The Electron — Volume 56, Issue 1

OF TRUTH · BASTION OF INTEGRITY

NEWS OPINION FEATURE SCIENCE SPORTS

QCSHS

backs plan to revert to old sked

QUEZON

students favored reverting to the old school calendar according to a survey conducted by The Electron in February.

Out of 324 student-respondents, 66.4 percent or 215 respondents were in favor of reverting to the pre-pandemic school calendar, beginning in June and ending in March.

Meanwhile, 32.7 percent or 106 respondents preferred the current school calendar, beginning from August and ending in June. Three respondents did not prefer any particular schedule.

“The June to March school calendar is a more convenient and beneficial time to study due to better weather conditions. It is more suitable for vacation to fall in summer. It is the calendar that we are used to,” said one student.

Based on the survey, 65.1 percent

or 211 favored the possibility of opening the next school year this June instead of August while the remaining 34.9 percent or 113 disagreed.

“With most facilities unsuitable for the sweltering heat of summer in the country, it presents more challenges to the already embattled education system scarred by learning losses and academic deficiencies pre-existing and caused by the pandemic,” one respondent said.

QCSHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) President Cassandra Austria also favored the old-school calendar but said that the change should be gradual.

“Let’s do the changes gradually. ‘Wag biglain yung teachers na icu-cut natin ng May [ang school calendar] and io-open agad [ang mga paaralan] ng June kasi maco-compromise ‘yung pahinga, ‘yung mental health [ng teachers], and etc,” said Austria.

There are also those who expressed

their concern with the opening of classes this June.

“I’m not in favor of opening the classes this June kasi ica-cram nila yung lessons into one and a half months tapos ie-expect nila na same type of quality of education ang makukuha natin. Also, magiging rushed yung vacation kaya hindi makakarest nang maayos na nakakaapekto sa teachers and students,” said grade 10 student Ace Balmaceda.

The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that it was in the process of amending an old department order to “gradually revert” the start of the school year to June after facing difficulties in holding classes in the summer months of April and May.

The department clarified that the transition back to the traditional June-March academic calendar will be gradual and will be implemented

in phases to minimize disruptions to students and education personnel’s vacation schedules.

QCSHS faculty president Donnabelle Banzon highly recommended the return of the old-school calendar.

“Our country is not apt to what western countries have in terms of the seasons. Because we are not the same in terms of the climate, we know that the normal climate during summer from March to the beginning of June is very hot. Healthwise, it’s not really conducive to learning so we cannot actually insist,” said Banzon.

Grade 12 teacher Norman Tabios requested support that the teachers will need from the administration and the DepEd to help them be prepared in case classes will open this June.

“Dapat ma-address talaga yung issues in relation to the number of students per class; ‘yung ratio ng mga teachers to students. Dapat din

magkaroon ng parang masusing pagaaral in terms of how the curriculum should be laid out or applied across different school levels or different year levels. Parang laging may bago nang may bago na binibigay sa mga teachers, as a result di kami prepared sa gagawin namin,” Tabios said.

Principal of QCSHS Carolyn Simon acknowledged the preparations that the school will need in preparation for the opening of classes.

“The class program is one of the important considerations, also the number of teachers that we need which the division office has to provide us as of the moment. Another thing, of course, the teachers are the main concern for this because if they can’t get a good vacation there will be other concerns on the part of the teachers,” said Simon.

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL Quezon

City Science High School (QCSHS) was extended an invitation to participate in GMA’s weekday morning program “Unang Hirit.” The program featured a quiz bee competition held for Junior High School (JHS) students on September 26, 2023.

Facilitators of the competition were GMA artists Cheska Fausto and Sean Lucas who ensured an engaging and lively event.

QCSHS representatives were Samantha Izra de Guzman and Kenzo

Miguel Tayko of Grade 10-Galileo and Grade 10-Curie, respectively.

Grade 10 Enhanced Science teachers Rachel Cuasing and Mary Ann Jaramilla were also both present in supporting the school representatives along with QCSHS principal Carolyn Simon.

The competition was separated with an easy and a difficult level. De Guzman and Tayko each received 10 points for the easy level and 50 points for the difficult level. Tayko emerged as the champion of the competition.

Winners of the competition were given cash awards. De Guzman was

“It was both a humbling and exhilarating experience to represent our school in this friendly match. This is a great honor for me and, of course, for our school, allowing us to showcase our knowledge and areas where we can improve.” Tayko said.

Tayko also emphasized the significance of this opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities not only of their school but also of students locally and internationally.

“It’s a humbling experience, and I’m deeply appreciative of the opportunity, which, in my heart, surpasses any award. To be selected among over 300 students in our batch is an honor I will always cherish,” De Guzman said.

She also added that this competition has shown her that the true blessing lies in the knowledge and experiences gained to which she is thankful for.

PHOTO BY JONEY TOVERA

Photo | QCSHS grade 8 students unite in prayer during the flag ceremony at the school grounds on February 26, 2024 (Monday).

98 HOSTS QUESCI’S 56TH

CAROL FEST: QCSHS Brings Back Holiday Festivity

BY NATHALIE ALEGRE, ACE BALMACEDA, DEXTER CORPUZ, AND BRIANA SAMSON

AFTER

STOPPING for

five years, the Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) department brought back the wondrous Carol Fest tradition in Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) on December 11 to 13, 2023.

Students from grades 7 to 12 were tasked to perform their assigned songs, along with an additional production number as a way to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

“The spirit of Christmas is all about sharing and collaboration,” said QCSHS principal Carolyn Simon as a reminder of why the holiday is celebrated.

Apart from the performances themselves, students also came up with different gimmicks, such as banners and headdresses, for their production numbers.

Grade 11 students turned the crowd pink as one stated “[The Carol Fest] pushed me past my limits I never knew I could do before in regards to performing.”

Another emphasized the thrill and nerves of performing, “The

carol fest was celebrated years before my batch was able to experience it because of the gym construction in 2019, [and] to be able to participate before I graduate was honestly relieving and scary.”

Grade 12 students also participated in this year’s Carol Fest, delivering meaningful performances that highlighted the diverse experiences and emotions evoked by the season.

Various grade 12 students expressed their merriment regarding the event, from the hard work exerted during preparations to the final output.

“I’m so proud sa batch namin because talagang nag-effort kaming lahat. I’m just glad it’s over and it’s so satisfying to see all of the ending results especially after all of the hard work," a student said.

Senior high school (SHS) teacher Ms. Verdadero also reminded everyone of the beauty of what they were doing and the reason for the celebration of the season.

QCSHS Commences English Month with Cosplay Extravaganza

QCSHS’ 56TH Foundation Day: A COSMIK Celebration of Excellence, Unity, and Tradition

IN CELEBRATION of Quezon City Science High School’s (QCSHS) 56th anniversary, the school held its foundation day on September 14, 2023.

Celebration started off with a mini parade to welcome the junior high school (JHS) students to QCSHS, led by Winona Solidum and Matthew Villarosa.

The festivities started with a miniparade around the school grounds, facilitated by the QCSHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government (QCSHS-SSLG), followed by a community breakfast “salusalo” at the Conference Hall.

Faculty members expressed their gratitude and faith through an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at the QCSHS Gymnasium.

Freshman Ihya Desirae Yalung of 7-Galileo found the event interesting as it was her first time in QCSHS and was welcomed in this manner.

Winona Solidum expressed her gratitude and thoughts on the parade.

“I think it’s very eventful. I appreciate the effort the SSLG has put into it, as well as the welcoming environment,” shared Solidum.

QCSHS school principal Ms. Carolyn C. Simon welcomed with a heartfelt speech thanking everyone

The pining anticipation of the Scientian community is finally over as the English Club kick-started English Month with the annual cosplay event on November 7, 2023.

Arabella Delos Reyes and Fiona Ayeras served as the hosts for the event with the theme: “L.E.T.S. Read: Learning, Empowering, and Transforming our Society through Reading.”

English Department Officer-in-Charge Sheryl Verdadero welcomed Scientians congratulating them for the usual enthusiasm they show for this event.

Verdadero expressed her admiration towards the English Club’s inclusion of representatives and creative dances on the catwalk by saying, “It

for an amazing 56th year. She stated that the school symbolizes the dreams, hopes, and promises of the Scientian community.

“The school is the symbol of hope for young Scientians and parents for quality education, and the hope in our hearts to change our country to be great again,” said Simon.

“

The school is the symbol of hope for young Scientians and parents for quality education, and the hope in our hearts to change our country to be great again.

QCSHS Principal Carolyn C. Simon

Batch 1998 alumnus Lemuel Dizon also gave an inspirational message to emphasize that while many do not favor the unexpected, such things are what make life more meaningful and exciting.

SSLG President Cassandra Austria thanked the Scientian community, especially the teachers and faculty, for QCSHS has been her home for six years, and she would not be who she is now without them.

Faculty president Donabelle

is a chance for more students to get out of their personal shells to use the language to communicate.”

“It is important to take note that this is just the first part of the whole English Month celebration. There are many more exciting activities in store, which will be organized with the help of the English Department,” English Club President Samantha Izra De Guzman said, assuring that this month will be eventful.

Literary parade of characters followed where Scientians in full cosplay attire roamed around the campus and graced the runway in the gym as the event ran from 7 am to 4 pm.

De Guzman shared that representatives per section, dance, photo booths, and Best Cosplay award were

Banzon also thanked teachers for their passion for shaping QCSHS community and said that students are always in good hands.

Every junior high school batch also participated in a performance for the program.

Grades 7, 9, and 10 performed dances, and a band from 7-Galileo sang “Ang Huling El Bimbo”’ for an intermission number while grade 8 students performed a cultural dance from the Lanzones Festival for their performance. Some QCSHS faculty and staff danced as well.

“With my last school year in QueSci, I felt happy seeing my fellow Scientians singing or dancing. I enjoyed it because the Scientian community put all their effort into making this celebration memorable,” said The Electron sports writer Joshua Cabilin.

The festivities also included singing “Happy Birthday” for QCSHS and performing intermission numbers prepared by students from each grade level and teaching staff.

Following the kick-off program, Scientians enjoyed an array of booths, meticulously prepared by the SSLG and various school clubs which showcased students’ talents.

the things they added to the table.

Meanwhile, QCSHS Principal Carolyn Simon emphasized that events like this hopefully extend beyond the month and continue to be exercised, especially reading.

Grade 7 students described their first cosplay experience as “diverse and exciting.”

Another student from grade 12 described the cosplay as “everything, everywhere, all at once” as the event brought students together and interacted with each other regardless of their grade level.

English Club adviser Maryann Vidar ended the program by thanking Scientians who participated and faculty members who supported the event.

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA AMURAO

PHOTO BY ACE BALMACEDA

BY EUNICE BENNETT, MARTY REYES, JOYCE TIRADO, AND JEIA TRIAS

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA AMURAO

QCSHS GAD hosts ‘Babae Lumaban Ka!’ Seminar

BY ADELFHE ALBALATE

COLLABORATION with the Quezon City Gender and Development Council, the Quezon City Science High School Gender and Development (QCSHS-GAD) club hosted its “Babae, Lumaban Ka!” seminar in the school gymnasium on December 4, 2023. The program was divided into two sessions.

The first session was attended by students from grades 8 and 9, while the second session was attended by grades 7, 11, and 12.

QCSHS-GAD Vice

Pre- sident Amanda Caitlyn Castro and Externals PRO Jaleia Tani facilitated the event with the support of their Club Adviser Felicitas Nuestro.

“Above all, we care about creating a safe and inclusive environment, and that starts with education,” QCSHSGAD President Karishmah Cruz shared that the goal of the event is to educate students about certain issues.

The GAD seminar revolvedaroundsexual harassment acts which was discussed by Quezon City GAD Council Head Janete Oviedo, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Bill for teens discussed by Jhelai Pasco, and the Safety City App by

Angat Bayi Co-Founder Maya Tamayo.

“Every one of us is a vital or an important part of our community or society,” Oviedo emphasized during her presentation.

Other culminating activities by QCSHS-GAD following the semi-nar included a Women’s Self-Defense Seminar led by Deftac Victoria Sports and Jiu-Jitsu Coach Alexandria Darmawan and an Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) painting class by GABRIELA Partylist.

The seminar was just the start of QCSHS GAD’s 18-day program to fight VAWC.

QCSHS hosts CENTREX Program

Blessing same-sex unions draws mixed reactions in PH

THE VATICAN’S endorsement of same-sex civil unions drew mixed reactions in the Philippines, with the Vatican stressing the blessings to only civil unions and not marriage.

Pope Francis authorized Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, shifting a new policy aimed to extend inclusivity to the LGBTQIA+ community, releasing a statement through the Vatican, on December 19, 2023.

This decision, outlined in a Vatican document, clarifies an October 2023 letter and emphasizes that these blessings are not endorsements but gestures of pastoral care and God’s love for all.

Filipino LGBTQ+ group Bahaghari Center Chairperson Reyna Valmores hailed the move as a “huge thing,” and should open doors for further

BY KARISHMAH CRUZ

understanding within the faith.

“We welcome Pope Francis’ announcement allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. Despite its conditions, this is a huge step in affirming that LGBTQI couples are legitimate and deserve equal recognition in society,” Valmores posted on X, tagging Pope Francis.

Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Father Douglas stressed that the Vatican’s support may spark misinterpretations condoning same-sex relationships, citing that the church marriage solely recognizes marriages between a man and woman.

The decision also raises questions about the church’s evolving stance on social issues and its potential impact on future LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Catholic faith.

Quezon City-based LGBT Christian Church Inc. Pastor Crescenci

Agbayani Jr. said with this document, the Catholic Church may bring dissent among Philippine Catholic supporters.

“Two things will happen in the Roman Catholic Church: the number of members will increase or decrease after Pope Francis allows same-sex couples to be blessed by priests,” said Agbayani Jr.

The recent decision made by the Vatican related to same-sex civil unions directly affects Senate Bill No. 499, introduced by Senator Robin Padilla to the Senate which introduced the institution of civil unions for both heterosexual and same-sex partners last 2022.

The Philippine government has yet to recognize the right of LGBT couples to civil unions.

QUEZON CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL (QCSHS) held the culmination of the three-day Center for Excellence in Research and Student Leadership (CENTREX) Program on November 22-24, 2023 at the QCSHS Gymnasium. In line with the celebration of the National Children’s Month, the QCSHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government (QCSHS-SSLG) in collaboration with the school clubs and organizations, promote advocacies of mental health, child abuse, sex education, and climate change under the CENTREX Program.

CENTREX Program which had the theme “TUKLAS: Sabay-sabay Nating Baguhin ang Bukas!” is a student leadership training program with the mission of engaging students to actively participate in leadership roles to serve the community.

It was divided into three days with the first day attended by grades 7 and 10, the second attended by grades 11 and 12, and the last being attended by grades 8 and 9.

“Kayo ang kasama namin para baguhin ang bukas to change what we have today. Para baguhin yung bukas, you need to discover your dreams,” said QCSHS-SSLG Adviser Emerson Agra in the program’s opening remarks.

It focused on giving the students a brief overview of sex education, more specifically, concepts of intimacy, marriage and sex, discussed by Sir Raoul Glen Tomanhon.

Students enjoyed the program’s interactivity, eagerly participating in the activities and games the program had.

Eighth and ninth graders went to their assigned rooms in accordance with the schedule provided for the day.

One student from 8-Kepler expressed how his experience brightened up his day amidst the academic responsibilities and projects in school.

Another grade 9 student explained how he learned the importance of

teaching sex education among students of his age to raise awareness on the continually growing concern on teenage pregnancies.

Certificates and tokens of appreciation were given to each of the clubs and organizations of QCSHS including the Science Club, English Club, Mathematics League, Filipino Club, Basketball Club, Volleyball Club, Badminton Club, E-Sports Club, Sining Scientia, Elite Scientia, Himig Scientia, Elevate, Campus Integrity Crusaders (CIC), Ta’nan, and Boy Scouts of the Philippines which participated in fulfilling the aim of the program.

Closing remarks were given by QCSHS-SSLG President Ma. Cassandra Austria.

Austria expressed her gratitude to the students for engaging in the program and to the clubs which administered the activities to the best of their abilities.

“Naniniwala ako na may pag-asa pa,” Austria said, believing that there is still hope for change by pressing for the advocacies not only during programs like CENTREX but fighting for them in our everyday lives.

QCSHS-SSLG Executive Public Information Officer Yaleina Ferrer shared her experience in the CENTREX program as one of its organizers.

“Kahit sobrang stress, masaya pa rin since yung efforts ko may bunga na maganda,” said Ferrer.

The CENTREX Closing Program was hosted by Bienvenido Mendoza III and Sheryne Lorraine Dela Cruz.

“

Kayo ang kasama namin para baguhin ang bukas to change what we have today. Para baguhin yung bukas, you need to discover your dreams.

QCSHS-SSLG Adviser Emerson Agra

PHOTO

Batch 98 hosts QueSci’s 56th Alumni Homecoming

ANIGHT to relive, to reunite, and to remember.

Such was the celebration done during this year’s Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) Grand Alumni Homecoming hosted by Batch 1998 on September 16, 2023.

Prepared by the QCSHS Alumni Association (QCSHSAA), together with Batch 1998 as this year’s silver jubilarians, the celebration was one of the highlights of Quesci’s 56th Foundation Anniversary celebration.

Almost 600 graduates of QCSHS from batches as early as 1970 until 2004 showed up to the disco-themed event in the school gym to celebrate their alma mater and reunite with old classmates and friends.

It was spearheaded by members of the host batch namely Catherine F. Cate, Arvin Acosta, and VJ Eugenio.

QCSHSAA also recognized this year’s Achievement Awardees and Heroes Against Covid from Kisay (HACKS) as announced by board members Dennis Legaspi and Mary Grace Espiel. One of the Achievement Awardees in government service Atty. Mark Dale Perral advised his fellow Scientians, “Seryosohin lang natin ang time natin sa QueSci, at the same time i-maintain din natin ang studylife balance.”

This year’s golden jubilarians of Batch 1973 prepared an audio-visual presentation (AVP) reminiscing about their time in QCSHS and countless memories they have made as Scientians over the years.

Organizing an event as big as the alumni homecoming was not an easy task, as said by Cate, “It was a very

QCSHS gets P1M boost for ICT equipment

QUEZON CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL (QCSHS) received P1 million worth of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment through the project launching of Plan International’s Improving ICT Learning Facilities on January 12.

Plan International donated ICT equipment in partnership with Midas, a Korean-based Information Technology (IT) company.

This project was launched in three schools in Metro Manila, which are Valenzuela City Technological College, University of Caloocan City, and Quezon City Science High School.

“Ang objective ng project na ito ay to support the improvement of existing ICT learning facilities in partner schools,” said Joselito Magbuhos, Plan International project manager.

Plan International Portfolio Specialist Aries Tizon emphasized their mission of transforming the lives of 10 million Filipino children.

“Ang gusto po natin sa Plan ay makatransform tayo ng 10 million lives of Filipino children,” said Tizon.

The memorandum of understanding for the project launching was signed by QCSHS principal Carolyn Simon and Plan International Business Support Director Bobby Fugnit.

Present to witness the turnover were ICT Department Head Edna Macauyag, ESP Department Head Darryl Correa, English Department Head Piere Mercado and Plan International Portfolio Manager Ariel Frago.

“ Seryosohin lang natin ang time natin sa Kisay, at the same time i-maintain din natin ang studylife balance.

Alumnus Atty. Mark

Dale

Peral

overwhelming experience, at the same time a very meaningful one, though I would admit it was very hard. But with the help of the organizing committee and Batch ‘98, we were able to pull it off."

Cate also noted how it was a very good experience to see all of those batches from across life all wanting to ‘give back’ to their alma mater.

QCSHS principal Ms. Carolyn Simon was also present to express her feelings of hope for the current Scientians in reaching their dreams and aspirations in life.

QCSHSAA president Atty. Benjamin Moraleda recalled how it was starting to organize alumni homecomings, “When we started this [Alumni Homecoming Event] in 1998, sabog pa, wala pang system, wala pang data. The following year,

Q1999 na-establish na namin ‘yung data, kinuha namin ‘yung names ng mga graduates, and nag-establish kami ng system para ma-contact sila isa-isa. Now, dahil traditional na ang event, na-institutionalize na system namin in organizing.”

Moraleda noted that what remained constant among Scientians was the sense of camaraderie.

Some current faculty members and some teachers of Batch 1998 also graced the occasion.

Himig Scientia was also there to perform classic OPM hits such as Ang Huling El Bimbo.

The event was capped off with the passing of the key to Batch 1999, next year’s homecoming host and silver jubilarians.

QCSHS holds career fair for SHS students

UEZON CITY SCIENCE

HIGH SCHOOL (QCSHS)

hosted a Career Fair for senior high school students at the QCSHS Gymnasium on November 8, 2023.

It aimed to assist learners in picking preferred careers based on their interests as well as their current knowledge obtained from Basic Education, specifically in the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand.

Activity was done in association with Adaptation Navigation Choices Paths Assessment Goals (ANCPAG)

2.0 — A Developmental Career Program and was hosted by Jomar “JB”

B. Mendoza.

Mendoza gave students an important piece of advice, “As you navigate in pursuing your dream careers, despite the difficulties, challenges, and crossroads, make the right choices, and never give up.”

Also discussed were the different arts and science programs, consequences of wrong career choices, and crossroads that students may encounter in their paths. Grade 11 student Isaiah De Guz-

man shared valuable lessons that he learned from this event.

“I learned that there are many factors that go into choosing what career you need, but at the end of the day, you should ultimately choose the track that would bring you happiness,” said Isaiah.

ANCPAG also offers seminars for the other grade levels from 7-12.

Holding the career orientation is a yearly event for SHS students facilitated by their teachers.

BY GABRIEL PERRAL AND MATTHEW VILLAROSA

BY SAMANTHA AMURAO

BY JULIA VILORIA AND PHOEBE URIETA

PHOTO BY JONEY TOVERA AND GABRIEL PERRAL

Photo | QCSHS alumna reminisces her highschool days while browsing through a photo album at the Alumni Homecoming on September 16, 2024 (Friday).

ORBIT 2023 promotes clubs for recruitment

TOHELP Scientians choose the clubs they will be part of this school year, Quezon City Science High School Supreme Secondary Learner Government (QCSHS SSLG) and the Council of Campus Co-Curricular Organizations (4CS) facilitated the club recruitment event “ORBIT” last September 7 and 8, 2023.

ORBIT’s first day focused on promoting the clubs under the academic category (English Club, Filipino Club, Math League, Robotics Club), Media and Publication (Banyuhay), and Analysis and Discourse (Debate Club) with their representatives in the conference hall.

ASURVEY conducted among Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) students showed a little over 85 percent of students favored the implementation of CatchUp Fridays, with another 15 percent opposing the program.

Most students

The remaining clubs that were under faith and advocacy (Boy Scouts of the Philippines, CBI, Campus Integrity Crusaders, Elevate, Gender and Development, and Ta’nan), performing arts (Indak Scientia, Himig Scientia, Sining Scientia, and Sine Scientia) and sports (Badminton Club, Basketball Club, Chess Club, E-Sports Clubs, Football club, Frisbee club, and Volleyball Club) sectors opened their booths during the second day inside the same venue and around the vicinity between

the Margate Building and QCSHS Gymnasium, which also acted as the closing of face-to-face promotions.

Students were welcomed by club chants, karaoke performances, creativity walls, freebies, among many others that the club heads had prepared to capture the interest of the Scientian crowd.

“Get ready for Wave 2,” Himig Scientia member Winona Solidum said, after an outstanding performance of Valerie, a song by Mark Ronson and Ammy Winehouse.

Visiting students and club representatives had positive insights

regarding the execution and their experiences of the event.

Abigail Sabino and Hasina Saclet of 8-Pascal and 8-Newton shared that it was an exciting and enjoyable experience as the clubs have been interactive, lively, and cheerful.

“We also got to see their creativity on how they promote their clubs and how they designed it,” said Sabino and Saclet.

Elevate representative Joshua Niguas said that it was a tiring but fulfilling and very memorable day as it became a major step out of their comfort zone since they have to

maintain their energy while socializing with their fellow Scientians.

According to the 4Cs head Ace Balmaceda, planning and facilitating the event was very stressful due to threats of postponement that was brought by the sudden unavailability of the initial venue.

“ORBIT is all in all a great experience, I would say, for the freshies as it gives them opportunities to join clubs that spark their interest and that will be dedicating their time to hone their skills,” said Balmaceda.

feel somewhat satisfied along with criticism towards the execution — concerning preparedness of the administration and student body.

Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum 001 s. 2024 administered “Catch-Up Fridays,” dedicating every Friday of the school year towards operationalizing Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) during the first half of the day’s schedule and on fostering Values, Health, and Peace Education for the second half.

An estimated 93 percent of students had reading materials

QCSHS receives new handwashing stations

easily accessible to them. More than 70 percent (73%) felt engaged in reading during the program, 16 percent felt unengaged, and 11 percent said that it depended on the reading material that they utilized.

A majority of the participants believe Catch-Up Fridays has somewhat or strongly positively impacted their reading habits, with 80 percent believing that this program will enhance Filipino student literacy.

The survey conducted showed a trend of positive overall impression of the program’s intended purpose but showed apprehension towards its execution.

“The purpose of DEAR will probably just fail in its current objectives if it doesn’t take proper measures to ensure proper enforcement,” a student said.

Students suggest changes made in Catch-Up Fridays timeframe, better guidance from facilitators, as well as personalizing the program towards different levels of education.

QUEZON CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL (QCSHS) formally accepted 13 donated portable handwashing stations on September 6, 2023.

Units were donated by Sunnies Optical in partnership with Waves for Water, HappyTap Philippines, and Schools Division Office of Quezon City (SDO-QC).

HappyTap representatives emphasized the importance of handwashing and demonstrated use of their handwashing stations.

QCSHS principal Carolyn C. Simon, together with Wash In Schools (WinS) Coordinator Magnolia C. Moquerio welcomed the donated units.

Also present were Dr. Maria A. Namoro and Mr. Narciso E. Costales Jr. from the School Governance Operations Division of the SDOQC.

85%

93%

73%

“ As a teacher, I appreciate the Magagamitprogram. rin ito ng mga bata (The students can also use them) for their overall health as well.

80%

He also said it was a good thing that students discovered things about the importance of handwashing.

“This event was very engaging and momentous,” said grade 10 student Kenzo Miguel Taiko.

Taiko also acknowledged the event takes Scientians one step further in increasing their awareness in sanitation and hygiene.

The Department of Education (DepEd) launched the WinS program in 2016 to address challenges stemming from limited access to water and handwashing facilities.

PHOTO

STAFFERS ‘23 - ‘24

Editor-in-Chief

Opinion

Associate

Science Editor Nakamura, Yurika S.

Associate

Sports

Associate

Copyreading and Headline

Writing Head Tuason, Gabriel P.

Associate Copyreading and Headline Writing Head Ternida, Noreen Faye D.

Photojournalism

Cartooning

Associate

Layouting

Associate

PAINTING OVER CRACKS IN THE WALL

As the nation remains among the worst-performing countries in global assessments, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the administration launched the MATATAG Curriculum. This newly revised K to 10 curriculum aims to decongest the learning competencies of the current K to 12 Curriculum by 70%, to focus on developing foundational skills for kindergarten to Grade 3 learners. However, the gaps that the MATATAG Curriculum intends to fill are just symptoms of greater and much more pressing problems within the education system. Resolving these problems goes beyond reducing learning competencies. Subjecting to yet another experimental education policy is a crystal clear testament to the neglect of solving the deep-rooted cracks in the education system.

With concerns about the transition to face-to-face learning, as well as the nation’s recovery from the pandemic, introducing a new curriculum is premature. Aside from it being untimely, the MATATAG Curriculum fails to address the deep cracks in the education system.

Shortages in facilities, learning materials, classrooms, and even teacher

compensation remain the most pressing matters of the Philippines’ education crisis. Not only have these issues gotten significantly worse following the pandemic. The preparations needed to fully set the curriculum into motion will also be taxing. The development and creation of learning materials, as well as the training of teachers, must have meticulous and intensive support. This can only be described by one word: expensive

Without any effort to resolve these root problems, current issues in the system will still be pressing no matter what kind of changes will be made in the curriculum. The introduction of the MATATAG Curriculum might also be a setback should its implementation be abysmal.

The administration’s actions reflect the questionable sincerity to resolve the crisis. Despite implementing a new curriculum with a myriad of other root problems to solve, DepEd only received a 5% budget increase for 2024 to handle all of these. The basic education report of DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte stated that there are 327,851 public school buildings but only 104,536 are well-maintained. This means that two in every three buildings need repair. But even so,

BY AEROL MERIALES

only 1,648 classrooms are planned to be made for this year. This, the confidential funds that the OVP received last year, and the ongoing clash between political interests add fuel to the question: Is this program genuine and aligned with education, which is the very hope of the nation?

One thing certain is that for as long as the deep-rooted cracks continue to be present in the system, no amount of curriculum revision will be enough. Such curriculum changes would only make the state of education in the country well and progressive on the outside. So long as the rich are in control of the puppetry of this sector and so long as there would be an “education” for the poor and the rich, all that is being done is nothing but merely painting over cracks in the wall.

“

Students and educational institutions will once more become lab rats to yet another experimental educational policy.

LETTER TO THE EDITORS

To the editors, Journalistic writing has been a very special hobby of mine for years, and to be able to write for the public is something that I treasure a lot. As a campus journalist, I have all the freedom I need to satisfy my yearning to write to everyone. However, it deeply saddens me to hear that journalism is still frowned upon in schools. Journalism as a profession is regarded as a job one should think twice or thrice about before taking due to it not being a high-paying job. Furthermore, it is with great disdain that this field is also one that is feared because of the recent issues surrounding it.

We currently have laws and memorandums that require us to have a school newspaper, but I do not think that it is enough to promote such discipline. It is therefore with great hope that I look forward to the higher-ups of the education sector to further improve and spread the practice of this profession.

Facing the Screen

BY IAN BAULA | ILLUSTRATION BY AMBER ANDRADA

WHEN “GOING”

TO SCHOOL

meant opening your camera and facing your screen for hours on end, education seemed so close yet so far.

In today’s world of innovative technological advancements and digital learning platforms, the value of faceto-face learning still holds a pivotal role in education. Even though Philippine schools have adopted distance learning during the pandemic, it is crucial to acknowledge that face-toface learning remains an indispensable component of the academic environment.

For the duration of those two years of online learning, students have been robbed of the immersive experience and interpersonal connections enhanced and fostered within school walls. The classroom environment provides a unique setting for collaboration, peer interaction, and hands-on learning opportunities that simply cannot be replicated through screens and keyboards

alone. Students develop essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience through real-life interactions with their peers and teachers in the F2F setup. The Department of Education (DepEd) must prioritize bridging the learning and social gaps brought about by the pandemic.

Since online learning exhibits the idea of limited real-life interactions and communication, teachers have a hard time monitoring their students. Online platforms facilitate communication and collaboration among students, making it easier for them to share answers or work together on assignments and exams. While collaboration can enhance learning outcomes in some contexts, it can also blur the lines between collaboration and cheating, especially when students are expected to work independently.

Even though some might say that

LIKE ITS NATURE, the word love itself is complex. It has different forms as well as different definitions.

Love is so complicated that everyone believes a person must be mature enough to handle such things. Everyone feels and gives it, be it a family member, friend, or someone special. But even though love takes multiple forms, why are high school students believed to still be naïve as to what it means?

As students enter high school, parents and practically everyone tell them not to fall in love or be in a relationship because they do not want their future affected. Their studies must be prioritized, especially in Quezon City Science High School, where grades are expected to be maintained. Teenage love takes on a different character in this environment as students try to balance their academic performance while also giving time for their emotions. While love might be harmful, its effect on the students will not always result in distraction.

PERSONAL GROWTH: Though love is believed to only be a distraction, dating in high school can help students learn about healthy relationships. Due to constant academic pressure and workloads, having someone by their side can make way for emo-

online classes may provide students with a more comfortable and convenient way of learning inside the comfort of their homes, this is only for those who can afford it. Those who do not have access to proper internet connection and gadgets are left out without enough support. External distractions also rule out focused learning facilitated in classrooms.

Face-to-face classes play a crucial role in fostering academic excellence, social development, and personal growth among students.

By giving precedence to traditional classroom settings and fostering inclusive learning environments that reinforce the holistic growth of each student, we can ensure that education remains a powerful force for positive change in our society. Maybe then, facing the screens would make us more connected than ever.

It’s Nothing NEW

BY JOYCE TIRADO

THE PHILIPPINES ranking 77th among 81 other countries in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) last 2022 is not a surprising at all.

The PISA 2022 assessment measures 15-year-olds’ reading and science knowledge and primarily focuses on mathematics and creative thinking. The Philippines’ low ranking on this test or any global assessments is nothing new. Filipinos are aware that they are lagging behind many Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan. With prior awareness, it is the utmost responsibility of the government to allot more attention to the country’s education system, providing more extensive solutions to ensure that quality education reaches the hands of all Filipinos.

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) goal is to promote quality to complete basic education. Thus, it has enjoyed significant increases in budget allocation over the years. Yet, nothing can be seen of it. Budget obligations rose by 13.1% yearly from 2010 to 2017, and 97% of individuals were literate in 2023, a 1.2 percentage increase compared to 2015. However, looking beyond the statistics from a real-life perspective, many are still deprived of basic education and the impact of this increased budget also remains unnoticed by most schools, especially public ones.

The PISA assessment evaluates the students’ 21st century thinking skills and creativity. These are

w w w w

Heart Beats

BY SHAIRA ARAMI

tional support and comfort. According to a study by Howard Debnam at UCLA, high school relationships can provide emotional support and enhance interpersonal skills, among other benefits. Learning to express to manage emotions within the context of a supportive relationship lays the foundation for healthier future connections.

NEW EXPERIENCES: High school is said to be a phase where a teenager starts to learn, to grow, and to embark on a new journey. A part of learning and maturing is facing challenges and experiences in life and learning from them. But teenagers from top-performing schools are told that the only thing that they ought to do is to focus on their careers to make their lives

meaningful. In constant pressure, how would a student make their own life meaningful when they cannot even live for themselves? In fact, the effects of romantic relationships in adolescence have included lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and greater empathy. Furthermore, being both an academic achiever and a lover makes for a tough journey, and students encounter challenges that test their emotional resilience. Still, these problems provide possibilities for personal growth, resilience, and

things that, though already identified long ago as essential targets in teaching and assessments, are not well-pursued by teachers in the field. Furthermore, test items in PISA required students to apply competencies to real-life situations. This is something that Filipino students are not used to.

How today’s teachers were taught when they were the students is still the way they teach their students. Lessons are still confined in the classroom with the teacher dominating the discussion, instead of them just being facilitators. Assessments are still very much standardized, heavy on memorization and not crafted in different contexts.

With all this said, it is logical to infer that had the PISA been crafted like a standardized test, the results would have been much better for the Philippines. It is also again a callout to DepEd to monitor the implementation of K-12. It is high time for the nation to surprise the world by training the youth not only what they should but also how they could use them in a real-world context.

It is high time for the nation to surprise the world by training the youth not only what they should but also how they could use them in a real-world context.

the development of important life skills such as communication and greater social connections.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

AND BALANCE: Included in the negative impacts of teenage love are physical touch and intimacy, which could lead to curiosity, loss of focus, lust, and even teenage pregnancy. However, circumstances like these could be prevented with proper guidance, which should be the role of the parents and teacher.

Navigating teenage love in a science high school demands a great deal of time management and discipline. But at the end of the day, the negative impacts linked with romantic relationships cannot be avoided by simply not being involved in one. Each person’s experience is unique, and not all teenagers will have similar outcomes. Instead, parents, science high school instruc -

tors, and counselors can guarantee better success by guiding teenagers through love relationships and ensuring that these experiences benefit their overall development. Mentorship that goes beyond academics and includes discussions about emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and personal growth can help. When high school connections improve, children gain maturity and balance, leading to significant life experiences that they can carry for the rest of their lives.

Love persists indefinitely; it is timeless. A person should never be stopped because of their feelings, and they should never be denied the right to live their lives. Science high schools can help produce well-rounded students by fostering an environment that supports the harmonious interplay of intellect and emotion. Students are not naive; everyone is. No one is sure to know what true love is unless they experience and feel it as such. No one has control over how and when a heart beats, but one does have control over how it could turn out.

The Devious Dance

5, 6, 7, 8 - Ladies and gentlemen, the floor is now open to Chacha!

Charter change (Cha-cha) has long been in the talks of the legislative branch of the Philippines since 1997. Cha-cha, or revisions in the 1987 Constitution, has sprung once more in 2024 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the economic provisions of the Constitution should be amended, particularly for foreign investment provisions.

Currently, the 1987 Constitution regulates foreign ownership of public utilities—electricity, water, and public transportation—to 40% and hinders foreigners from owning land in the Philippines. The economic provisions stated in the charter have nothing to do with the country’s lack of economic investments, as the reason for this shortage is that foreign investors are hesitant to enter the country due to the Philippine legal system being unjust, as mentioned by lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno in a forum. Prospective investors are evidently at a disadvantage, as previously indicated by the US Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements, because of “poor infrastructure, high power costs, slow broadband connections, regulatory inconsistencies, a cumbersome bureaucracy, and corruption” in the country’s economy and many of its sectors.

There are a multitude of other ways to improve the Philippine economy without having to change the charter, as opening it up exposes the Constitution to other vulnerabilities. The Congress could shift its focus to improving the agricultural and piscatorial sectors, resolving and preventing corruption, eliminating red tape, having other measures to improve the economy’s quality and management.

Furthermore, changing the Philippine Constitution while the country faces a job loss crisis is not the best course of action, especially since the primary objective of the amendments is to strengthen the economy. Following the recent jeepney phaseout,

ON HALT

ACULTURAL

SYMBOL turned into an expensive modern mess.

The ‘jeepney’ has long been part of Filipinos’ daily means of transportation, but it has also been the face of their culture and heritage on the road. The Jeepney Modernization Program promises cleaner, safer, and more comfortable vehicles for passengers; and a regular income stream with benefits to jeepney drivers. It orders single-unit operators, drivers who own their own public utility vehicle (PUV), to surrender to a cooperative or corporation and replace their jeepney with a new and ‘improved’ one. Otherwise, they won’t be allowed to operate on the road.

a 3.6% unemployment rate report, and other healthcare and education al challenges in the country, it is ap parent where the government’s focus should be directed. The public’s needs and the implementation of ethical demands and regulations should come first.

Instead, in recent reports, there has been an alleged use of public funds for the so-called “People’s Ini tiative (PI)” to change the charter, which collects signatures from vul nerable citizens to seemingly agree to the Cha-cha. This was debunked by Sena Imee Marcos and ap pears to have been led internally by House Speaker Martin Ro mualdez. Addition ally, Senator Sonny Angara has proposed a Cha-cha plebiscite in 2025, coin ciding with the midterm elec tions, to simplify the voting on constitutional revisions.

Senate President Mi guel Zubiri has also changed his opin ion on Cha-cha, now supporting it, as have several other senators. Gov ernment officials are pushing for the Cha-cha disguised as the PI, which is questionable because opening up national patrimony to foreign investors is linked to the depletion of the country’s resources—which could be used to boost the Philippine economy. These officials are utilizing the signatures of lower-class, vulnerable citizens to advance their underlying interests, which is completely misleading.

In the Face

stand and apply them properly. These changes are particularly problematic since, if one revision could be easily obtained, the Constitution may be open to more amendments in the future, reducing the integrity of provisions when they are frequently modified.

Former Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide Jr., one of the Constitution’s framers, argued that “what our country and our people need today are not amendments to provisions of the Constitution but the full implementation of its principles and policies,”

President Marcos Jr. has stated that constitutional reforms will focus solely on economic issues, but this con tra dicts a resolution filed in the House of Representatives that included proposed revisions to the ban on reelection of the president and vice president, and also the years in office of House members and local officials. This is dubious and starkly comparable to his father’s administration,

document or petition signings, solving already pressing economic and national challenges, and deferring the discussion of Charter Change until it actually and urgently needs to be amended. The current intentions behind the Cha-cha have demonstrated its counterproductive and ineffective potential for the country’s governance and people through the numerous flaws in its plan. This devious dance is deceptive and self-serving to the members of the government who vouch for it; thus, the nation should not allow Cha-cha to take the floor.

OMETIMES, ALL ONE NEEDS TO DO IS TO SEE WHAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM.

More than three million metric tons (MT) of rice were imported into the Philippines in 2023. The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) reasoning for this was that local farmers were unable to provide for the domestic demand of 1.08 MT a month. They also stated that without the importations, rice prices would have surged. But even in the midst of importations, rice prices do continue to surge. In fact, ever since November of 2023, rice has been sold for more than P50 per kilo, and the DA remains unexpectant of the possibility that those prices would ever go down any time in the near future.

A reason for this is that other countries are trying to feed themselves, too, especially before the El Niño season comes. India, for example, has banned rice exports so that their own countrymen might be able to easily secure their own rice for low prices. If other countries follow suit, then there would be no rice left for the Filipinos. The answer for this possibility, however, is glaring the DA right in the face. The DA is currently experiencing a structural overhaul with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. deciding to reorganize the entire department. As a result, multiple people have retired from the DA at a time when their manpower is what is needed the most by the Philippine rice industry.

“

Why should the DA look past the nation’s barriers or at themselves first when they could be looking at the people?

Phasing out traditional jeepneys also means phasing out employment for many of the traditional jeepney come at high costs, ranging from 2.4 million to 2.8 million pesos. Government subsidies are not enough to fully cover these costs, and Filipino drivers are pushed to opt for loans. Ironically, the front faces of Philippine transportation are pushed out of the roads by schemes like these that are anti-poor

Program (PUVMP) “5-6-7-8,” offers a 5 percent down payment, a 6 percent interest rate, 7 years to pay, and a P80,000 subsidy per unit. This is just a short-term solution for the drivers who will pay for the vehicle in the long term.

ered their property. All of this just shows why many jeepney drivers oppose the PUVMP.

Modernization is good, but inefficient planning and crammed implementation will only cause any progress to be put on halt.

Instead of restructuring, Laurel should focus more on the rice crisis and on ensuring rice self-sufficiency. If it is the farmer’s issue that they cannot meet rice demands without imports, then Laurel should address their difficult situations first. The DA should not only give those farmers better equipment but also better working conditions and assistance. It is only once the department does this that the farmers could better supply the country with rice and avert the rice crisis and do so without a deep reliance on other countries. Why should the DA look past the nation’s barriers or at themselves first when they could be looking at the people?

The DA should do away with band-aid solutions that do not properly destroy the root of the problem. Let them be reminded that sometimes the answers are not in the countries that are oceans away, but are in the people standing in front of them.

Way Beyond the Pay Grade

IF THERE’S ONE THING that teachers were great at among a thousand others, it would be that they are always able to give more than they receive.

Knowledge. Resources. Guidance. Material. And time - lots and lots of it.

For an occupation that pays an average of PHP 30k monthly for the entry level, being a public school teacher is incredibly taxing. Beyond their role as educators, teachers are oftentimes tasked with additional responsibilities that force them to be the backbone of withholding a proper educational environment for their students. From being a librarian during what should be their lunch break, to being an adviser to school

No Time for Chika

You Win Eowyn

Baldovino

WHAT GOES AROUND comes around, and political gossip fuels the fire of a very divided government.

The Senate has been dancing on its tippy toes amid initiatives for the revival of Cha-Cha. Charter Change – or the revision of the 1987 Constitution, has conveniently been a hot topic now that the 2025 midterm elections are coming close. But I personally think that the drama attached to Cha-Cha is just another strategy to distract the public. The pretend catfights only feed the plot of the longest-running teleserye in the Philippines, its own national government.

Charter Change through People’s Initiative is one big lie when it comes to Philippine politicians. With the bruised state of our democracy, there is no such thing as a people’s initiative other than one that is Senate-led. In a virtual press conference, Senator Imee Marcos exposed her cousin Martin Romualdez to be the one leading the revival of ChaCha through people’s initiative. Additionally, she mentioned that his office is responsible for the allocation of P20 million per district – a questionable budget supposedly for a notion that should be independently decided by the people. Of course, Romualdez denies this claim, countering Imee’s “it’s definitely him” with his “she’s definitely a Marites.”

It is amusing yet agitating to watch these actors at play. Filipinos should be more vigilant and less trusting of the people in place who have already formed their alliances to maneuver their way to the top. There are no permanent enemies in politics, but there are certainly permanent power plays that we need to watch out for. Otherwise, we will see our republic crumbling in our own hands.

clubs — teachers have always been on the frontlines. More often than they should be, more than what they are paid for.

It seems that prayers do get heard, after all.

With the Department of Education (DepEd) officiating the removal of administrative tasks of public school teachers, resounding cheers and finally echo among teachers. No more excused leaves to accompany students to outside-school competitions. No more cooperative and financial management that hinder the learning process and flow of their students. As DepEd secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte put it, “Let’s bring our teachers back to the classrooms.” The system seems

to be keen on tackling overwork and bringing teachers back to their original positions as educators. Finally, indeed.

However, there still seems to be fatal flaws in this plan that could inevitably lead back to square one. For starters, it is overly ambitious to provide non-teaching staff for schools when teachers themselves are understaffed. Looking for qualified individuals to tackle the differing roles while maintaining a minimum wage set-up isn’t the easiest to achieve.

Given that, the many positions that would be left vacant would further rattle the learning environment of students. With the overly demanding 60-day transitional period for schools to follow, the policy slow-

The Blind Eye

THE ESCAPE ROUTE is there, but our nation is plagued with politicians who simply refuse to see it.

How come the Philippines, with land measured to be 30 million hectares, nearly half of which is dedicated to agriculture, stubbornly insists on importing rice instead of maybe focusing on the roots of the problem? According to the latest report and projection of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), our country is expected to remain the world’s top exporter of rice, with an estimated 3.9 million metric tons. However, the top brass says it’s no cause for concern, followed by the announcement of lowered tariffs last September 2023, which is to be extended until the end of 2024. Now, my question is, have the country’s executives finally succumbed to lunacy?

What leader would endanger a certain class of people for “the greater good” of the many with claims of “no need for alarm?” If politicians want to assume utilitarianism as an ideology, why are they allowing themselves to be used like tools?

This shameless ignorance is sickening. Government heads cannot see that their dismissal of people’s livelihoods with the ambiguous justification of “the greater good” is but the fallacy of a figurehead sacrificing minorities to fuel their own interest.

A multitude of issues arise from a superficial inspection of the status quo of our rice supply, as the system in place is alarmingly flawed to an appalling degree. It’s been a glaring issue how the agricultural industry fails to compete due to its comparatively primitive and ineffective systems. Add to the fact that farm-

Chedeng Mani

Chesca Hernandez

ly becomes a burden for its people. Although DepEd addresses this, the solution is not ideal either.

For over 47,000 public schools nationwide, DepEd introduces clustered administrative officers who will oversee multiple schools at a time. This naturally poses concerns about efficiency and management. With the staggering student population that public schools have, dedicated and full attention is necessary to keep the flow going; otherwise, are we really solving the problem at all? Or making things worse by overcomplicating it?

I stand by the notion that shortcomings must be addressed before following through with a policy that will affect the learning environment

of millions. Although that should be a no-brainer, the lapses in the policy’s provisions only seem to be emphasized by flimsy solutions that threaten thew sector’s structural integrity.

Nevertheless, DepEd is stubborn in this pursuit, and teachers and staff alike can only follow suit, hoping for the best. I, as a student, hope for the best.

Should DepEd introduce this policy prematurely, its consequences will only serve to trouble the teachers further, leaving them to clean up the mess that would inevitably be left behind beyond a failed policy. Another taxing task left unaccounted for in their unforgiving payrolls.

Morning Sunshine

Yuri Jimenez

ers are insultingly unbacked, left to fend for themselves, and forced to sell at a lower price due to the competition for cheap and imported rice. In the first place, imported rice is cheap because the farmers there are subsidized and outfitted with modern facilities for storage and distribution, while the system of distribution in the Philippines is so slow that farmers are left to fend for themselves regardless.

Whoever thought that disconnected fools born and raised in luxury would understand the common man’s struggle deserves recognition for this breakthrough in human rationality. There’s never been such a great mental gymnast in mankind’s history.

Instead of burying ourselves in the dirt, what if we searched for longterm solutions with higher practicality than the shortsighted immediate

Overcooked Education, Undercooked Solutions

ARE WE COOKING STUDENTS in ovens to produce graduates that will feed our economy? Or have we left the timer on for too long and overcooked their potential?

The August to May school calendar was never meant to be permanent nor was it part of any educational reform. It was simply a quick fix to adapt to the COVID-19 outbreak. Yet to step on the brakes inches away from the finish line is jarring for students and teachers alike. When heresys about back-toJune classes surfaced, everyone was

shocked. I was shocked. Even my mother was shocked when I told her. After all, it’s not something that can be done so abruptly.

Plans have been made, but now they’re at stake. For instance, the Grade 12’s graduation ceremony and graduation ball will be pushed back to an earlier date. Events arranged by clubs are also in jeopardy of being thwarted, or worse, cancelled. Opportunities for supplementary learning will be lost. At what cost?

To beat the heat? Ideally, yes. For convenience? Absolutely. For comfort? Certainly.

answer to a faltering rice supply?

If the aim was to really find a solution, there are countless proposals floating around on the internet with strategies such as strengthening logistics support and expanding rice plantations to counteract the grave this government keeps digging itself into. Proposals which were, most likely, done by random people on a whim. Imagine what would happen if we actually maximized the intellectual capacity of our communities. Our country is suffering because we neglect our people. We are cursed with idiocy, a vicious cycle from one crooked politician to another. An eye blind to the roots of the problem will always trip on it. The best way to escape a struggle is always to end it.

AJ Malina Abrielle Cerbito

But is shifting our school calendar going to shift our PISA ranking? Or perhaps the students’ performance in the National Achievement Test (NAT)? Some Scientians pointed out how a drastic change in the school calendar would only further the already sizable learning gap of Filipino students. Teachers would also have insufficient time to meet all learning competencies. And if they would be able to cover all competencies , it would most likely compromise the quality of teaching.

DepEd should instead continue to focus on ensuring academic

excellence among students, supporting and enhancing teachers to increase the quality of teaching, as well as improving school facilities fit for developing the skills of learners. Resources should be allocated for the effective reform of a curriculum that empathizes with its students and teachers. That way, fruitful learning can happen whatever month, week, day, or hour school will start or end.

All we need to do is pick the poison that goes into our food: to go to school under the stifling summer heat, or the torrential, pouring rain.

The Electron | Volume LVI Issue 01

FEATURE A Senior’s Letter to Her Freshman Self

ILLUSTRATION BY LEANNA MONTECINO

These were the words I needed to be assured of before.

As the time left before graduation is numbered, I simply cannot put my feet forward to cross the last bridge. My hesitation to accept my journey’s impending end is the hindrance as to why I am reluctant to pass through the awaiting finish line. I let my tendency to look back take over me, and there I saw how it mirrored my past self, you, who doubtingly took your first step in this six-year-long journey.

With the academic institution’s grand name and deemed title, you might have fallen into the false entitlement that you are a scholar of

the city, with the region paying for your education. While this is true, I think it is more of the other way around – that you should be a community servant and a responsible student giving back to those who granted this opportunity.

As humbling as it may be, this is simply a welcoming remark. The value of success is learned by experience and not in an instant. Most things are not going to be laid out for you but rather a fruit of your grit. Learning it the hard way will become eye-opening; it will lead you to realize that failure is a part of success, which you can use as a setback to reach greater heights.

Being in this sort of environ-

The Strengths of

MATATAG

“MATATAG”

- strong; stable; constant.

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS), under the Department of Education (DepEd), is one of the schools that would be affected by the implementation of the upcoming MATATAG curriculum. In the eyes of a student who would follow the ascent of our current education system, will this significantly bring new advantages to us learners? How will being “MATATAG” - a student of determination and resilience, change the trajectory of an eager scientian’s life?

STRONG. Being a student of QueSci for six years, one question occasionally pops up in my head. “Why am I even learning this?” It is already given in our curriculum to learn an advanced version of what is encompassed within science and mathematics-related subjects, particularly physics, chemistry, and biology. Meanwhile, MATATAG prepares learners for any challenges as this sudden change made learning less congested, concentrating on the more “fundamental skills” by diverting from an average science high school's level of education. Not only will we learners have to face challenges in adapting to the new and improved curriculum, but we must also have to face the new hurdles this brings forth. Thus, MATATAG produces STRONG students who can adapt to the changes around their educational hurdles.

CONSTANT. Over the years, Filipinos have constantly been slandered for being one of the lowest IQ countries worldwide. Education has always been inaccessible for many Filipinos who do not have the money or time to continue and further their education. With MATATAG, QueSci students

BY CHARLENE TOR AND DIANE PAGAY

ment may make you feel disheartened, discouraged, or even inferior to your peers, classmates, and batchmates. Gawking at those surrounding you – literal geniuses that may cause you to doubt your abilities, but always remember that it is only an illusion set by unrealistic societal standards. Ironic as it may sound compared to the first two I have mentioned, but you have already made your mark by making it here. The right attitude and mindset to possess is that of acknowledging that there is no exact or similar path and pace.

One underrated thing to realize is to appreciate the beauty and essence of everything you will experi-

prove that with quality education, everyone can lead to their own successes. The CONSTANT rise towards an overall better way of living, with the variety of students alike, allows them to showcase their talents in a much more progressive manner. For instance, participating in competitions as a campus journalist – furthermore winning them, is a sure way of opening opportunities for oneself in future related careers and endeavors.

STABLE. “Job-ready, active, and responsible” are the few words that describe the vision of the MATATAG curriculum. The sole mission of making education accessible and relevant in a way that makes students receive opportunities without the need for further education creates a STABLE community wherein individuals are given the chance to serve the country and future generations of learners to come.

The goal of producing these kinds of citizens from the recalibrated K-12 curriculum is a massive step towards refining and enhancing the education system of the Philippines, catering towards the needs of the country and the capabilities of its citizens. Making the country a cultivating and guarded environment for scholars. I sure hope that this curriculum would really ensure that no student is left behind and would fully embody its tagline, “Bansang Makabata. Batang Makabansa.”

“

The goal of producing these kinds of citizens from the recalibrated K-12 curriculum is a massive step towards refining and enhancing the education system of the Philippines, catering towards the needs of the country and the capabilities of its citizens.

ence. Whether it may be your firsts, lasts, habits you are used to, seemingly mundane occurrences, the extraordinary, or even the weird ones – recognize them all because these are the ones that will make you stay and continue despite all the rocky roads. Cherish the beauty of solitude, friendships, moments of joy and sadness, and most of all — the love that revolves around all beings and entities.

If not the most, one of the pivotal keys to your Scientian life is the ability to judge and to weigh whether or not to take the risk. You will encounter a number of decision-making situations, simple or complex they may be, that will re-

BY NIGEL VALENZUELA

BY CARLA OROGO

quire you to look at all angles and perspectives and will teach you not to be prejudiced. More than being academically gifted, this is a life skill that will bring you to places and will help you surpass more challenges.

Embark on your journey ahead. Yes, the time will come when it is Kisay’s duty to let you soar high. But as much as you left a mark on Kisay, it has also already left a mark on you. To distant lands you may go, whether you are in search of the truth or the unknown, you will remember your pledge of loyalty and soul. By yours truly, your future self — a senior writing for her freshman self.

T he radio was never a stranger in my life. During my elementary years, I vividly remember waking up every morning to the sound of it when my family would tune in to the morning mass before my school service whisked me away.

While making my way through the not-so-busy streets of Malolos, I would listen to the news to get updates for my Araling Panlipunan class. I even grew up admiring these experiences, leading me to wonder if I, too, could become a broadcaster someday.

Somehow, that wish slowly unraveled into a reality.

Funnily enough, I became a campus broadcaster not through speaking but clicking. I was a member of our Speech Club for almost two years, and I felt confident I would make the cut. During the tryouts, we were asked to read a newspaper article. I was aiming to become a news presenter. However, I was also aware that I was well-known for my computer expertise in our batch. Putting two and

two together, I became the technical director of our elementary broadcasting team. We competed in press conferences and wrote numerous scripts during our training. Yet, I had always thought that I needed to do more. After all, I was just playing sound effects to aid my teammates, right?

I asked my then-adviser why I was picked as the technical director when I wanted to speak out, myself and become an anchor. She taught me that I was not just assisting my teammates but also complementing them. After all, nobody would listen to a radio program filled with dead air in between.

I came to terms with my role upon reflecting on her words. I realized that if my teammates had the voice, I would make sure that the audience stayed to hear it. I further assisted my teammates by sharing my insights on broadcasting norms and speech delivery.

My experiences as the technical director enlightened me on what it means to

be a journalist. I previously believed that a journalist is simply a writer, someone who delivers the news. Yet, I came to realize that everybody involved played an important role in it. It is not merely a one-man job but a job for everyone else. I figured I could not do it all on my own: to write, to speak, and to operate. But I still felt special being part of it, even if I was not the main anchor or the news writer – I felt special in my own way. Even if six years have passed, this conviction has stuck with me ever since.

I came to the conclusion that the press conference teaches us a valuable lesson. These contests recognize the individual talents that campus journalists have, but what is most important is that we are called on to use the talents we have to defend the truth and illuminate our nation with nothing but the truth.

In my own way, I can deliver the truth. Through my own talents, the reality is heard. “Vox Ex Lumina,” to spread the truth and enlighten the unknown.

Photo |The Electron Radio Broadcasting team proudly displays awards at the Division Press Conference awarding ceremony on February 14, 2024 at Quirino High School. (Monday.)

PHOTO BY JVI VILORIA

The World Doesn't End at

BY JEIA TRIAS AND GABRIEL SEBASTIAN

“Suntok sa buwan ang top one, pero mas susuntukin ko ‘yung sarili ko ‘pag hindi ako nag-top one.”

Encouraging himself with that affirmation while preparing for his licensure examination, Genesis O. Rivera’s journey is a confirmation that choosing your passion leads to the best. His journey has been a series of hopeful ups and discouraging downs, but he did not let the disappointments stop him as he became the highest scoring examinee in the 2023 Nutritionist-Dietician Licensure Exam (NDLE).

Growing up in the city of Caloocan, his curiosity was piqued by the “vegetable junk foods” that were rising in popularity during his elementary days. He observed how these snacks were erroneously marketed for they did not actually hold the nutritional value they claim to have. He also realized that he is adept in nutrition-related subjects, especially in the field of Health and Sciences.

At a very young age, this experience enlightened Rivera to his passion and potential as he went on with his journey towards junior high school. Seeing an opportunity to enter a prestigious institution, he took the chance and passed the Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) entrance examination for the school year 2013-2014. Through his experiences as a scientian, Rivera admitted that he was not among the brightest in his batch. He was scared that he would have to be put on probation due to failing grades and was even hesitant to walk up on stage during

recognitions because he did not get an academic excellence award.

However, the addition of senior high school (SHS) to his batch’s curriculum sparked a new fire entirely. At this point of his high school life, he began taking his studies more seriously. He did his schoolworks on his daily commute. He also gained valuable lessons from his teachers, one of which is Ma’am Sheryl Verdadero, who had taught him life lessons that

UP

Nakakahiya kasi galing ka ng science high school tapos hindi ka pumasa ng UP.”

Sometime later, he was given another chance to attend UPD, albeit under a different program – BS Home Economics. Meanwhile, he was offered to study at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Sta. Mesa under his dream program which is BS Nutrition. Despite it not being his dream school, Rivera was

Choose what you love and what you are passionate for. Even if it means sacrificing a spot in a place like UP, always go for what you love doing and what you love studying.”

Genesis Rivera, RND

usual academics did not cover. Despite not being one of the best students, Rivera developed a character of himself which ultimately guided him for his life in college and beyond.

Eventually, the time finally came for him to apply for colleges. He was aiming to study in the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), but was left to no avail. As someone who was also working as an intern at UPD, it felt gut-wrenching for him to be denied admission to his dream university. “Araw-araw ko yun iniyakan [...]

determined to pursue his lifelong passion.

Rivera’s life as a college student was comparable to that of his high school days. He believed he was more productive during his online classes in 2nd and 3rd year compared to his normal face-to-face college life in his 1st year. Having preferred the virtual learning environment, he knew that the learning habits he developed during the pandemic were vital for his upcoming examination at the 2023 NDLE.

Eventually, the lockdowns were lifted in 2022, and Rivera continued his 4th year of undergraduate studies which aimed to prepare students for the NDLE. This was his final test, he thought, as he puts a cap on his undergraduate studies. He reviewed so deeply, to the point that he left the testing room saying, “Kaya tong sagutan ng first year.”

Upon waking up four days after his examination, Rivera was greeted by the results of the NDLE. His name was at the very top of the list of passers. Alas, he took a deep breath and sighed in relief. This was the fruit of his lifelong dreams, of the help his loved ones gave him, and of all the hard work he put into making them a reality. To follow our dreams no matter what, Rivera imparts a one, notable message: “Choose what you love and what you are passionate for. Even if it means sacrificing a spot in a place like UP, always go for what you love doing and what you love studying.”

Beneath the Uncharted

BY DIANE PAGAY | GRAPHIC BY LEANNA MONTECINO

Reflections are seemingly typical at every end of the year. It is this time of the year when I once again find myself musing on past events that felt like a rollercoaster of self-discovery. Where predictability often masquerades as comfort, I stood at the crossroads, asking myself, "Can I brave the uncertainties that lie beyond?" This question is a constant companion which pushed me to reconsider my attitude towards

of promises whispered to myself. The vow to transform into a better version of me echoed as I dipped my toes in uncharted waters. It was not just about external makeovers but an internal revolution that demanded courage. I recognized the necessity of such as I joined the ranks of The Electron, specifically in the publication’s TV broadcasting team. A friend I met from the other publication, someone more well-versed in the ropes

capabilities. It could not be more accurate. The pressure, camaraderie, and shared ambition — they all fueled a drive I never knew existed.

The journey wasn't smooth; it had its share of heart-wrenching moments. The first competition where the initial disappointment of a victory tinged with the bitter reality of disqualification hit hard. I was feeling sorry for myself, for I could have done better than winning by default. Sure, a victory is a victory, but it does not taste as sweet as when you emerge as the absolute best.

I found myself being rather hard with my expectations, especially considering it was my first attempt at a contest. But amid the tears, a guiding hand reassured me. “You don’t have to be the best, that success is born from the ashes of setbacks.”

It’s not like I gotta catch ‘em all, right? It was unrealistic to think of such a way, to be the very best. Yet, those were Ma'am Espiel's words as she graciously treated all of us contestants to milktea, acknowledging our collective job well done. Additionally, the friend that I have mentioned was also there, for he had participated in the same competition, sup-

porting our achievements together.

Undeterred, we moved forward, securing a commendable 4th place in the division competitions. The acco lades were sweet, but it was the inter nal shift within myself that spoke vol umes. As I took the helm as an editor, juggling roles and responsibilities, I discovered resilience in the face of adversity.

Soon thereafter, my academic strides and social circles seemed to mirror my evolving self. However, beneath the surface of contentment lingered a realization—a subtle warn ing against complacency. Reaching a point where I managed to transform a certain aspect of myself, I grap pled with the fear that this newfound sense of fulfillment might undermine the ongoing efforts I've been diligent ly cultivating within myself.

Entering 2024, the previous year was a phase of heightened awareness which unfolded right before my eyes. The delicate interplay between con tentment and an insatiable hunger for growth became increasingly tan gible in my life. So as the new year beckons, I have resolved to set forth on a compelling journey. That is, to actively embrace change, to plunge into the uncharted, to savor every triumph, and to gracefully absorb the lessons from setbacks. For fulfillment is found not in reaching a predeter mined shore but in relishing the tur bulent beauty of the journey.

“I love you so much.”

That was the first phrase I learned from my parents. As a kid, I always thought it was just a useless phrase to say to your kid out of boredom. As I grew older, I found out it was something more important than what it sounded like.

I met countless people to whom I said I love you to. Too many of them have heard it but are sure that I never meant it, except this one time I was extremely hesitant to say it for the first time.

When you’re confessing to someone, what would you say other than, “I like you” or “I like you a lot?” I confessed to a then-friend, but not in a romantic way – in a resentful way. I told this friend “I will never love you” in front of my classmates. Their faces were full of shock and laughter, bearing “Ooohs!” under their breaths, I felt a bit embarrassed. I understood that we bickered as friends at that time, even then, we were best friends. I often tell my best friends that I love

I will never (not) love you

BY LEANNA MONTECINO | ILLUSTRATION BY LEANNA MONTECINO

them, but this was the first time I felt angry about having to say that I love this friend. That day, I realized that saying those words were not a joke and they were supposed to be taken seriously.

I kept thinking about it for days, weeks, months, even years. I never knew it was such a big deal for me, well, in a way because it did affect me for a very long time.

I had spent most of my time with this best friend of mine, meaningfully in many ways, but I refused to acknowledge that I loved them. This friend stuck with me and my problems, and I stuck with him. Through thick and thin, I was beside them, and I longed for a connection with this person because

they completed me and made me feel important, seen, and loved. I loved this person too but never brought it up out of embarrassment.

A year later, the pandemic hit, and I started to think about it again. I thought about the good

times we spent together and how we clicked on everything we did. We were rivals unironically but still treated each other with fairness and respect. We bickered, but we knew where to draw the line. We laughed at each other’s flaws, but we always comforted each other saying that it was normal.

I realized that maybe I could still redeem myself to him. Things were cold as usual, but one day I just decided to tell this person that I was interested in someone, subtly implying that it was him whom I liked. This person convinced me that I should just be honest.

ILove is so vast and ever-changing that the love you may have felt yesterday will not be the same as the one you will feel today, tomorrow, and the days after. At some point, I struggled with how I felt about this person. I knew I loved them as a friend, but now, it was more than a friend. I loved this person, not because this person was my rival and best friend – I loved him because he was him. He was just who he was, and there

“Remember, we humans are in pursuit of happiness,” this friend told me. And after a few days, I went on to tell this person that I liked him, and days after, the “like” blossomed into love. That friend was right; I was in pursuit of happiness, and that happiness was that person. Even then, I apologized for saying I never loved him by saying I did and still do love him. This time, I knew I meant it. These words are hard to say, but when said to the right person at the right time, it could feel like freedom and joy. The longer I said those words, the more I realized that what I had said in the past no longer mattered. Since then, I always told this person, “I will never not love you.”

n the wise lyrics of the song Got to Believe in Magic, "It’s magic when two people fall in love,” it encapsulates how romance stories took the Filipino community by a storm. From television screens and even to fan services, it all sprinkled a bit of "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo" into people's lives. Tracing back into the Philippines’ phenomenal love story, a recollection of the nation's greatest Pop culture phenomena, KathNiel, brings back many stories — both euphoric and melancholic.

Even if people are not fans of the said love team, any interaction would recount tales of how they met several characters, whether from Princess and I, Got To Believe, Pangako Sa'yo, and more projects that raised them up to the international stage. However, despite moments showcasing a decade-long love, things took a turn for them — a realization that maybe it was never the magic about Kathniel.

When people talk about KathNiel, numerous films come to mind, usually because of their chemistry and compatibility that captivates audiences. As a love team, their presence made Filipinos cherish giddy moments, turning jeers and taunts on screen into promises wherein a heartthrob and dalagang Filipina girl would finally admit their relationship. If they were a reel couple, they could be a real one, too. Wishes were eventually granted as if their love story could calm the country's storms in 2018, when they admitted that they have been a couple offscreen during the press conference of their film The Hows of Us.

The enchantment endured, marked by a simple yet profound gesture — an "I love you" written by Padilla on a tissue paper during the filming of "Princess and I" in 2012. Despite busy careers, their

Magic That Never Runs Out w w Through the Years w Love,

BY WINONA SOLIDUM

BY JANINE MANDAC

on-screen magic translated to real-life moments, further solidifying their place in fans' hearts. They epitomized the perfect fairytale, with shared adventures and cherished family moments that fueled expectations of marriage.

However, like other couples, they faced rough trails, with breakup issues resurfacing. Despite such rumors, Kathniel was perceived as insurmountable. Maybe it was because of the euphoria brought by their endearment “tangi.” After all, their love for each other is “natatangi,” a Filipino word symbolizing love in its most exceptional forms, their one and only.

Along the way, people share the journey of finding the magic in love. Love, especially with the different forms that they have shown, instilled belief in the possibility of lasting love in everyone. Like the magic portrayed in "Got to Believe," everyone hoped for the #BestEndingEver. Yet, perhaps we need time to fathom the reasons, especially the "hows" of concluding a 12year journey that shook the nation.

When Kathniel weathered storms with their love, they became sturdier despite controversies. This resilience signaled hope that they would have their dream house, two kids, and simple family moments. The lingering expectation was that they'd echo Chichay’s Mama Bear, “Pagmamahalang now and forever.”

In that same teleserye, even with Joaquin’s lost memories, his heart belonged to Chichay. Kathniel’s story mirrored this, suggesting that their love would stand forever. Their hearts should belong to one another, right? Life, however, took a different turn.

When their breakup was finally announced, hearing confirmation from them explicitly broke the na-

tion, shattering the illusion for fans who clung to hope. While memories and past works endure, their future love story takes a new turn. KathNiel's legacy transcends their relationship, representing the multifaceted nature of love, including its impermanence. Their journey shows that love, like fate, unfolds in unexpected ways.

Perhaps it’s not the magic of 12 years, perhaps it's their individual journeys rather than a collective one. Their ending may not be the happily-ever-after we envisioned it to be, as #BestEndingEver is not necessarily before the altar — because sometimes, endings may not be the best, but are what's meant to happen. Now, I can "tell you how two people find each other" as it made me believe in magic, too. Yet, as all enchantments have their limits, the magic of KathNiel's love story reached its conclusion.

When people say that “Young love never lasts,” I am sure they have not met my friends.

Even without a grand finale, their story will remain, reminding us that love, like magic, is a precious gift. While we may yearn for a different ending, the most fitting tribute to their journey is to acknowledge the bittersweet beauty of closure. For in the end, it is not the happily ever after we crave, but the love that once brought us joy, that truly matters.

With this, we let go of the #BestEndingEver we imagined, and embrace reality. We celebrate their individual paths, cherishing the memories they etched in our hearts.

For the magic of KathNiel, though it may have run out of sparks, will forever remain a testament to the power of love, reminding us that even the most captivating stories have their final chapter, and that sometimes, the most beautiful endings lie beyond the expected.

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH LOVE, aside from what I have had with my family, was with a friend of mine in the 6th grade. We shared the same crush, and not once did we fight over him, even when he ended up being my Valentine instead of hers. By the time we graduated later that year, I received a letter from her. It read, “I am sorry for liking the same boy as you did. I wish you all the best in your new school and for the both of you.” Looking back, I realized that she loved me in a way I could not understand. She took a step back and found joy in my happiness, every short story, every kilig moment, and every spiel about how much I liked him. She sat through it all, smiling, careful to let me have my moment.

MY SECOND EXPERIENCE WITH LOVE was in the 7th grade. I was new to QueScie, and I was excited to make friends. Like in all new environments, I took a while to adjust – and I am happy I had two other friends to help me through it. Undeniably, the three of us struggled

throughout the year – pre-teen angst and all, but we were content with having each other. They have seen me cry, emotionally shut down, belly-laugh, and cringe. Through them, I found a sisterhood that has lasted even until now, no matter the frequency of our conversations.

MY THIRD EXPERIENCE WITH LOVE was in the 8th grade. That little crush I had in the 6th grade? Well, it blossomed into a secret somewhat-relationship, an “M.U.,” as my batchmates called it. Little did I know that he would also be my first heartbreak. When he decided to break things off with me, I had no one to turn to – the result of hiding the relationship from my parents, as well as it being in the middle of the quarantine era.

I had no one until classes started again, and I found a group of friends I could rely on.

We were a mixed bunch: gamers, studious kids, and artsy people. With them, I opened up about my past relationship, about how I was not ready, and what I learned from it. In return, they showed me what love was through listening, comforting, and reassuring me that I was not alone. Through them, I found a family beyond blood and a group that knew and accepted me as I was.

Every time I hear the saying “Young love never lasts,” I am reminded of the people I was blessed to be surrounded with and the experiences I have gone through. While young “romantic” love rarely lasts, I am proud to say that the love between me and my friends always will.

When Friends Don’t Always Turn Into

Lovers

“Men and women can’t be friends…”

This is what a cynical Harry Burns declares to the high-spirited Sally Albright as they drive from a highway diner to New York in the opening scene of the romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally.” While the 1989 film is regarded as one of the greatest rom-coms of all time, with its realistic portrayal of the friendsto-lovers trope, it raises an intriguing debate: Can men and women ever truly be just friends?

As I sit across from my laptop, watching the film credits roll in, I think about all the times the narrative has been introduced to me. At the time, I was a firm non-believer in the trope, as opposite-gender friendships do not always have to have an underlying romantic attraction. Ironically, I was also in love with one of my clos-

est friends when I came across the film.

The saying, “Maybe he’s just right there the entire time,” is one that many girls have heard growing up, including myself. We are brought to believe that love is around the corner, somehow already there before we knew it. And with films like Love, Rosie (2014) and One Day (2011), whose characters weave in and out of each other’s lives as friends turned lovers, we are made to believe that maybe in the long run, we’ll find partners in the friends we’d meet along the way.

The media’s portrayal of male-female relationships always plays limbo with the line between platonic and romantic. Characters often end up together after not realizing it for so long, or they both move on with their separate lives, longing for each other. While it is true that some of the

BY KIRSTEN ESTEBAN

best relationships are formed through friendships, the dynamic of the opposite genders unavoidably falling for each other pushes the perspective that one can never see the other as just a “friend.”

I remember watching the film and realizing how similar my friendship dynamic was to that of the titular characters. Like them, my friend and I spent nearly every day giving updates to one another with details of our day and sharing backhanded comments with a hint of care. There were even times we’d go out of our routines to help each other, and in most cases, people planted the idea of “us” in those situations. The narrative was lived through real life; and slowly, the thought of it developing into my reality made me feel giddy.

As time went on, the novelty of it all started to wear off. For one, I had

slowly lost sight of what my friendship meant, not just to me but to him as well. Each word and each action suddenly had a new meaning wrapped around it. Every interaction had to be limited, or it might push one thing further. It came to the point where all his gestures and acts of kindness, which I was initially accustomed to, suddenly started to sweep me off my feet. I longed for the friendship to return to normal, not because I knew he didn’t like me that way, but because I didn’t want to lose my friend. And while I made the unanimous decision to move on with my life, people around me asked: Why didn’t we become something more?

I have later realized that viewing friendships of opposite genders from a romantic perspective will always have one chasing the idea of “the one” through the people they’ll meet.

This mindset of men and women being unable to become simply friends compromises the beauty of one’s actual friendship, as blurring the line between romantic and platonic will have the one expecting something from the other, ultimately making us unable to appreciate friendship as a whole.

While the media and society have slowly progressed from this narrative, one should consider that the portrayals of heteronormative friendships in cinema do not dictate how one’s relationship with people should go. Rather, in our exploration of human connection, we should understand that the complexities of our relationships stem from how we feel about ourselves and others, regardless of the stereotypes seen on screen.

GRAPHIC BY IZABELLA ACTUB AND JANNELOU TRIAS

d j h

a l

An Experience of a Lifetime

BY MARTY REYES

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) has played such a huge part in my life. It is not that much of an exaggeration for me to say that I’ve gone through a lot here. I would always keep in mind all the memories and friends I’ve made, the lessons my teachers have taught me, and the people that helped me become who I am today. I will forever be grateful to all of you.

My QCSHS life was really fascinating. A lot has happened since it started. Going through junior high school wasn’t as easy as I wished it was. There were many struggles, but there were also people who made it so much better. It was comparable to a rollercoaster, with many ultimate highs and lows and a few twists at times. If I were to say, I would definitely wish to be able to experience it again. However, it is just as people say: everything has its end. It is a shame it had to come this early. In the end, there was still a lot that I wished to experience yet never did but I’m content with what I had.

Thank you to the educators who taught me. The lessons I have been taught, both in life and in academics, are things that I will always bring with me. It was because of you that I realized my potential and achieved greater heights. I have grown so much that I learned how to be confident in myself. Confidence is something that I have always aspired to have, and you gave me exactly that. The countless requirements have helped me greatly, especially those that had to be done in groups, for those are the ones that helped me to know more about my classmates who I could barely talk to. Despite all the ups and downs that I have had as a student, you were there.

Thank you for helping me change and grow.

Thank you to all the friends I have and had. I am ultimately grateful to

you who stuck with me until the end. Some I met just recently and some I have had since the start. Thank you for bringing me joy and comfort when I needed it most. If it were not for you, everything would have crumbled down. It was you who I could always rely on, the person who I could always talk to when I needed company and the person who I would want to walk the path I have chosen with. Thank you for being with me.

Thank you to The Electron for helping me meet great people and pushing me out of my comfort zone.

All the opportunities I got just by being here is something I am grateful for. Having to get myself out there in the crowd to write articles for the club has really been an enjoyable experience and something I would like more of. As a matter of fact, I did not originally plan to join the club at all, but I am very much glad I did! Thank you for providing me with opportunities to grow and overcome my fears.

To the person who used to have no confidence in himself, was barely able to speak in class, had a hard time getting used to the class he was assigned in and wanted to isolate himself from the start, could only dream of befriending others, could not appreciate crowds, and knew nothing, I am proud of you and your growth!

Thank you QCSHS for giving me an experience of a lifetime, for the many memories I treasure, for everything. I had a great run with you. I will forever cherish the experience I had in QCSHS wherever I may go. I am the person I am today thanks to you

To you reading this, I hope that you are having an experience of a lifetime in QCSHS the same way I did.

To All the Words h I’ve Loved Before

BY GABRIEL TUASON

Old Mr. Webster could never define what’s being said between my heart and mind.

Even if it’s just merely a “mode of communication,” I find the English language beautiful. Its flow and intricacies, and the certain patterns and rhymes of words that left a very deep print within my heart that would soon not fade allowed it to become memorable.

Of all the papers, books, and stories I’ve read, the most memorable moments were not of the content itself, but the rediscovery of words that would have been left unread in the dusty pages of a dictionary.

To English enthusiast Mary Grace Espiel, a word that she really loves is “fighting.”

“It’s a word that made me survive until now. You fight for something you believe in, something you are passionate about; something you love.” Espiel said.

Although these words may seem regular to some, for me, their definitions do not lie just within the pages of a dictionary, but also within my own heart. And so, here lies a letter addressed to all the words I’ve loved before.

FALL. You may ask, how did such a common word become so loveable? Short answer: its meaning, well, meanings. Fall has 79

definitions in the online Merriam Webster dictionary app. I find it fun how the word is used to define the beginning and end of relationships: falling in love and falling out of love.

In the same way, fall, as in autumn, is the end of a season, signifying that the cold winter is coming followed by the warm spring. It is a word with many aspirations; one that wants to be many things.

Fall would not have a hard time searching for a place in life as fall would find it easy to fit in anywhere. And that is what makes fall loveable: how it can have so many meanings but only serves one each time.

GUILE. The word I first met in Grade 7. Cunning and mysterious like a fox, guile is a word that stood up and above the rest. It sticks out like a sore thumb in any 2,000-word essay.

Guile is defined as synonymous with deceitful, but even with its negative connotations, I learned to love the beauty of it. It is a word that ignited my love for language, and helped me find the beauty in grouped up letters called words, even in the smallest two-letter words.

Guile allowed me to become vigilant in the face of deceit; watchful even with blind eyes. I’ve learned to watch every word with careful eyes just so I would not miss a word that, just like guile, would stand out.

And last, but the greatest of all the words: lucere.

LUCERE. The Bible began with the lines of ‘Let there be light,’ and so, too, should this expression of mine end. Lucere, a word that in itself already means to stand out and shine.

Lucere is, ironically, a word that I found in my darkest times. When everything else was in shambles, lucere was there, showing that in the end of it all, there would still be light, whether in loss or in love.

If lucere were a person, he would be one with luscious curly hair and shining brown eyes. His voice would make little birds sing, his eyes would make bright stars fall, and his presence would make stormy seas calm.

Lucere is a word of hope, a word that would remind you that there is light from where you began, and there is light where the journey ends.

These words I’ve found marked several chapters of my life, chapters that would not have been completed without such words.

And for them, I am thankful, for the chance of learning, understanding, and appreciating the beauty of words. As another chapter will soon begin, I can’t help but be excited for all the more words to come.

To all the words I’ve loved before: P.S. I still love you.

SCIENCE

SCIENCE JOURNO KAMI:

PNRI Tours Students in Revived Nuclear Research Reactor

BY JENNINE NATAL AND KLARK JOAQUIN

Selected students from Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) and Philippine Science High School Main Campus visited the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) in Quezon CIty to participate in the Science Journo Ako workshop held last November 29 and 30, 2023 as part of their journalism training.

Through this workshop, the PNRI aimed to improve the science communication skills of the participants and to bring more knowledge and awareness of the nuclear technology currently being utilized in the country by touring their facilities to the students, specifically, the nuclear reactor facility shaped like an egg that is solely

used for research purposes.

The Philippine Research Reactor - 1 Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education, and Research or PPR-1 SATER is the first and only nuclear facility currently operating in the country that uses water as its moderator or radiation shield.

Explaining first the history of the PPR-1 SATER, Senior Science Specialist Jefferey Tare toured the student journalists inside the research reactor that reopened in 2014.

“The facility was initially designed as a Materials Testing Reactor (MTR) as an early nuclear reactor for conceptualizing future reactors,” Tare explained.

It was eventually upgraded into a 3MW TRIGA research reactor engaged in producing radio-isotopes which uses less power and is not capable of producing nuclear weapons, but is applicable to medical, agriculture, and chemistry fields.

However, after a leak in the reactor pool and failed efforts to repair it, the facility eventually shutdown in 1988, leaving the country with no operating nuclear facility.

After 34 years, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accepted a proposal to utilize 115 slightly irradiated TRIGA fuel rods and 15 fresh fuel rods that have been in storage from the previous reactor, reopening the facility in 2014.

Alien Life on Enceladus?

BY YURIKA NAKAMURA

The alien concept has long been a popular one. Whether it appears in video games, novels, or films, it never fails to satisfy and to give an answer to the question “What’s out there?”. This is despite the fact it may be fiction. However, the “fiction” part may just change soon.

Enceladus, Saturn’s icy moon, offers promising revelations as the massive plume of water that erupts from vents in Enceladus’ icy shell has been found to contain essential components that may support alien bacteria or aid in the emergence of life, announced by biophysicist Jonah Peter of Harvard University on December 15 at the annual meeting of American Geophysical Union.

One of the essential compounds found is hydrogen cyanide

– which is toxic to humans. Peter however said that this compound is, “a key building block for synthesising more complex compounds including amino acids, sugars and nucleobases, which in turn are precursors for proteins, RNA and DNA.”

NASA’s Exobiology Extant Life Saver (EELS) team is currently developing a snake-like robot that will be used to pierce through Enceladus’ frozen crust in search of evidence of life underneath its surface. According to previous reports, even though the ocean is not visible from direct view, it is responsible for the massive water plumes that are coming up from Enceladus’ southern pole. Furthermore, with Phosphorus being found in those plumes, it further provides evi- dence that Enceladus may be a viable

Currently, the nuclear research reactor is utilized for the validation of student researchers' thesis work and calculation, training, education, and demonstration.

option for extraterrestrial life.

With the presence of hydrogen cyanide and phosphate, geochemist Christopher Glein from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio said that Enceladus might be seen as a favourable prebiotic system.

Data gathered by NASA’s Cassini probe during its 2011 and 2012 flight through Enceladus’ plume was thoroughly examined by Peter and associates. The spray comprises acetylene, ethane, and other alcohols in addition to hydrogen cyanide, the team reported in Nature Astronomy on December 14. According to Peter, these substances could supply

large amounts of metabolic energy for any potential life on Enceladus. He also said that they fuel some Earthly bacteria.

EELS may move on to Earth’s moon after conducting additional testing on the glacier. To help stationary lunar landers, for example, a scaled-down version of the space serpent might be used, according to Ono. He declared, “This robot is a game changer, and not just for Enceladus.”

EELS stands as a window to the limitless possibilities that await to be discovered. As humanity furtherly explores into the ‘unknown,’ it acts as a pillar to our thirst in search for wisdom and knowledge.

PHOTO

PHOTO BY ACE BALMACEDA

Photo | QCSHS teachers facilitate and guide students during tour at the DOST-PNRI on November 29, 2023

Photo | Campus journalist Ramil Ramones admires

ar facility during tour at the

QCSHS ANTI-LUNG CANCER STUDY TOPS RSTF

BY MIKO OPINION

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) students won first place with their anti-lung cancer study in the Individual - Life Science category in the Regional Science and Technology Fair (RSTF) last December 9, 2023.

Now Grade 11 student Josiah Cruz along with his team members Lawrence Bunagan, Yesha Pano, and Hannah Salvador won with their study entitled “Anticancer Potential of Molave (Vitex parviflora Juss.) Crude Leaf Ethanolic Extract Against Lung Cancer Cells (A549 and GL01)” which they completed

Sleeping

On It

BY

last school year.

Molave is known for its strong wood, which is usually used for furniture, tools, and even structures such as bridges and railroad ties.

The leaves of it have been proven to show different medicinal qualities such as being able to treat fevers and wounds.

“We actually had to go through a lot of different tests and different consultations with scientists and other experts to prove that Molave leaves really do have anticancer capabilities,” Cruz said.

The group tested their solution on two different lung cancer cell lines, GL01 which had been derived from the Philippines and A549 which is a commercial lung cancer cell.

After multiple tests, the Molave extract was recorded to show favorable results and thus proved its anti-cancer abilities.

One of the main goals of the study was to provide a natural and cost-efficient cure, for lung cancer given that the current existing commercial treatments for it could cost hundreds of thousands of pesos.

be able to perform well and do daily tasks with energy. The lack of sleep can prevent you from being able to function correctly and can even damage your health.

According to Milieu’s study for the sleep tracker app Pokémon Sleep, 46 percent of Southeast Asians face sleep problems at least a few times a week, with the Philippines having the highest observed prevalence at 56 percent. This means that more than half of the Filipinos included in the study experience a lack of sleep. But how can this exactly affect you? Here are some details about sleep loss.

WHAT IS SLEEP LOSS?

Sleep loss refers to getting less than the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep for the average person.

The lack of sleep can manifest into over 90 distinct sleep disorders with symptoms including excessive daytime sleepiness, a depressed mood, poor memory or concentration, difficulty with sleeping, and other abnormal activities during sleep.

More than 35 years ago, adults reported sleeping 7.7 hours per night, but, in the

covered over 3,000 respon dents from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the percentage of men and women that sleep less than six hours per night has increased significantly over the last 20 years. This means that those from the Millennial generation and above have less sleep on average compared to their older counterpart. This can be attributed to long working hours, higher workloads, and demands from the working group and students today.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF SLEEP LOSS

Chronic sleep loss, while neither being a formal syndrome nor a disorder, still has serious health consequences that can also affect one’s performance and safety. If not treated immediately, it could continue to worsen in frequency as an individual grows older.

Getting only less than seven hours of sleep per night can compromise the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. Specific illnesses caused by sleep loss include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression, anx-

the more noticeable the ef fects are.

Obesity as mentioned is also a side effect of sleep loss. The shorter the amount of sleep a person gets, the higher the Body Mass Index (BMI) they are likely to have. By age 27, people with less than six hours of sleep duration were 7.5 times more likely to have a higher BMI after controlling additional factors such as family history, level of physical activity, and demographic factors.

Rest and sleep are just as important as meeting that deadline you need to complete. And with all the benefits of getting enough sleep, you will realize that sleeping on it will not only prevent you from making faulty decisions but will actually protect you against health problems.

Rest and sleep are just as important as meeting that deadline you need to complete.

“

I felt really motivated to work on this study. I am keeping my hopes high that it could be used to help cure lung cancer patients.

When asked about how he feels doing this study, Cruz said that he was excited about the study’s potential to help others.

“I felt really motivated to work on this study. I am keeping my hopes high that it could be used to help cure lung cancer patients,” he shared.

Cruz will once again present the study in the upcoming National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) this March.

Custom Leukemia Treatment Doubles Survival Rates in Trial

Agroundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that tailoring treatment durations to individual patients based on regular blood tests can significantly improve survival rates in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

The phase III trial named FLAIR, conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom (UK), focused on personalized treatment for the most common type of adult leukemia. The findings were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 65th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition.

FLAIR enrolled previously untreated CLL patients and utilized a combination of cancer growth-blocking drugs administered over varying durations depending on the patients' response rates. With this method, it potentially avoids premature treatment discontinuation or unnecessary extended therapy.

More than 1,500 patients across the UK participated in the trial that

was funded by Cancer Research UK, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and AbbVie Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

This approach led to significant improvements in both progression-free and overall survival, particularly benefiting patients with poorer outcomes from standard treatments, including those with specific genetic mutations.

Lead author and professor from the University of Leeds’ School of Medicine Peter Hillmen said, “Our findings show that, for this group of patients, the treatment is very effective at tackling their disease and is well tolerated by them. This means that patients on our trial had better outcomes while also enjoying a better quality of life during their treatment."

Due to the success of the FLAIR, a new standard of care for CLL patients is here. The research team hopes that this approach will be adopted widely, transforming CLL treatment strategies worldwide.

SCIENCE NEWS

SCIENCE FEATURE

JENNINE NATAL

LEANNA MONTECINO

PHOTO BY

PHOTO BY MIKO OPINION

Josiah Cruz

PHOTO CREDITS | SCITECHDAILY

Photo | Student researcher Josiah Cruz proudly shows his medals from the Regional Science and Technology Fair on February 28, 2024 (Wednesday).

Is a Smart Choice?

Technology surrounds people in their everyday lives. In this fast-paced world, even students keep looking for ways to automate and to improve their efficiency in their work. They now have easy access to technology such as Artificial Intelligence or AI that can make answering their homework easier. But should students go with this way of doing school work? Here is why AI is not necessarily an intelligent way to go. With the ease of use and accessibility of AI technology on the internet, students can effortlessly submit its work as their own. This can make the students highly dependent on AI something genuinely dangerous. Dependency on AI could increase instances of submitting plagiarized outputs, especially since not all schools have reliable tools to check the originality of student work. Heavy reliance on AI could promote laziness

among students. Instead of the habit of researching being developed in students, they could succumb to quick, instant kind of “data gathering” or more like, “response gathering” through AI. This would consequently kill the students’ creativity, innovativeness as well as their critical thinking and problem-solving skills since they would choose to have something ready-made rather than trying to come up with something original.

Another reason why AI is not a smart choice is that it is still flawed and needs more refinement. One aspect of AI that still needs to be improved is the credibility of the information it creates. AI chatbots like ChatGPT are known not to give the exact sources of the information they display to the user, which gives a valid reason to question how reliable they really are. Since AI does not get its information from a database and

VIRTUAL CONCRETE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has raised both good and bad concerns in today’s science and technology field. In its entirety, it is considered a great step in the evolution of society. However, all the problems that arise from it are substantial enough that this is often reduced to a controversial invention. Fortunately, it has found a home in engineering where ideas are quickly simulated, turning hard and rough concrete into

BY MIKO OPINION

pieces of pixels inside a computer.

The Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) introduced many different innovative projects in the recent 12th International Mechanical Engineering Research Conference (IMERC) 2024. All of which ranged from branches of engineering and technology. According to DOST-ASTI, the conference aims to emphasize the organization’s

TBY JENNINE NATAL

only reads the patterns based on what it learned, it is best that students still use and search for information from verified sources to ensure that they are accessing the correct information.

Some may argue that AI can make learning accessible, cost-efficient, and that it can cater to the individual needs of each student. While these can be true, AI should not totally replace the roles of teachers. The interaction between student and teacher for example, cannot be replaced by AI since teachers can see the emotional well-being of their student and can also adjust to such situations. Students can also receive a verbal and visual explanation from the teachers if they do not fully understand the topic they are learning. And of course, no AI could give students the same level of attention and care that a teacher could give her students.

Tools are made to help make people’s lives easier, and that is what

commitment to enhancing the relationship between the industry and academia.

While it may be threatening in other sectors, engineering embraces AI, even promoting its usage in formal conferences. During the IMERC 2024, DOST-ASTI representative Elmer C. Peramo introduced the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine (ASTI-ALaM) project which aims to provide access to machine learning and artificial neural network-based models through its Decentralized Intelligent Model Exchange Repository (DIMER) model store.

AI in engineering has also introduced the ability to create tools and programs that help and alleviate limitations in the industry. Such tools include fault finders and simulators

AI is. The in formation produced by AI can be used to help understand unknown con cepts and to cre ate interpretations out of them, but AI will not completely replace credible sources. Students can feed their minds and ideas as prompts in the AI programs, but they must re member that when it creates the an swer, the AI created it, not them. Students should keep in mind that there are

limitations to technology and their imagination is as limitless as the possibilities of AI. With these ideas in mind, it can be safe to say that the genuinely smart choice is to immerse oneself in authentic learning by further improving one’s own compe-

“

While some may argue that traditional ways work best, the evolution of society cannot be denied forever as it paves the way for society’s ease and benefits.

that can replicate a certain project in a virtual space, while simulations replicate any other engineering project, enabling it to be assessed without physically creating them. This way, the usual measures that are taken to ensure the efficiency and safety of the projects can be done with less time, effort, and especially resources.

Making sure that everything works properly, efficiently, and hazard-free is one of the most important things in an industry that is in close ties with the public, and AI has been in the frontlines of enabling this. While some may argue that traditional ways work best, the evolution of society cannot be denied forever as it paves the way for society’s ease and benefits.

The DOST-PNRI Reactor in an EGGshell

he Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is known for pioneering and leading Filipinos towards the scientific world.

As of today, DOST’s Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) is the institute with the most accomplishments and awards garnered throughout the years.

Despite catering to more scientifically-inclined people, visiting PNRI’s compound will pique everyone’s curiosity. Just as you enter the facility, it is easy to notice the white dome, shaped like an egg, over the distance. What is that big egg over there? A big egg in an institute that studies radiation? Many people might find this funny at first,

BY LEANNA MONTECINO AND RAMIL RAMONES JR.

but what they do not know is that this egg houses the only operating nuclear reactor in the Philippines, the Philippine Research Reactor-1 Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education and Research (PRR-1 SATER).

Following its conversion in 1988, the reactor pool suffered a leak, leading to its shutdown. It reopened to the public as a subcritical reactor, now having an external source of neutrons to control the rate of fission. As intimidating and life-threatening as it sounds, it is inherently safe. It produces no energy and heat, and can only be used for training and educational purposes.

So how can this be beneficial for

us? As a training and experimental ground for researchers and students, it is used for manipulating isotopes, a type of atom with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, analysis of radioactive materials, and calculation of expected radiation amounts.

How is this possible? Firstly, tap water is deionized to remove any unnecessary minerals and impurities in water, as well as achieve the ideal conductivity, temperature, and pH level. After which, it is loaded in the fuel cell and starts operating the reactor. Monitoring the water quality ensures the safety of the fuel, avoiding corrosion of the fuel’s encasing, especially in the middle, where all of the Uranium-235 is concentrated, avoiding leaks and potential dangers. All of these processes are possible with the help of nuclear fission! As one knows, fusion is the process of merging two objects; this time, fission would mean the opposite. Nuclear fission refers to the splitting of heavy nuclide, a type of atom characterized by the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus, to produce energy. These processes happen inside the fission reactors, where they harness neutrons. Harnessing neutrons takes a lot of time to analyze and to collect.

On a larger scale, these neutrons

are way too fast for us to detect with the human senses. To analyze these particles, a graphite layer, acting as a moderator, is wrapped in the interior to slow down the neutrons. Then, a plotter records the power level and reactivity of the neutrons, the pH level, and temperature of the water. Experts in related fields can interpret the data and achieve valuable and beneficial results that contribute to country-building.

These complicated processes are helpful in the medical field where someone wants to test the capabilities of radiation as a form of therapy, or

in agriculture to improve food production and seedling growth. Since nuclear energy in the Philippines is still vast and unexplored, its full potential is still majorly untouched, leaving the future researchers of today’s generation to uncover its capabilities. With the youth’s excellence and the country’s drive for a better future, anyone can tap that very potential. Who knows? The reader of this article could someday be one of the researchers to uncover the powers of nuclear energy for the Philippines.

DOST SPECIAL

ILLUSTRATION BY AMBER ANDRADA

PHOTO BY ACE BALMACEDA

PHOTO BY ACE BALMACEDA

SCIENCE FEATURE

Photo | Senior Science Specialist Jeffrey Tare lecturing students about how the SATER-1 nuclear reactor works.

A Change of Heart

BY MAIA SINAON | ILLUSTRATION BY AMBER ANDRADA

Love is in the air again as the celebration for the month of February, the month of love and hearts, is as exciting as ever. Widely celebrated by Filipinos, Valentine’s Day is not the only special event in February. It is also the month for raising awareness for heart diseases in the Philippines.

Being associated with love, the heart is the reason you get to feel and to experience emotions. It also keeps you alive and kicking. That is why, no matter how complicated love is, it should not stop you from ignoring our own health. If you keep your heart in good condition, one might have the chance to love again. So here are some ways to keep your heart healthy.

EAT HEALTHY. Eating nutritious food helps protect you from several heart problems such as stroke and heart failure. Following this, we should have a balanced diet and eat more fruits and vegetables; avoiding fatty foods as they can clog blood vessels which will lead to a delay in blood circulation.

AVOID SMOKING. Smoking, along with secondhand smoke, is known to not only cause lung diseases but also cardiovascular dis-

eases. The chemicals in cigarettes can also form a blockage inside veins and arteries. If a blockage were to be formed in these blood vessels, then it might lead to a heart attack.

LY.

es like power walking and running help increase blood flow which also raises the oxygen lev els in your body that provide the muscles with energy. Regularly exercising also lowers blood pres sure and lowers the risk of heart diseases. It can also help the body to maintain a healthy weight.

DRINK IN MODERATION. Avoiding excessive alcohol intake reduces the risk of high blood pressure which might lead to heart failure or heart stroke. A chance of developing cardiomyopathy is possible if too much alcohol is consumed, affecting the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood efficiently to the body.

SLOW DOWN AND RELAX. Stress also has the potential to cause heart disease. It may lead to high blood pressure which can pose a risk for heart attack, heart stroke, and poor blood circulation where the body will not be able to get enough blood or oxygen. So,

make sure to take a break and to rest for a while. This will let you freshen up your mind and help you reflect how you can love and care for your body.

Although there are many other ways to take care of the heart, these simple steps will give you an idea about taking care of your heart and maintaining your health. In the end, a change of heart is all you need to protect it.

“

No matter how complicated love is, it should not stop you from ignoring our own health.

AWARE-LESS

BY GABRIEL TUASON | ILLUSTRATION BY VHEA TATAD

Literacy rates have remained at subpar levels in the subjects English, Mathematics, and Science. Surely, what we lack in academics we make up for in other areas, right? Right?

Apparently, no. In a study conducted in 2022, teachers in elementary and high school levels have environmental knowledge that are also “below par.” But what would make a learner “environmentally illiterate"? Is it because his mentors are also illiterate? Would it be due to his upbringing? Well, partly, yes.

In reality, the Philippines is not behind in terms of national and local movement to support environmental education in the country. With the Republic Act No. 9512, or the Environmental Awareness Education Act of 2008, educational agencies Department of Education (DepED), Commission on HIgher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), are to integrate environmental education in their curriculums. So what is the problem then, if these agencies have already done their job?Short answer: support for these programs are still lacking. (Surprise!)

A Filipino's Guide to Surviving the Upcoming El Niño

BY KLARK JOAQUIN

Have you ever wondered why in one moment, everyone was relishing the cold air despite the morning sun early into the new year, and then all of a sudden the same people are complaining about the blistering heat? Well, El Niño is responsible for that.

El Niño is a climate pattern that describes an irregular and unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, often leading to large-scale climate anomalies around the globe. It was first recognized by South American fishermen in the 1600s, when they noticed periods of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean. Spanish immigrants called it El Niño, meaning either “little boy” or “Christ Child,” because the phenomenon often peaked around the Christmas season.

During the past two decades, the Philippines has experienced severe droughts and dry spells due to El Niño, which occurs approximately every two to seven years, and typically lasts for nine to 12 months. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a strong El Niño has been underway since July of 2023, and will most likely persist until February, with global climate models predicting its continuation until May of 2024.

With the looming threat of El Niño slowly creeping in on this agricultural country’s livelihood and health, what measures should you undergo in order to sufficiently prepare for its degrading effects around the nation?

Back in December, President Fer-

dinand Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of Task Force El Niño led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which seeks to “increase the resiliency of communities.” This national action plan prioritizes the various needs of the public — like food, power, health, and safety — and has been delegated to concerned agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In spite of this, the Filipino people should not rely solely on the preparations from the government and should observe their own ways to cope with El Niño.

First, you should learn to regularly monitor weather forecasts and advisories from PAGASA and other authorities to make informed decisions and take the necessary precautions.

Since water scarcity is very likely during El Niño, it is important to have enough water stored in clean containers and to stock up on non-perishable food items for an adequate food supply during possible disruptions.

Always remember to stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses — such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke — and to take care of one’s physical health too through maintaining a balanced diet, especially curated around the possible changes on the country’s food production and availability. The importance of taking care of one’s health is further emphasized when the epidemic of diseases often caused by El Niño is brought into light. This includes, but is not limited to, cholera, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

As such, ensure that one takes the

With the lack of resources to enforce this education, awareness is still useless. Even if learners are educated, underprivileged students and their families will continue using products wrapped in plastic, burning charcoal to cook their food, and cutting down trees to make a living. They simply have no other choice. This world will continue to burn if many still have to rely on fuel just to survive.

It may seem hopeless as this has been an age-old problem. But, there are still many things to do. Enforcing environmental education is not enough; fostering it is imperative. It should be taught hand-in-hand with sustainable living that when implemented by the bigger society, it will become sustainable development.

The grass may be greener on another land, but the hope that comes from seeing green grass grow from the ashes on the ground is incomparable. That is why it is necessary to impart more than sufficient environmental knowledge to our learners; for our growing learners can sprout the seed of their knowledge and make the a greener and better place for future generations to come.

necessary vaccines and to check if the drinking water is actually safe to consume. El Niño can disrupt water systems, potentially affecting water quality. Boil water if necessary or use a purifier to prevent the chances of transmitting unwanted illnesses.

Finally, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours to minimize exposure to extreme heat from the sun. But if you must really leave his home, make sure to wear sunscreen and protective, yet lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing as protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

Only by implementing all of these measures during El Niño will you be able to protect yourself, your communities, and the environment.

Scientians hail victorious in Distance Swim Super Series

BY ROSELYN LOPEZ AND EUNICE BENNETT

Scientians treaded the high waters with overwhelming pride.

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) swimmers Grade 10 Cullen Comia, Grade 12 Ciann Bonus, and Grade 9 Ayiesha Palaca displayed athleticism and resilience as they emerged as victors in the fiercely competitive event in the Distance Swim Super Series held at Muntinlupa Aquatic Center on November 23, 2023.

Comia snatched a gold medal for the 200M Breaststroke (Class A) and expressed his delight towards his victory by saying, “When I win, I often feel joy and excitement. At the same time, it motivates me to train harder and to keep on going.”

He also said that proper mindset in training is another reason behind his victory.

Trudging through the spate of his nervousness and self-doubt, the grade 10 student credited his success to a resilient mindset that was instilled by his coaches during training.

Meanwhile, Palaca achieved an outstanding feat by nabbing a silver medal in the intense and technically demanding 100M Backstroke (Class D).

“The 50-meter fly was one of the challenges I had in the tournament because it was my weakest stroke,” said Palaca.

But for the student-athlete, it was a mountain she was more than ready to mount.

“I want to show dedication, determination, and the importance of resilience and hard work in achieving my objectives. Swimming is not just about being fast but is also about pushing yourself beyond your limits and continuously striving for improvement,” Palaca shared.

Senior high school swimmer Bonus notched up a three-peat bid and harvested a cluster of gold medals in various categories — 400M IM (Class A), 800M Free (Class A), and 100M Fly (Class B).

As someone who prefers distance events over sprints, Bonus experienced the most thrills and spills in the first 800M freestyle event she entered after a while.

“My coaches, who are like second parents in the pool, have always given me the guidance and advice I need whenever I feel like I fail at my sport, but my biggest supporter will always be my mother. She was the one that pushed me to do swimming and she has been

pushing me towards this path ever since, and I love and thank her for that,” the student-athlete expressed.

As the ripple effect of their success continues, the Scientian legacy in the water stands tall, echoing the spirit of dedication, resilience, and triumph as they prepare to finish off the last league of the Distance Swim Super Series on March 3, 2024, at Muntinlupa Aquatic Center, and a lone feat of Comia in the Regionals National Capital Region (NCR) Meet.

Swimming is not just about being fast but is also about pushing yourself beyond your limits and continuously striving for improvement. “

Ayiesha Palaca

A WOMAN AMONGST MEN:

Manzala’s grit and finesse through high school sports

Where the courts and fields are reigned by the domineering male presence, a woman surges forward to take the challenge.

In the realm of high school sports where male students dominate competitions and make a name for themselves with stellar performances, there lied a trailblazer, breaking ageold stereotypes and gender norms.

Tchai Manzala is one of Quezon City Science High School’s (QCSHS') finest athletes, having played for both the school’s basketball and football teams. Mastering the tiki-takas of life and sports, this woman embraced the whole dare of conquering this game of fate.

On the 9th of September in the year 2006, Tchai Lucienne Yzabel B. Manzala was born. Belonging to a sports enthusiast family, this little girl grew up heavily influenced to see various sports. Her budding interest steadily grew as she would join her father to watch basketball matches. She idolized players such as Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry because of the wit and grace they had on the court and soon after, she found herself sporting some of their iconic moves such as Kobe’s signature fadeaway and Curry’s long-distance threes.

Manzala’s experience in navigating the world of basketball was a smooth journey, her family supported her every step of the way and her friends shared the same passion she had. Breaktimes were spent playing the sport, unbothered by the sweat on their bodies.

As Manzala improved, she started joining multiple programs such as her previous school’s intramurals and the Jr. NBA event a few years back where she was able to showcase her skills and love for the sport. Her rapidly growing progress came to a sudden halt when the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the world in their tracks.

Despite the apprehension caused by the global outbreak, her love for basketball stood strong. She started training at home and was able to watch even more NBA games with

BY MATTHEW VILLAROSA

her to join the school’s soccer team. Manzala accepted the offer.

That was the beginning of her newfound passion for the sport. She embraced the challenge of her new environment, taking this fresh start positively and zealously learning the skills she needed to play.

As a person who has been exposed to the world of sports for a long time, she learned a lot as an athlete.

“Playing sports taught me how to be more confident with yourself and really to just not get rattled with what other people think of you because in the end, it depends on yourself on how you will play in the actual game,” said Manzala is a model of inspiration to, not just young women, but to every kid who dreams to take the leap, and enter the enthralling life of sports. She exhibits a great example of the success and happiness anyone can achieve through grit and finesse, even a woman amongst men.

Kisay Paladins battle with valor in Division Basketball

BY LEI VILLACRUZ

The team drew their swords with dignity and honor.

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) Paladins conquered Manuel A. Roxas High School (MARHS) in a fiery duel and reigned with glory, 48-45 but fell short after yielding to a sorry loss against the domineering San Francisco High School (SFHS), 49-61, in the Division Basketball Meet at Amoranto Sports Complex on February 10.

Team captain Brixton Arce led the team to their first win with layups and free throws, backstopped by Thomas Tomacruz, Hugo Borja, and Laurence Linquico with a few hoops and threepointers.

Arce successfully sank a freethrow during the first quarter to maintain a steady pace in the lead, 10-7.

Slowly pulling away, MARHS attempted to up their game and sneak in pairs of threes, staggering behind to force the Paladins in a tight match, 31-37.

However, the Paladins did not lose their grip on their weapons as an Efren Galgana free-throw slashed through a win, 48-45.

The first game victory clamor was short-lived as the Paladins lost their battle against SFHS in an overwhelming defeat, 49-61, that

signaled their exit in the meet.

When asked what he thought of how the team played, Paladins Coach Proverbs John Manansala stressed there is more to playing than winning.

“It is not about the victory.

“

It is not about the victory. Sometimes it is about how we fought.

Coach Proverbs John Manansala

Sometimes it is about how we fought,” Manansala said.

Arce harvested 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, and three steals, followed by Linquico with 11 points and one steal to pace for the early loss. Kishan Samaniego pitched in eight points and two rebounds while Tomacruz capped off seven points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

PHOTOS BY JONEY TOVERA, SHEIKA ARAMI, AND KURT ANCHUELO

SPORTS FEATURE

ARCE-NAL of Discipline and Dedication

BY GABRIEL PERRAL

n the world of academia, particularly in the Philippines, each region boasts its own “Science High School.” An institution that is deemed as one of the finest in the fields of Science and Mathematics. Students hailing from such schools are touted as some of the brightest young minds in the country. In Quezon City, we find Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) or QueSci, standing as the Regional Science High School for the National Capital

Every student from this school prides themselves on excellence in the academic field. With such a reputation, one would not typically expect star athletes to emerge from this institution, right? Well, even within the bounds of an academically-inclined educational academy, there exists a different breed of individuals who manage to seamlessly juggle the demands of academics and athletics simultaneously, and Brixton Lei T. Arce is one of them.

Arce is a member of the QCSHS Varsity Basketball Team Kisay Paladins. His journey as a basketball player began at an early age, largely influenced by his family. From the moment he learned to dribble a basketball, he was immersed in a sport that he grew to love, and that became his passion.

Upon entering QueSci, Arce was unfazed by the otherworldly academic demands of the school. Growing up in an environment where learning was highly valued,

“

Focus on what truly makes you happy and fulfilled. Stay dedicated to your goals, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams.

Brixton Lei T. Arce

he already knew what was expected of him and was well-prepared. The unafraid freshman braved the tryouts for the school basketball team and stepped onto the courts with confidence and determination. He was committed to proving himself worthy of his place as a true student-athlete, persevering to improve day after day, both inside the four walls of the classroom and on the court.

Arce’s basketball high school career began to fire up in his 8th grade after he bagged victory after victory to rise as the Most Valuable

Player (MVP) in his division and bring home the silver medal for the team. Even the pandemic did not falter the player’s ardor to continue working hard for his craft and persisted through his third and fourth years. He sustained consistency in persevering in his studies and grinding away in extracurriculars, completing the first four years of high school with flying colors.

Now a senior at QueSci, Arce served as the captain of the basketball team in the Quezon City Division Meet in his final year. He admitted that balancing studies and athletics is no easy feat. According to him, passion and dedication are keys to achieving your goals.

As a piece of advice for aspiring student-athletes, Arce expressed, “Focus on what truly makes you happy and fulfilled. Don’t let the opinions or expectations of others sway you from pursuing your passions. Stay dedicated to your goals, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams. Remember, it is your journey, so trust yourself and embrace the path that brings you the most happiness and satisfaction.”

Arce is a prime example of a student-athlete, an achiever both on and off the court. His passion and dedication to his goals are what led him to where he is right now. His story proves that being a studentathlete will never be an easy job, but with hard work and a dream, anything is possible.

LOPEZ, EUNICE BENNETT, AND JOSHUA CABILIN

BY ROSELYN

Alive and kicking.

This is how the Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) Futsal Team felt despite succumbing to Miriam College High School (MCHS), 6-0, 9-0, and San Francisco High School (SFHS), 5-1, 5-0, in the Futsal Division Athletic Meet (FDAM) on February 8.

Teams from different schools showed up with their best players for the FDAM, all vying for the championship trophy — but sportsmanship is as important as winning.

Athletes from MCHS, SFHS, and QCSHS were under Pool A while Sta. Lucia High School (SLHS), Tandang Sora High School (TSHS), and Novaliches High School (NHS) fought in Pool B.

QCSHS clashed head-to-head with the formidable MCHS as they struggled to sneak past the defenses of the latter, surrendering to a landslide first half of 6-0.

Unfortunately, the team was left with no hope during the second half as MCHS outdid their initial performance with another three goals, 9-0, for a sweep win.

QCSHS upsettingly bowed down during the first game of their second

match as a lone goal cannot fuel their gameplay against the neighbor SFHS’ smashed goals of five, 5-1.

The team was not able to set a redemption as SFHS escaped the floundering grasps of QCSHS unscathed, 5-0, leading to the host team utterly succumbing to the dominating opponents.

QCSHS team captain Sehanna De Vera shared, “I am incredibly proud of our team’s passion and determination. And I have no doubt we will keep pushing forward and improving. I also cannot thank the Scientian community enough for their unwavering support. We might have been focused on the game, but we felt every cheer and chant you gave us.”

QCSHS may not have taken home the trophy, but they gained something more valuable — the admiration and respect of Scientians as they have truly set an example of what true sportsmanship is all about.

Resilient — a word befitting the team who fought tooth-and-nail against the fervent MCHS and SFHS squads. They may have not won, but they never gave up, running tirelessly in the four-cornered battlefield of the QCSHS gymnasium until the final salvo.

Taekwondo medals kick off school year

BY SEAN BALINAS

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) was off to a good start as Scientians Chester Reyes, Emily Parungao, and Nicolas Franco brought honor to the school with their taekwondo winnings early in the school year.

Chester Reyes of 10-Kepler, Emily Parungao of 7-Galileo, and Nicolas Franco of 9-Darwin each received silver medals in their categories, Junior Male Novice 2, Junior Female Novice 2, and Cadet Male Novice 1 respectively in the 2023 Quezon City Age Group Taekwondo Championships held at Ateneo de Manila University on August 27.

Additionally, Reyes bagged another silver medal in the Junior Male Novice 2 category at the 2023 National Interschool Taekwondo Championships, which took place at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on October 1.

In exclusive interviews with The Electron, the three student-athletes gave a peek into their taekwondo journey — from how they started and the struggles they faced to how far they have gotten.

Franco shared that he turned to taekwondo to instill discipline just in February of last year, in February 2023.

“Back in eighth grade, I was kind of slacking, so I got into taekwondo since I wanted to learn discipline.

It started off like that, but I did not expect to reach this far,” said Franco.

A taekwondo student-athlete for seven years, Reyes expressed the difficulties and sacrifices to make when it comes to juggling academics with extracurriculars.

“ It [taekwondo] started as a hobby, but it grew to be more than that.

Emily Parungao

“School goes from Monday to Friday and usually ends around three to four in the afternoon. In a week, we have three training sessions. It is hard. I come from school, and there is so much to do. Sometimes, I feel tired and discouraged to train,” expressed Reyes.

“What I do is I complete my requirements whenever there is free time in the morning, and I adjust my time accordingly so I have enough energy and time to train,” added the student-athlete.

Parungao also shared how taekwondo grew from being just a hobby to something more meaningful.

“I started taekwondo back in 2018 since my sister urged me to join her. However, she did not attend and left me there. Despite this, I made friends with a lot of people my age, and I started to look forward to these trainings. It started as a hobby, but it grew to be more than that,” recounted Parungao.

Aside from being a taekwondo athlete, Emily is also a musician who plays both the cello and violin for an orchestra.

Reyes, together with Juan Miguel Osido, copped a gold apiece in the Taekwondo Division Meet Secondary Boys and will represent Quezon City in the upcoming National Capital Region (NCR) Palaro.

On the other hand, Parungao will focus on her training but is expected to compete some time this year, while Franco is lined up for a competition after his promotionals.

GRAPHIC

WEAK SYSTEM, WEAK GAMEPLAY

BY LEI VILLACRUZ | PHOTO BY TIEBREAKER TIMES

“How

far can passion lead you?”

Living in a basketball die-hard fan country, it is no news that Filipinos had something to look forward to and to be the center of their attention as the Philippines’ National Men’s Basketball team Gilas Pilipinas partook in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Therefore, Vincent “Chot” Reyes’ statement to judge them by their performance definitely did not age well.

After numerous consecutive dejecting losses of the well-loved national team, hardcore fans surged the social media and attacked Reyes with countless posts and comments, stricken heavily with frustration and disappointment about his incompetence and inability to coach that led the team to not qualify for the 2024 Olympics.

The brief training period and the miniscule familiarity of the players with each other due to schedule conflicts, visa problems, and physical injuries reflected upon the poor and upsetting results of the Gilas’ performance. This urged the local audience to unleash massive criticism and borderline hatred towards Reyes, which now later resulted in his personal announcement to step down.

Amid Reyes being the national

punching bag during the FIBA Cup 2023, the punches of despise from the Filipino crowd have not completely hit all the aspects that fault the potential of the valuable players to rank at the top, internationally.

PUSO nga lang ba ang puhunan?

“Masakit mang aminin, pero meron na tayong ganung factor na medyo iwan tayo sa Asia,” admitted Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao after gracing the 42nd William Jones Cup. The team’s experience served as another exhibit of how passion and determination in your craft could only lead you so far. That no matter how many times one gives puso to every play they join, an old and weak system that manages them is the same reason for their downfall.

It has always been the same. If the pattern of the country’s national teams and athletes’ fates have not been clear to the public, they have always received lackluster support and management from authorities and organizations that are responsible for upholding the quality of sports play in the country. Whether it includes finance or the absence of proper training equipment and facilities, the same issues persist in the lives of Filipino athletes.

Had the organizations responsible

behind the scenes exerted in in structuring and establishing a system fit for the national team to compete internationally, would the results remain the same?

Had they not turned a blind eye to the various defeats of the country’s representatives in international games and consequently built strategies to hone the athletes’ skills to level with the top-ranking countries, would Filipinos still be crying out of rage and despair?

Even outside of sports, many — if not all — had become puppets or slaves of a flawed system. People had all been there, maybe they still are, and they particularly know that following an endless pursuit for success blindly due to poor guidance wastes the opportunity to improve and flourish — and this is heavily reflected in Gilas’ predicament. Indeed, Chot Reyes must still take accountability for his faults but the authorities, management, and organizations behind Gilas Pilipinas must also do so. Old “habits” do die hard, but success does not happen overnight either.

HIGHER FURTHER FASTER

BY JOSHUA CABILIN | PHOTO BY ASIAN VOLLEYBALL CONFEDERATION

“Matangkad

lang kasi,” said some fans, but Jaja Santiago has proven that height is indeed might.

After her five-year stay with Ageo Medics, Alyja Daphne “Jaja” Santiago took on a marvelous journey in her Japan Volleyball League stint as she signed with JT Marvelous, her newfound home.

Santiago enjoyed a tournament sweep after recording a 22-0 winloss record in the regular rounds, securing a semifinal slot alongside NEC Red Rockets. The American opposite hitter, Andrea Drews, helped Santiago lift their team by landing 5th in scoring leaderboard with 401 points, 7th in attack efficiency with 45.4 percent, and 14th in blocking with 0.46.

For the first time, she bagged the Best Spiker award after tallying a spike success rate of 55.0%. She also clinched her second Best Blocker award in her sixth season in the league after reeling off an 0.87 block

average. With 243 points, she ranked 20th in the best scorer category in the league. However, NEC Red Rockets snatched what seemed to be JT’s championship, 27-25, 32,-30, 16-25, 25-17. In the finals, she received four awards, namely the Spike Award, Block Award, Japan V.League Best 6 as the middle blocker, and Fighting Spirit Award. The championship may have slipped her hands, but she earned something worth more than a gold medal she was listed to be part of the Japan Women’s Volleyball Team, alongside Melissa Valdes, as trainees while finalizing their naturalization.

Despite achieving such a feat, some Filipino volleyball fans could not help but disregard her as one of the top volleyball players in the Philippines as she could not bring home a UAAP title in her stint at the National University. But that did not stop her. She had a long history of amazingness in the Philippine National Team. Her most remarkable

performance was in the 2018 Asian Games, specifically against the Asian powerhouse and Olympic champion China. She reeled off a whopping 16 points and stood out as the lone star to shine in double figures.

On the flip side, her fans are delighted to see her soar high in her career, both locally and internationally. Some even coined her as the GOAT of the Philippine volleyball landscape. Hate her or love her, no one could ever deny her accomplishments as a volleyball player.

People always compare players, but athletes are born and trained differently. It was never the height that mattered but the heart. The same heart brimming with the passion that put her to where she now stands. Only this time, she is higher, further, and faster than ever.