The Junior Ridge 2015

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Message Grade School News News Feature Mini Ridge Junior Special Feature Sports

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New Teachers

Magister X

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Editorial

Junior Ridge

35 Years Onward

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.

Editors Iñigo Rafael S. Ligones Miguel IñigoL. Fermin Jacob Ronaldo Cornelio A. Peralta

Staffers Joachim Tobias V. Bautista Tobit Raphael M. Casilliano Denzel Yros C. Dinglasan Michael Leda Jr. Josemaria Enrique P. Mapa Roman Antonio D. Marquez Eduardo Sebastian Y. Martinez Diego Luis N. Rosadia Simon Alab E. Tiotangco Alphonso Miguel A. Alcabao Schuyler Nicholas V. Figueroa Paolo Guillermo B. Fernandez Noah A. Limlengco Jonah Andres L. Roxas Joaquin Antonio Sator Jose Vicente Sator Photographer Luis Enrico U. Catedral Artist Ramon Manuel Gustavo F. Mitra 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!

It has been 35 years!

As such, we are celebrating our anniversary with the theme: “35 years of Active Home-School Collaboration”.

35 is a bit of a weird number to have a grand celebration, but if you look back on everything that’s happened since 1979 when the school was founded, we have many reasons worth celebrating in Southridge for the past 35 years!

In this year’s celebrations, we can bolster our school spirit, remember the past, and make our very own 35th year resolutions in the anniversary.

Southridge as a school has always been on the top of the leaderboards.

The occasion of our anniversary reminds us to keep it that way. It’s a reason to take pride in the school. The 35th year is a great time to celebrate the school’s achievements and be proud of them!

As much as topping the leaderboards feels good, we should remember the past aside from the present. Every great undertaking had a small or less than great beginning, and Southridge’s no different.

34 years ago, Southridge was just a small building – the Main Building in the middle of a grassy field – today it’s a large complex of buildings. We should remember the toil of the teachers, parents, and students back then who helped make Southridge the school that it is today.

Likewise, we should make “35th Year Resolutions”. These resolutions should include ways to make Southridge into an even better school. Change starts with each and every one of us, let’s do a better job! Anything we can do well, let us strive to do better.

We have a great anniversary for a great school. With it we can remember the past, excel in the present, and look to and improve into the future.

Grade School Council Page

Junior Ridge

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GSSC Campaigns: To Serve and to Involve

By Pepi Mapa, Diego Rosadia, Roman Marquez and Toby Bautista

The Grade School Student Council is a dedicated group of people who are determined to help the students of the school and the community of Southridge. The Council wants everyone to participate and be a part of the work that they for the school. That is why the GSSC has come up with many different programs and campaigns to serve and involve the students of the Grade School.

The GSSC has eight campaigns. The first one is the No Child Left Behind or NCLB with the chairman, Toby Bautista, in charge. The campaign aims to pull up the grades of failing or near failing students by using tutors. The tutors are those students who are getting higher grades. For this campaign, the virtues of charity and generosity of time and talents are practiced.

Another campaign is the Zero Waste Management Campaign which has programs connected to lessen trash in the school. This campaign is headed by the Vice Chairman, Alden Saludez. This campaign has one program wherein each class has to make a blue box where they put their trash that is made of paper or cardboard. The trash will then be recycled. In this program, the council hopes to teach responsibility towards the environment.

The next campaign is the Kids for Christ Campaign. The officer in charge of this campaign is Pepi Mapa, the Secretary. This campaign aims to encourage students to visit the chapel more often, go to Mass daily if possible, and help fellow students through acts of compassion. In general, it wants to make students better Christians. One of the programs for the KFC is the Kindness Box, wherein each student writes on a piece of paper when someone did a good deed for him. Then he puts the paper in a box. With this program, we can see who has been doing good deeds for one another. The campaign aims to increase the faith and Love of God in each of the students in the Grade School.

Another campaign is the Order & Discipline Campaign headed by the Treasurer, Luigi Catedral and assisted by the Grade 4 Representative, Dylan Umali.

The main part of this campaign is the Marshaling Program, which help in ensuring more order and discipline in the school by reminding the students about what to do during assemblies and Grade School activities.

Through this program, the virtue of Order is further enhanced.

The next campaign is the Outreach Campaign and the officers in charge are the P.R.O. Louis

Castillo, and the Assistant Secretary, Yim Gu Kim. This campaign is in charge of all the donations for outreach uses. It aims to come up with programs that would benefit the less privileged and the needy. Activities for this program would include outreach to the auxiliary staff, to students from other schools and others. Through this program, we are given opportunities to practice our Charity towards others.

The sixth campaign is the Sports Campaign with Matti Roxas as the officer in charge. Part of this campaign is a friendly game between classes every Friday during lunchtime. This program not only increases the physical abilities of each student who joins but also the sportsmanship of each of the participants.

Another campaign is the Kindness Campaign. The officer in charge of this campaign is the Memberat-Large, Tobit Casillano. It encourages students to spread kindness more. Each month has a special event connected to kindness. This program also develops the thoughtfulness of each student to one another.

The last campaign to be explained is the Reading Campaign with Jose Villanueva, the Assistant Treasurer, as the person in charge. This campaign encourages students to read more. And through reading more, they would improve their reading skills. This reinforces the virtue of Study.

These are the campaigns of the GSSC. We hope that you can involve yourself in one or two of these campiagnes. Any help you give the GSSC in their campaigns is a help that you give to the other students of Southridge and to the Southridge Community. Let us all do our part!

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Grade School News

Junior Ridge

SOUTHRIDGE APSAM CHAMPIONS

By Noah Limlengco and Jonah Roxas

APSAM Race Champions Jake Peralta, Noah Limlengco, and Inigo Ligones with their coach Mr. Jong Espejo and SR Registrar Mr. Allen Pecina PAREF Southridge emerged as champions in the 3rd Associtaion of Private School Administrators of Muntinlupa (APSAM) Academic Race that happened in Festival Mall last October 3, 2014. The team composed of Inigo Ligones (Grade 6A), Jacob Peralta (Grade 6C), and Noah Limlengco (Grade 5C) brought home the 1st place medals and cash prizes along with a trophy for the school. They were trained by Mr. Joseph Espejo Subject Development Officer of

Science in the Grade School.

The Academic Race is a competition that focuses on five subject matters, namely Science, Math, English, Filipino, and HEKASI/Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies). This contest is only open to APSAM member schools.

The said APSAM Academic Rece was participated by 22 private schools in the City of Muntinlupa. The contest had two rounds, the elimination round and the final round. Each subject has 15 questions, five easy, five average, and five difficult. The easy questions are worth one point each, the average two points, and the difficult three points.

JUNIOR RIDGE GOES TO THE NATIONALS The Junior Ridge once more makes it to the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) this coming April in the City of Taguig. Representing the National Capital Region for the NSPC are Noah Limlengco for Science News Writing and Denzel Dinglasan for Copyreading and Headline Writing. Noah placed 3rd in his category, while Denzel placed 2nd for his.

The two earned their spots to the Nationals by competing and winning in the Metro Manila Young Writers Contest and Conference (MMYWCC).

The MMYWCC is the regional stage for the Journalism contest for the elementary level.

The said contest is joined by the best campus writers of the different schools of Metro Manila. There is an average of 260 participants per category. Only the top three winners per category will make it to the National Press Conference.

Southridge was able to send five participants to the MMYWCC namely Gustavo Mitra for Editorial Cartooning, Inigo Ligones for Editorial Writing, Miguel Fermin for Feature Writing and the abovementioned students.

These participants earned their spots in the Regionals by winning in the Division Journalism Contest.

Araw Ng Wika 2014

By Chino and Vico Sator The “Araw ng Wika 2014” celebration was held last August 29, 2014. Same as with the previous years, the “Araw ng Wika” involved the entire school community: from the grade school to the high school students, the faculty and the staff and maintenance personnel.

This celebration was certainly an important and memorable one.

The day started with the celebration of the Holy Mass in the covered courts. It was a very beautiful and perfect day for the Mass as the weather cooperated fully. The Mass was, of course, celebrated in the national language, Filipino. The students sang the songs the teachers had taught them to sing, which were also in Filipino. Many special guests, including parents and alumni, participated in the Mass. When the Mass was finished, the entire student body returned to their classrooms to change into their 35th year anniversary shirts and prepare for the fun and games to come.

The games were then held at the covered courts. A particular activity, which the Intermediate school students have been practicing for several years, was called the Kuya system. The Kuya system is a bonding program wherein one student from a higher grade level has to take care of a partner from the primary school.

This gave the students in the Intermediate School a good opportunity to interact and familiarize themselves with the students they took care of.

Then the students went down to the courts where food was served to each grade level. After the lunch, or salu-salo, the students played games. There were colorful piñatas, pretty decorations, and fun Filipino games like chase the pig and sack race.

Truly the Araw ng Wika reminds us that we have to celebrate the National Language and our very own Filipino Culture. The activities do really make one feel truly Pinoy!

Civics Quiz Bee Held

By Joaquin N. Cosico and Savio Eugenio

The team composed of Iñigo Ligones from Grade Six, Carlo Tansingco from Grade 5 and Ethan Ignacio from Grade 4 bag this year’s Civics and History Quiz Bee. They received Gold medals for winning this particular event. The Civics quiz bee was held in the auditorium last September 4. The event was hosted by Mr. Juny Antonio, the Subject Development Officer of the Grade School for Civics.

The quiz bee was participated a team composed of one student from each Intermediate Level – one grade four student, one grade 5 student and one grade 6 student. In total, there were seven teams which competed.

Each team was named after Philippine heroes and Philippine Presidents.

These were the team names: Team Rizal, Team Aguinaldo, Team Mabini, Team Bonifacio, Team Luna, Team Aquino and Team Osmena. Each team There were three rounds ranged from easy to difficult. The questions were about Philippine History, Geography and Philippine Culture. The easy round was worth five seconds per question, the average round was ten seconds per question and the difficult round was 15 seconds per question.

The easy round was all multiple choice, the average round was composed of multiple choice and identification, Lastly, the difficult round was all identification.

News Feature

Junior Ridge

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New Teachers

by Basti Martinez, Denzel Dinglasan and Poncho Alcabao

a r r a v e Gu s i c n a Fr

Aldrin Dangoy

Rani Madali

Mr. Ronald Remudo

Why did you choose to work in Southridge?

Southridge allows good and quality education What do you want to accomplish in Southridge for schoolyear 2014-2015?

To make HELE easier for students to understand What do you think of the Southridge family?

It’s very much particular with the formation of parents and students and the practice of virtues What is your mission as a teacher here in Southridge?

To educates the minds and the hearts of Southridge students What did you do before Southridge?

I was a Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE) Trainer for grade 7 8 and 9 teachers What are your favorite hobbies?

Painting and Mountain Climbing.

Mr. John Francis Guevarra

Why did you choose to work in Southridge?

Southridge is a great school of virtues.

What do you want to accomplish in Southridge in school year 2014-2015?

I want the students to know proper English by the end of the school year

Ron Remudo

What do you think of Southridge so far?

For, me Southridge is like coming home to a family. It’s comfortable.

What is your mission as a teacher here in Southridge?

I want to help students become men of Integrity Before Southridge, what did you do?

I worked as a Business Process Outsourcing Technical Support Representative What are your favorite hobbies?

I like photographing, listening to music and collecting dicast cars

Mr. Aldrin Jose Dangoy

Why did you choose to work in Southridge?

I think Southridge is nurturing What do you want to accomplish in Southridge in school year 2014-2015?

I want to be an efficient teacher What do you think of the Southridge family?

I can really feel the spirit Before Southridge what did you do?

I was a Guidance Counselor at Maria Montessori School What is your mission as a teacher here in Southridge?

To form the children into good adults

What are your favorite hobbies?

Listening to music, drawing, preparing Materials

Mr. Rani McRoger Madali

Why did you choose to work in Southridge?

I chose Southridge because it will give me the opportunities to become a successful and effective teacher.

What do you want to accomplish in Southridge in school year 2014-2015?

I want to educate and inspire students.

What do you think of the Southridge family so far?

They are bonded by virtues and professionalism.

What is your mission as a teacher here in Southridge?

I want to make a difference in my students through quality education.

Before Southridge, what did you do?

I taught in Escuela De San Lorenzo Ruis as a Computer and Religion teacher in the HS department.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I like games, doing computer stuff, music and collecting Anime/manga like One Piece and Attack of the Titan

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Junior Ridge

By Tobit Casillano, Mik Leda and Alab Tiotangco

The Magister is an annual event wherein a teacher celebrates important milestones in his career as a Southridge teacher. The stars of this event are the 10th year and the 25th year awardees. The school thanks them for their loyalty and support here in the field of education and formation. They have been helping students, parents and other teachers too. Let’s give it up for the awardees!!!

Mr. Lloyd Alomarde (MAGISTER X)

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

I went to Southridge because it is the best school in character, improvement, and in being a good teacher.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 10 years?

It is good enough to stay because I am happy with Southridge and it is the center of building great leaders.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

That a teacher needs to continue to better his craft but at the same time temper it with love and consideration for students as well as a sense of humor. We teach by example.

Mr. Dann Barcelona (MAGISTER X)

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

There was an opening at around May, and my mom said that Southridge needed a Math teacher, so I applied. I was hired June 14, 2004.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 10 years?

Southridge is a good school, maybe because of the formation, the professionalism, and the working environment.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

I learned a lot, how to manage time, pressure, kids with special cases, and I also learned how to deal with different guests.

FORGING AHEAD IN FAITH:

PAREF SOUTHRIDGE CELEBRATES ITS 35th ANNIVERSARY

T

he 70’s. What was so unfortunate about that decade (besides Martial Law and its effects)? Well, “good manners and right conduct” could no longer be found in classrooms. That included lack of discipline and character formation which had even resulted to students ignoring their basic personal hygiene. And so a plan-- a vision of building a school that would teach what was no longer emphasized in classrooms around the country was made, and in due time, planning, financing and many helpful prayers, the dream that a select group of parents and friends had

By Miguel Fermin and Jake Peralta dreamt of became reality. On March 1979, PAREF Southridge was founded.

The first students of this newly founded school walked through stairs without railings.

There was no water, no electricity and no telephone—and there were a few snakes.

Notwithstanding these inconveniences, The first line of teachers made it their mission to teach students not only academics, but also spiritual growth. The foundation of what Southridge educators teach then and now can be summed up into 6 F’s; Formation, Family, Friends, Faculty, Future, and Faith. With their teachings, they

began what would soon be known as the tutoring/ mentoring system, which is very unique in Southridge. What sets Southridge apart from any other school, is its focus on character formation.

That is why the graduates of Southridge have grown up to be successful men of integrity. This is also why graduates live a happy and successful lives dedicated to God and family. This is also why Admirals consider PAREF Southridge as their second home.

This year, Southridge is celebrating its 35th anniversary. It is indeed a blessing that the school gets to opportunity of another year of forming [continued on page 14]

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Special Feature

Junior Ridge

Alumni Fathers Interview

By Golden Sison and Juanpa Abola

Through the years, Southridge has had many alumni. Some of these gentlemen are now fathers of Southridge students. The Ridge conducted an interview with some of them.

Mr. Allan Dioko

Mr. Vincent Malabanan

Junior Ridge: Sir, when did you study in Southridge (SR)?

I joined SR in 1979-1980. I was part of the first Grade 1 class of SR. JR: Who among your children currently study in SR? What grade level is he/are they in?

I have three sons in SR, John (Gr. 8), Javi (Gr. 7), and Jim (Gr. 4).

JR: What made you decide to put him/them in SR? I decided to put my sons in my alma mater because I believe that SR is the right partner in giving them a solid in foundation in our Catholic faith, values and a holistic education.

JR: What experience/s did you have in SR that you wish your son/s to also experience during his/their stay in SR? I wish they could also experience competing in sports, working on challenging work education projects, having a good student-mentor relationship, having good friendships that last and teachers who they will look up to that have a positive impact on them.

JR: When your son/s leave/s SR, what do you expect or hope for him/them to have learned or gotten from SR? Firstly, that they love God above all things. Secondly, that they love their family, that they are loyal to their friends and generous to those in need. Thirdly, that they use everything that they learnt in SR to pursue what they are passionate about. Lastly, that they look back with fond memories of our alma mater SR. JR: How do you distinguish SR from other schools?

A SR student is pious, persevering, respectful, hardworking; a gentleman, humble and will always stand up for what is right.

JR: How do you think SR’s way of forming its students will remain relevant in the future?

As parents become more and more involved in their children's education, parent—teacher collaboration becomes a formidable partnership. Values and character formation will always be important in raising gentlemen.

JR: How will you promote SR to non-SR parents?

Actions always speak louder than words. By applying what I have learnt from SR and from my own parents to be the best Dad to my boys.

JR: Sir, when did you study in Southridge?

I entered in SY 1983-1984 and graduated SY 1989-1990 (Batch '90) JR: Who among your children currently study in SR? What grade level is he/are they in?

Javier L. Dioko, Grade 7 Enrique L. Dioko, Grade 4 JR: What made you decide to put him/them in SR? That's easy: personal formation. Love for God. Orienting one's life toward one's final end. Love & service for others stemming from love for God. JR: What experience/s did you have in SR that you wish your son/s to also experience during his/their stay in SR? The significant adult (i.e. that one mentor or two who you trust aside from your parents). Others would call him a role model, some would even dare to go on the level of surrogate father.

Males usually form their identity from a role model. I think the Big Boss hard-wired that in us. So in a way we seek them out. We look for heroes, leaders, men who are willing to gamble everything.

Sometimes, even when the paradigm is shattered, it's more wonderful to see that a boy grows to be his own man.

JR: When your son/s leave/s SR, what do you expect or hope for him/them to have learned or gotten from SR? Integrity. Fortitude. Piety.

JR: How do you distinguish SR from other schools?

Priests in the confessionals. Priests available for spiritual direction.

Parents & teachers aligned with the fact that sometimes character trumps academic prowess.

Teachers & Mentors who go out on a limb... who through no obligation of their own, seek the good of the student & his family JR: How do you think SR’s way of forming its students will remain relevant in the future?

Men who go against the grain. Standing hungry & cold in a rally trying to make a point to legislators about what is right and wrong.

Or...

Men who at least can play the 'game' in their own way... seeing that it was meant for them to serve in that way... Doing what is divinely ordained... And even...

Those who remain 'hidden' as the foster father of Jesus had remained hidden... beset with almost insurmountable problems, but trusting & caring... providing the utmost Christian home...

JR: How will you promote SR to non-SR parents?

Products... I know there are exemplary alumni out there....

25th Year Awardees Mr. Emmanuel Calsado

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

I heard from my brother that Southridge is a very good school. He told me to try it out.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 25 years?

What made me stay here in Southridge was the thought of being able to help, especially the students, not only to be academically capable, but more so in teaching to them life virtues.

3. What have you learned as a teacher in Southridge?

I learned how to teach well. Teaching well does not only mean I am very good at giving instructions, but rather this means touching the lives of the people I have taught.

Mr. Joseph Cristobal

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

A friend recommended me to apply.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 25 years?

I love the family spirit. Mr. Salamat convinced me to stay. I intended to study and become a lawyer.

3. What have you learned as a teacher in Southridge?

I learned to be a good teacher, must love students, and to be closer to God.

[continued on page 15]

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Feature

Junior Ridge

SOLID: Simply Oozing with Life’s Interior Delight

Southridge-Molave Pilgrimage to Madrid and Rome

By Mr. Lester Collamar

“Solid” This was the common expression among all the pilgrims who went to the pilgrimage. It was an expression that combines all our emotions and realizations as we attended the Beatification of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, a most faithful son and successor of Saint Josemaría, the founder of Opus Dei. It was also an expression of how moved and amazed we were as we travelled and walked along the streets and alleyways of Rome, which truly gave our faith a more tangible and solid formation – solid as a rock – with our daily prayers and participation in the Holy Mass, and also with our chance of being able to meet and listen to the words of the Vicar of Christ, Pope Francis.

The group was composed of 28 pilgrims: 22 high school students, 4 teachers, a parent and a priest. Prior to our departure from Manila, we already prepared and reminded the students joining with us that they needed to treat this trip like “a walking retreat”. Therefore, if there would be one thing that we wanted them to get out of this trip, it was for them to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

We left Manila on the 22nd of September, and we arrived in Barcelona, Spain on the 23rd. We were able to visit a number of landmarks, tourist attractions and churches in Spain. We visited the century old (and still on-going) construction of the famous La Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona, whose mere appearance would truly move one to prayer because it is just so majestic in any angle, corner, ceiling, wall – anywhere! – all the parts of the Church. Then we also went to Our Lady of Pillar in Zaragoza; visited the birthplace of St. Josemaría in Barbastro, which currently is a center of Opus Dei; and, passed by Our Lady of Torreciudad as we made our way to Madrid, the birthplace of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, and where the beatification was held last September 27.

The following week, we headed to Rome, Italy. We were able to visit famous sites in the city; entered and roamed around St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica and the Vatican Museum; prayed the Creed in St. Peter’s Square; attended the General Audience of Pope Francis; walked our way up, kneeling down, to Scala Sancta; and finally, visited, knelt down and prayed in front of the crypts of St. Josemaría and Blessed Alvaro del Portillo. We left Rome in the evening of October 2, the day Opus Dei was founded in 1928.

All the tourist attractions were secondary in our daily itinerary, especially when we were in Spain, and all the more in Rome, the following week. We had it clear in our minds that what we wanted was a “foretaste of heaven” through this pilgrimage. And the beatification of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo truly set the tone of this journey. In fact, it was as if we were witnessing how Blessed Alvaro del Portillo and St. Josemaría Escrivá had finished their pilgrimage on earth – how they were able to finish the race – and now, both are experiencing the joy of being in heaven, the ultimate end of all our journeys.

Indeed, this pilgrimage proves the point that holiness is within everyone’s reach! And the life of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo would truly attest to that. He was very human – very ordinary like you and I – with his humility and warm smile, and yet, his faith in God had made him very holy as he lived his life in the middle of the world. That is the invitation we all received from this trip – that in everything we do, we may be able “to turn all the circumstances and events of our lives into opportunities of loving God, the Church and all souls, with joy and simplicity” (Prayer Card of St. Josemaría).

And we would only be able to accept this daily invitation if we are standing on a solid rock, the rock which is our Catholic Faith, which will then make everything we do simply ooze with life’s interior delight.

The Life of Don Alvaro del Portillo

By Schuyler Figueroa

During September 27, 2014, most of us might have been aware of the Beautification of the successor of St. Josemaría Escrivá, Don Alvaro del Portillo in Madrid, Spain by Cardinal Angelo Amato. Several people from the Philippines including Southridge Students came to witness it.

Don Alvaro del Portillo was born on March 11, 1914 in Madrid. He grew up to be a Spanish engineer and a Roman Catholic Bishop. He served as the Prelate of Opus Dei between 1982 and 1994 as the successor to St. Josemaría Escrivá. He studied engineering and after obtaining his doctorate at the University of Madrid, he taught at its school of engineering.

Don Alvaro del Portillo also worked briefly with the Bureau of Highways and Bridges in the provinces crossed by the rives Jucar, Duero, and Ebro.

In 1935, he joined Opus Dei and was later on ordained to priesthood on June 25, 1944 by Bishop Leopoldo Eijo y Garay of Madrid as one of the first three men ordained for Opus Dei. He continued his studies to obtain a doctorate in Philosophy and Letters in History in 1944 from the Central University of Madrid, with a dissertation entitled Discoveries and Exploration on the California Coast. In 1948, Don Alvaro del Portillo earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Tomas Aquinas, Angelicum. He then dedicated himself exclusively [continued on page 13]

Feature

Junior Ridge

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Spreading Christ’s The Vicar of Christ in Action

By Jonah Roxas

Love

[continued from page 12] to the ministry and government of Pope Francis, as the head of the Universal Church, travels around the world to spread the message of Christ. This is one of his most important role as the most senior pastor of the Catholic Church on Earth. His role as a messenger is given to him by the Lord. In this task, he is helped by the Holy Spirit who not only selected him but leads him.

When the pope visits countries, the people don’t worship him but love and respect him. In each country he brings with himself a message of mercy and compassion. When he meets us he sees that we have prepared ourselves spiritually and grateful for what has happened to us. A visit is a great blessing to a nation whose covenant with God has been tested in various ways.

The Pope comes to our countries to make us feel loved, forgiven, welcomed, and encouraged to live the rest of our lives with faith in God and to guide, lead, and teach us and pray for the dead. He comes to help us recover from unpleasant events.

He gives hope to those who have lost something near and dear to them.

It is important he comes because we need more of these things to improve our love for god and others. He will teach us never to lose hope and to think positively when we face challenges. The Popes visit to each country is very rare so we should make most of it.

Opus Dei as its Secretary General.

During the Pontificate of Pope Pius XII (1939-1958), he worked in several Dicasteries of the Holy See. In 1968, he was named by Pope John XXII as a Consultant on the Pontifical Commision for the revision of the Code of Canon Law. Pope Paul VI named him Consultant on several postconciliar commissions. In 1975, Don Alvaro del Portillo was chosen General President of Opus Dei and successor of St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer and in 1982, the Holy See appointed him as the first Prelate of Opus Dei. In 1991, he was consecrated a bishop by Pope John Paul II with Archbishop Giovanni Battista Re and Justin Francis Rigali serving as co-consecrators. He has written extensively about Pastoral and Ecclesiological matters that examine among other, the role of the lay faithful in the Roman Catholic Church, the human side of priestly formation, and the dynamics and functionally of pastoral structure.

As Prelate, he has also served Grand Chancellor of the University of Piura in Peru.

Shortly after his 80th birthday, he returned to Rome on a pilgrimage from the Holy Land. He died shortly thereafter on March 23, 1994. He has celebrated his last Mass at the Church of the Cenacle.

PAREF SOUTHRIDGE CELEBRATES...

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

Junior Ridge

[continued from page 7] boys into young men of integrity. Present to hear the speeches in the ceremony were Mayor Jimmy Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac and Division Superintendent Mrs. Priscilla De Sagun.

Also in attendance at the school auditorium were the founding parents, former board members and some alumni. The vision song was sung to culminate the program.

Prior to the talks, a Mass was celebrated

by Bishop Jesse Mercado. In his homily, he said that even though the founders had so little resources to build upon their foundation, through God’s will, they were able to build Southridge one brick at a time.

“Through God’s mercy and compassion, Southridge has continuously been able to accomplish its vision and mission every school year. We should thank God for being able to guide us all through the years and for the years to come so that we can become virtuous and ambitious people,” the good bishop said.

A Pep Rally was also held. It showed unity among the students. It likewise encouraged the Admirals to continue to forge our bonds with our fellow crewmates (Vinta and Helm).

Southridge likewise held an exhibit with the theme; 35 years of home-school collaboration. The purpose of the exhibit was to showcase the school’s pillars: parents, teachers and students. This exhibition included the paintings of students who were ably guided by Mr. Garcia. Memorabilia from the beginning of Southridge which were contributed by pioneer parent Mrs. Ditas Da Silva and the first director Dr. Tonton Torralba were also shown. The exhibit also contained pictures of memorable activities such as the 1981 visit of St. John Paul II wherein the students serenaded the Pope. The words of St. Josemaría Escrivá (which serves as the school’s inspiration) and the words of Blessed Don Alvaro Del Portillo to commemorate his beatification were featured. The exhibit also featured the achievements of the Southridge Admirals in sports and the Catholic Mass Media Awards Hall of Fame. Of course, Southridge’s dominance in Muntinlupa’s Most Outstanding Students, where 16 of the 31 top awardees over the years came from the school, was given ample importance.

The educational institution that is PAREF Southridge continues to impart values and virtues to live by to honor God, the family, school and country. Through its dedicated administrators and faculty and its partnership with the parents, Southridge aims to produce more useful citizens and humble gentlemen of faith in the coming years. “ Viriliter Agite ‘ – the school’s battle cry shall echo in its hallways and beyond.

VIVA ADMIRALS! (Note: Some of the pieces of information are from the speeches of Ernesto Lagdameo, Merceditas Da Silva, Joy Katigbak, and alumnus Raymond Lacdao who spoke on the Launching Event)

My Commentary ndez

by Alessandro Miguel M. Ferna Grade 4A

y someone because it me, obedience is the ability to obe For ? nce edie Ob is t wha all, of t Firs you to do. Obedience can ity to do something that others tell abil the is It do. to g thin t righ is the tice obedience no matter ect and kindness. One must prac resp as such ues virt er oth y man develop are told to do no matter t thing to do. It is following what you righ the is it as long as for , ifice the sacr can obey without being s it will entail. At the same time, you ifice sacr the ter mat no or is it how hard told to do so. ce to yourself or doing virtue of obedience. One is obedien the tice prac to s way e thre are re The to God is to follow His r conscience tells you. Obedience you t wha ying obe and g thin t the righ be good sons to them. nce to parents is to love them and edie Ob day. y ever ents dm man Com tell you to do might not to follow people because what they Sometimes, you don’t always have dience, which is following a misconception of the virtue of obe is s Thi do. to g thin t righ the be always of the gang follow the leader ting a sin. For example, members mit com into lt resu this if even orders ther misconception of commit murder. In the school, ano or k ban a rob to them ers ord he when smates. when they tell you to bully other clas obedience is following older students t.. More than following wha ter mat no ut following orders Obedience therefore is not just abo is obedience to the word of God. orders of someone with authority an experience when I did nts is very important. I once had At my home, obedience to my pare me to read Civics book to study for a quiz. My mom told told g bein r afte even nts pare my y not obe was returned, I found out I watched tv instead. After the quiz y. obe not did I . hard y stud and well my mom, I could have done ause I realized that if only I obeyed bec bad felt I e. scor low a got I that ence for my disobedience. wed to play with xbox as consequ allo not was I , Also . quiz my in better also disrespect your only do you get punished, but you I learned that if you don’t obey not you are not a good Son of a good son to them. It also shows that not are you ws sho it ause bec nts pare dient not only do you develop Commandments. But if you are obe His w follo ’t don you ause bec God es of hard work and responsibility. obedience but also you develop valu

The Living Rosary Rally

By Schuyler Figuer oa and Guido Fernandez

The Living Rosary Ra lly was a really prayerf Many people particip ul event. ated in the event to offer their sacrifices to God. Ev en if the Semestral Br eak was a day away and is filling up the minds of the students, students, teachers and parents still came to pr ay to God and the Lady of the Ho ly Rosary.

The Living Rosary Ra lly is a time for prayer. time for praying can This be used for all our pa st loved ones and for the ones who lov e and care for us right no daily lives. w in our During the Rosary, ou r sch oo l ass ign ed on The person would in turn light a bulb in fro e student or teacher to a prayer. nt of him to signify an offered up to God. other prayer Many opinions were sai d ab ou t this event Southridge Commun ity, [Seeing] the South . ” It was a wonderful to see the ridge students, teachers alumni to all unite as , parents, an one.” say Similar to last year’s Ro s Mr. Banaag, one of the Southridge Teachers d sar . y Rally, they showed cli to show what Jesus we ps of the Passion of Ch nt through for us to be rist saved from sin.

The Living Rosary Ra lly als o pr ov es our love for God. Being should pray to Him sin his children, we cerely as Thanksgiving for His kindness. Again Rosary Rally signifies , this Living that we pray as One So uthridge Family.

S p e c i a l F e a t u r e [continued from page 1]

15th Year Awardees Mr. Mark Caesar:

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

I was looking for work in 1999 and Southridge was looking for teachers.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 15 years?

I like the culture of Southridge, rules formation and academic excellence.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

I learned to do my best, care for students, to inculcate the value of hardwork, discipline, the love for country, and excellence.

Mr. Joseph Dequito:

That people, especially students, are capable of change, no matter what difficulties they had, people can change for the better.

Mr. Vener Serafico:

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

This was an accident. I was working for another cooperation. Maybe the previous job I didn’t get any rest, so my mom told me to try teaching. I applied for Southridge and Southville.

They were too late to call me, Southville told me to teach many, so I decided not to teach, then the secretary called me but I said no. I had an operation, so I applied at Southridge, Mr. Salamat said yes.

It was a good decision. It was a happy accident.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 15 years?

Actually, I wanted to leave, I was not used to teaching prep, it was hard. Mr. Salamat and the others trained us new teachers. Mr. Barrientos is the part that made me be patient to students, and helped me stay here. Through the years, I taught the students well and I also love the family spirit.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

For me, it helped me to be more patient, dealing with kids and parents, learning how to listen to complaints of parents and students, learning to be humble, and learning to love my job as a teacher “I have a worth”.

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

Everything was coincidental. I was the series illustrator of the 21st Century Mathematics textbooks in 1993. One summer, I was asked

by Mr. Simon L. Chua, the series coordinating author of the said book to go to Southridge to look for Mr. Salamat. Mr. Salamat was one of the authors of the said book. Mr. Chua instructed me to help Mr. Salamat illustrate for his textbook. When he saw my illustrations, he invited me to apply in Southridge to teach Art. I was accepted in 1994 and became the Module A Visual Aids Artist and Art teacher. Little by little, I was given academic teaching loads and later became a full pledge academic teacher, class adviser and mentor.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 20 years?

Southridge for me is a unique school. It is the only school that has personal formation program for the parents, teachers and students.

3. What did you learn as a teacher here in Southridge?

This is where I develop my norms of Piety even more which I share to the members of my family.

Mr. Ivan dela Fuente:

Mr. OsmundoTuppal:

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

I wanted to share God’s word by teaching Religion.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 15 years?

I love teaching about God and I love kids.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

Every student is a person loved by God and deserves our care and attention. Every student has the potential to learn and become the best they can be.

20th Year Awardees Mr. Rolando Antonio:

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

I came here because my brother invited me here in 1994. My brother also taught here.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 20 years?

I like working here with other people, and it is relatively near my house, the students compared to the others, are well-behaved and cooperative.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

I came here to teach.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 20 years?

I really love teaching, even back in grade school. My teacher would let me teach. Teaching is in my blood. My teachers wanted to be the little teacher.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

I learned a lot in Southridge like loving my profession, loving the people I teach and be happy of what they achieve.

Mr. Ivan Castañeda:

1. Why did you decide to work in Southridge?

I came here to teach, to return the favor what the others have given.

2. What made you stay here in Southridge for 20 years?

What made me stay was the challenge of molding the minds of other children.

3. What have you learned as a teacher here in Southridge?

I have learned that young boys can grow up very fast.

Junior Ridge

15

PHOTO ESSAY

by LUIGI CATEDRAL