The Liguorian Bulletin Volume XIV Issue 2

Of true colors and superpowers

TRUE COLORS. Teacher and campus journalism trainer Dennis M. Vidar speaks in front of the Grade 6 batch who graduated on April 4. Vidar, who was the guest speaker, encouraged the graduates to show the world their true colors and bravely fight for their dreams in life. (Photo by: Raiza Javier | TLB) by: Rose Angeline Rodriguez and Kristine Isabel Mina

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ducation does not give one superpowers to save the world, but enables students to take part in it and eventually make an impact--and hopefully save others in their own way.

This was the message shared by Director of the UPLB Pahinungod program, Mr. Glenn Sumague Lubuguin as the guest speaker during the Junior High School Completion Rites of batch 2017, April 5 at SALIS Gym. A fan of Avengers, the guest speaker used its characters to inspire the Grade 10 students that they, too, can bring change to this country.

“Hindi ako bilib sa mga superhero

na nagliligtas sa mundo, kasi may superpowers sila. Bilib ako sa mga ordinaryong tao na gumagawa ng mga ekstraordinaryong bagay at nagiging bayani para sa iba,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Grade 6 batch was equally inspired the night before, by their guest speaker, Mr. Dennis M. Vidar.

Vidar also used a movie to impart an important life lesson to the graduates, referencing Dreamworks’ “Trolls” to tell them to not be afraid to be themselves and chase their dreams.

The guest speakers gave them three P’s--Pangarap, Pag-ibig, Pananampalataya--as key ingredients to success.

Aside from the inspirational speech from the speakers, the completers and the graduates also showcased their talents through their songs, audiovisual presentations, and sabayang pagbigkas, and expressed gratitude to their parents and teachers.

Twenty-three boys and twenty-six girls,led by Johannes Nelson F. Yap, Andrea Nicole P. Baldonado and Marco L. Cuadra, completed the junior high school programs, while thirty-one girls and twenty-three boys headed

by Nicole O. Ortega, John Raymond T. Caranay and Angel Trisha D. Nuñez, graduated from grade school.

Inquirer visits SALIS to promote reading by: Faith Illescas

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ver a hundred students participated in the second school tour series of Philippine Daily Inquirer promoting the importance of reading to young learners.

Young Liguorians joined the Inquirer Read-Along program last February 10, at Saint Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School.

Mrs. Cecilia Sipin, the school director, has always emphasized that developing reading skills are important not only to improve the students’ communication skills but also in their “inquiring minds”.

The program that uses storytelling sessions with professional storytellers, other volunteers, and celebrities to promote love for reading among children aged 7-12 was launched by the Inquirer Research Department and Junior Inquirer in May 2007.

Inspiring tales of love and appreciation were retold by GMA 7 talent and Returning Read-Along storyteller Kyle Vergara through a story by Gloria Villaraza-Guzman entitled, “Munting Patak Ulan”.

Kinder 2 student Lee Andrei Azupardo performed, “Why Do Birds Build Nests?” by Jomike Tejido while wearing a sparrow-inspired costume to fully deliver the story that focused on how a sparrow learned how to value concern for others.

The program was hosted by Junior Inquirer editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo and was held in cooperation with Ms. Aida Balgomera and Mrs. Didith Mendoza of Saint Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School and Wilfred Villaruel and Luvi Grande of GMA 7.

From all over the Philippines, thousands of children already have attended more than 200 read-along sessions.

SPLASH THE PAINT. SCO Officers teach painting to the girls of Little Home of Nazareth as part of their outreach activity. This outreach activity was possible through a party for a cause held in December. (photo by: Raiza Javier | TLB)

Liguorians lend a hand to Little Home of Nazareth

by: Jan Pauline Manlongat

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he Student Coordinating Organization (SCO) conducted their last outreach activity for school year 2016- 2017 at the Little Home of Nazareth in Las Pinas City, March 11.

Led by president Nelson Yap and vice presidents Kirsten Jaafar and Nicole Ortega, the SCO officers spent a day with the children not only to share material blessings to them but to bring smiles to their faces.

The activity was fun-filled as the kids and the officers spent the day with painting sessions, games, creating poetry and sharing experiences.

One of the games prepared by the SCO aimed to encourage and comfort

the children despite struggles they may be having at their early age.

“Always remember that you are special, and you are doing great,” SCO Senator Jhasmine Pascual told the girls, many of whom are neglected, orphaned and abandoned children, The day ended with a lot of exhaustion, but also laughter, memories, and gratitude.

“We reach out to them because we want them to feel na nandito tayo for them,” SCO Senator Pau Manlongat said after the event.

The SCO conducts annual outreach activities involving the community as a move to instill the value of service to the students as part of the schools mission and vision.

For questions, comments, suggestions, and contributions feel free to send us a message through Facebook at SALIS Writers Club (www.fb.com/saliswritersclub), or approach any member of The

Liguorian scribe represents 4A in nat’l presscon by: Maricel Shaira Aguila

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Grade 6 SALIS student was able to join the highest intellectual competition for journalism in both private schools and public elementary and high schools in the Philippines.

Raymond Caranay represented the school in the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur last January 22-25, in the Copy Reading and Headline Writing Filipino category. ”Strengthening freedom of information through campus Journalism” was the theme for this year’s press conference.

Among the speakers in the conference were Ms. Malou Mangahas, an award winning journalist, who talked about the importance of journalism in the society.

Although Raymond did not win in the individual category, CALABARZON was named the overall champion in the NSPC for five consecutive years now.

Raymond was able to slip past the division level where he won 5th Place, and won 3rd Place in the regional contest which led him to the national level.

What’s inside?

Child offenders: are they criminals?

Opinion p. 4

Hacksaw Ridge A movie review Features p. 8

Battling depression Science p. 10

Into the cracks of the Big One Science p. 10

Manila Clasico: a historic rivalry Sports p. 13

YOUR OWN STORY. High school students participate in SALIS Writers Clubs’ Literary Festival by sharing their own literary pieces such as poems, short stories, and black out poetry. In line with the National Arts Month, the Lit Fest was conducted to promote creativity to students through writing. (Photos by Sophia Caranay | TLB)

Writers Club launches ‘Lit Fest,’ SALIS makes it big lights up Liguorians’ inner writers in storytelling contests by: Fiona Marie dela Cruz

by: Sophia Caranay

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n an attempt to share their love for reading and writing, SALIS Writers Club launched the very first Literary Festival (otherwise known as the Lit Fest) on February 20, as they prepared a variety of activities that aimed to show their fellow Liguorians that writing is indeed fun.

“I believe that each of us has a story to tell. Through this activity, we send the message that writing could be an outlet of emotions, a means to brighten one’s day, and something we could share and enjoy with friends,” Ms. Raiza Javier, club moderator said.

The Writers Club used various activities such as microtales, black-out poetry, freedom walls, and thinktanks to help students discover and unleash the sleeping authors within them.

“They caught the students’ attention and interest which made their activity successful and unique. It was the

first time that the school had an event like that so Liguorians will surely be curious about it.” Yvonne Rodriguez, a Grade 7 student who participated in the event, said in an interview.

Mini booklets were also provided to let the students express their thoughts and post it on the bulletin board for others to see, and in return, writers with unique pieces would be given stickers.

There were works submitted about bullying, love, friendship, patience and even about how beautiful the world is.

There are indeed a lot of hidden authors exposed and are yet to be exposed.

Now, a lot of students are looking forward for the next Literature Festival.

SALIS Writers Club aims to make Lit fest an annual event in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month on February.

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oung Liguorians showed off their talent in telling stories in different story-telling competitions in the region and in Metro Manila.

Preschool bet Lee Andrei Azupardo bagged first place in the division level, besting other contestants from the whole Bacoor City.

He also represented Bacoor in the Regional Festival of Talents in Batangas City, with his piece, “Why do Birds Build Nests?” bu Jomike Tejido.

Meanwhile, Grade 6 storyteller Abbygail Parma ranked second place at the 6th Inquirer Read-Along Festival Storytelling Competition out of 5 other finalists after passing the semifinal round at the Inquirer Main Office last November 12, 2016.

“What we really want to say is that the joy of reading is something that should be continuously nurtured and that in the learning process, even in

our very high-tech world,” Miss Philippines Earth Loren Artajos said in an interview, courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“With all that technology, all those computers, video games and gadgets available now, there are not enough children reading. I think an event like this—encouraging reading and making it fun for them and learning more about reading—is essential.” Miss Earth 2011 contestant Kerel Razil Pinder of The Bahamas told the INQUIRER, citing the importance of exposing today’s children to such activities.

Thirty-five students from schools in Metro Manila and nearby areas, alongside Liguorians Reanne Mateo and Richmond Parayno also competed in the contest.

The elimination round judges were the Junior Rich Rodriguez and Posh Develos of Ang Pinoy Storytellers, Inquirer Editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo, and Inquirer Photojournalist Grig Montegrande.

Inquirer CEO Alexandra PrietoRodriguez, actress Lotlot de Leon, and teachers from schools in Metro Manila and near the areas also participated in the said event.

Liguorian Math wizards keep MTAP game strong by: Ivan Dion Salva

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FAIREST OF THEM ALL. High school level head Ms. Apple Ponesto awards the winner of the best in costume in the National Children’s Book Month celebration in SALIS. (Photo by: Raiza Javier | TLB) A TREASURY OF FAIRYTALES. Pupils from the primary department of Saint Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School dress up as their favorite children’s book characters as part of the celebration.

(Photo by: Raiza Javier)

our pairs of Liguorians made it to the top 3 of their grade levels at the 2017 MetrobankMTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC) after passing the elimination rounds of the Division Team Orals held last March 16 and 17 at Soldiers Hills Elementary School and Bacoor National High School.

Eighteen schools competed in the Elementary Level and nine schools in the Junior High School.

In the Elementary Level, Nathaniel Go and Francis Paulin from the first grade took first place, second graders Robert Dela Cruz and Alexander Mercado gained third place, and third graders Santina Mendoza alongside Princessia Espinosa got up to second place.

On the other hand, fifth grade representatives namely, Raphael Ortiz and Aira Alejano reached second place while sixth graders Russell

Palcoto and John Raymond Caranay placed 9th.

In the Junior High Level, seventh graders Krystel Bardelosa and Renzo Oca reached fifth place,, ninth graders Godspeed Feliciano and Karl Dizon at ninth place and the tenth graders Nelson Yap and Marco Cuadra at fourth place.

Ms. Asuncion Bardelosa, Ms. Carmela Salazar, Ms. Janica Wagan, and Sir Arnel Semana coached the following Liguorians in the said event.

The challenge consisted of three rounds: Easy, Average, and Difficult. The top 6 to 20 highest scoring schools were able to proceed to the Division Team Finals. Medals and certificates were given to the top 3 winning teams per level. The 1st place winners in 6th grade and 10th grade were able to proceed to the Regional Finals. Non-winning contestants were given certificates of merit.

Photos by: Brixx Dula

IN PHOTOS: Preschool week 2017 by: Jhasmine Jhayne Pascual

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he Big School turned into a magical, colorful toyland, as the little ones from the Small School invaded the gym with games, songs, dances, and a play in celebration of this year’s Preschool week.

The celbration started with a Kiddie Sing Along contest, followed by storytelling sessions led by mommies of the preschool pupils.

Winners of the Kiddie Sing along were Johan Kurt Saguid, 3rd place, Tamara Montoya, 2nd place and Amarie Bernice Sauva, 1st place.

Highlight of the week was “A Day in Toyland,” a musical play inspired by the preschoolers’ visit in the Dolljoy Museum last December.

The play, aside from showcasing the talent of the preschoolers, taught them to value and take care of their toys.

The last day was spent for the Kinder Camp where incoming Grade 1 pupils were taught how to be independent when they enter the Big School. After various fun activities, Lee Andrei Azopardo was awarded the best patrol leader.

Did you know?

7,641 The Philippines now has 7, 641 islands, not yet taking into consideration high tides and low tides.

Source: CNN Philippines Photo: VIva Filipinas

SALIS Academic Festival 2017 showcases Liguorian talent by: Beatrice Joy de Guzman

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ast January 23-25, 2017 the whole Liguorian family showcased their critical minds as they join in contests and participated in the event held at the SALIS gym.

An exhibit of best student works ranging from art projects, TLE and EPP outputs and investigative science research was opened for other levels to view and learn from throughout the week.

Each department, from preschool to high school had their own day to hold their programs well as their own activities and contests.

The primary pupils celebrated first, January 23, Monday with the primary teachers facilitating and all the students joining the activities, while the preschool department held a sepa-

rate fun-filled week on the beginning of February.

Next was the intermediate level, with the highlight of their celebration being the first ever “Liguorians Got Talent.” Students were ecstatic as they showcased their talents from singing, dancing, acting and even pen tapping.

The high school level celebrated last on January 25.

The high-school students from grade 7 to 10 joined in the games prepared by their math teachers, while top five students coming from each section competed with their batch mates in the integrated quiz bee.

There were also speech competitions for different levels such as oration, declamation, impromptu speak-

ing and ted talks.

Every batch also performed a special number during the program. The Grade 7 students performed a speech choir, while the Grade 8 left the audience in awe of a collaborative art presentation--a mixture of painting, dance, and spoken word--under the guidance of Sir Verlin Santos.

The Grade 9 batch gave the audience a treat for the eyes as they performed their reimagined version of Romeo and Juliet, while the Grade 10 class was represented by Johannes Nelson Yap in a speech about the true essence of being a Liguorian.

The busy week was capped off by the much awaited grade school sports festival and high school intramurals.

HS Liguorians party in Bohemian, Christmas Party ‘16 raise funds for outreach program S by: Charmelle April Pascual

by: Kristine isabel Mina

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tudents in uniform preoccupied by school projects and exams turned to free-spirited, fashionable teens in bohemian-inspired outfits in the annual High School dance held at the RFC Acropolis, Dec. 22.

The party for a cause was spearheaded by the Student Coordinating Organization (SCO) welcomed the new batch of the freshmen and bid goodbye to the seniors of School Year 2016- 2017 as it would be their last.

The High School Dance is annually done to help fund the SCO’s outreach programs and also leave money for the first program of the next student administration.

The six-hour party started off with a bunch of activities and inter-batch competitions such as the Fashion Show in which each batch was represented by two pairs of students in the runway.

The competition was tough, but in

the end, Janina Quirante from the Grade 9 batch and Marco Cuadra from the Seniors were crowned as the Bohemian Princess and Prince.

The Battle of the Bands surely made each of the students rock the night as eight groups of students performed and let out their inner rockstar. There was also a dance contest performance in the middle of each band presentation.

At the end of the night, Grade 10 band Tapsikret, last year’s champion, with their rendition of “Hanggang Kailan” by Orange and Lemons took the title anew, followed by Patalim ni Brian, also from Grade 10, and Xenodoom from Grade 8. Meanwhile, the Grade 9 girl group emerged victorious in the dance contest.

Part of the proceeds from the High School Dance went to the SCO’s outreach program at the Little Home of Nazareth.

tudents were all ready to celebrate their Christmas party with the teachers and have fun with other classes.

They picked their best outfit and wrapped their gifts that will be given to their picked classmate and to their beloved teacher.

The celebration started with dance numbers presented by each class and it ended with games that have been played by students who volunteered.

After the wonderful dance performances and fun games, all students went straight to their respective classrooms to eat and exchange gifts.

Some students brought sweets like cake and doughnuts that were eaten right away.

There were lots of pastas and drinks especially gulaman that was made by one of the students.

Lots of foods were in the table but they managed to finish it all and started exchanging gifts.

The most important thing is that all students even the teachers had fun celebrating an early Christmas.

Greater Heights Ricci Elaine Demapanes

Restore humanity

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Cartoon by: Frances Dianne Ignacio

EDITORIAL

Victims, not criminals

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rownups can sometimes be unforgiving to children--too unforgiving, in fact that some of them are willing to consider putting even as young as nine-year-olds to jail and tagging them as criminals in order to “teach them a lesson.”

One of the first bills ever filed in the 17th Congress under the Duterte administration was the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Act (House Bill No. 2), authored by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, which seeks to revert the minimum age of criminal liability from 15, back to 9 years old. The president has expressed consistent and firm support for this move, even blaming the existing Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006 for raising a generation of “people with criminal minds.”

What the president and some lawmakers fail to see, however, is that targeting the most vulnerable sector of our country and treating them as criminals when they have not yet had the chance to develop proper discernment, will not solve the problem of criminality, but only worsen it in so many levels.

Charging children for crimes will not teach them to become better individuals, but would only rob them of their childhood and their opportunity to a better future. Being branded as a criminal and being jailed with adult offenders during their formative years will not straighten them out, but would taint their identity forever.

Our lawmakers must acknowledge and uphold proper administration of juvenile justice in accordance with the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and must put, first and foremost, the child’s sense of dignity and worth--we will not achieve this by charging even younger children of crimes they are not mature enough to understand.

The solution to the problem of criminality is not to set a lower minimum age of criminal liability, but to save these children from living conditions where they are forced to violate the law just to feed their families. The solution is not to subject them to harsh situations in the Philippine prisons but to put them to schools where they can be molded to become productive members of society.

If anything, children in conflict with the law are are not the culprits here--they are the victim. And we, especially our political leaders who claim to be--and are supposed to be--the parents of this nation, must help them, instead of condemning them.

fter its abolition in 2006 under Republic Act No. 9346, death penalty is now threatening to come back, as it has already passed the third reading in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers who approved of the bill believe that it would help the current administration in addressing the crime rate in the country. On the contrary, death penalty was never an effective solution to criminality, and it never will be, First, House Bill 4727, which aims to revive the death penalty, if passed into law, will only be applicable to drug-related crimes excluding the possession of illegal drugs. Heinous crimes such as plunder, treason and rape were removed from the list.

Death penalty should not be reinstated because it is costly. It would take our government a hard time especially that we don’t have the facilities to do sanctions such as lethal injection and electrocution. Moreover in 2015, a study revealed that 140 countries had abolished such practice.

Supporters believe that this

could be the answer to the growing crime rate in the country. However, after its abolition in 2006, PNP reported that there is a significant drop in the country’s crime rate from 52. 075 to 42.48 percent.

After the execution of Leo Echegaray, the first man to be sentenced to death when death penalty was reinstated in 1999, six others were put to death by lethal injection, but there was no evident decrease in the crime rate as an effect. Moreover, with the flawed justice system in the Philippines, it is very likely that they might even execute the wrongly accused.

It would be shameful if death penalty would be restored in a predominantly catholic country like ours. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said that he was hoping that in the end of the day, the conscience among us prevails.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting justice, but killing another person to achieve it is just not the answer.

Let our conscience prevail and let’s support vitality.

Let’s restore humanity.

The Force

Johannes Nelson Yap

The essence of a true Liguorian

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’ve been on the grounds of this institution for almost 13 years now, however, that doesn’t make me a not-so-special person, for I am a Liguorian and I take pride in being one. Believe me, you should too because if that happens, then we are all special people, for we are Liguorians, but the question is, Are we all true Liguorians?

A true Liguorian is a proud Liguorian. Being proud doesn’t mean that you have to brag about every achievement and success that you get, that’s just being conceited and arrogant. You are a true Liguorian when you fully accept becoming one--an individual who has a sense of humility and a character that closely depicts what SALIS envisions its students to be.

You become a true Liguorian when you wake up everyday not reminding yourself to do what a Liguorian needs to do, but you end up doing so, naturally. And what do you think that is?

One word, Service. Case in point; St. Alphonsus. Our Patron Saint.

St. Alphonsus de Liguori was a brilliant man, he became a lawyer at a very early age, he defended the poor, but with the injustice in the system, he lost, so he left the life of lawyering. Though he was part of a rich family, he threw it all away to start a life where all he did was engage in works of service for the poor. He gathered people he knew, friends, even family, to join

him in his quest of redeeming lives by sharing the word of God to the people.

Now I’m not saying that to be a true Liguorian, you should build yourself a church and share the words of the Lord--although you can; what’s stopping you?--but to be a true Liguorian, you have to live a life like St. Alphonsus’ where he used his talents and skills, not only for his own benefit, but for other people, What’s more, he did it knowing that he would happy doing it..

When you realize that you are not the only person in this world, when you enjoy giving service, when you help yourself by helping others, when you have the initiative to lend a hand to those in need, then you become a true Liguorian.

What do we get from being a true Liguorian, you ask? A better society. Just imagine, people helping those who are in need, solving problems together, being united as one. It all starts with us, with you.

SALIS has molded us to become well integrated individuals and I have always believed that this institution teaches good things, but with these comes the application of the things that you learn here.

Do this and you will undoubtedly be a good citizen of this country, knowing that you are not the only person that lives here.

Now, let us ask ourselves, are we all true Liguorians?

In the Classroom

From the Director's Desk

On to lifelong learning

Sabay-sabay na hakbang tungo sa maunlad na kinabukasan e closed School Year 2016- that they are meaningfully inW 17 with DepEd’s theme volved in works for social change. of SABAY-SABAY NA HAKBANG There are just too many names

Cecilia C. Sipin

Joselia Mariquit S. Chan

wo years ago, St. Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School T implemented DepEd Order no. 8,

ditional burden to their budget.

Second, students spend so much time and effort for compliance, for s. 2015: Policy Guidelines on Class- these make up almost fifty perroom Assessment for the K to 12 cent, if not more, of their grade. In Basic Education Program. At this response to this, careful planning, time, I also handled orientations efforts on integration and articufor the teachers, parents and stu- lation were done which somehow dents, wondering how they would resolved the problem. At present, receive the trend of assessment performance tasks were received which gives less weight on written with enthusiasm by the students works and a very big percentage and are more appreciated by the parents. These tasks were often on performance tasks.

The order defines performance the most unforgettable ones and I task as an assessment that allows can say most relevant.

With performance tasks, stulearners to show what they know and are able to do in diverse ways. dents have a clear understanding The students may create or inno- of why they have to learn required skills. It introducvate products or do perfor“Millennial learners es them to real life situations which mance-based will surely appreciate can enhance their tasks. Perforthe opportunities to solving mance based develop the 21st century problem skills or develop tasks may inskills of critical thinksocialization. It alclude skills demonstration, ing and problem solving, lows them to excreativity and innovaplore various cagroup presention With performance reers through tations, oral diversified roles work, multimetasks, students do not that the teacher dia presentajust learn about content, facilitates.

With tions, and rethey learn about life.” all of these, I fully search projects. support the impleSome written mentation of this outputs may also be considered performance assessment.

Along with this, we strongly entasks.

Initially, teachers found the for- courage the continued training of mulation of performance tasks teachers to effectively implement very challenging. It takes a lot of this in the classroom. Our millecreativity in thinking of a real-life nial learners will surely appreciate situation where a student can ap- the opportunities to develop the ply acquired skills. A consideration 21st century skills of critical thinkfor a goal, diverse roles, an audi- ing and problem solving, creativence, the performance itself or a ity and innovation, collaboration, product, and a standards based as- teamwork and leadership, crosssessment is also required. Teach- cultural understanding, commuers also learned to create rubrics nication and media fluency, computing and ICT fluency, career to effectively rate such tasks.

Some parents gave a hostile re- and learning self-reliance. With action to this kind of assessment. performance tasks, students do First, some performance tasks not just learn about content, they incurred expenses which are ad- learn about life.

True Image Alexis Yna Alforte

Success or suck-cess?

ublic-Private Partnerships (PPP) P were deemed a success by the Aquino administration, opening

new railways, expressways and high ways. However, there still lies the question of who really benefits from these projects.

Aquino’s term should not be measured by the number of projects done but by the kind of partnerships he entered. In his term, he opened infrastructures that largely benefited oligarchs and foreign investors, as opposed to the masses.

For one, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the BuildOperate-Transfer Law of the Philippines guarantees profit for private corporations through what are supposedly social services for the public.

An example of this is what they call Deficit Payment under the Concession Agreement between the government and the Ayala and Pangilinan group for the LRT 1 Cavite Extension and Operation and Maintenance.

This project would cost Php65 billion, and the private end of the part-

nership has the privilege to enforce a 10% increase in the fare for every two years. Moreover. the partnership also entails that whatever difference between the given fare price by the Ayala-Pangilinan and the fare price from the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) will be paid by the government. The fund that will be used by the government will be coming from the tax of the public.

Rather than a success, the PPP program under the Aquino administration failed to give its citizens the best way they could benefit from social services by entrusting these to the hands of private businesses and foreign capitalists.

Government services should benefit the citizens, especially the basic masses, and not milk more money for the private sector.

With a new president in the government, we hope that this would be put to a stop. For the growth of our economy, and to ensure that every Filipino enjoys their right justly.

TUNGO SA MAUNLAD NA KINABUKASAN. You can imagine the impact if all school communities in the country took to heart this theme, a message addressed to all stakeholders in the education service: students and their families, our mentors, support services and organizations after the interest of education. As a community we have been called to unite, act in unison towards a better future.

We, who are in the frontline of change, are being called to affirm our resolve as movers of the future.

Year after year we set particular objectives and corresponding programs and activities, with our school’s vision and mission overarching the goals we set every school year. And closing exercises give a glimpse of what and how much we have accomplished for the year. Our presentations, speeches and achievement awards indicate what we value and how much we have accomplished.

We cannot help but recall all other Liguorians in similar Closing Exercises being honored and challenged to continue living the vision and mission. It is always a source of inspiration to the school community knowing where they are now, not so much fortheir successes in the corporate world or in the academe but in knowing

Kalayaan Maria Raiza Javier

Unrequited Love

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n the novel El Filibusterismo, the beautiful Paulita Gomez left her boyfriend, Isagani--an intelligent, principled, and strong-willed young man--to marry Juanito Pelaez, son of a Spanish Mestizo, with whom she believed she would have a better future. When we discussed this chapter in class, my students immediately hated Paulita for being a social climber who did not appreciate how much Isagani loved her.

That’s a fair reaction, but riddle me this: how different are we, as a country, from Paulita Gomez?

This is not to say that Filipinos are social climbers. My point is that most of the time, the Philippines--for whom we sing “Pilipinas kong mahal,” “ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo,” and many other lines that supposedly express our fervent adoration--is difficult to love. It is easy to memorize a song required at school or recite a pledge of loyalty saying “Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,” but do we really?

Look around you: despite the daily headlines about hate, violence, unemployment, poverty, human trafficking, and corruption, and all the circumstances you hear or say the phrase, “mga Pilipino nga naman,” would you still say you love the Philippines?

In the novel, in spite of his broken,

to fill pages if we are to list down those who are actively participating in social transformation.

But we would like to make special mention of graduates who are back to their alma mater even for a short stint as mentors themselves, living witnesses of what it means to be a true Liguorian.

Our hearts sing praises of gratitude to these angels who are now sharing their expertise and values to the little Liguorians, despite the strenuous work conditions with low pay : Louie Jacob, Jerome Natividad, Allieson Ilao, Raiza Javier, Rio Amazona, Anne Grace Balaas, Sheila Ochoa, Alexander Bastero and Anthony Jacob ( an MTAP facilitator). Who among our students will follow the footsteps of these ates and kuyas who have been responsive and committed to the call of the times, involving themselves creatively, innovatively, dedicatedly to works for change, not so much for the money but for the good it can do to the majority.

Go forward and join those in the frontline for a sabaysabay na hakbang tungo sa maunlad na kinabukasan. You will never be lost in seeking the “maunlad na kinabukasan” for as long as you are true to the self, to the truth that promotes the higher good in society as invoked by our school’s vision and mission.

shattered, heart, Isagani continued to love Paulita and even saved her from death. He may look like a martyr for diong so, but he was actually showing us how it is to love a country like ours.

Loving the Philippines entails acknowledging that we are part of the problem and at the same time, the solution. It means accepting that we are part of a greater story, and working hard to get it told. It means not settling for anything less than what you believe your future children deserve. It means still being the hope of this nation, no matter how small and insignificant it makes you feel sometimes. Loving this country means never giving up on it.

The challenge for us now is to dream, not only for ourselves, but for the Philippines. Teach, and remember the children whose eyes are hungry for knowledge but are never lucky enough to set foot on a school.

Write about the people whose stories are never told. Build for those who are deprived of homes. Make art for those who find it difficult to see the beauty in this world.

Yes, this nation will give so much to hate and so much to be ashamed of, but it is also difficult not to love.

Whenever I meet people and hear their stories: of how they never lose hope, of how they work hard for their dreams, of how they fight for their rights, of how they want to make a change, they make me want to do the same.

And every time, it makes me think, maybe Joey Ayala was right when he said the last line of our national anthem should be changed to “Ang magmahal nang dahil sa’yo.” Even if it’s unrequited love.

Eskwelayan

After six months of studying alternative lessons such as painting, mask-making, letter writing, and many others with the help of volunteer teachers from different organizations, pupils of Eskwelayan (Eskwelahan para sa kalayaan at kamalayan) reaped the fruits of their efforts during their class graduation held at Bulungan, ParaĂąaque City on Feb. 28. The day was filled with fun and gratitude as students and parents received their awards, showcased their talents, and shared their dreams for the future.

photo from: Eskwelayan

photo from: Eskwelayan

photo from: Eskwelayan

Eskwelayan, a six-month-long rights-based alternative school program aims to provide continuous learning to children in different communities who cannot afford to go to school. A second leg will open this coming school year.

Having faith in

Him

by Faith Illescas

“Now faith is confidence in

what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” –Hebrews 11:1. Then what do we mean by faith? There could be different answers coming from different people. It is because people have different beliefs and perspective. And so, how far could our faith would bring us? Our faith can only determine it.

If we believe, then it could be possible. Our faith in God helps us believe

Family: A Premise of Virtue

by Aubrey Retardo

H

ome is totally the strongest foundation that a child could have when it comes to their behavior, knowledge, and perspective. It is where the development occurs along time, and where influences are being bestowed. I remember how we were told a lot of times that a the way a child acts reflects on those who flourished him, and that we, too, should act based on the right conduct that is taught as we are raised.

Practically, the family has the biggest role in maintaining a child’s character, practices, and values. It is their responsibility to maintain the child’s demeanor as it thrives. They play a very important role in training the child as it would encounter the society and face bigger worlds for the years that would come.

Basically, the family is the source of the way of thinking, and the temperament of a child, and they are accountable for its development.

A child with a strong character built and molded as it is in him is someone to envy. It would be evident that he was raised with strict moral, and was educated well despite how he is only classified as a child. With good knowledge, and proper ethics, indeed, he could grow up a principled individual.

The way that a person acts towards different circumstances leads back to how he is molded as that kind of individual. All of us were taught primarily as kids how to behave correctly, what is the proper way to respond into various situations, what are the right things to do and what is not and how we should separate the good conditions from the bad. Rules are set for effective learning and fair consequences are given, enough for the us to learn from what we did wrong.

As the children are guided and is taught the right ways, they should also maintain it to have a character that shows off his moral and dignity as a person, not only for how he was but also to show that he is a person enriched with the right values, and standpoint.

raised,

that He can grant our prayers, at the right time. They said prayers can move mountain. There are some living testimonies that can serve as examples which testify that our faith can bring us as far as we could not expect. With faith, we can experience His undeniable love for us.

Sometimes, any of us can feel that we doubt Him because either we can’t feel Him or our prayers are unanswered yet. But trust His timing, He has a better plan for you. He listens, he always

W

e all crave for every delight and festivities that could be taken from what life could give us, that kind of life that is so fulfilling, having everything we’ve always wanted to have, and be at the place we dreamed for long time to be at. It truly seems simple to aim all of those aspirations, but life circumstances will surprisingly reveal it as a tough life-dream.

Sure, it isn’t far from reality, but the reality itself also enters to tell us that life won’t always go the way how you wish it to be.

A lot of times, life will carry out storms for you to deal with, and it would toss winds of failures, disappointments, and misfortunes. However, there will always be a choice for us to dash through it, or be stuck within the place you’re at.

You see, life being rude is a usual thing, and that you should not stop appreciating everything that it could finely grant.

Life is not meant for melancholic moments. Just because it always keeps on weighing you down, doesn’t mean that you would let yourself be carried. Keep in mind that there is so much more than the misery and the mediocre moments that is in front of you.

Remember how new chances are given to us daily in every sunrise, and that it is not a chance to waste time, but rather an opportunity to work hard, improve on yourself, and have a greener grass. Every morning is a beautiful guarantee that we’ll continuously be a step forward to our dreams as long as we keep on following through it, and that it does its part in the journey of achieving what you want.

Remember how life offers countless lessons for us to be resilient over time. That when it pulls you back, it will also take a turn on

listens to you. If you feel bitterness and doubt in your heart, hold on to that faith that makes you believe that He will make your prayers come true.

Having faith in Him is life-changing. You won’t realize that you can do things you think you can’t. It builds stronger courage and faithfulness in you.

believe, then you could, your faith made it happen for you. Whoever believes in Him will be saved. For He is the God who is within you. He will never let you slip through His arms. Just believe in Him and His works.

Never stop believing our God in any instances and happenings. Your faith in Him could also give miracles. If you

something better. Life is in front of us to remind that sometimes, we need to experience various kinds of pain for us to recuperate and learn from it. It reminds us of how every struggle is a stepping stone for us to become our better selves, and how it knocks us down just for us to be able to find out how to get back up again.

Remember how we are blessed enough to deserve the people around us that are there to motivate, inspire, and be there for us along our journeys. These people are here to remind you that despite the chaos and the fire in you, you are worthy of their care, love, and attention. They are the ones who serve as a daily reminder that you are not alone, and that you are a blessing to them, as they are to you.

Above all, remember always that you are also loved and guided by God, who will be with you as you surpass storms. He is the small light in the storm, which you will cling on to, and with faith, it would expand into the horizon.

Bear in mind that you are guided by the one who would bring you peace despite the hurricanes.

Life itself has a lot to grant, and what it could give is immeasurable dose of blessings that we sometimes forget to acknowledge. As it is also a blessing, we should not stay stagnant at all times, forgetting the chances, lessons and the people in our lives. The life is already doing its part, and we should, too, do ours.

Promise yourself to live your life with a purpose, and with fulfilling moments that you can’t wait to experience for the days to come. Do yourself a favor to find what feels like you found your purpose, and never let it go, for it would be the step to pay back for everything that life luxuriously offers; to live with aims and aspirations.

Spiritually Enriched

by Charmelle Pascual

T

hough all of us have sins, Jesus always forgives us. He cares for us and protects us. He’s always by our side and never leaves us. Jesus doesn’t give up on us. He listens to our prayers and gives us miracles that we will surely treasure. He believes that we can change to a better person.

We can’t avoid having sins in our life.

No matter what we do, we don’t realize that we are doing something bad that is against the 10 Commandments or the rules. He treats us as his family and understands our situation. You may not see him but you can feel him especially when you believe in him. He trusts you so you must trust him. He loves you so you must love him.

Some people only believe in Jesus when they need something or when losing hope. But most people believe in Him all the time. He gives you challenges that he knows you can face without his help though he is guiding you. He gives you everything that you deserve. He believes that you can face every obstacle he gives you. You can change because of Him. Believing in Him can help you get pass through different situations.

Believing in Him can lead you to a better future. Having a different religion can’t stop you from having faith in Him. There is no barrier between you and Jesus. He will do everything that will help you change for good.

He will show you the right path if you will keep on loving Him and praising Him.

Exodus “The Lord will fight for you.

14:14 All you have to do is be still.”

Attitude of Gratitude

by Nicole Ortega

G

raduation is the day that we’ve all been waiting for. We couldn’t wait to walk to that stage to accept our medals, awards, and diplomas. Up to this day, I still can’t believe that I’ve graduated. It seems like only yesterday, its the start of the classes, then the next day, it’s graduation. Looking back to the day of my graduation, there were lots of decorations. Gold and shiny colors are everywhere.

I hear excited chatters from our parents. I don’t even think I have words to explain what I have experienced that day.

I felt so blessed because I’ve finished elementary. It is with mixed emotions that I felt that day. Excitement, nervousness, relief, gratitude, and just pure joy I have experienced. I remember being anxious because I think I’ll make a mistake with my speech.

The atmosphere was so great because I finally achieved a hardfought goal. Receiving my achievements, I feel like I’m top of the world like I can do almost anything.

Don’t get me wrong, school works were not always a piece of cake. But the harder you work, the greater you’ll feel after you finished it. Trust me, the sweat, the time, the hard work you did, it’ll pay off. But it’s not always sweet every time. Sometimes, my classmates surpass me and people will pressure me because I have to be consistent and to be on top. I was so afraid of falling behind. Oftentimes, I’m too lazy to study. During tests, I wasn’t really always the highest, but my parents were understanding.

They never complained. They’re the ones who told me to dream big and to pray that I’ll always succeed in whatever I do. If not for them, I won’t experience what happened to me. Throughout my elementary years, my parents were very dependable and they have been supported me ever since.

It’s still overwhelming to think that I’m the Rank 1 of the batch. Hearing people say congratulations and praises to me is very immense. After what felt like endless hours of studying, waiting, and practicing, I have successfully completed elementary.

It’s like climbing a mountain. At first, it’s hard and tiring. You’ll be questioning yourself if you’ll be able to maintain what you’re doing. At the same time, when you’re on the top, it’s worth the effort. I am proud of myself until now. I learned that I shouldn’t be afraid to put in the time and effort to make my dreams a reality. Regardless of the challenges I faced, I have conquered it because I believed I can do it.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength! HE will make me surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.”

Habakkuk 3:19 get risky and tough, our sight turns dark. Our lust for power, fame, money, and/or glory heightens and grows, transforming us into monsters.

Monsters that only us who know our capabilities that affects people and the environment.

“…we were trained to work for recognition since we were little children. When I was in high school, I was grade-conscious (more than I am willing to admit), to the point that I was crushed when, in college, I was faced with the fact that I was just a big fish in a small pond. There were so many people more talented and intelligent than I was.” She said.

by Fiona Dela Cruz

Freedom

– a simple yet a undervalued concept in our society.

Seven letters it is, the same number of the words “neglect”, “ignored”, and “confine”. It is something used in our whole life. But as time fades, our freedom gets washed away too.

Our freedom because it’s not something exclusive to certain people. The biased and unbalanced scales of the world are seen by hearts who realize this injustice. These hearts are everywhere; some are passive. Some are active, raising their cries for all to hear and know.

For Raiza Javier, freedom is “to dream what you want to dream

Photo: League of Legends Music: The Cursed Mummy

and to be able to realize it without fear of being judged. To be able to do things just for the love of it.” She was a magna cum laude of BA Journalism in UP Diliman and has been defending what is right. She participates in protests and share knowledge about freedom through her passion for writing. She’s currently a teacher for Elective Journalism in Saint Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School and is admired by her students and fellow faculty members for her dedication in writing.

Indeed the world is filled with wonderful things. But sometimes, our sight in achieving quests in our lives

Like any fighter, she struggles handling her beliefs, being free. She tries to convince herself to fight by reminding her reasons why she does things. Views and opinions of others start to torment her mind whenever she gets weak. Though she is enveloped with fear, she continues to learn how to fight for the small voices, fight for the freedom of others too.

“It’s a little funny how small and insignificant people are, yet we act like we can own the world. So life has become a race. As I grew older, I realized I could not live like that. I want to be able to love something that I would be willing to do it even when the world makes me feel so small.

I think that’s freedom.”

My Dearest Mamay

by Leanne Maxinne Cerio

12

years of suffering, 12 years of caring, 12 years of loving. That’s what my nanny did. She is Merlyn Tuares . 55 years of age. A great friend, a kind nanny, and a loving mother. All of the greatness suddenly faded away as she possessed a sickness.

My nanny has four children . Ate Herlynne, Ate Hyacinth, Kuya Homer and Kuya Hansel. The latter died when he was young because of heart disease when he was still a baby, according to my nanny.

She lived in Nueva Valencia ,Guimaras and transferred here in Pasay City to find a job. Along with her 11 siblings, she wasn’t able to graduate with a degree because her family isn’t financially stable enough to support each one of them.

When I was a little girl, I would cry every time my nanny goes out of our house because I don’t want her to leave.

She’s my number one fan. She’s always there to support me in every decision I make, and she tries to correct my wrong doings every time I commit them.

For every milestone I achieved in my life, she was there. She witnessed how I grew up but now she’s gone and will just be witnessing my progress from afar. August 2015, we found out that she has a tuberculosis, and her each of her lungs has a hole in it. The moment I found out that she’s not going to take care of me anymore, I felt like I was already dead inside. My heart crashed because she left me.

I am always satisfied when I’m with her because she’s so cool. My friends always tell me that they love my nanny because she listens to each and every one of them. I know deep inside my heart that she considers my friends as her friends too.

My nanny is one of a kind. My life changed when she came crashing down on me with those beautiful eyes and such a wonderful smile. I’m so lucky to have her in my life. She is one of the greatest gift I ever had.

To The Bewildered Student

By Frida

Dear student,

I know you’re struggling a lot lately. It’s the last few months of school after all. Your mind is running wild, too preoccupied by plans (and fears) for the future; too many questions rambling on at the same time like voices inside your head trying to mock you. You don’t have a clue what you will be–or want to be–yet life is always in a hurry. I don’t blame you for the seemingly jaded eyes, the blank expression on your face, or the echoing of my voice across the room, because I know—sometimes, when the world is far too noisy, all you can do is be silent.

I’ll tell you a secret, though: nobody really knows what to do with their life next. You can only own too many planners and write too many to-do-lists, but believe me, no one ever knows for sure what’s out there. You might not have noticed, but every time I blabber on in class about braving the waves and fighting the good fight, I have to hide the quiver in my voice and the trembling of my hands. But make no mistake. All the while, my heart explodes into a thousand fireworks, because—call me naive—but in spite of all there is to fear about life, I still believe it is beautiful.

As a rule, there will be days when the world will make you feel like a 6/10. Okay, but not excellent. Good, but not remarkable. And you will be frustrated to the point where you’ll almost break your hands trying to make the world a little brighter, yet the very people you want to please wouldn’t see the colors as alive as you do. Always keep that picture of the sun you made when you were little, so when this time comes, you’ll be reminded of how you used to capture the warmth in the things you drew. That was the time when you created art for the love of it.

Don’t lose sight of that child in you. That’s how you’ll survive adulthood. Or life, in general. Don’t let age rob you of that light in your eyes. No matter how old you get, no matter how many cups of coffee you will have to down to finish your term papers, always be that wide-eyed kid you once were. Wonder. And even though the adventure turns out to be filled with snakes and poison ivies, at least your backpack will be filled with answers and learning, and you might even meet friends along the way. Create. And though you might end up with wounded or calloused, dirty hands, at least you could say you have made something for the world to remember you with.

You might think I don’t have the ascendancy to talk about these things. In that case, I agree with you. I’m just a few years older than you are, after all.

Just a few years in. Still a long way off. But believe me when I say I’m mustering all the courage I can to brave my own waves. And one day—even when we don’t see each other for years and years; even if these past few months will be the only time we’ll get to know each other—when I come across you in the street and still recognize that wide-eyed kid, I swear I will be the proudest teacher of all.

S

omewhere in between finding entertainment, and lessons, the audience was left in awe by how the Philippine Educational Theater Association exhibited a revival of a splendid production by William Shakespeare, merged with chronicles of real life stories, visualizing stories, issues, and relevant local point of views.

An hour and a half amazingly made transition to everyone’s faces after being able to watch the play, which has been a success of the collaboration of Nona Sheppard, Liza Magtoto, Marsha Roddy, and Tsuguo Izomi, respectively. Along with the casts, they were able relive a figment of imagination, and narrative real life events by showcasing such astonishing performance and relaying its messages in its most ingenious way.

The part where the ‘Tempest’ happened had the lights flickering but strong and a recurring and trembling sound of thunder.

The characters that belonged to the palace, namely Gonzalo, Alonsa, Antonio, and Sebastiana, though, I think they had worse experiences. The way the thunder and lightning strikes, and how the wind was wild that time, it was as if the protagonist, Prospero, was suppressing and scaring them to death, after the betrayal the family did years ago.

On the other face of the play remake, Edith, Papa Boms, Alina, and Diego, suddenly bumped into each other. They were also trembling with fear as they trying to be the survivors of the Super Typhoon Yolanda.

For me, the most interesting part of the story happened when the storyteller weave the two stories into one. Ferdinand, prince of the Royal family, and Miranda, the beautiful daughter of Prospero, found love—and shared it to the survivors as they are gradually losing hope.

The couple sparked a new flame between Papa Boms and Edith, helped them to rebuild their home, and show that love can happen, even during storms.

The way that the story ended, where Prospero shares forgiveness to the Royal Family, and the survivors being able to cope with their experiences and move on from their troubles, turned the whole play from anxiety and desperation into a story full of hope and love. I see it as if the storm destroyed everything on its path, especially what blocks their sight, so these characters could see what’s on the horizon.

The storm allowed them to set aside their preoccupations and have their rediscovery of themselves.

Entering, I thought it would be another boring play with the most cliché life lessons you can have. However, I left the theater with pure excitement and awe. It was not just the stage or the fancy costumes—rather it was the emotions that built up and conveyed to us by the actors of the play.

Hacksaw Ridge

by Aubrey Retardo

It would be unusual to find a movie that covers a lot of genres, and is very suitable for every type of audience. Hacksaw Ridge, a film adapated from a real-life experience, that is seemingly a fruit of success by Mel Gibson, and its casts, reveals war, biography, drama, and history simultaneously along its aim to inspire people and leave a remarkable recognition. While it took place on the Second World War, every scene also brought splendid pictures that could inscribe in the viewers’ minds.

The story started with Desmond Doss, portrayed wonderfully by Andrew Garfield, carrying a lot of experiences that became relevant to his pacifist beliefs. With the support of his family, love for Dorothy Schutte, and his ethical belief that killing was nevertheless wrong, he went on a military service to represent his country against other combatants. He was, indeed, forced a lot of times to carry weapons, and was even sent to a hearing because he’s seen as someone who is definitely denying his service and the country. Being the man who sticks to his principles, he never willed to go against the circumstances; he just doesn’t want to involve himself in a conflict of not knowing how he’s going to live if he doesn’t stay true to what he believes in. He doesn’t want to break his values to serve, and throughout the movie, proves how he would offer his duties to the nation. And that is, by being an army medic that

with the world focused on tearing itself apart, he was determined to put a little bit of it back together.

The film conquers its audience with the way it was directed, showing the relevance of each event presented, and how it is shown to be essential among the movie. The main character, Desmond, couldn’t be conveyed as conscientious only because it’s what he says every time that people around him were questioning his motive and service is questioned is visualized. Numerous scenes were present to give justice to what makes him totally a “character”. To prove this, it was shown how an accident became an eye opener for Desmond to obey the commandments that was set for everyone, especially the rule not to kill anyone, and how he learned to be a conscientious objector as he grew up. A flashback then, revealed the origin of how he acts distressed whenever it comes to handling weapons, and firing guns. Also, it was deeply visualized how the love between Desmond and Dorothy sprouted, and how she always chooses to stay with him despite the complications that they are facing, and the conflict that he also vanquishes

within himself.

The film actors’ eminence in playing their roles was splendid, showing truly the poignant clarity, and messages of the people they are portraying. Andrew Garfield and Teresa Palmer worked well to vividly show the love between Desmond and Dorothy, that any audience would also feel a fervent connection. Vince Vaughn similarly depicted his character as Sergeant Howell, who showed his support to the main character intently. The fierceness was also felt with how Sam Worthington and Nathaniel Buzolic played as Captain Glover and Desmond’s brother, who helped him reach every point of his life, although in a hard way.

This film provides a lot of lesson, addressed numerous conflicts, and has the ability to inspire people of the same struggles, and change how people look at things.

Every detail that the film contains is vivid that no specifications and questions will be left at the end, just morals. It is a much commended movie that it should definitely be on the top of your “what to watch” list, for it is suitable for every audience, despite every circumstances.

Photo: Hacksaw Ridge

Reaching Out: D

Vanquisihing Depression

By: Shanelle D. Tolledo epression is the most horrible feeling one can ever feel. It is that kind of feeling when you are feeling alone even though you have many people, familiar people around you. It feels like eating so many foods but do not satisfy your hunger.

Worst, it screams sadness, worthlessness and loneliness in your mind that you can no longer hear what others are saying. It is a nightmare.

You see, the things is, depression has its many faces.

It could lie behind the smiles of those who you can see around you. It can be seen beyond laughter one gives after cracking up a silly joke.

It lies beyond what we see physically, it scars deep into one’s soul.

80% of suicidal cases are caused by extreme depression and the ages who often experience this are teenagers from all around the world.

It affects estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given

year. One in six people (est 16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life.

Depression can strike at any time, but on average, first appears during the late teens to mid-20s.

Women are more likely than men to experience depression. Some studies show that one-third of women will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime.

It was also observed that people who suffer depression do self-harm such us cutting, bruising, picking, burning and many more just to relieve themselves from the feeling of numbness and express negative thoughts or feelings that cannot be put into words.

Symbolically speaking, deliberately injuring one’s self can be viewed as a method

to communicate what can-

not be spoken. With selfharm, the skin is the canvas and the cut, burn or bruise is the paint that illustrates the picture. Most individuals

Behind the Syria gas attacks By: Paul Vincent A. Adug

T

he April 4, 2017 chemical attack at a town of Khan Sheikhoun in Syria led to at 70 deaths and more than 100 people were injured and needs medical attention.

One news agency report suggested at least 11 of the dead were children.

There have also been reports that one of the hospitals treating the victims was attacked.

Health Minister Recep Akdag of Turkey conducted tests on the victims of the attack.

On the blood and urine samples of the victims, it was confirmed that a nerve agent was used.

A particular substance known as Sarin, one of the most dangerous and toxic chemicals known was used in the said attack. Sarin is an organophosphorus compound and was first synthesised in 1938 in Germany as part of a pesticide

research program.

Sarin is a moderately volatile substance – that is, it readily forms a gas – which can be taken up by inhalation or skin contact. It is an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is critical in regulating nerve function.

When exposed to a low dose of a nerve agent such as sarin, people experience increased production of saliva, a running nose and a feeling of pressure on the chest. The pupil of the eye becomes contracted, so-called “pin-point” pupils.

Pin point pupils, which have been recorded in video footage of the Khan Sheikhoun attack, are a characteristic consequence of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like sarin. This clinical sign is quite different from the irritating ef-

fects of chlorine and mustard gas.

Pure Sarin is a colorless and odorless gas, and it is extremely volatile, which means that it spreads quickly through the air. It can kill with a dosage of 0.5 ml and it is 500 times deadly than cyanide The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) expressed serious concern about the reports and said a fact-finding mission was “in the process of gathering and analysing information from all available sources”.

While the citizen are still recovering on the said attack, the international community are still conducting several research and investigation on who’s to blame in the recent chemical attack in Syria.

who self-injure have difficulties with emotional expression. This clinical experience is known as Alexithymia—the inability to recognize emotions and their subtleties and to understand or describe thoughts and feelings.

In line with this, people who are depressed are the ones who hardly express their feelings because of certain factors surrouding them. This can be lack of support or communication with parents, experience peer isolation or have been isolated from certain groups, and often the ones who are victims of bullying.

Depression is a pervasive feeling. It’s almost as if you are in a black tunnel with no light. Hope disappears and the things you used to find enjoyable become a chore.

You can overcome depression by taking good care of you mind. This includes

practicing how to calm your mind, this can be achieved by doing yoga or exercising.

Self-reflection is also another way to calm your senses and focusing your energy to the positive things around you.

Depression is treatable, but overcoming it does not only imply a single action. Sure, you can take medication and consult a psychiatrist. It needs full cooperation from you and everyone that is around us. We just need to be sensitive and be accessible to those who might have been reaching out towards us. We can help those who suffer from depression by simply allowing them to express themselves towards you, to be open to them and to care for them but most importantly is to be patient with them as they try to open up themselves. After all, we are all just like stars, everybody can affect everybody. Simple actions can make bigger impact.

Into the cracks of

THE BIG ONE By: Adriann Joshua Singua

C

racks crept up into old buildings, showing weakness within old historic structures as panic wakes across the stunned citizens. Recently, the news is filled with stories about earthquakes that shook several places in the Philippines, destroying properties and uprising concern within citizens. PHIVOLCS goes to say that we prepare for an upcoming magnitude 7.2 earthquake that may kill thousands along the West Valley Fault Line, running along Metro Manila and several nearby provinces, including Cavite.

And this is what we all know as “The Big One”.

After the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Surigao Del Norte, officials say that if a quake that massive happens in a highly urbanized area, effects could be devastating.

So, what could we do against the inevitable?

As state seismologists say that the West Valley Fault

Line is ripe and near to cause an earthquake, we should also be ready for this phenomenon. Because disaster could strike at any moment, we should have the presence of mind to know what to do. Turn off Fuse Boxes in your homes, grab a flashlight and your valuables, or duckcover-hold. Such steps are to be done whenever events like this happen, but what we should not forget is to implement discipline within ourselves and of course, DO NOT PANIC. Panicking itself would kill you for it destroys our proper decision making, and may cost valuable seconds in a time of dilemma. So, as a fair warning to us all, listen to news, practice steps of what to do during and after an earthquake strikes, prepare, and don’t panic. Discipline, awareness, and preparedness is vital to keep us away from the cracks of “The Big One”.

Movement toward Climate Justice

Source: Oceana/University of the Philippines Los Baños

by: ivan Dion Salva

T

he 21st century, the time when virtually anybody has access to the internet, not unless you literally live under a rock. This fact opens up a lot of possibilities, communicating with people thousands of miles away from you, selling products online with ease, starting a movement for a cause, movements like He Will Not Divide Us or communities like the LGBT community. They all use internet.

But have you guys heard of Climate Justice?

Climate Justice is a movement all around the globe that aims to not only open our eyes about the large impact of Global Warming to our world, but also to open our minds to actually do something about it, learn ways to preserve our nature, and to justice, as the name suggests, to all the creatures affected

by Global Warming.

Just to clarify, Global Warming does exist and is a natural phenomenon, although human activities that require burning of large amounts of fuel, consequently emitting large amounts of carbon dioxide has worsened Global Warming ever since, and who’s to blame for that?

Certainly not animals, they are not the ones that burns millions of tons of fuel every year anyway.

All of us are guilty of this, almost everything we do needs fuel in some sort of way like for example electric power plants burn up coal to keep supplying houses with electricity, our cars burning fuel and emitting carbon dioxide, even in simply burning dry leaves that we Filipinos usually do, it harms not only our nature, but also ourselves. It’s like we’re inviting Death to come drop by our houses and greet us, we’re all killing ourselves with our daily routines.

But that’s just small scale, anybody can stop burning leaves or using cars. In a much larger scale we’re talking about bigwig companies with factories everywhere, large countries like China taking up at least a third of the whole world’s carbon dioxide emissions. For one huge country, that’s a huge number.

So let’s use social media and the internet, spread the word that we don’t only need to be aware, we need to make people care. Simply letting people know isn’t enough, we should start acting, it’s now or never, for in the end it is and it’ll always be our loss.

Spread word, make people pay for what they’re consciously doing, and help save Mother Earth, or what’s left of it.

What lies beyond the waters of Benham Rise By: Shanelle Tolledo and Adrian Carlo Baraquiel

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he beauty of Benham Rise captivated the eyes of many countries, which later on shows their interest in claiming the island. Who would not do so, this island was known to have high deposit of natural gas and minerals plus its beauty that leaves everyone awed.

The Benham Plateau or Benham Rise, located at 250km east of the north coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela, is an underwater plateau which is also an extinct volcanic ridge. An extinct volcanic ridge, is simply an inactive volcano, wherein volcanic activities are not shown in the past 100 years.

Since it’s an ex-volcano, and like any other volcano it may contain several rocks, mineral and natural gases, that countries may use in their own economy.

This mineral-rich underwater plateau is owned by the Philippines according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that approved the

Photo from: thetelegraph.co.uk/

Giraffes face ‘silent extinction’ Population of tallest mammal in the wild, lower than 100, 000 by: Adriann Joshua Singua

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he International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a membership union that provides private and public non-governmental organizations for nature conservation, human progress, and economic development, released the “IUCN Red List of Threatened Species ™,” for 2016 which

contains the list of species threatened with extinction last December 8, 2016.

In the said report, the World’s tallest land mammal—the Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)—was moved from Least Concern (LC) to Vulnerable (VU).

The land mammal’s population declined 36-40% from 1985-2015. Their popula-

tion dropped from around 155,000 in 1985 to 97,000 in 2015 due to civil unrest, habitat loss, ecological changes, and illegal hunting. This is the first time that the Giraffe was put into a threatened category since it was first assessed in 1996.

The species was said to be

undergoing silent extinction,

country for its territorial claim to Benham Rise.

Some mineral experts noted that there are large deposit of methane hydrate or methane ice is a solid clathrate compound in which a huge amount of methane is trapped inside a crystal like structure of water, forming solid similar to ice. Significant deposit of methane clathrate have been found beneath Antarctic ice. The huge methane ice (burning ice) deposit in Benham Rise near the coast of Northern Luzon could turn Philippines into a natural gas exporter just like the Russia, Canada and Qatar.

Methane Hydrate contains huge amount of potential energy which can be used as a a source of energy for heating, cooking and electricity generators. It’s also potentially rich in precious and base metals like manganese, some gold and so on, spreading from the center of the rise.

Sampling and geochemical characterization should also look at manganese deposits as well as a little bit of cop-

“Whilst giraffes are commonly seen on safari, in the media and in zoos, people -including conservationists -- are unaware that these majestic animals are undergoing a silent extinction,” Dr Julian Fennessy, co-chair to the IUCN giraffe specialist group and the first executive director of Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) said.

“With a decline of almost 40% in the last three decades alone, the world’s tallest animal is under severe pressure in some of its core ranges across East, Central and West Africa. As one of the world’s most iconic animals, it is timely that we stick our neck out for the giraffe before it is too late,” he said.

Giraffes are being introduced to other parts of Africa like Swaziland, and Rwanda but are regionally extinct in Guinea, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Eritrea while possibly extinct in Mali.

A new study suggested that there are actually four (4) different species of Giraffes which are southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa), Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi), reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata), and northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis), which includes the Nubian giraffe (G. c. camelopardalis) as a distinct but related subspecies but the IUCN stuck with the traditional definition of one species with nine subspecies for the newest

per in Aurora, Isabela and Cagayan, a natural extension of Benham.

The waters of the Benham Rise was called “biologically productive” since it has the capacity to support organisms. Clear waters could reflect what mistery can be found in beneath this magnificent underground plateau. Extensive corals beneath the waters surprised marine biologist who examine the Benham Rise, this goes to show good production of fish and other minerals as well.

The resources are there, while other parts of the rise remains to be unexplored, it is expensive to fully explore the rise. Extensive research is needed to fully understand what lies beneath this rise, to come up with good strategy on how we will be able to use the resources effectively.

The research needs expensive machineries to conduct research. The question here, are we capable enough to conduct such research?

update of the Red List.

As a solution, GCF is dedicating the 2017 World Giraffe Day to saving the Masai Giraffe in Kenya and Tanzania.

The fourth World Giraffe Day will take place on June 21.

Cool facts you might want to know about giraffes From: dosomething.org

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. They can run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances, or cruise at 10 mph over longer distances. . A giraffe’s neck is too short to reach the ground. As a result, it has to awkwardly spread its front legs or kneel to reach the ground for a drink of water. . Giraffes only need to drink once every few days. Most of their water comes from all the plants they eat. . Giraffes spend most of their lives standing up; they even sleep and give birth standing up. . A giraffe’s spots are much like human fingerprints. No two individual giraffes have exactly the same pattern. . Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in a 24-hour period! They often achieve that in quick naps that may last only a minute or two at a time.

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Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com

Commentary:

Lopez against Mining: Yey or Nay? By: Shanelle Tolledo and Lemuel Arvin Cayabyab

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f you haven’t heard the news, Gina Lopez (DENR Chief) ordered the cancellation of 75 mining contracts last February. Her reason, the companies conducting the mining operations are mining near watersheds killing marine life and the livelihood of the locals near the vicinity and worst, making these watersheds dead and useless. There were many controversies about mining operations because it causes pollution on its surrounding land, air and water which in result kills aquatic animals, plants, and landbased life forms.

Mining plays an important role in today’s society. The equipment we use in our daily life is made out of minerals that are products of present day mining activities. Examples of these are metals, coal, oil, gemstones, limestone, chalk, dimension stone, rock salt, potash, gravel, and clay.

Sometimes, mines are used to obtain radioactive materials such as uranium and plutonium. These minerals that were being extracted are non-renewable resources. These

kinds of resources are limited and some of it may become scarce in the near future because of how fast we use them. So I guess it would be better if we try to save some.

What are the overall causes of the mining to the country?

Well, aside that it is economically good for the country, most mining companies do not pay much attention on the surrounding they are mining.

Sure it helps on giving us oil, jewelries and metals but most of them are in possession of the companies conducting the mining operations. If we look at it at a world scale, however, it helps a lot. It improves technology, gives us electricity, gives us fuel, and allows us to maintain our modern civilization. Without it, we might still be living in the Stone Age. Most mining companies do not pay much attention on the surrounding they are mining.

The recklessness of these mining companies causes damage to water reservoirs, causes deforestations and landslides on certain areas, caused sinkholes, caused the land where the mine to be polluted, and the potential

Island Souvenirs

exposure to chemicals in and around these mines that may be hazardous to the workers and locals around it.

Gina Lopez’s decision to cancel many mining contracts which had their mines near watersheds. The action taken by her was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte. Though this action of her seems to be heroic and righteous for other people, there are those who did not approve her actions to be right. As for some, it might interfere the economic growth of the country because some of these companies exports minerals to other countries.

Here’s the thing about this controversy: it is about finding balance between mining and too much mining. We all have to admit that we benefit from mining. It has been our source of raw materials and a source of living. Mining contributes greatly to our modern society, we cannot imagine what would it be like without mining, right? The only thing that’s making us see mining as a horrible act is the process of doing it. These gigantic mining companies

extract hundreds of metals beneath the ground, digging into the ground until they see the holy grail then after that they just walk away without properly cleaning their mess.

They dispose it on watershed killing thousands of marine animals and the livelihood of the people around the area.

It was indeed a selfish act, an act of greed.

There are a lot of ways on how mining can be manage properly, we just have to be open for alternatives. The government can make artificial watersheds to replace those watersheds near the mines and for the mining to continue. We could also divert the surface water and pump the ground water so that the mine’s chemicals won’t get mixed with it. There is also a way to reduce land disruption; example is by planning the mine around an existing infrastructure. The plants found on the site may be transplanted or cultured. If they are worrying about ARD, well, it still can be solved by storing waste rock underwater (stopping ARD formation), flooding and sealing under-

ground mines (preventing contaminated water to pollute surface and ground water), combining sulphide wastes with limestone or calcite to neutralize ARD, and covering waste rock with clay, plastic or soil to prevent rain and precipitation on contributing to ARD formation and transportation.

With this issue at hand, we must always find a balance between industry and protection the environment.

We must move towards sustainable growth, and we can achieve this growth by carefully managing our resources, and protecting our environment because what we have now came from our resources. Mrs. Gina Lopez must not cut out all mining companies because it will affect our economy. She must be strict with the procedure of mining happening in the country by strictly monitoring mining activities in the country.

As for the mining companies, they must come up with ways on how they can improve mining and prevent damaging the environment.

(or why we should cut down on waste) by: TLB Staff

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o we know where our trash ends up when we leave them to be forgotten? Here are photos of the Freedom Island, home of various species of birds and marine organisms, and also of a ton of waste materials washed up from nearby areas.

Instead of seashells and sand, Freedom Island’s beach is covered by layers of ageold garbage ranging from old shoes, deflated basketballs, plastic sheets, old refrigerator parts and even sofas.

These do not only damage the natural beauty of the island, but worse, suffocates the mangrove trees in the area, and, poisons the marine organisms, and deprives the fishing community of their livelihood. The amount and variety of waste washed up on its shores says a lot about the people who are supposed to take care of this gem.

Commentary by: Ivan Dion Salva

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ACE ROOKIE. Freshman John Paul Sigua delivers a powerful spike during the championship game against the Sophomores. After a tight five-set game, Sigua led his team to victory. (Photo by: Bea de Guzman | TLB)

High school newbies dominate volleyball in Intramurals ‘17 by: Mark Lennard Manuel

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reshmen grabbed the Intramurals volleyball championship title after beating the Sophomores in 5 intense sets, 13-25,25-14,27-29,25-17,1511, January 27 Barangay Molino 2 Covered Court.

This was something the high school body did not expect since it was the first time that two youngest batches of the competed in the finals.

Even though it was something that the older batches were not used to, it was still a highly anticipated matchup as both teams showed their dominance during the elimination stage.

Frehmen looked lost in the early stages of the game, while Sophomores were in complete control of the first set, but their

slump didn’t last long as the underdogs showed in the second set that they were up for the challenge.

The main headline of the finals surely did not dissapoint as the duel between John Paul Sigua and Clyde Hererro the two candidates for the Best In Volleyball Award proved to the crowd why they deserved their spot in the Finals.

“Di ako pwede mapressure, kasi ‘pag ako na pressure hawahawa na yan”, Clyde said, clearly looking forward to next year’s Intramurals.

“Masaya (ako) tsaka nakakaproud dahil nag-champion kami kahit freshmen lang kami”.

John Paul said, as he recalled the sweet taste of victory.

ur country is well known for loving sports, may it be physical or mind sports, but most of the time, basketball and volleyball are always mentioned by the common Filipino, may it be professionally analysing the statistics of the last ball game, or simpler things like trash talking your friend and bragging about the wins of your pro team as if you’re also a player.

With this in mind, Filipinos all over the country want a shot at playing alongside the pros, from casually playing with your friends, to professionally making money out of a sport that is often mistaken as the national sport of our country.

But that begs the question, what about our fellow men that are not quite Filipinos themselves?

Many foreigners fell in love and got attached to our country and because of that some of them wanted to represent our country in the field of sports.

Many say foreigners have

attempted and succeeded applying for Filipino citizenship, an example being Andray Blatche who has, from 2014, played with the Philippine flag and nation behind him.

But before being granted citizenship, foreigners are only allowed to play for certain cups that allow having import players from around the globe.

This then brings the question, why restrict the people of other ethnicity to play for our country in the field of sports? Does it bring bad luck? Lowers the self-esteem of our players? Just because athletes from other countries are dominating a certain sport it doesn’t mean that we actualy need their talent in order to succeed. So instead of focusing on scouting other athletes from other countries why not focus on the potential that our very own citizens possess Although we can’t deny the fact that we appreciate their help it is just surprising how our very own athletes are not getting the oppurtinity to represent our country due to the fact the we are giving the oppurtinity to somebody else.

Juniors take the crown by: Lawrence Nathaniel David Agres

CONQUERED. Andrea Sinson defends the Seniors’ side of the court from opponent Janine De Guzman from the Juniors during the women’s basketball championship game. The Grade 9 batch later emerged victorious not only in the said event, but as the overall champions of the Intramurals 2017.

(Photo by Bea de Guzman | TLB)

photo by AP

Sports Analysis

The Beard advances, the Brodie exits

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he most awaited event of the school year ended with an unexpected result: the Grade 9 batch won the 2017 Intramurals, Jan. 26-27, held at the Molino 2 Barangay Court.

Led by Team Teachers Kenneth Cuadra and Grace Abustan along with the Team Captain Adrian Baraquiel the team took the competition by storm as they built up a huge lead as soon as the activities started, winning majority of the games.

A bunch of Juniors also managed to grab individual awards these students are Keigo Aono (basketball mythical 5), Julianne Agellon

(basketball and volleyball mythical 5 and mythical 6), Karl Dizon (best in athletics), Iyanna Tangpos (best in athletics), Janna Carvajal (best in basketball).

The highest award for the Intramurals—the Most Valuable Player-was also given to a member of the batch, Mark Lennard Manuel.

Carrying the motto “We are one,” the Juniors said, this victory was something they were aiming for since the school year started.

The Grade 9 Batch said they are now looking forward to next year’s Intramurals as they are determined to win back to back.

by: Gabriel Isagani Rugas

ouston Rockets ends Russell Westbrook’s historic season as they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 105-99, closing out the series in 5 games, Toyota Center, April 25.

This is undoubtedly the most awaited series in the first round of this year’s Playoffs, since everyone was expecting that the duel between the top two MVP Candidates, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, would be settled in seven intense games.

But as soon as the series started, we all saw the gap between both teams as the Rockets completely outclassed the Thunder.

Coming into Game 5 even though the odds were completely on the side of the Rockets as they were one win away from advancing, Westbrook was determined to carry his team and extend the series in seven games.

The determination of the Thunder was shown as they came back from a seven-point deficit at halftime and grabbing a five point lead entering the fourth behind Westbrook’s 20 points in the third.

But as soon as the last quarter started, we all saw that it is still the same old story as the Rockets went on a 14-4 run while Westbrook was on the bench as the Thunder completely lost grasp of the game.

Both superstars had an incredible series as they both average amazing numbers, Westbrook averaged 37.4/11.6/10.8 while Harden averaged 33.2/6.4/7 in the span of five games.

But the cast of the Rockets completely overwhelmed the cast of the Thunder as four Rockets besides James Harden average double digits in points in this series.

A Historic Rivalry

by: Beatrice Joy de Guzman

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t’s just as exciting as ever as the highly anticipated game between the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Purefoods Star Hotshots more likely known as Manila Clasico ended in the favor of the Gin Kings, 11398, April 9 2017, Mall of Asia Arena, PBA Commissioner’s Cup 2017.

An energetic crowd welcomed both teams as they entered the arena in what was set to be another epic matchup.

Even though it is just another ordinary elimination game there is still a deeper meaning behind it since this is a rivalry that started almost 3 decades ago.

It is not surprising that this

IN PHOTOS: INTRAMS 2017

More than anything else, the goal of the annual Sports Fest and Intramurals is to bond the whole SALIS community through a common interest, and to promote sportsmanship, cammarederie, teamwork, and humility among students, teachers, and staff alike.

(Photos by: Fraulein Jade Tan, Bea de Guzman, and Ms. Racel Obdin)

rivalry occured since these two teams are arguably the most popular teams in the league.

Online Sports Editor Jaemark Tordecilla called this rivalry Manila Clasico back in the late 80s corresponding to the rivalry between the football teams Real Madrid and FC Barcelona which is called El Clasico.

This rivalry started when Ginebra led by Robert Jaworski lost to Ramon Fernandez and the Tanduay Rhum Makers, 3-1 in the 1986 All-Filipino Cup Finals.

Since then everytime these two teams faced off the game would always go on a whole new different level since both teams were not only aiming for the win but they also want the bragging rights that comes along with it.

Even after players like Jaworski retired the rivalry still continued as new faces entered the frame these includes Mark Caguioa and James Yap. The real reason why the rivalry between these two teams is still alive is because of the fans since the fans has huge impact why the intensity of the rivalry kept getting higher.

Truly, some players might left the scene but the rivalry and history that they contributed to the league will always be remembered and marked in every basketball fan’s heart and mind.