NEWS DSPC ►2
OPINION CLASSROOMS ►6
FEATURE SOCIAL MEDIA ►11
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1 • August 2019 - August 2020
SCIENCE COVID-19 ►14
LabHighBusyBee
THE BUSY BEE THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF BULSU LHS
@TheBusyBeeLHS
“El Filibusterismo” movie trailer applauded by ►2 netizens
FIRST TIME EVER. BulSU-LHS Principal Dr. Belarmino S. Cruz virtually presented the candidates for graduation in the recently commenced 3rd Senior High Graduation Ceremony
COVID-19 halts Junior and Senior High School Activities;
Spiritual Potential of LabHigh Students Livens Up
graduation and moving up ceremonies pushed online Katherine Eileen L. Valencia and Janna Louise Lagman After a massive outbreak of COVID-19 cases, a threemonth-long class suspension is mandated in the entire Luzon including the Bulacan State University-Laboratory High School (BulSU-LHS) suspending all activities including the graduation and moving up ceremonies. The most awaited MovingUp Ceremony and Senior High School Graduation was held virtually for the first time due
to COVID-19 pandemic, last August 22, 2020 and August 8, 2020 respectively. The class suspension forced the rest of the school year to be held virtually through online learning which started a new culture and way of celebrating important events such as the Grade 10 Moving Up Ceremony and the Senior High School Graduation as it happened virtually.
The Provincial Government of Bulacan declared the first suspension on March 10, Tuesday which is effective to the whole province recommended by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) subsequently confirming a suspected case in Sta. Maria. In line with this BULSU releases Office Memorandum No. 2020-012 on March 14 ►2
Dr. Gascon reappointed as BulSU President Yscha Jin Far To continue what she had started in her previous term, Dr. Cecilia S. Navasero-Gascon was reappointed as president of the Bulacan State University last August 29.
by the providers of BOR.
Photo by Mr. Ron Patrick Cervantes Janella Andrea Galang St. Paul National Bible Quiz (SPNBQ) Elimination Round for the region of Central Luzon took place last October 5, 2019 in St. Mary’s University of Baliuag. BulSU-LabHigh participated in the said event together with 11 other schools in Bulacan, 13 schools in Pampanga and 15 schools in Zambales. The Elimination Round has three contest categories: The Old Testament, The Four Gospels, and Acts of the Apostles, the Letters, and Revelation.
The pride of LabHigh lift more for achieving 8th place for the first team who comprises of Justin Philip Martin, Railene Pagsanjan and Olen Simon Abogado together with the other team who got the 15th place who comprises of Hanna Elizabeth Rivera, Adam Cabasal and Yanne Grace De Vera in the Elimination Round. The competitors trained only for three days yet they able to won a place.
The voting took place in the office of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) in Pampanga that was facilitated
During the voting in the Board of Regents (BOR), the highest policy making body of South Luzon, only two voted against the reappointment of Gascon and other delegates were in favor. The two who were against were Bulacan State University Student Regent Beida ►3
NEWS
OPINION
FEATURE
LITERARY
SPORT
New CAT Officers
The New Normal
Ma’am Bautista
From Ribbons to Neckties
From HS Week to HS Days
Photo by Jhon Santos
►4
►6
►12
►15
Moreover, St. John the Baptist Catholic School was entitled as the Regional Champion having Holy Spirit Academy of ►3
►19
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Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
NEWS
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
COVID-19 halts School Activities FROM PAGE 1
BULSU INTRAMURALS KICKS OFF. CIT Stingers goes head to head with Bustos Double Headed Eagles in a Sepak Takraw match.
LAST BATCH OF GRADUATES BEFORE THE PANDEMIC. COVID-19 pandemic put off high school activities. Photo by BulSU-LHS Batch 2019
Intramurals 2019: BulSUans Unveil Their Confidence and Teamwork Larisse Deramas Bulacan State University (BulSU) opened this year’s Intramurals with an opening program that was held in Malolos Sports and Convention Center, October 21, 2019. With the theme, “Building Strong Confidence and Harmonious Relationship Through Sports”, the first day of activity started with a loud and colorful parade presenting the athletic teams per college and their respective candidates for Mr. and Ms. BulSU Intramurals 2019. The students from different colleges of main campus and satellite campuses joined the opening ceremony: Bustos Campus (Double Headed Eagle), Hagonoy Campus (Sting Fishers), Meneses Campus (Eagles), Sarmiento Campus (Sarmiento Stars), College of Architecture and Fine Arts (Nightowls), College of Arts and Letters (Cobras), College
of Business Administration (Magnets), College of Criminal Justice Education (Lex Libras), College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Tigers), College of Information and Communication Technology (Firefox) College of Industrial Technology (Spears), College of Engineering (Red Ants), College of Education (Blue Flames), College of Sports Exercise and Recreational (Stallions), College of Nursing (Knights), College of Science (Green Lizards) and College of Social Science and Philosophy (Arribarajahs). After the presentation of teams, it was followed by a prayer led by Ms. Nenita Villena. After it was the singing of National Anthem and BulSU Hymn led by BulSU SaringHimig and BulSU Symphonic Band. This year’s guest speaker is Hon. Jose Antonio R. Alvarado,
but he was not able to attend so his prepared speech was delivered by his brother Engr. Jose Adrian Sy-Alvarado. Next is the Lighting of the Flame of Friendship led by Arvin De Jesus, a Gold Medalist in Athletics, followed by the reciting of the Oath of Amateurism led by Bianca Javier, a Table Tennis champion in SCUAA 2018. The Intramurals was declared officially open through the speech of Dr. Cecilia S. Navasero-Gascon, the university president.
suspending all work and classes in both high school and college in the university. It also stated that all faculty members shall communicate and provide assessment activities their students can accomplish in their respected homes. The said declaration of class suspension was extended until the last quarter of the school year and never resuming to face-to-face classes instead the Bulacan State University
– Laboratory High School adopted to online learning. Due to this unfortunate changes the Junior LHS Club week arranged on March 15-20 was held off, while Grade 10 and Grade 12 students resorted to virtual Moving-Up Ceremony and Senior High School Graduation in that way they still made this most memorable and important event come to life while still ensuring their health, safety and well-being.
Cinematic videography of “El Filibusterismo” movie trailer applauded by netizens Catherine Kaye Inopia
Furthermore, the annual activity is consisting different sports competitions: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Dancesports, Football, Futsal, Hip-Hop, Lawn Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo and Volleyball.
LabHigh bags medals in DSPC 2019; fails to qualify for RSPC
LESSON LEARNED. LHS’ Collaborative Publishing English Category takes home 3rd place in DSPC 2019.
Janna Louise Lagman and Janella Andrea Galang Bulacan State UniversityLaboratory Highschool’s The Busy Bee bagged medals and certificates in the recently held Division Schools Press Conference last September 27.
and simultaneously in Barasoain Memorial Integrated School (BMIS) for individual categories, accompanied with LHS faculties and their school paper adviser Ms. Franchezca Djanne Magpayo.
Amiel Justine De Luna, fourth place, Editorial Cartooning; Katherine Valencia, fifth place, News Writing and Manna Cruz, fifth place, Science Writing; Kier Bulaong, fifth place, Pagsulat ng Agham at Teknolohiya.
The said press conference was conducted in Malolos Marine Fishery School and Laboratory (MMFSL) for group categories
Several participants brought home awards from the Individual Categories; Railene Pagsanjan, fourth place, Editorial Writing;
Meanwhile, the group categories also received awards. The Collaborative Desktop Publishing-English won ►5
BulSU-LHS Grade 10 students from Batch 2018-2019 were praised and recognized by the netizens because of their professional production of the El Filibusterismo movie trailer. El Filibusterismo is a popular novel in the Philippine history written by Dr. Jose P. Rizal and as a school project in their Filipino subject, they published their own movie trailer of the novel where after a period of months of its release, it was being acknowledged and applauded by the netizens. On February 22, 2020, Peter Jay Corros re-uploaded their movie trailer on Facebook that caught the attention of more netizens and accumulated more than 1.7 million views and more than 126,000 comments. The video was originally uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Grade 10 students, 19NITE and already earned more than a million views. The
movie
trailer
was
shown on various media platforms. It appears on the television news like Unang Hirit and State of The Nation with Jessica Soho. It also featured on the Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star. A lot of reaction videos were made and even some were saying that they played the video in schools as the opening to El-Filibusterismo. In addition, the people behind the movie trailer were composed of Grade 10-Kamagong. It was directed by John Francia, the leader of the group and edited by Ivan Gonzales. It was starred by Jerome Parangue which portrayed the role of Simoun. Magritte Dela Cruz as Elias, Marnie Oliveros as Padre Floretino, Nadynn Vidal as Tandang Selo, Kirk Coronel as Imuthis and the other characters were played by Dana Dela Cruz, Arvi Marasigan, Abigail Fernandez, Nicole Arrieta, Hanna Quito, Inna De Guzman, Katherine Reyes, Jannah Lagramada, Athena Espiritu, Jeuen Caraig and Ken Natividad. ►3
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
NEWS
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
BulSU-LabHigh’s Thanksgiving for the Modern-Day Heroes
Spiritual Potential of LabHigh Students... FROM PAGE 1
Cassandra De Leon
Malolos for the 2nd place and St. Rose Catholic School, INC. for the 3rd place. One of the participants from the first team shared her thoughts about joining SPNBQ. “I personally think as a student in a nonCatholic school, BulSU has taken great leaps and has raised our game to join this competition. Inclining students not only academically and athletically, but also spiritually, is definitely something to be proud of,” said Pagsanjan.
A DAY TO REMEMBER. Fun filled activities fueled Junior High School’s Teachers Appreciation Day. Photo by Ian Jay Saludar
Laboratory High School goes retro as they celebrate Teacher’s Appreciation Day to show gratitude to the modern-day heroes. The celebration was held at Valencia Hall last February 24, 2020. The event started with the groovy entrance of the teachers together with their escorts. It was followed by a prayer led by Yanne Grace De Vera and the singing of the National Anthem led by Jealan Louise Baquiran. After these was the opening speech of Dr. Belarmino S. Cruz, the father of LabHigh.
The Games Committee of Grade 10 prepared fun and exciting games for the teachers and students. The first game was the LabHigh’s own version of 123 Go, a quiz game where the teachers playfully cooperated. The second game was the Sinetch Itey where there were photos of objects projected that describe the LabHigh teachers. In addition to this, Mr. Arnel “Neil” Evangelista and Mr. Chrisver Daluz proved that they are not just great teachers but also great singers. ►4
She added that being able to join [in SPNBQ] had brought great honor for her and she hoped that this would be part of their extra-curricular for the next following years. In line with this, BulSULabHigh will have Bible Quiz Bee as one of their activities in their incoming Club Week to show the potential of some students to join this year’s National Bible Quiz. Other regions also participated for the 10th SPNBQ and had their own regional champion; Southern
Mindanao (Maryknol College of Panabo, INC.), Northern Mindanao (Fatima College of Camiguin), Western Visayas (Colegio del Sagrado Corazon De Jesus), Central Visayas (The Sisters of Mary Boystown), Eastern Visayas (Nativity of Our Lady Parish Cathedral), Metro Manila (St. Paul College Pasig and Sacred Heart School Paranaque), Southern Tagalog (Sisters of Mary of Banneux, INC.), Cagayan Valley (St. Joseph’s College of Baggao, INC.), Northern Luzon (St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur), and Bicol Region (Naga Parochial School). While the Cittadini School is a wild card team. After the SPNBQ Elimination Round, the Battle of the Champions was held in SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last November 17, 2019, where the Sisters of Mary School - Boystown, INC is the Grand Champion of last year’s SPNBQ. Meanwhile, Sisters of Mary of Banneux, INC won the 1st place and Sacred Heart School Paranaque won the 2nd place.
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Dr. Gascon reappointed as BulSU President FROM PAGE 1
Santos, who voted in behalf of the student government, and Faculty Union President Jessica Chozas. Before proceeding to the actual voting of the reappointment, series of review was conducted by the review committee (that is composed of different entities), which were assigned by the administration. The review committee conducted surveys and interviews within the university premises and satellite campuses, that tackled Gascon’s work in four years as the university president. The said activity lasted for a month. Gascon’s stand in issues relating students and policies, including the mid-year refund, fees, Latin honors, red tagging issues and campus repression were one of the matters that were considered in her reappointment.
“El Filibusterismo” movie trailer applauded by netizens
FROM PAGE 2
In the interview with the director and editor, they shared their thoughts on how they feel towards their work that got millions of views and being recognized by the netizens.
SRW Month 2019: SALIMBAYAN, highlights the human rights of Filipino citizens Catherine Kaye Inopia For the first time in the celebration of Student’s Rights and Welfare (SRW) Month, the student council is hosting a sectoral convention called SALlMBAYAN 2019: Sabayang lipad ng masa tungo sa mas pinaigting na pwersang-bayan, held at Bulacan State University Valencia Hall, October 2, 2019. This year’s theme is Karapatan; Support Ko Yan. The
main objective of this event is to have an engagement between the students and the different sectors outside the university such as farmers, fishermen, indigenous people, Aetas, and environmentalists. This is to show that they [the students] have a lot of roles not just as a student but also as a citizen of the country. The representative from various sectors (magsasaka, mangingisda, maralita,
manggagawa, kabataan, LGBT, ANAKBAYAN, Stand BulSU, BulSU One, student government, at Sagip Taliptip) gives solidarity statements aiming to understand the current situation of the society. To give some learnings and inspirational message to the students, Attorney Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, a veteran human rights lawyer, was invited as the guest speaker. ►4
“Nagulat kami sobra, kasi nu’ng ginagawa namin ‘yun nasa isip namin na school project lang naman tapos gusto lang namin makagawa ng trailer na maganda habang nag-eenjoy,” said Francia. While Gonzales stated that it started to gain more views when someone shared their movie trailer on Facebook. “Nu’ng una kasi hindi naman gan’on ka-exponential ang pagincrease ng views niya pero nagsimula talaga siyang maexpose nu’ng may nag-share sa Fb [Facebook]. Simula n’on, may kutob na kami na magvaviral ‘to. Pero ‘di pa rin namin in-expect na mapupunta sa TV yung gawa namin,” he added. They also shared how they prepare for this kind of outstanding production and how their group plans it. “Nilista
namin
lahat
ng
importanteng scene tapos inarrange namin siya in a way na pa-intense nang pa-intense yung scenes. Sunod yung casting sa bawat character tsaka mga setting na pag-shushooting-an. Lastly, yung lines sa bawat scene,” Francia stated. He also thought that the reason behind their great output was their members were so cooperative and they have a skillful video editor. The editor also shared that it took him one month to make such great editing. Gonzales also expressed his gratitude to those who appreciate his editing skills. “Natuwa ako kasi may mga nakaka-appreciate ng passion ko kahit papano,” he added. In addition, Gonzales stated that there were some who say that they were motivated by him. “May mga nagre-reach out sakin na nakaka-inspire daw ako sa kanila ganon and nakakataba ng puso na isipin na through that short school project eh ang dami kong namo-motivate na mag-pursue sa editing.”
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Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
NEWS
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
SRW Month 2019
New CAT Officers to Lead Students’ Positive Values of Citizenship Cassandra De Leon
FROM PAGE 3
According to Diana Mae Francisco, Vice President of BulSU Student Council, Atty. Diokno’s speech emphasized the justice system in the Philippines and the rights and roles of the youth. He talked on how the justice system here favors only those who are powerful and influential while those who are marginalized or poor do not receive justice here in our country. STANDING STRAIGHT UP FOR THE CHALLENGE. New CAT officers inducted last February 19, 2020. Photo by Jhon Santos To introduce the new batch of Citizen’s Army Training (CAT) officers, the Induction of Officers was held and lead by Master Sgt. Norman Giron last February 19, 2020 at BulSU Activity Center. Appointed as the new Battalion Commander was C/LTCOL Charles Brent Santos. Initiated as the new Battalion Staffs were C/MAJ Andrea Francine De Jesus (BN S1), C/MAJ Martina Gwen Roque (BN S2), C/ MAJ Justine Paul Millan (BN S3) and C/MAJ Danielle Therese Felipe (BN S4). For
the
Company
Commanders, C/CPT Samuel Gerald San Pablo was initiated for the Alpha Company and C/ CPT Shynne Pahati was appointed for the Bravo Company. Introduced as Company Executive Officers (Ex-o) were C/1LT Jad Christler Gagarin for the Alpha Company and C/1LT Kimberly Lao for the Bravo Company. Inducted as Platoon Leaders were C/2LT Shannon Arcane Gonzales, C/2LT John Marvin Rosales and C/2LT Renz Carlos Bautista for the Alpha
Company. While for the Bravo Company were C/2LT Michaella Sophia Garcia, C/2LT Abigail Pagtalunan and C/2LT Franchesca Louise Arellano. Moreover, appointed as Special Staff were C/1LT Lhiana Talavera ( H e a d q u a r t e r s Commandant), C/2LT Yscha Jin Far (Medical Officer), C/2LT Diane Cruz (Administrative Officer), C/2LT Sean Michael Faustino (Responsible Supply Officer), C/1LT Adrian Valdez (Tactical Officer – Alpha Company), C/1LT Liana Franchesca Carbon (Tactical Officer
– Bravo Company), C/2LT Denisse Grace Alvarado (Personnel Officer) and C/2LT Colin Iesha Reyes (Color Officer). Meanwhile, one of the officers shared the qualities a student must have in order to be a CAT official. “Yung training ay naganap noong July-August. Isa sa mga tinignan na quality sa amin ay ang boses dahil sa CAT Training, boses ang kailangan ‘pag nagcocommand. Isa pang quality ay ang “Precision” ito yung galaw ng katawan mo ‘pag nagco-command,” said De Jesus - BN S1.
“The justice system should not work only on the influential or the powerful alone but should not be biased and should be for everyone,” Atty. Diokno said. He also stated that the youth tend to cage themselves in the four corners of their room and do not realize that there are a lot of things they can do, they just need to use their voices and their capacity to help the society. “We should not be cage in our room, just because we’re not affected,” Atty. Diokno added. One of the highlights of the program was the Open Forum lead by Atty. Diokno. Despite the unexpected loss of electricity, the students continue to ask questions. Another highlight is the Manifesto of Community wherein the students show that they are unified by writing their signatures as proof that they are uniting and engaging to the flight as a citizen of the Philippines.
BulSU-LabHigh’s Thanksgiving for the Modern-Day Heroes FROM PAGE 3
They prepared a performance that showed off their singing skills. The students also prepared video greetings that showed their appreciation to their loving teachers in a fun way but the teachers did not fail to bring laughter to the students because they also prepared their “Tiktok” videos that is a trend nowadays. After the video presentation, the teachers danced their own version of “Tala” by Sarah Geronimo. Also, the Grade 9 students prepared a dance performance and the bands from Grade 10 and Grade 11 serenade the teachers by singing OPM songs. Furthermore, one batch from the alumni of LabHigh donated Php 4,000 and eight lucky teachers won Php 500. “Teacher’s Appreciation Day is where the students of Laboratory High School appreciate the efforts and the knowledge that we learned to them. It is not all about gifts, it’s all about the love of their students,” said Samuel San Pablo, the Head of Prize/Games Committee.
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. LHS team gears up for triumph in PATIMPALAKAN 2019. Photo by Sir. Ron Patrick Cervantes
LabHigh show off their skills at U.P. Lakan Yscha Jin Far LabHigh representatives bagged gold and bronze at the Timpalakan 2020: PAGSIPAT: Aktibong Pakikialam sa Lagay ng Lipunan, Tulay sa Pagmulat ng Kamalayan ng Bayan held at Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. on January 26. Awarded as champions for the Group Quiz Bee were John Gabriel Bernardo, Neil Ivan Florencio and Annet Mica Tolentino, followed by St.
Mary’s College of Baliuag as second placer and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. as third placer. Claiming the third place for the Extemporaneous Speech is Frances Zizi Biwit. The Group Quiz Bee participants also went through an Individual Quiz Bee where John Gabriel Bernardo claimed the first place.
Other participants were Johan Gabriel Peña and Jexel Keane Alejo for the Essay Writing Contest, and Yscha Jin Far for Talumpating ‘Di Handa. Winners competed at the National Level, Patalasanlahi 2020, held at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, where the Group Quiz Bee won fourth place out of 30 schools.
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
NEWS
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
Laboratory High School’s SHS Coordinator Position Remains Vacant
BulSU-LHS LSC’s satisfaction ratings among LabHigh students Larisse Deramas
Katherine Eileen L. Valencia Earlier this school year Dr. Joseline M. Santos stepped down from being the Senior High School (SHS) Coordinator but not long after that, on the 1st of October 2019, Mr. Erwin L. Capardo started as the appointed new SHS Coordinator. After two and a half years of being the Head of Bulacan State University Pulilan Extension, Mr. Capardo finally returned to Bulacan State University –
Laboratory High School (BulSULHS) and with his expertise and experience, he was appointed as the new SHS Coordinator. Mr. Capardo with the assistance of Ms. Emeline R. Mercado responded to the complaints of SHS students about the lack of classroom and proper ventilation by providing the classrooms available in the rooftop and additional electric fans to the students.
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However, later this school year, he decided to resign from his position so that he can focus on his Doctoral Degree that he is pursuing at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Since the second semester of the SHS school year, Ms. Emeline R. Mercado stepped up to be the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Senior High School Office but the SHS Coordinator remained vacant.
The Majority said that they were partly satisfied in the performance of this year’s Local Student Council (LSC) through a survey conducted among the LabHigh students in the last week of February this year. The survey used is a 3-point Likert Scale questionnaire with two additional questions where the students can write their comments and suggestions. With the help of 180 students, the satisfaction ratings among LabHigh students will be known. Each grade level has 30 respondents from different sections. The results were as follows:
LHS Online Grievance Form, to promote, defend the rights of LabHigh students Larisse Deramas With a mean of 2.31, the majority were partly satisfied with the governance of LSC. Those who were partly satisfied came from Senior High School (SHS) while a substantial number of satisfied respondents came from Junior High School (JHS). Meanwhile, one of the respondents from SHS said, “Hindi ramdam yung SG (Student Government) sa mga SHS.” This served as a factor why the SHS students were partly satisfied as what was stated on the results. To encourage the students to raise their concerns and grievances, the Laboratory High School-Local Student Council (LHS-LSC) launched the LHS Online Grievance Form. This LSC’s project will make the students aware of Article I Section 11 of Student Government Constitution and By-Laws stating that, “All students shall have the right to be free from harassment, undue influence, threat, intimidation
and other forms of human rights violations.” Through this, the students will gain courage to express themselves and talk freely about things that bring discomfort to them. In relation to this, the online form is exclusively for BulSULabHigh students. Their concerns can be administrative, inter-student concern or academic-related. be
The said online form will managed by the LHS-
LSC and the information from the students will remain confidential. Although the assistance will be limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LSC will take the best action to address and resolve the sentiments of the students. In addition, the online form provided will only be available and effective until the term of S.Y. 2019-2020 LSC Officers.
LabHigh bags trophies in DSPC 2019; fails to qualify for RSPC third place that includes Janna Louise Lagman, Sophia Alain Manacop, Jexel Keane Alejo, Katherine Reyes, Franchezca Ramos, Ian Jay Saludar and Ryan Miguel Chua.
TV Broadcasting English Team who got the second Best Overall Production was also awarded as the Best Informercial Group comprises of Angelica Laurente, third Best Anchor; Shaine Cabigao,
For the comments of the students, most of their complaints were about how the LSC managed school activities and events. “Overall, they manage their activities really well but I think what they lack are time management and early preparations. Because of what I have witnessed last LHS Week, I think that they are rushed,” the respondent commended. In relation to this, the other added that the announcements are delayed or rushed.
FROM PAGE 2
Best News Reporter; Audreynel Hernandez, Best Field Reporter; Arianna De Jesus, second Best Script Writer; Ivan Gonzales, second Best Technical Director, Francois Biwit and Erico Pocholo Perez.
There were few who
The TV Broadcasting-Filipino Team was awarded as the second Best Overall Production and also received the third Best Infomercial Group with Pamela Salonga, third Best Anchor; Shynne Pahati, fifth Best News Reporter; Alshir Babasa, second Best Script; Jerikko Capule, second Best Technical, Kenzo Bautista, Ruzchel Estrella and Hayana Fererras.
complaints about LSC’s inconsistency. “Sa una, maganda yung mga ginagawa ng SG sa batch na ito. Madaming mga proyektong nasimulan like water dispensers kaso, walang consistency.” Similarly, the other student said that they lack of consistency in their projects (for example, water refill stations). Furthermore, the others gave suggestions about LSC’s inactivity. A respondent stated that LSC needs to further push to make the public feel that they are working. While the other respondent said, “Be more active. Post their accomplishments to inform the public.” There were also who suggested about making announcements. “Post more pubmat (publication materials) announcements on their page.” While the other said that LSC should inform the students about the current events and activities that will happen. The other respondent also suggested that LSC must clear things up before releasing rules in every event. After the devastation of this year’s no RSPC qualifiers, Collaborative-Filipino news writer Yscha Jin Far said, “May mga factors na nakakaapekto kung bakit nagkaganun, yun yung mga iiwasan natin para next year ay hindi maging ganoon ang outcome or improve ganon kagaya ng sa training natin.”
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OPINION
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
EDITORIAL
Learning through a monitor No internet.
Browser will let you know when this page is available.
The New Normal:
Should life go back as usual? Edison C. Guevarra
of the severely infectious virus that became the root of this eventual pandemic, COVID 19. With our future being extraordinarily uncertain as we exhaust every resource we possess to survive for today, is humanity on its end game?
s of May 2020, the whole world is currently put on halt. Several nations had already put their millions of constituents on lockdown in hopes of containing the spread
A
The origin of this virus is uncertain, whether it was produced in Petri dishes or was a product of a dirty wildlife market is still up for debate. Nevertheless, the virus caused great havoc that untimely claimed thousands of lives. Interestingly, several viruses have been spread during the new millennium but none was as devastating as this one. The world successfully contained SARS-COV in 2003, nine years later, another viral infection originated once again in China as MERS-COV affected all sorts of travel in 2012. Was
anyone prepared? No. Have we neglected science in return for profit? Disappointingly. As early as 2003, virologists stepped up as numerous efforts have been made to formulate a vaccine for highly contagious diseases caused by these coronaviruses. But due to SARS-COV and MERS-COV being contained, these two saw a natural death. As a result, pharmaceutical companies failed to see a market that could cater to a would-be supply of vaccines. And so, funding was cut and researches have been put into waste. December 2019 when China first confirmed a new novel coronavirus that infected a man in Wuhan, China. Several weeks later, human-to-human transmission headlined the news. January 23, 2020 when the Chinese government placed Wuhan, China, a city of more than 11 million people, under lockdown. This is in hopes of minimizing the spread of the disease. But for the rest of the world, life went on as usual.
The Classroom Dilemma Jericho Santos
ithin its 116 years of inception, Bulacan State University (BulSU) has earned a reputation for being a premier higher learning institution in the province. This is the reason why a lot of students aim to take their education to Bulacan’s most renowned university. However, the university failed to keep pace with the ever-growing student population. Hence, shortages of classrooms have been a long-standing problem. As the predicament worsened, students continue to suffer its
W
consequences: overcrowded classroom and double shifting of classes. The Laboratory High School (LHS) has no exception to this classroom dilemma. Some of its students are forced to take their classes in poorly ventilated made-shift classrooms. This condition deteriorates the quality of education as it hampers the ability of both student and teacher to progress academically. Having a conducive environment for learning is a basic right of every student that is why the problem of inadequate classrooms should be addressed immediately. Bulacan State University is not alone on this problem, lack of classrooms have also been the perennial problem of most public schools in the Philippines. The figures from ACT Teachers party-list revealed that there is a total of 81,750 classroom shortages in the country in 2018. To solve the scarcity of classrooms,
the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones said that the education department allocated P534 billion that will be used for the construction of around 47,000 classrooms nationwide. While the government is addressing this matter, affected schools resort to so-called “creative means” such as holding up to three shifts of classes and conducting classes in makeshift classrooms in their hopes to temporarily ease the problem. But placing students in this kind of environment has an adverse impact on their learning. This set up does not promote a positive learning environment as it stifles student’s focus and achievement in the class as well as the teacher’s attitude. Poor learning environment means low student concentration. Learners need a positive classroom environment that is free of distractions on learning effectively. Findings from Dr. Sheryl Reinisch’s studies
February 2020 when we witnessed several first world countries reporting their first cases of COVID-19. Amidst the growing fear of the upcoming pandemic, intercontinental flights are not yet banned. Tourism went on business as usual. While China was trying to eradicate the virus, the rest of the world belittled the soon-to-be crisis. Even the Philippines, spearheaded by President Duterte, saw the virus as something that will die ‘of natural death’ – or so he thought. The COVID-19 cases are exponentially piling up, the World Health Organization has already declared a pandemic for countries to assess the capacity of their health care system. For a reactive response, The Philippine government had imposed restrictions on people’s movements as an effort to minimize the spread of the virus. School gates have been closed, leisure activities were put in to hold, several working protocols have already been mandated, all of these to be observed with strict compliance. As a result, revealed that high-quality classroom environments help students increase self-esteem and motivation to engage in the learning process. Otherwise, students conducting classes in a hostile classroom environment are more prone to distractions. As all of those distractions add up, it undermines learning significantly. Although classroom distractions will always exist, distractions are greater to students taking classes in a hot, noisy, crowded and poorly-ventilated room. The inadequacy of classrooms also leads to poor student achievement. On her study, Ejiro Akhihiero asserted that lack of school facilities cripple effective teaching and learning as it diminishes the enthusiasm in both students and teachers. According to the findings of the study, “no matter how energetic, enthusiastic and committed a teacher might be, his or her effort, level of performance, effectiveness in the classroom might not produce the required result in teaching, evaluation and management because his or her action to satisfy the motive would
the economy is now toppling down as restricted movement of people equates to a zero cash flow. Is this the new normal? The new normal should include societal and governmental reforms. Our negligence in science was what made this pandemic more devastating as it is. The COVID-19 crisis unearthed several mishaps on our society’s way of life. It proved to us how inhumane our healthcare system is, how incompetent our elected officials are, how important the agriculture sector is, how we need less of malls and more of agrarian spaces, how neglected the Filipino scientists are, among others, as we spend our days in our homes reading news. The ‘usual’ was what pushed us in this life-anddeath situation. Once the COVID-19 pandemic ceases, the humanity should collectively work towards the new normal -- a better quality life through empathy and science.
be affected by the negative context of the environment”. This subsequently leads to the production of half-baked students. The findings from the research stated that “many students spend the required number of years students ought to spend in schools are not living up to expectations because they have not gained the desired knowledge they ought to gain within the specified time spent”. Like students, the physical and emotional health of teachers also depends on the quality of the physical location of his or her workplace. Numerous studies such as George Earthman’s indicate the condition of the classroom can cause morale problems with teachers. Many teachers no longer find their job interesting because of the lack of facilities to carry out their job. Poor teacher morale affects productivity and eventually may influence the achievement of students. Aside from low morale, the study also ascertained that the negative effects of poor working conditions for teachers included absenteeism, lower levels ►7
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
The Classroom Dilemma FROM PAGE 6
of effort, less effectiveness in the classroom, and lower job satisfaction. In today’s society, education is certainly an important aspect of life. Schools have an essential role in molding a nation’s future by facilitating the all-round development of its future citizens. But with classroom shortages still hounding the country’s education system, the Philippines cannot expect a good outcome from its students. The country’s dismal ranking in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) proved that the quality of education here is incomparable to global standards. This should be a wake-up call to government and all educational institutions such as Bulacan State University to expedite their efforts to provide a conducive learning environment for every student. Creating a positive classroom environment starts by providing a room for learning. There is no effective education that will take place where there is no provision of school facilities for effective teaching and learning. School children who are made to learn in a hostile learning environment become halfbaked, and therefore, cannot be beneficial to themselves and the country. Establishing a conducive environment for learning is not only limited by having a classroom. The
classroom should be neat, well-ventilated and spacious enough to allow for free movement. The chairs and desks should be arranged neatly to give the teacher a clear view of the class. The classroom should be wellequipped of all learning and teaching materials like chalks, books, and charts. The safety of both students and teachers should also be guaranteed inside the classroom. It is also more favorable to have a smaller class size. Research suggests that small class size results in higher academic achievement as smaller classes foster greater academic engagement from both student and teacher. In conclusion, lack of classroom has a negative impact on student performance and teacher effectiveness. Classroom is not just a container of the educational process but it is an integral component of the conditions of learning. Placing students and teachers in a hostile learning environment will only compromise the quality of education and teaching performance. An effective environment for learning would be achieved by providing comfortable, safe, secure, well-illuminated, and wellventilated school facilities for learners. By bringing students and teachers to this kind of learning environment, effective education is achieved.
OPINION
7
Homeless Lessons: From a student’s narrative Sophia Alain Manacop
l a s s r o o m s , classrooms, classroom! The never ending problem of BulSU LHS in the lack of facilities has worsen over the time. With continues growth of student’s population and the renovation of Carpio Hall’s third floor, the school resorted in shifting classes, in which often a batch will use the room in the morning and another will be on the afternoon. Grade 7 and 8 are sharing in the first floor, Grade 9 and 10 in the second, and SHS share rooms in the rooftop of Roxas Hall.
C
As a Grade 11 student who endure the hot temperature inside the classroom and the long walk in the stairs to arrive at the fifth floor, I believe that we badly need classrooms and it should not continue that way. The students of labhigh come to school to learn and we shall not roam in hallways while
wishing for comfortable room with enough ventilation. Classroom shortage is a big hassle for students. When a teacher thinks that the room is not comfortable enough, he or she will send someone to roam in the building to find a vacant room just for the sake of student’s learning. This happens a lot on Senior High students especially in the 1st semester in which we conducted classes in the open space of rooftop. It is widely open for noises to the point that we can jot down notes the answers to the quiz that happens in the neighboring classes. It doesn’t only affect pupils during classes, it also gives burden after the lessons. A section needs to leave the room immediately after their class schedules to give way for the next class. Because students are not allowed to gather outside the school premises for academic purposes, they sit in the corridors just to finish projects and activities, or to rehears for roleplays and reportings. It is hassle not only for them but also for the people who walks in the way. A factor that causes the lack of facilities is the increasing number of students. Labhigh kept the bad tradition to accept transferees who have backers that the school can’t say no. And the already congested students are expected to inflate even more because of the incoming new batch of STE
freshmen. The STE program started in 2018 and is supposed to help cultivate competitive and advanced students. The two additional sections in every batch surely impacts the population and more students means more rooms needed. The school gives so much empathy to the parents who desperately want their children inside the university and It’s really hard to say no especially if the request came from offices of high officials. But what about the quality of learning? It’s hard to understand why LHS prioritize students outside over the students inside. So what now? Shifting is a good solution but as we see, it has its own complications in the schedules. Junior High students reported either getting classes until 6 in the evening, having too much vacant, or the combination. This problem is fixed and they have better schedule now but how about the upcoming years that we expect for more students? Building additional rooms is also a good answer but it takes money and time. So the best solution is to prevent overpopulation. If only the school could stop accepting too much transferees in SHS program, or at least making sure that we have enough facilities to accommodate STE students, we could have avoided this problem. Studying is hard. Don’t let the shortage of classrooms be a challenge too.
COVID-19: In dire need of solution and action Hyanni Navarro Ferrer
he exponential growth of COVID-19 cases here in the Philippines has led the government to impose an Enhanced Community Quarantine throughout the country. The Duterte Administration had also mandated several orders in hopes of eradicating the pandemic. But are we getting any better?
T
Many Filipinos have already lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. Due to several
businesses halting operations, many workers have pleaded for help. Middle income families started to hoard goods due to panic brought by the lockdown. Essential items such as foods and alcohol are already emptied out of their shelves. President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11469 or “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” allocating 275 Billion Pesos to combat COVID-19. This bill was penned as an initial step as a counter defense to the crisis the pandemic has brought. With hundreds of billions budget at
hand, citizens can’t help but to ask, “where did our taxes go?” Several frontliners are putting their lives at stake due to rendering healthcare service without proper Personal Protective Equipments (PPE). Many hospitals have encouraged their workforce to make use of Do-It-Yourself improvised PPEs. To make the situation worse, testing kits are now scarce. According to the experts, testing a targeted population is key in isolating and treating all virus carriers. Aside from health equipment
running out, facilities are now exhausted to all of the incoming COVID-19 patients. Experts have now warned that our health system may collapse any time soon. The crisis brought by this pandemic could only be put to an end if we would all abide by the rules. The government has no lone responsibility in combatting this pandemic. This is a fight that requires a collective effort of all Filipinos. This is only a once in a lifetime chance that staying at home would save a dozens of lives,
remain indoors so we may live our lives back to usual.
Letter to the editor
Editor’s response
I commend you to all the efforts you showed, challenges you faced, and struggles you conquered as the head of the publication. Providing dignified statements and fair information to the students proves that you have done your duty as the head of the publication more than you are assigned to do especially during the pandemic.
The whole publication extends our warmest greetings to you Tricia! As the lone student publication of Bulacan State University Laboratory High School, we are tasked to provide news that takes a stand in favor of the truth. Given the platform that we have, it is our duty to ensure that the voices of our fellow students are amplified.
Your determination and courage to accomplish your duty deserves to be acknowledged and praised.
The situation we are currently facing is truly unforeseen. We hope we could bring nothing but good news in the nearest future.
Stay healthy! Yours Truly, Tricia Maurice B. De Jesus
We’re hoping to meet you very soon! Yours Truly, Edison C. Guevarra
8 The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but The Truth
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
LabHighBusyBee
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
@TheBusyBeeLHS
Jexel Keane C. Alejo “Now signing off,” and the television went pitch black before switching into a black and white static. ABS-CBN programs has been a part of every Filipino homes and families. From Umagang Kay Ganda every morning, to It’s Showtime for afternoon delight, TV Patrol for daily news scoops, and of course the undying FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano during the night. Even if you are not a solid Kapamilya, it is undoubtedly that you’ve watched at least one of its programs. However, on May 5, 2020, the country’s biggest media outlet went dark. Sure, for the most of times it brought us entertainment. But aside from that, it is also the press that delivered us information that are vital for the people’s decisions, and overall lifestyle in a democratic country. Yes, vital. But why? Democracy is literally “of the people, by the people, for the people”, as it allows the citizens to influence their government through voting system. The press’ duty is to provide information for the people about the electoral candidates. Now imagine voting without even knowing the candidates and their platforms. Pretty challenging, isn’t it? The information given by the press directly affects the people’s decisions, and the people’s decision directly affects democracy. In a country where not everyone has equal access to (commercialized) education, to be informed is the closest thing to being educated. Not everyone needs to have a college degree to be able to think and analyze, we just need to be given the proper information to ponder on, and that is the exact task of the press— to keep us informed. The press connects the people to its government. Without it, the gap between the administration and the citizens will be unbridgeable. The press’ duty doesn’t stop on election day. In fact, their tasks increase after it. They must constantly report to the people the happenings in the nation, and the government, through investigative journalism. The press serves as watchdogs for the citizens, rather than lapdogs for those in position. Their responsibility is like a rain that never stops, but rather continues pouring specially during a crisis— like the pandemic we are all facing right now. If you’re disheartened by the ABSCBN shutdown solely because your entertainment was taken away from you, think about the people whose only source of information was their television with one channel, or their radio with limited stations. From whom can we now expect them to get information? Without information, how can we expect them to make sound decisions? Especially now, in the midst of a pandemic when even your slightest decision to head outside can risk your life. Just how? “Well whatever, they broke the law. Law is law.”
On February 24, 2020, the Senate conducted a hearing on the network’s compliance with the terms of its franchise that’s about to expire. It came to a conclusion that there was no breach of laws, and even if there were penalties, it will not lead into a shutdown. Furthermore, the phrase “law is law” is perhaps useless if it isn’t applied to everyone, and just used to justify personal claims, isn’t it? “It’s the company’s fault, they cared too much about money.” Now that’s an uncomfortable concept for journalists and newscasters. Money is the root of all evil, and it is certainly not the reason why they chose to deliver us information. Journalists don’t make money. They make the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. ABS-CBN has been a part of our entertainment and leisure, but it also has been a great part of the Philippine’s system of information dissemination and greatly impacted the country’s economy, the people’s decisions and their overall lives. Their sudden shutdown must alarm us all. Is this just about the shutdown of a media outlet due to alleged breach of laws? Or is this a direct attack on press freedom?
That’s a question for you to ponder, but here’s a fact proven by history: The moment the government can choose and control which media is allowed to operate, press freedom no longer exists. One thing is for sure: The press informs, because the people have the right to know. Therefore, press freedom is our freedom. Silencing the press is depriving it of its liberty, and depriving the people of their right. However, rights come with responsibilities. We cannot expect to be free without protecting our very right to be free. Defend the press’ and your freedom now, before it’s too late. ABS-CBN might not be the only thing to shutdown in a blink of an eye. “Now signing off,” then the whole nation crumbled shortly after democracy collapsed.
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
LabHighBusyBee
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
@TheBusyBeeLHS
9
Freedom of Press - in writing and in virtue. Edison C. Guevarra
Gone are the days of reactive journalism where we neutralize our perspective for the sake of fair and just journalistic approach — or is it fair and just? We have been taught that a journalist should not always take sides. Well, a journalist should never be biased, as it spoils the validity of the news. But we should always TAKE A STAND. We can never be in between what is right and wrong. We should always STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. A journalist must be
held accountable for the truth. For we must never tell a lie, even the white ones. As a journalist, it is our moral obligation to SPEAK FOR THE MASSES. Given the platform that we have, it is our responsibility to be the media of the poor, of the unheard, of the oppressed, of the misunderstood, of the people. Our pens speak volume, use it for the benefit of the many. A very public connotation that journalists exist because of everyday news IS NOT TRUE.
Journalism is an avenue for the oppressed to fight back, and for the truth to be unearthed. We should always expose ourselves to the plight of the poor, of the minimum wage earners, of the people working to make their ends meet. It is our job to expose the exploitation, the fraud, the murders, the genocide, committed by the powerful, the wealthy, and the lawmakers.
would not even happen without the broadcast of truth. Movement of masses always starts with the truth being exposed.
The progress of the nation does not start on the streets, or on the walls of congress. The bloodless revolution of People Power I
For journalists catalysts of change.
The betterment of society lies in our hands. Many have the command of a gun, many have the command of people, but we, have the command of words. We should write for a better society. — are
the
Boundless Flights Jexel Keane C. Alejo To take flight is never an easy process. Before entering BSU - LHS you asked yourself, “Kaya ko ba ‘to?” Will you be able to keep up with your new classmates and teachers? Will you be able to adjust with the new environment quickly? You were scared, and for a moment felt very little and fragile-- yet you’re here. You now have wings-chance and potential to soar. You are more reluctant than ever. You have seen others try and fly multiple times but still fall. The thought of yourself crashing down the ragged ground is stomach-turning. You’ve seen others try to rise again even if they’re covered with bruises and their wings almost torn off. You’re not even sure if you can still redeem yourself if ever that happens to you. It’s hard convincing yourself-- yet you didn’t want to waste the opportunity. You tried flapping your wings-- little by little, inch by inch. It’s a tougher and more tiring process than just gathering enough courage. You realized that just to have wings and flap them up and down is not enough. There are times when the storm of requirements pours hard. Each raindrop felt like needles meant to tear your wings down. The raging wind of your fast-paced environment is so overwhelming that it sometimes stops you from
moving forward, if not completely changing your trajectory. You struggled to be braver, then comes the time that you were most terrified of-- you fell down. You’re tired and wounded. Will you be able to fly again? Where did you go wrong? Was your best not enough? You questioned yourself again, “Kaya ko ba talaga ‘to? Kakayanin ko pa ba ‘to?” All you wanted to do that time was rest, but your wounds healed faster than you had expected, maybe because the fire in you kept burning after everything that happened. Yes, you can fly again. Yes, you will soar again. You flapped your wings again-- little by little, inch by inch. You’ve learned that the greatest weapon in this flight is the line “there is time for everything”. It has become the most sensible line for you. There’s time for everything-- for school works, for leisure, for your family, but most importantly for yourself. A time for you to rest and mend your wings-a time for your mental, emotional, and physical health. With the correct practice of this, slowly but surely, you’re now in the process of mastering the art of soaring. To take flight is never an easy process, but we, wholehearted and fullblooded LabHayenyos, take flight without boundaries.
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Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
OPINION
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
Ignoring the Magnifying Glass:
The Philippines’ Problem with Research Railene Pagsanjan
2
020 has taken the globe by storm from the magmatic unrest of the Taal Volcano, the burning of forests, to the devastating outbreak of a worldwide pandemic, which has affected everyone, causing numerous fatalities. Economies have severely dropped; hunger, poverty and destitution striking the less-fortunate. Fear has brought overwhelming consternation to citizens, and at this point, everyone is desperate for a solution- a solution which can only be found with none other than research. At this stage, one should realize how incredibly important research is.
This is surely a massive underlying problem most of us, Filipinos, do not notice. We lack researchers, and we haven’t fully appreciated research. All the way back from 2017, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco) suggested a ratio of 380 scientists per every million population. During a hearing on Senate Bill No. 175 or “Balik Scientist Bill”, it was discovered that the country only has 11,490 scientists and engineers, of which only 3,198 work in the government, which translates to 130 scientists and engineers per million population, far from the ideal figure. The Philippines lacks more than 19,000 scientists in research and development. However, before we tackle this social issue, we must first question: WHY are we lacking researchers? Starting off with our education system, many factors include: outdated teaching methods, lack of equipment and books, and overpopulated classrooms, and probably the worst one yet: the given mindset of students that research, science, and engineering is hard and difficult,
as they pull of an all-nighter to squeeze words in a document, without having the opportunity to look at research as something great and life-changing. More struggles and frustrations occur for aspiring scientists - minimal job security and occupational hazards, lack of support and funding from the government. And now, in this time of crisis, when we need our scientists the most, they are in a series of plights. This is why I encourage everyone, especially our fellow youth, to realize what 2020’s unfortunate events have taught us all- to be enlightened and start seeing research as the way to a better future. We need to listen and give attention to our scientists, and recognize their effort and sacrifice to the country, just like soldiers and policemen. Our government should invest and support them, instead of devaluing them. This should be seen as part of our nation’s way forward, the new normal. It took us a pandemic and a calamity to realize this, which is a reason why our nation’s not flourishing. Our very own scientists in all fields should be prioritized,
and be on top of our attention. Scientific culture should be promoted as early in the education system as possible, we should open the youth’s eyes for innovation and engineering. We should invest in research institutions which could be a safe space for researchers to conduct experiments. Further, there should be a system that would encourage more collaboration among the research community, across different fields of studies. And to the youth, to continue seeing science as a gigantic magnifying glass, a way to explore and know the world around us, to solve problems and to make our life easier, rather than a burden to your to-do list. Just as our beloved university’s vision, mission, and goal for excellent instruction, pioneering research, and responsive community engagements, and to produce highly competent, ethical and service-oriented professionals that contribute to the sustainable socio-economic growth and development of the nation, we should soar high, and perhaps, be the next scientists of our generation.
EDUCATIONAL DETRIMENT: An Academic Year of Inconvenience Arianna Marie B. De Jesus
A
s the COVID-19 pandemic has placed the world in a whole systematic halt in Education, various guidelines were released by different academic institutions and universities in order to instill learning among their students,
but as the virus and the government has prolonged mass gathering cancellations in order to assure social distancing among citizens; it has clearly impacted negatively on students, teachers, and parents both mentally and academically. Amidst the unpredictable growth of COVID-19 positive patients, DepED has mandated that the next school year (20202021) will open on August 24, 2020. This has raised negative feedbacks from parent netizens since one of the points stated in the Continuity Plan of DepED says “no face-to-face classes will be allowed earlier than August 24, 2020; and from August 24, face-to-face learning shall only be allowed when the local risk severity grading permits, and subject to compliance with minimum health standards”. How will DepED be able to implement plans such as this if there is no reassurance that by AUGUST 2020, the severity of
COVID-19 could be at its lowest by that time? Considering that not everyone has the capability to pay for online class remedies such as data, Wi-Fi Plans, and deliveries, how will our academic institutions ensure that there will be no students left behind as the next academic year approaches along with the still-unresolved COVID-19 pandemic? There is no denying that this pandemic has caused everyone’s livelihood to fall into ruckus due to increasing taxes and needs by the household, we cannot also turn a blind eye on the fact that starting a whole new school year without concrete and fair educational solutions is impractical, not only it will exhaust the finance of each household, but most importantly productivity in online classes are not as productive as our face-to-face classes when the pandemic
has not struck our country yet. Students and teachers are already having a hard time reaching one another, academic and pandemic anxiety has risen through the consciousness of students, that some of their parents have already decided not to enroll them for this upcoming school year in order to avoid transmission of virus unknowingly. In this crucial and dangerous time, institutions such as CHED and DepED in coordinance with schools under them must look for alternatives which are viable, practical, safe, and fair for both faculty, children, and parents. Knowing that COVID-19 is fatal, there is no mass testing held yet by the government, and its vaccine yet to be released by January of 2021. The fact that our country has very little resources, academic and medical facilities, how can this be reassured that it will be safe to open face-toface classes by August?
THE BUSY BEE 2019 - 2020
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief: Edison Guevarra Associate Editor: Arianna De Jesus Managing Editor for Administration: Yscha Jin Far News Editor: Larisse Deramas Features Editor: Jexel Keane Alejo Opinions Editor: Jericho Santos Science Editor: Manna Cruz Sports Editor: Kurt Pascual Literary Editor: Angelica Laurente Photojournalism Coordinators: Kyla Anne Velasco Jhon Gabriel Santos Circulations Manager: Erico Pocholo Perez News Writing Staff Larisse Deramas Cassandra Luis De Leon Catherine Kaye Inopia Janella Andrea Galang Janna Louise Lagman Katherine Lou Valencia Nexandra Punzalan Yscha Jin Far Editorial Writing Staff Jericho Santos Arianna De Jesus Edison Guevarra Hyanni Navarro Ferrer Railene Pagsanjan Sophia Alain Manacop Feature Writing Staff Jexel Keane Alejo Arianna De Jesus Edison Guevarra Jasmin De Jesus Khris Mierra Chugani Mary Joy Santos Sports Writing Staff Kurt Pascual Clarence Pineda Faraseth Celso Katherine Reyes Science Writing Staff Manna Cruz Aldrin Kier Bulaong Copy Reader Kayley Tacto Pia Gallardo Artists Amiel Justin De Luna Franchezca Ramos Phoemela Lei De Jesus Sean McKenzie Bernardino Layout Artists Ivan Gonzales Kennen Yram Tolentino Ryan Miguel Chua Advisers Ms. Franchezca Djanne Magpayo Mr. Israel Saguinsin Principal Dr. Belarmino S. Cruz
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
FEATURE
Social Media Detox:
11
Your Road to Tranquility Arianna Marie B. De Jesus
In our today’s modernized tech-savvy generation, we all have our own gadgets that we use in surfing the media with a wide scale of content. Some of the contents that we see online may or may not be user friendly. These may either drive us to adapt both its negativity or positivity. There’s nothing wrong in adhering to the culture that we see on the internet or in any social media accounts that we have, but have you ever questioned the way you lived your life after being exposed to the norms of social media’s culture and trends? have you ever checked if the way you express yourself is according to the way you want it to be, or the way you want OTHERS to perceive as who they want YOU to be? do you still have time for yourself?
There are ways on how to detoxify yourself from social media (things that I do in detoxifying myself):
4. Limit yourself in browsing through your gadget for they might take up too much of your time that you could use to sleep or to accomplish important tasks.
1. Determine what you really want to achieve in life, may it be academically or for your own betterment. This will at least give you the push to focus on the things that matter more than staying up online.
5. If social media stresses you— try deactivating or keeping your phone away for how many days you want to go away from it. If you have incoming important texts or calls, keep your messaging apps activated.
2. Filter out pages and accounts that negatively affect your way of viewing life and yourself—if it gives you anxiety and selfdoubt, it’s time to hit that unfollow/unfriend button.
6. Try doing outdoor activities like jogging, walking your dog, window shopping.
3. Stop using your gadgets while you’re doing activities that don’t necessarily require Wi-Fi or gadgets.
7. Re-learn your hobbies. If you used to paint (or do whatever hobby that
Baguio: The Mountain of Our Ghosts Arianna Marie B. De Jesus Icy-cold, and sentimental with an eerie ambience—That’s how I describe Baguio every time my family goes there for a vacation. My traumatic and heartbreaking experiences can’t help but resurface whenever silence crowns over my emotions as I walk along the nostalgic path of Baguio. It scared me, but I knew these events that recur would help me heal—eventually somehow, somewhere deep in the meadows of my despair. It was only the five of us that time when we visited Camp John Hay, we entered an unknown track of forest, an eerie one to be exact. Its silence deafened me, I was enveloped by the air rattling against my skin. The smell of pine trees and my family’s presence are the only ones that secure me from the benevolence of my fear of falling from the edge of the five kilometers mountain trail that
we’ve hiked through, and from the edge of my temperament and resilience.
with pain and disappointments shall render as my character development progresses by.
As I stroll along the dirt, I couldn’t help but think of how damaged I was by people who took me for granted, who looked down at me when I was in in need of support and encouragement, and who left me when I was all alone and untrusted in the darkest of days. Everything good inside me was turned into trees burning away until they became ashes that drifted along the wind. The forests have calmed me down, I realized that once I leave Baguio, I will also leave every pain behind and continue my discontinued chapters of successes in Bulacan. I learned that no matter how long this path of life like this trail that I am taking—it could be longer and more obstacles mixed
We all needed time to heal; It may be closing the door of your house from people who kept on invading your personal space or completely shutting out toxic people out of your life. Just like the wind and the window, we can let people who gives us the positivity get in our life, and shut our seals tight when abusive individuals try to manipulate us into getting back inside again. Forgive people, but never forget what they have inflicted on you. Just like what my scars remind me of whenever I am somewhere far from everyone. Free yourself from the Ghosts that have pinned you down in the past.
you love) long before you spend more of your time scrolling down your endless feed, go and paint! It will help increase your creativity and morality. Plus, those hobbies that you have can also help decrease your anxiety and stresses that you attained from your work, study, and the society. 8. Become strict on how you manage your time and duties. 9. Put away your gadgets when eating—taste of food becomes better when savored while feeling your surroundings and companions.
#Relatable Mary Joy Manuel Santos
“Gusto kitang ibagsak nang mabagal” the parody of the teachers to the song “Mabagal” by Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre. You’ll definitely get nervous for your (maybe failing) grades. Mostly, if you know yourself that you’ve failed so many reports, projects, quizzes and performances, you should really definitely start re-thinking about your life decisions. Reviewing really hard for exams but in the end you fail, and you don’t know what’s wrong with you and why you can’t even pass it. Not having enough practice for group performances because of other projects that the deadlines are much closer and major. You’ll really need time management, hard work and most importantly, no sleep for all of that things to do.
“Bakit parang kasalanan ko?” This may be the line of all teachers when the distribution of report card comes. Complaining parents with their kids marching to every teacher ‘s faculties as to why their child’s grades are like that, even if the child knows why and they won’t tell that to their parent. Parents don’t know the real behavior or performance of their children when in school and they always think that their child is a hardworking and responsible child when the truth is, it’s the opposite. So let’s not blame it on the teachers because it’s not their fault, they are just the calculator that we put our numbers in which are our grades, they’re just the one who computes. If you have any concerns with your grade and you know yourself that something’s ►12
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FEATURE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
Mary Joy Manuel Santos
Some may have mental health issues because of trauma, family problems, poverty, and even stress, it can contribute to why people have mental health problems like depression and anxiety and it mostly affects
women more than men, it commonly strikes at the age of 18 to 25 years of age. Any of us can have mental health issues and we should not be ashamed to get help for it. We should immediately get assistance because it is curable and we should not create a stigma just because some people don’t and some people do have it. For us students here at the Laboratory High School, I’ve met many people who have mental health issues, most commonly depression and sometimes it’s because of family and friend problems and sometimes it can just be the pressure and stress that is brought by studying and going to school. There are many reasons but I can say that many of us teens and adolescents are in their stage of life where we truly know it’s not all about “what’s wrong with me” but it should be all about “what’s right for me?” we should all focus on the bright side of life and don’t
Ma’am Bautista:
LHS’ Pillar of Discipline
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? We are in the stage of life where we discover a lot of things, we are educated about things that we maybe need in the future and sometimes don’t, we find our passions and interests, and most importantly, we commonly find ourselves through the process of our teenage years. We uncover little pieces of ourselves along the way, like what’s your SOGIE (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression) or you may sense or feel something you surely haven’t felt before, like extreme sadness or intense nervousness about something, if that happens you ask yourself “what’s wrong with me?” and because of that, you come across something that is very significant and important to our lives, our mental health.
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
let the hard things in life bring us down. We should know and learn what’s mostly good for a student who’s undergoing some mental health issues and not let that problem break friendships and connections. We should all acquire a knowledge of basic mental health matter and be aware that it is not remorseful and not something to be humiliated about. We all have somewhat experienced to face problems and suffer from stress but if you feel that something is definitely not right about what you are feeling, you should consult with a professional and be aware about your situation. The month of May is Mental health awareness month and it is when we fully campaign the acknowledgement of the importance of our mental health. “What is wrong with me?” nothing’s wrong about anyone, there’s just a thing that we call “stigma”.
#Relatable FROM PAGE 11
wrong, you can just go to your teacher (advisable that it’s without your parent) and respectfully ask why it’s like that, and they’ll explain it to you or correct the mistake. So don’t panic because it can be resolved without activating your parent’s war mode. #GradeIsJustANumber this line is always famous when the distribution of cards come near or when the periodical exam just finished. Mostly students who say these are the ones who expect themselves to fail or have low grades. We say this because we know, we (maybe) failed and we say it ahead because we don’t want others to judge you when the time has come and your grades has been revealed. But even if
this is taken as a joke, we all should remember that this saying is true, no matter what grade you have, it should not define you as a person and a human being. It’s just numbers that has been given to you at that given time and that could change at any given moment so don’t worry if you have low grades or failing marks cause remember that truly doesn’t define you, your character and attitude does. Because even if you have very high grades but your attitude is bad, it’ll all be worthless. These are lines that students or teachers can relate to in their school lives and may this have given you enjoyment or lessons that you can carry on in your lives.
Prologue:
Jexel Keane C. Alejo
Democracy for the Elite Edison C. Guevarra In our capital city, things are getting extravagant. Roaming on the streets are fancy cars and occupying spaces are gigantic buildings. Behind of all these glamour are people barely making their ends meet. A hundred and twenty one years ago, similar façade was witnessed in the small town of Malolos.
Miss Hermogena Bautista, the name that rings all the bells for every LHS students and personnel, had recently celebrated her 60th birthday. It was a memorable day full of joyous surprises— just right for our beloved Ma’am Bautista! As we celebrate her birthday, we also want to commemorate some of her greatest lines and deeds. “Good morning!” Be honest, you read that line as her voice echoes in your head, right? Ma’am Bautista indeed has that striking voice and posture-- one of her key characteristics, and the reason why all her lessons and reprimands will surely be burned in your mind forever. “Those who are late, surrender your I.D. to me!” Nine words that sends shivers down the spine of numerous students who are late for the flag raising ceremony. Followed with, “Be
honest, okay? If you are late, then, you know what to do,”, it is a guarantee that you’ll wake up extra early for the next flag raising ceremony! “How could you forget that already?!” She also has a strong memory and a sharp mind. It will not be a surprise if she had already memorized the names of fifty six students in a classroom just after one meeting. She also never loses the flow of her discussion even after an interruption (a phone call for example). Honestly, I sometimes think she may have an eidetic memory, but I guess this is just the outcome of years of persistent teaching. This is how great Ma’am Bautista has become! “Always remember this- I am here and I will always love you.” These are the heartwarming words that she said to her advisory classes
(10-Narra ‘19-’20, 10-Narra ‘18’19, and 9-Molave ‘19-’20) after appreciating the grand surprise they prepared for her. With a cake in front of her and her loving students circled around, those are the most beautiful words a mother could say to her child. Miss Hermogena Bautista-the name that rings all the bells for every LHS students and personnel. A woman with a salient voice and poise, a teacher with a phenomenal memory, and a motherly figure to all her students and colleagues. It’s a fact that the only way to forget her is to drink from the Lethe River, but neither me nor you want to do that! Her greatness will forever linger along the corridors of Carpio Hall, the whole university, and of course, our hearts. She is, after all, LHS’ pillar of discipline.
23rd day of January, 1899, the old rocks of Barasoain Church withheld the drafting of our newborn Republic, Republica Filipina, or known by many as “Republika ng Malolos.” This marked our first victory towards sovereigntyor so we thought. The foundation of the republic tried to prove against our conquerors that the Filipinos are ready to rule our own land. We might have fought to stand alone, our constitution was merely a replica of the ones structuring France, Guatemala, and Mexico combined. We might have learned to stand on our own, but we are not ready to walk just yet. Andres Bonifacio ignited the fire towards revolt through sword and blood, but similar to a stage play, curtain fell for him when the First Constitution was ratified. Felipe Calderon wrote the 1899 Malolos Constitution while Emilio Aguinaldo sworn as the Republic’s first El Presidente – leaving no post for Bonifacio.
People of Malolos first witnessed the Malolos Congress on September 15, 1899. Similar to the modern times, social classes have always been divided. Dividing the rich members of the congress from its wartorn constituents was a rope, but both of the social classes enjoyed the night – and they celebrated. The feast for that night was written in French, a far cry from Indios who can’t even speak Spanish, as the feast was held not to cater them, but the rich. Many modern day textbooks wrote that the members of the congress indulged themselves in the taste of San Miguel Beer, but they did not. San Miguel Beer was, by that time, only for the poor. The rich men and women of Malolos were intoxicated by champagne, cognac, among other liquors shipped from the West. While the people of Malolos were suffering from the footnotes of revolt, then officials were sitting confidently on their seats, as if no blood was ever shed. Wherever we put our capitol, if our head of the state is not for the masses, ultimately, all of us will suffer. And this is how our democracy failed – for it was made by elite to only serve the elite.
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
FEATURE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
Love: The Universal Language
Jexel Keane C. Alejo
If the world speaks a universal language, it is the language of love. February, the month of love had just passed. Other than Valentine’s Day, one notable occasion for us LabHayenyos is the Teachers’ Appreciation Day. What is the parallelism of those two events, and the relevance of love to both? Aside from both were celebrated last February, both days were also filled with sweetness-- literally. Chocolate is one of the most common gift for couples, and teachers during these events, along with flowers and teddy bears. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for chocolate factories, and flower
shops! But are these material things enough to express our appreciation? No, especially if you just bought those because you felt “forced” or “required” to do so. No, if you don’t have any genuine reasons why you chose those as your gifts. No, most specially if you think a bar of chocolate is enough to “appreciate” people while you continue to disrespect them on a daily basis. Wait, so do I continue giving material things or not? Yes, you should continue. Yes, if you have unfeigned reasons why you chose to buy them a
gift. Yes, because even a small ChocoMucho means so much if it means that you remember that person, and you took your time to buy the ChocoMucho to show your appreciation. Love is time and sacrifice, after all. What about other gifts aside from chocolates and flowers? Are they fine? Yes, of course they are. Even if they are handwritten letters, a keychain, mugs, and so much more, as long as you wholeheartedly gave them. Even, and most specially, if they are prayers, acknowledgement, and respect. Those may be invisible, but they are essential. Are material things unimportant,
then?
Love must be timeless.
No, they’re not. Of course, they are still important! Specially for Valentine’s Day and Teachers’ Appreciation Day, as these are just two of the occasions when we have the most vivid opportunity to give gifts. However, these two days are not the only days when we can and shall show our love.
February, the month of love had just passed-- but that doesn’t mean that love, appreciation, and respect shall pass too. We just have to learn how to be genuine, and through that, we’re already speaking the universal language.
How to Spot an Incompetent Leader Jexel Keane C. Alejo
in·com·pe·tence /inˈkämpədəns/ noun inability to do something successfully; ineptitude. similar: ineffectiveness, uselessness
Demurrer
Open your eyes wide. Just open them, because today, we are going to spot an incompetent leader.
Edison C. Guevarra
1. ) O ve r- s e n s i t i v i t y. Incompetent leaders are easily offended, and can’t take criticisms even if they are constructive. Instead of thanking their people for the correction, incompetent leaders tend to punish them. Throwing tantrums because they were “offended” is a common thing for them to do. 2.) Inability and unwillingness to adapt change. Intertwined with the first trait, incompetent leaders just can’t accept that they are wrong, because they don’t want to change. Instead of owning up to their mistakes, they make excuses and lies to cover it up. Sending a speaker or secretary to take back or justify their words or actions, is a big incompetent leader energy.
The pits of hell, The shouts from heaven, Souls that they sell, There has been no end. Is this the fruit of what we fought for? We cried mercy in place of yours, we heed gunshots for you not to hear again, we fought for the sake of our country, we fought… for you. The roaming thunder-like sound of the military tanks filled our ears throughout our sleepless nights, which in the morning instead of birds chirping above a tree, the same military tanks would run through the streets just for us to hear. The guns are pointed wrong, once you have an honest opinion about the wrongdoings of the lords, you’ll either die or be tortured. Many tried to voice out their side, but now they may be dead or unfound.
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The citizens breathed out of constant fear. No matter how good the sun rises or how sad the droplets of the rain get, the nation was scared. We possessed voice but are mute, we have eyes but chose to be blind. Freedom, we shouted. We shouted within our hearts, a shout that our mouths can’t do. We shouted freedom not against a foreign conqueror, but against our fellow blood. We became followers like a dog on a leash. Until the day came, the day we also wondered how it feels to walk freely. We also had enough, enough of the injustice, enough of the politics, enough of all of these. And there we fought. We started to revolt.
We fought with our life at stake as if we are playing monopoly with our every single cent placed as our bet. We gambled everything, we can’t lose. We fought not with swords, guns, knives, but rather with pens, cameras, voices, prayers, and unity. That’s all your fathers and mothers have. The revolt surprisingly turned out to be bloodless. A victory of our country, a victory won for the next youth. A victory for you. A footnote to our youth: If the demurrers of the people are not heard, we elected a murderer to overthrow.
3.) Intimidation and humiliation. They are fond of using foul words and profanities to purposely mortify or scare someone or a group of people, most of the time their rivals. They can even use violence as a form of intimidation. 4.) Poor communication skills. They are fond of delivering incoherent messages, and just can’t seem to restrict themselves from uttering profanities and foul words. Most of the time, they just blabber nonsense. 5.) Ineffective meetings. Fond of holding meetings, speeches, press conference, that barely resolves or clarify anything. Basically just wasting your time. For example, holding several press conference which exhibits inconsistent statements that provides nothing but confusion.
6.) Preference for weak candidates. Incompetent leaders hate progressive rivals that can potentially end them and their career. As a result, they tend to badmouth them and take drastic measures to make sure they are out of the way. (Dictatorial moves!) 7.) Frantically obsessive about trivialities. Instead of solving problems in the bigger picture, incompetent leaders tend to focus more on trivialities that have little to no importance to the whole economy. Focusing more on things that will gain them personal pleasure, rather than solving a major national problem radiates “incompetent leader energy” to the highest level. 8.) Fiercely protective of pet project. Befriending someone whose intentions are obviously evil and harmful such as stealing or dominating over lands for neocolonialism purposes, yet constantly protecting and defending the “friendship”. For what? 9.) Morale deterioration. There is just no sense of professionalism that you start to question their capabilities. Fond of making “jokes” about inappropriate topics, and promoting toxic norms such as patriarchy. 10.) Constant crisis mode. With all the traits above, the “incompetent leader energy” is now even stronger than the Avengers combined, resulting into a constant crisis. The nation never gets better, just worse and worse. Everytime you think it has reached rock-bottom, a whole new level of “low” just introduces itself. If you know, you know. Now don’t you dare close your eyes again. Don’t. You. Dare.
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Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
SCIENCE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
@TheBusyBeeLHS
Fighting Against an Invisible Enemy
The Science of HIV and AIDS
Aldrin Kier S. Bulaong
It’s been ages since we’ve been outside the house, the routine is and has always been the same old story, people working or attending online classes inside their homes and awaiting for the latest updates about the invisible enemy. An invisible enemy that wears a crown, it is neither a king nor a queen, but once inside your body will attach into your cells and produce many more copies of it, that enemy is the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19. According to the World Health Orgranization (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, people with weak immune systems and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials
evaluating treatments.
potential
March 12, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte suspended classes in all levels and government work in the executive branch for one month or until April 12, and since that date issued a Community Quarantine in a bid to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the Philippines. But despite the ongoing quarantine there are still people who are still able to travel and go outside because they have their quarantine passes, even people who don’t have the passes still have the courage to go out. Because of that President Duterte is forced to issue a curfew and to arrest or even shoot to ones who do not follow. The order of the president to shoot the people who doesn’t follow caused huge unrest because people complain that it violates human rights. The suspension of work and classes have caused huge unrest of the people who are starving because they need to work for money thus they don’t have the money to pay for their needs. So the national government has allotted a total of ₱275-billion-worth
of aid for low-income households, farmers, and fisher folk, amid the COVID-19 pandemic but until now there are still many people who aren’t reached by the money provided by the government. As for the 125,000 Coronavirus testing kits from China, not all people are able to have the privilege to test if they are positive of the virus. Testing for COVID-19 is not free and it costs about 7,700PHP – 11,500PHP. People these days doesn’t have the money for testing because their money is allotted for their basic needs. But the Government ensures mass testing when the testing kits are sufficient enough to hold them. As of April 6, 2020, Philippines’ COVID-19 death toll up to 163, cases rise to 3,660, and hoping that no more people will get infected or die of this virus, if we cooperate then the government will do its job, we can criticize but not to the point that we are getting in the way. The people shouldn’t fight themselves, we should unite and fight against this invisible enemy.
COVID-19: Mr. Mari Michael Clark DC. Capili
Plague of Cyprian A.D 249 - 270. The Black Plague 1346-1353. Spanish Flu 1918.
Surpassing the more recent and common swine flu and asian flu, the three mentioned are known virus and plagues that wrecked havoc on earth throughout the history killing millions. Amidst Covid-19, we are again facing the same question our ancestors also asked, “Are we going to survive?” Unlike in the early times, known pande mic diseases of history were treated like a mystic force of nature to cleanse the face of the earth. Today, we are answering the ultimate question for human survivability with science along with the basic concerns like: Will we survive this? How long will it take to discover the vaccine and the cure? In order to win this battle, we need to understand our
LabHighBusyBee
enemy and create a plan to combat it. One of the initial plans in determining how to combat this virus is to determine where it came from. By identifying the epicenter of the pandemic and pinpointing the patient zero, scientistvirologists will have a better understanding of the virus’ anatomy, thus, giving them better chances of finding cure. Back to our science class, virus is an elusive thing considered as both nonliving and living organism. It attaches and copies to a host cell and hacks into its cell system. The virus, then, replicates itself and ultimately hijack the organism’s entire system. Understanding SARS-COV2 or COVID -19, it is unlike other viruses in the past. It covers low mortality rate, but has high transmitability. What we already know about this virus is that it attacks and enters through our pulmunary system. People with low immune defense like the
Manna Cruz
As the 21st century continues to wane, opinions on the liberty and freedom of the people have been prominently addressed. The prejudiced traditions in relation to one’s identity, gender, ethnicity, and self-expression that once was carried on for generations has been significantly dealt with in hopes of destroying the mentality of fitting the people in a mold of unrealistic expectations. As the topic of ceasing to conform to social norms progress, the topic of sex, which was once taboo, is now being normalized for our benefit. Governments throughout the world has acknowledged the importance of sexual healthcare bills, informative symposiums, and raising the fundamentals of sex to their youth. But as this comes in, so does the infamous double of the matter, STDs, or sexually-transmitted diseases, come to light. Once of the most alarmingly pestilent STDs known today is AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus primarily attacks the immune system, causing a significant decline of the body’s function to ward off foreign bodies that may potentially be harmful. This is because in order for the virus to effectively replicate, it needs to infect the human CD4 cell, or the white blood cells. The infected CD4 cells cease to function,
therefore declining the body’s ability to recognize and fight infection. Knowing the basics of HIV transmission is the most effective way to prevent catching the virus. The virus can be transmitted through body fluids such as breast milk, blood, vaginal and rectal fluids, and semen. It can also be passed through contact with an infected mucous membrane and tissue or through direct injection to the bloodstream with the use of infected needles. This means that the practice of unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and sharing of syringes can increase the risk of acquiring the disease. The topic of sex is no longer an issue eyes turn against. With a more open-minded audience, the importance of its fundamentals continues to unveil together with the lifting of the heavy weight that was once put on the matter. While the fight of humanity to stop HIV once and for all extends up to this day, what we can do alongside is to continuously evolve our understanding of HIV and AIDS, transcending both the tangible and intangible aspects, to incite a genesis of truly effective responses to the situation, gender equality, promotion of human rights, and impartial access to prevention, healthcare and treatment.
The Fight of Humanity elderly are those who are at high risk. Survivability against this virus solely depends on how the immune system of the patient’s body reacts and combas the virus. Research about recovered patients has been conducted to extract their blood plasma, and antibody research is on its process. Clearly, healthy people have higher possibility of surviving than those who are not. However it does not mean healthy people has low chance of contracting the virus. Researchers are trying their best to understand this virus further. The more we understand and know our enemy, the better we can devise a grand plan to combat it. In the old times, things we don’t understand are assumed to be a curse of nature for our wrong doings. Science rejects this, but we can also ask and take this philosophically --- is nature punishing us?
Patient zero is still unknown, what is known is that the epicenter is in Wuhan, China. We just have enough evidence on how this virus spreads. Still, the data of those infected accross the globe is still increasinga and the death toll keeps on rising. People all over the globe are crippled and losing hope. Industries and economy are severed. Government of different countries are doing their best to protect their people, but chaos around the globe is uprising, as people fight for their lives and basic needs. Some people are at their brink of hope. Many are afraid. Some are hopefull. We all want to get to our normal way of living. Then we’re back to the question, “Is nature actually punishing us?” Rather than taking this as a punishment, we may pause for a brief reflection. To realize and value what’s important in life is what this crisis is teaching us.
Admittedly, we have become disconnected and distant from people, our family and friends prior to this pandemic. We prioritize material things over our relationships with others. We also forget to take care of ourselves by not eating the right and healthy food that we should really consume. We, instead, patronize fast food products and settle with unhealthy lifestyle. We compromise our health and our only exercise is when our fingers scroll down on feeds and statuses on social media. This pandemic can be viewed as a wake up call for everyone of us. This is a time to reflect and recallibrate our lives. Let us all seek the higher understanding of ourselves and how we can care for our environment. We may not clearly see it yet, but we can all get through this. Surely, we will learn something worthy of keeping as we have another history to tell.
15 From Ribbons to Neckties
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
LITERARY
Angelica Laurente
Looking straight across a mirror has got to be a puzzlement. That is of course, having to consider how sick she was of wearing the same uniform for four years straight. White buttoned-up blouses, maroon skirts and ribbons that she always misplace. Another day of having to lavish her system with 9 hours of education, reveries, and immaturity.
perspectives. But believe her, she’s slowly learning.
But most of all, for her, it’s another day with him, again.
“Tara, uwi na tayo?”, she poked the figure facing the opposite direction.
It is definitely a travesty to look forward to something and bank on it as if it would be one of the worst days. However, how could it be? When someone like her is at the peak of being adorned by loving people, like him.
He took her for a walk across the hallway, saying he might not be able to, yet. And there she was, once again, along with her shadow of frustration and her non-ending close mindedness.
“Lunch?”, her brows furrowed as her friends hit her up to eat with them. She shook her head. She wanted to spend an hour of lunch with him today. Everyday, actually.
She really is. Four hours after, she was took by her own feet to see him. The glimpse of a 10th grade frustration was her only spitting image. She wishes she could do better.
“No.” , she firmly retorted. Self-centered, egoistic, and selfish. Three words to describe the frowning young lady with the white buttoned-up blouse and maroon skirt. Oh, and she is stupid too.
The atmosphere’s hot and cold today. Well, hot because of the natural climate of this tropical country. Cold, because she did something wrong once again. Maybe, she has a knack for starting bickers and quarrels. She isn’t very proud of it, though.
Crossing her arms, she watched as the young man returned to the circle of other young men, as he stated the news. How was it news, though? She has always been a pain in the ass 90% of the time.
The walk back to the rooms were worse. She had this habit of not deriving judgements from different
It could have felt like a leash for him. Everyday was her momentum of bawling him out for being
oblivious. How ironic was it for her not to realize, that she was the one who couldn’t understand anyone, but herself? She always thought that she will soon reach a point in her life where everything will fall into place. A place, where everyone’s happy. Happiness, whereas she had instantly cancelled the negativity in her. She was lucky to have him ; however, she never saw that. As if he was just another shadow, telling her she’s beautiful everyday. Little did she know, that he was the one who truly makes her beautiful. The next days were just like unending dominoes. It’s all the same, thinking that she wins in the end. But does she really? That in spite of the pain she causes everyday, she remains happy and insensible. She was too blind to see that she was slowly losing everything.
The image of junior high school dispersed to nothingness once the sunlight beamed across her eyes. The savory smell of breakfast took her by her feet this time. It is a sunny day, as well. Quite perfect for the fried bacon and rice she was served. And as she finished the rest of her daily patterns, she witnessed a reflection. Looking straight across a mirror has got to be a solved puzzle. That is of course, having to look back at the transition of time for six years straight. White buttoned-up blouses, maroon skirts and neckties with ‘SHS’ embroidered in white thread that she never misplaced. Another day of having to lavish her system with six hours of education, reveries, and maturity. Oh, and yeah. It’s another day without him, again.
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LITERARY
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
CHAOS Lenard Ico
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
Sitting still in this empty but messy room surrounded by dangerous monsters, one wrong move and you’ll drown at the depth of this nothingness, where it’s almost impossible to get back to your foot
What a mess, when they keep chasing me over and over again until they find it satisfying on depleting my will to survive
But
As long as I live till tomorrow I’m hoping this game of cat and mouse ends and I know that these thoughts that eat me up whole day will someday vanish.
Hexed Angelica Laurente
The sound of joggling shelves from the walls ended the eerie silence when Karolina, a student in her 20’s, shut the fusty door of her pitch-dark bedroom. It was another long and appalling day for any lady of her age ; however, nothing really scares her anymore. No, not even the unnecessary murmurs and grievances her curly black hair gets. The reality? She was the mere causation of fright and cowardice. And yet, nobody cared to admit. Maybe, it was because of the rag doll she carries with her every day. Of all the people from her school, there was this young man whom she disliked the most. Loathed, more like. To Karolina, he was nothing but the mortal figure of annoyance and aggravation. She has never had tolerance for his happiness. Ever. A matchstick was rasped against the rough edge of the table, creating a tiny flare for the hoary lamp. Finally, the room was lit the slightest. It revealed a box crammed with sticks, needles, jars of oils, candles, and incense. She then took a used napkin from her bag, which concealed a lock of black hair. Without a second thought, she started casting a curse on the young man. Yes, him. Her mere depiction of annoyance and aggravation. Her strong disrelish towards him made her doom him to slowly lose the thing he loved the most. Days have passed and strands of her hair fell in the slightest haste. The insides of her mouth felt like drought every day, and her skin began to blister. And no matter what she did, she could not seem to get rid of the uncanny sickness she started to have.
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1 LabHighBusyBee
THE BUSY BEE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
@TheBusyBeeLHS
LITERARY
Below EC1A 1HQ
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Audreynel Hernandez
Bonjour from Neverwhere Breads and pastries you will adhere Hearken the crowd’s cheers and songs You can tell where they belong Midnight in the town Are feasts of kings and queens in crowns Do not look beyond the castle’s posies For bakers hid the bodies cherished by the fleas Nearby the post lamp Where dry fields are damp Down the street of Addleton Are stalls of mangled flesh and bones Seek and you shall find Tears and blood intertwined For the folks only hear the whisper of sanguine They turn screams and mourns into serene Oh, what a fun place to live in The gullible guests have all been killed Blood of the children have all been depleted For the pieces of bread and pastries, you will adhere! As the sun rises its eyes to the north All comes back to what they oath For all the hideous sins they omit Oh, witnessed only by the moon The townsfolk are always waiting for you.
The Last Dusk of June Erico Pocholo Perez
The orange sunlight peeks through the
We conversed about the last dusk of june.
curtains of my window
I understand, it just started to bloom
on the last dusk of june.
but why is it already withering away? Why does it have to end in such gloom?
My brown eyes lighten as the rays of the sun touch my face.
I asked and he couldn't answer.
And on the hill, I trekked to the top
He opened his mouth and his voice cracked,
to find the perfect view
his throat was dry.
of the last dusk of june.
He disappeared with no goodbyes. He left only traces of half-burnt cigarettes in
As I venture the climb, I met a father figure.
the ground
His lips are pruned
and the only thing infront of me
from the heavy smoking.
is the mound of piled up ashes.
His hands are sandy
I saw it breeze along the wind
from the non-stop working.
and I thought it formed a father figure.
His eyes are heavy,
The skies are turning purple,
I can tell that he's been thinking
It is the last dusk of June.
madly of the moon,
It ended way too soon.
on the last dusk of june.
18
LITERARY
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
S I RE NS Erico Pocholo Perez
I woke up to the sounds of the ambulance
I choose to believe
wailing in my ears,
that life is the bitter truth
the weep of dolor
in the world’s lie.
resonating in my tears.
I choose to believe that everything will be alright,
My serene world of innocence
but will it be?
was left with the sound of sirens,
I know that it will.
The sail of the adolescent,
So i hold on to that very thin string of hope,
smooth and young,
that very thin light that I see,
was tainted by the hurricane of detriment.
as i fall into the abyss of despair.
It rang like a wild beast,
I’d rather wake up to the sounds of the ambulance,
like the anguish at a feast.
because I know that the sounds that I will wake up to will ignite the dying fire of hope in my heart.
crippling slowly when you expect it least, whispers of baby’s breath that’s calming and warm until it blocks your hearing, posing harm. I knew it, like the first time that it happened,I knew it. They’re back once again. Those who pretended to care but will leave you in the end.
I’d rather wake up to the call of dear life, I’d feel the warmth of the sun, and hear the ambulance than hear the cry of the world who lost one truth in the sea of lies. I choose to believe because I know that it will be alright, that the sounds of the ambulance will once go away, not because my hope is over, but because I wouldn’t need the ambulance anymore.
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
THE BUSY BEE
SPORTS
AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020
LabHighBusyBee @TheBusyBeeLHS
19
DepEd suspends CLRAA 2020, Palaro to be cancelled Faraseth Celso
EPHEMERAL. Labhigh spearheaded by BulSU LHS SG commenced opening of LHS Week. Photo by Kyla Anne Velasco
The coronavirus has been a serious threat to the country with the symptoms of a simple cold and high fever that may appear in 2 to 14 days after exposure to the said virus. In this instance, the Department Of Education (DepEd) Region III suspended the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) Meet indefinitely in order to observe social distancing and prevent the spread of the virus.
coaches with their families.
According to the DepEd Memorandum No. 50 of 2020, the said athletic meet was originally to be held on February 22-28, 2020 at Zambales Sports Complex, Iba Zambales, but was rescheduled to March 2127 at the same venue. It was stated that further screening and accreditation of athletes along with their coaches are also suspended until further advise from the proper authorities.
The annual sports event is to take place at Marikina City this April and is to be participated by approximately 30,000 students including their families.
The said event is to be participated by approximately 11,000 of young athletes and
In align with this, DepEd also stated that there will be no Palarong Pambansa 2020. “Right now the policy is for temporary postponement of all these activities because it will be drawing in learners, teachers, family members from all regions,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones stated.
Briones stated that DepEd would release a memorandum regarding the postponements. As of March 9, 2020, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro announced the withdrawal of the city in hosting this year’s sports event.
From HS Week to HS Days, Paladins clobbers LabHigh adjust to the 3-day celebration Yscha Jin Far Due to the lack of time given to celebrate the traditional High School Week, students of Laboratory High School celebrate LHS Days held from December 16-19, and adjust to the new schedule given by the Local Student Council. Unlike the past years on which it usually begins with an opening parade, the HS Days began with the competition of basketball for boys, badminton, table tennis, and
volleyball. The parade was done in the afternoon, and a new route was also given due to the construction of the building of E-Library near the College of Hotel Tourism Managament (CHTM). From Carpio Hall, the students started the parade with a loud cheer and took a turn in front of College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) building to return to the quadrangle.
The opening ceremony started by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by Princess Escuro, Grade 8 Board Member (BM), followed by the remarks of Dr. Belarmino S. Cruz to officially open the celebration and shortly after, the lightning of torches followed.
Leviathans, sweeps men’s basketball Katherine Reyes
In connection to this, each team competed in the Mr. and Ms. HS Week and was followed by the Street Dance Competition.
SPORTS FEATURE
On the eyes of the athlete Clarence Pineda
Eat, study, train, sleep, repeat is a day-long training for school athletes. Once in a while they can eat on time, wake up and go to school early and then go home at night. Study a lesson at the same time as it prepares for the upcoming fight, finishing the requirements to participate in the match. Going home will do homework, house choirs and sometimes lose time to have fun. Looks easy? Let me summarize. During the day or sometimes as it rains as students come in we see them practicing inside the school. Under the heat of the day and in the rooms the athletes have a burning desire to take home the gold medal. All day training, conditioning the coaching staff. After the students returned home, the
student athlete’s stay continued to practice, even though some of them were still far from home or underprivileged. Every day as the competition draws to a close, athletes not only put pressure on their minds, they also increase the learning of their fellow students. They also need to maintain their grades because they cannot be included in match, for their extra time they may still choose to attend classes or leave to take the exam. Keeping learning in practice is not easy but with perseverance they are able to maintain everything. Going home exhausted and anxious, they continue to learn and at the same time practice. If they have limited leisure time, sometimes they can’t.
Sometimes there is only so much bedtime to start the new day. They also need to keep their bodies in good shape so they need to eat right and make sure they are not sick and should be in proper weight. Even if their bodies are tired and hurting, even though it’s raining or very sunny they continue to strive harder to take home the gold medal. Although few are not privileged like others they are still determined by winning, they have used their talents in this field to further their education. So every athlete we support, every spanking, kick, swing, dribble, run, throw, punch we applaud as it is the effort and perseverance of every athlete.
WIN FROM WITHIN. Paladin’s breathtaking MVP Jeffrey Cezar outplayed men’s basketball. Photo by Kyla Anne Velasco Amaranth Colossal Paladins snatch and clinch the title with a dramatic 56-53 victory over Hellacious Olympic Leviathans, led by Jeffrey Cezar delivering a 25 solid points, in High School Week 2019 at Bulacan State University Laboratory High School Quadrangle. Leviathans Ser Jules Cruz and Marcelino started to fire up the moment in first five minute of the game by 3-point shot and hits a 2-point jumper ended by 2-point lead on the first quarter. In the second quarter, Paladins unleashed lay-ups and 2-point jumpers, led by Cezar with the help of De Jesus, Tiglao and Panotes, favoring them with a five-point lead.
Paladins again took flight at the third and last quarter by lay-up, 3-point shot and 8 steals that was led by Star Player Jeffrey Cezar. Leviathans tries to take the lead but was immediately cut off by Cezar after securing a two free throws at the last 30 seconds. The match ended at the score of 56-53, a devastating loss for the Leviathans. Paladins star player Jeffrey Cezar delivered a solid 25 points, 6 Rebonds, 5 assists and 8 steals along with De Jesus had 14 points and four rebounds. Leviathans star player Ser Jules Cruz gave 18 points and 5 rebonds while Marcelino had 17 points and 3 rebounds.
THE BUSY BEE
August 2019 - August 2020
• THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF BULSU LHS
Volume 41 • Issue No. 1
LabHighBusyBee
@TheBusyBeeLHS
SPORTS HARD WORK PAYS OFF. Player Macky Paraiso serves against La Consolacion. Photo by Ryan Miguel Chua
BulSU LHS secures 3rd place in City Meet 2019 Katherine Reyes Young athletes, coaches, and Department of Education (DepEd) officials from all over Malolos City gathered on Monday at the Bulacan Sports Complex for the opening of Malolos City Athletic Meet 2019. The program kicked off with a parade starting from the outside of Sports Complex up to the Oval, composed by delegations from different schools within the city. Bulacan State University
Laboratory High School (BulSU LHS) Taekwondo Team manages to snatch 4 gold medals by Alyssa Domingo, Jan Gwyneth De Guzman, Vin Axle Simon and Joshua Eugenio along with 2 silver medals by Nicholas Alday and Amber Giron and one bronze, Narciso Pineda. BulSU LHS Swimming Team swam away with 1 gold from backstroke, 1 silver and 2 bronze by Lindsey Villar along with the Marcelo brothers, Zion Marcelo who secured 4
bronze medals and Rob Marcelo with 2 bronze medals, Joseph Cano and Norwein Belen managed to secure 2 bronze medals. BulSU Tennis Team fails to secure a gold medal after being defeated by MHDPNHS brought home with only 4 silver medals by Faraseth Ceslo, tennis prodigies Anton Parulan and Marco Mateo, and Elyza Mutas, with 1 bronze medal by Jomari De Paz. BulSU LHS Track & Field brought home 1 silver
medal by Cielo Arellano, and a bronze medal by Jona Mangrobang, both in Javelin Throw along side with John Denmark De Guzman giving 2 bronze medals in shotput and discus throw. BulSU LHS Badminton Charles Alcarpio and Kimberly Lao smashed in 2 gold medals, with Enrico Salapong, Don Yves Vicente and Ysabelle Carlos , who brought 3 silver medals and Legolas Larin, Alecksa Trinidad and Janelle Seguin with 3
bronze medals. BulSU LHS Table Tennis was led by Liana Franchesca Carbon who secured 1 gold medal, with Arvin Camilon, Christian Jacob Clemente and Jonas Rafael Clemente securing 4 silver medals and 1 bronze by Paul Ashley Clemente After a scorching game with LCUP, BulSU Men’s Volleyball team Lanz Anjo Lorenzo, Michael Rei Crisostomo, Justine Rev Faustino, Sean Micheal
Bote, Mark Anthony Paraiso, Shanon Arcane Gonzales, Marc Kent Navarro, Justine Kurt Saguinsin, Lemuel John Sta. Maria, Altheorene Cruz, Kyle Andrei Reyes, Carl Marius Ching, Harold Daos, Charles Lenard Ico, Amiel Justine De Luna and Jan Michael Fajardo, took home silver medals with them The gold medalists are expected to continue to CLRAA to be held at Iba, Zambales.
Lethal Match
BulSU yield to MHDPNHS, bows out from City Meet Kurt Pascual BulSU LHS Table Tennis team Jonas Clemente and Jacob Clemente displayed a remarkable performance down the final stretch but it was not sufficient to even garner a game with twice-to-beat advantage in the crucial final set against Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School Jaire Cortez and Mikael Buensuceso 1416, 9-11, 10-12 and take home the silver medal in 2019 City Athletic Meet Malolos, Table Tennis Men’s Doubles Championship Match, Bulacan Sports Complex, last November 29. “The Clemente Brother’s” nipped the Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School, scoring 3-1 in the semi-final round, and
achieved a perfect 3-0 standing, entering the championship match with twice-to-beat advantage. On the last set, the heat instantly rose between between the two paddlers, unfortunately Cortez and Buensuceso of MHDPNHS demolished Jonas and Jacob Clemente 11-9 with a powerful smash in the deciding set to clinch the series and end a year title drought. BuLSU didn’t want to give it up making an 6-0 run, 8-7 and finished the scoreless era of Marcelo. The Clemente Brother’s tried to put a valiant fight to extend their game, but Jaire proved too strong to
overcome. “Kahit nag silver lang kami masaya pa rin kasi ‘di rin talaga namin inaasahan na makakaabot kami sa championship tsaka nagawa namin na magkaisa,” said Jonas Clemente. “Hindi kami nagsisihan kahit ang dami naming error siguro di lang talaga naming nagawa yung best naming kasi dala rin ng kaba, nalulungkot ako syempre last year ko na ngayong taon sa paglaro sa City Meet,” Jacob Clemente. Meanwhile, Liana Carbon claimed the gold medal in women’s singles against Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School 3-0 for a championship series.
NO LUCK AT ALL. Clemente Brothers snitched silver medal after going head-tohead against MNPNHS last City Meet 2019. Photo by Ryan Miguel Chua