Rosette 2013

The Official Student Publication of PAREF Woodrose School, Inc.

Spirit of Studying

by Thea Anastacio

The Age of Innocence

by Lean Miller

Issue No. 1 SY 2013-2014

A Free School Spirit

by Gabbie Lombos The Eponymous Flower

by Bea Adajar

You Know You’re from Woodrose When…

by Kyra Albano

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Rosette • October 2013

Editorial

Letter from the Editor

By Bianca Marañon

Someday, when you get to college, you may find that twenty-four hours in a day is barely enough for to make all the school and org deadlines (and UAAP games, too). You may find yourself drowning in all the things you need to do. And yet, despite all that’s going on, you will still be able to hold your head above the sea of requirements and shout, “I love this school!” Without any sarcasm, and seemingly without reason, you will love it all just the same.

The big question is: why wait until college?

Here, where we are, if we can look beyond our frustrations with how things are (or aren’t) in Woodrose, we’ll see how much there is to love about our school. It all depends on how we see things. And how exactly should we see Woodrose?

Woodrose is a diamond cutter…

Diamonds, formed in the earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure, are famed for their beauty, but it is only when they are cut that this resplendence is revealed. In the same way, the very things that may annoy us about Woodrose are what will e qu ip us for life ahead!

Think about it this way: if diamonds weren’t cut, they wouldn’t reach their true potential. In the same way, you are also reaching your true potential. You are on your way to becoming someone who understands that sometimes, it’s the seemingly small things that say the most about you: whether or not you have discipline, whether or not you understand that the best way to play the game is to play by the rules.

Woodrose is a home…

People have the notion that until they “get out” of Woodrose, they are “sheltered” and “deprived”, somehow cut off from the real world, but that’s not true. In Woodrose, we are preserved. Like newly lit candles or blooming flowers, we are carefully shielded from what keeps us from burning brighter and climbing higher, so by the time we do leave Woodrose, we can be lights in the darkness, pools of water in a polluted world, and we can lead towards the truth and show the world what we’re truly made of.

Woodrose is truly something else...

Where else can you find mentors—a.k.a. BFFs—to whom you can run for any problem that you may encounter? Where else can you find a chapel as beautiful as ours, where we can talk to our Lord or go to confession, spiritual direction, or Mass any time we wish? Where else can you find girls who put on a show like we do—be they Gold, Blue, Green, or Red? Where else can you find auxiliary staff who can match the warmth and dedication of our Ates in Woodrose?

Woodrose is one of a kind.

With this issue, the Rosette Staff and I wish to challenge you to open your eyes and your hearts to Woodrose. May you truly wear the plaid with pride!

W

e, the editors, writers, and staff of the Rosette, aim to write and present works that engage our readers intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. We aspire to promote school pride and represent in our craft dynamism, depth, and creativity— elements that define Woodrose students.

We to aim to inspire reflection and to elicit responses from our readers by providing them with thoughtprovoking insights. Finally, through our work, we strive to be models of truth and substance, helping Woodrose students develop a broader perspective of life and attain greater awareness of relevant issues.

Editor-in-Chief Bianca Marañon Associate Editor Bea Adajar

News Editor Kyra Albano

Features Editor Gabbie Lombos

Art Editor Hopee Castelo

Photography Editor Andi Fandino

Moderator Ms. Criselda San

An Interview with Dr. Villegas Dr. Severina Malvar Villegas, our Executive Director, has made a career out of reaching out to others and empowering them. A member of the PAREF Board of Trustees for the past 11 years, she specializes in the fields of values, character and moral education, mentoring and coaching, and home-school collaboration. Although her college course in the University of the Philippines was English Language & Literature (which she graduated from with honors), her education took a different direction because of her interest and involvement in teaching and teacher training. She holds a Doctoral degree in Educational Administration (University of the Philippines), a Master’s degree in Educational Administration (University of the Philippines) and a Master’s degree in Education (International Institute of Education, Rome). With this kind of background, it is no wonder that she has held several key positions in many institutions, most notably in the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Despite being a consultant for many national and international organizations and associations, she is, in her own words, “a teacher by heart and profession”.

1) What are your thoughts and first impressions about Woodrose so far? What struck you?

Talking about first impressions, the first thing that came to mind is this: That there is so much hope in the education system of our country. I can sense how our parents greatly motivate their children in taking their studies seriously. This impression substantiates the vision of PAREF schools: Parents First. There is hope because there are many good parents in our society who consider themselves as primary educators.

As for what struck me, what first comes to mind is the seamless character between what our students learn in school and at home.

There are no conflicting signals between home and school. The teachers in Woodrose simply reinforce the values learned at home. It is so refreshing to see our students’ delight in learning because they are not in a tug-of-war, so to speak. I was also struck by the efforts of our students and teachers in sustaining the school’s culture of care, trust, and joy. Students and teachers seem to consider Woodrose as their second home where laughter, music, and dialogues abound!

2) As Executive Director, what are your plans or goals for the school this year?

I will help in designing the professional development programs for our teachers vis a vis the implications of the curricular framework of K-12 within our school’s vision. Another goal is to revisit the humanistic thrust of our curriculum. I clearly see the connection between the humanistic thrust and education of our students in freedom and responsibility. Our vision of Parents First will guide me to reach out to the parents. I have started conducting sessions for our parents on the art and science of mentoring, as well as on the art of listening and asking questions. There will also be other sessions with them on the essentials: home- school collaboration, good study habits fostered at home, striking a balance between academic excellence and character development, and understanding the youth culture. Those are just of a few of the sessions to come!

3) Is there any advice or message you would like to give to the Woodrose students?

My only advice for the students is that they get to gradually own the school’s core values: love for God and others, respect, and responsibility. Each student could reflect on how these values could be applied in Woodrose and beyond.

Writers

Photographers

Lean Miller Johnna Balane Tanya Anastacio Thea Anastacio Rita Camacho Pebbles Daez Frances Jacob

Patxi Punsalan Becca Garcia Kate Ley Gabbi Tablante Aya Cabauatan

Artists Kat Olan Dee Tan Lea Llave Kamille Tapia Robyn Victa

Contributors Karina Jalandoni Monica Fernandez Franny Tinga Mayte Abola Mike-mike Llantino Monica Gamboa Camille Alvarillo Christelle Britannico

acacia avenue extension, ayala alabang village, muntinlupa city 1780 tel. nos.: 850-6380 to 83 • 807-6735 • 809-5508 • fax no.: 842-1481

Trish Gayod Monica Lorenzo Binky Suarez Pat Cabauatan Cover designed by Robyn Victa, Eia Collantes and Maxine Garcia Special thanks to Robyn Victa, Eia Collantes, and Maxine Garcia for the format of the centerspread!

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Rosette • October 2013

Beyond the Brick Walls

The Spirit of Studying, Digital Truth

The Spirit of Studying

By Thea Anastacio

The rain is pounding on the windows, threatening to break inside the still air-conditioned classroom.

Your eyes are fixed on the door. You have been on the edge of your seat ever since you got to school, with every knock and every passing shadow startling you. When the familiar pink slip of paper finally appears, you can barely contain your excitement.

The teacher in charge sighs, makes a reminder to remain quiet, and says the one word that probably every Woodrose student wants to hear: Suspended.

What happens next is a cacophony of high-pitched screams, urgent phone calls, and numerous exclamations of “I knew it!” and “Oh em!” This is the usual case for Woodrose students when it comes to suspensions. But let’s consider a different scenario. In San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, stands a certain school with classrooms made of nipa and wood. A group of children huddles close as the rain poured heavily. The teacher announces to a silent class that classes are suspended.

Their faces show no sign of happiness – only fear, exhaustion, and misery.

Sudden thoughts flash in the children’s minds: How would they get home?

How will they even get back to school after this weather? Would they even have a school to return to?

Believe it or not, that is not the first time students like them have

experienced something as drastic as that. They probably have been through worse situations other than that incident, such as grave financial problems and personal family issues that threaten the continuity of their education. However, despite those difficulties, those students still find it in themselves to keep going back to their beaten classrooms with their soggy textbooks and whittled pencils.

Why is that?

The answer is simple. They want to learn.

Sometimes, not all the parents of the students are able to afford the necessary materials. When a student was asked about that problem, he said, “Before my school materials, milk for my sibling came first; before buying what I needed for a school project, getting food for the family came first.”

That is the reason why the students take it upon themselves to come up with a solution. As a product of their passion for learning, they came up with various alternatives for school supplies, such as using huge leaves for paper and charcoal for pencils.

However, when it comes to showing how truly passionate they are when it comes to learning, even their going to school shows their willingness to study since the journey in itself is a challenge. Several pupils from rural schools have reported walking six to ten kilometers over

mountainous terrain just to go to school, and that still does not include the trip back home. Imagine yourself doing the same thing, enduring the weather and fatigue as you travel towards school and back, every day until you finish your education. Think about it: Do you take your education as seriously as those children do? That is what students in rural areas do.

They are willing to go to extremes just to be able to have an education that is as good as they can get.

No matter how cliché it sounds, what you can do as the more privileged ones is to start spending your resources wisely, if not to be more grateful for your education. There are more schools aside from the one in San Miguel that experience a similar problem. Why would you take for granted the things and advantages you have when you could be appreciating

them? While you may continue to pray for class suspensions every time a shower of rain passes by, remember that there are children who are willing to risk everything they have to get to have a proper class. Remember that they are literally willing to cross boundaries just to spend another day in school.

Sources: Nava, J.G. Factors in school leaving: variations across gender groups, school levels and locations [PDF Document].

Retrieved from http://www.jrre.psu. edu/articles/v13,n2,p79-100,Khattri.pdf Genz. (n.d.). Last in line will fall in time. Definitely Filipino: The blog for online Filipinos.

Retrieved from http://definitelyfilipino.com/ blog/2012/07/15/last-in-line-will-fall-intime/ Weinstein, J. (2010). The problem of rural education in the Philippines [PDF Document].

Retrieved from http://philippineeducation. ph/filer/The-Problem-of-Rural-Education. pdf

Digital Truth

By Frances Jacob

While Woodrose has certain aspects and traditions that are unique to the school, it is not nearly as unusual as some schools around the world. These schools have the most extraordinary backgrounds and their one-of-a-kind lesson plans add to that, as well. With lessons like these, these schools have their own unique and remarkable means to educate.

1. Schools in the Philippines and Guatemala have been built using plastic bottles.

2. The ALPHA Alternative school students of Toronto have no homework, no formal evaluation, are not graded and can choose when to attend the activities and classes of the day.

3. The Kompong Luong School of Cambodia is a floating school on the Tonle Sap lake.

4. Other children step inside man-made structures when they go to school. When the students of Dongzhong Primary School go to school, however, they step inside

References:

5.

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7.

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something built by nature itself: a cave.

Students from the School of the Future in Philadelphia have digital lockers, laptops instead of textbooks, wireless Internet access, and restaurant-style seating in the cafeteria.

McDonald’s has its own school in Illinois called Hamburger University.

Students have school underground in the Terraset Elementary School PTA in America.

The City Montessori School in Lucknow, India is the biggest school in the world. It has 39,437 pupils and 2,500 teachers.

Matheson, K. (2010, June 19). Microsoft ‘School of the Future’ in Philly finally in a groove? – USATODAY.com. USA TODAY: Latest World and US News - USATODAY.com. Retrieved September 30, 2012, from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/ news/education/2010-06-19-microsoft-school_N.htm Hughes, S. (2011, August 30). Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the World. Retrieved September 3, 2013 from http://www.cbc.ca/books/kids/OffToClass.pdf Most UNUSUAL Colleges (PHOTOS). (2011, May 25). Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 30, 2012, from http://www.huffingtonpost. com/2010/03/11/most-unusual-colleges-pho_n_494824. html#s73177&title=Deep_Springs_College Husband Hunting School Opens in Tokyo --NTDTV.org. (2010, March 11). New Tang Dynasty Television – ntdtv.org.

Retrieved September 30, 2012, from http://ntdtv.org/en/news/ offbeat/2010-03-11/060505090640.html Plastic Bottle Schools. (n.d.). Inspiration Green Home . Retrieved September 30, 2012, from http://inspirationgreen.com/ plastic-bottle-schools.html Most unusual schools in the world | Chill Hour. (2011, September 4). Chill Hour. Retrieved September 30, 2012, from http:// www.chillhour.com/most-unusual-schools-in-the-world Welcome to the World’s Biggest School. (2012, October 15). TIME Newsfeed. Retrieved September 4, 2013, from http://newsfeed. time.com/2012/10/15/welcome-to-the-worlds-biggest-school/

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Rosette • October 2013

Beyond the Brick Walls

Adventure is Waiting, They’ve Got Spirit

Adventure is Waiting

By Frances Jacob

We’re all going to graduate and leave Woodrose eventually. But what happens once we’ve left? What will life be like for us after Woodrose?

These are probably questions that Woodrose graduates have asked themselves before leaving. Some of these Woodrose graduates have come back to school as teachers and mentors. Others went on to be happily married mothers of present day Woodrose students. But life as a teacher or a mother is not what every Woodrose student has chosen.

Indeed, Sunshine Plata of Batch 1998 chose art; she is a coffee painter whose works have been featured on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and the Ripley’s Museum. Sunshine proudly states on her blog that her paintings were displayed on the Martha Stewart show and are also showcased in countries all over the world. Another Woodrose graduate of the same batch, Marielle Benitez, joined the National Football team and later became the captain of the Women’s National Football team; in fact, Marielle has often been called the “David Beckham” of the Philippines. Other than this, she is a Bayanihan dancer for the Philippine National Folk Dance Company. Finally, Sasha Palomares of Batch 2004 graduated from Film and has been doing film production work, focusing on cinematography.

She says that her work has taken her “to the most wonderful and strangest places” which led her to meet “the most wonderful and strangest people.”

Apart from arts and sports, Woodrose students have also actually decided to take their place in the government. Bea H-Davila (also of Batch 2004) is now a Foreign Service Officer for the Department of Foreign Affairs, assigned to the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations. Bea’s batchmate, Ria Sunga, has since studied history in London and Oxford. She has also been travelling and is “now figuring out her next adventure.” In the same batch is Erin Zuluaga who manages the family business and also works as a fashion production assistant; she also gets to travel because of her work.

Besides cool jobs and travelling the world, other Woodrose students have made it to exceptional colleges and have had their own share of interesting experiences.

Alexa Lim of Batch 2011, for one, is taking up BS Psychology and has to dissect cats! In the same graduating batch is Tricia Peralta, who is widely known for being a co-founder and country head of One Million Lights, a non-profit organization. Along with Mark Lozano (another co-founder), she received the Spirit of EDSA Foundation Award. Tricia then moved to the University of Pennsylvania after leaving the University of the Philippines Diliman (wherein she was a member of the Debate Society).

Along with Tricia, other graduates have made a significant impact on society.

An example would be Vanessa Valdez, who has written many scripts of famous Filipino TV shows and movies. She has been able to draw the attention of Filipino viewers back to Filipino values and culture through the scripts she has written.

These past students and many other Woodrose graduates have persevered and made Woodrose proud. They have gone in pursuit of their dreams and have taken to their own adventures. With these previous Woodrose students as inspiration, we too can go on to achieve greatness and truly become women of character and women of strength.

They’ve Got Spirit!

By Pebbles Daez

“Do you want it? ‘Cause we, we’ve got it! The Woodrose Spirit! The Woodrose Spirit!”

This cheer is seldom heard nowadays, but the Woodrose Spirit can definitely be felt.

Woodrose girls radiate an energetic, cheerful vibe and a fierce pride for their school during the Intrams season, wherein having a calm heart and a bored face during the Awarding Ceremony of Family Day is unthinkable. At every Monday’s flag ceremony, when the announcements and acknowledgements are made, the entire student body applauds for the school’s varsities, teams, and individuals who make Woodrose proud. Each Woodrose student’s accomplishment fills the others with pride and fuels their school spirit. But what happens to this spirit when the students leave for college? Is it lost forever, thrown away and forgotten?

Or is it transferred to their new schools and made even stronger? But first, how do these other schools show their spirit?

If it’s during the Intrams season that Woodrose students really bring their spirit, its equivalent in college is the UAAP season, when fans and athletes go all out to support their school in the competitions and games. Basketball fans, turn up by the thousands to watch the games every weekend throughout the season, bringing posters, pompoms, balloons, face paint, and even huge pictures of their favorite players. The heated rivalry between the Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University is always a source of excitement.

Apart from school spirit evident in the sports categories, there is also the UAAP Cheerdance Competition, which shows the creative and innovative sides of different colleges. At the University of Santo Tomas, the fans work almost as hard as the dancers, as they come up with new looks and makeup to wear during the competition and show their support. And the spirit of the University of the Philippines was unmistakable as its entire Pep Squad bravely appeared at the last competition with shaved heads — a freedom-themed tribute to their school and its symbol, the Oblation.

Clearly, school pride and spirit can be found in any college. But what happens to the Woodrose Spirit? It can be assumed that with all these activities in college, a new school spirit is born: a new school spirit that is raised in a new environment to be just as strong and proud as the Woodrose Spirit, which is never forgotten. It will always stay in a true Woodrose girl’s heart, to be brought out anew each time she visits the school and most especially, of course, on Family Day. Sources: http://www.goateneo.com/four-your-white-blue-2011bonfire-guidelines/ http://modfancies.blogspot.com/2012/09/uaap-cheerdancemy-ust-school-spirit_20.html http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?articleid=85189 9&publicationsubcategoryid=69 http://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/more-on-up/24-up-inthe-news/401-up-pep-squad-rules-uaap-cheerdancefor-third-straight-year http://www.feufern.edu.ph/diliman/index.php/campus-life/ inside-feu-fern-college/student-activities

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Rosette • October 2013 Outside Looking In—Patricia Hannett, Outside Looking In—Japanese Exchange Students

Beyond the Brick Walls

Outside Looking In— Patricia Hannett thinking the night before my first day at Woodrose: “It’s going to be an incredibly ‘holy’ school, judging by length of their skirts alone.” On my first day, I pulled into Gate 2 and was so intimidated by the size of the school; I’m used to being in a much smaller school with about 60 students per grade in the high school. I was also scared that I wouldn’t make any friends because I joined the senior batch as a junior. I thought being younger was something to worry about.

I was wrong about that. The

By Kyra Albano, minute I opened the door to the Alumna, Batch 2013 classroom, so many people greeted me Most Woodrose girls don’t realize and they really made me feel accepted the kind of environment we shape and by making sure I had people to sit with live in. When routines are developed, at lunch and at recess. Everyone was when days become predictable, and really friendly. certain people become staples in our lives, it’s hard to notice what’s special What are your favorite things about about our school. All it takes is a new Woodrose? pair of eyes to help us remember what I turned out to be really happy that it is that we are exposed to everyday, Woodrose is as religious as it is; what but don’t actually notice. Patricia I was taught in class made me realize Hannett, a foreign exchange student a lot about my faith, and I deepened who spent three months studying at it. One of my favorite things about Woodrose, helps make recognizable Woodrose is also the fact that everyone seems connected somehow. what it is that often gets overlooked.

Patricia was born in New York I was so surprised that people from City and is currently living in different circles of friends could have Connecticut in the United States. real conversations with each other.

Being of American, Irish, Italian and I wasn’t used to that at all before Filipino descent, Patricia’s diversity coming here. I also love how so many seems to not just run in her veins people greet and smile at each other but also in her interests. She has when passing in the hallway. It is a always wanted to engage in cultural refreshing change to see a unity in immersion, and she did exactly that people who may not even know each by sitting in Woodrose’s senior classes other, but say hi anyway. in IV-A for her summer. Patricia came in June and left us in August, leaving Pick three words that best describe/ behind our fond memories with her represent the school. Why? as well as some of her opinions and Loud. So many girls from Woodrose observations about Woodrose culture are outgoing and loud. They love to have a good time. and people: Proud. No one at Woodrose Why did you decide to spend seems ashamed of her school. your summer studying in the United. People at Woodrose have a uniting factor that makes this Philippines?

My mom is a Filipino, and we had school different than others. The talked about this for a long time. I students are really pulled together. finally decided that it would be good for me to experience a different What will you always remember culture and see what a normal life of about your stay? a teenager in the Philippines would be This summer was definitely one that I like, even if I had little knowledge of will never forget. I will carry it with me the Philippine language. I also figured throughout my life because in so many that taking up senior classes would ways, I learned a lot both academically somehow help me when I attend and personally. I want to thank school in the states as a junior next fall. everyone for always trying to include me and make me feel like Woodrose is What was your first impression of really another home where I’m always welcome and accepted. the school and the people? *** I remember the two things I was

Looking at our school and the people in it through someone else’s eyes helps put us into perspective. In ways we don’t realize, Woodrose is unique because of the quality of people that surround us and shape ourselves to be. Woodrose students are led towards

being of service to God and others, as well as are we led to be people of virtue, warmth, and enthusiasm. Ultimately, the stems of our roots grow upright and we thank Patricia Hannett for affirming that, even if we don’t always realize it ourselves.

Outside Looking In— Japanese Exchange Students

By Monica Fernandez, Monica Lorenzo, and Monica Gamboa

It must be difficult to spend an entire week living in a far-off country with a family you’ve never met and with a language barrier to set you even further apart. Who would have thought that such a short and simple foreign exchange program would leave such an impact on both the schoolgirls from St. Joseph, Japan and the girls here in Woodrose? Despite the challenges we all may have faced trying to adjust and get along, we proved that we could overcome our differences, and truly make our one-week experience together worthwhile. The twelve Japanese girls were given an authentic immersion in Filipino culture; they got to experience what it’s like to live the way we do – having been exposed to our small circle of relatives and friends; they got to experience Filipino family life as a typical kid from Alabang, and they even got to experience taking regular classes here in Woodrose.

Speaking from a host’s point of view, nothing beats experiencing one’s own everyday life through a foreigner’s eyes.

As hosts, we got to see and understand many seemingly ordinary things in different ways, because we shared in the impression that our culture left on our guests.

The truly beautiful thing about the entire visit was the eye-opening realizations the host families had about their typical lives. Evidently, it wasn’t just the students from St. Joseph who benefited from the exchange program, but the students from Woodrose as well. By trying to make our foreign friends appreciate our local areas and delicacies, we

too were able to indulge in Filipino things we often take for granted. We focused our appetites on Filipino restaurants such as Crisostomo; we visited Intramuros and kept the stories of our national heroes in loving memory; we also probably have never appreciated mangos as much as we did when our Japanese guests asked for them everyday. Things that we’ve regarded as commonplace suddenly became beautiful and inspiring.

Even the old, moldy walls of Fort Santiago transformed into looming once-battlements that witnessed some of the most violent times in our country’s history. Even the most ordinary Filipino practices such as mixing ulam with your rice, pointing at objects with your lips instead of your fingers, spewing out stuttered Tagalog phrases when you’re mad, making mano to our elders, and spending time with our large families every week, take on whole a different meaning when someone else is there to watch and observe it all as a stranger. Having the Japanese girls over definitely helped us hosts gain more depth and perspective on our identities as Filipinos.

The girls from St. Joseph impacted us greatly, but up until the thanksgiving dinner we had, we didn’t realize how big a mark we left on them.

Our beloved exchange students threw us a dinner filled with fun and games, not to mention good Italian food. To close the night, each of the Japanese girls shared a few touching words and eventually, all the smiles and laughter in the room turned into bittersweet tears. That night, we realized how we all changed each other’s lives and truly learned from having one another around. In the span of one week, quality friendships were formed, language barriers were broken, and all sorts of challenges were overcome.

A few spoken words may have been lost in translation, but the bonds we shared with the St. Joseph girls made every misunderstanding and struggle, worth it.

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Rosette • October 2013

Beyond the Brick Walls

By Johnna Balane

“This is so useless.” “When am I ever going to use this in the future?” These are a few of the thoughts that creep back into our minds every time we are introduced to a particular lesson in Math, Science, or any other subject.

Students always question the purpose behind every topic, every concept that teachers emphasize in everyday school life. “Why do they keep mentioning these virtues and values? It’s not like they’re going to help me pass the college entrance exams! What a waste of time.” We complain about the lessons and values teachers persistently highlight, and label them “useless.” “I am never going to need this ever again after I graduate.”

“What’s the point of any of this?”

Every person who is or was a student cannot completely avoid these whiny thoughts. Even graduates of Woodrose admit that they’ve succumbed to these complaints. You can’t help feeling like you’re drowning under the frequent reminders of teachers, mentors, and parents about study habits, prayer habits, attitude, and behavior. But after graduating from Woodrose and entering the “real world,” they realized that there is a true and significant purpose behind every lesson they learned, and they re-label these “useful.”

Woodrose students and alumnae are known for their proficiency and

mastery in speaking the English language. Not only orally, but also in reading and writing, Woodrose alumnae generally soar high above their fellow classmates in academic performance. Who knew diagramming sentences and revising and editing drafts over and over again would actually pay off?

These “useless” lectures and “hassle” tasks given in high school and our decisions concerning t h e m determine o u r f utu re .

This is h o w o u r work e t h i c is also developed in Woodrose. Through the countless school requirements we get, we establish the virtues of patience and perseverance. These, of course, will be beneficial in our future academic lives and careers. The many lessons we consider useless in school are what will keep us alive, what will keep us moving forward on the right path, and what

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger, CAMP Philippines: Breaking International Barriers

will keep us prepared for anything that may come our way.

“I only pray when I need help.” “The Catholic Church is messed up.” “I only believe in God, […] not the Church.”

These are a few ridiculous beliefs and opinions you will hear from many people you will meet in college and work. “Matalino ako at hindi ako naniniwala sa mga bagay na hindi ko nakikita.” (This is an actual excerpt of a college lecture of a Woodrose graduate’s Philosophy teacher.) It’s a completely different world out there, where everything you learned in Woodrose will be put to the ultimate test. Woodrose is the perfect place to build and strengthen your faith in God and everything the Church upholds. It is where you learn all about the Catholic faith, and where you are blessed with being able to profess it as freely as you like. But out there, people will criticize you, and question everything you believe in. However, thanks to Religion, Philosophy, and Theology, we can firmly defend our

faith and personal principles, not only with our words, but also with our actions.

It is absolutely normal for any student to get overwhelmed by the constant reminders given by parents, teachers, mentors, relatives, spiritual counselors, etc. With all the expectations and advice adults offer, it’s easy for us to get confused. We question if the lessons we are taught, most especially in school, will be useful in the future or not, instead of questioning how we can transform a mere topic discussed in school into a life lesson or a moral value relevant to any situation that the future may present. Don’t take anything in life for granted—lessons, hardships, and most importantly, experiences.

These will mold you as an individual and will help you make smart and independent choices in and for the future. “Do everything you can now to ensure you enter college with a solid set of principles lest you get pushed around and believe everything people tell you,” a Woodrose alumna said. So the next time you start challenging the importance of any school topic, remember that it may turn out to be the one thing that will keep you afloat in the future, and remind yourself that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

CAMP Philippines: Breaking International Barriers

By Kyra Albano, Alumna, Batch 2013

Opportunity presents itself in various ways; in matters of college, specifically for high school students from non-international schools, one of the biggest opportunities today is CAMP Philippines.

CAMP isn’t just a door – it is also a key to opening other doors. For most students from private schools like Woodrose, Southridge, Xavier, Assumption, Poveda, etc., studying abroad is a complicated and unknown concept. Nobody is “application-savvy” in terms of going overseas. Most students that don’t study in IS, BSM, Brent, or other international schools

socioeconomic background or status. Our vision is for students in the Philippines to have the ability to apply to college abroad if they choose to. We want students to believe and know that they can apply, to feel confident in every step, and to be motivated to pursue their dreams of studying in another country.”

Speaking as a mentee of the program, not only is CAMP Philippines tremendously effective and helpful in all dimensions of the application process, it is also a good way to meet other people and feel inspired by them to be better students and countrymen. It is uplifting to see all these Filipinos helping and believing in each other to achieve. By joining CAMP, one gets to make the right connections, to help others, and to follow one’s dreams to study abroad. Filipinos are united through this program and are aided by each other to make big steps they didn’t even know they could make. For those who are thinking about a higher learning experience abroad but don’t know how, www.campphilippines.org is the place for you.

do not know how to go about applying abroad, and CAMP wishes to rid students of such limitations.

CAMP stands for College Admissions Mentors for Peers. It is a group any student may join for free if seeking information and aid with the college application process for countries outside the Philippines. Filipino students all over the world that are already studying in different places (even in Ivy League schools) run the program and give advice to anyone that asks for it. Their mission, as their official site states, is “to give Filipino High School students access to the proper support and resources they need to have the opportunity Sources: to apply to college abroad, regardless of http://www.campphilippines.org/

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Rosette • October 2013

Beyond the Brick Walls

The Dream, The Woodrose Production, Voices Across the Bridge

The Woodrose Production

By Karina Jalandoni

Voices Across the Border

By Francesca Tinga

Last April 12, the Woodrose Chorale embarked on what was to be one of their most exciting experiences of the year. Our months of preparation were going to be put to the test as we left for Osaka, Japan to attend and perform at the Chorus Messe festival. Even when we arrived there, we didn’t let a single moment go to waste, and we practiced as often as we could to get ready for our performances. But aside from coming to perform twice in the

beautiful Izumi Hall and a shopping center, we were also there to learn. We attended a choral workshop headed by the renowned Javier Busto along with many other choirs from both the Philippines and Japan. We made new friends and realized just how universal music was. If the whole experience wasn’t great enough, we were able to do it while experiencing the unique and beautiful culture of Japan. We left Osaka as better and closer chorale members with a wealth of knowledge gained from everything we did during Chorus Messe 2013.

The Dream

By Criselda San

For most of us, coming to school has become routine.

You get to school, you swipe in, you spend the day as productively as you can, then you swipe out, and head home. However, after being a part of the celebrations for the 35th Anniversary of Woodrose, I realized that it doesn’t do Woodrose justice to put coming to school each day under the category of “mundane routines of my life”. Because on December 7, 2012, the night of the Foundation Day celebration, I came face to face with what Woodrose actually is: a dream. It is an impossibility turned into reality. And as emcee of the event, I had the honor of calling onstage the original dreamers, the Founding Parents of PAREF Woodrose School. With us that evening were some of the Founding Parents: Dr. Placido and Mrs. Ma. Corazon Mapa, Mr. Francis and Mrs. Teresita Arcenas, and Mr. Victor and Mrs. Antoinette T. Puyat. As I watched them go onstage, I was in awe of how much vision and faith they had. While for some people, baking something from scratch is a pretty big deal, the Founding Parents dared to start an actual school from scratch! And they were aiming not for any ordinary school but for a community with the same mission – to give equal weight to both academic excellence and personal formation. They were aiming for a school that didn’t just develop the mind but the heart and the soul as well. They could have easily failed.

Things could have easily fallen apart for that small school of less than 80 students and just 10 teachers in Gilmore. Realistically speaking, so many things could have gone wrong. But on that night, I was able to see the faces of some of the people who dedicated their lives to ensuring that things didn’t go wrong.

From members of the Woodrose Faculty and Staff, Ms. Ma. Socorro L. Bautista, Ms. Teresita M. Eugenio, Mrs. Lydia V. Paloma, and Mrs. Victoria P. Torralba (for their outstanding service and contributions to the school); to the parents of Batch 1998 (for their contribution to the Teacher Development Fund); to alumnae such as Abigail Villaraza-Strangemann (who formed the Woodrose-Land Union Scholarship Program) and the Woodrose Alumnae Association, under the special care of Mylene Mapa – they were all recognized for various reasons. The way I see it, though, there was one common reason for their recognition: they were protectors of the dream.

I looked out at the audience, at the faces of my Woodrose colleagues, of the alumnae, and of the parents; I recalled the faces of my students; and I realized that we are, all of us, protectors of the dream too. Whether or not we will ever receive a plaque of recognition, we are all protectors of the dream that began 35 years ago. Woodrose lives through what we do every day — when we choose between excellence and mediocrity, between commitment and indifference, between standing up and giving in, between right and wrong. We are not just a part of Woodrose; we are the heart of Woodrose. And it is up to us to keep the dream alive.

More than just a school full of girls in plaid, Woodrose is a school filled with artists. From singers and dancers, to painters and musicians, almost every Woodrose girl has that special artistic side in them. For 35 years Woodrose has made an effort to hone those skills and showcase them in different events like the annual Linggo ng Wika. This year the school is going to try something a little different, something bigger: a school wide production.

The 35th year production is more than just another section performance. The whole school, from grade school to high school, will be coming together in every way possible to make this production simply unforgettable both for the audience and the students.

Written by Mrs. Cabañes and directed by Mrs. Monique Escueta-Bunuan, the story revolves around the life of a Woodrose girl from first grade till graduation and all the conflicts she encounters, which eventually shape her to become what every Woodrose girl is destined to become: successful. However, what will really make this story all the more exciting is the idea that we, the Woodrose students, are responsible for this show.

Even with the cast and ensemble settled, there is still so much work that needs to be done and we cannot do it without the help and support of the entire student body.

It’s time to breakdown the boundaries between levels and work together to show the world what the students of Woodrose can do.

Linggo ng Wika Ni Trish Gayod Freshman

Ika-22 araw ng Agosto noon. Ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral at guro ng paaralang Woodrose ay naghahanda na para sa isa sa mga pinakamalalaking selebrasyon ng taong 2012, ang “Linggo ng Wika.” Natatandaan ko noong araw na iyon ang mga preparasyon na ginawa naming magkakaklase upang makapagbigay ng isang palabas na nagpapakita ng aming pagiging tunay na Pilipino. Alas-singko pa lang ng umaga ay nagsama-sama na kami ng mga kaklase ko. Noong naisaayos na namin ang aming mga kasuotan, naglagay na kami ng kaunting pulbos at facepaint sa aming mga mukha upang maging katulad namin ang mga Aeta. Pagkatapos, nagsimula na kami sa pag-eensayo ng presentasyong aming pinaghandaan. Ito’y pinagsama-samang sayaw, kanta, at tugtog na nanggaling sa mga katutubong instrumento. Lahat kami ay kabado – ngunit alam ko noon na lahat kami ay magtatagumpay, dahil kami ay pinapatnubayan ng Panginoong Diyos.

Habang inilarawan ng tagapagsalita ang susunod na magtatanghal, pumila na ang klase ko. Nang kami ay nasa amin nang mga nakatakdang posisyon, nagsimula na kami sa pagkanta habang ang iba ko pang mga kaklase ay tumutugtog ng instrumento at sumasayaw. Pagkatapos nito, parang may naramdaman akong maganda sa aking kalooban. Dahil sa mga palakpak, parang natanggal na ang lahat ng pagod ko buhat sa pagpraktis araw-araw. Pinanood rin namin ang ibang mga inihandang presentasyon – mula sa mga katutubong sayaw, magagandang kasuotan noong panahon ng mga Kastila at Amerikano, hanggang sa masasayang tugtog ng Pinoy Jazz. Naramdaman ko ang mga sakripisyo ng lahat ng mga mag-aaral upang maipakita ang kanilang pagiging makabayan. Kahit ang pinakaminamahal naming mga guro ay hindi nagpahuli, sapagkat nagkaroon din sila ng isang nakabibighaning presentasyon. Sa sandaling iyon, naramdaman ko ang kakaibang pagmamahal para sa sariling bansa na tanging naramdaman ko lang sa Woodrose.

Ni Christelle Britannico Sophomore

Noong nakaraang Agosto, ipinagdiwang ng departamento ng hayskul sa Woodrose ang Linggo ng Wika. Sa paghahanda sa malaking selebrasyon, ang mga estudyante sa ikalawang taon ay nag-ensayo para sa dalawang presentasyon na “Sabayang Pagbigkas” at isang sayaw ng Kastila.

Ang II-A ay gumawa ng presentasyon para sa tulang “Kabataan, Pag-asa nga ba Kita?” at pinili ang sayaw na “Polka sa Plaza.” Ang II-B naman ay nag-ensayo para sa tulang “Ang Daing ni Inang Kalikasan” at isinayaw ang “Pista,” habang ang II-C ay ang tulang “Kalikasan, Saan ka Patungo?” at ang sayaw na “Subli.”

Hindi biro ang aming dinanas sa dalawang buwang preparasyon para sa tinakdang araw, dahil kami ay may gawaing-paaralan din. Hinati namin ang mga oras na kami ay walang ginagawa at ang mga araw ng pagpasok sa paaralan para handa kaming itanghal ang aming dalawang presentasyon. Sa isang saglit ay narinig ng mga tao ang isang tugtog na galing sa mga Kastila, at ang susunod na sandali naman ay boses ng isang nagmamakaawa na tingnan

ng iba ang kalagayan ng kalikasan. Ngunit, hindi rin naman puro hirap ang pag-eensayo. Ang aming dalawang buwang paghahanda ay puno rin ng saya at halakhak. Ito ay isa sa mga panahon na kami, bilang isang pangkat, ay naging malapit sa isa’t isa sa mga gawain at pagbibigay ng mga ideya sa presentasyon. Ang paghahanda para sa Linggo ng Wika ay punung-puno ng saya.

Ni Mike-mike Llantino Junior

Itinakda sa mga estudyante sa ikatlong taon na itanghal ang kultura ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pagsayaw ng Pinoy Jazz. Karamihan sa amin ay kinabahan, sa gitna ng paghahanda para sa pagtatanghal, dahil gusto naming humanga sa amin ang mga guro, magulang at kamag-aaral sa mga ayos at husay ng mga galaw ng aming mga kamay, paa at katawan.

Ang pinakanakakakabang sandali na pinakahihintay ng lahat ay dumating na sa oras ng pagtatanghal. Dahil kami ang kumakatawan sa galing ng mga Pilipino sa entablado, kailangang lubos naming maipakita ang lahat ng aming makakaya. Sa buong panahon ng pag-eensayo (hindi ako makapaniwala na sinasabi ko ito) kami ay nasiyahan at tuwang-tuwa sa nagawa namin – at sa gitna ng mga problemang aming naranasan, ang aming pangkat ay mas lalong nagkalapit at nagkaisa.

Nais naming ipaabot sa ibang mag-aaral na hindi dapat katamaran ang pairalin sa mga ganitong gawain. Kailangan ng tiyaga para matamo ang nais nating matapos. Matuto tayong tumanggap ng pagkakamali at may kababaang loob na tanggapin ang tulong ng iba. Bukod dito, sana ay matanto natin ang kahalagahan ng sariling pagkakakilanlan at maipagmalaki ang sariling kakayahan at kakayahan ng mga Pilipino.

Ni Patricia dela Chica Alumna, Batch 2013

Ang buwan ng Agosto ay panahon sa ating bansa na maipagmalaki ang ating wika at ang ating pagka-Pilipino. Dito natin maipahihiwatig sa lahat na ang ating angking talento at kakahayan ay nararapat lang na maibahagi sa iba. Kaya noong nakaraang ika-22 hanggang 24 ng Agosto 2012, ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral, mga guro at magulang ng departamento ng hayskul ay naging bahagi sa pagdiriwang ng Linggo ng Wika.

Ang mga estudyante ng ikaapat na taon ay naghandog ng dalawang kagiliw-giliw na mga pagtatanghal. Ang una ay ang “Bash the Trash” na kung saan ang mga gamit na instrumento ay gawa mula sa gamit ng materyales tulad ng mga plastic na botelya, lata, lumang dram, at iba pa. Ang ikalawa ay ang pagpapakita ng bawat klase ng isang sayaw sa panahon ng mga Amerikano. Sa mga indak, sipa, at talon naming lahat, habang nakangiti , naipahatid naming lahat ang kasiyahan naming maghandog ng tuwa sa mga manonood. Mahusay naming pinaghandaan ang aming itinanghal sa mga araw na iyon. Ibinuhos namin ang lahat ng pawis at oras namin para maghandog ng napakahusay na presentasyon. Pinaghirapan namin ito at pinagsikapan. Ang aming paghihirap para mapabuti ang aming pagtatanghal ay nagbunga ng maganda.

JOURNALISM PHOTOJOURNALISM

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n answer to Pope Benedict XVI’s call to the “reflection and rediscovery of the faith” in the Year of Faith (which began in October 2012 and ends in November 2013), events such as the Eucharistic Procession and the Living Rosary were held this school year, to impart love for the Bread and the Word and devotion to Our Lady, thus intensifying the faith of the students. Rosette photographers captured the fervor of the faithful and the beauty of our faith in the pictures below.

A DAY IN THE LIFE A Day in the Life of a Freshman

A Day in the Life of a Junior

By Francesca Tinga

By Leandra Miller

No one really told us what freshman year was going to have in store. We had thought it would just mean having different and harder subjects, different teachers, and of course, that bright blue ribbon. The only thing we were right about, however, was the fact that freshman year is adjusting year. It’s the year that helps you transition from the hallways of the grade school building to your high school future.

The freshman starts her day in her classroom. She hears the shouts and laughter of her classmates as they all scramble to finish some last-minute work. At 7:25 a.m., the bell rings and the freshman has to begrudgingly put down her work to get to morning assembly.

The rest of the day passes by in a flash as the freshman tries to take it all in.

Her planner becomes her best friend as her teachers continue to give homework and myriad of announced and unannounced quizzes besides. Her lunch schedule is dictated by the amount of work she needs to get done or the amount of practice her class needs for Awit Sarilikha. Not knowing exactly how much the time’s worth, the freshman counts the seconds on the clock, feeling as if seconds are minutes.

At the end of the day, when the bell rings, her heart bursts, exclaiming, “Yes! I finally have a break!” Upon returning home, she has to face the truth. She glances at her planner, eyes widening at just how much work she has to do. She finishes it just in time and sleeps. The next day, the cycle starts all over again.

But despite these tales of intense workloads balanced with newfound independence, the freshman actually enjoys high school – every single bit of it.

She enjoys even the intense workload that she knows will prepare her for the future, and she enjoys the time she spends in school because she knows that these times will be the best times of her life.

A Day in the Life of a Sophomore

“Good luck surviving junior year!” One may encounter similar versions of the same opinion from just about anyone who has graduated from high school. Junior year is not only known as the most important year of high school, but it is also known to be the most difficult to pass. Well, with such a daunting reputation preceding it, how are the juniors doing?

A day typically begins with fellow juniors wandering from classmates to batch mates comparing notes or homework from different subjects or asking about their feelings on a test taken a few days before. After morning assembly, classes go by in a blur. A junior’s planner gets filled up throughout the day with the usual abundant tasks to be submitted in panic-inducing deadlines.

When the bell rings, signalling dismal time, the juniors let out their long held in breaths of relief. Some attend their extra-curricular activities right after class, others rush straight home, and a few stay behind to study. Though the school day has ended, for a junior, the real work has just begun.

Once the juniors arrive home, it seems to be routine to log onto Facebook to check class and batch groups for school-related posts. Thankfully the saying “teamwork divides the tasks and multiplies the successes” applies to this batch of juniors. Knowing that peers are on the same boat motivates the batch to sail through the year together. When faced with the daunting workload, friends, classmates, and batchmates are never far. When someone does not understand a lesson, she feels free to ask as one or more of her batchmates will respond to help her. If someone is in possession of a powerpoint, document, or activity sheet she shares it with everyone on the batch group. During the times when “hell week” occurs, batchmates want to help relieve the stress by posting funny and zany photos or videos. Because of each person’s contribution to the batch, junior year ends up becoming more manageable and even enjoyable.

Despite the accuracy of the universal claim that junior year is “killer”, we juniors have learned to cope. The trick to surviving the year is a good attitude. All the labour done is worth it when a junior passes quality work on time or she receives excellent marks as a result. Another survival technique acquired from junior year so far is that the batch will be there in order to support and help one cope with the challenges that happen. Although the adventure of junior year is far from over, we juniors are trying to take it day-by-day. When it all ends, you can bet we all made it through together.

By Mayte Abola

A Day in the Life of a Senior

A day in the life of a sophomore is a complete contrast to the common opinion that second year is the easiest year of high school. A sophomore’s day begins the moment she wakes up – be it very early to study more for that biology long test, or just in time to reach school for morning assembly. It is routine for her to enter her classroom and greet all her classmates joyfully as they are the best part of the school day.

By morning assembly, the sophomore has enough energy to talk with her friends who have class numbers proximate to hers, to shout to the distant ones, and to mime to her friends on the other floor. She then spends the next three periods multitasking: staring at the clock, wondering why it suddenly stopped moving, listening to the teacher, taking down notes on her scratch paper to recopy later on, daydreaming of Intrams, and talking – with the people around her, with her longdistance contacts across the room and with the subject teacher, making sipsip.

Recess finally comes and she walks the long route to where her barkada eats.

Lunch, too, occurs in exactly the same place every day. The sophomore always finishes her meals promptly, at least forty minutes ahead of time, most likely because she needs to rush off to meet with groupmates or to work on a project or two.

She leaves school exhausted from all the mental, physical, and social activity; she dreams of sleep. Unfortunately, she has a lot of work – homework, projects, org work, varsity practice, and chores. The list could go on. Somehow, she is able to juggle all these around while still chatting with friends on Facebook and spending quality time with her family. Only by her sheer willpower and determination does she manage to finish all these and finally achieve her heartfelt desire of sleep.

Though full of work, a sophomore’s day is also filled with fun. She enjoys the regular outbursts of spontaneous musicals with her friends with songs from High School Musical to Hercules, holding her imaginary microphone and making the rain come down stronger. She enjoys making biology jokes about how her classmates are “hypertonic solutions” because they “suck” and proclaiming every statement her friends utter as a logical fallacy.

Despite her workload, the sophomore enjoys more free time than her ates, her surrogate older sisters, in her building and so has the benefit of many gimmicks. At times, she also goes to mass to pray for aid in this life she is living.

Overall, the sophomore is a slightly stressed, entertainment-seeking, and holy girl whose day is always a unique, colorful experience, never to be taken for granted.

By Bianca Suarez, Alumna, Batch 2013

We are the senior zombie warriors of Woodrose. With our dark eyebags, droopy eyes, and dull complexion, we drag our nearly lifeless bodies through the gate and into our classrooms. We prepare ourselves to face the brand new day with Dante’s Inferno, Veritatis Splendor, the Bible, and a scientific calculator in hand. With our weapons ready, we bend over books and notebooks to strategize for the upcoming battle.

But then the bell rings and our time has come.

We go into our lines so that our respective commanding officer can check our armor and ensure that we are suitable for battle. Everything from our ankle-protecting socks to neatly filed fingernails must be in tiptop shape. With a few words of encouragement that make us feel a bit happier about our imminent death, they send us off for another day on duty. We love our commanding officers to death but they can only do so much to improve the situation. Each fight from Math to English drains us but the day still isn’t over. Many of us stay long on the field because of our extra-curricular fights. As residing majors in charge of multiple orgs, stress and the thought of giving up is always near. Laziness tempts us because, soon, we will be done with all of this. However, we continue to persevere with the desire to go home after the battle because there’s nothing more that we’d rather do than end this battle, move on to the next, and eventually, win the war come April.

But before that day arrives, we have a deep pool of memories to pick from to keep us warm at night. After nearly eleven years of service together, we’ve learned how to enjoy despite all the exhausting trials we come across. We lighten up the mood among the troop during the fights.

Occasionally, we make jokes and share a laugh with our subject lieutenants. One-liners, surprise performances, and entertaining stories are not unusual throughout the day. And then during our breaks, we separate from the troop and build up our body strength with our closest soldier mates.

These are the highlights of every battle; the moments that we sit back and enjoy the company. It’s the people around us that make this battle bearable.

However, beyond the physical battle, there is the more exhausting mental struggle. No war is ever easy, especially the one we seniors face. Despite the brave façade we wear, the big question of the future looms over us, igniting fear in our hearts. As the brave solider Claudine Afable says, this war is the stepping-stone to an even more important battle. When the day comes, we have to make our choice on which avenue of service is best for us. Will we join the eagles, archers, maroons, tigers, or maybe something entirely different? This is the hardest part of being a senior zombie warrior. Every single day, we ask ourselves about the future and worry that there may be no or an undesirable future, but we keep fighting and working for it despite the temptation and stress. That’s what it’s really like to be a senior.

{WR}

THE SPI

By Lean Miller

Last November 30, 2012, Woodrose celebrated its 35th Family Day. This year, the bar was set incredibly high for an amazing Intrams, because it would be during one of the school’s milestone years. Preparations done by each team were made months in advance. During the Intrams practices, each and every student from all four teams did her part to ensure the success of Family Day. Looking back on it now, the whole event would not have been as great as it was, if not for the school spirit possessed by each student. Here are some evidences of the unique Woodrose Spirit that could be seen throughout the Intrams season.

Before WR’s 35th Family Day, students from Red, Blue, Green, and Gold changed their profile pictures on Facebook to their team color’s designated CaWRnival pictures to draw in the most number of attendees for their respective teams.

On the days of Intrams practices, every team member gave their heart and soul into making their parades the best they could be.

The props people spent most of their time handling bottles of spray paint, scissors, metallic paper, Styrofoam, Boysen paint, etc. In the process, their skin developed a semi-permanent stickiness from all the glue and tape; in addition, their fingers ended up painfully stuck in crooked positions from folding meters of metallic paper into pompoms. Yet in the end, it was worth it, for all teams had incredibly creative props. Red had elaborately-designed banners, flags, and

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an awe-inspiringly huge ship, Blue had intricately-made large stone figures and headdresses, Gold had gleaming headdresses and insanely-realistic frost giants and Green had the beautifully-crafted totem pole and very much life-like griffin.

The GS and HS pep squads diligently learned the dance steps, cheers, and formations. They also patiently followed their Captains and Co-captains when they were sent to the field for run-throughs under the heat of the sun. Allowing their skin to darken as well as bearing the glare of the sun proved their great love for their teams.

The cheerdancers prepared their routines many months before Family Day. In spite of all the tiredness, they constantly rehearsed their dances until they reached perfection. If you check out each team’s parades on YouTube, they all did their jobs well!

Every member tried her best to make their teams win during the championship games. If a student’s team had a game that she was not playing, she did her part by cheering as loud as she could to show her support. The sheer number of prayers said by each team was massive. If a team lost, they accepted it and cheered the winners while the latter humbly and graciously did the same to everyone else.

After the Awarding ceremony, most of the students’ eyes were filled with tears – whether of sadness or joy, they were tears shed for the love of their team. Even after the results were announced, friends congratulated each other despite being in different team colors.

Hugs and words of praise were given to all.

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Rosette • October 2013

Wear the Plaid with Pride

The Age of Innocence Rosettes in the Wild

The Age of Innocence

By Leandra Miller

Kids say the darndest things. They have an incredible knack for seeing the world through a fresh pair of eyes. They have the power to overwhelm you with their wit, charm, and downright honesty.

When interviewed, the little girls from our own primary department sure had much to say about what they expected from the Woodrose years ahead of them. Some of their expectations are humorous and exaggerated while others are certainly within the realm of possibility. That being said, all of their hopes showcase their sincerity and pure innocence.

“I expect Blue Team to do well.” – Clarisse

Again many interviewees hoped for their individual teams from Intrams to come out on top during the Family Day or for more Continuing Games and Family Days. The spirit and support the girls have for their “One Direction stays in Woodrose for two teams is amazing! They have something to weeks a month.” – Tara look forward to for the large remainder of their Woodrose years because any team can “Taylor Swift in Woodrose.” – Jezreel win the annual Intramurals. Juliana Manalo’s wish aptly explains this. “I expect that all teams Quite a number of those interviewed anticipated will have a chance to win and be fair.” In my the arrival of their favorite stars to set foot in our experience, beyond the winning of individual brick-walled school. This dream sadly remains to teams, I have also learned the importance of be one. I know this to be a fact because in the years sportsmanship, friendship, and teamwork. Through I have spent in this school, not one of my many Intrams, Woodrose has instilled these valuable international idols has performed a set-list of hits characteristics within her students. in the gymnasium. Not to fret though because the songs of such admired singers can be used and “I think I’ll learn new things and I think we will enjoyed during class projects, warm-up jams for be better people.” – Hanna P.E., or during the parade of your team. (Besides, Woodrose is really not meant to be a venue for “I expect kind teachers and kind students.” – concerts.)

Missy

learn new things, yes you will meet new friends, and yes you will encounter kind teachers and kind peers. As you grow older in Woodrose, the better you develop lessons you can use inside and outside the classroom. I have learned curriculumrequired concepts as well as virtues required for the betterment of my character. I have also met some of the most compassionate teachers and peers as the years went by. I was able to learn from them as they have from me.

The rest of the Woodrose years for all you “I expect for Green Team to win and One Some of those interviewed hoped for wishes primary kids out there will be fun. Keep an openDirection to sing for us.” – Tea that are already a reality at Woodrose. Yes you mind and enjoy the ride!

Rosettes in the Wild

The most prevalent impression of Rosettes is, to quote from one of those asked, that they are ‘rich, medyo maarte, and speak good English [sic]’.

By Gabbie Lombos (alumna, Batch 2013) Woodrose girls may initially come off as this, but once other people go beyond the surface, they see that our alumnae have great characteristics too.

First, though, it might be a good idea to examine why Woodrose people are seen as somewhat snobbish. At the beginning, they give off the impression of being aloof; this perpetuates the stereotype of Woodrose girls as people who live in their own worlds. Because they stay close together, even after graduation, it is difficult for other people to pop the ‘Woodrose bubble’ they have created around themselves. This happens mainly out of habit and for comfort: they’ve been with the same, relatively small number of Woodrose girls for over ten years, and they’ve become accustomed to each other’s faces and personalities.

Once other people cross the Woodrose barrier, however, Woodrose alumnae are seen to be friendly, easy to talk to, and fun to be with. Having gained the skill of small talk and learned how to avoid awkwardness in conversations in the comfortable environment where they grew up, most Woodrose graduates overcome their fear of socialization in high school.

Woodrose alumnae are also said to stand out, as they never forget the principles they learned at their alma mater. As the Mission Statement for Teachers goes, Woodrose “[inculcates] Christian ideals in [its] students, to enable them to be of service to God and society.” The emphasis here is on the word ‘inculcate’, which means ‘to instill or ingrain’. Because there is a focus on both academics and formation, Woodrose students become exceptional The average student spends around thirty-five hours a week at school; if leaders; they know that ‘to lead is to serve’. she began first grade at Woodrose, she would have stayed here for over twenty- Yes, Woodrose girls may initially seem to give off “hard to reach” vibes, thousand-hours’ worth of her childhood. Taken out of their natural habitat, but they are also known to be friendly and easy to get along with. More outside the brick walls and green fences of their youth, how do Woodrose girls interestingly, they stand out and show themselves to be true ladies. Woodrose act? To get a clearer picture of how the world sees us, I asked people who aren’t and the reputation of its alumnae may influence the Rosette in the wild, but from Woodrose what they thought of Woodrose girls. ultimately, it is up to the individual to show the world who she truly is.

Rosette • October 2013 A Free School Spirit, The Right Path

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Wear the Plaid with Pride

A Free School Spirit

By Gabbie Lombos (alumna, Batch 2013)

There’s a Calvin & Hobbes strip where Calvin goes to school, and his robot teacher hooks him to an information-transferring machine. After a few seconds, his school life is over, as he already knows everything he needs. Before he’s able to express his joy, he wakes up; it was all just a dream (of course). There are times when we think that this is the perfect school set-up: wake up, drop by for a few moments, store knowledge, and you’re good. No more requirements, no more long tests, none of the work that causes us so much stress. Calvin’s school probably doesn’t have any rules, either; no above-the-ankle socks, no reply slips, and no guards to escape from.

“Woodrose is so unfair!” “The rules are so strict; it’s crazy!” We’ve all heard it before, or maybe we’ve even been the ones to say it. “Total freedom,” we say, is exactly what we want, but have we ever considered the consequences?

To give an example close to home, imagine an Intrams parade with no rules, no teams. We’re allowed to do absolutely anything we want, regardless of what it is. How many people would inevitably get hurt? And could you imagine how boring that would be? There would be so much talent, but it would be so disorganized that no one would notice anything but themselves.

Our Intrams are so fascinating, so wonderful, precisely because of the rules that contain them. We love them as much as we do because they stay within the given form, yet are creative and aweinspiring. Clearly, the rules are not what detract from the performance, but what

The Right Path

enhance it. The rules, and our willingness to work within them, produce the big event that acts as the source for most of our school pride.

In truth, there are so many things to be proud of, beyond Intrams and our colors: the teachers and their unceasing dedication to keep going, despite our rowdiness and repetitive questions; the auxiliary, who are patient with our numerous props and uncategorisable messes, politely shooing us out of the classrooms when they catch us eating there; our classmates, batchmates, and schoolmates, who can bring smiles to our faces when it seems like the world can’t get any worse.

The love for God, which outsiders may sometimes not really “get”, is what will get us through the toughest of times, when we feel like the whole world’s against us. Whether it’s fighting the jeers of non-believers in college or the existential doubts that may come as our life unfolds, Woodrose’s solid lessons of theology and our faith guide us in our decisions and remind us that we always have a bigger Someone to lean upon.

Intrams may be the culmination of our school spirit, but that isn’t all Woodrose has that can ignite the love we have for it. It may not be our perfect school; no school is Calvin’s definition of perfection, nor ours, nor even society’s. As the 4th years’ Literature teacher Mrs. Escasa said once, “It’s the loyalty you have to it that will make your experience worthwhile.” What will we choose to do? Will we groan and hang our heads in shame, or display our crest with pride?

talk, entitled “Character Matters: 10 Choices You Get To Make” was about the fact that character is a matter of choice.

Professor Lickona came to the Philippines to instruct parents and teachers in the ways of character formation in today’s youth (in talks held on September

By Bianca Marañon 21 and 22), and even had a focus group with some students, which will only come to something if the youth take the initiative to make formative (not de“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both…” formative) decisions themselves.

Character comes from within, as cheesy as it sounds. Things without, or There is a fork in the road, and you must choose between two paths. You outside you, like the people around you or the circumstances you’re in can decide to take the path on the right, and begin influence your decisions, but in the end, it depends walking. Sooner or later, you find yourself at on you. Your parents, teachers, and friends can another fork, with two more paths from which help you along, if you accept their help, but your you must choose. This time, you opt for the path character is wholly your responsibility. According that lies on the left. to the professor, more than a bunch of traits or You look back. You realize that, had you not qualities, character is a choice: yours. No one can taken the path on the right initially, you would force character onto you, because no one can force not have ended up where you were. You glance you to choose. What’s good about this is that if to your right, and you can still see the other someday you fulfill your dreams and life goals, path from the fork in the road you have just left. the credit’s all yours! Sadly, if you end up with the If you end up regretting where this path takes opposite, there’s only one person to blame. you, will you be able to double back and choose As the professor said, “You are the result of differently? the choices you make!” Note that it is “choices” – You come to realize several more paths plural, because you can’t just say: “I’m going to be a branch out from each path, with forks of their good person!” and then be set for life. It is a matter own. Not only will these paths take you to of daily decisions, seemingly insignificant ones, widely different destinations, but they will also which in the end, actually shape your character. lead you to thinking, saying, and doing different You are now a seasoned traveler and stand at things. As a result of these experiences, you (as a yet another fork in the road. This time, you know person) are built – your character develops. what to do. After assessing each path meticulously, Professor Thomas Lickona, called “the Father you step forward confidently and go along your way. of Character Education”, came to Woodrose last September 19 to talk to the students about “…I took the one less traveled by, and that has made taking responsibility of character building. His all the difference.”

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Rosette • October 2013

Wear the Plaid with Pride

The Eponymous Flower, Following the Path of the Chaste and Pure

The Eponymous Flower

By Bea Adajar

They call her by many names, in many languages – Liane à tonelle, quiebra machet, Merremia tuberosa. Indeed, as a rose, her exquisite names reflect her stunning beauty and graciousness. There is, however, a quality that sets her apart from the rest, granting her an exceptional sense of dignity uncommon to her family.

As it is with most beginnings, she starts her life as a mere seed. Although not as small as the other younger ones, she looks up at the flowering plants around her, the trees draped with larger, more beautiful blossoms, and feels tiny. She longs to grow, to break out from her small black stone, and to bloom into a rose just like the others. Her gaze rests on the morning glory vines, eager to follow in their example and climb with them, climb higher than any other plant in the wilderness.

Just as she has wanted, by noontime she grows into a flowering bud. Her petals are a soft shade of yellow, like that of melted honey, and her childlike excitement is replaced with a gentle gracefulness. Slowly, she unfurls one petal after another, until she flourishes completely. She is beautiful. In the tangle of bushes and wildflowers, she makes her way upwards among the other vines, her simple loveliness a symbol of feminine youth.

As dusk approaches, however, she truly begins to thrive. Her velvet petals start to harden, her golden blossoms darkening to russet, as though shaped from wood. Clambering well above the other plants, her stately form commands authority. Her oncedelicate physique is now sturdier, able to withstand harsher wind and weather. And yet she is no less beautiful as before; in fact, her new appearance has lent her a majestic aura, turning the young princess into a noble queen.

She is matured, strong, and self-sufficient.

They call her by many names, in many languages – Liane à tonelle, quiebra machet, Merremia tuberosa – but only one is necessary. Because of her likeness to a carved and gilded flower, she is known most famously as the Woodrose, an epitome of womanly independence – for from a tiny seed planted in the wild, she bloomed into a dignified rose; from the soil on the ground, she climbed higher up than any other dared to go.

Following the Path of the Chaste and Pure

By Tanya Anastacio

For a Woodrose student, it’s typical to attend numerous talks and symposiums about a broad range of topics – be they about chastity, purity, leadership, and whatnot. On August 31, 2012, Woodrose was one of the thirty-five schools that attended the talks of Chris Stefanick and Leah Darrow, two very engaging speakers who spread and defend their faith on a regular basis.

Before the talk started, some might have thought that it would be boring, useless, and redundant.

However, it was anything but. In fact, the speakers not only managed to keep everyone’s attention for a full four hours, but they also left them with powerful thoughts and insights definitely worth remembering.

Nowadays, children and teens are being bombarded by many factors that affect the way they see things like purity, self-worth, and love.

Chris Stefanick’s talk stressed the great importance of finding real, authentic love – how real love is about doing what’s good for another person,

how it waits for the right time, how it is about learning to make moral decisions with the mind, and not with feelings. “You can pick the action, but not the consequences,” was what Stefanick repeated all throughout his talk. Chris entertained the audience with his humor and musical skills (singing and playing the guitar), whilst thoroughly expounding on matters of self-worth. Each person is worth dying for because we are all important, beautiful, and made in the image and likeness of God, he explained. A great touch on his part was that he shared personal stories about his family, effectively showing his listeners about the effects of chastity and purity, and giving them a taste of what it means to attain pure love.

Leah Darrow also managed to grab the attention of the audience by sharing her own emotional experiences and connecting them to the topic of being modest and genuinely happy.

Her talk focused greatly on the role of women in society, as well as the importance of positive change in lifestyle. Leah explained how modesty is a way to show a person’s self-worth, a way to express

your dignity as a person. Leah strongly opposed women allowing themselves to be objectified. “We shouldn’t be mastered by sin. We are all capable of changing for the better,” she said. Leah used the story of her conversion and teenage experience to remind the audience that high school is a time to find and maintain long-lasting friendships for the sake of our genuine happiness in the long run.

The two speakers definitely succeeded in spreading their messages of love and purity. As Woodrose students, the idea of purity should not be surprising, as we are all brought up to welcome the thought and practice the moral. Through the opportunities to attend such talks like this one, the concept of purity is instilled in us. We’ve learned that how we dress is definitive of our self-worth and upbringing, how each of us are representations of our school and families, carrying their names in all we do, and especially in what we wear. With the way we see ourselves, the way we let others see us, and the moral choices we make publicly and privately, we either choose for or against the finding of authentic love. Which would you prefer?

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Rosette • October 2013

Wear the Plaid with Pride

The Unsung Hero: Ate Conching, The Woodrose Myth

An Unsung Hero: Ate Conching

By Rita Camacho and Pebbles Daez

Conchita Tagnaman, known to us Woodrose students as “Ate Conching”, worked at Woodrose as part of the auxiliary staff for more than 10 years.

Smiling, friendly, and always hard at work, she went about the school, never I love Ate Conching because she was an inspiration to everyone; she complaining and made being optimistic look so easy! always helping – Sofia Lorenzo, Year IV out whenever and wherever she was needed.

Ate Conching had many fantastic qualities, including the fact that she always let us into the classrooms when we forgot our lunch boxes inside.

She would laugh at us for being such forgetful girls.

In fact, even when she was probably annoyed with us, she never lost her beautiful smile.

Ate Luz and Ate Lucia, Ate Conching’s colleagues, told us that Ate Conching was “superwoman. Mabait at matulungin; takbo agad diyan; ‘di mo alam na may problema siya—tinatawanan lang niya; happy woman.” They also told us that “kung may problema [siya], ‘di niya sinasabi.”

In August 2012, our beloved I loved Ate Conching because she Ate Conching was made it easy for me to smile at diagnosed with 6:30 am even if I stayed up for breast cancer, stage all-nighters! By her example, she taught me that a simple smile and one. Ate Conching a lot of love can get us through never showed that anything. she was not feeling – Ina Villegas, Batch 2011

curing the cancer, eight I love Ate Conching because cycles of chemotherapy she was always the first were needed. Still, Ate person who greeted me “Good Morning!” with a Conching kept on going smile and it always set the and enduring all the tone of my day: happy. pain. On top of all that, – Andi Fandiño, Batch 2013 in 2013, Ate Conching sustained several injuries in her thigh, and had a severe case of pneumonia. And yet, through it all, that beautiful smile remained. According to Mrs. Sator, even during “the biggest trial and darkest hour of her life”, she remained the very kind, serene, and good person that she is. She never got tired of thanking her Woodrose family for all their support.

She was especially touched by the love and generosity her dear Woodrose girls showered upon her.

Truly, Ate Conching was much loved by all who were lucky enough to have known her. And so it was no surprise that the news of her death on September 11, 2013 struck the hearts of so well, as reported by Ate I love her because she was many. Woodrose students past and present took always so attentive to the to posting pictures of Ate Conching on Facebook, Jennifer. paying tribute to a woman who taught so many Although she had needs of others. She never failed to finish her work about the value of remaining hopeful even in the to undergo the initial with a smile on her face, face of suffering, necessary cycles of despite the inconvenience about the beauty Ate Conching taught be how to chemotherapy, Ate and difficulty of her task.

– Bella Miranda, Year IV of putting others value life more and to be more Conching never stopped grateful for the many blessings before yourself, I have. She taught me to think smiling and held her and about the life- of others before myself, and to head up high. For a while, everything was fine.

Unfortunately, in early September 2012, biopsy changing power remember how important it is to ask others how they are feeling. results revealed that Ate Conching’s breast cancer of a smile.

– Monique Kahn, Batch 2013 had progressed into stage two. In fact, to begin

The Woodrose Myth

By Johnna Balane

Woodrose was founded by PAREF, or Parents for Education Foundation, Inc. It’s a simple fact known by any Woodrose student with at least an ounce of school spirit in her body. But students from other schools and outsiders may be a little ignorant when it comes to the history, mission or vision of our school. Here’s a little peek at the misleading yet amusing notions some people have about our school: • PAREF Woodrose right? ‘Di ba PAREF stands for Preparatory Academy for the Rich, Elitista and Fashionable?

• Unlike other mundane schools, Woodrose has exceptional and advanced subjects like Astrology, Navigation, and – let’s not forget – Motherhood, to aid the academic needs of their high-society students.

Lunch in the canteen? Nope. Woodrose students enjoy dainty tea parties and luxurious feasts in a real life version of Hogwarts’ Great Hall.

• Woodrose students don’t spend a hefty amount of money on their tuition fee to learn about dull quarter notes and eighth rests in Music.

No. They are trained to be part of an orchestra.

• Aren’t confession, mass and spiritual direction graded in Woodrose?

• Don’t Woodrose students have to wear stockings everyday as a part of their uniform?

• Woodrose? That’s the foreign exchange academy with the brick walls, right?

• No. It’s an international school, exclusively for elite female socialites. Duh. • It is mandatory for Woodrose students to wear their gala uniform in social events such as dances or proms.

• I can’t believe we still have to play table tennis for P.E. You know in Woodrose, they have Polo and Equestrian classes! Lucky!

• You know those spoiled, snobbish Woodrose students from Alabang receive 1500 to 3000 Php as weekly allowance?

It’s normal for people to stereotype others based on their financial capabilities, familial background, or even just by their first impressions. And although the Woodrose myths listed above are preposterous, the way some people perceive the attitude of the students from our school is no laughing matter. We shouldn’t take these judgments to heart, but we can’t simply ignore them either. You don’t want to enter your Math 17 classroom or your first job interview with your professor or possible employer having a preconceived image of a cocky “Alabang-er” just because of the gossip he heard about the school you came from. We Woodrose students know that we deserve more than what these confused outsiders expect of us. To do your part in proving to everyone that these myths are just that – myths – try going to your next org visit with a genuine desire to reach out to others. Actively participate in every outreach visit to Itaas by teaching the kids with enthusiasm. Be open to making new friends. Take pride in speaking the national language! These little deeds have the power to make others realize that we really are women of character and strength. If we can debunk these ridiculous rumors, then we can be genuinely proud of the school we come from, and take pride in our alma mater.

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Wear the Plaid with Pride

To Give Is to Gain

By Bianca Marañon

Rosette • October 2013 To Give is To Gain, You Know You’re from Woodrose When, It’s More Fun in Woodrose Because...

You Know You’re From Woodrose When…

By Kyra Albano, Alumna, Batch 2013

It was a typical sunny Wednesday. My outreach group mates and I fidgeted nervously outside the classroom door.

Given the previous outreaches’ pandemonium, we had reason to be nervous—kids running on tables, yelling and crying, fighting, and eating paper—it also happened to be the last outreach of the school year, so we wanted to make it extra special.

An hour, 55 McDo cheeseburgers, and a chaotic lesson on respect later, we left reluctantly with our class yelling goodbye and waving after us. I looked around at my group mates and the smiles on their faces, and I knew that though the school’s outreach activities take a lot out of you and entail a lot of work, the rewards outweigh any of the difficulties.

Our school regularly reaches out to the kids of Itaas Elementary School Annex, whom the high school students visit to teach them about various virtues.

In turn, the Itaas students go to Woodrose to spend the day with the grade school students, with whom they play and eat.

Aside from the outreach activities that Woodrose students of all levels participate in, our school has four different high school socio-civic organizations, namely Gabay, Puso, World Youth Alliance, Bata Batuta, Handog Lusog, Save Our Surroundings and Red Cross. Each of the orgs is made up of volunteer student members who reach out to different groups of people and stand up for different causes.

Gabay members, for instance, go to St. Jerome church in Alabang to teach catechism (as well as sports and arts and crafts) to the young children from Pagasa and Riverside who go there. Puso members visit the children’s wards and cancer wards of the Philippine General Hospital as well as Bahay ni Maria, a home for the aged for abandoned women. World Youth Alliance members promote human dignity through outreaches and the media. Handog Lusog members fast before they go to the St. Josemaria Daycare in San Pedro, Laguna, to feed the kids, while Bata Batuta members go there to feed, play, sing, and dance with them. Lastly, Red Cross provides health services to those in need of it. Save Our Surroundings members aim to help the environment through several projects inside and outside of the school grounds such as tree planting, coastal clean ups, segregation week, and environmental talks. The org members freely give up their Saturday mornings and after-school hours to help out their respective orgs.

Outreaches and orgs give us the opportunity to give back—we all have been blessed so much, so it is only right that we share our blessings with others.

Through these charitable activities, we are also given the opportunity to do something, however small, to improve the situations of those who have much less than we do. Such is the importance placed on community service in our school that even when we leave Woodrose, we carry those experiences and the lessons we learned from them with us.

I hear lots of people groaning about the state of the world and how depressing it is, and I can’t help but wonder how many of them actually act instead of spouting complaints. As we’ve learned through our outreaches and orgs (besides the spirit of service we acquired through them), words are useless unless proven by deeds. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” So, instead of waiting for the world to change, we are the change ourselves. Indeed, we are protagonists of not only our own learning, but that of others, too.

So as I look back once more to that last outreach, I remember a little girl tugging at my shirt, saying, “Ate, lagi ka naming hinihintay!” And now, I realize that truly, all the difficulty was worth it. Knowing you made a difference in someone else’s life is a great and fulfilling feeling, and that’s what community service is all about.

• You end up looking at yourself when passing by any reflective surface.

• You fold your skirt in between your legs before sitting on the floor.

• You use your collar to wipe tears, sweat, and crumbs off your face.

• Your skirt is water-resistant.

• You think of Mass when someone mentions that it’s the first Friday of the month.

• You and your friends insist on sitting on the floor despite all the available chairs and benches around you. After dismissal, you also see more bags than people on the benches.

• You know at least one person who says, “Hehehe. LOL.” regularly.

• You bring extra supplies of food to school because you know your classmates will ask you for some. Similarly, you expect your classmates to do the same for you.

• Either your blouse or skirt (or both!) is stained with paint.

• You like writing “I love (insert your name here)” on people’s limbs or papers.

• You call the clips that you usually use for bangs or loose hair “chuk-chuks.”

• You are often told by your friends outside school that “you have this certain way of talking.”

• You and most of your friends think that going to Makati or anywhere outside Alabang is an “adventure.”

• You think Intramurals for other schools isn’t as great as Intramurals in Woodrose—even though you have no idea what Intramurals is like for other schools.

• You bump into a relative, family friend, or parent of a friend near the oratory or cafeteria almost every week.

• You always compare your school to Southridge.

• You know what a Eucharistic Procession is, and you are under the assumption that your school is the best at making floral carpets.

• You and your classmates really enjoy putting up plays or skits and all kinds of presentations together. It’s one of your favorite alternative assessments.

• You think that the Woodrose version of “Power of Your Love” is the best, and whenever it’s sung in Mass or for the Eucharistic Procession, you do the voicing.

• You know Latin songs and prayers (and you know boys who also know Latin songs and prayers).

• You know that “the ultimate purpose of man is to know, love, and serve God and be happy with Him forever in Heaven.”

• You always leave space for the Holy Spirit.

It’s More Fun in Woodrose because…

By Johnna Balane

• It’s as close to Hogwarts any school can get.

• There are about 60 stickers of floating little girls on the Woodrose school bus.

• Ringing the grade school bell was the highlight of your grade school life.

• There are two hunting seasons: grasshopper season and dragonfly season.

• Tug-of-war during Intrams is like World War III. • Voting for the next Intrams co-captain is like voting for the next president of the WORLD. • There’s always tissue paper and soap in the bathrooms.

• Everyone gets to make carpets out of pretty flowers every year.

• The chorale has the power to keep everyone quiet while they’re performing.

• You can go to confession and spiritual direction at any time that suits you.

• There’s always some sort of art exhibit going on in the high school patio (and even on the walls in the high school building).

• The almighty French fries stand, Potato Tracks, has withstood the test of time.

• At twelve o’clock, the bell rings, and the entire world stops to pray the Angelus.

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Rosette • October 2013 Count on Council: Keep the Woodrose Spirit Alive, Dashboard, The Amazeing

Wear the Plaid with Pride

“One thing I’ll never forget about Woodrose is its red brick walls which contain all the memories of my bongga Woodrose life.”

– Camille Mendoza

Count on Council: Keep the Woodrose Spirit Alive

By Camille Alvarillo

Last year, the Student Council’s main objective was to keep the Woodrose Spirit alive through all our projects. We wanted to mark our school’s 35th birthday with a year full of celebration!

Hopefully, through our initiatives, we were able to do exactly that.

Because we advocate school pride, we had the Victor of the Month, more popularly known as Student of the Month, to be able to recognize those who posses the virtues of a true Woodrose girl. Also, we had our monthly “Plaid File,” which once listed 35 reasons why we should be proud of our school! We even had several word games to give due recognition to the heroes of our country and to significant people in our school, like our auxiliary and maintenance staff. Aside from this, we also had our traditional projects like Launching of Activities, “Peer Tutoring,” Teacher’s Day, and

The AMAZEing Rosette

“Project G”! Lastly, we launched our “Council Goes Cyber” project (the first of its kind), which allowed us to make our own Facebook page, Twitter account, and YouTube Channel. This allowed the students to see the latest updates, news, and announcements, straight from the WSC. We owe the success of our projects to the cooperation and support of the entire Woodrose community! We are sincerely grateful and hope we made the 35th school year a legendary one.

And since the 35th year is not yet over, you can definitely look forward to all that the Council has in store for you. So do your part and keep your Woodrose Spirit alive!

Like the WSC Facebook page: www.facebook. com/WoodroseStudentCouncil and follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/_ WSC2013.

“I will always remember the bubblegum hand soap, the alwayssmiling auxiliary, and definitely the Cleanest Classroom Award.”

– Alex Madrono “I will always remember Woodrose to be the one that taught me to strive to be a better person despite what others may say or do because God will always be by your side.”

– Camille Javier “It’s the values that Woodrose has taught me that I will bring with me forever! It taught me the virtues of faith, determination, leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility through Intramurals, Student Council and many more.”

– Camille Alvarillo Interviewer: Thea Anastacio

A Tribute to theTeachers

D

ear teachers, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us—for devoting countless hours to making lesson plans, putting up with our kalokohan, answering our repetitive questions and handling both our noise and our silence. We couldn’t have asked for anyone better to do the job. You are all a part of Woodrose which can never be replaced, and even though sometimes it might seem otherwise, we never take any of your efforts for granted. We love you, teachers! Keep inspiring us to do our best.