The Junior Ridge

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Message 3 Grade School News 4 News Feature 6 Special Feature 10 VOM Commentary 14 Sports 15

DepEd visits SR

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Magister X

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Editorial

Junior Ridge

CHARACTER IS POWER

By Iñigo Ligones

The Junior Ridge promises to honor kids, and make sure that they benefit from this newspaper. It promises never to bore any of the readers, and to make sure they always come back for more. It promises to make them learn, and at the same time, have fun.

Editor-in-Chief Golden Sionil D. Sison Associate Editors Juan Pablo U. Abola Miguel E. Ponce de Leon Iñigo Rafel S. Ligones Staffers Marco Luis P. Austriaco Joachim Tobias V. Bautista Henry Matthew S. Bensurto Tobit Raphael M. Casillano Juan Pablo M. Cruz Medwin A. Devilleres Jose Javier L. Dioko Ramon Javier L. Felipe Miguel Iñigo L. Fermin Francisco Josemaria K. Garcia Michael P. Leda Antonio Jose Maria A. Lorenzo Carlos Anton L. Manalo Roman Antonio D. Marquez Jacob Ronaldo Cornelio A. Peralta Photographers Bruce Theodore B. Ancheta Nicholas Miguel T. Cruz Carlos Raphael C. Alva Artist Jose Marco C. Leechiu Moderator Mr. Jason Parado Design and Printing Inkwell Publishing Co., Inc. The Junior Ridge is the official Grade School Publication of PAREF-Southridge School.

It comes out as a supplement of the Ridge for the Grade School students.

Got anything to say?

We want you! Email your stories, articles, poems, and letters to us at juniorridge@southridge.ph, and get a chance to read your work in the Junior Ridge! Don’t forget to include your name, grade and section!

Character is the sum of all the virtues you may have

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It is a term most people consider to be the same as “virtue or virtuous”. In fact, it does mean someone’s mental and moral qualities. Therefore, character defines a person. How one person is judged is usually by his character. In this sense, character is who we are and at the same time it is our source of power.

But how is character a source of power?

Let’s say a man sees a poor man on the street and hands him food and a handful of money. You could say “Sure whatever that’s super easy. I could do that.” However is it really that easy? Have you ever given food to a beggar you just passed by or would you even if the opportunity comes?

Not many people would do that. Also we have to admit that doing good for others pleases God, but we don’t do it that much. This then proves that it takes strength to help a lesser man. And where do we get that strength?

Thorough our character.

Strength of character is also shown in the work place or even at home. It is usually hard to work at our tasks at certain times. When at home, perhaps, the temptation to not want to work is harder. It takes strength to have self discipline.

It takes strength to work hard and not to slack off. It takes strength to finish one’s task and not complain. Everyone respects someone who has a good work ethic, which means working hard

and diligently. Work ethic is a part of a powerful character, because power isn’t always physical strength or influence.

But how does one develop good character?

Good character isn’t just about being charitable and giving a poor man a piece of bread.

Having character is much more. The first step to form a good Character is to have patience for people. It is always a good thing to have patience for peoples’ actions, even if they might mess up or be annoying as long as it’s not bad. It’s a key step to having a good character.

The second step is to become responsible, it’s usually not easy to be good if you lack a work ethic, because it’s a key part in one’s life. Whether it is school or work, if you lack a good work ethic you might lag behind a lesson, get stressed out, or just get too serious.

The final step is to offer your virtuous actions of character up to God. When this happens you usually develop a habit of offering your days work to God. This also improves your respect for Him so you would be more willing to go to Confession.

Character may not reward you in riches but it will help you reach a place in Heaven.

The people you talk to will also appreciate your actions, and your good habits might even spread to people who notice it.

Editorial

Junior Ridge

Leaders for S.Y. 2013-2014

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By Golden Sison and Juanpa Abola

This year’s set of Grade School Officers were chosen through a very special process. Summer of 2013, several incoming Grade 6 students were asked to be part of the Summer Leadership Seminar. The participants were chosen through the recommendations of their previous teachers according to their leadership potentials. From the said pool of student leaders will be chosen the 2013-2014 sets of officers for the Grade School Student Council and the Junior Ridge.

For two days, the participants were then given many team building activities designed for each of them to show their leadership skills. After each activity, reflections and sharing of experiences were conducted. Out of the results of the activities and how well the participants behaved, the teachers in-charged of the seminar decided to chose the top ten studentleaders.

The students who made the cut underwent a panel interview wherein each was asked about the position they would like to apply for in the Grade School Council and what their plans are. From this the panel decided on the new set of Grade School officers.

The teachers who facilitated the Leadership Seminar were Messrs.

Barcelona, Alquizalas, Sacay and Parado. Mr. Joey Cristobal, Personal Formation Officer of the Grade School also helped out in the panel

interviews. Mr. Luden Salamat, the Grade School Principal, headed the said teacher-facilitators.

From the Summer Leadership seminar the following emerged as the Officers of the Grade School Student Council SY 2013-2014: Chairman: Vice Chairman: Secretary: Asst. Secretary: Treasurer: Asst. Treasurer: PRO: Member-at-Large:

Justin Patrick D. Cosico Ramon Antonio Luis H. Mapua Jose Javier L. Dioko Antonio Jose Maria A. Lorenzo Juan Pablo M. Cruz Carlos Anton L. Manalo Francisco Josemaria K. Garcia Emmanuel J. Meer

The following students were chosen to head the Junior Ridge:

Editor-in-Chief:

Associate Editors:

Golden Sionil D. Sison Miguel E. Ponce de Leon Juan Pablo U. Abola Iñigo Rafael S. Ligones

The Chairman’s Message

By Justin Cosico

T

his Grade School Student Council has projects that we want to achieve by the end of the school year. We will implement the following campaigns: the A.R.K. (Acts of Random Kindness) Campaign, Outreach Programs, Zero Garbage Year Program, the Reading Campaign, and Kids for Christ Campaign. We want to be successful in these campaigns because we would want the students to become closer to God by doing many acts of kindness and also by attending extra Mass in the week. We would also want the students to spend more time in the library to read educational books that would help them achieve their own goals. We want to build camaraderie with one another.

By the end of this school year, we will finish and accomplish the goals of theses campaigns. We hope to see the improvement in the students. We will try our hardest as your GSSC Officers to accomplish these through this school year.

It is the GSSC’s hope that everyone will participate and support the projects we have presented. We all need to work together to make sure that our goals for the school year are met with great success. Let us all make this year a wonderful and happy school year together as one, big and happy Grade School Family. The Grade School Student Council will surely not let you down.

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Grade School News

Junior Ridge

Southridge Celebrates “Araw ng Wika”

By Mik Leda and

Junior Ridge Bags Over-all Champions in Division Journalism Contest

By Miguel Ponce de Leon The Muntinlupa 2013 Division Journalism Contest was held on October 19, 2013 in Pedro E. Diaz High School. The theme was “The Role of Campus Journalism in Transformational Leadership.”

The representatives of PAREF Southridge School were Marco Austriaco for Sports Writing, Bruce Ancheta for Photo Journalism, Juanpa Abola for Copyreading and Headline Writing, Marco Leechiu for Editorial Cartooning, Inigo Ligones for Editorial Writing, Miguel Ponce de Leon for News Writing, and Golden Sison for Feature Writing.

After the opening ceremony, representatives from each participating schools went to their designated classroom. A one hour talk per category was given before the contest proper.

News Writing, Feature Writing, and Editorial Writing were held in the morning, while Sports Writing, Headline Writing, and Editorial Cartooning were held in the afternoon.

The awarding ceremony was held on September 24, 2013, five days after the contest. Juanpa Abola, Marco Leechiu, and Miguel Ponce de Leon won first place in their respective categories and qualified for the Regional Metro Manila Young Writers Contest and Conference (MMYWCC). Months of preparation paid-off for the school’s young journalists as Southridge also bagged first place over-all champions in the English Category for the 2013 Muntinlupa Division Journalism Contest.

Roman Marquez

August 30, 2013 saw the whole Southridge School celebrating the annual Araw ng Wika.

Our very own Mr. Norman Charvet, Subject Development Officer for Filipino, headed the celebration.

The day started off with the “Prusisyon” which was attended by the entire Southridge student body including the teachers, the management staff and the parents. Staying true to the traditional rural “Prusisyon”, the procession was led by a “Banda” (Marching Band) and included several “Poon” (Images of Saints) carried and followed by the students. At the end of the procession, the entire Southridge community came together to hear Mass celebrated by the school’s Assistant Chaplain, Fr. Tony Reyes.

After the Mass, the whole school rushed into a day filled with activities. One annual thing Southridge does every “Araw ng Wika” is to showcase Filipino culture through the different forms of dances from around our country. This year’s dances were performed by St. Francis’ of Assisi College Gintong Lahi Dance Troupe.

Another activity for the day was the “Palarong Pinoy”. This was where the students from Grade School to High School played different traditional Filipino Games. Games for the Grade School included the Calamansi Relay, the Sack Race, the “Pukpok Palayok” and the highlight for the Grade School, the “Catch the Pig”. The “Catch the Pig” was played by two representatives from each section whose aim was to catch the piglet. The pig and players were put in an enclosure. The piglet was let loose and the students enjoyed catching it.

After the games, the school got ready for the yearly “Pistang Pinoy”.

The students of the Intermediate school fetched their assigned younger brothers form the Primary School. The intermediate students were supposed to be big brothers to the primary students for the “salu-salo”.

They are to accompany them in getting their food.

The entire celebration showed the unity of the school under one national language. Likewise, the “Araw ng Wika” celebrations exhibited once more the partnership of the Parents, Teachers and Students in making this event a great success.

By Jake Peralta The year 2013 was a fruitful year for the Grade School as the Intermediate School ha numerous achievements in the areas of Math and Science. Among these include the 2013 Australian Mathematics Competition wherein Juan Pablo Abola of Grade 6B won a High Distinction Award. He also placed third in the MUNTAPAT-PARLAS Division Mathematics Quiz Bee. Another achiever is Golden Sionil Sison of Grade 6C. He was one of the recipients of the YES (Youth Excellence in Science) Award for 2013. The award was given by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute.

Other achievements include the topnotcher finish of Miguel Fermin (Gr. 5B), Bruce Ancheta (Gr. 6A), Juanpa Abola (Gr. 6B), Golden Sison (Gr. 6C), Jacob Peralta (Gr. 5B), and Alden Saludez (Gr. 5D) in the 13th Young Mathematicians In-House Training Program.

Grade School News

Junior Ridge

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DepEd Muntilupa Visits SR

By Miguel Ponce de Leon The Dep-Ed Muntinlupa Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Priscila De Sagun, together with eight Division Subject Supervisors, and the city’s 22 public elementary school and nine public high school principals came to tour PAREF Southridge last October 11, 2013. The visit was done as a benchmarking to find out how way things are done in this school.

The Division Officers wanted to learn from the Southridge experience. They checked out the facilities like the classrooms, sports facilities, the faculty rooms, cafeteria, etc. around Southridge. The Division Officers were toured around the school by the principal, Mr. Luden Salamat. The School Principals of the city were toured around by the officers of the Grade School Student Council. On top of checking the facilities, the visitors also wanted to learn about the implementation of the Character Formation Program of the school.

In the afternoon session, Mr. Salamat gamely answered the questions of the visiting principals. Their talk focussed on how the public schools can implement some of the things that they have observed from Southridge in their own respective schools.

The Division Superintendent started to have an interest on Southridge last February 13, 2013, Father’s Day “I am your Father”, where she was impressed on how the annual celebration was run and on what made many families attend Father’s Day. Southridge Grade School then invited the Superintendent to be a speaker in the Intermediate School Student Assembly last September. After her talk, she was given a tour of the campus.

Accepting visitors from other schools and School Divisions is part of Southridge’s response to the challenge of the Department of Education Secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro, to cascade the idea of home-school collaboration to the public schools in the metro and to the country.

Before the tour ended, some Afternoon School students who came from the different public schools of Muntinlupa came over to greet their former principals.

Southridge Holds Civics Quiz Bee

By Toby Bautista and Javi Dioko

The Civics Quiz Bee was held in the Southridge Auditorium last September 18, 2013. Mr. Juny Antonio, Subject Development Officer for Civics and History, assited by Mr. Irwin Varon (for the Primary School) and Mr. Vince Cabuang (for the Intermediate School) took charge of the said event.

The participants of the Quiz Bee were grouped into groups of three.

Each three-man team was composed of two students from Grade Three and one student from Grade two for the Primary School Category; and one student from Grades Four, Five and Six for the Intermediate School Category. Each group was named after a certain historical figure.

There were three rounds in the Quiz bee, and in every round there were ten questions. There was the Easy Round, which was a multiple choice round wherein teams were given five seconds to answer. Then came the Average Round, where the teams were given 10 seconds to answer.

And finally for the Difficult Round, which was entirely identification where the teams were given 15 seconds to answer the questions. The questions ranged from topics covered from across the grade levels.

After three rounds of grueling trivia questions, these groups emerged as the winners for the Civics and History Quiz Bee: Primary School Category: Julio Alfonso Requejo (Gr. 3), Nathan Yu (Gr. 3), and Joannes Paul Camacho (Gr. 2); and for the Intermediate School: Team Abad Santos composed of Emilio Lorenzo (Gr. 4), Jacob Peralta (Gr. 5), and Ethan Villanueva (Gr. 6).

Grade School Leaders join Tagaytay Leadership Training Workshop

By Xicu Garcia

With the goal of forming good leaders, the Southridge Grade School held a Leadership Training Seminar last July 12 to 13, 2013 at the Villa De Oro, Tagaytay City. The Leadership Seminar was facilitated by the Grade School Principal, Mr. Luis Prudencio G. Salamat, assisted by Mr. Vener Serafico, Mr. Dann Barcelona, Mr. Edson Alquizalas, Mr. Ryan Zulueta, Mr. Charles Sacay and Mr. Jason Parado.

The participants of the seminar were the current class officers of the Grades Four, Five, and Six levels. They were joined by the officers of the Grade School Student Council, the Junior Ridge and the Grade School Marshals.

Once again, the goal of the seminar was to make students act like leaders instead of just being ordinary students. This was achieved through team building activities patterned to the style of the Amazing Race.

The Amazing Race had many activities like Floor Flip, Human Spring, Junior Inventors, and more. These were accomplished by a group composed of the officers of a particular class or organization. Each task highlighted a particular virtue of a leader like Resourcefulness, Teamwork, Cooperation, Trust, and so on. After each task, each team was given a paper to write down a reflection of what they did and how well they did the task. There were also break up sessions wherein the class officers of a section can plan out their activities and campaigns for the entire school year. These plans were then presented to the entire group during the last day of the leadership seminar.

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Junior Ridge

News Feature

Meet the New Grade School Teachers!

By Juanpa Abola and Miguel Ponce De Leon

A new school year has started! As with other school years, we have new teachers! First and foremost, we would like to say, “Welcome to Southridge!” We would also like to introduce our new teachers.

Mr. Vance Perez Where did you graduate and what course did you take?

I graduated in University of Santo Tomas and took the course of Bachelor of arts Philosophy.

Why did you decide to teach?

I love to talk a lot and I want to be the center of attention. So teaching is the perfect job for me.

How do you find Southridge?

I find Southridge very interesting because it is a new world of education for me, different from the school I studied in. It makes you want to explore more.

What are your hobbies?

I sing for a band to remove stress. I play basketball with my cousins.

I also play computer games.

What other subject/s would you like to teach aside from Filipino?

Civics or English because numbers and me are not friends.

How would you describe yourself?

The kids say I’m funny, but I’m actually serious.

Mr. Joseph Santiago Where did you graduate and what course did you take?

I graduated in Philippine Normal University and took the course of Secondary Education Major in English.

Why did you decide to teach?

I decided to teach because I wanted to repay one good deed my elementary school teacher did to me.

How do you find Southridge?

A special formation of students and teachers.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy blogging and writing stories.

What other subject/s would you like to teach aside from English?

Civics How would you describe yourself?

In the classroom, I have a “Jim Carrey type” of body movement.

Junior Ridge

News Feature

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How would you describe yourself?

I always tend to smile, and I may seem bashful but I am really an approachable person Mr. Charles Sacay Where did you graduate and what course did you take?

I graduated in De La Salle UniversityDasmarinas and took Bachelor of Physical Education.

Why did you decide to teach?

I wanted to be a nurse, but I was a late enrollee, so I didn’t get in. I really wanted to study, but the only available courses were in education and criminology.

So I took up Bachelor of Physical Education. It was a God-given course and His will for me.

How do you find Southridge?

I find Southridge an excellent school because it is not only for the education of students, but also for character formation.

What are your hobbies?

I play several sports. I like swimming, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and badminton. I enjoy eating out with my friends. I don’t really like watching movies in the cinema but I like watching them at home with my friends.

What other subject/s would you like to teach aside from P.E.?

Filipino.

How would you describe yourself?

If you are good to me, I will be good to you. I always smile whenever there are problems. I want everything to be okay.

Mr. Joel Salazar Where did you graduate and what course did you take?

I graduated in Philippine Normal University and took the course BS PsychologyGuidance and Counseling Stream, specialized in special education.

Why did you decide to teach?

Because I think I am suitable for this job.

It is God’s will for me.

How do you find Southridge?

I find Southridge a new home.

What are your hobbies?

I like singing and reading.

What other subject/s would you like to teach aside from Science?

Psychology, Filipino or Art. How would you describe yourself?

I am a very approachable person and at the same time I love mingling with people.

Mr. Darwin Quitan Where did you graduate and what course did you take?

I graduated in University of Santo Tomas and took Travel Management.

Why did you decide to teach?

I see teaching as a God-given vocation to form souls and lead them to God. How do you find Southridge?

I find it very nice that I would enjoy teaching. I also enjoy the new environment and attending Holy Mass everyday.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy drawing and reading books about the classics, history and architecture. I sometimes go out and buy old stuff/books from antique shops.

What other subject would you lie to teach aside from Civics?

I’d probably teach Religion.

Mr. Lester Collamar Where did you graduate and what course did you take?

I graduated in University of Asia and the Pacific and took the course of Bachelor of arts Industrial Economics.

Why did you decide to teach?

Having a background in Economics, my interests are in human development. If we want to have good and responsible citizens (and consumers) in the future, we have to invest on proper and quality education, which aims at the formation not only of the mind, but more importantly, in character. This has motivated me always to want to teach.

How do you find Southridge?

I get to see the two sides of the coin, as a teacher and a student before.

Now, I get a better understanding and appreciation of the system, which runs for the integral development of its students, i.e., Holistic formation What are your hobbies?

I play Ultimate Frisbee. I was in fact very glad to see students now playing this in Southridge, because during my time, this sport has not really gained much popularity among students. Also, when there is a holiday or during vacations, my friends and I would usually go mountain hiking.

What other subject/s would you like to teach aside from Religion?

Two subjects: I am interested in teaching Physical Education (any level), and also Math for Primary School students. When I was in college, I would always teach the sport I like, Ultimate, to my friends and I would tell the reasons why it can be the sport for us, Filipinos (and not Basketball). But before I got into Ultimate, I used to be part of UA&P’s Dance Varsity, Squadra, then after a year, I decided to join the Volleyball Varsity since that was my sport in high school. Another thing is Math. I guess that is the closest subject to my specialization, Economics.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a cheerful guy. When I was in college, I rarely got mad at anyone.

But now teaching Grade 6 students sometimes challenges my personality.

And if ever I become strict in class, that’s my way of telling my students that they need to be corrected, gently but firmly. I also like to listen to upbeat music, and sometimes dance to the beat of the drums. J

CAPTAIN VIRTUE’S

By Rajah Felipe an

Who is Captain Virtue?

In his world, he is the symbol of hope and the role model of virtue to all Southridge students. He hopes that one day they too can become a superhero in their own ways by literally living a life of virtue. However, if you look at him, he does not seem like a superhero because he does not have any sort of super power.

For many people who are used to modern superheroes, this would seem unusual to most. But do not be deceived, he is still a hero. By relying on the power of character, he becomes a superhero.

Captain Virtue in his fictional world is just an ordinary person, but he has an extraordinary way of doing things. He is guided by his heart of virtue to do everything he can with excellence. So, you can claim that he is the greatest model of virtue, but he does not want to claim it. If he did, he would lose the point of being a man with virtue—it would make him look like he lacked humility.

Now here’s the question we really want to ask from Captain Virtue:

S Secret to POWER

nd Carlos Manalo

“How do we live a life of virtue?”. First, we must train ourselves into being virtuous people. We would not want to teach blindly because one cannot know what is true virtue without the knowledge and experience of being virtuous. We cannot be leaders or role models if we do not know the struggles involved into becoming one. Therefore, we must challenge ourselves to learn the virtues we want to have, which means failure is a possibility. But like all superheroes, he also knows the pain and the depression of the failures he faced. He learned to stand up when he fell.

It is also possible for us to do this if we had the courage and toughness to bring ourselves back up. This is the only way we can learn the virtues.

In the end, we have to continue to struggle to live a life of virtue. We must make good habits a part of who we are. If we master this, then, like Captain Virtue, we would become people of great power, we will become people of GREAT CHARACTER! Captain Virtue’s... HIS POWER IS HIS CHARACTER... HIS MOTTO, “CHARACTER IS POWER!”

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Special Feature

Junior Ridge

Saying Goodbye to the Man of the Golden Voice: In memory of Mr George Carandang

By Special Correspondent Joaquin Consing 8C

August 12, 1957 - July 10, 2013

Special Feature

J

uly 10, 2013 was the day that we lost one of Southridge’s best teachers: Mr George Carandang. Mr. Carandang was with Southridge for 20 years before he retired March of 2013. He is one of the longest serving teachers of the Grade School. He taught many different subjects and held different positions in the service of the school. So it came as a shock that the always upbeat and always energetic Mr. Carandang would leave us so soon.

Sir Carandang was always such a devoted teacher, and he was always enthusiastic with his profession. Even before he came to this school, Sir Carandang has always been a teacher.

He used to teach refugees who came from Vietnam way back in the 90’s. In the refugee camp, he spent a good number of years teaching his students English as a foreign language. When he came to Southridge, he was already an experienced teacher.

We count ourselves lucky to be the last batch that Mr. Carandang ever taught. Last year, Sir Carandang taught us in Civics. I got to say, he was one of the best teachers we’ve had. It’s sad that we only got to know him for just one year. I wish we could have spent more time with him. I think we were so lucky that we were able to be taught by him. He’d always keep the class alive because even though he’d have us act like gentlemen, he’d also show us his funny side and he would always share stories with us and tell us jokes. He was one of the really fun teachers. I think one of his most memorable traits was his awesome DJ voice, unsurprising because he used to be one. Anyways, sir had this awesome deep voice that everyone thought was so cool. I remember one time, sir was complementing one of my classmates and he said “One day, you’ll have a voice like me!”.

Mr. Carandang was just so awesome. One of the really cool things about him was that he was also really fun outside the classroom. When you’d go visit him in the faculty room, he would always spring up to say hello to you, he would always greet you with a smile and joke around a bit. He was really the type of person that’s really friendly and open to people. This made him not just a teacher to us, but he was also our friend.

One of the coolest moments I have of him was when he actually performed in THE SHOW! He was actually one of the few teachers who performed in the show. He sang one of his favourite songs “Stars” from the musical “Les Miserables”. The cool thing was nailed it! If you still want to check his performance out, you can still find his it on youtube.

Anyways, sir was one of the energetic teachers despite his age and he was always generous, kind, and brave. Even at the serious times, he would be able to lighten up the room. Isn’t it so nice to know how one person, whether big or small could have such a big impact on those who knew him.

I remember the first time we had to say goodbye to sir last year. It was at the last student assembly where he announced his resignation from Southridge. We felt sad to know that we weren’t going to see more of Sir Carandang anymore. It comforted us to know that other people would also be given the chance to experience the way Mr. Carandang teaches. But still, we know thate we will miss all those wise sayings, the projects, and of course, him. He always made Civics a really fun subject and he was always fun and generous and kind to us. I wish that you guys had the chance to be his students.

Isn’t it amazing about how much one person can inspire so many people without them even knowing it? So many alumni, teachers, and students have been affected by Mr Carandang one way or another. These are just the voices of a few of them. Thank you so much sir for all the fun times we had in school. Goodbye and thank you Mr. Carandang.

“Sir was such a great teacher, he made me feel confident because he would complement me when I got his questions correct. Felt so bad when he announced his retirement, more so when the news came he passed away. I miss you sir.”

- Enzo Tansingco, Year III “Mr. Carandang really made me enjoy Civics class and his teachings of the constitution.

I really enjoyed his stories and they were definitely at a different level. He was the voice of God because of his amazing DJ voice.”

- Claro Manzano, Year V “When I hear the name Mr. Carandang the thing that pops out of my mind are FUNNY and HANDSOME. Batch 2018 is the luckiest batch because we were the last batch he taught.”

- Andres David, Grade 8 “Sir Carandang always brought life in school for with that deep voice and jokes every 25 minutes he could keep the class energetic.”

- Vince Miranda, Grade 8

Junior Ridge

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News Feature

Junior Ridge

X : Of Dedication and Service MAGISTER

By Tobit Casillaño and Roman Marquez

The Magister X is a yearly tradition that celebrates and recognizes the commitment of teachers in our school in their number of years of stay in the school. The big stars of the ceremony are the Tenth Year Awardees. These awardees are dubbed as “Magister” (Latin for “teacher”). They are given this recognition for their great service and dedication to our dear school Southridge.

Last June 2013, the teachers who celebrated this great milestone are Mr. Felizardo “Jhun” Olarve and Mr. Derald Fababeir. We thank and congratulate Mr. Olarve and Mr. Fababeir for their dedicated service and loyalty to the Southridge. We are proud to have them as part of the Grade School family.

When asked what made him stay in Southridge for ten years, Mr. Olave replied that he considers his Grade School colleagues as his family.

He said: “First and foremost, my co-teachers are like a family to me. If I leave, then it would be as hard as leaving my own family. Secondly, if you are having fun with the people you work with, the more you are inspired to work. I also appreciate the culture of Southridge where there is formation for the teachers.”

Mr. Olarve also shared that in Southridge he learned that above all else, family should be the top priority. He also expressed his gratitude to the many people who helped him grow as a teacher and as a person in his ten years of stay here in the school. Finally, when asked as to what he can say to the newer teachers, he has this to share, “I recommend to them that they llearn from the old teachers and imitate their manner of dealing with parents, addressing concerns, and handling pressure. They should try to think of how to contribute to the success of Southridge. Lastly, I recommend to them that they take the formation of the school for the teachers positively and seriously because I owe the growth of my spiritual life to Southridge.”

Mr. Fababeir shared with the Junior Ridge that he considers his ten years of service as a journey. For him, the Magister X was more than selfrecognition but a truly a journey. He shares, “[The Magister is a] Journey in the sense that we attain happiness by serving others. It is a moment of reflection. It is the time to ask myself how did I use my ten years? Have I been a good son, have I been a good husband, have I been a good

friend or have I been a better teacher?”

Amidst these reflections, he has realized that he should not be contented with being good or that he be satisfied with the better, but rather to continue to work hard to be the best that God wants him to be.

As a final message he has these to say: “Let me have this opportunity to say thank you for those who been part of my journey. I praise God for molding me as a teacher not a doctor. To my parents who been so understanding and so caring. To my dad who I know already with the Lord. Sorry for failing your last request to see me. You will always be my model of hardwork and humility. To my mom, my first teacher you give up teaching just to take care of us. To my loving wife, thank you for the unconditional love, thank you for the sacrifice and understanding. Thank you for considering me as the boss despite of my earnings but I know your the boss of bosses. To my son Teige who inspired to work harder you showed we the true meaning of fatherhood.”

Once more the whole Southridge community and the Grade School family say, THANK YOU FOR THE YEARS MR. FABABEIR and MR. OLAVE!

Feature

Junior Ridge

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A New School, A New World

By Marco Austriaco

When my mom enrolled me in Southridge, I was completely fine with it. Little did I know this was going to be the toughest experience of a school ever.

Don’t get me wrong – a challenging school is an excellent school. It is just that I was not used to this kind of system. I have been in an international school nearly all of my life, and an international school is definitely way easier.

So entering Southridge was really a big adjustment for me. But with the continuous support of my family, friends and teachers I slowly started to fit in.

My first impressions when I first got here was that there were so many different subjects, so many different teachers and so many projects and homework. It took my quite a while to get used to the way things are done here, but little by little, I realized that it wasn’t going to be that difficult. Slowly the teachers started to treat me better, treat me like they wanted me to stay good by supporting me. I realized this quite quickly so I responded, and set high expectations for myself to repay my teachers for the kindness that they were giving me.

After a month I was called out of class, the last period the day. I wondered if I was in trouble, but it was actually going to be an invitation to join the “Junior Ridge”, the school newspaper. I was overwhelmed with joy. On my first month I was already given a big place somewhere in the school. I thought that I would finally begin to be noticed, not just in sports but as well as in academics. After this, I felt that I was capable of anything. The next two months, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy for this was the weeks of exams. We had Long test one, long test two and quarter exams. I didn’t think I was going to do well.

Surprisingly, I got excellent grades in all of the exams, nineties and higher. I got my report card after two weeks. I was a first honor, the first time in my life that I excelled. I was so happy that I actually made it. I succeeded, I passed and I vowed to myself that I will finish.

Even now I go through many high’s and low’s. There are times when I fail quizzes, but with the support of the people I treasure I know I will make it and I will be standing on that stage come Graduation Day. I had to overcome hardships, but through overcoming them, I have become stronger and more confident with myself.

On being Responsible: A Student Assembly by the Division Superintendent

by Medwin Devilleres and Matthew Bensurto The September Student Assembly was a day that we will not forget. On that day, our attention was caught when Mr. Salamat introduced the speaker as a “very special guest”. We were excited to see who this very special guest was. She was then introduced as Dr. Priscila De Sagun, the Schools Division Superintendent of the City of Muntinlupa.

As always, during the start of the Assembly we would always be given an intro on the guest speaker. When I heard the kind of job Dr. De Sagun had, I was really surprised about it. I was wondering on how she found the time to do come to our school to give this talk. I mean, she was the Superintendent so I thought she must be very busy! So we were really thankful to the superintendent for being in Southridge to share with us her message on the virtue of Responsibility.

She is a great person to look up to as a Southridge gentleman especially if you talk about being responsible. If you look at her job, she definitely has a lot of responsibility and she must work hard to be able to do these things.

When Dr. De Sagun started her talk, she said that she came to Southridge to see what Southridge men are composed of. And I think that we Southridge gentlemen showed her, in the talk, that we can show responsibility.

The superintendent shared with us ways on how we can improve in this virtue. I know that it helped us a lot. There was this one thing that she told us about, it was something about waking up and doing those things which is our responsibilities when we wake up. She also said that being responsible does not only end when we are a child but it must also continue as we grow old. Soon we have to live alone, we have to let go and live our own lives and take on challenges and do our responsibilities. It pays to be responsible as early as now.

Also, We need Responsibility in our country because I noticed that some people are overwhelmed with time and don’t do their Responsibilities. People try to procrastinate and say “later” or “mamaya na” in Filipino. The superintendent taught us to not be one of these lazy people.

We have no reason to not be responsible. Our parents sent us to this school because they trusted the school to make us virtuous people. We cannot just depend on the teachers on this though, we also have to help ourselves with making us better people.

We Southridge gentlemen have one goal in school and that is to be a MAN. A man does not depend on another to live his life; a man is independent and can do things on his own. A gentleman does things with manners and does it in a good way, being gentle is to be calm and collected. This is what we are supposed to do as a citizen of the country and as a Southridge gentleman.

To Lend a Helping Hand: Admirals in Action

By Anton Lorenzo and JP Cruz

While you were probably playing video games, relaxing and enjoying the unexpected long break last August due to the heavy rainfall that struck Metro Manila, the GSSC officers and a few number of students received a text message that there will be an “outreach activity” for the victims of the Habagat.

We felt sorry for the flood victims and we wanted to help them. So in response, the Grade School Student Council (GSSC), the Junior Ridge officers, regular students and the teachers came to Southridge on August 22, Thursday, to help out with the relief operations.

We packed up food and clothing and it was given to the flood victims specifically in Barangay Putatan. Some of us just packed up the food and clothing while others went to the group that went to the flood victims in Barangay Putatan.

In this entire experience, we were asked to do it with love.

We didn’t just give because it is not just how much you give, but how much love you put into it as what Mother Teresa said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving”.

But even if we had a hard time with the manual work, we still had a really fun time while we were packing the food and clothing. We also had the same feeling of joy while we were giving the relief goods to the recipients. I am sure that my other friends who went also felt great that we were giving to other people. We actually really didn’t expect anything in return, but the happiness we felt while giving was already a reward for us. That is what charity and generosity should be like. Even though you won’t expect anything in return, God can still give something to you. So we hope that the next time there is an “outreach activity”, you will come and help with a reward of experiencing this feeling of happiness.

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V O M C o mm e n t a r y

Junior Ridge

(Southridge students are asked to write their reflections on the Virtue of the Month. These VOM Commentaries are then submitted to the Grade School Operation Committee for evaluation. The three best commentaries for each grade level is recognized during the monthly Student Assembly. The winning entry is then read on stage by the person who made the commentary. Finally, the best ones are published in the Junior Ridge)

ResponsibilityMy Commentary

By Alphonso A. Alcabao

Responsibility comes from the root word response or to respond. How do we respond or act in all situations? Do we study when we are supposed to study or do we rather just play Minecraft in the iPad? Responsibility simply means giving the right response or doing the right actions in the situations we encounter every day. There is no direct Tagalog translation for the word responsibility, but a close translation would be pananagutan. Even if it’s not a direct translation, it is one of the best ways to describe responsibility. Pananagutan comes from the word sagot or the word answer in English. Pananagutan means that we are answerable for all our actions. If we are responsible people, we will always keep in mind that we are answerable for all our actions.

This world will be much better if people practice responsibility. Our environment will be cleaner because responsible people will practice the three R’s of reduce, reuse and recycle which is the right thing to do for our environment. People will build factories that won’t pollute the rivers and the air.

There will be less violence in this world if people are responsible. Parents won’t hurt and abuse their children, but would rather raise, help and inspire their children to become good Christians. People would not fight nor cheat their neighbors but would rather attend to their needs. A world full of responsible people means a world without poor people. Citizens will strive to become good and excellent businessmen and employees. Employees will do their jobs well

because it’s the right thing to do for the business that they work for. Responsible businessmen will create as many situations as possible for employees to be able to provide for their families and not keep the earnings of their businesses only to themselves.

As Grade 4 students what can we do to practice responsibility? In the morning if we have to wake up at 6 am., we wake up at 6 am. We do the morning routines without asking help from anyone. We finish the morning routines as soon as possible so that we can leave early and not be late for school. In the classroom we pay attention to our teachers and not talk to our seatmates. In the afternoon if we have to start studying at 5 pm., we have to start studying at 5 pm. Because if we start studying 3 or 5 minutes later it’s the same thing as not studying at all.

We accomplish all the study work that has to be done. At night before going to sleep we can prepare our clothes that we will wear and the bag that we will bring for the next school day. We can also do our house chores like setting the table for dinner, bringing our plate to the kitchen after eating or doing the laundry. If we find ourselves not having to do anything we can read books or do a hobby.

In the end the best way to practice responsibility is by offering all the things that we do to God. By offering the things that we do to God, we do the best that we can do for Him. This I can say is the best and right response that we can give in all situations because we are ultimately answerable to God. Motto: I will do the best for God.

Generosity My Commentary

By Schuyler Nicholas V. Figueroa,4-A

I remember when I once helped in the donation of canned goods during our 1 week “vacation” due to the typhoon. There were other Southridge students who also pitched in. In our own small ways by donating and arranging used clothes and repackaging canned goods, we helped the kids who were affected by the typhoon. It was a perfect example of Generosity.

In terms of monetary value, it may not be that much.

But by spending time in collecting the material things donated by everyone, no matter how big or small, we were able to make the people affected by the typhoon feel the love of God for them.

Generosity is a virtue that everyone needs to practice to become a better person. It is being the best that you can be just by sharing simple things to the needy. We were given blessings from God so it is our duty to share what He has given us. If we don’t share and become selfish and greedy, we are slowly hurting God. This is because the Holy Bible tells us that what you have done to those who are in need, you have done it to God. Generosity allows us to do something not just for other people, but for God as well. When we don’t practice this virtue, we will become sadder because we do not become closer to God. If this virtue makes God happy, it means it can make us happy too. We can imagine it as a promise to God. He has given us all the material things we have and in return, we should make a promise that we will take care of these things and share them with those in need. Every time we are not generous, the promise is broken more and more. Always being generous will help us become better.

This is such a simple thing you can do to God who is the source of everything you have in your life. God gave us life and most of all was most generous to us when He shared His Son, Jesus Christ, with us. We should at least give Him a little sacrifice for all that He gave us. As students in Southridge, we can make God happy just by doing our school work and being generous with our time in helping other students and in doing the projects organized by our school.

After all, Generosity does not only mean helping others materially. Being generous with your time and talents is also important. As a young student, I believe I practice this virtue because I like coaching my classmates or helping them with their homework.

How can this virtue be practiced if sometimes we are tempted by the devil to slowly turn away from God? We need to be the best we can be and always be careful in our actions. Just one small sin already makes God sad. We need to share our things and make a little sacrifice by giving away some of our most beloved things, such as our favorite toys. Then, you need to be sure that the object your giving can make the person receiving it have a bright smile. You don’t want the person to be sad. Also, you could pray to Jesus in the chapel even for just 5 minutes of your time so that you can spend time with Him. Generosity is an important virtue and we should practice it. This virtue will make the whole world different and will make us pleasing to the eyes of God. Motto: Generosity isn’t just about sharing material things; it is about sharing time and one’s self to others and to God.

Junior Ridge

Sports

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Admirals Win 10-U KIA Football Cup 2013

By Jake Peralta

Southridge’s Admirals triumphed in the football tournament for the 10 years and under division last August 31, 2013 at the Ayala Alabang Country Club. The team was victorious all the way. They won in the finals and became champions of their division with a 6-0 victory over the Nomad FC. The Grade School Admirals competed in the youth division under the born 2003 category. The youth team consists of a seven per side game where seven players are needed for each game. Several school soccer varsity teams and football clubs participated in the event.

Southridge’s team was composed by Galen Fernandez, Gab Estrella, Basti Aljama, Alden Saludez, Migo Banson, Miko Cano, Alab Tiotangco, Josh Alquiros, Mik Leda, Rafa Soliman, Dino Caganda, and Franco Garcia. Galen Fernandez, team captain, also bagged the Most Valuable Player award. Coach Ryan Lorenzo mentored the team to victory.

Asked about how they were selected for the team, the team responded that they underwent a rigorous selection process where only the fittest boys were chosen. They prepared hard for the tournament by undergoing Friday trainings. When they won, they were ecstatic as all their hard work paid off.

The KIA Cup was sponsored by Columbian AutoCars Corporation, the exclusive distributor of KIA cars in the Philippines. It is a large national level tournament with youth and adult divisions. Through this tournament, the organizers aim to promote youth development and the growth of the sport.

Only in its third year, the increase in number of participants in the competition from about 60 teams in 2011 to over 130 teams this year attests to the rise in popularity of the sport in the country. A key attraction of the event is a football clinic for kids from 8 to 12 years old conducted by the Philippine Azkals.

Gilas Pilipinas : All Heart!

By Miguel Iñigo L. Fermin

(Southridge student, Miguel Fermin, tells us his experience witnessing first hand the triumph of the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Basketball Team in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship last August 1 to 11, 2013.)

I first met the players of the Philippine National Basketball Team at the Bossing Banquet and Gilas Cheer Rally sponsored by the MVP group of companies. This event was held at the Executive Lounge of the SM Mall of Asia Arena. My dad , who works for PLDT/Smart, thought that I shouldn’t pass up on the chance of getting to know the Gilas players. He was right!

Dad’s friend and Gilas team coach, Tito Chot Reyes, introduced me to the whole team. They were gigantic men! I shook the hands of LA Tenorio, Gary David, Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo. Jimmy Alapag, Japeth Aguilar and Gabe Norwood patted me on the head. Jason Castro, Jeff Chan, Marc Pingris and even Coach Norman Black gamely posed in pictures with me. The two biggest men were Junmar Fajardo and their import Marcus Doubthit. I felt puny standing next to them. The thirteenth member of the squad, reserve player Beau “Extra Rice” Belga was also there. Some asked me if I played basketball. I said I love to watch the game but my sport is swimming. It was a thrilling experience to be with them even for a moment.

The first game I watched was the one against Kazakhstan. As I waited for the game to start, the legendary basketball player Robert Jaworski entered the arena. I became super excited and nervous at the same time.

My parents insisted that I take a picture with him. He was a very obliging gentleman. The “Big J” told me to study well and stay healthy. The game was close one until halftime. The big men of Kazakhstan played a good game. The player of the night, however, was Gary David. He clinched the

win for the country as he made shot after shot, and topscored for the Philippine team.

The semi finals game against Korea was the best game I had seen in my entire life! The whole arena was resounding with drumbeats and cheers .

We were given signs and shirts that read “Laban Pilipinas” and “Puso”. The Koreans’ shooting skill can only be described as excellent. All the shots went straight inside the hoop with a “swoosh” without hitting the rim! At one point, I actually thought that Gilas would lose.

To boost the team , the full house crowd did the “wave”. We stood up one after another while raising our arms first up and then down. My Dad was even caught on camera putting up his “Puso “ sign and shouting “Go Pilipinas!” At the half, however, Marc Pingris powered the team to shave off the lead of the Koreans. LA Tenorio and Jason Castro also showed their tenacity in the court. Dad and I were jumping up and down in our seats like kangaroos to show our support for the team. In the end, it was team captain Jimmy Alapag who used his experience and skill to lead the team to victory with his three pointers. Dad and I were so lucky we even got a picture with Mr. Alapag after the game!

For most Filipinos, the game against the Koreans was already the championship. After four decades of waiting, the Philippine National Basketball team has finally made it to the FIBA Basketball World Cup to be held in Madrid, Spain. The journey was difficult. But the Filipino fans supported the team to the very end; even when they lost to the Goliaths of Iran in the finals. The team gave everything they had and showed all heart.

I am proud to have been a part of their quest. I am proud to be Filipino.

Go Gilas Pilipinas!

Araw ng Wika

Leadership Training Seminar

Grade School Sports Fest