The Researcher 5th Magazine Issue

ISSN: 2362 - 9282

February - July 2016

CLSU’s first summa cum laude graduate

EMMANUEL VERA CRUZ Embodying the USHS dream

HS) US

CELEBRATING

SC

U

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

Founding Anniversary

CL S

C IEN

E HIGH SCHOO L(

40

th

1976-2016

1 Region III’s pioneer science high school

AMPALAYA

the

c h r o n i c l e s A Literary Supplement of The Researcher

The second issue of The Researcher literary supplement since 2001

Illustration by: Zia Amirah N. Lisondra

“Sa aking bawat pagngiti Ay may natatagong pighati Pighating ‘di kayang pasanin Ng pusong hindi napapansin”

Editor’s Note

the

magazine

If The Researcher were to be a vehicle, it would definitely be a bulldozer. For years now, the humble student publication of USHS has made and broken walls striving for its betterment, while catering to the issues of the whole region. Every publication cycle leaves off a legacy of its own, one that seems quite difficult to achieve this school year.

team

FRANCO ANDREI PINEDA Editor-in-Chief/ Lay-out & Graphic Artist LAISA MARIAN L. DE GUZMAN Associate & Managing Editor

We have reached a lot of highs this year. Laurels have kept coming in not only to the publication itself, but to the writers behind it. The Researcher also made the official regional debut of Grub Street, another testament to the “bulldozer effect” of the publication. However, satisfaction could only be achieved if the dreaded ‘delayed issue’ of the publication rolls out of the printing press. It was hard to stain the canvass, but after a few brain storming and a lot of extraction of our creative juices, the team finally made it.

As you gaze through the pages of The Researcher’s fifth magazine issue, the excellence that the USHS is known for is showcased through the different articles featuring the achievements and innovations of past and present USHS students. Social issues are also tackled in the opinions page, and no dull moment perhaps in the science and features sections.

Now, dear reader, our magnum opus for this school year is yours to indulge. Flip its pages, enjoy it, keep it.

LEO BERT A. ORPILLA Section Editor JOMARI C. FERNANDO Circulations Manager ALODIA ANNE T. BADUA DANELLA IDELLE S. DELA CRUZ VESEVA REVLINE A. DILLA ZIA AMIRAH N. LISONDRA NIA N. MANLULU JEAN ARRIANE C. MEDINA PHIL JUSTIN A. PANGILINAN MA. DANICKA C. ROMANO Contributing Writers

Franco Andrei Pineda Editor-in-Chief

P.S. It has been a great pleasure serving USHS and the campus journalists of Central Luzon in my four-year stay at this school. A lot of thanks to the people who have been part of the making of this magazine issue, to the staffers, the past editors, and to our mentors. Without you guys, this wouldn’t be made possible. This is a memento worth keeping and cherishing.

Ad majorem dei gloriam!

JIL CZYRILLE M. SALAS Cartoonist GRACIELLE RUTH B. BUENAVENTURA SHEILA MAY N. ROSETE Photojournalists

MERCEDITA M. REYES, PhD English Critic EMIL F. UBALDO Creative Consultant/ Publication Adviser Assoc. Prof. JULIE C. DOMINGO Consultant/Principal, USHS

COVER STORY USHS alumnus, Dr. Emmanuel Vera Cruz, shows The Researcher what achievement really means, and how one can reach his dreams while keeping both feet on the ground.

All Rights Reserved 2016

We accept contributions in the form of news, literary, and features. Original manuscript should be computerized together with the name of the contributor and may be submitted to: The Researcher Publication Office CLSU Science High School No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the Editorial Board.

CONTENTS FEATURES

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CLSU’s first summa cum laude graduate

Dr. Emmanuel Vera Cruz: Embodying the USHS Dream

27

The dark side of free time

28

Batang Genius: Still the defending champion, this time at USHS

31

The Janus Silang Series

16

32

Chris Ecker De Guzman: ABS-CBN Production designer

HONOR STUDENTS SY 2015-2016

He used to be the class storyteller at USHS

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38

Mindanao: The Paradise behind the war and rebel stories

43

What’s in Osaka?

THE RESEARCHER

OPINION

Marco Paulo F. Bernabe: A leader in the making

23

EDITORIAL: Reality Check

24

DARE THE WIMP: Becoming Divergent

25

HERE’S THE CUT: Choices

26

UNBOX: Silent Language

15

NEWS USHS

ALUMNI ACHIEVERs 2016

12 USHS alumna invents quick mechanical corn planter for her mechanical engineering thesis at UP Diliman 13 Former The Researcher features editor finishes AB Journalism with honors, gets best thesis award 13 Former EIC graduates with honors 14 Editor-in-chief makes back-to-back NSPC appearance 15 The Researcher is set to release its second literary folio

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17 Sixty-five 10th graders complete junior high school program under K to 12 Basic Ed 18 The Rese adviser presents paper in int’l lexicography confab 18 Fernando finishes 10th in nat’l chem olympiad 18 Staffers reap awards in PahinaLaya; The Rese hailed as best publication 19 USHS prepares to celebrate 40th founding anniversary 19 3 student orgs co-organize school literarymusical fest revival

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20 Asia’s champ of animal welfare keynotes SciFair’16 22 USHS faculty serves peer reviewer in int’l journals 23 USHS holds masquerade-themed prom

In June 2016, Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz was included in the list of top scientists in the Philippines based on Google Scholar Citations.

www.webometrics.info

B

amboos grow high and bow low. This is a trait that is a perfect emulation of an achiever; a trait which you can also find in Sir Bongbee.

COVER STORY

CLSU’s first summa cum laude graduate

Dr. EMMANUEL

VERA CRUZ: Embodying

the USHS Dream

by Franco Andrei Pineda

In its four decades of existence, the University Science High School had one ultimate goal — find and produce students who would excel in the fields of Science, Mathematics and Communication; students who would later on be pride of their Alma Mater. In its continuous search, the school has stumbled upon a home-grown product that would soon become the epitome of the USHS dream, in the person of Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz ,the first summa cum laude graduate of the Central Luzon State University in 1984.

A child who grew up in the soils of the Central Luzon State University, Emmanuel, or Bongbee as he is called, was born to Engr. Isaac and Gloria Vera Cruz on January 3, 1964. After finishing his elementary education at the MECS III-CLSU, the young Bongbee was then made to be a part of history as he became one of the first students to grace the CLSU Science High School.

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

A young fisher of achievements Dr. Vera Cruz’s stay in USHS can be considered as a fruitful one. Tracing records from the school’s former student publication, The Plowman, his name was written on almost every page published, either because of winning in a science quiz bee and in contests for science investigatory projects, or

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COVER STORY

THE FUTURE SUMMA CUM LAUDE. The young Dr. Vera Cruz delivers his salutatory address during the USHS Recognition Program in 1980.

CLSU library file photo

because of being a part of the class honor roll. He was also a member of the Seekers’ Science Club, associate editor of The Plowman, and minister of justice in the Student Body Organization. True enough, he finished high school with flying colors and became the salutatorian of USHS batch 1980.

As he entered college, Dr. Vera Cruz admitted that he did not take his course decision too seriously back then, as compared to the dilemma of the present generation. “During that time, I’m not too serious about it. Wala pa talaga akong plano kung anong kurso ang kukunin (ko),” he said.

Recalling his options, his main choices were fisheries, a course that was gaining popularity back then, and engineering, thinking that he could follow his father’s footsteps. At that time, Bongbee was one of the recipients of the President Ferdinand E. Marcos scholarship on Fisheries, and being inspired by CLSU pioneers, Dr. Dela Cruz and Dr. Guerrero, he grabbed the opportunity and pursued a degree majoring in inland fisheries, and

THE RESEARCHER

stayed in CLSU for another four years.

Studying in college became a slightly easier challenge for Dr. Vera Cruz compared to a regular student. With the USHS advantage, he found his science courses in college a bit easier, as their topics were introduced to him early on. With a more serious study habit as compared to what he said was “easy easy lang” back in high school, Bongbee was unaware of the merits that he could get with his good academic performance.

Back then, he didn’t even know that he was running for Latin honors, nor did he know what the criteria for Latin honors were. It was until his third year in college when Bongbee learned about what grades meant to get a Latin honor.

Remembering his grades during college, the only subjects (as far as he could remember) where he didn’t get flat 1.00 grade were those on the social sciences.

However, as a student whose sole aim back then was to study well and finish a degree, Dr. Vera

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COVER STORY

Cruz didn’t know what came for him. Four years of stay in college at CLSU didn’t only become a simple journey for him, but also became a story that is one for the books as he became the first summa cum laude of the university.

His early years of service Immediately after graduating, and now with a name associated with laurels, Dr. Vera Cruz secured a job as an instructor at his home college, College of Fisheries. Here, he also became a junior researcher of the university’s Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC). Two years after, he was meant to pursue his master’s degree at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, until a tragic moment happened in his life; a tragedy that will take its toll for a lifetime.

Dr. Vera Cruz met an accident in 1986 and was under comatose for a while. The accident largely affected his memorial abilities and until this day, is suffering the aftermath of that accident. But no injury stopped him to pursue his career goals. He may not have pursued his graduate studies at the AIT, but he continued it here at CLSU.

A couple of years have passed and Dr. Vera Cruz, who then became an Assistant Professor in CLSU, continued to gather multiple achievements in the field of fisheries. In 1996, he became a part of the team that researched and developed the “YY- male technology” for freshwater Tilapia, and received the Julian Banzon Medal for Applied Research from the Department of Science and Technology, as one of the recipients of the Outstanding Research Development Award of that year. At that time, he has already published a few scientific researches in both local and international journals.

Accomplishing previous objectives Decades have passed and again was the time to go beyond seas and pursue his studies in another country. In 2002, he became a Fulbright fellow, a competitive grant given to individuals deemed to be worthy of a full scholarship to study abroad.

With this, he became a research assistant at the Florida International University (FIU), where he finished a doctorate degree.

In his stay at the US, a lot of things became

MULTI-AWARDED SCIENTIST-PROFESSOR. Some of Dr. Vera Cruz’s plaques displayed in his office at the College of Fisheries. phil justin a. pangilinan FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

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COVER STORY

different for Dr. Vera Cruz. For one, the American way of studying became an obstacle for him during his studies. “Ang difference ng case between the US and dito (The Philippines), is you should learn to be independent in the US. Dito, you can ask the assistance ng mga research assistants, pero doon, dahil iba-iba kami ng field of interest, wala kang mahihingan directly ng tulong,” he recalls. After four years of stay in FIU, Dr. Vera Cruz finally earned his doctorate degree in biology majoring in Molecular Biology and Gene Expression and went back home together with his growing family.

A glimpse of his personal life

(Top to bottom) 1) Dr. Vera Cruz with the infant Hannah Nina 2) The Vera Cruz- Gutierrez family (3) The Vera Cruz couple

Aside from establishing a career, Dr. Vera Cruz, through the years, has also managed to establish his own family. Together with his wife, Dana, and children Hannah and Sam, the challenge now for him is managing his time both as a professional and as a father. “Actually, yun na nga ang medyo mahirap (being a father while pursuing a career).

Pero nagkakaroon naman kami ng time with the family during the weekends,” he said. Like any other father, he admits that he still finds the time to help his children in their studies as well as in doing some household chores.

Affirming his statements, we asked his eldest daughter, Hannah Nina, who is also a USHS alumna, about how he is as a father. “(Dr. Vera Cruz is) strict in a good way, but loving and caring in his own way,” she said. Ate Hannah also said that though he is silent and serious, her father can still crack a joke every now and then. Finally, she said that he is definitely a great provider, and he serves as a wonderful father for both of his children.

Going back to his narration, we really had the urge to ask him if he had a career plan prepared for his children that will lead to his track as an achiever. He answered us with a quick “Hindi,” and said that though he has plans for his children, he lets them do as they please, so long as their goals are achieved. “Actually, sinasabi nga namin na huwag silang masyadong maging seryoso (pertaining to his children),” he added.

Though considered as a busy man both in work

photo credit: HANNAH NIÑA G. VERA CRUZ

THE RESEARCHER

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COVER STORY

and in his family, he still finds some time to do some leisure and recreational activities. Recently, he began to engage in biking as a daily exercise.

“Kapag kasi tumatanda ka na at tiningnan mo yung blood chemistry mo at mataas na ang cholesterol levels *laughs*, kinakailangan na talagang mag-maintain ng health. So as much as possible, sinusubukan kong mag exercise,” he said. He also wants to try a couple of different sports some time, though he admits that sports is somehow his waterloo.

Somehow, Dr. Vera Cruz has found some time to detach himself from his scientific environment through engaging in artistic activities. He is an experienced charcoal painter, a hobby which leads him to join the CLSU Artist’s Circle duing his college days. Recently, he also found a fascination in exploring the art of photography.

Continuing to achieve In spite of an array of accomplishments and becoming the new father of the College of Fisheries (CF- CLSU), Dr. Vera Cruz still aspires a lot for his unit, and for the Central Luzon State University in general. As dean of the CF- CLSU, he plans on encouraging the students to revive and enhance the university’s researches in the field of fisheries, as he admitted that the current technologies being used are getting outdated.

He also plans on helping the university’s FAC to become more known, not only in the Philippines, but in the international research community.

Crediting USHS in his success, Dr. Emmanuel Vera Cruz, has proved himself as an ideal product of his Alma Mater. From a simple student who braved a completely new high school experience, to an academician who continues to aspire and inspire, he has indeed come a long way without removing his modest character. With words to live by, he has left a message to our dear readers— Set your own, personal target no matter how big or small; be happy about it. Use your God-given potential, and achieve heights while keeping both feet on the ground.

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

photo credit: HANNAH NIÑA G. VERA CRUZ

(Top to bottom) 1) Dr. Vera Cruz receives an award in behalf of his research team during the 26th National Research Symposium sponsored by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR); (2) Members of The Researcher team pose with Dr. Vera Cruz after the interview in his office.

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NEWS

USHS alumna invents quick mechanical corn planter for her mechanical engineering thesis at UP Diliman

by Franco Andrei Pineda

Inspired by her grandfather’s passion in farming, a USHS alumna has designed a low-cost mechanical transplanter which would aid corn planters around the country.

SABINIANO

INVENTION FOR THE FARMER. The mechanical corn transplanter designed and invented by Sabiniano.

Photo courtesy: gmanetwork.com THE RESEARCHER

Rosette J. Sabinano, first honorable mention of USHS Batch 2011, has developed a mechanical corn planter as her undergraduate thesis which won second place in the undergraduate project competition at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Sabiniano, a cum laude graduate of BS Mechanical Engineering, said in GMA News interview that her project aimed to create an equipment that could lessen the labor needed in planting corn, while making it cost-efficient for poor farmers.

“Sa nakikita ko kasi ngayon sa Pilipinas, yung mga equipment na available ay pangmaramihan, pang malakihang sakahan. Pero nakakalimutan yata natin na large percentage ng mga magsasaka sa Pilipinas ay mahihirap. Maliliit lang sila at hindi nila afford yung pinoproduce na equipment,” she said in an interview which appeared on GMA News Online.

Her mechanism allows the farmer to furrow the land, plant the corn seed, and cover the seed bed with soil by just pushing the planter like a lawn mower, processes which are to be done separately in manual labor.

Based on the results of her study, the equipment she made would require seven minutes to plant corn on a 500-square meter land, 14

times faster compared to manual labor that usually takes an hour and 47 minutes.

The farm implement can also be disassembled in parts, enabling a farmer to replace its parts easily, without necessarily replacing the device by whole.

“We feel very honored and happy for the achievements of Rosette, one being a cum laude, and also being recognized in her thesis.

By helping the farmers to have an easier means of planting corn, not only did she make USHS proud, but also the province of Nueva Ecija,” said Assoc. Prof. Julie C. Domingo, USHS principal.

“I am grateful that USHS trained me to think, conduct, and write an objective study about almost every field of study in a span of four years.

My lecture notes in Ma’am Gella Abella’s research class were all that I used in conducting my recent project,” Sabiniano said.

She also added that USHS students should also make use of their privilege as “Iskolar ng Bayan” by respecting those whom they owe their education to, making use of their full potentials, and by serving the people of this country when the time comes.

She hopes to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to make farmers benefit from her invention.

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NEWS

Former The Researcher features editor finishes AB Journalism with honors, gets best thesis award

by Franco Andrei Pineda

The former features editor of The Researcher finished AB Journalism cum laude at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

In addition to her Latin honor, Patricia Clarrise Alvarez and her partner Ashery Andrea Pisano received the Best Thesis Award in Journalism (Academic Research).

Their thesis “Biased for the Lumad: An analysis on the bias in the reportage on the Lumad issues by Manila-based online news media Inquirer. net and Interaksyon.com and Davao-based online news media DavaoToday.com and MindaNews.com” analyzed the handling of Lumad coverage

by Davao-based and Manilabased online news media.

Alvarez shared that she was inspired to study the media coverage of Lumad when she met them during the Manilakbayan, the week-long camp of these indigenous Mindanao ethnolinguistic in Manila to air their grievances to the government inside the

UP Diliman campus.

“I really felt strongly about the state neglect and paramilitary attacks/ militarization against these indigenous peoples,” lamented Alvarez in an interview.

“The Lumad people is a living reminder of our rich heritage as a Filipino people.

Not only their culture reflects our Filipino spirit but most importantly, their struggle for their land and lives reminds us of how we were oppressed as a nation and how we stood up from that experience. Today, it is our turn to help our brothers and sisters by helping them fight for what is rightfully theirs--their yutang kabilin (lupang pamana),” she added.

She plans to work in an NGO focusing on community development and human rights to continue her advocacy.

IN THE KNOW Lumad is a collective term, meaning homegrown or indigenous, used to refer to 15-18 ethno-linguistic groups in Mindanao. Among those usually included as Lumad are the Subanen, B’laan, Mandaya, Higaonon, Banwaon, Talaandig, Ubo, Manobo, T’boli, Tiruray, Bagobo,Tagakaolo, Dibabawon, Manguangan, and Mansaka.

Last September 1, 2015, Lumad educator Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, a school recognized for its innovative and effective way of teaching, was found in a room in the school, with hands and feet bound, throat slit.

As reported by interAksyon.com, TV 5’s news website, on that same day, two Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Juvillo Sinzo were also executed, in front of hundreds of children and residents in Han-ayan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. It is alleged that the educator and leaders were killed by a tribal paramilitary force formed and organized by the military to fight the NPA. Source: rappler.com

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

ALVAREZ

Former EIC graduates with honors

by Franco Andrei Pineda

The former editor-in-chief of The Researcher finished his BS Accounting Technology cum laude in this university, July 1.

Justine Hiro D. Barot who served as editorin-chief of this school paper during SY 20112012 joined the roster of CLSU’s Latin honor graduates.

Another former staffer, Elizabeth Y. Borromeo, also finished her BS Business Economics as cum laude at UP Diliman.

Meanwhile, Martinne Cielo D. Elesango, former associate editor of The Researcher and former staffer of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Sto. Tomas, finished her BS Medical Technology at UST. 13

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NEWS

Editor-in-chief makes back-to-back NSPC appearance

by Jean Arriane C. Medina

For the second time in a row, Franco Andrei Pineda, editor-in-chief of The Researcher, participated in the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) this time in Koronadal City, South Cotabato last Feb. 22-26, 2016.

Pineda, participant in Pagsulat ng Artikulong PangAgham at Pangkalusugan, got his second consecutive appearance in the NSPC since joining the category in 2014, as he finished champion in the said category during the 2015 Regional Schools Press Conference.

“I feel very honored and humbled with the chance given to me to represent not only our school, but our very region for two times in the NSPC. Yes, it is saddening that I have not brought home any medal this year, but the two-year NSPC experience is worth more than any medal,” Pineda said “Again, my thank you to those who have helped me, Sir Emil, Lolo Ben, Sir Gaboy, and to my new mentors, Sir Aries and Ma’am Pebbles. Lastly, I give thanks to my

AA

turn to page 22 KANAMI KORONADAL. The Researcher editor Franco Andrei Pineda (R), and Ang Munozonian editor Francis Justine M. Aldaba (L) recite the Campus Journalist’s Creed during the opening ceremonies of NSPC 2016. (Inset) High school coaches and campus journalists of the Division of Science City of Munoz pose for a group shot during the NSPC opening.

More than a decade later

The Researcher is set to release its second literary folio

by Ves Eva Revline A. Dilla

After 15 years, The Researcher will publish its second literary folio which is expected to be released by September 2016.

The first literary supplement of The Researcher, The Harvest, came out in 2001. The Harvest is a 40-page black and white folio with Aileen F. Zagala as editor and Dr. Rolando D. Dollete as adviser.

Focused on the literary pieces about love, heartaches and bitterness, the second issue of The Researcher literary folio is titled The Ampalaya Chronicles.

THE RESEARCHER

The Ampalaya Chronicles, a 100page full color literary folio, contains original contributions of poems, photos and artworks.

Aside from language editors, the contents of the folio were reviewed by a registered guidance counselor and the USHS gender and development (GAD) focal person.

Former The Researcher editor, Mark Rodel Marmol, content creator of the popular “Utot Catalog”, published author and advertising professional, gave a review of the literary folio.

FIRST ATTEMPT. The front cover of the first literary folio of The Researcher published in 2001.

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A ALUM LUM NI AC N achi HIEVERSI ever s ALUM LUMN NI I ACH IEV Seth Vincent M. Valdez BS Agriculture Cum Laude

Patricia Clarisse P. Alvarez BA Journalism (Diliman) Cum Laude

Rosette J. Sabiniano

BS Mechanical Engineering (Diliman) Cum Laude

Mel Jean R. Estolano BS Statistics Cum Laude

Justine Hiro D. Barot BS Accounting Technology Cum Laude

Elizabeth Y. Borromeo

BS Business Economics (Diliman) Cum Laude

Dianne Katherine R. Salazar - PARAS

Doctor of Medicine (Manila) Cum Laude

USHS

ALUMNI ACHIEVERs 2016

Marifi Anne R. Salvador

Rubie Pearl C. Corrales BS Business Administration and Accountancy (Diliman)

Cum Laude

BA Communication (Baguio) Cum Laude

HONOR STUDENTS

First Honor

Norielle Gearem G. Garcia

First Honor

Phil Justin A. Pangilinan

GRADE 8

Second Honor Nia N. Manlulu

With Honors

Reina Jeanine M. Daniel

With Honors

Mary Madeline M. Tecson Diana Patrice P. Navarro Jean Arriane C. Medina Angeli Dianne F. Mata Gerome B. Jacinto Ma. Danicka C. Romano Jan Christine DL. Latonio Vin Danielle R. Daigdigan

SY 2015-2016

GRADE 9

Second Honor

Camille Roxanne S. David Zia Amirah N. Lisondra Robert Cyrill R. Angoluan Dew Xya I. Dela Rosa Rudolf Ferdinand M. Reyes Ves Eva Revline A. Dilla Mystica Jayce F. Pueyo Sheila Glory B. Raña

First Honor

First Honor

Sun Mi DC. Lee

Jomari C. Fernando

THE RESEARCHER

Nemesio Justine DF. Torres

With Honors

Nueva Ruth Corpuz Alessandra Joy R. Natividad Aleana Celeste D. Villareal Elaine V. Navaratnasingham Danna Martina A. Escalona Lei Ann Joyce J. Ortiz Tyrone Victor P. Espera Anna Nicole O. Francisco

GRADE 10

GRADE 7

Second Honor

Second Honor

Vince N. Busania Brena Lynne F. Victoria

With Honors

Justine Mae A. Jacob Alyssa G. Fetalcorin Laisa Marian L. De Guzman Rose Ann R. Bautista Ulysses Jerico A. Nery Ken S. Romero Leo Bert A. Orpilla

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NEWS

THE COMPLETION SONG. USHS Batch 2016 renders their class song, “I’ll Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus.

Photo CREDIT: gerardo j. Gantioque

A first for USHS

Sixty-five 10th graders complete junior high school program under K to 12 Basic Ed

by Ves Eva Revline A. Dilla

With green and yellow stoles hanging around their necks, the first batch of junior high school students under the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum completed their fouryear journey in the school.

Sixty-five 10th graders received certificates of completion during the 1st USHS Completion Ceremony at the University Auditorium, May 27.

Nueva Ecija’s “Batang Genius,” Jomari C. Fernando, a consistent honor student, finished as the class first honor.

Meanwhile, two completers tied in the second honor, Brena Lynne F. Victoria and Vince N. Busania.

The completers were given the chance to complete their high school education at CLSU through the University’s Senior High School

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

Program offered at the College of Arts and Sciences.

For the Senior High School, the university opened sections for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) strand, humanities and social sciences (HUMSS) strand, and accountancy, business and management (ABM) strand.

On the other hand, the Agricultural Science and Technology (ASTS) offered TechnicalVocational-Livelihood Track exclusively for its junior high school completers.

“USHS will open its Senior High School section once the university stops to accept Grade 11 students. The CLSU Board of Regents already gave us the greenlight to offer Senior High School for our own completers,” explained Asst.

Prof. Aileen G. De Guzman, USHS registrar.

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NEWS

The Rese adviser presents paper in int’l lexicography confab

by Franco Andrei Pineda

WITH THE EXPERTS. Mr. Emil F. Ubaldo (extreme R) stops to take a photo opportunity with Dr. Danica Salazar (2nd from R) of Oxford English Dictionary and Dr. Aldrin Lee (extreme L) of UP Department of Linguistics.

Photo credit: CELSO RESUEÑO

Fernando finishes 10th in nat’l chem olympiad

The adviser of The Researcher presented his research paper during the 10th International Conference of the Asian Association of Lexicography (AsiaLex 2016) Philippines Conference held at the Century Park Hotel, Manila, Jun. 1-3.

“More than the chance Mr. Emil F. Ubaldo, USHS instructor, presented of rubbing elbows with the his graduate paper on the renowned linguists, I was lexicographic study of distinct thrilled to receive personal Tagalog words spoken in offer from two UP linguistics professors to supervise my Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

“It was such a privilege for a study should I decide to enrol starting researcher like me to at UP Diliman for my PhD after listen to the talks of the leading listening to my presentation,” he lexicographers in Asia and added.

More than one hundred Europe during the conference.

I even got the chance to educators, lexicographers and personally meet and exchange linguists from 20 countries conversations with Dr. Danica in Asia, Europe and Africa Salazar, the Asian editor of the participated in the paper Oxford English Dictionary. presentations on innovative Week before the seminar, I just approaches in lexicography, saw her being interviewed on a lexicography in the Philippines, turn to page 22 BBC program,” said Ubaldo.

by Alodia Anne T. Badua

Jomari C. Fernando clinched the 10th spot during 2016 Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad (PNCO), May 14.

Two other USHS contestants, Alyssa G. Fetalcorin and Brena Lynne F. Victoria reached the second round of competition at the De La Salle University Science and Technology Complex, Manila.

The competition was composed of theoretical and practical (laboratory) examinations.

The three 10th graders qualified to represent Region III in Chemistry Olympiad after qualifying in the exam given during the 2016 Zonal Chemistry Congress.

Mr. Lexter R. Natividad served as their coach.

The representative from the National Capital Region grabbed this year’s championship in the PNCO.

THE RESEARCHER

Staffers reap awards in PahinaLaya; The Rese hailed as best publication

by Ves Eva Revline A. Dilla

Four staffers of The Researcher won during the PahinaLaya, CLSU Collegian’s 1st Integrated Campus Press Competition.

Phil Justin A. Pangilinan and Jill Czyrille M. Salas bagged the first place in photojournalism (English) and editorial cartooning (English) respectively against other high school and collegiate participants.

Ma. Danicka C. Romano placed second in news writing (Filipino) while Dew Xya I.

Dela Rosa placed third in sports writing (English).

In the group competition, The Researcher bagged the following awards: 3rd Best Published Editorial Cartoon, 3rd Best Published New Story, 2nd Best Published Photos, 2nd Best Published Sports Story, 2nd Best Published Editorial Story and Best Published Feature Story.

The Researcher’s June to December 2015 issue brought home the Best Tabloid/ turn to page 22

18

NEWS

USHS prepares to celebrate 40th founding anniversary

by Franco Andrei Pineda

Preparation is on its way for the celebration of the University Science High School’s 40th founding anniversary in November.

Ms. Belinda A. Martin, USHS Alumni Relations Officer and school alumna, shared to The Researcher that the school plans to hold culminating events to celebrate the school’s ruby anniversary.

“The USHS Alumni Association is cooperating with the USHS Administration in holding the founding anniversary and a grand alumni homecoming,” said Martin.

The USHS Grand Alumni Homecoming is set on November

26, 2016.

Through CLSU Board of Regents Resolution No. 1622 the CLSU Science High School was born on June 13, 1976.

The same document mentioned that the school was established to cater to the need of the country to produce students inclined in science and mathematics to meet the Philippines’ demands for sustaining its development programs through young achievers and innovators.

THE BIRTH OF A SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL. The CLSU Board of Regents Resolution No. 1622-1976 cerated the CLSU Science High School.

3 student orgs co-organize school literary-musical fest revival

by Ves Eva Revline A. Dilla

The University Science High School revived the celebration of the Annual Literary LiteraryMusical (LitMus) Festival, Jan. 14.

The event was co-organized by the USHS Cultural Group, Debate Society, and The Researcher.

The 10-Achievers grabbed the overall championship in the said event.

Students competed in different literary contests: essay writing, dramatic monolog, declamation and speech choir, and musical contests: vocal solo, vocal duet, katutubong banda and modern dance.

A TRIBUTE TO THE ARTS. The different activities joined by the students during the 2016 USHS Literary-Musical Festival. leobert orpilla

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

19

NEWS

Asia’s champ of animal welfare keynotes SciFair ‘16

by Ves Eva Revline A. Dilla

Dr. Noraine P. Medina, 2014 Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) and the World Animal Protection’s first Asia Animal Welfare Awardee, led the opening ceremonies of the USHS Science Fair and Exhibits as the guest speaker on Feb. 16.

With the theme “Science Researches: Strengthening the STEM Foundation of USHS”, Dr. Medina, an alumna of the school, reminisced her researches during her high school days and stressed out its significance to students.

After the ceremonies, she also led the ribbon cutting and opening of the exhibits of students’ researches in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics and students’ artworks and projects.

The Best Investigatory Projects of different grade levels awarded this year: Activated Charcoal from Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) Carpels as Dye Absorbent by Jaye D. Bartolome, Yumico V. Mariano and Vivien D. Heidz Pasiglao of grade7; Teratogenic Effect and Embryotoxicity of Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) on Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Developing Embryos

by Camille Roxanne S. David, Angelica V. Angeles and Robert R. Cyrill Angoluan of grade 8; and Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and Achuete (Bixa orellana L.) Seed Extract as Gram and Blood stains by Joseph E. Emmanuel Lazaro and Louise Gwendolyn B. Hidalgo of grade 9.

Meanwhile, the Optimization

THE RESEARCHER

A USHS PRIDE. Dr. Noraine Medina, USHS Batch 1986, receives the first Asia Animal Welfare Award (2015) given by the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) in Singapore. She was cited for her efforts in improving the animal welfare education in the country by including animal welfare in the CLSU CVSM curriculum.

Photo credit: worldanimalprotection.org

Dr. Medina shares her insights to the USHS students during the opening program of the 2016 Annual Science Fair (L). She also leads the ribbon-cuttng ceremony of the exhibits (R). alodia anne t. badua

of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (Lamp) Assay in Identification of Giant Liver Fluke (Fasciola Gigantica) in Bos taurus by Dorothy Kathleen F. Gundran, Leo Bert A. Orpilla and David D. Keith Mauyao of grade 10 was awarded as

the best thesis.

More than 300 student visitors from different public and private elementary schools in Science City of Muñoz and San Jose City attended the annual Science Fair and Exhibits held on February 15-19.

20

NEWS

USHS Science Fair 2016 through the lens

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

21

NEWS

USHS faculty serves peer reviewer in int’l journals

by Jean Arriane C. Medina

Mr. Lexter R. Natividad, USHS faculty member, served as peer reviewer of two studies for two international peer-refereed journals.

Natividad reviewed a paper for the Journal of Algebra and Number Theory: Advances and Applications in June 2015.

He also reviewed the paper for JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research in October 2015.

“I’m happy because my expertise is acknowledged around the world and I’m glad to share my knowledge about research through reviewing of papers,” he said.

He also serves as peer reviewer in the Asian Journal of Mathematics and Computer Research, and the British Journal of Mathematics and Computer Science.

According to Elsevier, peer review helps validate research, establish a method by which it can be evaluated, and increase networking possibilities within research communities.

USHS holds masquerade-themed prom

by Alodia Anne T. Badua

With masks worn around their faces, the two oldest batch of students in USHS conducted the 2016 Prom Night at the Knights of Columbus (KC) Hall, San Jose City, Apr. 8.

CLSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Melissa Agulto, served as the event’s keynote speaker, who imposed the challenge to the 9th and 10th graders to become young leaders and future nation builders.

Brena Lynne F. Victoria, president of the Grade 10 Class Organization, turned over the symbolic key of responsibility to Chris Ann P. Sabandal, president of the Grade 9 Class Organization.

The grade nine students

also performed the traditional cotillion de honor during the program.

Patricia Diana M. Wong and Arden Melveve M. Castaneto were crowned as the king and queen of the night.

Franz Aldrin A. Hierco and Maria Carmela Angela V. Marquinez won as Mr. and Ms. Grade 10 while Vin Danielle R. Daigdigan and Mary Madeline Ann M. Tecson won as Mr. and Ms. Grade 9.

The event was organized by the Grade 9 class organization under the advisory of Mr. John Paul E. Santos and Mr. Lexter R. Natividad.

This is the second prom night held at the said venue.

Editor-in-chief makes...from page 18 family, my friends, and to the Almighty Creator for being there for me, and guiding me in my six-year journey as a campus journalist.

This may be my last in USHS, but the best is yet to come,” he added.

As recalled, Pineda finished seventh in the 2015 NSPC held at Taguig City, breaking the six-year medal drought of the school in the said competition.

The Researcher adviser...from page 17 Asian vocabulary and the history of lexicography.

Ubaldo’s paper was published at the conference proceeding of the AsiaLex 2016.

Prior to AsiaLex 2016, the same paper was also accepted for presentation in Singapore and Malaysia which he politely declined due to personal reasons.

Staffers reap awards...from page 18 THE CREAM OF THE CROP. The top 10 qualifiers in the 2016 USHS Qualifying Examination for Incoming Grade 7 all came from private schools.

GRAphics by emil f. ubaldo THE RESEARCHER

Broadsheet Award.

Prof. Ben G. Domingo of the CHED Technical Committee for Journalism, Dr. Regidor G. Gaboy of CLSU, Mr. Melvin Gascon of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Prof. Liana Barro of Far Eastern University served as resource speakers.

22

EDITORIAL

D

espite street protests and legal actions, the DepEd’s Senior High School (SHS) program officially kicks off this June.

Prior to the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program, the Philippines joins the remaining three countries in the world with a 10-year preuniversity education cycle. The other two are Angola and Djibouti in the African continent.

Earlier, former House chair on Higher Education, Roman Romulo, expressed his concern on the DepEd classroom backlogs should the implementation push through as scheduled. In response, DepEd said that these backlogs are currently handled simultaneous to the preparation for SHS. From 2010 to 2013, 66,813 classrooms have already been constructed to address the concern. In 2014, 33,608 classrooms were constructed and were completed.

Side by side with the classroom backlogs include the possible mass retrenchment FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

Our obligation of instructors in higher education institutions especially in the privatelyrun institutions due to its impact on the enrolment figures during the transition period. The Council of Teachers and Staff of Colleges and Universities projected that around 85,000 instructors would lose their jobs once the senior high school program is implemented this 2016. To address the problem, DepEd has given priority to college instructors to be hired as Senior High School teachers to fill up its roster of qualified SHS teachers.

For its part, the Commission on Higher Education beefed up its faculty development program to send qualified faculty members and even non-teaching staff of higher education institutions to pursue their degrees in the country’s top universities and abroad during the Transition Period. These faculty scholars were given full scholarship benefit packages. A total of 15,000 scholars were approved for the first batch.

To address the lack of quality teaching materials, CHED has tied up with the Philippine Normal University, to produce teaching and learning manuals. All these produced manuals were made available online for easy access.

On the students’ side, the government has stepped up to ensure that a big number of incoming SHS students would get quality education. Each student who enrols in non-DepEd schools will be provided with educational vouchers for the preferred specialization. The government subsidy for each enrolled SHS student in SUCs or private institutions ranges from Php 8,500 to Php 25,000 a year.

With all these government efforts to dramatically improve the state of the country’s educational system, the challenge now lies on the hands of the SHS students. Maximizing the benefits of this opportunity is an obligation, more than a choice.

23

OPINION

dare the wimp Franco Andrei Pineda Editor-in-chief

Y

es, I know that upon reading this column’s title, the book and movie series from Veronica Roth’s story was the first thing that came into your mind (Bookworms rejoice!).

But the story of Beatrice ‘Tris’ Prior has a lot in common with what I am dealing with right now.

The journey of the first batch of the country’s K-12 learners is our own version of her life.

As a 6th grader, I was quite a dreamer. I had already envisioned my future plans— what I would do for a living, and most especially what course I would pursue after high school. Back then, the rumors about the implementation of the K to 12 program seemed remote. We would be the initiates of the junior high and senior high curriculum of the Department of Education. It shocked us. It shocked me. And then, I bade farewell to my old dreams. I needed to regroup.

Being introduced to the new curriculum was very experimental. Kind of like what happened in the Divergent Trilogy. There were a lot of changes, and these changes were among the things that we have dealt with as we entered USHS. The school was under a strict Science Curriculum, like a faction in the Divergent Trilogy. It was our home faction until the time came when we would be screened as to where our capabilities would thrive better. For Tris, it was the sorting aptitude test. For us, it was the National Career Assessment Examination.

Before knowing what strands or programs fit the best for us, the K to 12 curriculum introduced diversity. Grades 7 to 10 became a knowledge bank for us, and the USHS stay was a pretty big advantage. In those years, we have learned substantial information about different subject areas that would soon be our points of

THE RESEARCHER

Becoming DIVERGENT interest during senior high school. There were some changes in the contents of the subjects, but overall, it was a nice job for an experimental run.

If there is but one major concern to be addressed in the K to 12 curriculum, it would be the drastic changes in the grading systems used. As we entered 7th grade, the KnowledgeProcess/Skills-Understanding-Product/ Performance (KPUP) criteria was used, which gave a positive impact to the students by promoting a cognitive, comprehensive, and applicative learning style. However, the KPUP was succeeded by the Written WorkPerformance Task- Quarterly Assessment (WW-PT-QA) criteria when we reached 10th grade, which is as effective as the previous one, but has caused yet another reconstruction of the teaching and assessment methods of the teachers, and caused confusion to the students as well.

Going back, the modified NCAE, which now contained the student’s proficiency in the three special strands of the Academic Track (STEM, HUMSS, ABM) as well as in the Technical Vocational field, gave some of our classmates an idea of where they would focus their studies on for senior high school. A lot stayed in the STEM track, but some chose to pursue different concentrations (including me).

Senior high school may create factions for incoming Grade 11 students, but the K to 12 curriculum, all flaws aside, introduced a lot of useful concepts that the learners can bring to any field of their choosing once they pursue careers. The tracks and strands may put us in different learning areas, but I am thankful that K to 12 taught us how to become diverse, or as how the Roth’s story would say it— Divergent.

24

OPINION

Choices

Here’s the Catch Laisa Marian L. De Guzman Associate Editor

B

efore, finishing a four-year stay in USHS, fourth year students have the freedom to choose their schools for college. It was a signal of maturity and slowly embracing reality. The K to 12 curriculum kicked in and this choice became more of a dilemma. It’s either you will stay at CLSU to finish senior high school, or detach yourself and embark into a new journey. I chose the latter.

We people, are made by our own choices.

They basically make us persons because you may or may not know - a single choice, even that most insignificant one, can change a whole lot of things. A quote from Nicholas Sparks’ movie “The Choice” could’ve sum it all, “The whole life thing is about decisions.

Seemingly insignificant decisions pave the path for monster life-altering ones.”

Well I bet, for students like me, choosing a school to spend years of learning and growing is a very vital choice to make, because they say that it’ll make a huge impact upon what kind of persons we’ll turn into. The environment, teachers and staff, students – everything in that school that we chose can greatly affect everything about us.

Well that’s what they say. As for me, some things can only affect people when

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

they allow them to breach their walls and penetrate them. Still, that is a choice for us to make.

I chose to leave my Alma Mater, CLSU Science High School, not because I don’t want to stay. I left because the call of the world drove me to making a decision to break the walls that I have been on for four years. Transferring to the University of Santo Tomas Senior High School will engage me to things that would be my advantage for the years to come, as it is the only school in the Philippines to showcase a health allied strand, advantageous for those who will take up medicine-related courses (like me).

It may be hard to leave familiar and familial grounds, but it is a risk worth taking.

Whatever school we may choose, it will stand as our second home. And it might not be that high class, well known or expensive compared to those prestigious universities out there, what really matters is how well you study and how much you love your school. At the end of the day, you should stand by your own choices, no matter what other people say about them.

Farewell, USHS. Thanks for the memories.

Soon, I will make you proud.

25

OPINION

silent language

Unbox

T

hink outside the box. We’ve often encountered this cliché mostly in advertisements or in inspirational-slash-motivational messages, but it speaks volumes more than just its four-word construction. The problem with us, however, is that we have put this mantra in the mouth and not in actions.

We live in a modern world, with modern architecture, modern paintings, modern fashion, modern sculptures, you name it. Modern art, as defined in our art class, is anything that, at most, breaks the boundaries established by classical art, yet still considered to be a work of artistry. We’ve seen abstract splatters of paint on canvas, odd-looking sculptures, houses of minimal design, weird high fashion, and many more that are considered to be art. This is something the earlier times have never seen before. This is a concrete product of those people who pioneered the “thinking-outsidethe-box” movement.

I remember a reminder from one of the lectures of Sir Ben Domingo, Ginang’s other half, about the stages in life, academically speaking, but can be applied to life in general, too. He often tells that elementary students create a box and fill it with stuff, and high school students think inside the box. In college, they evacuate the box, and after college, they destroy the box.

The term “box” is a metaphor for standards and borders that bigger “names” set. We utilize and abide by the standards, but we should not forever seek shelter under these standards. This was the principle of those intellectually brave people who dared take the leap to a new dimension of craft, be it in academe, art, whatsoever.

The leap I mentioned is not only in intellect, but also in real life. We have been confined in our boxes, isolated from the universe full of other dimensions to explore. We have been bound to the extent that we became afraid to err. We have been warded off by flaws

THE RESEARCHER

Jomari C. Fernando Circulations Manager to be good, to break the rules (rules of intellect, not by law, obviously).

We are taught in our research classes that one of the main objectives why we conduct our investigatory problems and theses, is to generate new knowledge. We can drop off the “knowledge” for a broader perspective, generate new. And how do we generate new? Hint: it’s not in any book. It’s in us. It is inside us, the burning passion and desire to set foot on new ground. And that is completely acceptable just as streaks of different colors of paint on wall cost millions.

We say the “think outside the box” phrase more often, but ironically, we are waiting for a spoonfeed to us to initiate a change. A guiding hand will always not be present, unfortunately. We, USHS students, have been used to the “bahala na” mentality, which is an anti-qualification for success.

We should never be satisfied with the minimum something can offer. It is not enough to get only half the total score in a quiz or exam. It is not enough to maintain a streak of 80 in our report cards. It is not acceptable to meet the primary requirement only, then bam! Here goes my work! No. Successful people never stop their pursuit for new ground of innovations. They pause, but never stop. It is commendable to know that they continuously break the “boxes” that shackle them.

Fearlessly, they continue creating new ground for the mind and soul, regardless of the omniscient mistakes and errors.

Think outside the box. Four words not meant to be just a mere catchphrase, but a philosophy to live by.

I would like to take Madonna’s iconic line “express yourself, don’t repress yourself ” and make it in another life mantra.

Unbox, don’t confine yourself.

26

?

the dark side of

FREE TIME

by Nia N. Manlulu

A

s students, there are a lot of things we really look forward to, specifically those that involve free time or time that we could use to do as we please. While most of us can’t help but let out a shout of joy at the thought of vacation, we can’t deny that there are certain drawbacks that will make us think twice about rejoicing over free time. I bet you know some of them.

Boredom Who doesn’t get excited over the words “long weekend”? Almost all students look forward to that, to the extent that they don’t even realize there’s nothing left to do at home, thus boredom kicks in. Sometimes there is simply too much free time and you spend it all napping. To avoid this, squeeze your brain by planning your day! Don’t let a day pass without doing something worthwhile or productive.

Missed Lessons Study for exams, pass the exam, and forget what you studied about - the cycle continues.

That’s probably the life of most students, and as USHS students, with everything that we have to remember and understand, we need more time for the bulk of information to be absorbed by our brains. With free time, we forget almost everything we’ve learned because our brains are basically, free. To avoid this, a quick browse over textbook or notes or online resource every once in a while could remedy the problem.

Lack of Companions Of course we all have that one friend that lives like a thousand miles away, or if by the unluckiest chance, you’re the one who got washed away to a different neighborhood (away from your friends, of course), then vacation will really mean saying a twoFEBRUARY- JULY 2016

month farewell to your siblings from another mother. There is no remedy for this, unless you arrange a get-together with your friends.

No Allowance This, my friends, is the darkest drawback of having a vacation. Don’t you agree?

Without allowance to save for some gimmick with friends, then we are stuck in the house in the mercy of our parents. What can we do without money? How are we supposed to buy food? The things we fancy with?

Probable cure: look around for chances to get a summer job (or maybe try begging for money).

Repetition Watching too many horror movies, playing the same game over and over, rereading and rereading a book and repeatedly eating the same food makes the movie, game, book and food dull. No one wants to do the same thing over and over again. Solution: New thing = good time.

Free time can mean a lot, and we are the only ones who can choose how to spend and live it. However, a piece of advice guys: Choose wisely on how you use your own vacations and weekends, for they are limited.

As the saying goes “nothing lasts forever.”

Even time.

27

FEATURES

BATANG GENIUS

Still the defending

champion

by Franco Andrei Pineda

this time at USHS Four years have passed since Jomari C. Fernando joined the quiz bee game show ‘Batang Genius’ and became its grand winner. Four years after his glory days, he stays true to his title and aced yet another game— the game of wits at the University Science High School.

L

ife, as we know it, is a game of decisions and strategies. In order to unravel what’s in store in our customized playing field, a lot of gambles are made to unlock new experiences, as to “win” in a certain stage of one’s life. For Jomari, life is not a simple stroke of luck. For him, the game of life really needs the right balance - brain and heart.

The game started for young Jomari on December 19, 1999, when he first caught sight of this world through his parents Joven Fernando and Leonora Castaneda. At a young age, the intellectual potential of this San Jose City native was seen as early as his Kindergarten days. Well, I could attest to this fact since we practically grew in the same academic environment since 2005. Jom, as he is called often, then entered elementary and the potential became a prominent sight inside the classroom.

A Game Show and a Choice

Jomari’s official graduation photo (top) and Batang Genius’ days (bottom)

THE RESEARCHER

By fifth grade, Jom has been known in the region as a frequent competitor in various quiz bees and press conferences, snatching podium finishes here and there while maintaining his spot as the brightest pupil in the

28

FEATURES

batch. Sixth grade came, and Jomari faced a life-changing decision at the young age of 11; the decision in choosing between joining a quiz bee game show or applying to the most prestigious science high school in the country. And as the cameras inside the ABS-CBN studios started rolling, Jomari has made the decision that made him known in every Filipino home as the ‘Batang Genius.’

“Hindi ko naman masasabi fully na mas tama iyong decision ko na hindi na mag-push through sa Pisay (Philippine Science High School), pero I can say na iyong pagtuloy ko dito sa USHS ay isang malaki nang pagkapanalo na mas malaki pa sa Batang Genius,” said Jomari while recalling the days when he was deciding about his future. Months after his win at the segment of the show Happy Yipee Yehey, he took the entrance exam at USHS, passed, and even became the topnotcher in that year’s examination. After finishing Valedictorian at the DepEd-CLSU Elementary (Laboratory) School, a new level in Jom’s game of life awaited him at USHS. Entering a Game of Wits A few may assume that USHS will just be a ‘piece of cake’ for someone like Jom, but to prove them wrong, it wasn’t. Like all students who have entered the gates of the school, USHS remained as a game of wits for him. “Nung Grade 7, hindi ko pa agad nabago iyong impression ko na mahirap mag-aral sa USHS dahil culture shock na rin, dahil ibang-iba ang elementary sa high school, Junior high, to be

exact,” said Jomari.

While facing the pre-set challenge of studying at USHS, Jomari has been faced with another obstacle, dealing with the pressure of excelling.

Jom admitted that sometimes, because of the expectations of others, doses of pressure came in his life, given that he made a big impression during his Elementary days. But I guess the pressure motivated him even more as he became the brightest of his batch in his first and even in his second year of stay in USHS. Though staying at the top and maintaining his A-game was a common thing for Jom, a lot of challenges and low moments have also been present in his life, especially during his USHS life.

“Isa sa mga pinaka-nahirapan ako sa Science High is yung Investigatory Projects and Thesis, kasi hindi ako ganoon ka-articulate lalo na sa formal papers and weakness ko kasi yung sumunod sa instructions kasi may tendency talaga na ‘di ako sumusunod,” said Jomari.

Aside from the USHS tradition of writing student researches, another hurdle came in Jom’s life in 9th grade, when he ranked 6th in his class.

Jomari said that disappointment really hit him hard that time, but with the help of his family backing him up and with the motivation to keep moving forward, he jumped over that hurdle and managed to maintain his spot as the brightest of his batch in 9th grade.

THE ACHIEVER. Jomari participates in a Science Fair quiz bee (L). He joins his mother and two university officials on the stage during the USHS Completion Exercises (R).

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

29

FEATURES

A lot seems at stake in Jomari’s life inside USHS. It is here when he decided to take bigger gambles and other calculated risks. The biggest gamble yet, for Jomari, is to represent the school in various contests, and continuing to enter unchartered territories while doing so. For him, it is not only his name, but the name of the school that is involved in these risks, but everything paid off for him as he has been successful in contests such as the Annual Math-Physics Inter-School Quiz Show, the Regional InterSchool Quiz Bee, and recently in the National Chemistry Olympiad, where his name can be seen in the Top 10 of the said competitions.

Alas, his final year of stay in USHS has arrived, and he would bid farewell to the experience, but a lot is still in store for him. The contests that he participated in became more numerous, and the juggle between academics and co-curriculars became more intense. In the end, he did his best, and was finally named as the first honor of the first junior high school batch of USHS. On Gaining and Sharing Life Lessons The USHS journey has ended for Jom, but the memories would still live on for him, and he would forever be thankful for everything that the school has given him. At USHS, Jom said, he learned a lot of things and explored his potentials even more. He learned how to play volleyball, to dance, and to be more independent. Here, he made friends, and encountered teachers who have taught him things that could be used in his academics, and in his personal life. “Malaki iyong naitulong sa akin ng USHS not just as an academically excellent person, pero natuto rin ako na maging more human. Natuto akong tumayo sa sarili kong paa without needing the help of others at times. Natuto rin ako na makipag-cooperate sa iba-ibang tao,” he said.

And as the ‘Batang Genius’ exits the USHS scene, he has some words to impart to the younger ones in the school: “Huwag niyong i-pressure iyong sarili niyo (in achieving your goals). Pag pressured ka, wala kang magagawang appropriate, dahil pag pressured ka, mawawala ka sa iyong mindset. (And also,) the only way is up. Walang pababa, pataas lang palagi.”

Indeed, the only way is up, and as for Jomari, we might just see more of what’s in store for him in the days to come. And emulating the life of this ‘Batang Genius,’ we, too, are our personal breeds of true winner; the defending champions in our own game of life.

THE RESEARCHER

A MULTI-TALENTED STUDENT. Apart from USHS champion quizzer in different competitions, Jomari keeps an active participation in sports, dance troupe and school publication.

30

FEATURES

Book

NooK

THE

JANUSSERIESSILANG

by Zia Amirah N. Lisondra

W

e know of other countries’ tales and folklore, of their myths and legends. Yet we know so little of our own. Yes, we know werewolves, and vampires, and dragons, but not pusong, or bagani, or paralumaw. Although, who cares really? These all boil down to a thought: they don’t even exist.

Don’t they really? In the novel series, Janus Silang by Edgar Samar, the main character, a thirteen year old boy from Balanga city, is suddenly thrust into a world full of mythical creatures and age-old legends.

Janus Silang had been competing for an online tournament in their local internet shop for hours when he noticed something amiss. Since then, a series of deaths have been recorded scattered all across the countries. Before this, Janus had the very thoughts same as yours.

So far, Dr. Samar has only finished two books of the series and still working on the third.

Edgar Samar is a professor at the Ateneo de Manila Univeristy and a three-time Palanca awardee. Twice in the Poetry in Filipino and once in Futuristic Fiction. The book one of Janus Silang series also received the National Book Awards in 2015. photo credit: GOODREADS.COM, FICSATION.BLOGSPOT.COM

FEBRUARY- JULY 2016

Samar was able to fabricate a story from combining a boy’s teenage life, online gaming, and Philippine folklore without making it tacky or corny. It has a fully working plot, substance, and a meaningful message. Simply put, it is not some kind of cheap writing. The thought was presented clearly, and the characters are interesting.

Furthermore, the Janus Silang series is not only restricted to the tastes of kids or teenagers, but for adults as well.

Samar made sure that every angle of the story is consistent with each other and without any plot holes. The scenes run so seamlessly together, that it becomes hard to put it down and just continue reading.

The book is a true page turner that keeps

you on your toes. He writes in a way that you’d feel goose bumps on your arms, at the back of your neck; in a way where you’d look over your shoulder and just check.

He can weave the mythical world with the physical one so well you’d doubt your belief of them not being real.

Janus’s character, for one, is also a refreshing change from other Y.A novels.

He is real. Like many others from this generation, he gets tangled up in the web of technology, gets addicted to online gaming, and says profanities without second thoughts. Samar’s portrayal of him is realistic and believable. Janus is, after all, only a common teenager, and like everyone else, has flaws.

I was particularly fascinated with Samar’s stories about deep set myths. The tales were old and detailed, and seem to have come from the mouths of natives themselves. Those who’ve had ancestors that have known the unseen world very close to our own.

Filipinos, especially of the modern generation, often know more about other countries’ myths than their own local folklore. Books like Janus Silang are very engaging and educating about the Philippine folk tales. We’ve been missing out on our own culture because we’ve been too busy learning of others’.

Hands down to Dr. Edgar Samar for making the impossible.

31

FEATURES

Chris Ecker De Guzman:

ABS-CBN production designer he used to be the class storyteller at USHS

by Laisa Marian L. De Guzman

“Naniniwala naman ako na when you have a passion for it, and you have a drive and you really know kung ano gusto mong gawin, I don’t think hindi mo yun magagawa.”

These wise words came from a man of great passion and dedication in the work he does. If you are one of those people who actually read the opening credits (the part where television programs present their crew members) of a teleserye, you can never miss out the name Chris Ecker De Guzman, production designer.

The Nueva Ecija native came from Sto. Domingo, the oldest child of Rector De Guzman and Gail Dazo, together, they settled in the simple life the province has to offer. He finished his elementary years in the College of the Immaculate Concepcion in Cabanatuan City and finds himself on the same grounds we’re stepping on, the University Science High School. “May mga kababata ako na nag take ng exams dito, 20 kami but 3 lang kami na pumasa. So sabi ng dad ko dito na lang ako mag-aral, kasi may tito din ako na cousin of my dad na nag-aral din dito.”

1) Chris poses before Cambodia’s Angkor Watt temple during his 2013 trip. 2) Chris and the crew of the hit TV series “Born for You” starring Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador take a souvenir photo near the foot of Mt. Fuji during their first shooting day in Japan. photo credit: chris ecker de guzman THE RESEARCHER

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THE HOLLYWOOD DREAM. Chris gets the opportunity to have a one-on-one training session with the Hollywood’s sitcom set designer, Greg Grande, at Manhattan Beach Studios. Grande is the production designer of the defunct American TV sitcom “Friends” which first ran in 1994. The sitcom was Chris’ one of most watched shows during his high school days. photo credit: chris ecker de guzman

The Say-Hay Life He admitted that USHS did give him great stress, “Hindi talaga ako academic student, so I would like to thank my classmates na tinulungan ako sa pagre-review. Kasi before, yung mga projects namin like physics project, feasibility study at meron pa yung thesis. Ang dami! Buti na lang ang aking mga groupmates, ka-partner, like si Wilson, talagang natutulungan nila ako sa mga academic concerns. Kasi if not, I don’t think makaka graduate ako.” He said with a laugh as he reminisces his memories back in high school.

But behind the adversities USHS have to offer, it made Ecker De Guzman love high school more than college.

“But oh, I have so much good memories dito, what’s nice about here is that konti lang kayo. And as time goes by, nagiging closer kayo, more intact

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and yung bond ninyo is really, real.” He said with enthusiasm and a big smile in his lips.

The Launching Pad During his USHS life, Ecker somehow managed to pave his way to his career by discovering talents which will soon be helpful to his job. As he recalled, he spends a lot of time doodling cartoons in sheets of paper, visualizing the content of novels that he previously read.

“Para talaga kasi akong story-teller noong high school. Kapag nagku-kwento ako sa mga kaklase ko about sa novels na binabasa ko, gumagawa ako ng drawings, something like a comic book, ‘tas doon ko ilalagay yung mga nabasa ko,” he said.

This potential was also utilized as he is always the one called to be his batch’s planning head during the annual Christmas Cantata, then an

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Chris with the stars and cast of some ABS-CBN TV series: (1) “I Love Betty La Fea” in 2008, (2) “Lobo” (lit. Wolf) in 2008, (3) “Noah” in 2010. photo credit: chris ecker de guzman

annual group singing contest held at USHS. The calling even became louder when he reached his last year of stay in USHS, where he wrote, directed, and produced a play adaptation of Dr. Jose Rizal’s “El Filibusterismo.” Ginang Julie C. Domingo vividly recalls Ecker as “Ang pinakamahusay kong scriptwriter ng El Fili.”

After his four-year stay in USHS, he went to De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and took up Production Design as his course. He really wanted to take up directing, and the only film school in Manila is the University of the Philippines in which he took the exams for architecture, film and music. “Di ko pinasa yung architecture and film, music yung pinasa ko. Okay naman pero hindi siya yung I really wanted so I took production design which is a pre of what I really want to do, yung sa field na gusto ko.” he explained.

Living the dream He graduated with flying colors and worked on one of the best networks here in the Philippines, ABS-CBN. When asked how was it to work

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with such a prestigious company, thinking real hard, he said “Paano ko ba masabi na hindi siya negative. It’s a thankless job, yung job na they won’t pat you in the back. Media siya eh, it’s continuous. It’s not for the mahina ang puso, because they will eat you alive.” Fortunately, he survived and has spent more than ten years working in ABS-CBN. He said that what really drove him to stay was his passion, his love for the field he is in. “Kung wala yon [passion], matagal na akong nag- stop, nag-quit.” He said, holding his hands together, “Dapat talaga love mo yung craft, may hunger ka for it, para mag work, para tumagal ka.” He advised.

Working in the industry enabled him to visit various places in the world, most of which are cities in America like Los Angeles, New York, Cabazon and Manhattan. He’d always be travelling from one state to another from which he gets to meet tons of renowned directors, producers and production designer like Greg Grande of the famous 1994 series F.R.I.E.N.D.S!

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For a brief background, Ecker De Guzman first worked as a production designer of the first “Wanspanataym” series and also the hit drama “Gulong ng Palad” made famous by Kristine Hermosa and Tj Trinidad of ABS-CBN to name a few. Additionally, he is a part of the crew of “Betty La Fea” starring Bea Alonzo and “My Binondo Girl” of Kim Chui. Currently, he is the production designer of Julia Montes’ famous noontime teleserye “Doble Kara” that recently gained an all time high rating of 19.1%. We asked if these were his best memory as a production designer, but he shared, “Sa industry kasi you’re only good as your last.”

Of course, working in the media industry means working with famous celebrity icons like KC Concepcion, Julia Montes, Ariel Rivera, Edgar Allan Guzman, John Lapus and a lot more.

In fact, Chris Ecker De Guzman is part of the crew of the teleserye “Born For You” starred by

Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona, from which they had to work with the freezing temperature of Japan with limited crew and staff!

Well, first love never really dies. Behind these big leaps and milestones, Ecker De Guzman is still dreaming to reach his first love, directing.

To be a director is what he considers as his life goal that needs to be fulfilled no matter what. In fact, he went home to get his high school diploma and transcript of records, requirements that he will use in order to study Directing outside the Philippines. As for now, he is eyeing to study in a film school in Los Angeles or Vancouver. Well, he is indeed reaching for the stars!

No doubt, Chris Ecker De Guzman is the epitome of passion and drive. “When you have a passion for it, and you have a drive and you really know kung ano gusto mong gawin, I don’t think hindi mo yun magagawa,” he ended.

MEETING THE WORLD. 1) Chris gets ready for a souvenir shot in a Chinese arch bridge during their ocular visit in Guangzhou, China for the 2011 hit-TV series “My Binondo Girl” starring Kim Chui. 2) While in the US, Chris inspects a set design in one of Hollywood studio sets. photo credit: chris ecker de guzman

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MARCO PAULO f.

BERNABE

A Leader

in the Making text by Zia Amirah N. Lisondra photo by Phil Justine A. Pangilinan

P

otential, like a seed, is planted in the minds of people. That being the case, it’s also their choice to sustain or neglect.

Beneath the seemingly careless persona of Kuya Marco, the first USHS alumnus to become elected president of the CLSU Supreme Student Council in the recent history, is a leader who rose to put forth liberal ideas into the minds of the whole student body.

During his years at USHS, Kuya Marco claimed to have enjoyed his high school life. According to him, it was pretty much centered around academics, social life, and gaming. Joining school organizations was not a major part of his plans, saying that it was not his ‘thing.’ Other than being a member of the school choir, and voted as lakambini (courtesy to his friends) kuya Marco didn’t really participate in any other activities or clubs.

He was never one for taking the

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initiative, decided to keeping on his low profile and not really volunteering during projects, and such, “I was afraid to do new things.”

Activeness from Timidity Kuya Marco never had any thoughts of being a student leader or joining the student council when he entered college either. However, during his 2nd year at uni, the University Block President Council (UBPC) elected him as the vice president internal.

The chairperson eventually regarded him as an asset to the council. “I may not be good with the recreational stuff, but I can do the technical stuff and paperwork.”

He became part of the council and ended up

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becoming the College of Engineering Councilor and the secretary the next year.

“Hindi ko siya mismong pinasok, more like dinala ako papunta sa leadership path,” he shared.

Kuya Marco eventually spent three years as a part of the USSC. He was the secretary general, UBPC vice president internal and OIC president during his first year. Second year, he became the College of Engineering councilor; and was finally the Secretary on his third year.

By then, Kuya Marco has already finalized his resolve to run as Chairperson for the USSC election.

“After having spent three years as part of USSC, if I’m going to stop there and disregard all that I’ve learnt, then a whole year of council would’ve been wasted,” he reasoned.

Balancing his priorities as a college student and student leader was not, and will never be an easy task. College life was especially hard for Kuya Marco during their campaign periods and before the elections. He would sleep at around two to three in the morning and would need and ended at eight in the morning when he had to meet people and coordinate the group because their campaign managing group was not yet established. He spoke of how tense he felt during the whole ordeal of tallying the votes. Hard work paid off, and Kuya Marco won by more or less than 500 votes. “I was relieved to know that I get to represent the student body to the Board of Regents.”

Kuya Marco made a decision to extend himself for another two years. “This is something I wouldn’t recommend, but it’s a noble path.” He explained that it was fine for him, saying that he didn’t want to leave uni while still inexperienced, and might as well make the best out of it. A saying goes around their batch, since most are already graduating, “Officially graduated ka na, hindi, officially

unemployed.” Kuya Marco recounted, amused. He regarded this as his biggest sacrifice as a student leader. He admitted that throughout his stint in USSC, he lost some friends from his batch, but eventually found a family in USSC. The incoming chair As the soon to be chairperson of USSC, Kuya Marco shared three in their priority list of problems to solve: university facilities; unsolicited payments; injustices, advancements, and sensitive topics such as sexual harassment. The system which was passed on by the previous council was something that Kuya Marco does not want the following batch of councilors to inherit.

Kuya Marco advises aspiring student leaders who wish to serve fellow students to join the student councils of colleges. “Those who sympathise with the whole student body, treating their problems as your own, go for USSC.” He offered that they shouldn’t yet aspire for higher positions, and learn the ropes first. Serving as a student leader eats up a lot of your time, “You’ll spend more of your time in USSC than in classes, think of it very carefully.”

Upon arriving in college, Kuya Marco has experienced few but unexpected changes since graduating from high school. He became a risk taker, as opposed to his previous self who didn’t take the initiative. “ The responsibilities I took last year were greater than the whole of responsibilities I had back in high school.”

From a nondescript high schooler, Marco Bernabe flourished into a respectable student leader who strives to rid the university of its injustices through continued efforts together with the whole council.

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MINDANAO

The paradise behind the war and rebel stories

by Franco Andrei Pineda

Gun shots.

Countless explosions.

Rebels trooping all over.

These are but some of the stereotypes branded to one of the largest island groups in the Philippines, Mindanao. People from Luzon and Visayas fear the island group because of its dark history, myself included. But the very moment that I stepped on Mindanao land, I did not see war, nor did I see any conflict. I saw peace. I saw a new place which we can call paradise.

It was late February when we visited Mindanao.

It was then the date for the 2016 National Schools Press Conference, then to be held at Koronadal City, South Cotabato. My parents almost blocked my travel to the area because they, too, are afraid of the things that might happen to us. However, I assured that I will be in safe ground. And I was.

Landing on the Eagle’s Nest Our flight landed at the Davao City International Airport, situated at the province home to the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary, of the smelly but tasty Durian, and the breakout persona of the year, Mayor Rodrigo “Rudy” Duterte. Upon landing, we stopped by at the city’s Crocodile Farm, and boy, that was a thrilling experience.

Aside from seeing different crocodilias, as well as various exotic animals, we challenged our

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Davao International Airport(above). Durian Dome at Davao City’s People’s Park (below).

PHOTO CREDIT: treklens.com

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taste buds and our stomachs for a one-of-akind gastronomical adventure. We first tried their crocodile ice cream, made with cultured crocodile eggs. Crocodile Pandan was the flavor of our choice, and to our surprise, it did make a huge difference in our common ice cream. It tasted better. The crocodile egg gave a different kind of richness in the flavor of the ice cream, as if making it creamier than the usual.

Afterwards, we tried the Crocodile burger, made with real cultured crocodile meat. Sir Emil and I shared a single order of the exotic cuisine, just to be safe. To our surprise, there was nothing fishy about the burger. It tasted like chicken, but again, with that different kick.

Maybe it’s because these crocodiles eat chicken meat? Who knows? But what I am sure of is that if you love adventurous food, try the crocodile delicacies at Davao City’s Crocodile Farm.

Seeing the “Marbels” of Koronadal

After a three-hour ride from Davao City, we finally reached the host city of the 2016 NSPC, Koronadal. Then named Marbel, the city is well known for the influence of the T’boli tribe in their culture. Our kits had a piece of T’nalak, an intricately woven cloth made by hand for at least six months, and inside the kit, there was this necklace made with tiny beads forming a pattern similar with that of the T’nalak’s, with bells dangling at the bottom, and a gong like center piece. This, according to local people, is a signature accessory of the T’boli tribe.

After my contest, we went to the Trade Fair Expo at that time. A little far from our billeting school where our food was served, we decided to eat at a nearby area in the old city hall of the city. We came across an area where different sea food and meat were grilled, and where a lot of locals and even NSPC delegates dined. Locals call it Bay walk, though ironically, we were far

CROCO LOCO. Davao’s crocodile ice cream which is made creamier with the yolks from the crocodile eggs. emil f. ubaldo, aquazorb.com & CHOOSE PHILIPPINES.COM

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from any body of water. The variety of food to be grilled was very wide, and the price of sea foods were surprisingly low. Two plump squid, which are half an inch long, costs only 50 pesos, rice included. See? Now that’s what I call a value for your money.

Before we leave Koronadal, we also visited three locations that are not-too distant to the city proper. Our first stop was Lake Sebu, one of the main tourist attractions of the area. Riding a floating boat, we were toured by a T’boli local around the lake. Here, I learned that the term Sebu, means “Lake” in T’boli. So, it literally means, “Lake Lake.” We were also entertained by an elderly T’boli woman, dressed in the traditional outfit of their group, while she was singing a song of welcome for us visitors in their area.

After the visit to Lake Sebu, we went to an area called “Seven Falls,” where a group of seven major waterfalls could be seen in a single area. Two falls could be seen as you climb a slope, while the remaining falls could be seen if you go down 400 steps from the starting point. Another famous

attraction in this area is the longest zipline in Southeast Asia, with a length of approximately 700 meters long. Talk about a death-defying adventure.

To refresh ourselves, we stopped by at an eatery south of Koronadal. The store “Apareja Buko halohalo” has the specialty — you guessed it right— Halo-halo. But since there are plenty of coconuts in the area, locals decided to make a twist with the Filipino favorite. They place the halo-halo in a coconut shell, with young coconut meat incorporated in the ingredients of the cooler. To wash it all down, they would also give you a free pitcher of coconut water.

Meeting Mt. Apo Alas, our stay at Koronadal has ended, and now we are on to our next stop, Kidapawan City.

After a good night’s sleep from our thoughtful hosts, we decided to go to a hot spring, at the foot of the highest mountain in the country, Mount Apo. Yes, if you want a scale of how big the

1) Apareja’s Buko Halo-Halo in Koronadal City 2) Boats docked in Lake Sebu 3 & 4) One of the seven falls in Lake Sebu 5) Floating restaurant for a river cruise in Lake Sebu emil f. ubaldo

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The hot and boiling Lake Agco at the foot of Mt. Apo and a majestic view of the mountain (top). photo credits: 2.bp.blogspot.com , wensdy sibulangcao, davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com Art exhibits displayed at SM Lanang in Davao (bottom). emil f. ubaldo

mountain is, bear in mind that we were in North Cotabato, and a large portion of the mountain could also be seen in Davao. In the springs, there is this enchanted garden, where locals believe that mystical creatures dwell around a lake with the hottest water among the springs. According to the caretakers, no man can bear the heat of the lake, but what made the lake famous is that it gives natural mud, which can moisturize and as said “heal” parts of one’s body. And yes, it did made my skin softer for a couple of days.

Bon Voyage The afternoon of our visit at the foot of Mount Apo, we headed back to Davao City to catch our flight the next morning. Upon arrival in Davao City, we immediately went to the Pasalubong areas, and bought special candies from “Lola Abon’s” (a favorite of mine since I was a kid), and

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also bought the pinkish delight that is the Davao pomelo. We may have exceeded our baggage allowance, but it sure was worth it.

In our Mindanao visit, two things became constant— heritage and security. The area is indeed filled with a diversity of culture and things to see. Mindanao gave us a glimpse of what nature should look like, of how cultural preservation should be done. Along with this, the people themselves, an official or not, ensured our safety, always saying the words “Safe po dito, huwag po kayong mag-alala.”

We may be wrong after all, generalizing that Mindanao is a place of terror. Because if you look closely, behind a curtain of smoke and fences of flames that we associate with the area, we can see a marvelous place, waiting to be embraced, ready to be seen by all.

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What’s in

Osaka?

by Zia Amirah N. Lisondra

“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” ~ Sir Richard Burton. For all eternity, that unknown never fails to give us the thrill, never fails to make us wonder. Because after all, it is both beautiful and exciting, right?

its multiple cultural institutions, from its museums and art galleries, to its modern entertainment, theater and music venues.

In April of 2016, Sofia Gaddi, together with her aunt and cousins, set about to exploring the different parts of Osaka within three days. Intended to double as an outing and her cousin’s birthday celebration.

Osaka Osaka is the central capital of the Kansai region and the third largest in Japan. The name “Osaka” literally means “large hill” or “large slope.”

Osaka is situated along the southern coast of Western Honshu, where the River Yodo flows into the broad waters of Osaka Bay. The city is bound by Kii Peninsula on the side. Osaka was nicknamed “Venice of the East” due to its wide network of water channels and canals.

Osaka displays numerous examples of highly modernized architecture, and futuristic skyline, thus became prominent as one of the most contemporary cities in Japan. Its premier caliber is proven by

Being a highly advanced and urbanized city led it to become a favored tourist spot by locals and foreigners alike.

Sofia noted some of her expectations before coming to Osaka. “I expected it to be very futuristic, clean with beautiful sceneries; and the people to be very kind, disciplined, not so fluent in english, friendly, and look like anime characters (laughs).” Not being very fond of Japanese food except for beef, she thought she wouldn’t like it.

Day 1 – Universal Studios Japan Located in the Osaka Bay area, one of Osaka’s newest attractions, is the Universal Studios Japan. It has an average annual visitors of eight million, and one of the world’s top 15 amusement parks.

Universal Studios Japan attracts people of all ages with its movie themed thrill rides, live entertainment, restaurants, and shops. It boasts of its Hollywood-feel

photo credit: HELLO.EBOY.COM

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photo credit: ves eva dilla & sophia Ysabelle Gaddi

tourist attractions such as Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Shrek’s 4D adventure where a character is brought to life. Visitors are given a glimpse at Hollywood behind the scene actions through the movie sets.

Being one of Osaka’s most popular attractions, Universal Studios is easily packed. Better come early to experience the full thrill of the amusement park.

“We managed to visit every attraction, but only tried four rides-spiderman, harry potter, jurassic park, and backdraft. It was very fun, but lining up for the rides was tiring, though we had an express pass for four rides. You won’t be able to finish all the rides in a day, but I recommend that you try the harry potter ride,” Sofia shared.

Day 2 – Dotonbori Dotonbori is a large scale downtown with its entire area filled with an impressive number of shopping arcades, restaurants, and amusement facilities.

It is a popular shopping and entertainment district, also known for its food. Dotonbori is a shower of

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neon lights at night, including the famed Glico Running Man sign, and Kani Doraku Crab sign.

Two of its most famous dishes are the Okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake made from a batter of flour, shredded Japanese yam, egg, and dashi broth that can be filled with anything of your preference; and Takoyaki, bite-sized balls made from a flour and egg based batter filled with pieces of octopus, ginger and scallions.

The group ate a variety of japanese cuisine such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, melon-pan ice cream, kobe beef, mochi ice cream, and strawberry crepe. “The food was delicious, and had an authentic japanese taste, albeit a bit pricey.”

They also did some shopping for food, clothes and shoes, and some souvenirs. “The prices were surprisingly very cheap compared to other shopping centers.”

Day 3 – Rinku Premium Outlet The largest outlet shopping center in western

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Japan, Rinku Premium Outlet is located across from Kansai International Airport. It is a two storey building, reminiscent of the old American port town Charleston, that houses over 210 shops.

While in Rinku, the group tried dango, a Japanese dumpling and sweet made from mochiko, and did some window shopping. “The prices of some items were much cheaper than in some local outlets.”

The shopping center is equipped with a full line up of clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, men’s and children’s daily odds and ends from famous brands and popular sport shops, both local and foreign.

Here, one can enjoy a rich shopping experience in a spacious locale at reasonable prices. The facilities include family-friendly extras such as rental baby buggies and nursing room. Visitors can hop on the shuttle bus from Kansai International Airport, which runs every day.

Travel Traveling to Osaka via airplane takes up to four hours with prices ranging from Php 14,000 –Php 20,000. From Kansai Airport, one can take a train or taxi to Izumisano Station.

The group had a three day worth lodging at Pine

Villa, which is only a 5 minute walk away from the station, a perfect starting point for exploring Osaka.

From Izumisano Station, they took a train to Universal Studios and Rinku. Other means of transportation are also available, such as bus or taxi.

Travel can last for thirty minutes to two hours with prices ranging from Php 200- Php 5,000.

“After visiting Japan, I felt like waking up from a very good dream.” The trip was too quick to end, but still very enjoyable. According to Sofia, Japan is one of the countries that you’d want to visit again and again.

Her previous expectations were well met. Osaka is indeed very clean, to the point where no trash or garbage can be seen. During the time they visited, Osaka was cold, a bit like in Baguio or even colder. The people were also very friendly and accommodating.

Amused, she shared that something as mundane as vending machines was what struck her most in the experience, “As in every block has a vending machine, I found it very amusing. There were a variety of options inside the vending machines.”

She thoroughly enjoyed every hour she had while in Osaka, “because it would be a waste if I didn’t.”

photo credit: ves eva dilla & sophia Ysabelle Gaddi

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The Researcher ACHIEVEMENT 2015-2016

FRANCO ANDREI PINEDA eDITOR-IN-chief

Participant , 2016 National Schools Press Conference Champion, Pagsulat ng Artikulong Pang-Agham at Pangkalusugan, 2015 Regional Schools Press Conference Finalist, 2015 Regional Search for Outstanding Campus Journalists

emil f. ubaldo aDVISER

Division Outstanding School Paper Adviser & Top 4, Search for Outstanding Secondary School Paper Advisers in Region III Vice President, Regional Association of School Paper Advisers

DSPC WINNERS CHAMPION Jomari C. Fernando (Science and Health Writing) Jil Czyrille M. Salas (Editorial Cartooning) Justine Mae S. Jacob (Balitang Isports) Alodia Ann T. Badua (News Writing) Xyran Arielle S. Alejandro (Radiobroadcasting) Jan Christine D. Latonio (Radiobroadcasting) Jose Antonio R. Gamboa (Radiobroadcasting) Mary Madeline Ann M. Tecson (Radiobroadcasting) Floyd Jason B. Aquino (Radiobroadcasting) Mariella Paula A. Escalona (Radiobroadcasting) Vince N. Busania (Radiobroadcasting) Phil Justine A. Pangilinan (Collaborative Desktop Publishing) Laisa Marian L. De Guzman (Collaborative Desktop Publishing) Leo Bert A. Orpilla (Collaborative Desktop Publishing) Nia N. Manlulu (Collaborative Desktop Publishing) James Amiel S. Peneyra (Collaborative Desktop Publishing) Abigail Juldanie A. Villegas (Collaborative Desktop Publishing) Dorothy Kathleen F. Gundran (Collaborative Desktop Publishing) SECOND PLACE Stacey Mae F. Manuel (Copyreading and Headline Writing) Cerone L. Aquino (Kartung Editoryal) Dew Xya I. dela Rosa (Sports Writing) Ves Eva Revline A. Dilla (Pagsulat ng Balita) Gracielle Ruth B. Buenaventura (Pagkuha ng Larawang Pampahayagan) THIRD PLACE Franco Andrei Pineda (Pagsulat ng Artikulong Pang-Agham at Pangkalusugan) Zia Amirah N. Lisondra (Feature Writing) FOURTH PLACE David Keith L. Mauyao (Pagwawasto ng Sipi at Pag-uulo ng Balita) Shiela May N. Rosete (Photojournalism) Danella Idelle S. Dela Cruz (Editorial Writing)

USHS SCRIPT WRITING AND RADIOBROADCASTING TEAM (ENGLISH) 4-time DSPC Champion since 2012 Xyran Arielle S. Alejandro Jan Christine D. Latonio Jose Antonio R. Gamboa Mary Madeline Ann M. Tecson Floyd Jason B. Aquino Mariella Paula A. Escalona Vince N. Busania 2015 Regional Schools Press Conference

7th Place - Best in Script 10th Place - Best Infomercial 10th Place - Best in Technical Application

XYRAN ARIELLE S. alejandro 9th Place - Best Anchor

USHS collaborative desktop publishing team (ENGLISH) Back-to-back DSPC Champion Phil Justine A. Pangilinan Laisa Marian L. De Guzman Leo Bert A. Orpilla Nia N. Manlulu James Amiel S. Peneyra Abigail Juldanie A. Villegas Dorothy Kathleen F. Gundran 9th Place - Regional Schools Press Conference Champion - Division Schools Press Conference

PAHINALAYA 2016 1st Integrated Campus Journalism Conference and Competition for High School and Collegiate Publications

Phil Justin A. Pangilinan

Jil Czyrille M. Salas

CHAMPION PHOTOJOURNALISM

CHAMPION EDITORIAL CARTOONING

Ma. Danicka C. Romano

Dew Xya I. Dela Rosa

2 PLACE NEWS WRITING (FILIPINO)

3rd PLACE SPORTS WRITING (English)

ND

AUGUST - December 2015 5 sections / 20 pages / Volume XXXV / No. 1 NEWS Grub Street 2015 makes OPINION Beckoning opportunity

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official regional debut

school paper AWARDS

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

From motivation to demotivation

FEATURES

11 13

The metamorphosis of the staple

SCIENCE

16 17

RP’s rising potential: Benham Rise

The quest for redder tilapia Sun-tastic!

ISSN: 2362 - 9282

10th Best Lay-out and Design

School Year opens in August Class vacation moved to June, July

by FRANCO ANDREI PINEDA

The USHS students spent their longest ever summer break from school as the opening of classes was moved from June to August starting this school year.

The August class opening at USHS is in congruence with the CLSU’s academic calendar shift.

“The synchronization of the USHS academic calendar to the collegiate calendar is more advantageous to our students. Actually, majority of our graduates

2015 Regional Schools Press Conference

enroll in universities with August opening,” explained Asst. Prof. Aileen G. De Guzman, school registrar.

With the adjustment of the class opening, beginning this school year, students will spend their school break during June and July.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL - STEM READY. Dorothy Kathleen Gundran, a grade 10 student, prepares her fluke specimen for her study on developing a LAMP kit to identify fluke infection in cattle at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the CLSU College of Veterinary Science and Medicine.

2nd Best Published Sports Story

LEO BERT A . ORPILLA

CLSU to offer Senior High Board of Regents OKs STEM for USHS

“Down to the Dumps” by Phil Justin A. Pangilinan (PahinaLaya 2016)

The search is over

VPAA Abella is new CLSU prexy

by LAISA MARIAN L. DE GUZMAN

IN THE KNOW Five CHED Centers of Excellence (COE) Programs at CLSU are STEM-related. These are Biology, Agriculture, Fisheries, Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Medicine. CLSU’s Chemistry program is CHED Center of Development.

The other COE is the Teacher Education which is related to HUMSS.

The Board of Regents of the Central Luzon State University approved the offering of the Senior High School at the University Science High School come SY 2016-2017 in its 203rd Regular Meeting, Oct. 23.

As a science high school, the USHS will offer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strand under the Academic Track to its Grade 10 completers only.

The Agricultural Science

and Technology School, another laboratory high school of the university under the College of Education, was also granted permission to offer Agri-Fishery and Home Technology Strands under the Technical Voca-

USHS PTA finances Gearing up for Senior High renovation of toilets Grade 10 attend Senior HS career guidance ‘exclusive for poop’

by PHIL JUSTIN A. PANGILINAN

by NIA N. MANLULU & ZIA AMIRAH N. LISONDRA Students will be getting a late holiday present from the school and the PTA this year: new toilets.

Toilets are, at the most basic, a hole in the ground, and at the most complex, a technological nightmare that burns your bum and sprays ice-cold water on your hindquarters.

There are many forms of toilets: squat toilets, the regular porcelain thrones, and the toilet fully equipped with games to play while excreting, seat warmers, and temperature control for the jet of water sprayed directly on your anus.

However, we are not getting these

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Yey! Hindi na ako makikigamit sa faculty room!

GALLERY OF ASPIRATION. The grade 10 students displayed their outputs in activities during their senior high school career guidance seminar.

To guide students in choosing their Senior High School track, the 10th graders attended the local three-day SHS career guidance seminar, Oct. 28-30.

Asst. Prof. Aileen G. De Guzman, the school registrar, spearheaded the event which covered introduction of the different tracks and strands and three modules in

LEO BERT A . ORPILLA

Quizzers bag grand slam in reg’l chemistry quiz

by FRANCO ANDREI PINEDA

by ALODIA ANNE T. BADUA

Fatima University The Regional Chemistry Quiz Bee is sponsored by the Philippine Association for Chemistry Teachers, Inc. Re-

Two students won champion in the 2015 Division Science Quiz Bee held at Muñoz National High School- Main, Nov. 24.

Students Nia N. Manlulu (8-Inventors) and Jomari C. Fernando (10-Achievers) topped their competitors in

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The University Science High School made a grand slam win in the Regional Chemistry Quiz Bee at Bataan Peninsula State University, Balanga City, Bataan, Oct. 15-17.

The team of Jomari Fernando, Brena Lynne Victoria and Alyssa Fetalcorin triumphed over the representatives from Olongapo National High School and Isabela

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2 students ace div’n sci quiz

2016 USHS Entrance Examination for Incoming Grade 7

TAKING OFFICE. Dr. Tereso A. Abella delivers his first message as the new president of the university.

Photo courtesy: clsu.edu.ph

After nearly ten months of search for the next CLSU president, it is now over.

Dr. Tereso A. Abella, the former Vice President for Academic Affairs, won majority votes of the CLSU Board of Regents to succeed Dr. Ruben C. Sevilleja who ended his term in April 30.

Right after election, Abella took his oath of office before Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan of the Commission on Higher Education on Dec. 18.

He is the fourth child of the late Dr. Pedro A. Abella who retired as CLSU president in 1987.

Dr. Raul D. Divina, Vice President for Administration, served as the university’s officer-in-charge until the new president was elected.

Best Published Feature Story

“Minalungao: The Paradise of the Rice Plains” by Zia Amirah N. Lisondra

by ALODIA ANNE T. BADUA

The Philippine Association of Institutions for Research, Inc. (PAIR) named Mr. Lexter R. Nativad, USHS research instructor as Outstanding Filipino Researcher, Oct. 2730.

Natividad received his award during the PAIR’s 2nd International Conference on Multidisplinary Research held in Cebu City.

Aside from this award, he also won the Best Oral Research Presenter in Science, Health and Technology Strand and the Best in PowerPoint Presentation during turn to page 5

BEST PUBLICATION (BROADSHEET/TABLOID) PAHINALAYA 2016

MORE LAURELS. Mr. Lexter R. Natividad receives his award as Outstanding Filipino Researcher given by the Philippine Association of Institutions for Research, Inc. (PAIR).

March 19, 2016 (Saturday)

THE RESEARCHER, VOL. XXXV, ISSUE NO. 1

Photo courtesy: PAIR

ushs@clsu.edu.ph | +63 44 456 0927

Deadline of Filing: March 18, 2016

GRUB STREET E S T. 1 9 7 6

“Beckoning Opportunity” penned by Jomari C. Fernando (PahinaLaya 2016)

Research org names USHS faculty ‘Filipino Researcher of the Year’

Application forms are available at the Office of the Registrar, Room No. 9, University Science High School. Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija

CLSU Science High School’S annual seminar-workshop on campus journalism

2nd Best Published Editorial Story

by LAISA MARIAN L. DE GUZMAN

tional Track (Tech-Voc) to its Grade 10 completers.

Aside from its laboratory high schools, the university will still offer separate programs in STEM, Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) and Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) through the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) respecturn to page 5

2015

625 Participants* * AN ALL-TIME HIGH RECORD

OFFICIAL REGIONAL DEBUT YEAR

publication of the literary folio • • • • • • • • • • •

News Writing Editorial Writing Feature Writing Science & Health Writing Editorial Cartooning Photojournalism Copy Reading & Headline Writing Photojournalism Script Writing and Radio Broadcasting Collaborative Desktop Publishing 1st Regional Campus Journalism Quiz Challenge for High School

LINKAGE/s •

Aside from linkages in local high school publications, The Researcher partnered with The Smoke Signal of Packsack Valley High School in New Jersey, USA on exchange editors and article submissions.

An Excerpt from the Minutes of the 69th Meeting of the CLSU Board of Regents held in Manila on June 14, 1976: On motion duly seconded, the Board passed Resolution No. 1622, s. 1976

40 U

(Sgd) TEODORO K. CABRIETO Secretary of the Board of Regents

CL S

Certified correct:

1976-2016

Region III’s pioneer science high school

CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY

quality policy S T A T E M E N T S

Excellent service to humanity is our commitment.

We are committed to develop globally-competent and empowered human resources, and to generate knowledge and technologies for inclusive societal development.

We are dedicated to uphold CLSU's core values and principles, comply with statutory and regulatory standards and continuously improve the effectiveness of our quality management system.

Mahalaga ang inyong tinig upang higit na mapahusay ang kalidad ng aming paglilingkod.

UNIVERSITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120 ushs@clsu.edu.ph | +63 44 456 0927

th

Founding Anniversary

IE SC

I hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing resolution.

HIGH SCHO OL (

APPROVED.

ELEBRATING S) C H US

N CE

“Approving the shift from the high school academic curriculum to high school science-type curriculum and approving the science high school curriculum as presented, effective the beginning of SY 1976-77, in order to strengthen the basic preparation of gifted high school stduents who intend to go to college and to produce trained manpower for research and college teaching in the field of agriculture in the future, and to strengthen the science education in Central Luzon region where there is no existing science high school curriculum.