoculation of endophytes from Talahib (Saccharum spontaneum)” that plans to improve the growth and development of rice and to resolve the declining quantity and quality of rice crops.

The winning researchers were mentored under Mrs. Mary Grace Villanueva, Mrs. Preciosa Bautista, Mrs. Charmane Rochel Ilano, Mrs. Marites Francisco, and Mrs. Rovie Labastida.

According to Mr. Mark Gil V. Tabor, head of Science department, students should value the learning experience and develop their character in conducting research.

“What is important is the learning experience, winnings will always be secondary, it is the character and how you deliver your best,” he added.

He also emphasized that research should go beyond school requirements and it should focus on helping the community instead.

Paul Vincent Anabieza of 8 Kepler, with his study “Sodium Chloride as electrolyte in increasing voltage output in Mangrove dye sensitized solar cell,” bagged second place in the First Filipino Ideas Research Expo held at the New Era University in Diliman, Quezon City, September 28.

Anabieza’s study focused on mangrove dye enhanced solar cells and the use of titanium dioxide as a coating material for the glass used to house the solar cells. According to him, the main objective of his research is to provide a renewable energy source and at the same time affordable electricity that would satisfy the growing need of energy in the country.

With the use of sodium chloride or salt as electrolyte, the mangrove dye captures sunlight and produces electrons. Once it has gathered enough of the sub-particle, it will be converted to a usable form of electricity which can now be distributed to households and schools.

However, Anabieza’s winning has not always been this sweet. His study was not originally judged as the second place, only until they received a message from the contest organizers about a mistake in the announcement, thus making him the actual second placer.

Nevertheless, the incident did not stop him from championing his advocacy through his study. He was subsequently featured in the morning show “Swak na Swak” of the ABS-CBN Network.

In an interview, he emphasized the importance of research to find solutions to different problems in our country. “[Research] improves our country [through] new inventions, cures to certain diseases, and much more”, he added.

Under the guidance of his adviser Mrs. Preciosa Bautista, Anabieza proved that you are not too young to help make our community better—you can create innovations that can literally illuminate the world.

Student’s study sparks eco-friendly energy source

Let us volt in. Joshua Figueroa, 10 Faraday, showcases their robotics project during the Tagisang Robotics of Department of Science and Technology at Philippine International Convention Center, November 19 to 20.

Bea Balasabas

PHOTONEWS

Thermal Imaging Sensor Fire Alarm (THIS Fire Alarm) Veronica Eunice Flores

|

10 Lawrence

Increasing and worsening, the number of fire incidents is booming because of the scorching heat caused by climate change. To prevent casualties, fire alarms have been improved to be more effective in times of need.

Smoke detectors often trigger false alarms. But, the THIS fire alarm can easily detect the fire through thermal imaging. When the temperature rapidly increases, the alarm is activated and sends messages to people who are registered in the device’s mechanism. It also does not emit strong chemical odor and power issues.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll –call Alarm Activating with SMS Transmitting Device for Earthquake Phenomena

Veronica Eunice Flores

|

10 Lawrence

Ominous threats and fatalities are foreseen by the emergence of the West Valley Fault. Earthquakes are unpredictable and are one of the most deadly natural disasters. Earthquake alarms would be needed to inform the people.

This device can confirm ground shaking and alarm the people to evacuate. Using an SMS tool, it can send SMS without cutting delay during an earthquake. Sending help and alarming people are easy tasks! No bells needed.

Irrigate and Cultivate

Automated Irrigation System using Soil Moisture Sensor and Solenoid Valve with Alert System via SMS

Bianca Monica Naig, Yasmin Vera Criste and Joshua Figueroa | 10 Faraday

Dry and arid, the land that supplies us of food and crops is at risk of water loss. An efficient irrigation system is essential in the agriculture industry because it provides water to plants.

Manual labor in doing this task is especially hard because delivering water to an area where it is needed is a strenuous activity. The MaScian researchers improved commercially available irrigation systems into an automated system which requires less human interference. Through technology, the amount of water and where it needs to be delivered can be easily modified.

Gas Leak not Slick!

Liquified Petroleum Gas Leak Detector with Alert System Using SMS and Sound (LPGASUSS)

Brianna Villaverde, Justin Paolo Rigos | 10 Einstein Lance Victor del Rosario | 10 Copernicus Catching fire is not a good thing. However, gas products are commonly used in homes and can easily ignite fire. Gas leakage causes most fire cases in the country. Preventing this would reduce the risk of fires.

Through research and studies, these MaScians created the LPGASUSS, a gas leak detector that notifies the user by means of SMS and sound. Gas leaks are not that distinguishable, alarming people about leakages can save millions of lives and properties.

Surviving natural disasters and preventing the misfortunes brought by them is a critical game. Through the use of modernday technology and innovations, the youth can also be a catalyst of change in today’s world. Be creative and save the world!

Kacy Fama

Nathan Herrera

Grade 8 stude offers solution to traffic accidents Adrianne Magat

On a busy road, a speeding car crashed into a blind old man. Due to the severity of the accident, the man failed to survive. Accidents like this could happen anytime, anywhere and to anyone, including you. But the good thing is, a MaScian Grade 8 researcher invented a device that could prevent these types of accidents.

Yzhae Marrione C. Villaruel, with her study, S.A.B.E.R (Safety Aid for the Blind and Elderly in Roadside) Cane, won second runner-up in National Capital Region – Regional

Inventions Contest and Exhibit (NCR-RICE) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held at Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), Quezon City November 6 to 8.

Using Light-Emitting Diode (LED), her project improved the regular cane used by persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens. With LED stored inside an acrylic tube, the S.A.B.E.R cane will serve as a warning device for drivers that a person is crossing.

Aside from helping PWDs and senior citizens, one of her advocacies

is to initiate a movement for a more sufficient support for Filipino researchers.

“Research is what will make mankind flourish and as part of my future plans [for my project], investors already offered help [to patent] my study and introduce it to the market.” she added.

According to Mrs. Preciosa Bautista, research-adviser and adviser of Intellectual Property Club, the invention of Villaruel is already on the process of granting patent from Intellectual Property Organization.

Science Month ‘19 highlights hands-on learning Liam Magadia

In order for students to learn how scientific concepts can be applied in real life, the Manila Science High School (MSHS) Science department and science clubs commenced the annual Science Month celebration in an opening ceremony held at the Amadome, September 2.

Guided with the theme: “Science for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development,” MaScians deepened their understanding of the sciences through presenting their research, solving puzzles with scientific principles, and integrating science into art.

Scientists in Motion (SciMo) With the use of props and costumes made from recycled materials, students performed dance numbers and monologues about the life and achievements of their respective scientists in this year’s SciMo, organized by the Knights of Science (KOS).

Jaerey Austin Quitangon, president of the KOS, said that they advocated the use of recycled materials in line with the theme.

“In this manner, the garbage is reduced; it benefits the current generation and simultaneously paves a better society for future generations,” he added.

Science Interactive Day (SID) Students applied their scientific knowledge and learned teamwork in the SID, an educational team-building activity held on September 20.

Teams of about 30 students had and Exhibit, held in the Alzona Hall, to accomplish tasks on time using September 24. scientific concepts such as navigating Contest categories were Art Exhibit, a maze, picking up objects from Spoken Word and Hugot video. the ground while blindfolded, and Leya Althea Senen, president of balancing chemical equations. the club, said the fair promotes the “[The SID] was nice and exciting. protection of intellectual property and Although [the] rain kind of ruined innovation among MaScians. it, it was a delightful and unique “We reward those with certain skills experience,” said Keira Felix from 7 and encourage them to continue what Curie, a first-time attendee. they do”, she added.

Local Science Fair (LSF) MaScian Earth Warrior MaScian researchers Ms. Karen Nicole Piccio, presented their original alumna from class of 2013 research topics during the and reigning Ms. Ecoannual Local Science Fair Tourism Philippines graced (LSF) headed by the Science the closing and awarding Research Society (SRS), ceremony at the Amadome, September 12 and 13.

September 27.

Students competed in the Piccio shared her advocacy following categories: in the continuous Life Science, conservation of Physical Science, the environment Innovation, and and expressed Robotics. support to the The winners ‘Zero Plastic became the Waste’ project school’s official of YES-O and representatives MaSci-TEC by in this year’s discouraging Division Science students and and Technology teachers to Fair (DSTF). use single-use Intellectual plastics in the Property (IP) Fair and canteen.

Exhibit Eco-warrior. Alumna from batch ‘14, Karen Nicole Students showed Piccio visits her alma mater and gives a speech on their different skills, environmental awareness during the science month creativity, and wit Bea Balasabas closing ceremony. in this year’s Fair

MaSci teams go head-to-head in Geoid Quiz Bee Liam Magadia

From supporting each other to being each other’s biggest opponents, MaSci’s Team A and Team B both reached the final round and won champion and first runner up, respectively in the Geoid Inter-high School Quiz Bee, held at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, November 8.

Team A comprised Sean Edward Vergara and Jaerey Austin Quitangon of 10 Einstein, and Issam Wang and Alexis Jaydee Migyel Salazar of 11 Fermat. Meanwhile, Team B members were Edric Ato and Raphael Adrian Galang from 11 Boyle, Justin Paolo Rigos from 10 Einstein, and Isaiah John Verdejo from 10 Copernicus.

According to Mr. Ferdinand Bautista, Physics teacher and the official coach of both teams, preparedness became the key to their winnings.

Wang attributed the team’s cooperation, speed, and accuracy in answering questions as their strategy in winning the championship.

Jr. joined the Philippine delegates in the group category and brought home bronze medal.

Mesa underwent an intensive month-long training at the National Institute of Physics in the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Meanwhile, Matthew Keizo Yuda was part of the official delegates of the Philippines in the 30th International

Biology Olympiad held at Szeged, Hungary, July 14 to 21.

Among the 300 students from 97 participating schools nationwide, Yuda was one of the four students who topped the Philippine Biology Olympiad (PBO) 2019: SISID, thus deeming him part of the official representatives of our country in the premier global competition in biology.

2 alums join int’l tilts; bring home honor to PH Miranda Reyes

Raising the Philippine flag in the international competition two Manila Science High School (MSHS) graduates from class of 2019 competed in two separate international tilts in physics and biology.

In the 50th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held at Tel Aviv, Israel last July 7 to 15, Allen Mesa

ONE WITH MANILA

MSHS takes part in local cleanup drives

Eco-heroes. Local kid watches and helps MSHS students pick up trash in the Coastal Cleanup at Baseco Beach.

Ms. Joahna Cabreros Trisha Santillan

Team work makes the green work.

Suffering from all kinds of pollution together with the recent outbreaks, Manila City is in urgent need of cleaning. Cleanups, may it be confined or done in a big community, require labor, patience, and unity. Several cleanup drives have been conducted within the nation’s capital in the past months.

Local greening and cleaning day The Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) Manila, in coordination with the

Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) of Division of City Schools Manila, spearheaded the simultaneous local greening and cleaning day on September 14.

The MSHS-YES-O, MSHS General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA), barangay officials, and other science interest clubs headed the student body in the cleanup. Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials also coordinated with YES-O advisers and focal persons regarding the cleanup of the areas surrounding schools.

Ms. Joahna Lei Cabreros, MSHS YES-O adviser, said that it brought the

MSHS community together to provide a cleaner school environment.

“The participants generously shared their time, energy, and resources despite their busy schedules. It was ‘heart work’–laborious but fulfilling,” she said.

Baseco Coastal Cleanup In hopes of further conserving the Philippine waters, 17 studentvolunteers from MSHS with YES-O advisers, Ms. Cabreros and Mrs. Ana Lorena Bautista participated in the Coastal Cleanup at Baseco, Port Area, Tondo, Manila, November 30.

According to Nadine Edaño, from Grade 9 Calvin, and one of the studentvolunteers, the experience was fun and productive.

“We were on a ‘treasure hunt’— finding objects such as slippers, wallets, and used diapers and napkins. It is also concerning that these objects were found in one specific area,” she added.

The cleanup invited participants from different organizations in Manila to remove trash along the shores of Baseco beach.

This cleanup succeeded the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held on September 21, where three MSHS teachers, Ms. Cabreros, Mrs. Bautista, and Mr. Richard Bautista participated.

Never too small. Eunice Dapitan, 10 Moseley, asks a question regarding climate Bea Balasabas crisis discussed during the ‘YOUnite’ forum.

Forum bares climate issues; studes join movement Casmir Fermin

MaScians, unite!

To make every MaScian aware and take part in addressing ongoing worldwide issues in our environment, the Manila Science High School (MSHS) Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) held a climate forum for Grade 10 students titled “YOUnite” at Alzona Hall, September 25.

Themed “The Youth in Addressing Climate Change,” invited speakers discussed different topics about climate change and the role of the youth in combating this pressing issue.

Ms. Gia Glarino from the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, an environmental network focused on campaigning for people’s environmental issues, presented the impacts of the climate crisis in the different factors of the Philippines.

She also spoke about the inherent vulnerability of the country to the ongoing climate crisis and how we have common but differentiated responsibilities.

On the other hand, Mr. Smrz Kahlil Andrei Dancel from Saribuhay, an environment-oriented organization focused his discussion mainly about youth responsibility in handling environmental issues.

“The youth’s intellect, energy and courage make it indispensable in the struggle for environmental protection and social transformation”, he stated.

Lastly, Mr. Rio Constantino, a speaker from 350 Pilipinas, an organization currently building a global climate movement, discussed the concepts of greenhouse effect and global warming.

He focused mainly on the scientific aspects of climate change and also mentioned the current climate injustices happening in the country.

MaSciyoungtists attend NSTW ‘19 Miranda Reyes

Selected members of Robotics Club and Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) participated in the 2019 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) with the theme “Science for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development” held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, July 17 to 21.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched this year’s NSTW, an annual event that showcased latest innovations in technologies, products, and research which could help achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With its interactive expo that exhibited the bright future of the

Philippines through science and technology, NSTW is the perfect venue for science enthusiasts especially science high school students.

According to Jayce Salvador, vice president of Robotics Club, the stalls and exhibits provided valuable lessons which enabled people to see the beauty in science.

“As research is part of our curriculum, it motivated me to conceive ideas on how to help and create a better future for everyone,” she added.

Meanwhile, Jiana Talingdan of 7 Armstrong, IPO member and one of the youngest MaScian participants, said the NSTW made her think differently about the world and realize that there are more things for scientists and even students to study.

DOST-SEI opts for S&T boost; SHS studes ride nuLab Venus Samonte

In line with the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) annual National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), DOST - Science Education Institute (SEI) invited Grade 12 MaScians to experience nuLab, a new mobile science facility, at the World Trade Center (WTC), Pasay City, July 20.

Assembling the Engine Parts The nuLab’s primary objective, as a project under DOST-SEI, is to teach students how different forms of media communicate science and to familiarize themselves on the basic concepts of science journalism; this also plans to prepare senior high school students to their future, which could be directly implicated in their field of work, and in their future university life.

DOST-SEI’s 24-seated educational bus can easily be spotted among other public vehicles due to its prominent yellow exterior.

MaScians were given the opportunity to utilize the computers equipped by the bus, with one-on-one interactions with modern technology.

Some of the topics presented in the bus were: entomology, science media literacy, oceanography, nuclear science, and environmental science.

Changing Gears NuLab’s creation was inspired from DOST-SEI’s first science learning automobile, Science Explorer, in which, according to DOST-SEI, accommodated not less than 32,000 Filipino students nationwide, ranging from elementary to senior high school since 2010.

As Science Explorer was a successful project, nuLab was then created for a more innovative vehicle to cater senior high school students.

To the Next Lap DOST-SEI invited many senior high school students, including MaScians, from their respective high schools in Metro Manila; they were also one of the first people to experience nuLab, as it was first showcased during NSTW 2019.

After the launch, this vehicle visited various provinces, namely Ilocos Norte, Iloilo, and Mt. Province, on the months of September to November.

LOCAL SCIENCE POLL

Question:

Alexander Evangelista, Casmir Fermin, and Ziya Agulan

Sarah Soriano and Abigail Cuevas

Are you in favor of the prohibition of food deliveries inside the school?

Fact:

yes

32%

no

3 out of 10 MaScians

Agree on the prohibition of food deliveries inside the school “To avoid excess garbage and trash scattered in the school.”

- Anonymous “As a YES-O officer, I am in favor of these prohibitions as it would lessen the produced waste in Masci.” ... - Hazel Grace Conde

7 out of 10 MaScians

Disagree on the prohibition of food deliveries inside the school In collaboration with the Manila Science Teachers “When the canteen is full it is less likely to have food, so when you don’t and Employees Cooperative (MaSci-TEC), the Youth for have packed lunch, other options outside Masci are needed.”

Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) implemented - Jasmine Faye Mercado the no takeout/delivery policy which prohibits students from “Catering services for celebrating in school will also be prohibited. I ordering food outside and bringing it inside the school to suggest we apply discipline.” prevent additional wastes.

- E Out of 319 students that were surveyed, 68 percent of MaScians disagree on the prohibition of food deliveries. Their reasons seem to mainly focus on the school canteen whose prices and quality of products dissatisfy students to the point where they choose to order outside foods instead.

68%

Talahib EndoFIGHTS:

Rice research battles declining production “Bakit ba kayo baliw na baliw sa research?” Imagine a lawmaker asking this question during a budget hearing for the National Corn Program and an agricultural country being given the title of the world’s largest rice importer.

Unfortunately, this is true for Cynthia Villar and the Philippines.

However, since the said statement was seen as absurd, it did not affect MaScians in continuing to pursue their interest in research, particularly in the field of agriculture.

Ang magtanim ay ‘di biro, maghapong nakayuko.

After spending most of their days stooping, farmers would have to wait for another three to six months—in an ideal condition for rice to grow.

In a field where huts were merely made from nipa which are not made to withstand strong conditions and where highly technical devices are not readily available, organic solutions for faster rice growth and better rice quality is preferred.

Three students from Grade 10 Einstein, Aio De Torres, Andrei Calma, and Lance de Leon conducted a study titled “Development of Rice (Oryza sativa) seedlings through Inoculation of Putative Endophytes found in Talahib (Saccharum spontaneum).”

The study focused on resolving the fluctuating quality and production of rice. The team isolated common microorganisms inhabiting talahib and cultured the microorganisms in nutrient agar. The results showed increase in rice growth and better absorption of minerals in a span of 11 days.

The study won in the Division Science and Technology Fair held at Pres. Sergio Osmeña High School, October 11 and placed fifth in the Regional Science Technology Fair held at Neptali A. Gonzales High School, November 23.

“It feels uplifting that the study we conducted could be used in improving rice as well as [helping] the farmers because this study could help in the defense, absorption, faster, and better growth of rice,” said De Torres.

Students who are baliw na baliw sa research could either be those who are stressed over the demands of the subject or those who are willing to dedicate their time and resources for the betterment of everyone.

It is an insult to every farmer and researcher to deem agriculture and the cultivation of such as something unimportant. Today, Filipinos could only dream that research could go as far as to find solutions to the agriculture’s greatest pests—public officials that only see rice fields as potential land for malls and subdivisions.

NATIONAL SCIENCE POLL

Question:

Alexander Evangelista, Casmir Fermin, and Ziya Agulan

Sarah Soriano and Abigail Cuevas

Are you in favor of the possible enactment of the Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act?

Fact:

House Bill 8728, or the “Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act”, passed the third and final reading in the House of Representatives of the last congress, requiring all graduating elementary, high school, and college students to plant at least ten (10) trees each before they can graduate.

yes 92% no 8%

“Our planet is currently facing a huge problem, and to solve it, we need to take action. If hundreds of millions of Filipino students will plant at least 10 trees, it will create a huge impact on the environment.”

- lakongname “In this way we can help our environment and somehow restore what we took from it.”

- Dava Silava

“Although it is for a great cause, children /students from the lower class would not be able to afford/would prioritize basic needs over this.”

- ia “For me, this act will not be successful because of the laziness of Filipino students.”

- uwu

VERDICT Out of 319 students, 92 percent are in favor of the inclusion of the Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act, with the reason being, it greatly contributes to the health of the environment. Only 8 percent disagreed with the Act as it is not very accommodating for students who cannot afford or prioritize this over their basic needs.

SCIENCE EDITORIAL

The Needle’s Point Needles could only do so much in preventing diseases.

From vaccines to various medical treatments, illnesses have readily available preventive measures, saving about three million human lives annually. However, the rapid spread of misinformation is undermining trust in the medical field that is crucial to the public’s health.

Currently, the Department of Health (DOH) offers free immunization service to provide children and adolescents greater protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. In line with this, schoolbased immunization programs are also implemented nationwide. Even so, the World Health Organization (WHO), recognizes vaccine hesitancy a threat to global health along with the weak primary health care system.

Reluctance to get vaccinated, despite the availability of such, threatens to reverse the progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and polio. Recent outbreaks show that continuous administration of vaccines could only go so far in fully eliminating the spread of such illnesses.

Administration of vaccines benefit even those who do not consume it through herd immunity. Achieving a majority of immune citizens against a contagious disease makes it difficult for the illness to spread. Although, in order for herd immunity to happen, certain thresholds must be met or the community will stand no chance against such diseases.

While pieces of evidence of vaccines’ effectivity exist, vaccine ignorance must be framed not only as an issue of the Filipinos’ skepticism, but it should also be construed as to why Filipinos’ disbelief on vaccines and medicines are all rooted on their mistrust in the medical field.

The DOH, along with the WHO, took years cultivating the public confidence—only to be erased by fallacious claims against vaccines as a whole. Undeniably, the mistrust in the immunization programs are brought by the Dengvaxia controversy.

The Dengvaxia scare proves that viral fake news could increase the body count of Filipinos, worsening the outbreak of communicable diseases. In a country where access to healthcare remains a problem, vaccines are essential in fighting the possibility of a catastrophic plague.

belief “in...people’s conspiracy and

false narratives gradually challenges the critical thinking of every rational Filipino.

“

Trisha Santillan

On the other hand, according to the Philippine Statistics Office, 48 percent of Filipinos believe that modern science does more harm than good.

When it comes to science and society, the Filipino’s already high skepticism, are only further compounded by vaccine controversies.

As a result, the Philippines is grappling with public health crises as back-to-back disease outbreaks of measles, dengue, and polio emerged throughout the year. Moreover, the administration also failed to consider the problem of access and affordability not only of vaccines, but also of other treatments.

Furthermore, the distrust has already affected the Filipinos’ behavior when it comes to seeking health care.

The DOH reported that even their National Deworming Campaign was affected by the Dengvaxia scandal.

Similarly, Filipinos face the stigma with acquiring diseases linked to their sexual activities such as the Human Immunofluenza Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Although progress has been made with people getting tested and access to preventive measures, most still hesitate to seek help for the slurs that come with obtaining the said diseases.

On the same note, many still denounce seeking help with regard to mental health. Most still believe that those suffering from mental illnesses lack in faith and are over-dramatic.

When in fact, the brain—like any other organ in the body—needs to undergo treatments. Mere assurances of better days would simply not suffice.

At the dawn of social media, the viral spread of anxieties, beliefs, and rumors had reached unprecedented speed levels, spreading around the world. Social media platforms like Facebook have been utilized in propagating fake news and unproven allegations that further damages programs, institutions, and individuals without checks and balance.

Certainly, people’s belief in conspiracy and false narratives gradually challenges the critical thinking of every rational Filipino.

The Philippine’s fight against fake news is at higher stakes than what most people realize.

Primary health care should be the first contact people have with the health care system. It must provide comprehensive, affordable, and community-based care.

After all, the pain of a needle lasts only a second, but the lack thereof could cost people an everlasting pain—possibly their life.

ding Mainrbyusil avanna

versity

its di The fCoientaining most of MaSci’s facileinitiesits aninhad biclatassrntoos livms,e in harmokonedy. .

The biodiversity hotspot

It is MaSci’s centerpiece, also known as the Amadome—the common ground. Whether taking their physical education classes, citizenship advancement training, or just spending their vacant periods because you can always count on the Amadome to be MaSci’s biodiversity hotspot!

However, having the capacity to keep MaScians all in one place has its own disadvantages too; wrappers, bottles, and scraps of paper are among the trash that can be seen within the area. Despite the presence of garbage bins in the area, most students still leave their trash behind.

er ts can be prov a savanna, wh edatory instinc aling is like that of ns rise, their pr io very used to de is ns g te in en ild wh bu , ain However e could be the to fires, the m fir d e te th ap gh ad ou ve th s as well. Al As savannas ha cular Habiof the student eps this parti with the stress , this also ke ise m de its r reason fo Taft alive.

computer BUILDING

SCIENCE, MACEDA, SHS BUILDINGS

Techno tundra

EUTROPHIC LAKES

These three buildings are connected

Being the only building completely supplied with air conditioning units, bringing a jacket is a must. The rooms in this building might as well be the favorite of every MaScian because air-conditioned rooms are not common in public schools. However, like tundras, water in this building is almost nonexistent and should be avoided to be brought inside the rooms to avoid having problems with the electric wires.

and are generally where most of the Science classes take place. Like eutrophic lakes, which are nutrientrich but depleted of oxygen, these buildings could supply you with a lot of knowledge and wisdom but can get suffocating because of the endless requirements needed to be complied.

BORDNER BUILDING

UBHIVES

Trisha Santillan

|

Surviving the first year includes taking care of the institution’s oldest building which nurtures the newly hatched birds. This building is particularly memorable because this is where the “firsts” happen—be it the first 1/20 score on a quiz or the first nap on the hallway; most importantly, where birds learn how to fly by constantly falling.

Aside from seeing all the grade seven students, the MSHS Chorale could be heard singing too!

Nathan Herrera

Although frequently compared to an inferno, Manila Science High School (MSHS) has its own charms that its settlers absolutely adore.

The inhabitants, whom we call MaScians, spend most of their days roaming around the school during weekdays, going about their daily businesses. It feels so much like home that it almost looks like its own ecosystem!

Let us take a closer look MaScians interact with the different places located on the Habi-Taft:

MaSci houses three UBs, namely the under the Computer Building (UCB), under the Science Building (USB), and under the Senior High School Building (USHSB). These are the smaller and cooler cousins of the Amadome. Since the building above serves as its shade from the sun, it is a more suitable place to snag that lost sleep from doing requirements. Its capacity, however, is limited to a few sections.

Long before, the USB used to be just like the UCB where one can rest or spend their vacant periods. However, it has been transformed to be the school canteen ever since the Home Economics Building was demolished, giving rise to the new Senior High School Building.

THE BIRDS’ NEST

A HELLISH PARADISE

Under the buildings

Being diverse, its occupants should have a mutually benefitting symbiosis. Once they conquer the challenge of being different from each other, they should beat the odds of parasitism and instead have commensalism or even better, mutualism to truly call MaSci their home.

Hands up! You are arrested for making my heart stop!

Have you ever wondered who is responsible for giving you that warm and fuzzy feeling when your crush passes by or maybe for releasing the butterflies in your stomach that did not even exist a second ago?

With the help of neuropsychology, a branch of science concerned with the physical aspect and systems of the brain relating to behavior, we have identified five possible suspects for the heart robbery.

What we fail to discern, however, is these products’ detrimental effects. While acting as alternatives for plastic, they still fail to fulfill their mission: to be truly environment friendly.

Without further ado, let us reveal the faces behind these misleading nuisances.

Agitated Adrenaline & Nervous Norepinephrine Triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response, adrenaline and norepinephrine, which the adrenal medulla secretes, are in charge for the increased production of sweat and that little tap dance of the heart. Mobilizing the brain and the body for action, these hormones are accused of accelerating heartbeats, raising alertness levels, and encouraging excessive perspiration.

Case Files: Although both are agents in maintaining physical activities, compared to adrenaline, norepinephrine is a more notorious neurotransmitter–its bulk production happens within brain neurons. While adrenaline, an antianaphylaxis, is busy countering allergic symptoms, norepinephrine is occupied in modulating blood pressure.

Enthused Endorphin

Produced by the nervous system and pituitary gland, endorphin is a peptide associated with feelings of happiness, attachment, and comfort. Distinguished as an opiate, chemical compounds which reduce stress and calm anxiety, this hormone will reveal your clingy persona. Will you be able to turn down that cuddle offer?

Endorphin says otherwise!

Case Files: Endorphins are also neurochemicals. Aside from minimizing discomfort and maximizing pleasure, endorphins are infamous for boosting self-esteem and self-confidence, and limiting appetite and food intake.

Nerve cells, alias neurons, release both dopamine and serotonin to send impulses to their co-nerve cells. The duo is responsible for your abrupt mood change and social behavior.

Did the mention of the name of the love of your life suddenly put your feelings in a rollercoaster unwillingly? Pinpoint not only dopamine but serotonin too for not warning you!

Case Files: Both neurotransmitters are beyond pleasure and happiness. Dopamine is accountable for controlling motor patterns and manning “reward” systems: the rush of satisfaction one feels after achieving a particular goal.

Serotonin, on the other hand, is amenable for regulating bathroom visits and programming wake-sleep cycles.

Securing the scene and investigating the evidences, one by one, the convicts were linked to the crime incident. Therefore, this court finds the defendants: adrenaline together with norepinephrine, guilty for pumping up heartrates; dopamine working with serotonin, guilty for fluxing emotions; and endorphin, guilty for infusing euphoria. As it turns out, they all conspired to successfully pull off a “kilig” scheme against you! |

Fooling us with its seemingly harmless exterior, paper cups are made with more than just paper. These cups are lined with a waxy material, preventing water from seeping into the paper and ruining its structure, deeming paper cups non-recyclable.

Pollution Police’s Policy Instead of opting for single-use paper cups, go for reusable bottles or tumblers. Not only is it more practical, it also produces less waste as all you need to do is wash it to use it again.

For those worried about the space tumblers occupy, take collapsible cups into consideration. These cups are made of silicone, a longlasting and non-toxic material on earth.

catastrophe‘s scavity cavity catastrophe

Metal straws have become a staple in every eco-friendly advocate’s essentials. However, despite it being reusable, metal straws are products of nickel mining—a practice that harms not only its surroundings through land and water pollution, but also indigenous people residing on the area.

Pollution Police’s Policy

When possible, drinking straight from the cup is the best alternative. After all, plastic straws are one of the easiest products to omit from our everyday lives. For those reliant on straws for drinking like people with disabilities, bamboo straws and glass straws are available to use as alternatives.

Differing Dopamine & Sensual Serotonin

Miranda Reyes

What we thought would save us from plastic’s doom only amplified its impact.

In the past few years, public concern for plastic contamination came to a rise. Due to its adverse effect on marine life, people have been looking for greener alternatives. Since then, claims have been made, promoting supposedly harmless products despite their negative repercussions.

Eritch Torrato

’

While paper bags’ positive effects certainly outweigh those of plastic bags, their use does a lot of damage to our environment as well. Contrary to popular belief, paper does not break down any faster than plastic in landfills. Aside from this, making paper bags take four times as much energy and carbon emissions to manufacture compared to plastic bags as its materials are sourced from trees.

Pollution Police’s Policy

The answer to the question “Paper or plastic?” should be “Neither, I brought my own bag.” Not only do eco bags produce less waste as compared to disposable bags, they are also more durable and suitable for carrying heavier products.

These so called “better alternatives,” as advertised by many companies, actually also pose a threat on our environment. While we cannot fully avoid ever having a negative impact on the environment, we must be careful in choosing the products we use to be of great help, even in our own little ways.

Sarah Soriano Jaemie Talingdan |

Abigail Cuevas

Jñana Resurreccion and Eritch Torrato MABL

Captain Lionheart

Winning Life’s Gameplay

Certainly, inside the vicious predator Alvin Patrimonio, is a brain and a heart that beats for his family and for his alma mater.

Alvin Patrimonio known as “Captain Lionheart” is recognized for his great determination and leadership skills as a player, father, and an alumnus of MaSci—a rising star from Quezon City, a part of batch ’83 of Manila Science High School (MSHS) and a contributing player of the MaSci Alumni Basketball League (MABL), an annual event that raises funds through basketball tournaments for the school’s alumni foundation.

A Yo u g Playmaker n

Jermaine Maraviles and Abigail Cuevas

Nathan Herrera

Fitness is like a video game—fun, exciting, and challenging. You might have lost the game of fitness before due to loads of projects, homework, and tests to study for, as every problem we encounter is at its boss stage and requires certain abilities to defeat it.

Fret not! Here is a guide on how to defeat each boss and attain fitness the MaScian way.

STAGE 1

The Endura-gon thrives on the inactivity of people. You could either get caught by time or improve your endurance with brisk walking. Whether you’re rushing to the gate just to arrive on time or to see one’s crush, all these tasks would require endurance. It is no secret that as a student of MaSci, your daily activities would require you to walk and run all around.

With endurance, defeating the Endura-gon would be a breeze. Not to mention, these exercises keep your heart strong and healthy, preventing possible diseases. Aside from health benefits, endurance can help you catch up with your schedule especially when the next teacher is very strict with your class schedule.

n o g a r u d n E e h T

As any other kids want to explore more, basketball was actually not the only sport playing on his mind. While studying in MaSci, he also played chess, contributing to his strategic mind, and could also manage his time greatly despite the pressures of being a MaScian.

Even so, the influence from his father lured his own two feet into the basketball court.

Being a basketball icon was once a dream, but now he is the epitome of a great captain.

He can make complex plays and lead his own team to a sweet victory. Certainly, he excels not only in basketball but also in battle of the brains, going head-to-head against others, literally!

Re le as e an d s hoot!

Aiming to score the highest point of his life and career, he was hailed as the ‘Iron Man’ for he did not let injuries hinder him from garnering four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. He played 596 games under the team Purefoods Star Hotshots without any absences.

One of his formidable moves is his spin move at low post that he can execute perfectly in every game, recognizing him as one of the most dangerous animals in the court. He was able to adapt new play styles whenever his opponents try to shut him down. Captain Lionheart proves that it takes more than courage to win life’s battles.

Still in shape to give back to his alma mater, Patrimonio did not hesitate to join the MABL invitation to play for his batch. MABL raises funds for the MaSci foundation, giving support to current MaScian scholars.

Given a chance to replay the gameplay of his life, he would create new memories and even stronger bonds with his team—his former schoolmates. Moreover, he may forget some of his batch mates’ names but he will not forget about MaSci, a mentor that taught him to survive sleepless nights.

Although he valued sports more than his academics, he admires the teachers’ unconventional strategies, teaching MaScians how to succeed in the game of life.

Certainly, MaSci could also be regarded as a basketball court where MaScians battle against each other to achieve high grades. Nonetheless, the true lesson MaSci imparts on its students is on how cooperation works well in any circumstances.

Off the court, his brawn and brains were inherited by his children—he is a father of a soon-to-be chef, an educator, and athletes. Indeed, sports runs in their blood as he has two tennis players that also made names in various leagues including UAAP and international tilts. Meanwhile, his team would not be complete, without the muse, his wife Cindy Conwi, a make-up artist.

During his spare time, he stars in famous and high grossing films in the market— indeed a Star Hotshot. He was once included in one of FPJ’s films and was also featured in “Double Dribble” and “Tasya Fantasya”. Even on-screen, he is attached to basketball.

Currently, he is the manager of Purefoods Star Hotshots, ready to pass on his legacy to the future of Philippine sports.

He is now enjoying the success he earned through his hard work. Similar to basketball, he believes that nothing can hold you back in taking your own path to success and life is just one big gameplay.

Losing does not mean that the game is over. Time may not be enough and life may cost you a few points but the true win at life is when you do not give up.

Behind the vicious roars in court, he continues to create his own gameplay in life.

Tim eo ut!

Fitness-tic Beasts: and how to fight them

Break on the court

Sibol

Sibol

The bend-erman is a close relative of enderman, ready to consume any hint of flexibility in any way possible. Side effects of losing t o this boss would include brittle bones and a severe case of laziness and procrastination.

Flexibility is the key in defeating this meanie, because although the bend-erman is scary, it has its weak points.

With flexibility, you will be able to move your joints in a full range of motion without fatigue. With this, you can do stretching, dodge a ball at the Amadome or even be flexible in academics that you can top any math or science subject.

STAGE 3

STAGE 2

Bend-erman

Strength is one of the most essential abilities of humans. Kalas, a ghost that had his strength removed as punishment, is bound to haunt Mascians and discourage them from staying in shape. In order to improve strength and defeat Kalas, various lifting equipment like weights are used. Other than bags, they also carry the weight of the workload left by freeloaders in their game.

Bags come in different loads and sizes, like dumbbells weightlifters use today. This equipment helps people improve their strength. Once you have mastered strength, you can finally defeat Kalas and be on your mighty way.

Surely, being a MaScian is tough work! Although you perform these daily exercises subconsciously, they should not be dependent on these. Moreover, a student like you should have regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle. Productivity would follow after all these exercises. In battling these stages, the real deal is how you could control yourself to overcome these stages.

Kalas:

The rival of Laka s

NATIONAL SPORTS POLL

QUESTION: Are you satisfied with the SEA Games logo?

Alexander Evangelista, Casmir Fermin, and Rathnait Banga

FACT: This year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games logo

received online backlash after Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, serving as Chairmman of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee, presented the logo during the general assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia.

yes 39%

Below the Belt Hitting below the belt is prohibited in sports and so should stereotyping athletes for what is below their waists.

The year 2019 served as a major turning point for Philippine sports with Filipino athletes winning gold in various world competitions as Carlos Edriel Yulo becomes the first Filipino gymnast to win a gold medal in the men’s floor exercise and veteran boxer Nesthy Petecio strikes gold in the women’s featherweight division.

Yulo and Petecio undoubtedly garnered attention beyond their performance. Most netizens pointed out the oddity of them topping in these sports: with gymnastics being considered as a ladies’ sport and boxing within the men’s arena. Apparently, even recognition is given at the expense of one’s sex and the gender association of the sport they are excelling in.

At a young age, gender norms are ingrained in Filipinos’ minds, evident on how boys are often humiliated for falling behind in the field of basketball. Boys playing volleyball are seen as effeminate and weak when in fact, playing any sport require the same strength and skill. Moreover, those taller than average boys who do not consider playing basketball are regarded as sayang for not using their tall physique into ‘good use’.

As love for basketball is deeply rooted in modern Filipino culture, it cannot be denied that many childhood insecurities stem from the choice not to play the sport. Aside from bullying, children also experience discrimination as they are immediately deemed as bakla or tomboy if they choose not to

conform with the gender stereotypes of playing the sports linked to one’s gender.

The issue of sexism in certain sports stems from the ideology that females are inherently weaker than males.

While there may be differences in the strength and physique of male and female athletes, this does not mean that sex and gender should be a barrier that prevents players from joining certain sports and from giving them the recognition they deserve.

“

...society subconsciously turns a blind eye to those who should also receive the same support and attention

Anyone can play a sport and master it through rigorous training and relentless dedication. More so if they are given the much needed support to succeed.

At the same time, some may see these differences as a reflection of skill and popularity of such sports.

With less players in the athletics, there would certainly be lesser recognition given to these sports. This ultimately proves that less Filipinos play sports due to the lack of visibility and support given to them.

Nonetheless, many emerged victorious in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games as well as breaking the gender

SPORTS EDITORIAL

stereotypes in sports with Filipinas making names in Wushu, while Filipinos in gymnastics and dance sports.

Filipinos appreciate sports, seen with how the entire country joins Manny Pacquiao in his matches and the immediate love Filipinos have for football when the Philippine Azkals competed in overseas. Evidently, the same admiration goes with the winnings of Yulo and Petecio.

Nevertheless, it is unfortunate how Filipino athletes are claimed only when they are internationally acclaimed.

Truly, Filipinos do not fall short on passion nor do they lack in talent. What makes the Philippines backslide in sports is its inadequacy to acknowledge Filipino athletes even before they make names in a global scale.

In addition, while most pay attention to basketball and volleyball leagues nationwide, society subconsciously turns a blind eye to those who should also receive the same support and attention.

Levelling the playing field for all athletes can change the way society sees these “unconventional” players.

Their breakthroughs show that the elimination of sexism and gender roles in sports provides more opportunities for children—those raised with ideologies that contact sports are not meant for girls and that flexibility and finesse are not for boys.

Any athlete representing the Philippines should be given the proper respect and recognition they deserve regardless of their sex and gender— with or without the championship belt.

“Although it lacks originality it still represents the Philippines. It shows that effort and creativity is still present in making the logo” - Sebastian M Peñafiel “It somehow look like the Philippines; appropriate cause we are hosting 2019 sea games.”

- balravs

61%

no

“For me, the logo does not actually represent the Philippines. I know there are more creative artists in the Philippines could make a better representation of the country.”

- M “For me the logo is not really thought out. It doesn’t look appealing to me nor to other citizens” - balravs

VERDICT

Out of 319 MaScians, 61 percent were unsatisfied with the current Philippine SEA Games logo. MaScians believe the logo lacks appeal to the masses and there are artists out there who could do a better job.

QUESTION: Are you in favor of including e-sports in the MaScilympics?

FACT: E-sports is now included as one of the official events

in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The tournament will include titles such as “DoTA 2,” “Mobile Legends Bang Bang,” and “Tekken 7.”

79%

yes

“Because those games still have some aspects such as teamwork and cooperation like “real” sports.”

- Gopez, Jomidael C. “It would be a good addition to the sports community to show skills not only restricted to physical means. E-sports can heighten strategy and decision-making skills.”

- Hernndez, Sophia Mina

no 21% “It does not support physical activity or skills much.”

- ly “Because I think MaScilympics should empower physical activities and to encourage playing just like in the streets back when there were no gadgets yet.”

- Avril Flores

PHOTONEWS We win as one. Bringing honor not only to Manila Science High School (MSHS) but also to the entire Philippines, Ana Leonila Nualla from class of 2008 and her partner Sean Micha Aranar ruled the dance floor and won three gold medals for the Tango, Viennese Waltz and Five Dance events during the 30th Southeast Asian Games held in Clark, Pampanga, December 1.

Jonathan Cellona, ABS CBN News

VERDICT

Out of 319 students, 79 percent were in favor of including e-sports in MaScilympics. MaScians believe sports is not only limited to physical activities but can also be expanded to digital games which require the same amount of skills and talent.

Alexander Evangelista, Casmir Fermin, and Rathnait Banga

Sarah Soriano

LOCAL SPORTS POLL

Tanders escapes XC4 Bomba, captures championship title Vince Lising

Team Tanders captured the crown as they won the hard-fought onslaught against the XC4 Bomba, 65-63, in the championship game of the Season 7 of MaSci Alumni Basketball League (MABL) to seal a 2-0 victory finals at The Playground by Cloverleaf, Pasay City, October 27.

Even with their versatility coming from five different batches--1988, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 2005, their victory was not easy as their rival, XC4 Bomba all from batch 1994 who are mostly 40-year-olds took control of the game as they notched their defense tackling emphatic rebounds with 44 rebounds and five blocks.

Hard fouls were made by XC4 Bomba in the intense last minutes of the matchup with the crowd having some hot words against them.

Guard Leonard Canasa of Batch ’05 was named the Most Valuable Player of the game as he helped the team past XC4 Bomba tallying an impressive performance with 17 points, four

rebounds and five assists adding four steals.

Canasa said in an interview he did not feel that he carried the team alone in his shoulder and that the whole thing was a team effort.

“Basketball is not a one-man game and everybody in the team did their work to win this game.” he added.

Meanwhile, Batch ‘05’s Lloyd Saravillo notched 14 points, six rebounds and four assists and Arjohn Ainza padded 13 points, seven rebounds and four steals apiece the win to give a helping hand.

Despite the loss, Norman Buentipo of XC4 Bomba had a night to remember as he shows off his skills with a double-double 18 points and ten rebounds including five assists while Jaime Pulanco, K r i s t o f f e r s o n Yu and team captain Sherwin Stilianopolous had a combined score of 29 and 22 rebounds.

Stilianopolous stated that their team faced a lot of trials and challenges

playing the game, particularly struggling against younger foes.

“Despite ending up as the first runner up, it was a great experience playing the game and I think we will bounce back next season.” he concluded.

Tanders finished the season with the best record, 9-5 while XC4 Bomba in the second seed with 8-6 record.

SP

RTS

Chess team grabs golden crown at home Ian Marcos

Move of a master, checkmate!

Strategic ideas were showcased

by MaScians as the kings and queens of the chessboard dominated other schools and bagged first place overall at Chess District Meet held at the Alzona Hall, Manila Science High School (MSHS), August 22 to 23.

MSHS chess team truly prepared for this battle, chess tryouts and competitions all came to fruition as they now add up another victory to the collection. Qualifying to join the team were young guns from Grade 8, namely Jewel Bautista from 8 Dalton, Vernria Belles, Alianjecon Otero, and Shean Valler from 8 Pauling. Two players from Grade 10 also qualified namely Keiziah Bufe of 10 Copernicus and Janheart Layoso of 10 Faraday.

Unexpected dark horse from board 3 boys, Otero came in by having an undefeated record of 8-0 in the elimination round.

During the district finals, the rookie Otero on the upper hand wins over boards 1, 2, and 4 and later clinched a spot in the division level.

According to Kenneth Docuyanan, chess varsity captain, the whole MSHS chess team expected the newbie to make an upset in the division because of his impressive performance during chess tryouts.

“As expected, MaSci performed well, especially this Grade 8 student going to division having an undefeated record. In fact, Otero just gave the Villamor’s pride his first loss.” he added.

Mrs. Ma Cecilia Palisoc, official teacher-coach, hoped to improve the performance of the players to qualify at the division level.

The team is eyeing to compete next year in KABAKA, a national level chess tournament for students.

Court is in session. Leonard Canasa of Tanders tries to take a shot despite receiving block from Jaime Pulanco of XC4 Bomba during the championship game of MaSci Alumni Basketball League. MABL

MaSci smashers take spotlight in Badminton Meet Matthew Castro Fly high!

Proving that Manila Science High School (MSHS) is not just for academics, the badminton team took a grand entrance in this year’s District and Division Meet led by Andrei Gabrielle S. Ascue, from 9 Hertz with her comrade Bianca Monica C. Naig, from 10 Faraday to clinch a photo finish gold in Girls Doubles in the District Meet held at YWCA Manila and fifth place in the Division Meet at Andres Bonifacio Elementary School held last August 20 to 21 and September 24 to 26 respectively.

Other MSHS smashers marched their way towards victory as Jillianne Claire B. Eugenio from 9 Hertz grabbed the fifth place in Girls Singles A together with Trisha Marisz Tabug from 10 Faraday with an impressive fourth place finish.

Naig said that everyone gave their best and improved despite having little to no preparation at all and even display a remarkable performance in the event.

“We did good, considering that most of the previous members of the team graduated or were overaged.” she added.

Meanwhile, the boys also took pride as Paul Vincent Añabieza of 8 Kepler along with his ally Amiel Ivan Palma from 10 Faraday grabbed the bronze in Boys Doubles.

Dave Gabriel David of 8 Kepler took fourth place in Boys Singles A and William Jakob Saylon from 11 Pascal joined the company as he also snatched bronze in the district meet.

Naig also stated that they will focus on improving for next year’s tournament and try to recapture the golden seats in badminton meets under the guidance of their teacher-coach, Ms. Mari San Jose.

PHOTONEWS

Smash till you drop. Andrei Gabrielle S. Ascue, 9 Hertz and Bianca Monica C. Naig, 10 Faraday in their best form during their training in preparation for Badminton Meet.

Bea Balasabas

AquaStars. Eyeing for a podium finish in the Palarong Maynila, members of Manila Science Hiigh School (MSHS) swimming team, Jim Boone Romualdo, 7 Archimedes; Red Gabriel Desiderio, 7 Descartes; Alphonso Clarence Carandang, 8 Edison and Alfonso Gabriel Rostata, 9 Burbank prepare to dive during their training at Emilio Aguinaldo College, November 22.

Marean Gonzales

Cueto pockets bronze, triumphs in jiu jitsu tourney Matthew Castro

Just like Hercules.

Amazing strength and skill paved way for John Carlo Cueto of 12 Tesla as he crafted the perfect combination for a perfect photo finish in the podium, bagging bronze in the Philippine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu National Competition held at Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, August 28.

Intense match ups awaited him and with a cool-headed approach, he was able to strike fear into his opponents and claim one of the precious medals in the event.

With burning passion for the sport, he defied all odds and proved that he is one of the best athletes in the tournament.

Staying in the upbeat tempo, Cueto, however, committed a crucial mistake via slamming, ending his journey in the tournament with a semi-finals exit, still punching his ticket for a bronze.

Opening his voyage towards the glistering gold medal, Cueto showed his dominance in the mat by focusing on his opponent, taking every action seriously.

An empathic submission with an armbar helped him defeat his first opponent and avoid an early exit.

Starting the second bout, he repeated history as he pockets the dub again via armbar which led him to a semi-finals match.

Roundhouse performance. John Carlo Cueto of 12 Tesla stuns his opponent to secure a podium finish.

John Cueto

Things heated up as he became aggressive in the early part of the match and later causing his journey’s ending with disqualification via slamming.

However, this did not lower his guard down as he is still able to claim the sweet yet bitter third place finish, making noise in the said tourney.

Still bringing home a shiny bronze, Cueto stood strong and heads up.

“To avoid my mistakes, I should stay calm and analyze my opponent and most of all, do not panic, “ he said with flaming passion.

According to him, he only trained for a month, four times a week in preparation for the tournament.

Cueto hoped to increase his training for a better shot at the precious gold medal and will try to avoid commiting the same mistakes to achieve a greater result.