The Bud Volume 35

theBUD

A Warm Welcome:

The audible distractions inside the building make it very hard for teachers and students; it is not conducive for learning.

“TO BE FRANK, OUR ENVIRONMENT is a daily challenge. I always despise staying in the classroom because I am not comfortable and not motivated enough to focus. It was always hot and full of distractions,” stressed

Marielle Frances Amigable, a Grade 11 student from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand.

She is one of the many students who faced the beginning of the school year with improvised classrooms as the Laboratory Schools (LS) building suffered damages brought by the 7.0 Magnitude earthquake last July, bringing a lot of limitation in the conduct of Face-to-Face classes.

Currently, LS holds classes in three separate buildings: four classrooms from the UNP Hostel, five classroom from the New Academic Building, and eight classrooms from the Old College of Technology building where they share with the Automotive students from CTEch who are also doing their hands-on projects. These caused major discomfort as it resulted to irregularities of class schedules, abrupt changes of room assignments every now and then, and inability to properly deliver performance-based projects, and difficulty answering written tasks. This affected students from

Grade school to Senior High school.

Teachers also shared the same sentiment, “Marigatan dagiti teachers ken estudyante kasi adu iti mang-mangeg nga distractions; haan nga conducive for learning (The audible distractions inside the building make it very hard for teachers and students; it is not conducive for learning.),” quipped Mr. Joey Camello, a Senior High school faculty member when asked about the situation. “’Yong rooms mainit and very noisy tapos ang dilim. Tapos dangerous ‘yong stairs for both students and teachers (The rooms are hot and very noisy and dark. The stairs are also dangerous for both students

situation as a test of character that builds patience and tolerance among students is denying the very principle behind learning. To brand that this is quality education is a lie.“

ILLUSTRATION BY Christian Jehro Ulita and John Dave De la Rosa

and teachers.),” added Ms. Maureen Lou Aragoza, a Physical Education instructor. Mr. Stephen C. Tabios, the ParentTeacher Association (PTA) President affirmed the experiences of the student body and faculty, as he emphasized that they are trying to address the matter. When asked about the University’s future plan, “In two or three years phase two [part of the LS building] will be ready for teachers and students to occupy.“ Though, the administration is aware of the struggle, they cannot immediately deliver a more concrete solution as the whole university confronted the same dilemma brought by the earthquake.•

Our environment is a daily challenge — LS stude

UNP marks 57th Anniversary

Jeysed Denille Llanes

Senior studes bag 2nd place in academic quiz bowl

CHRISTIAN JEHRO N. ULITA, Russel Jay A. Fuentesfina, and Jarno R. Benedito, from the Laboratory Schools - Senior High School, secured 2nd place during the 2022 Invitational Academic Quiz Bowl held at the University of Northern Philippines Tadena Hall, October 11.

Ulita and Fuentesfina are Grade 12 STEM students while Benedito is from Grade 11

HUMSS. Ms. Jennielou Pigao, a member of the SHS Faculty, was the coach for their team.

The team faced off against 15 competing schools in which they contested for two categories: one revolving on General Information and one on Ilocano Culture. Each category consists of 2 levels, with level 1 acting as an elimination phase for those who would move on to level 2. In level

1, only the top 5 would advance to level 2.

Other competing schools include Suyo National High School, Narvacan National High School, San Pedro National High School, Bantay National High School, STI College of Vigan, Ilocos Sur Community College, Banayoyo National High School, Divine World College of Vigan, Lyceum De Ylocos, Cabugao National High School, Saint Paul College of Ilocos Sur, Sinait National High School, Theodoro Hernaez National High School, ISPSC - Santiago Campus, and Saint Williams Institute.

The said event is annually conducted in commemoration with the 57th Foundation Anniversary of the university, aiming to showcase students’ wit and knowledge on General Information topics and Ilocano Culture.•

COMING BACK FROM A two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Northern Philippines’ students, faculty, staff, and administrators reaped another year of togetherness through different activities to commemorate its 57th Founding Anniversary, October 8-18, 2022.

The Foundation Anniverary was celebrated simultaneously with the univeristy Intramurals. The said festivity kicked off with the opening of intramurals on October 9. The grand foot parade, one of the highlights, where students, faculty members, and university administrators beat the heat as they march along the streets of Vigan City

while showcasing their creative props and gimmicks was held last October 14. The said parade was headed by the UNP Marshall, the UNP Colors, and the UNP-LS Marching Band. Various departments and colleges followed together with the newly crowned Mr. And Ms. UNP.

Mr. And Ms. UNP, the most prestigious uniwide pageant was held. The Office of the Student Affairs also sponsored an Invitational quiz bowl on General Information and Ilocano culture. Participants from the St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur topped the High School General Quiz Bee Category while San Pedro National High School secured the 1st spot in the Ilocano Quiz Bee Category.

2 LS educators receive length of service award

DR. AURELIA T. VITAMOG, principal of the Laboratory Schools (LS), and Mrs. Rosalina R. Pascua, Filipino teacher, were among the 41 university teaching personnel who were recognized for their enduring number of years as employees and public servants during the Service Awards Ceremonies and Stakeholders Appreciation Night at the University of Northern Philippines Gymnasium, October 14, 2022.

Dr. Vitamog was appointed on June 23, 1987. She has been designated as the principal of the Laboratory Schools for almost 10 years now. On the other hand, Mrs. Pascua was appointed on June 01, 1982. She served as one of the

pioneer Filipino teachers in the LS - Junior High School. They were both honored for their 35 years and 40 years of service, respectively.

“ The profession taught me to value my sense of discipline. My guiding principle is to give importance to my work especially because it will impact lives not only the students but the teachers that I lead ,” said Dr. Vitamog.

With its theme, “ Transforming Public Servants into Resilient Servant-Heroes ,” Dr. Rogelio T. Galera Jr., Director IV and Administrative in Financial Management Service of Commission on Higher Education - Central Office, served as the keynote speaker. •

The Student Council also initiated the putting up of Student Fair and Amusement Booths with the theme, “Panagital-o Nakasigudan ken Kadawyan nga apit”

The week-long celebration ended with a Eucharistic Celeration at Crisologo Mausoleum, the floral offering at UNP Founder’s Plaza, and the memorial lecture series. Dr. Juan Primitibo Petrolo, Education Supervisor II of CHED-RO1, served as the guest of honor and speaker for the memorial lecture series. His talk focused on the importance of professionalism in the context of government service and the practice of intellectual humility both towards fellow educators and students.•

LS Gov assumes highest Provincial Little Gov’t post

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 30th anniversary of National Children’s Month, Laboratory Schools Organization (LSO) Governor, Licia Joyce Mariñas, acted as Little Provincial Governor of Ilocos Sur last November 15, 2022, at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center.

With the theme: “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata, Ating Tutukan”, the event aimed to expand the horizons of student leaders across the province by providing them the opportunity to attain knowledge on how to be a public servant as well as the exposure to serve as heads of different departments within the government. Other LSO Officers participated in the event with Vice Governor Kimberly Anne Rin, Auditor Crystaline Gwyneth

Quadra, and Grade 12 Representative Yzabella Devadeb all serving as little Provincial Board Members. Secretary Melah Angela Aquino ministered as little Provincial Human Resources Management Officer. Treasurer Cassandra Camille Ramos operated as the little Provincial Agriculturist.

Business Manager Julia Shane Macarubbo served as little Provincial Education and Scholarship Affair.

In addition, Press Relations Officer

Lucia Rose Raboy served as the little Sports and Development Officer while Xyrel Daena Ramos operated as the little Provincial Planning and Development Officer. Grade 10

Representative Earl Jazz Medrano served as the little DILG Provincial Director. Grade 9 Representative Peejay Callejo served as little Bureau of Immigration Officer. Grade 8

Representative Kevin Dagondon ministered as the little PNP Provincial

Director and Senator Nate Joas Emilio as the little Provincial Budget Officer.

“

Being a counterpart of the Hon. Francisco Arturo Ranches III is such an honor,” Quadra remarked. “This opportunity widen my perspective on how it feels to work in a government and how hard and stressful it is to be a public servant,” she further stated.

Other student leaders from different respective schools joined the event as well including the University of Northern Philippines, St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur, Divine World College of Vigan City, and Ilocos Sur National High School.

The closing ceremony was held last 24th of November, 2022 to reciprocate the efforts and hardships of student leaders.•

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

Aireen Jade Ancheta

Neil Bert Rapacon

BEAT THE HEAT. The Grade 12 students of the Laboratory Schools take the lead during the UNP Grand Foot Parade, highlight of the university founding anniversary, October 14, Vigan City.

PHOTO Jermaine Dwayne Perlas

BEES IN QUEST. (Right to Left) Russel Jay A. Fuentesfina, Jarno R. Benedito, and Christian Jehro N. Ulita show their answer during the easy round of the General Information, Invitational Academic Quiz Bowl. PHOTO Jienne Alegre

The profession taught me to value my sense of discipline. My guiding principle is to give importance to my work especially because it will impact lives not only the students but the teachers that I lead.”

- DR. AURELIA T. VITAMOG

Ilokano Youth leaders convene for peace education

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

The Bud dominates Secondary Campus Paper Awards

THE BUD, THE OFFICIAL student publication of the University of Northern Philippines - Laboratory High School, is not afraid of going beyond and breaking the conventions, as it remained one of the best campus papers in Vigan City Division, seizing four 1st places and two 2nd places among the six categories of the school paper contest, part of the Division Schools Press Conference held at Burgos Memorial School West on February 18-19.

The Bud was hailed 1st in Best in Layout and Page Design, Best in Editorial Page, Best in Features Page, and Best in Science and Technology Page. It also landed 2nd in Best News Page and

Best Sports Page, respectively.

Previously, the publication had notched 3rd in Best Features Page in the 2017 National Schools Press Conference. It had also received numerous recognitions in various categories during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Regional Schools Press Conference. The Bud was also included in the roster of Finalist of the Best Design Campus Papers of the Philippines in 2019.

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre, Editor-in-Chief, and Christian Jehro Ulita, Senior Associate Editor, lead the school publication.

Ms. Marielle Ann Verzosa serves as their technical adviser.•

LS celebrates World Teachers Day

AS AN ACT OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT and appreciation, the Laboratory Schools conducted celebratory activities to honor World Teachers’ Day held at the Diego Silang Hall on October 5, 2022.

The activities include the post-it freedom wall, in which the students expressed their messages and gratitude as dedications for their teachers. Moreover, a simple program was also initiated, wherein the teachers watched video presentations as

a tribute to them during their lunch break. All have been organized by the Laboratory Schools Organization (LSO), led by Licia Joyce Mariñas, LSO Governor.

This event is an annual international occasion, purposely to extend genuine arrangements for the boundless efforts and sacrifices of teachers in shaping the students towards their utmost potential and endeavors.•

STUDENT LEADERS AND writers all over Ilocos Sur converged for the second season of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office’s 1

(CHEDRO1) Peace Education Project (PEP) lecture series with the theme, “ Kabataan, Kapulisan, at Pamantasan Nagkakaisa sa Paglaban sa illegal na Droga, Terrorismo, at Krimen ,” held at the University of Northern Philippines Auditorium, October 18.

This year’s confab was composed of four learning sessions which focused on the salient features of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, drug abuse prevention and treatment, cybercrime, and terrorism.

Atty. Joseph Apolonio, the National Police Committee Ilocos Sur Provincial Officer, IO 1 Marvin Angelo Abeño from the Ilocos Sur Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Dr. Bredell Fabia of the Department of Health-San Fernando, La Union Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, and PEMS

Sanny Pat Segismundo from the

Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office served as the lecturers.

It was attended by various school organizations and publications across the province, such as the Divine Word College of Vigan, St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Sur Community College, St. Mary’s College, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Data Center College of the Philippines, St. Benedict College of Northern Luzon, Immaculate Conception School of Theology, and Northern Ilocandia College of Science and Technology, to name a few.

PEP consists of an annual seminar that aims to educate and encourage student council and student publication advisers, and youth leaders and writers to implement strategies in order to reduce drug abuse, terrorism, and criminal activities within their areas, as well as promote sustainable peace and drug-free communities.

An oath of membership, as official members of the Student Crime Prevention Council, was also taken by the participants. •

LS delegates seize the spotlight in Mr. and Ms. UNP 2022

ALYSSA CHANG AND YOUSEF

Loy Al Ma’amari represented Laboratory Schools (LS) as they fought against 16 other pairs of contenders from different colleges during the search for Mr. and Ms. UNP 2022 held last October 12, at the UNP Gymnasium. Both aspirants walked with confidence in their stunning swimwear and evening attire. With the event’s theme, “Modern Propellers of Ilokano Culture,” the contestants also graced the stage with their Candon-inspired creative costumes. Featuring the

grand and bold, painted with hues of green and brown, the LS showcased the arts and crafts of the city to emphasize the livelihood of its people, being producers of “kalamay” and planters of tobacco.

At the end of the event, Romarc Cuyo from the College of Health Sciences and Anis Fatima

Azees from the College of Nursing were hailed as the newly crowned Mr. and Ms. UNP 2022. Moreover, Mr. College of Teacher Education and Ms. College of Hospitality and Tourism Management earned the 1st runner-up titles; Mr. College of

Nursing and Ms. College of Medicine notched the 2nd runner-up titles; Mr. College of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Ms. College of Arts and Sciences snatched the 3rd runner-up titles; and Mr. College of Medicine and Ms. College of Social Work bagged the 4th runner-up titles. Mr. and Ms. Laboratory Schools, Yousef Loy Real Al Ma’amari and Alyssa Chang, stood tall and proud as they were among the 17 official pairs of candidates who competed in the preliminary pageant for the Mr. and Ms. UNP 2022, held at the UNP Gymnasium on October 7.•

PLEDGE OF PEACE. (Right to Left) Christian Jehro Ulita, Jermaine Dwayne Perlas, Sophia Chan, Rejeane Anne Tabuyo, and Khendrick Dave Quilana recite the oath of office as members of the Crime Prevention Council (CPC).

PHOTO Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

IT’S THE WALK AND TALK. Yousef Al Ma’amari and Alyssa Chang present their Candon City-inspired creative costumes during the Coronation Night of the Mr. and Ms. UNP Pageant, October 12 at the UNP Gymnasium.

PHOTO Jienne Alegre

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

Yansen Rehsya Cabalce

Rejeane Anne Tabuyo

LSian BSP, GSP reignite scout spirit

BADGES WERE EARNED and campfires were ignited once again as the Girl Scouts (GS) and Boys Scouts (BS) from Junior and Senior High School of the University of Northern Philippines-Laboratory Schools conducted a school-based encampment after two years of hiatus, held last December 9-11, 2022 at the University’s oval.

The encampment was themed, “Strengthening Cultural Preservation through Scouting,” aiming to engage the participants in activities that showcased Filipino culture and tradition with emphasis on assisting young boys and girls to grow socially while promoting the values of self-reliance and independence.

Mrs. Roselyn Alan, Technology and Livelihood Education instructor from the Junior High School, demonstrated how to prepare and cook the Ilocano delicacy called “dila-dila”. This served as one of the challenges of the GS as they prepared their own which served as their “merienda” Other activities such as cultural

LS holds face-to-face recognition program

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN Philippines-Laboratory Schools (UNP-LS) recognized its academic achievers from pre-school to senior high school for the first quarter, almost three years after the last, to celebrate and acknowledge their hardships and efforts on January 7, at the UNP Tadena Hall, Administration Building.

With the theme “Pursuing Academic Excellence in the Post Pandemic Era” Reynalyn D. Amistad, academic achiever of Grade 12 Accountancy and Businesss Management strand, delivered the opening remarks. The awarding of certificates to the academic awardees

was held after as initiated by the LS principal, Dr. Aurelia T. Vitamog together with the assistant principals, Dr. Clarita Pere, Dr. Anita Arlegui, and Mr. Christian Domondon. LabS Music, the LS band, also performed an intermission number. Co-curricular awards were also given to students who represented the University in different division and regional competitions. The awarding ceremony was ended by the closing remarks of Jienne Cryzelle A. Alegre, academic achiever of Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences strand. It was followed by the distribution of cards among the students.•

Culture, Arts cap UNP-LS SHS Fest 2022

dance was initiated by Ms. Angelica Tabunan and Ms. Maureen Aragoza, Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health Junior High instructor and a Physical Education Senior High teacher.

Dr. Elmarie Rin, a Senior High School Science instructor, also gave a talk about preparedness during calamities or emergency situations. She demonstrated the proper ways of doing first-aid treatment to a person, and how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

On the third day of encampment, the GS and BS had joined forces for one last big game— the Amazing Race.The Abdul Patrol from the BS won the said activity.

Before the break camp, each troop from the GS reflected on the quote, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” Licia Joyce Marinas, one of the Chief Girl Scouts, inspired them with a message to continue loving scouting through the experience that comes from it.•

SHOWCASING ARTISTIC AND cultural pursuits, Grade 11 and 12 students banded together for the Laboratory Schools Fest 2022 as they performed a speech choir and festival dance at the University of the Northern Philippines Founder’s Plaza, December 19, 2022.

Binatbatan festival, Panagbenga festival, Bangus festival, Masskara festival, Pamulinawen festival, Sinulog festival, and Pintaflores festival, were performed by the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Auguste Comte, Accountancy and Business Management (ABM) Cotrugli, Arts and Design track (AD) Escoffier, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Laplace, Maxwell, Curie, and Tesla.

Maxwell was hailed as the champion while Curie bagged the 1st runner-up title, and Tesla snatched the 2nd runner-up title. Minor awards were also given to the performers. Alyssa Chang from Curie and Adrian Roderick Paz from Laplace were recognized as the best female and male performers. The Most Disciplined Group award was given to the section of Auguste Comte, and the Most Creative award was received by AD Escoffier. The Grade 11 students also performed a speech choir from a piece entitled “The Resiliency of a Filipino” by William G. Bacani. There were five entries from the five sections: STEM Euler, STEM Pythagoras, STEM Euclid, HUMSS Homer, and ABM and Technological

Livelihood strands Kotler. Overall, Euler was the champion, while Euclid and Pythagoras grabbed the 1st and 2nd runner-up titles, respectively. The Best in Props minor award was given to Euler; Pythagoras received the Best in Costume and Most Creative award; Kotler received the Best Actress and Most Cheerful award; Homer received the Best Actor and Most Synchronized award; and Euclid was recognized with the Early Bird award. Festival Dance entries were adjudged by Ms. Angelica Tabunan, Ms. Shayne Amano, and Mr. Lester Aaron, and the speech choir panel of judges was composed of Mr. Jeffrey Valencia, Mr. Michael Visaya, and Dr. Novie Ada Urbis.•

The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.”

- LICIA JOYCE MARI ÑAS

“THE FILIPINO SURVIVES. THE FILIPINOS ARE RESILIENT”. Kazhandra Dulay from Grade 12 STEM Euclid acts as a wife in pain as their group performs the piece entitled “ The Resiliency of a Filipino ” by William G. Bacani. PHOTO Jienne Alegre

INNOCENT SMILES OF SUCCESS. Childminding pupils of the Laboratory Schools pose for the camera after receiving their awards during the 1st Quarter Recognition Program, January 7, at the UNP Tadena Hall.

PHOTO Rhyna Gene Aguilar

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

Neil Bert Rapacon

Aireen Jade Ancheta

LS dominates ProFETA Week

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

students of the Laboratory Schools proved that they are more than their age as they competed and notched several awards in the different competitions of the The Professional and Future English Teachers’ Association (ProFETA) English Month Celebration entitled “ Relieving the Past and Embracing the Future through Philippine Literature ” on November 26, 2022 at the College of Business Administration and Accountacy (CBAA) Function Hall.

Janrose Briones and Naomi Martini Siene from Grade 11 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand secured 1st and 3rd place in Spelling Bee category, respectively. They also won 1st place in the Battle of the Brains together with Christian Jehro Ulita from Grade 12 STEM and Jarno Benedito of Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences

(HUMSS) strand. Moreover, Kimberly Anne Rin from Grade 12 HUMSS landed 3rd place in Six-word speech event. The same spot was also snatched by Kristina Cassandra Nunez in the Blackout Poetry competition.

The set of activities include different intellectual and creative competitions which aimed to showcase and develop talents, skills, and knowledge of students along English and Literature. The ProFETA is an accredited organization of the English majors of the College of Teacher Education which members are the graduate and undergraduate students. Their advocacy focused on providing avenues for students, future teachers, and English teachers alike In training to emphasize the importance of the English language and the literature, specifically Philippine Literature. •

LS-SHS studes haul silver and gold

STUDENTS FROM LABORATORY Schools Senior High School showed their prowess in 3rd Provincial Hospitality and Tourism Management Academic and Skills Showdown with the theme, “Time to Shine ASEAN Youths” held this December 1-2 and December 5-6 at Saint Paul College of Ilocos Sur (SPCIS) Campus.

Sophia Chan, Sofia Tomaneng, and Reynalyn Amistad, students from the Grade 12 Accountancy, Business, and Management Management (ABM) strand, bagged 1st place in the Business Case Analysis category of the competition that occurred on December 1. Competing teams were given a copy of a specific case concerned with the agriculture and business sectors of the Philippines, they were tasked to examine and recommend the best course of action for resolving the case’s issues.

LS-SHS pits filmmaking prowess

LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION.

Grade 12 students shot their best shots as their festival dance-themed video entries were exhibited during the first film festival contest of the Laboratory Schools Senior High School themed “Promoting Philippine Culture through Informative Video Presentations” at the UNP Auditorium, January 20.

Each of the six entries in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Laplace, Maxwell, Curie, and Tesla, Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)

Auguste Comte, and Arts and Design track (AD) Escoffier, highlighted the different Philippine festival dances in connection to this year’s filmmaking contest.

Comte was hailed as the champion, while Laplace notched the 1st runner-up title, and Maxwell bagged the 2nd runner-up title. The Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Actress minor awards were given to Dayne Via Asistores, Adrian Roderick Paz, and Althea Abigania of Laplace, respectively; the Best in Storyline award was also given to Laplace; the Best Supporting Actress and Best Actor awards were received by

Julia Cruz and Mark Joshua Peralta. Best in Script Writing was awarded to Maxwell; Curie received Best in Film Editing; Comte was awarded with the Best in Cinematography; and the Best Dressed minor awards were also awarded to Adriel Joshua Roca of Escoffier, Alyssa Chang of Curie, Jermaine Dwayne Perlas of Tesla, and Sharina Cabotaje of Maxwell.

Film entries were adjudged by Mrs. Glorijoy Rivad, Ms. Janet Molina, and Mr. Jethro Raphael Panella.

Trophies and certificates were given to the top three winners of the film festival competition.•

Three judges were present in the contest, all of whom were in the field of accounting.

Subsequently, Reynalyn Amistad, Alyssa Chang, and Jasmine Palomares snatched 2nd place in the Quiz Bee portion of the contest that occurred on the morning of December 6. Amistad and Chang are Grade 12 students from ABM and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strands, respectively, while Palomares is from Grade 11 STEM. Topics for the questions stated in the quiz bee included General Information on Information Technology, Fundamentals of Business Administration and Accountancy, and Fundamentals of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Mr. Rey Anthony Vecina and Dr. Elmarie Rin, from the Senior High School faculty, coached the winning teams.•

Mariñas romps championship in extemporaneous tilt

LICIA JOYCE MARIÑAS, Laboratory Schools Organization (LSO) Governor and Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) student of the Laboratory Schools, romped 1st place in Extemporaneous Speaking Contest during Vigan City Fiesta - Education Day with the theme, “ Tao, Komunidad, at Edukasyon, Kaisa sa Matatag na Pagbangon ” this 21st of January at Upper Lobby, Vigan City Hall.

Competitors were hailed from secondary schools of Vigan from both Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) levels, wherein the range of concepts given to each contestant was concerned with social issues experienced by the masses. They were then given three (3) minutes to prepare for their speech. Mariñas was given the question, “What is your greatest concern about the future ?”.

Mr. Alain Ramos, a member of the SHS faculty, coached Mariñas in her competition. •

Despite the unfair and confusing mechanics, we stepped in and worked together to fight against the uncertain. Thus, we prevailed as the first placer of the competition. It was fulfilling.”

- JERMAINE DWAYNE PERLAS

IT’S MOVIE TIME. Megan Penelope Varilla, a Grade 12 STEM student and one of the cast members behind the short film “Lusong: Sa Alon at Pag-ahon” shares her experiences and comments after the film-viewing. PHOTO Jienne Alegre

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

Yansen Rehsya Cabalce

Yansen Rehsya Cabalce

VICTORY SMILE. Licia Joyce Mari ñas with Mr. Alain Ramos, her coach, and Dr. Aurelia Vitamog pose together with the Vigan City Officials during the awarding ceremony of the Vigan City Fiesta. PHOTO Vigan City Official Facebook Page

AWarm Welcome

AFTER THE WHIRLWIND

changes and transitions of classes, resiliency has wormed its way into the minds and hearts of learners aching for the instant bounce back from the adversities they experience. But there is more to this as the learners of the Laboratory Schools (LS) were warmly welcomed with brand new trials to endure this academic year 2022-2023.

The Magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit the province of Ilocos Sur and Abra did not spare the newly furnished building of the Laboratory Schools. This had posted a big backto-school challenge as the mandate of the Department of Education (DepEd) to reopen its doors for pupils and students, forcing them to transition from online to face-to-face classes with improvised classrooms. These improvised classrooms were found in three separate buildings, some are located on the first and third floors of UNP Hostel, the Academic Building, and at the Old College of Technology Building. The ones in the UNP Hostels are not designed as classrooms but as conference halls— very spacious, hence was divided into two or three rooms. The shift in functions of these rooms has

theBUD 35

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

A.Y. 2022-2023

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Christian Jehro Ulita

JUNIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jeysed Denille Llanes

INTERNAL MANAGING EDITOR

Aireen Jade Ancheta

EXTERNAL MANAGING EDITOR

Francis Faey Reyes

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Yansen Rehsya Cabalce

NEWS AND SPORTS EDITOR

Jono Ragonton

FEATURE EDITOR

Sophia Chan

SCIENCE EDITOR

Rejeane Anne Tabuyo

LITERARY EDITOR

Jermaine Dwayne Perlas

CULTURES EDITOR

Maria Sofia Guiller Tomaneng

CARTOONISTS

Shane Angela Saribay

Marianne Jhade Alquiza

Aidhen Mhiel Sarmiento

GRAPHIC ARTISTS

John Dave dela Rosa

Sarah Jane Luczon

PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Bettina Dela Cruz

Hailley Therese Romo

Erich Camille Javier

Khendrick Dave Quilana

Rhyna Gene Aguilar

LAYOUT ARTIST

Cassey Louise Prades

STAFF WRITERS

Janiah Ysabelle Roc

Neil Bert Rapacon

Kim Alexa Arce

Lara Danaia Montano

Lyka Yhvonne Directo

rendered them unprepared to handle the implications of accommodating a huge class and has exposed the undeniable flaws of some. Though equipped with air-conditioning units, some room has caused water to drip onto their floor, disturbing their general state. The lack of functional chairs and whiteboards has also been palpable in some of the rooms.

In opposite, the ones in the CTech building were small with almost just the blackboards as the divisions. While they were promised to be temporary, these classrooms are undeniably affecting the learning of the students. Often do they find themselves in the heat of the moment, literally, as some are plagued with the problem of poor ventilation. Other than that, these tiny classrooms are blocked only by thin walls so during peak discussions, they sound like a neighborhood uniting as an out-of-tune symphony where teachers and students alike struggle to be heard–again, literally.

The sadder thing is, there are more privileged students who occupy more privileged classrooms. With unknown basis, some students luckily managed to be located in air-

conditioned rooms, creating a sort of hierarchy among them. During the most recent face-to-face examinations, some class sections were able to make use of the rooms classified to be in the more refined states while the others bore the heat and the noise coming from who-knows-where.

This classroom dilemma created a domino effect where students and pupils are trying to defy its limitations. There is a struggle in the conduct of group activities and performance tasks. There is a struggle in intently listening to lectures and discussions. There is a struggle in maintaining focus during quizzes and examinations. There is a struggle in learning after the two-year online class, as students and pupils are left with the only choice to bear but also left with the expectation to properly deliver. Schools are where students flourish: where they learn to part their wings, test the winds and discover themselves. It is not just an establishment for learning the breadth and depth of academics but also for discovering the limits and strengths of one’s ability. And it is true, learning is not chained to the four walls of a classroom, yet students and pupils

have spent most of their lives in these spaces. They are not just spaces but a place crucial for their development. More than aiming for comfort, the conduciveness of classrooms is part of a healthy learning environment. Thus, ensuring the proper development of individuals would mean fostering them in an environment that allows them to focus. To label the classroom situation as a test of character that builds the virtues of patience and tolerance among students is denying the very principle behind learning. To brand that this is quality education is a lie. While the causes are beyond our control, to be complacent with the solutions adds more to the burden.

In a country where resiliency is romanticized and applauded by the masses, we believe we can become more when we suffer the worst. Resiliency is a badge of honor but it is also a disguise for a festering wound. We can escape addressing the real problem behind and leave the students to just “endure,” as they say in Ilocano, “Agan-anus tayo.”, but we cannot fake nor deny its non-visible cut, already there, destroying what it can, creating a bigger wound.•

Jemina Ruth Arances

Karylle Audrey Lazo

Marielle Frances Amigable

Francine Nicole Custodio

ADVISER

Ms. Marielle Ann Verzosa

CONSULTANT

Aurelia Vitamog, EdD, RGC

© COPYRIGHT 2023 THE BUD

Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited. The Bud Editorial Board and Staff reserves the right to edit, publish, or not publish contents for reasons of libel, space, and ethics.

DISCLAIMER Some of the pictures in this issue are not owned by The Bud, hence copyright belongs to their respective owners.

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The Bud

In Black and White, and Red

OUR COUNTRY WAS BORN from fire and blood, for the same brings forth oppression and revolution; for one without the other is unthinkable. It took the lives of thousands of Filipinos who fought and died to advocate for our needs in the hope that we would all be free—free from the problems that still plague us today. They are the same people who are now being targeted for their ability to transform and transcend society in order to make people listen to their pleas and realize that it is their right to demand accountability and just treatment as citizens of a sovereign nation.

Breaching into my room of innocence and solace, I was forced to bear a will that was almost howling for the age of reckoning. Throughout my time as a student, I have been gripping on my black pen relentlessly to force a path for myself as a way to write. Out of my incapacity to hold and create using a pen, I joined the publication as swiftly as I could call myself a writer. Those scribbles, inexplicable, awry, and pointless drafts, plus the daunting search for facts, solidified my stand—my nonexistent stand.

Truth be told, those nonexistent stands were not even a fourth of a contribution to the purpose of being a member of a publication, of being a writer. Because it is the threats that you

learn to accumulate, rather than honing our prowess, which is our duty to inform the public and embody a platform for opinion. Because what no one tells you is that, in the midst of your obligation and commitment to the craft which you are constantly building and improving, you would tremble before the nation that gave birth to you. You would learn about the martyrs and saints that this country continuously patronizes as heroes; some are buried under tall buildings as a condemnation of the very same thing that killed them, and the worst thing is, you would never know who is next.

I was 13 years old when I first wrote for the publication. Back then, it was only about evoking personal stories to lure students to read our works. Five years later, I am writing this as I reveal the punishments, and threats, all of which were attempts to persuade us that our craft was nothing more than propaganda—a coup d’état of some sort. I know we must not regress, because the identities of our forefathers are woven into the tapestries of our Filipino heritage, but here we are doing the same—liberating us once more.

I have learned to pursue this very craft that fuels my heart to survive, especially in this gilded land of ideals. There is no such

thing as fair and good anymore; only evil possesses even our learned superiors. Thus, to strip us of our democracy, to delude us with utmost sincerity just to strive for a “better” society driven by hope, peace, and security, is not alien language. Because I, too, have wished the same thing over and over again as I heeded the attention of the telescopic sight of murder weapons as if not to spill blood on this already crimson-red soil. But it is not just the weapons of war that continue to silence us, it is the powerful words spoken by people vested with authority that have the potential to harass and speculate about us as being involved in terrorism. We are mistaken for societal rebels and bandits with the mere mention of the word “activism,” which is even more greatly misunderstood. It is also the simple and easy tendency to be tagged with red, figuratively and literally, that grants us the opportunity to either be forced to resign our posts, leave the country, or get killed trying to do so.

In the midst of gambling who is right and who is wrong, our country has proven every now and then, that democracy is not always fulfilled, and there are those who are willing to fight beside it and protect it. The truth can benefit all, but never those who proclaim it.

There are no bargains for which it can be done, no witness protection, confidentiality, and there is no trust that we can gain from it. For we are just the amplifiers of our fellow Filipinos’ voices, and as we continue to prove, they are being persecuted for the service from which we have ignorantly benefited.

Writing, you see, is not just about rainbows and butterflies in our stories; it hints, even from the smallest censorships, blacks and whites, countless revisions, and tone-downs to comply and lessen the risks we will face, just to become safe, while there are eyes peering over us. This will always be a great burden to carry, because, we, too, are human and we are capable of feeling afraid—for what may happen if we did not follow what should be and what should not be published or printed on a school paper.

I admit. Writing was never a passion that I could hold and protect forever. It was not an innate ability bestowed upon me by the fates and gods above, because I was a coward, clinging to the privileges of this borrowed life. And it was enough that they gave me a life to live rather than one to die falsely accused of breaking the wheels and chains of oppression, buried as a hero unknown to those for whom he fought. I was lucky. •

JUST COPY IT; WHO WOULD even know? After all, it is just an idea.

Classrooms are now being invaded by killers—silent murderers who march hallways echoed with muffled screams. They are prepared to attack one student after another, trained to leave no trace, clean, and a natural escape artist. But who are these killers? Well, they might just be you.

In plagiarism, the goal is to stab without being caught; never let internal guilt for killing bother you. To be clear, here are the steps in doing so.

First, locate your target and know when to strike. In the marathon of trying to be someone else, we all just want to be appreciated and try to win. Plagiarism, as we have all come to believe, is simply the coincidence of having a similar thought with someone; having the exact same words and ideas; like a game of probabilities. But an aspect that we often neglect to address is that we can never be the same with anyone, a response that hits like a dagger to the heart and is unfortunate for those who resort to copying to be someone they are not. We are our own special characters, unique in our own way. But in the constant chase of trying to be someone else— someone better at writing, someone who makes better art than we do— we lose track of our true selves.

Second, set a plan. “A thief without an idea is a dead man.” Envy is a deadly foe, and the more we

realize our inabilities, the more our thirst grows into a monster that even we would fear. All of the murders I witnessed had a purpose: a crippling desire to meet the unyielding standards of teachers, getting away from the disappointment of our parents, and probably one of the most morally perplexing acts, narcissists’ plagiarism: to copy something without hesitation just to gain popularity, and those who resort to murder just to feed their ego. Reflect on yourself, stick to your core intentions, and seize that desire with both hands. Only then will you be able to perform a successful assassination. Third, it is now time. As they say, a plan without action is futile. Prepare yourself; it will get messy. After the rigorous task of planning everything out, from the moment your eyes were attracted by the written piece to the delicate tick of time spent reading it, it all boils down to this: Lay out your tools and stab it directly in its eyes so that the soul will not be able to see what you will do. Obviously, you should always start at the head and copy its features, from the phrases written to the words used to the structure of the paragraph and even the tiniest special marks. After all, what you’re copying is considered art; every detail is meticulously written, carved, and sculpted with precision, so there’s no reason why yours shouldn’t be as well. When you

plagiarize, it is natural to feel a pang of guilt and have flashbacks haunting you from those who created it. You will visit the nights they wrote it, the blood and sweat it took to write it, and the process of designing its very own DNA, but it’s all just mild side effects, nothing to be worried about. As you move toward the body and the foot, it will all just feel natural to you, as if you were born to do it.

Fourth, discard the body. Of course, you need to not get caught, and that applies to our masterpiece as well. Pull out your best paraphrasing tool and attempt to make your work original. Remember, we should leave no trace behind. Bury the body and never let anyone see you. As the piece you plagiarized gets hauled into the canteen’s trash, be sure to offer a prayer, perhaps even a thank you for forgiveness; it is not your fault anyway. In the constant mass production of something new heightened by the internet, how difficult is it to still stay original and still be able to take pride in creating something entirely new? Is it really your fault that you only want to pass an assignment and meet the expectations that have been placed on you? Are you really the one to blame when the work you perceived as original was already created by other people on the other side of the country?

Fifth, move on and pretend as if nothing happened. Do not sweat it; what’s important is that you’re

here and that you’ve finished your output. Nobody saw you, so no one has to know that you killed a creative for your work, that you discarded the body in the canteen’s trash, and that you covered the crime by looking up synonyms of the words originally written, just so it would sound different. A day will pass, and you might still hear the woes of your murder. People will start to suspect, and they will look for another missing body in the hallway, going through each classroom and asking if they saw that person, but stay calm and never tell them that you murdered them and where you hid the body; never tell the truth that you plagiarized work because you are unable to see yourself as everyone else does. It is simple to deny, making it easier to lie.

Congratulations! You made it. You finally made a good impression on your teachers, and I hope that the feeling of victory will last. The search for the body will continue, and the woes of the souls will linger, but you can always ignore them. The crowd has become more aware now, weary of producing something that catches attention, and has adopted a fear of being the next target. Challenges will arise, and so will the feeling of being unworthy; you will constantly revisit the frustrations of not being able to create something original, and this will be your downfall. But in the meantime, let your killing spree continue.•

urcHids

How To Get Away With Plagiarism

Christian Jehro Ulita

But in the constant chase of trying to be someone else—someone better at writing, someone who makes better art than we do—we lose track of our true selves.”

Let them call us children, but never innocent. We’ll never be bystanders in a gory battle; rather we’ll be like a kid in a candy store—with words as bullets and art as guns. Our blaring wails will serve as the battle cry of this revolution. In the end, we are the hope of them all.

Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

AWRY.TER

But it is not just the weapons of war that continue to silence us, it is the powerful words spoken by people vested with authority that have the potential to harass and speculate...”

— Nadeen Dominique Valenciano EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, THE BUD 2019-2022 theBUD

The Past In The Present

HISTORY IS SUCH A remarkable landmark of progress throughout our society. It is defined as the adjustment of time, and human achievements. It works as a mirror towards the past and a hint towards the present and the future.

To better understand it, history is what identifies us. It is one of the things unique and distinct from our culture and nationality. It testifies to the major contributions of our society which we are all a part of.

To sum us everything that has been stated, the past is what affects our present, history highlights our hardships and struggles as a nation.

It is important to recognize history to better understand what is happening in the present. But why is it important to recognize the relevance of history? Does history aid us in better understanding the present? And does history have the capability to mold our future?

History is the vessel that allows us to see our society’s previous actions. It provides information about the past with factual data and verified pieces of evidence, therefore we must recognize its relevance. Furthermore, history is what best describes the events of the past as it is written documentation that contains all the information we need to trace and learn the truth of a particular situation in the course of human civilization. In addition, history also reflects the past struggles of

our nation and how its citizens fought bravely and persevered throughout the times of depression in our country. By recognizing the importance of history in our lives, we can allow ourselves to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our heroes who have endlessly fought for freedom and peace for our motherland.

For me, as a student, history provides us a strong comprehension of understanding change and what urges changes in our society. History supplies the youth with tools that are able sharpen minds to further understand what is happening during the current times which is crucial. The youth plays a critical part in our society and by learning history in educational premises, we the youth can have access to valuable information that are able to help us take our views in our surroundings and can greatly contribute into steering our course into a much more stable and a much more livable future by raising our voices so that the world may be able to hear it.

To further understand what is happening in the present, we must also understand what has happened in the past. Our actions during the previous events can alter the course of both the present and the future. I believe that history is an apparatus that helps us have the ability to evaluate and understand the difficulties of the

past which will equip us with the necessary knowledge to recognize patterns that might be undetectable and unnoticed in the present. This provides us with a crucial comprehension and resolution of the current problems of the present. History can also be an avenue for us to learn from our past mistakes from previous events and refrain from repeating that same mistakes. This helps us create and consider new ideas that can be beneficial to our present and the future. As humans, we can further develop and widen our understanding of the present by evaluating the past. Understanding how historic events shaped our present is one of the reasons why recognizing history is important. Learning from the past helps us understand who we are and how we have reached this point in our society. By recognizing history’s contributions we can prevent errors in the future and alter the course of our society in a better direction. For us to better understand the current events happening in our society, we must first determine our previous actions. History is a factor that molds our society and has well kept our culture breathing and surviving. History serves as a tool of preservation for our culture, our laws and regulations, and our identity. For example, our laws and rules date back to the past. These rules have been utilized for

centuries, and it is still in use even up to this day thanks to history. However, history and its legitimacy are currently being challenged. Nowadays, we have reached a point where we have advanced greatly toward an era governed by sophisticated technology. And within this, technology has been used to spread false rumors about the past and has led others into believing that these rumors are all facts that happened and these so-called “true statements” are all hidden from the public eye and erased from our history. In other instances, historical revisionism has been a growing concern today as it threatens to change and derail history and truth. This is one of the reasons why we need to study and further recognize how important history is to our lives, therefore we must learn to open our minds and accept the truth and expel the ignorance that resonates with us. History is an ongoing mystery, a crime yet to be solved. History is endless and forever will be intertwined through time and human society. Its importance is highly relevant in our daily lives as it shows how far human civilization has reached and how far our advancements will exceed. Our actions from the past have led us to where we are right now, and our actions today in the present can lead us to a better future, so we must all take part in it.•

PROLOGUE, CHAPTER ONE, these are the first things you see on the first page of a story, but mine? Well, it’s the Epilogue of a tragic fairytale. Where everything starts to fall apart and you can’t do anything because it’s already at its last chapter. I guess, all you can do now is to start a new one.

My story starts here: seventh grade, third quarter, our adviser tells us that face-to-face classes will resume after a week, but this turned into weeks, months, and now years. It was tough, when you open your phone, it’s about the virus, people saying their condolences in the comment section. When you open the television, news of how awful it had become, and how many are affected and got killed because of it. It was a never-ending cycle. I got sick and started to do something to get my mind out of it. I started to write.

I am going to be honest with you, it wasn’t hard to write. My fingers typed naturally on the keyboard and I always wondered why, until now. The words just sprout out of my fingertips and to the blank electronic page. Every single day, at six in the morning—for some reason I woke up that early, I sat on a small chair, placed my laptop on another wooden chair and started to write a brand-new chapter, rinse repeat, until finally, after four months, I finished my first novel.

I was so happy that I did not want to jump back to the reality of the virus, I want to stay here—in the world I have created. Where happily ever after’s come true, where you’ll be able to accept yourself because there is a person who is willing to give you a magic mirror in order to do that.

Unlike the reality, you get killed in

such nasty ways that you end up in a jar.

The fresh air on the farm, the mooing of the cows, the sound of the birds singing to each other. The tiny drops of rain from the leaves of the mango tree, the stomping of the feet of the farmers, stepping on some puddles caused by the rain are such a peaceful way to clear up the mind of my dear protagonist, trying to think of a plan to rescue her friends as I tried to rescue mine and we both succeeded. A very hard time for everyone but I know it was for the best and as I can see now; even if the universe would give me a hundred times to redo what I have done, I would do it over and over again, why? Well because if I did not, who knows, maybe I am not even invested in writing a single paragraph.

As time went by, I have written about two other novels of my series and suddenly, I started to question if my stories are even worth reading. I started to ask myself why am I writing in the first place.

My pace of writing started to slow and the words were really hard to dig unlike before. They say hobbies end at a certain extent if nothing valuable happens, if it does not root inside of you. I thought it already did, but I was wrong. As hard as life is, I pushed my limits on writing two more books on my series and then there was it, my worst nightmare. That the world I created through my words is no differ of the world that I am trying to run away from. I am basically ruining my life by pushing something I am not even sure anymore.

One question ran through my mind, why does my story matter, to me and to the people I am trying to reach? To break their hearts? To

make them realize something? I am not even sure of myself anymore, how are they going to love it?

Months had passed and some miracle just happened. I was surrounded by people like me. I don’t know why they just appear at the exact moment where I am about to throw things away.

For once, I felt my soul alive. Nothing can ever stop me when I hold into my words. My story isn’t perfect; it is flawed like reality. My mistake is that I was trying to create something impossible. My story matters not because I have a prologue, a climax, or even a cool plot twist. I needed to believe that I wrote something I believed in; that it would make a change, and that is the reason why my story matters. Nice hook, isn’t it?

The youth is the hope of all but realistically, they do not even have a voice to state their opinions and make a difference in the sociality. How could people underestimate the capabilities of what the youth can offer to strive the country on its maximum length of richness in money and in culture. With a little smile and some cheering up, we boost self esteem of the people around us yet we can’t even do that to ourselves. At a glimpse, we saw hope as we show ourselves from the shadows, a voice that was stronger than ever. Screaming to be heard yet it was denied once more causing them to lose hope. This should have been a crime.

We all have our rights. A right to be heard through our opinions in which we climbed the highest tower to just have an opportunity to say so. The Philippines could be one of the biggest countries that would strive because of the hopes

of the people. That one day, an era with such admirable history that children in the future would be glad to look behind to. We would be proud that the country they are in, is a country open to all voices.

We may be struggling right now, with the money, prices, poverty, and just everything we couldn’t imagine this country would be in, seeing these people in the news still manage to put a smile on their faces just symbolizes that nothing will ever be too late as long as we have hope in our hearts. Something that would follow and guide us in our journey to become the best version of this country.

In the world we are living in, hope slowly fades as dreams starts to fall apart but with one small shine even from the tiniest candle, it could spread its flames to one another. One little steps of a single person can make the whole country in light once again. And we Filipinos can do it, this is the spirit that every one of us share.

If there is hope, there is a Filipino just lurking around the corner.

The story, unfortunately, ends here. But the series of undying hope will forever continue like clockwork. Unless someone steals the chromosphere of time. There will be a day where all will sleep unpeacefully yet still woke up with a gracious face and those people will be us. The Filipinos who will always have a smiling face plastered on their faces, even in the darkest days of their lives, even when the economy is dying right in front of them, they will always have a hope that a superman would appear and save the day from the villains that were disguised as heroes.•

examiapapillon

Why My Story Matters

Francis Faey Reyes

At a glimpse, we saw hope as we show ourselves from the shadows, a voice that was stronger than ever.”

Jeysed Denille Llanes

the avian quill

...history provides us a strong comprehension of understanding change and what urges changes in our society.”

Broadcasting a Beginning

FINDING WHAT YOUR HEART desires can lead to a passion that nourishes the soul and the mind.

Creating a new pathway for writing and journalism is finding a new direction for inspiration and dedication — a reason for beginning again after a great journey. Thus, a journey to writing and expressing nurtures an ability to be the main character in an unknown world that surpasses time, perseverance, and willingness amidst the odds and hindrances.

One afternoon, I considered myself astray five years ago when I was called to audition for radio broadcasting. Heat surrounded my body as confusion started to spread around my mind. I felt like a lost child at that time when I absentmindedly read a random line for a news report in front of people as I overthink what was going to happen next. After a few months, there goes a girl who rode an airplane for the first time as a student journalist leaving her home for ten days and stood as a National Schools Press Conference participant representing Region 1 for Filipino Radio Broadcasting.

“Am I strong enough to face it?” That question lay in my head for so long when the practices and training started after I surprisingly passed the audition for radio broadcasting. I was a grade 6 student who was a part of the team, had no confidence in herself, and was a self-entitled introvert. I had

to show my strong persona even if my old self was weak because I had to stand up for myself and for my team at the same time. We went through strict judgments and criticism from our coaches which made me face a new façade to my comfort zone. I remember being called out when I secured the position of the CoAnchor of the team because my voice was not the best at first. But with that, everything became a cycle of using my voice as my power. I was taught to use my ability to speak to gain confidence and be able to highlight a part of me that I can be proud of. But behind all the practices, I couldn’t attend classes. I went home at eight in the evening and still lived the life of a student, daughter, and a human even after the very long radio broadcasting sessions. I then start to wonder if I am doing something great for myself, if I am on the right angle in my student life, or if they were sure in choosing me as one of the team members. The competitions did not frighten me. I was afraid of competing against other student journalists because winning was always an indication that I deserved to be there. I can recall being emotional about being outside of my safe place and how uncomfortable the moment was for me, but garnering titles and recognitions made me bravely go through the Division Schools Press Conference, the Regional Schools Press Conference, then being in the

Nationals. As a student, you can go so far away and still be inspired by so many other things. You can travel, meet new people, and see a side of learning and education that you have not seen before. The timeline last 2018 at Dumaguete City was one of the best treasures in my life. It was a privilege that was only granted to passionate beings who appreciate the beauty of writing and speaking. Thence, I had no more questions in my mind after the endless practices and journalism clashes of different schools across the country. All I had was the realization that I conquered the things in life that I didn’t know I could conquer. My mind immediately registered that there is always risk in every opportunity, but it provides a life-long chance that values your worth and character, regardless of how skeptical you are as how I was before. Doubts will never be a pause to opening more doors to chances. Nonetheless, it is never too late to discover who you might have been amid every challenge after another and every experience you encounter –the freedom you now have is a choice.

The journey will never end as I grow older. I will continue to embrace new beginnings that point in the direction where I found my heart because I believe that when nothing is certain, anything is possible. Who would have guessed that a 12-yearold girl represented the first region in the Philippines with doubts and

uncertainties? I am almost 18 years old, and it never ceases to inspire me to toil on my talents and crafts even more. I may have lost all the recordings, pictures, scripts, and even the bonds I created with my former members who are now attending different schools, but after so many years, all the memories will live on in my not-so-mediocre school life. The battle to win is not always the case, but that proves your power to know that you can withstand anything if you consistently believe in yourself. I continued using my voice even if it was shaking, I still stood tall even when anxiety was consuming my mind, and I persisted, even though I was terrified of doing what they asked of me.

As a former radio broadcaster who is now a staff writer of The Bud from the University of Northern Philippines, my ambition now is to showcase my ingenuity as a studentjournalist who is willingly offering her wisdom and literacy in writing and journalism. This new journey looks back a little while to the past, where a seed of abundance and love for writing is now growing; a bright future awaits this new literary escapade. Establishing my enthusiasm for journalism in a new environment with new people may be like finding new love after another, but broadcasting a new beginning with vigor and passion is just alluringly worth writing for.•

SCHOOL IS DEEMED AS OUR “second Home” because the majority of one’s time is spent within its premises. It is a place where an individual evolve over time as they navigate their way to the future to become functioning adults. An area where discipline is established and students adhere to rules that the higher-ups implement. The array of benefits that school policies contribute to a particular institution or university is the peace and order it maintains, yet, despite these advantages, some cannot help but question whether these school policies are indeed for the sake of students like how these school advocates it to be or is it for the sake of the school to claim its reputation? School policies are still bombarded with controversies as some of the strict rules that students are imposed towards them is a constraint that restricts them from expressing themselves, hence, putting a limit on what they can accomplish. This phenomenon invokes students to question if these school policies are keeping them under control for their good, or if it is obstructing them from achieving what they are truly capable of.

It is a universal experience for almost all students to be confronted at the school entrance and they are asked about the clothes they are wearing, paving the way for “Dress Code Policies”. Somehow, this might seem trivial to students because of the variations in their fashion sense but it is a big deal to school guards rooted from moments when students wear inappropriate outfits on occasions where it is not suitable. Numerous accounts are recalled by students

when they were prohibited to enter the school because of what they are wearing. Dress code policies are highly encouraged and students must follow them to be in line with the standards of decency of the higherups. Garnering mixed reactions from students because there are some cases in some universities where students particularly women are not allowed to wear ripped jeans but skirts are allowed. This raises a question among female students. Taking into account students’ perspectives on this, they presume that this is rooted in misogyny and double standards. Simultaneously, pointing out how the notion of dress code policies limits women from dressing comfortably in accordance with their fashion taste. Dress code policies are built with the intent to diminish the cases of women being sexualized, this is depriving female students of the liberation to wear the clothes they resonate with because of their innate fear of being catcalled. In hindsight, this is unfair towards female students, as it implies that women dress for the male gaze and this perpetuates the toxic “victim blaming” culture.

Restriction towards students’ hairstyle including their color and length has also become a prolonged recurrence. A clean-cut is highly advisable for male students and if there are instances where their hair gets longer, especially above shoulder length, they are encouraged to shave it shorter. On the other hand, women are permitted to cut their hair long or short regardless of how they want it to be. Students’ choice of bleaching and dyeing hair is also prohibited, the hair colors that students must have is

limited to black or brown. Students are only allowed to keep the natural state of their hair, none other than this. On top of that, piercings and tattoos on any parts of the body, seen or unseen, are prohibited. Some schools think that when an individual has hair colors, piercings, and tattoos, it is associated with gangsters and vices. Consequently, this preconceived judgment toward students drives schools to implement policies that impede students’ self-expression, not giving them the freedom to artistically convey their emotions through hair colors and ink tattoos.

The efficacy of school policies is not limited to the physical aspects and characteristics of students. It can also be witnessed in drawing the line towards the clubs, extracurricular activities, and organizations that a student chooses to partake in. In certain universities, there is an allotted number of organizations they can be a part of because some universities and school facilitators that joining a lot of orgs can be too much for a student to handle. Some universities think that the responsibilities can be a heavy burden for students, they cannot simply deal with academics and extracurriculars at the same time. Therefore, some schools are requiring students to only join one club or org even when they aspire to be a part of more. It is inherent for a student to develop a wide-ranging inclination for both academe and extracurriculars but encouraged by this restraint, students are only required to choose one between the two, disregarding their capacity to do both as a way to evade the clash between a students’ leadership responsibilities,

extracurricular duties, and academic tasks. This restriction is applied to the number of extracurricular activities that students must be a part of, inhibits their potential to expand their horizons. As a consequence, students’ participation in a variety of organizations is limited which makes students think that their competency in balancing their academics and extracurricular activities is downplayed. School policies is a doubleedged sword that cut both sides. It is beyond doubt that these rules were created with the thought of students’ welfare in mind but as time passes, it is becoming a set of protocols that a student must adhere to for the sake of compliance and to boost their school’s reputation. The harsh reality we must acknowledge is how school policies is becoming one of the factors that hinder students’ right to express themselves entirely. Students may not have the authority to change the policies in accordance with how they want them to be but they can be the catalyst of stimulating leaders to break the cycle of batting a blind eye toward protocols that hold students’ potential captive. Silence is not always the answer to everything. In times of mistreatment influenced by some problematic policies, as students, we must amplify our voices by voicing out our concerns toward student leaders who may also have a similar experience as us. The real question now lies with students on what we stand with, are we slowly becoming the enablers of toxic policies or are we utilizing our freedom of speech to raise awareness with some school policies that restrain us?•

Nocturnal Ponderer

The Cynicism Against School Policies

Maria Sofia Guiller Tomaneng

Marielle Frances Amigable

Farewelle

Students are expected to comply with these protocols for their improvement but this is not always the story for everyone.”

I will continue to embrace new beginnings that point in the direction where I found my heart because I believe that when nothing is certain, anything is possible.”

An Ode to Page Turners

WORDS

GRAPHICS & ILLUSTRATION

Christian Jehro Ulita

A BOOK HAS A COVER AND PAGES MADE OF LEAVES, but they are more than that; they can define people. They often say, you can definitely judge a person based from the books they read. But as one age as a reader, it will become clear that it is the book that chooses the reader. Not the other way around.

In celebration of the National Reading Month in November, LSians bare their shelf and self naked as they share the books that had made them laugh, cry, and learn a thing or two about life.

Every book she reads is a journey, flagged by reds, greens, and pinks, with character maps within them to remind her of the once-in-a-while transcending moments of her life. Despite being challenged by school, Yzabella carries around a reading checklist as motivation for the reward that awaits her: three for this month, twenty to twenty-five in the next, and more in the upcoming years.

Among her collection of e-books and books, she considers Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, a dystopian novel, as her most impactful read. Alongside Diary of a Wimpy Kid which she comes back to often in healing her inner child, and Anne of Green Gables, her latest read, for its personal and truthful narratives. These are titles worthy of more than one sitting that continue to provide her fulfilment in reading before she could share it with the world that birthed her the inspiration.

She is Yzabella, a student leader and an avid traveler in between words and worlds tucked beneath pages. And if she could pick between the good and bad ending, she would pick both, “Both the good and bad things in life. In reading, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re escaping the bad, it also means you’re celebrating the goodness in life. “

She continues to see them one book at a time.

Jumpstarted as a Wattpad reader, social media book trends traced her path towards a wider span for her book haven. But don’t be fooled by the hype of the mass. She clings to the strings of varied opinion based on others’ experiences of every book. Beatriz’s relationship with books requires reassurance to be healthy; hence, real encounters should justify every hype a book is standing on.

Torn between Pride and Prejudice and Little Women as her top two best reads, these books put emphasis on feminism, a movement she supports as it highlights the very power of her kind.

As an avid reader, a heavy workload is not a hindrance in her pursuit of indulgence in other dimensions, for she even creates time to read—an essential because, for her, “books contain knowledge, but it’s also something that brings entertainment to people…once it’s written on something, it lives not forever but lasts long”.

Over a hundred physical and electronic books combined await in line. A kind of drowning and overwhelming scenario Sophia would even ask for. Aside from the uncontainable urge to smell and earnest stare, she saw the sense of familiarity, belongingness, and the thrill of unravelling books that lured her to its alluring world of sensations. Thus, cognitive stimulant and narrative dusk is the enkindled will that pushes her to.

She reckons Little Women and The Queen’s Gambit as gold amplifiers that made her comfortable clutching on to her femininity and being part of society, as the two remarkable literary treasures quite share leaves with a blossom of feminism. Where Beth Harmon, from the latter book mentioned, is loved and deserves to be

hugged by her, since gazing at the character is like standing in front of a mirror.

“They say nothing lasts forever, but they’re just scared it will last longer than they can love it.” — like Sophia, who desires to know more and is always-always reading, may not last forever, but at least she loved her books and their wisdom that could last for eternity.

Books are quaint colored point of her growth. Being an English teacher and the school publication adviser, reading, for Ma’am Marielle, is more than a skill one must acquire; it is a developed habit that brings comfort amidst her precarious obligations, in school and in life.

When she was young, an aunt of hers from Manila introduced Jack and the Beanstalk wrapped as a present during one of her vacations. This is how it started and from then, she discovered her people—fictional and the real ones as she had fallen from one book to another, as she met people that resonated her passion for reading. More than twenty books await her at present, she may be in a reading slump but she maintains her affinity towards words as she teaches literature lessons to junior high school students.

From those that await her presence, there are few valuable books that are given the chance to live again; five lives for The Catcher in the Rye, two

for Norwegian Wood—to see them from different perspective, these books chose her as she knows they would.

Those that remind her of who and what she ought to be, Ma’am Marielle continues to see them for what they are. Like Anne of Green Gables, Jo March of Little Women, Naoko of Norwegian Wood—all of which had led her to embrace her individuality. These characters were kept in her closet-sized bookshelf, a testament of what she loved an unloved through the years.

She and her heroines live on within the minds and hearts of their temporary owners, sending them off to their next chapters in life, finally seeing them for who they can be.

Jermaine Dwayne Perlas, Jienne Cryzelle Alegre, and Maria Sofia Tomaneng

To be a reader you have to open up your mind every time you open a book because it doesn’t always have the things you want to see.” —Yzabella

Being a reader is not just simply reading texts, but you’re imagining worlds beyond.”—Beatriz

...it makes you love knowledge, it makes you love discovery, it makes you love things that you didn’t know you can love.”—Sophia

We tend to see versions of ourselves in what we read; we tend to be reminded of our very experiences; we recognize even our unrecognizable emotions. We are validated as we read.”—Marielle

A bookshelf right above his head signifies congruity with his eyeing value to the mind and his fondness for non-fiction books, specifically academic and inspirational ones, targeting mainly the cognitive aspect. Sir Lester’s profession as a Filipino teacher and a graduate studies student is a significant factor that fuels him to continue his nurturing journey on worlds within printed texts because, for him, reading provides the opportunity to cultivate oneself through worldly perspectives.

He is very picky about his reads to the extent that it needs to be inspirational, a book that touches not only your heart but also your sanity and vision as a whole. With that, it is a great honour for the book, “Ang Tondo man ay may Langit din” to be associated by him with the word love and attain the standards of a teacher-reader like sir Lester.

“If you have a book, you have a bible. You have a guiding star…” a star that undoubtedly radiated illumination, determining precision to his upcoming endeavours: the dream of becoming an author and a poet to publish his very own book consisting of knitted threads of his wisdom, experience, and life—a legacy, a trademark that there was a Lester A. Aaron who read, learned, and lived. A book which will be entitled “Un Recuerdo”.

Time is her greatest foe, but first, she first met love in Wattpad during her elementary days. Fanfiction catapulted her growing interest towards reading and books. From here, she birthed a liking to romance just as she did on annotating to remember lines that once wielded her catharsis.

At the edge of her teenage years, she has just started to indulge in physical copies of books but she mentioned, however, that digesting their words and messages as a whole, challenged her. Her love persevered, and it took her Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho to figure it all out one page at a pace. A pace of her own making,

as she slowly counts the number of inexplicable emotions that are unveiled to her like eurekas! Thus, this urges her to keep reading some more. Her definition of love transcends beyond the written description of what it ought to be, just like Chick and Pauline Benetto, a son and a mother from Mitch Albom’s For One More Day. It changed as she grew between the lines of borrowed novels on self-discovery and intimate reflections from the truthful narratives of characters and their dialogues; and her, participating in between to explore more of her whos, hows, and whys–validating her as a person.

Books are his therapy. Crimple yearning for growth has undoubtedly solidified his soul’s tie to self-help books which unceasingly ushered him in pursuing his journey despite life’s indefinite path. Lined with distinct hues, scribbles of affiliation and trenchant memorial tabs lie between the folds of his every read. Annotation, for him, emphasizes the imprint of retainment and, eventually, assimilation.

His purpose in diving into the depth of wisdom’s leaves spans more than recreation. He values the idea of the self and its progression and hence views the union of books and oneself as the passageway toward that significant phase of every entity. Among his treasured books, The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest stands tall at the pinnacle because, “it’s with this book that I’m still here”. It’s with that book that he’s still here. It made him not master of mountains but a master himself in his life.

It all started when solitary introduced solace through reading to a little girl named, Sarah. As a kid, it was reading over playing, books over games for her. The imaginativeness and descriptiveness of books have constantly ignited her tenacity to explore the versatility of one-of-a-kind creations and wander into different dimensions.

Among all the romcoms in her book pile, it is comparable to finding a needle in a haystack to select the book by Mitch Albom entitled Five People You Meet in Heaven to associate with the word love, for she, a romance lover and certified hopeless romantic, was able to caress along the imprints of it how “love is not just in a romantic way, how love is something unconscious, something that we don’t expect, something that we don’t really have a definite answer for”. Driven by her spontaneity, the title of the book about her life would be “book”. Yes, you read that right, simply b-o-o-k. A weird yet punchy title that would leave readers brow-furrowed. It’s something cliche, plain, and unexpected just the way she likes it, mirroring her individuality.

Sofie has just started realizing her vision to become a reader, with Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami as her bookshelf. In that exposition, she found herself intrigued by the genres of books such as coming-of-age, selfdiscovery, psychological thrillers, and feminist books. Because these parallels her life as a Grade 12 student and as a human being capable of feeling significant emotions – emotions that continue to challenge her and at the same time, fuel her aspiration to keep reading using whatever time has spared her.

She considers Josephine March, one of Alcott’s characters in her novel, whom she has personally bonded with and admired as a revolutionary figure who knows how to stand up and fight for her own ambitions and rights. This makes her feel empowered as a woman, and thus, continues supporting feminist authors and personalities, fighting alongside them.

To her, the essence of a book is like the point of life, “Life is unpredictable, we have no control of the flow of its events, like how we lack authority on what will take place in the book we are reading,” and you have only one shot at it—like Sofie’s personal reading style.

But for now, it is just her and her two books against the whole wide world.

Being a porous entity in an ocean of transcribed perceptivity, one should have this insatiable craving on grasping new characters and immersing oneself into their worlds and perspectives as you join them in their voyage while you skip through the leaves of a book you are cruising—at least that is how Sir Alain views it through his lens as being one of them. Japanese Literature. Their words and worlds as garlands of perplexing nature-centered literature have become his sanctum. They possess a common ground for tragedies—ethereal tragedies to be exact—which is apparent in one of his book-on-the-table of a Japanese novel written by Osamu Dazai entitled: “No Longer Human”. “A book is a passed down gift from an author

which is a reflection of who they are. It is not only a bound piece of literature but an encapsulation of their life.” Procured Sir Alain’s perspective, a book is not just a mere, tangible copy. There is something much more that lies beyond its cover, as for him, it serves as an implication of an author’s fleeting existence. Classifying as an escapist, he finds himself leaning more on books that deviate from the real world, simultaneously, suspending how cruel life is.

“If you have a book, you have a bible. You have a guiding star...”—Lester

We are able to fully see a different life or a different dimension in a different light.”—Sarah

For me reading is like getting to know a person.”—Sofie

I never really realized how reading has become a safe haven to me; akin to that of being in the eye of the storm.”—Yansen

A book has a title and a cover, but inside it has worldly experiences expressed in a most .”—Crimple

To be a reader is to be unapologetically hungry for new narratives and new worlds.”—Alain

“ “

UNP-Cat

I CAN STILL VIVIDLY RECALL the time when everybody disappeared from the world. The silence was deafening when they all got abducted by extraterrestrial beings, and summer was long overdue.

Usually, after the summertime season has ended, I am greeted by the bustling crowd. What I would give to restore my imperturbable calmness back, for it is a strange thing indeed to be surrounded once again by people with strides that intimidate me. However, I do find them amusing. They have such loud voices and overrated opinions, which I find stimulating. I heard from a student that the UNPCAT has returned and that she is feeling anxious about it. I am not quite sure what she meant by that. Why would anyone be worried about cats?

When I was young, I have this seemingly innate dream to conquer the world. People would serve me and everybody will give me anything that I wanted. The lady at the cafeteria sometimes lets me eat there. Continuing the narrative, as I quietly sat there and ate my meal, I overheard a student who said that he is not going to eat lunch because he is busy preparing for his quiz later this afternoon. The other student at the other table didn’t even finish his food. I recognized the packaging, and I thought of my friends. We have been planning to eat there for so long, but we never had the chance. How different our lives are. My life is somewhat similar to the student near him who’s counting pennies because she’s almost short of her allowance. The world is truly just one, massive jungle. It is all about survival. I left them after devouring the last bits of my meal and went for a stroll.

I strut through the grounds that lead to the Oval, doing my usual rounds around the campus. Noises such as cheering and shouting are heard throughout the field as student-athletes play sports games such as soccer. The ball flew towards my dear friend which made her quickly run for her life. I was about to leave when the sounds of the xylophones beckoned me to stay. A marching band, marvelous. I decided to sit there and continued to watch. “It is nice to see students touch the grass and bask in the sunlight sometimes, I believe that it is imperative for wellness. Inhaling all of those chalk dust won’t do anyone good”, I spoke earnestly. Beads of sweat trickled their faces as they struggled to score a point.

Everybody seems to get hyper-fixated with themselves that they don’t even notice my existence. Most of the time, I love my solitude. I don’t want to be bothered. Rarely do my intrusive thoughts tell me to jump into the lagoon in front of the gymnasium just for them to look at me, and I am actually rather curious about the somewhat mucky water. I once heard from a professor that “curiosity kills the cat”. That puts me in a state of fear and consciousness all the time. But if one tries to dismiss curiosity, one will never obtain answers. If there is one thing about me, it’s my hunger and thirst for knowledge. My invisibility comes in handy. I know everything. Every secret, every mystery, every myth, every story passed from one generation to the other. It’s quite evident that people only accept and love truth only for its beauty and conventionality and not for all its grotesque and damaging glory. There was this one time when I was just idly watching passersby when a group of students huddled beside us. They wore different attires but the same ID laces. Undoubtedly, they have the best stories to tell based on how expressive their faces are and how loud their laughs were. The lagoon became a place for students to take a pause and sit, meet their friends, and enjoy the solitude of their own company. Even students who do not seem to go to the same building, meet here. Even people who have not seen each other for quite a time, happen to see each other here. However, I believe that the lagoon is not just all about meeting new faces and hanging out with friends.

One sunny, lazy afternoon, I was taking a nap near the bleachers when I saw some students holding a camera, a small notebook, and a pencil. I open my eyes, just one slit, barely an inch, trying to get a grasp on what the commotion is all about whilst sleeping. I saw the boy taking pictures of other students that pass us by, and the girl scribbling something down. How peculiar they are, I was curious as to what they are performing. I have been in this school since I can remember. I’m convinced that I was born here, but I’m probably just fond of hyperbole. Sometimes, when the breeze is just right, I sit and watch students and teachers alike move to and fro. I think about them sometimes, unlike them who are too conceited to think about anything other than themselves. I have tread hallways and secret pathways, and peered through gaps between doors and window panes only to realize that this is how my short-lived life ought to be. The campus grounds, which is to say my whole world, will go on without me someday, and they won’t even know it. I am at least quite grateful to all of those who took part in taking care of me in little ways that they know of. I have been to places around the school where human beings do not act humanely because they have nothing to do with me. This is my fate, that has been predetermined since the very first day I was born, and I’ve long gone come to terms with it.

After this school year, another will ensue, and so the cycle goes on. To bathe in the sunlight while looking at those contemplated eyes, sun-soaked foreheads, and genuine smiles of the students, I think about what they will be like after this period of their lives. To bear witness to how they have struggled, how they persisted, and how they will achieve great things, makes me happy and feel fulfilled on their behalf. Maybe not now, but after a couple of moons, I suppose. I am certain because stories about youth and academia repeat before me all the time. I am a cat, after all, though you may not believe it.

I am a cat, as yet I rule the world—but nobody knows me.•

WORDS ILLUSTRATION Sophia Chan Christian Jehro Ulita and Aidhen Mhiel Sarmiento

AMIDST THE TALL GRASSES

bulldozed by rampaging heavy feet and houses filled with damage and abrasions, together with the hollering sounds of hopeless soldiers and the cries of anguished and distressed children, and despite the dispiriting and daunting atmosphere brought by the war in the twentieth century, there stood a woman named, Josefa Llanes Escoda. It takes more than being 6 feet under the ground to be a hero for a man and much more for a woman. However, for Josefa, nothing is superior to helping the countrymen and lending a hand to local womenfolk despite knowing that these may take her life. The bravery and commitment of the founder of the “Girl Scouts of the Philippines” are attributes that members must possess to commemorate and respect the traces of the local heroine. It is taken very seriously that living in her shoes may give a member a reward she can forever be proud of.

Heroines’ Call

The highest honor the GSP could give to a girl is the Chief Girl Scout medal. It is bestowed on an individual with excellence in the development of her mental, physical, and social aspects. In order to achieve it, a girl must give back to her community, through projects or services, with the intent to show gratitude for her heritage and hometown. She must do this with ethical considerations to her sense of responsibility and leadership skills.

Larain, Gwyneth, and Aireen are among millions of young Filipinas who have paved their way to embark on a journey of fishing for the gold medal with not only having the objective of celebrating the proud moment that can amplify their points of pride, but also to be the little girls Josefa can gasconade. With the heavy responsibility that they are carrying behind their back, the smiles and the genuine happiness plastered on these girls’ faces prove that there is more beneath what others see on the surface.

Little Women turned Little Heroes

WORDS ILLUSTRATION Francis Faey Reyes and Francine Nicole Custodio Christian Jehro Ulita

These girls may not be politicians who can help alter society drastically or philanthropists who can fund the future of Filipino citizens. However, one thing is for sure-they have a heart made of gold and a heart that the Chief Girl Scout medal cannot compare with.

Each of the girls is required to partake in an environmental project intended for the development of their communities. The fulfillment of their assignment would earn them their long-awaited Chief Girl Scout medal. With the enthusiasm to be a medalist mixed in with affliction from distinct factors, the girls have a lot to say.

Waste Disposal Project

Larain Gabrielle Rambuyon is a tenth-grade university student partaking in the development of a waste disposal management project for the Municipality of Sta. Catalina. She does this with concern for the lack of sanitary landfill in Poblacion Sta. Catalina and the absence of proper garbage disposal in her barangay. Larain has already put up the work necessary for the foundation of her project - a project given heartfelt support by officials of her town - while still balancing her academic responsibilities in the progress. Despite the tiring process of constructing and outlining her assignment, many challenging days of researching and interviewing people of various backgrounds, and sleepless nights of worrying, she still advances to the goal she wants to achieve for her community. Although Laraine is not much of an outgoing person, it does not hinder her from presenting

herself to the world, being courageous and inclined to do desirable efforts for the betterment of her locale.

Building a Playground

The second girl is a sweet girl named Crystaline Gwyneth Quadra, with a 9-year experience as a girl scout, something that she can be proud of. She had a lot of doubts in the beginning stages of her project, doubts that led her to think that it may not be successful or that higher officials may not support her assignment, as constructing a playground may not be feasible or cost-effective during the pandemic. However, one GSP orientation in the summer made her change her mind, and she took it as a sign to take the initiative to progress her project further. Similar to Laraine, she balances her time between executing her project and academic obligations despite finding it hard to do so. Currently, she is soliciting funds for her project. Regardless of the challenges and setbacks she experienced and is experiencing in her project, Gwyneth states that nothing worth having comes easy. She had and will overcome the obstacles it may bring.

Just as importantly, Aireen Jade Ancheta. Similar to Gwyneth, Aireen proposes a playground for her project,

and she, together with helping hands, is now preparing for the area where the said playground would be located. She stated that her assignment is in the process of improvement. However, she is thankful to her townspeople for accompanying her for the long walk. With her heart set in stone and her mind set on pursuing her objective, the numerous amount of other organizational and academic responsibilities do not hinder her from prioritizing her Girl Scout project. Truly, Aireen embodies the very essence of what it means to become a true girl scout and a role model among her fellow students. Going on a great adventure always starts at the top of the hill, sliding down unknowingly, and going somewhere to embark on a journey. These girls are on their trail to see if they are worth the medallion they are striving for-Chief Girl Scout medal.

The Belly of the Whale

These little women have been through many insomnolent and exasperated nights, with worry and anxiety keeping them from having a good night’s rest and taking a break for what seems like a long journey. Like

historical heroes and heroines, they are reminded of the considerable sacrifices and compromises they need to partake in the fulfillment of their projects that would benefit their communities. They are courageous enough to do something that may inspire their peers and more than passionate to continue even with their weaknesses, sinking them like a quagmire. These girls may live different lives and live in their own shoes, but their consciousness and souls become one, and their red strings of fate become intertwined for a medal that gold, even diamond, and any other earthly minerals cannot compare.

The Ultimate Boon Gabriela Silang, Melchora Aquino, and Josefa Llanes Escoda, together with the millions of Filipino heroines documented or undocumented by history and the many women of the twenty-first century who paint an image of what it means to be an outstanding and noble person like Laraine, Gwyneth, and Aireen prove that a woman is not weak as preconceived notions like to say, she can be ambitious and intelligent. And in her way, she can help her country. These girls may not be politicians who can help alter society drastically or philanthropists who can fund the future of Filipino citizens. However, one thing is for sure-they have a heart made of gold and a heart that the Chief Girl Scout medal cannot compare with. With this, I would like to remind them that: If all my pains and all my tears and all that I have learned throughout these years could lift a fallen head and lighten a dark mind. Then I should think that not in vain was my service to mankind.”

- Sushmita Sen, Miss Universe 1994.•

Excerpts from

Teacher R,

Sir, your way of teaching us is like how a tiger raises his cubs—calculating yet filled with unconditional appreciation and tenderness. We have always loved how your voice flows like water, clear and sharp, when you talk through lessons that we need to embed in our hearts until we grow up. You are a personification of a soldier that leaves no one behind—you make sure that the backbenchers listen, the introvert has friends, and patiently teach those who are having a hard time with their accounting. Like a father we never had, you have filled our hearts with dad jokes and taught us the ways of the world.

Promise us that wherever you will be, you will still hold the fatherly shelter where you have raised and taught us. Although we will graduate and leave your side, swear to us that you will smile and carry on your pledge as a teacher. As many years pass, never forget your story with us that can be buried with countless batches of students you have taught and will teach. Regardless of what may happen, remember that you are our father.

Nicolasa

TEACHERS HAVE LONG BEEN SYNONYMOUS with incandescent light. A fiery torch, pulsating with wisdom and passion for shedding light under a seemingly cold, dark night. Dreamless sleep and starless sky. Like a warm hug, a pat on the back whilst saying, “You got this, I believe in you. Try again”. They are the beacon that illuminates the possibility of what could be from a kid desiring to climb the tree.

Through deep sighs and hopeful nights, they’ve taught us so many valuable academic and life-long lessons. They saw potential in us, no matter how faint it may have originally been. With their selfless acts of service and passion in mind, we would like to reciprocate such efforts through these letters that are filled with so much adoration and respect. Though they may be regarded simply as a compilation of alphabets, they contain sincerity that no amount of material object can ever surpass. “

Teacher R,

I write this with deep regret. I have sacrificed yet another dream of mine.

I know you told us that we should consume our childhood days with memories that will sum up the best parts of our lives later—which would accompany us in our Odysseys.

I also remember a picture you have shown us, where the shelter of creativity shrunk as the person matured, like clothes that we have grown out of—that is inevitable is it not? Although you have been assuring us that it was not, I had to grow up to learn that it was.

So, my dreams became the “boababs” of my physical reality, along with time, pressure, frustrations, and other homely sensations. I trimmed the budding leaves from its healthy branches, so it would not distort the here and now just because of the soon that depended on it. I have also worshipped a King for the sake of a dreadful relationship bound to suck the life out of me, and a vain man fly up so high, that people would not see him from the ground below. As far as the other characters, I cannot tell you because then you would know me. These days, I cannot even have a glimpse of his golden hair or catch a shadow of his small figure, despite my desperate calls for his appearance. I still have his looks with me, and I kept returning to the page where he disappeared to the bleak landscape the Aviator drew to engrave a memory of him.

dear Teacher N,

Happy Teachers Day ma’am!

Thank you for being a patient and a hardworking teacher. On my first day of high school, I was actually nervous about math subject because ever since my elementary days, I have been weak in solving math problems. But thanks to you, I was able to understand some math problems. At first, I was afraid of you because I thought you are one of the math teachers that is very strict but it was the opposite.

You are the teacher who has a lot of patience and who understands immediately if we do not understand the lesson. Thank you, ma’am, for everything you did and I hope you do not lose patience for us. I am sorry if I have disappointed you. And I promise that I will study and understand your lessons more. Sometimes, I idolize you because even if we do not understand the lesson yet, you repeat everything to make sure we do.

dear Teacher J,

It is kind of ironic that I hated your subject as much as I admire you as a teacher, a human being. It was not my specialty (nothing is, really) but I tried my hardest to understand something and with your patience and guidance, I am proud to say that your subject is something that I am not struggling with right now.

You always taught us to be ourselves. To express ourselves. And because of that, I found my safe place, between bookshelves of the school library and the books I own at home as much as the pages of my blank notebook. Sir, you are a huge part of my molding process. You were the water that is trying to hold me in place and helping me grow. Your kind words never left me and I hope these won’t too.

“

The always smiling

I’m writing this letter because you said “Hi” to me. Yes, genuinely just because of that. I went to the university that day, for the very first time. I met my teachers, for the very first time. Anxiety took over, they did not meet me; they could not recognize my face. You, sir, who had just been meeting us for a few months, stopped midway from opening the faculty room door, faced me, and greeted me.

“Hi. Yza, right?”

On that day, you made me feel seen when I thought I became invisible. In the middle of the quarrel inside my brain whether my academic efforts were enough, someone whose face I almost could not see, saw me. Half of your face was covered in a dark-colored mask and your eyes with rectangular-shaped glasses, like a wallflower. Being invisible was my fear yet you seemed to seek for it. That is what I think of it, at least.

That simple greeting, the most basic of interaction I could have with anyone, helped me in the times I doubted myself the hardest. Thank you for recognizing me that day, sir. Today, I’d like you to know that we recognize you, too. All your efforts and patience to make us bloom and prosper as creatives, we see it and we appreciate it.

dear Teacher A, “

INTRODUCTION BY GRAPHICS BY

LETTERS BY

Jermaine Dwayne Perlas and Sophia Chan

John Dave Dela Rosa

Erich Camille Javier, Yzabella Devadeb, Yansen Rehsya Cabalce, Maria Sofia Tomaneng, Marielle Frances Amigable, Lyka Directo, Francis Faey Reyes, and Jienne Cryzelle Alegre

I first thought I would loathe you forever when we first met in your class. I despised how you constantly checked to see that I was appropriately donning my uniform and how you instructed me to stand straight before responding to a query. I questioned what posture or attire had to do with the topic. So, despite what I perceived to be your nitpicking about my appearance and posture, you shaped me into the successful person I am today, by instilling in me dignity and discipline.

dear Teacher M, Yves

A TREMORY

by jienne cryzelle alegre

It was July 27, 2022. I was in a rush to go to school to run errands for our publication. Despite my packed schedule for the day, I was dispensed by the intense momentum of my favorite Netflix show. Past our agreement of 8:00 AM in the morning, I was on the edge of my seat, watching if my favorite Scottish sidekick will die by the hands of an 18th Century British soldier; half an hour later, it never came.

The time was 8:49 AM, when wickedness finally stroked my intuition, in an eerie movement pattern inside my stomach, to move on from the slow burn of the movie. I would close the wooden door behind my back and catch a sight of two eagles flying in a circle to catch a prey. Our three Aspin dogs were barking in unison, one in front of our gates, another at a cat, and the other behind our house. But I went anyway.

To be frank, the earliest memories I have of you aren’t the prettiest.

I looked at you and saw an uptight woman: you rarely smiled and rarely laughed at the class’s jokes. I saw you and found a damper to my fun, like a kid—who wants nothing more than to play outside—to rain. You were a hulking mountain of intimidation hidden behind poise and grace. And I wanted nothing more than to go around that mountain.

Had I gone back in time and told my naive self that we’d be as thick as thieves, I think I’d laugh. I never saw you as the type to. I expected you to be a fleeting memory, like a sweater you’d grow too big for, hidden in the depths of closet drawers, forgotten, but has lived its purpose in your life. Yet I don’t know which one of us is more stubborn. I, who refused to let go of that sweater, or you, who strained to accommodate my growing self.

And for the stubbornness, I’m forever thankful.

Because it is in stubbornness that I found you, not the facade you put up. You, who actually knew how to laugh even at the corniest of jokes. You knew how to tell your jokes and I’d tell you mine. Back-and-forth japes about each other turned into endless banter about everything and nothing at the same time. I’d ask the dumbest of questions and you’d still answer them, regardless. And that’s what made you great. You were patient in everything you did. Every mishap and every mistake, you’d take it in stride and tell us to do better. That even after you’ve ached to see the best part of our work, you’re still here. You were these things, and more.

The places we frequent can attest to the revelry that tore through its quiet visage once we entered its doors, and it is in these moments that I learn to appreciate the bond we’ve built. Where formality once grew, now withered to casualty; that of friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time. Where I saw a hulking figure of intimidation, now stood a pillar of resiliency and strength. The catalyst to recognizing my capabilities came from you. I believed in myself because you did. I only fear that when we grow apart, so will that illusion; carried by the breeze to who-knows-where.

Happy Teachers Day, ma’am! May the passing of time be not a reason to wilt the bond you have with the buds you have planted in the first place. And may the slow progression of this letter not taint the image you have of us.

dear Teacher M, Morus

At the side of the busy road, wearing my gray and white dress and my newly-bought pink Adidas sneaker shoes, I kept clutching on the lanyard of my ID as I signaled a tricycle to come at my place. My heart raced faster than the driver himself. As I sat on the black leather seats of the tricycle, the three-wheeled vehicle did not stop shaking; I was confused if it was my weight that swayed the tricycle that much.

We could not even move. "Gurayka basang," the driver remarked ,as he was gripping on the handles of his motorcycle. I stared at him for five seconds because at first, I had thought he was biding his time for an unforeseen health problem–for someone to see him if his situation persists. There, I remained.

I stopped just as he did and waited. As I sat still inside the iffy tricycle, the sunlight's own reflection from our neighbor's mirrored sliding doors had been flashing my peripherals. But no one was even home. I looked intently at my calm hands and feet, while grumbling noises echoed louder than my hungry stomach.

"Oh my god, oh my god." The driver had his own concerns to himself, he did not move an inch and so did I. My heart stopped that I almost could not drag my body out. It shook me, not because I was in shock, but the ground swayed all of me, like a seesaw played by little children. Left. Right. Left. Right. Left. Right. I turned around and I caught sight of a flock of birds flying away from the trees, from the sea which just two barangays away. Particular movie scenes and what ifs came into mind, as if I was a main character of an apocalypse movie; nowhere to turn, nowhere to go, just circulating solutions to problems that have not yet come to life. So, I ran to the brown gates of our compound, panting, to prepare what could possibly happen next that day.

The renowned earthquake-proof houses of Vigan City broke down into dust and cobblestones. The St. Paul Vigan Cathedral, built in 15th Century and one of the hisotircal landmarks of great value to the Biguenos is inoperable as of writing. In Bantay, the Belltower, though it seems to remain standing, its cracks could crush at anytime, above anyone who dares to enter.

dear Teacher J,

Your subject may be something I hate, and I jokingly thought in my mind that it is going to ruin my grades and sanity, but a good educator will always lessen the burden of any challenge in our school life. I despised calculus even when I took it last Grade 10 in my previous school, but you just make it less nerve-wracking when you try to make us laugh and realize that math is crucial in our lives.

Happy Teachers day, sir! Your encouragement and hard work for us to work harder and smarter with mathematics will always strengthen our patience and understanding to love your subject. Having a passionate mathematics instructor is every student’s dream, and we got it.

I hope you keep being passionate about your career. It inspires me to be that enthusiastic when I reach my dreams in the future. Every problem will always have a solution may it be in math or anything else, thus, it is an opportunity to be taught by you to learn from that impression.

At present, our agenda was indefinitely postponed because our classrooms, our supposed meeting place and learning avenue–which we prayed hard for, to own and to love finally–had been obstructed due to the Magnitude 7.0 earthquake that still lives among all of us; in various ways. We are temporarily placed in a building, far sturdier yet older than those newly constructed in our university, to safekeep and uphold our education even at the most trying times, seemingly. However, the tremors of the quake and the ones it woke, bore us an environment which no one, not even those who are forced to inhabit it, could imagine staying in.

We forcibly snugged ourselves between the thin and vein-like cracks on our wooden, improvised classrooms. We shared stories and eurekas out loud that its walls could not bear to not relay it to the other side. Like sardines that could talk, we were packed together awaiting the cook’s next unearthly recipe. But no one knew about our secrets and frustrations more than the one that is truly silent, and listening.

In retrospect, the Catcher in the Corridor never disappeared. It may be gone, vanished into specks of pulverized stone, but four years later, it is still here breathing what could possibly be its last strain of existence and keeping us in good company.

We will never be divided, hand in hand, we will ignite to light

KNOWN FOR THEIR SMOOTH-MENDED transitions, the masterpiece of Comte’s exposition casts light upon the dimmed portion of the Binatbatan Festival through an interview with an experienced loom weaver—where it unveils the strands of culture and craftmanship prompting us to look back at the significance of festivals. As it sewed its way, an exhibit of concise yet indepth origin of various festivals such as the Masskara, Panagbenga, Pamulinawen, Pintaflores, Bangus, and Sinulog paved the way.

“Bagani ating lahi mandirigmang Pilipino. Dakila ang lahi ko...” a dynamic song of spirit, hope, and patriotism concludes the presentation that tickles ignition within the hearts of the audience.•

HERE COMES STEM ‘HAKOT AWARD’ Laplace saying “Kasaysayan ang nagdikta sa kultura,” as their documentary film centers on culture, diversity, and the significance of its awareness—of how these affect the people and the effects of people’s limited view upon our nation’s intangible treasure.

An engaging host was one of the highlights of their piece as she doesn’t only guide viewers toward the path of the presentation but strikingly conversed directly with them. Subsequently, a trenchant concept of each of the history of Sinulog, Masskara, and Pamulinawen festivals was depicted through short films that embellished astonishment, goosebumps, and romantic excitement to the audience.•

MAXWELL’S “RUGI TI PANAGAYAT” or The Beginning of Love

Instead of connoting what lies beyond the Pamulinawen, they exhibited an actual symbolism of what Pamulinawen signifies through a mellow-romantic short film—wordless yet meaningful acting—epitomizing courtship that once glanced upon, cradles you in a cloud-like intimacy.

The romantic elation was replaced by the array of diverse festival dances with their distinct information displayed as a blockbuster-like graphics backed by alluring in-motion visual images. This is justified by the subjective perspective of particular participants during the festival dance performance month before deduced from an in-depth interview. All in all, it landed them with the Best in Script Writing award as one of the fruit of their difficulty. •

PHILIPPINES IS A COLORFUL NATION and its festivals paint the tapestry of culture and tradition. Curie conveyed the compilation of different festivals performed by Grade 12 students specifically the Pintaflores, Sinulog, Binatbatan, Pamulinawen, Panagbenga, Masskara, and Bangus. Each participating section had a representative interviewed about their festival and experiences from it to be the pedestal of every festival’s presentation.

The mere introductory clips catches the attention of viewers, tickling their spirit of interest until the conclusion of their show. To realize one’s significance is to dig deep within an experience to that circumstance and hence, this is where their entry was anchored on.•

“GALI LA, GALON LA” or “Tara na, Harvest na” by AD-TVL carved a unique tactic that varies them from other entries as they incorporated their cookery major as a new flavor among the common storylines, featuring fried boneless bangus, saluyot and rabong sa bangus, and adobong bangus.

This informative video caresses the origin, history, and current agricultural condition of bangus or also known as milkfish in the country. In a bigger picture, it aims to dive deeper into what is beyond the scales of the Bangus Festival which alongside commemorates the milkfish as the national fish of the Philippines. •

Sine-Skwela Blockbusters

“KULTURA, PILIPINO, SULOG, KAYAMANAN.”

Culture represents our identity as Filipinos, and Sulog is where we can find Treasure beyond Culture. Tesla’s obra maestra spotlights on the Sinulog festival as one of the gems among the Philippines’ richness. From the submerged current of the festival to the encounters and actualization of the dancers who gave life to it, excavated not only the essence of sinulog as a primary contributor to our nation’s christianity but also cultivated the bond of the whole class.•

LEARNING INSIDE A CLASSROOM has been a customary practice which led students to conform with normalized confinement. Hence, with the advantage of technology, a fresh mechanism was formed to serve a new flavor in consuming information, leveling up to an interclass competition. Laboratory Schools-Senior High School Film Fest wrapped up last January 20, 2023, with the theme “Promoting Philippine Culture through Informative Video Presentations.” The UNP Auditorium was filled with victorious ovations as out of the six competing entries, Love in full colors by HUMSS Auguste Comte, BIDLISIW: Ang gunita ng kasaysayan by STEM Laplace, and Rugi ti Panagayat by STEM Maxwell were hailed as the winners of the festival.•

WORDS Jermaine Dwayne Perlas

**Screengrabs used belong to the films that have been acknowledged.

the wick of the future.”

But even with diversity, through this interclass we become united and one.”

I believe that pain and wounds are the beauty of our story...”

Gali la, Galon La.”

Kasaysayan ang nagdikta sa kultura.

Ang yaman sa kaibuturan ay maiaahon sa oras lamang na lumusong sa sulog ng hamon.”

For the sweet tooth, help is here

WORDS ILLUSTRATION

Francine Nicole Custodio Christian Jehro Ulita

GINGER

The New Age

Rejeane Anne Tabuyo

MINDS FULL OF WONDERS

University of Northern Philippines lives up to this objective as it provides health services to diabetic patients, in addition to being an advocate in the field of the chronic disease.

HEALTH PROBLEMS AND ISSUES are some of the factors that detrimentally affect the lifestyle of youngsters and middle-aged individuals, in addition to people of old age. With the number of people and their diverse backgrounds at the University of Northern Philippines, it is believable that one or two among any number of individuals experiences complications concerning his/her health. According to “Uncovering health problems of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) personnel,” research generated by the UNP hospital, there are 41 pre-diabetic individuals and 33 overtly diabetic individuals among 280 employees who underwent the annual medical examination. It prompted the hospital, in coordination with the University Research and Development Office (URDO), to respond to the growing numbers of pre-overtly diabetic not only in UNP but also in the entire province of Ilocos Sur (UNP Center for Diabetes Care now in full gears, 2022).

Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs a person to process blood sugar, scientifically known as glucose. There are at least six or seven types of diabetes, but Type Two diabetes is the most common that develops among people in declining years. Prediabetic individuals have high sugar levels but are not enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, overtly diabetic individuals are diagnosed with the disease. Diabetes causes complications such as problems with the eyes, kidneys, and nose. Hence, treating it earlier and effectively may reduce bodily damage. Thus, health centers provide a significant role in reaching out to individuals experiencing the adverse effects of this chronic disease on their bodies, as they intend to look after these people with the aim to help them.

The Diabetes Care Center of the

With this, Dr. Marsha Michelle L. Cabuena, Officer-In-Charge hospital administrator, has stated the center provides a holistic approach to the care of diabetic patients. It will utilize a multidisciplinary approach in the care of diabetics, with or without complications, high-risk groups, and even pre-diabetics (UNP Center for Diabetes Care now in full gears, 2022).

Furthermore, the care center also aims to improve and expand the health services of the hospital to the UNP community, provide better training for students in the medical and allied professions, and serve as a platform for additional research (UNP Center for Diabetes Care now in full gears, 2022).

The endemic and pervasive issue surrounding diabetes is what birthed the hospital. In Dr. Marsha Michelle

L. Cabuena’s words, “Dito sa Pilipinas, sa dalawang pasyente, isa sa kanila ang hindi aware na diabetic pala sila. Kaya every six seconds ay may namamatay dahil sa complication na caused by diabetes.” With this, the university is inclined to curb the perpetuating trend, especially in the province where its first diabetes care center is situated in UNP. “We have a

nutritionist-dietitian who teaches our patients on proper diet and we also have a diabetes educator to teach on diabetes kasi sobrang importante na alam ng mga patients kung ano iyong sakit nila para mas maintindihan nila ito kasi if hindi nila ito maintindihan, malaki ang chance na ibabalewala nila ito,” Dr. Marsha Michelle L. Cabuena further expounded. Health is one of the significant aspects of an individual that is often overshadowed and undervalued by the trivial happenings of each one’s day-today life. It is easy to neglect and take no notice of. Thus, medical assistance serves as a reminder for people to check their physical health and wellbeing. Starting this December 2022, the Diabetes Care Center is now up and running, providing people with its amenities and services. This project brought by the University highlights its intention to bring forth good health to UNP’ians and emphasizes its objective to train students in the medical field. Through and through, the University has never failed to show its affection toward its students and personnel. It has continued to provide assistance and become a helping hand to its people. The University of Northern Philippines has, once again, proven that it and its learners, together with the instructors and the staff, have one heart and are family.•

can create an amazing world where creativity exists and develops to improve the quality of life and meet the standard of living by harnessing the power of science and technology. Investing in youth as stewards for sustainable development and change agents can ensure a brighter future, as young generations are instilled with the greatest potential to make a difference in ways that go beyond limitations.

Many young generations are left behind because they are not recognized nor given the opportunity to shape themselves into effective innovators who can possibly shed light on tomorrow, but rather confine them within the four walls of the box, limiting what more they could do and achieve for the future, spoonfeeding them textbook concepts rather than focusing on real-life applications. Inadequate resources also prevent them from contributing their full potential to their endeavors in science and technology. These are the factors that I, as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand student-researcher, also encounter. Hence, for young Filipino people, this is something that the government lacks among other developing countries: the support and initiatives for their development.

During the 8th Annual Balik Scientists Program Convention by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the contributions of “Balik Scientists” have been recognized as they played important parts in attaining the mission and vision of their host institutions as well as addressing the issues of the country with their exceptional expertise. This event aims to strengthen connections and research alliances while also showcasing the talents of the selected “Balik Scientists” for their dedication and commitment to leading innovative projects for the country despite the challenges of the pandemic. The youth of today are the hope of the future. The fact that they themselves initiate engagement in discovering what more they could do and what more they could provide is such a great step towards sustainability and development. The future may be something that they cannot control, but it is something that they could change and mold. Empowering them to ascertain new ideas, showcasing their creativity to provide solutions, acknowledging that they could also synchronize with adults and that they are more than just their age, and breaking the stigma that they know nothing. Transcendence can be applied to anyone; even a young person can make history, and sometimes we just have to believe. They are the change, and they are the future that people must see in their eyes.•

...they themselves initiate engagement in discovering what more they could do and what more they could provide is such a great step towards sustainability and development.”

Xandra Quitoriano: Kicking Higher Than Before

FIGHTING IN A CUSHIONED arena, garbed in cushioned gear, she fights in a battle that commands the use of the player’s speed, strength, and precision, as she races against the clock to land devastating kicks and blows to her opponent, while the same might and fear she instills within her enemies are being mirrored back to her. Strike bold and strike true, that is the way of the foot and fist. And although she’s soaring higher now more than ever, winning golds and bronzes left and right, her uphill battle, like others, was strenuous consisting of rigorous training activities in both poomsae–developing the ability to execute offensive or defensive forms–and kyorugi–or training to spar with an opponent–leaving her body aching and bruised at the end of the day. She began from humble beginnings equipped with the right mindset and made that the springboard to propel herself to great heights all the while ensuring she avoids mounting her high horse.

Xandra Nichole Quitoriano, a Grade 9 student, views taekwondo as a sport that requires tenacity: strength in both physical and mental fortitude. As a neophyte in the field, she had her fair share of downs and defeats. Fighting the most feared and ferocious contenders in the area sent chills

EDITORIAL

down her spine then as the notion of defeat loomed over her shoulder like a persistent pest, hellbent on plaguing her mind with insecurities. However, for Quitoriano, defeat is just a means to launch oneself higher than before. For this reason, she believes that being outmatched should not result to surrender, instead, it should be an opportunity given to learn from mistakes. It is a way to assess what a person has reached, and what they can do to achieve more.

Quitoriano, at the age of 14, has already experienced being a Batang Pinoy contender at Bantay in the year 2022. In the same year, she won a bronze medal in the National Women’s Martial Arts Festival; a gold medal in the Regional Age Group Taekwondo Championships; and bagged three gold medals for poomsae in individual, pair, and team categories, as well as one gold medal for kyorugi 1st Ilocos Sur Martial Arts Festival. Recently, she garnered two bronze medals for poomsae and kyorugi in the 2023 Smart/ MVP Sports Foundation-Regional CPJ (Carlos Palanca Jr.) Taekwondo Championships. At such a young age, Quitoriano has already begun to establish her presence in the Taekwondo World.

The Davids Against All Odds

From the start, taekwondo has captured Quitoriano’s heart, committing herself to the sport for seven years, and exploring no further sports other than it. Yet what really made her dedicated to pursuing taekwondo was the notion that one day it may serve her well, that one day she may defend herself using the techniques that come with the sport. After all, the notion of self-defense is what anchored her to the sport in the first place.

... defeat is just a means to launch oneself higher than before. For this reason, she believes that being outmatched should not result to surrender, instead, it should be an opportunity given to learn from mistakes.

AFTER THE TWO-YEAR HIATUS brought by the pandemic, the sudden comeback of the different school events especifically the Intramurals came with shock and pressure for most athletes. With this, more concerns arise which continue to give hurdles to our athletes. Sadly, because of this, we have been and are still going through, the students, especially our athletes were once again deprived of excelling on their desired fields. They were jailed in their houses, instead of training in gymnasiums, soccer fields, courts, and the many other settings. Together with face-to-face classes coming back, activities such as the intramurals is also once again back on track. Due to the limitedness of time, the preparation was also short—but that didn’t prevent the players from participating in their designated sports. They

stood up confidently wearing their jersey and with the coaches as their support system that gladly extended a helping hand.

The youngest participants came from the Blue Stingrays, nevertheless, they were still hailed as the overall champion for this year’s intramurals. Despite the exhaustion every after class dismissal, the curve escapes on their lips as evidence of their eagerness to practice—there was always a reserved room for improvement. The less than three years absence of sports in their lives didn’t make them less devoted in playing, in fact, they were even more invested because of the longing.

Joining the events didn’t just include their determination to fight nor their dedication to win— we’ve also witnessed the barks of laughter on every corny joke, cramming due to the shortness of

time, shaming which is inevitable, glint in wins, and of course, the acceptance in losing. After all, the games were made possible not solely for the medals, trophies, or recognition. It was indeed an opportunity for them to unveil themselves. It amazed us—watchers to have witnessed both teams shaking hands and exchanging congratulatory messages rather than feeling apologetic on the opposing team who lost.

On the other hand, there was delight in knowing that they’ve participated in the elimination round regardless of being the youngest in the crowd. They were bold for overcoming the fear of being excluded, the terror of automatic eviction for being known as the least capable. It was their enthusiasm that brought them a new name, a welldeserved title: ”champions“. •

WORDS PHOTOS Yansen Rehsya Cabalce Bettina Dela Cruz, Erich Camille Javier, and Rhyna Gene Aguilar

UNIT III soccer team clinches gold in UNP intrams 2022

BOOTING THEIR RIVALS ASIDE, Unit III (College of Technology, College of Teacher Education, and Laboratory Schools) secured their claim towards the crown, hailing themselves as champions of the UNP Intramurals 2022, Soccer Team Sports Event last October 1017 at the open field located at the Quirino Stadium, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Unit 3 wiped the floor off against

sp rts

Unit 2 with a score of 3-2 on October 10, and Unit 6 with a score of 1-0 on October 11. The team won by default against Unit 7 as well as Unit 4 on October 13 and 15, respectively. The team is composed of athletes Leo Anthony Resilos, Troy Reotutar, Rody Ric A. Gorospe, Hans Rigunay, Alexis Ragasa, J-One De Leon, Jowenn Tenedor, Alvin Aguimatang, Skudd Jamora, Apollo

Rigunay, Dhenver Sunio, Jester Garcia, Joey Silario, Rody Ric Gorospe Jr., Raymund John Rojo, and Jayson Pagod. Selected team members will be part of the UNP - Soccer team which will be the representatives for SCUAA 2022 at Lingayen, Pangasinan. Mr. Raffy Celedonio and Mrs. Rose Jane Comilang, faculty members from the Laboratory Schools, served as the coaches to the team.•

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINESLABORATORY HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME XXXV,

COLLIDE AND CONQUER

Blue Stringrays quench Championship rivals

UNIT III, COMPRISED OF THE College of Teacher Education, Laboratory Schools, and College of Technology, was hailed as the back-to-back champions as the University of Northern Philippines officially concludes its week-long Intramurals event. For the second time, the Blue Stingrays cement Unit III’s spot as champions as they obtain a total of 108 Golds during the 2022 Intramurals.

The Blue Stingrays triumphed

in the following sports events: Arnis (Women), Dance Competition 2nd category, Football, Lawn Tennis (Women), Sepak Takraw, Swimming (Men), Swimming (Women), Table Tennis (Men), Table Tennis (Women), Taekwondo (Men) and Taekwondo (Women). Unit V comprising the College of Criminal Justice Education and College of Social Work held their position as the 1st runner-up with a

total of 56 Golds while Unit IV of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy landed as the 2nd runner-up with a total of 27 Golds.

Other competing colleges include the College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Medicine, College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Architecture, College of Fine Arts and Design, College of

Communication and Information Technology, College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and College of Public Administration.

Qualifiers will advance for the upcoming State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) and the City Meet and Region 1 Athletic Association (RIAA). Unit III, the hailed overall and back-to-back champion,

will host next year’s Intramurals. The closing program took place at the UNP Gymnasium as students, faculty, staff, administrators, and guests watched the Dance Sport Competition 2022, followed by the closing program, and the awarding ceremony of winners in the various competitions. The Intramurals kicked off on October 9 and ended on October 17, 2022.•

Sophia Chan

Yansen Rehsya Cabalce

KICK-OFF. Althetes from Units II and III fight for a goal in the open field.

PHOTO Rhyna Aguilar

RUNNING FOR LIFE. Unit III contender, John Marc Arcebal from the College of Technology, sprints toward the finish line during the Athletics Competition of the UNP Intramurals 2022, UNP Oval.

PHOTO Khendrick Quilana.