THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION OF THE MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
opinion
science
sports
features To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
Marcos kin stages surprise interment rites
Nukle, Ubod, SSG lead protests vs dictator’s burial W
ith the sudden news of the interment of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), The Nucleus, official English publication of Manila Science High School (MSHS), together with Ang Ubod , official Filipino publication of MSHS, and the Supreme Student Government (SSG) organized a candle-lighting program and school-wide protest to oppose the burial held in front of the Alzona Bust, November 18. “We do not need to be activists to loathe the human rights violations during Martial Law. We are iskolars and we know that murder, torture, and theft are wrong and that is why we are taking a stand,” E r i k a T a t o , editorin-
chief of The Nucleus, said in the program. About 100 voluntary students participated in the event that was quickly prepared due to the unannounced burial of the late dictator. According to Sofia Delos Reyes, features editor of The Nucleus, upon learning that Marcos has been buried at LNMB, their initial move was to print posters to inform the school community. “We coordinated with the SSG and went from room-to-room to announce the details of the candle-lighting after gaining approval from the administration,” Delos Reyes asserted. Grade 10 MaScians volunteered to make a banner saying, “Marcos has been buried. Injustice has been served.” and other publicity materials that helped in inviting MaScians who had the same stand as theirs to join the protest. Meanwhile, Lilac Fameronag, associate editor of The Nucleus and Grade 10 batch representative, explained the reason for their immediate preparations. “We cannot stay neutral when we have the capability as science high school students to find out and speak about the truth. Marcos’ burial has been a long debated matter that even involves our history, if we will not take a stand now, then when?” she remarked.
The future speaks. MaScians help one another in making a banner with the statement “Marcos has been buried. Injustice has been served.” in preparation of the candle-lighting protest. - E. Tato Photo: SSG
Making their points Moreover, several students took the chance to point out their opinions on the arguments of the battling sides on the issue. “Many consider the numerous... Continue on page 2
Bantayog reps initiate ML forum for MaScians P
Painting the town gold and blue. Parents work hand in hand in renovating the school together with the whole MaScian community. - E. Tato Photo: SSG
Brigada Eskwela ‘16 donations amount to P1-M
I
n preparation for the opening of the school year 2016-2017, Manila Science High School (MSHS) received more than P1-M worth of donations during the Brigada Eskwela 2016 (National Schools’ Maintenance Week), May 30 – June 4. Assemblage of contributions Stakeholders, MaScians and the General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA) donated supplies consisting of construction, cleaning, electrical, and plumbing materials, ornamental plants, soil, seedlings and trees, electric fans, LCD projectors amounted to a total of P455,255 during the six-day program. “We have to set a particular price to supplies without an official receipt as the donations were donated in kind,” Ms. Ma. Eva Nacion, principal of Manila Science High School (MSHS) and Overall Chairman of Brigada Eskwela, stated. Continue on page 3
ain beyond forgetting. In line with the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), representatives from Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation organized a seminar for Grade 10 and 11 students to impart real-life narratives about the Martial Law era at the Alzona Hall, November 15. “We feel better as we impart something to you,” Zena Bernardo from Batch ‘86 said. She also narrated that as a MaScian, she noticed that students were mostly unaware of
their surroundings, and only through her father’s interaction with the anti-Marcoses did she become aware. Retrospect Meanwhile, Ester Isberto, one of the Martial Law student activists and detainees, also shared her experiences. “It took students a long time for their eyes to be opened,” Isberto said. Continue on page 4
SSG holds spoken word tilt on gov’t’s war on drugs
A
Poetry as catalyst for social change. Precious Laureta, 7-Archimedes, recites her winning piece on the alarming number of summary executions under the Duterte administration. - E. Tato Photo: SSG
imed to raise awareness about the current issues in the country, ‘Talinhaga’, a spoken word competition was hosted by the Manila Science High School Supreme Student Government (MSHS-SSG) at the Maceda Building, September 9. Continue on page 3
Funding Excellence
Wasted Time
Insufficient Support
page 6
page 6
page 14
Chink in the Armor science c
2 News
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
Sanchez reclaims Boy Mayor title for MSHS A
For a cause. Ms. Leversia Rivera, FEC secretary, prepares clothes to be sold in a garage sale for the benefit of the Lumad and Hacienda Luisita farm workers. - E. Tato
FEC raises social awareness thru relief projects T
o aid and show support for the plight of the Lumad, a collective term for the indigenous peoples of Mindanao, and Hacienda Luisita farm workers, Manila Science High School - Faculty and Employees Club (MSHS-FEC) led a garage sale and asked for donations, October 6-14. MaScians from various grade levels donated school supplies, sacks of rice, canned goods, toiletries, bottled waters, and monetary donations including garage sale proceeds amounting to Php16,000. “The objective of the projects is to help the indigenous peoples located in different parts of the Philippines, as well as the Hacienda Luisita farm workers, and raise awareness to MaScians, and allow them to help in the predicament of their fellow Filipinos,” Ms. Ginarose Habal, FEC president, said. These projects were introduced to promote MaScian awareness on the conflicts of their fellow Filipinos and let the students help in their situations according to Ms. Habal. “For us teachers, teaching, as well as learning, does not stop in the four
walls of a classroom. Learning must be related to what is currently happening in the different sectors of our community and we believe that this outreach program served as an eye-opener to every student as to what is happening beyond the school setting,” Ms. Habal added. Other FEC officers who led the relief projects were Mr. Ferdie Carpio, Vice President (Internal); Mr. Reynaldo Rafols Jr., Vice President (External); Ms. Leversia Rivera, Secretary; Mr. Edgar Sarmiento, Treasurer; Ms. Anabel Casipit, Assistant Treasurer; Ms. Anabelle Baysic, Auditor; Mrs. Cecille Palisoc, Business Manager; Mr. Reynaldo Pineda, Public Relations Officer (AM); Mrs. Hazel Forastero, Public Relations Officer (PM). Due to the increasing number of military attacks, the Lumad led Lakbayan 2016 to call on the government and cease militarization over their territories. Similarly, Hacienda Luisita farmers voiced their petition to distribute land in Hacienda Luisita after passing evidentiary materials over the years. - Althea Lariosa
fter three years of falling short of the position, Grade 11 Batch Representative, Ferdinand Sanchez II, brought back the crown as he was appointed Boy Mayor in this year’s Boys’ and Girls’ Week, December 1-8. Sanchez is the 11th MaScian who became Mayor after Joseph Doroja in 2012. “I feel very happy and proud to show that MaScians do not only excel in academics but also in extracurricular and leadership skills,” Sanchez said. According to him, ranking only third and getting only the Boy President Pro tempore last year also made his success sweeter. M o r e o v e r , Sanchez stressed the significance of the program and detailed his goals as Boy Mayor. “Boys’ and Girls’ Week gives us, student leaders of Manila, to have an overview on how our government works which enables leaders to improve themselves to be a better citizen of the country,” he remarked. He said that he would be focusing on the enhancement of education in Manila and the strengthening of the roles of every individual especially those who are in authority to serve our country better.
Meanwhile, Supreme Student Government (SSG) President, Jarod Peñaflor also gained a seat in the council as District V Boy Councilor. -Samantha Hermosa
EcoWaste Coalition promotes poison-safe locality
Through cardboard boxes turned into direct replicas of common establishments and façades, Dr. Nerissa Dando urges everyone to observe precautions to avoid accidents from improper chemical usage. - R. Catacutan
I
All you need is a tiny spark. MaScians huddle to keep the flame burning and the motivation to contribute to change alive, even at school level. - R. Catacutan
Nukle, Ubod, SSG...
from page 1
The old do not have a monopoly on the truth. Erika Deheart Tato, editor-in-chief of The Nucleus, speaks against the inevitable branding of youth protesters as rebel activists in the candle-lighting Ceremony against Marcos’ Burial. - J. de Luna
expressed their stand on Marcos’ regime. “I myself came from a family of [Marcos] loyalists but I never let my guard down in defending what I know is true and just for the country,” Jarod Peñaflor, SSG President, remarked. Redefining the future “In five to six years we will be the one to vote, and the future of the country lies in our hands; we must vote wisely,” Raia Catacutan, 10-Faraday, stated. Furthermore, The Nucleus and Ang Ubod encouraged students to strengthen their stand on socially-relevant issues. “MaScians, someday we will be the future professionals like those in the SC that will mold the society so we must always think for our country,” Queqquegan asserted. “We never stop asking ‘why’. Remembering the costs of freedom Let us never stop doing our research, As the candles were lit for Standing their ground MaScians. Discourse must always be the tortured, murdered, incarcerated Moreover, some students open among us,” Fameronag stressed. and abducted citizens during Marcos’ imparted the challenges they faced as they -Samantha Hermosa infrastructures built in his (Marcos) era one of the qualities of being a great leader while in fact, it was his job as president to do all these,” Benhur Queqquegan, associate editor of Ang Ubod, added. Meanwhile, others denounced the Supreme Court’s (SC) 9-5 decision in favor of the Marcoses that allowed the dictator’s burial at LNMB. Also, according to Adrian Gache, former editor-in-chief of The Nucleus, the SC just based their ruling on technicalities. “There are two things that can overrule technicalities – moral compass and/or common sense. Anyone with either of the two can say that Marcos’ mishandling of taxpayers’ money and his ordering of thousands killed outweigh these technicalities,” Gache commented.
21-year regime, some MaScians showed a few of the victims’ accounts. “Archimedes Trajano was just a student like us when he was tortured and killed after questioning Imee Marcos’ (Marcos’ daughter) position as Sangguniang Kabataan Chair,” Ferdinand Sanchez II, Grade 11 Batch Representative and Boy Mayor 2016, said. The Nucleus also invited Rolando San Andres, maintenance personnel, who was one of the companions of Lean Alejandro, a known activist that was killed during the Martial Law, to share his story. “I was choosing between the choice of being a rebel in the mountains or staying here in the city but I chose the latter otherwise I would be one of those who battled for the country and were killed in the end,” he narrated.
n observance of the National Poison Prevention Week, the EcoWaste Coalition, a network of nongovernment organizations, organized a poison prevention symposium and urged MaScians to use chemical products with great caution at the Alzona Hall, June 20. “Poison prevention education is essential to protect our children from unwittingly exposing themselves to hazardous products and wastes,” Dr. Nerissa Dando, key note speaker, stated. Dando, a clinical toxicology expert and MSHS Batch 1983 alumna, is the Toxicology Consultant of the National Poison Management and Control Center (NPMCC). Her lecture focused on the importance of avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals instead of dealing with their adverse effects once used incorrectly. She also shared the various common poisons that can be found in the school like lead-containing paint, laboratory chemicals and cleaning agents. Lastly, she also warned MaScians against the seemingly harmless products like colognes, lipsticks and sanitizers, which can also be dangerous if used unwisely. The National Poison Prevention Week is celebrated every fourth week of June. -Lilac Fameronag
News
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
‘Lingua and Litera’ promotes literature in MSHS M
aScians from Grades 7 to 10 attended the first literary seminar, ‘Lingua and Litera’, intended to deepen MaScian appreciation for literature and languages in celebration of the English Month, November 16-18. Bearing the theme ‘Keeping Writing Right: Literature in the Information Age,’ ‘Lingua and Litera’ aims to explain the writing process and the importance of literature through the invitation of renowned lecturers for various literature forms. For the morning plenary sessions, Bam Alegre
Code of Ethics, the MaScian blogger version. Batch ’93 alumnus Tonyo Cruz returns to MSHS to speak on the Responsible Use of Social Media during the second day of Lingua and Litera: A Literary Seminar, November 17. -J. de Luna
and Tonyo Cruz talked to Grades 7 to 8 and Grades 9 to 10, respectively, on the Responsible Use of Social Media. Speakers for the
Energizing theatrical interest in the youth. Renowned actor Nanding Josef, in an impromptu workshop with Grades 7 and 8, imparts basic acting principles during Lingua and Litera: A Literary Seminar, November 16. -J. de Luna
SSG holds spoken word ...
from page 1
The competition encouraged the students to express their views on the rampant extrajudicial killings and drug issues in the country through poetry and the Filipino language. “Talinhaga is one of the many ways we can encourage students to offer their skills and talents to society,” Lilac Fameronag, Grade 10 batch representative, said. Moreover, the competition proved to be a creative outlet for students to express their thoughts regarding current events. “I regularly write poems for myself, but I think the best reason to write is because you have a purpose: to share it with others,” John Thomas Trinidad, 10-Lawrence, one of the finalists, explained. Students were asked to write a spoken word piece about the issues of extra judicial killings and summary executions. From the entries, four finalists were chosen to perform their pieces publicly. Precious Laureta, 7-Archimedes, was declared the winner. Laureta’s piece tackled the needless violence surrounding the country’s war against drugs. “There is an alarming amount of baseless convictions concerning drug cases and I think that needs to be stopped,” she explained. She received a cash prize of php 500. - Francine Soriano
afternoon parallel sessions were: Nanding Josef and Erick Aguilar, Theater Arts; Giancarlo Abrahan V, Film Appreciation; Raymond Tolentino, Public Speaking; Conchitina Cruz, PhD., Poetry Writing; Mark Angeles, Creative Non Fiction; and Ferdinand Jarin and Vijae Alquisola, Short Story Writing. Furthermore, Dr. Roland Tolentino and Dr. Dinah Roma gave speeches exclusive to Foreign Language teachers on Teaching Literature Through Film and to 21st Century Learners, respectively. Foreign Language teachers, in coordination with English Club members, were responsible for organizing and facilitating the three-day literary seminar. - Althea Lariosa
Drugs Board campaigns thru campus journalists
DepEd issues revised Brigada Eskwela ‘16 guidelines on selecting donations... from page 1 Donations, to be used honor students
I n line implementation of
with the the Enhanced Basic Act of 2013 known as the K (Kindergarten) to 12 Law, the Department of Education (DepEd) released DepEd Order No. 36 known as the Revised Policy Guidelines on Awards and Recognition for the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) or the guidelines on the selection of honor students in public schools, June 7. Award for Academic Excellence will be given to learners from grades 1 to 12 who have reached a general average of at least 90 and have passed all the given learning areas. Depending on the cut-off grade met, the graduating students will be given an Award for Academic Excellence with Highest Honor if they have 98-100 as their final average; an Award for Academic Excellence with High Honor if they have 95-97 as their final average; and an Award for Academic Excellence with Honor if they have 90-94 as their final average. Revision of the selection of honor students is in view of the new grading system under the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. DepEd Order No. 74, series of 2012 stipulates the procedures on selecting the qualified honor students from grades 1 to 12 on their academic performance and on their extracurricular activities participated in. More, Ms. Maria Eva S. Nacion, Manila Science High School (MSHS) principal, stated that there will still be an awarding ceremony for the students’ involvement in co-curricular activities. Policy Guidelines on Awards and Recognition for the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum shall be implemented in public elementary and secondary schools and effective in school year 2016-2017. -Yasmin Misa
NDFP reps urge MaScians to support gov’t peace talks Integrating journalism with drug prevention. Campus journalists apply their learning from the series of lectures as they come up with a lineup of articles for their mock newspaper, July 20-22. -E. Tato Photo: DDB
W
ith the current crackdown against drugs and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) held a seminar-workshop on drug abuse prevention with three campus journalists and one school paper adviser representing each of the 17 divisions of NCR, at Riverview Resort and Conference Center, Calamba, Laguna, July 2022. “We chose to conduct a seminar-workshop for campus journalists because we need their help in disseminating information regarding the perils of drug abuse,” Jenhmarie Frias, DDB operations chair, said. Atty. Francis Del Valle from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) gave a thorough discussion regarding the salient provisions of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“We are very much familiar with RA 9165 as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, but we know very little about its important provisions,” Del Valle said in his lecture. Unlike PDEA, the department that operates in drug buy bust operations and arrest, the DDB is a branch of the Office of the President associated with drug campaign, research, and education. Moreover, as an application of what the participants have learned in the series of lectures, student journalists were tasked to create a mock newsletter tackling drug prevention education. “It is nice how these journalists were able to put into writing what they have learned from our speakers. This is very significant, for these students as journalists have the power to influence minds and fight drugs,” Ella Marie Dimaculangan, lecturer, stated. Meanwhile, Erika Deheart Tato, editor-in-chief of The Nucleus, were among the three campus journalists who represented the Division of Manila. -Erika Tato
3
“T o end these conflicts, we must start on uprooting their
origin.” Thus was the statement of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) representatives in ‘The Peace Talk Show’, a seminar discussing the recent leaps in the government’s resolutions to put an end on its dispute with rebel groups, at
the Alzona Hall, September 16. Renante Gamara, NDFP Peace Consultant, and Jaime Soledad, NDFP Socio-economic reform leader, educated Grade 10 students on the resumption of piece talks in Oslo, Norway. Digging through the soil Gamara and Soledad presented the twelve-point program NDFP seeks to be heard by the government and stressed that these are the roots
for cleaning and repainting classrooms, included construction materials that are mainly buckets of paint, brushes, and cleaning materials comprised of floor wax, detergents, and rags. Also, the remaining donations comprised of Php 94,000 for the Science Laboratory Project, Php 24,200 for the repair and reconditioning of airconditioning units, Php 55,000 for the rehabilitation of four comfort rooms, and Php 35,070 in cash that was used for invited lecturers’ meals.
A new coating for the year in waiting. Through applying art skills in back-breaking work, MaScians from different grade levels participate in the annual Brigada Eskwela, May 30-June 4. -J. de Luna Photo: SSG
Set of benefactors More than 1000 stakeholders who gave their assistance consisted of private companies such as Jollibee; associations like Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) and Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP); government agencies such as the Supreme Court and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI); and school such as Mapua Institute of Technology (MAPUA).
The aftereffect MSHS placed second best implementer of the Brigada Eskwela in Small Schools Category, while Corazon Aquino High School (CAHS) managed to take the first spot by a margin of three points. “We should aspire for first place next year with the use of more effective multimedia for information dissemination,” Mr. Baluyot asserted. -Earlynne Castillo of drawbacks in the country’s development. “That is why peace talks are important so that the aim of both sides can be properly discussed in order to end the war,” Soledad said. Furthermore, they gave details on the on-going Peace Talks by outlining its points – respect for human rights and international humanitarian laws, socioeconomic, political and constitutional reforms, and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. They also informed students that there have been many attempts of attaining lasting peace between NDFP and the government. When asked why the peace talks were ‘on-and-off’, they said that NDFP was wholeheartedly open for peace talks, but the previous administrations had a different view. ‘The Peace Talk Show’ is a part of the ‘Let’s Talk About Peace’ forum organized by BAYAN-Manila, in collaboration with the Division of City Schools (DCS) Manila, under the City Council Peace Resolution No. 249. -Samantha Hermosa
4 News
Photonews
Raising a fist for a salary raise. MaScians cheer for Ms. Leversia Rivera, English teacher, raising her fist as a symbol of fighting for our modern
Solidarity with the Lumads. After conducting a donation drive and a garage sale as a fundraising event, officers of the Manila Science High School Faculty-Employees Club
Tracing the roots of MaScian history. Ms. Mercedita Insigne, Science department head, guides different club and homeroom officers to the
Promise to serve. Ms. Maria S. Nacion leads newly-elected Supreme Student Government (SSG)
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
Th e Nu cl e us 140K fund set for School-to-School ran ks 1 i n G awad Partnership Program Pam ah ayagan ‘ 1 6 Wcomes ith great write it down and give the W riting for schools’ publications power great list to us and we’ll be the responsibility. Being one of the performing schools in District V, Manila Science High School (MSHS) was chosen to participate in the School-to-School Partnership Program
one to provide them using excellence. the funds,” she detailed. Rising above 32 public high schools in Memorandum of Manila, Manila Science Agreement High School’s (MSHS) The Listed also in Nucleus aced the top spot the Memorandum of in the Top Ten Performing Agreement are the Schools in English at the Gawad Pamahayagan 2016 held at Lakan Dula High School (LDHS), April 5. Representatives of each of the public high schools in the city composed the annual awarding ceremony for the performances of the
of the Department of Education (DepEd) and was given a budget of Php 140,000, November 10. According to Ms. Maria Eva Nacion, principal, they chose Corazon Aquino High School (CAHS) as MSHS’ partner school. “The purpose of this program is for performing schools like MSHS to help other schools that are just beginning to excel. We chose CAHS because it is the newest school in District V,” Ms. Nacion said. In line with this, she cleared out that the funds will not go to MSHS’ benefit but to the improvement of CAHS. “MSHS will handle the money in such a way that it will be spent on the needs of CAHS such as trainings and learning materials,” she added. In addition, Ms. Nacion explained the process of the partnership stated in the memorandum agreed upon by both schools. “Whatever they will be needing, pad papers, writing materials and the like, they just have to
responsibilities of both schools wherein the leading school, MSHS, will liquidate the funds allotted for the projects and activities and monitor and evaluate the progress of these programs. Meanwhile, the partner school, CAHS, is to orient its teaching and nonteaching personnel about the program, participate actively and cooperate in the submission of the requirements. Moreover, the memorandum also comprises of the Work Financial Plan presented to and signed by the principal of both schools in front of a representative from the MSHS General ParentsTeachers Association (GPTA). The plan includes seminars discussing content-related topics such as How to Make an Investigatory Project or a Research Proposal and materials necessary for these discussions. According to Ms. Nacion, selected teachers from MSHS may also take part in the talks to be held at CAHS. -Samantha Hermosa
heroes’ privileges in line with the celebration of World Teachers’ Day at the MSHS Amadome, October 5. - J. de Luna Photo: SSG
(FEC) awards the proceeds to the Lumad during the Lakbayan 2016, University of the Philippines – Diliman, October 21. -J. de Luna Photo: Ms. Ginarose Habal
plant offering conducted in front of the Alzona bust after the opening program of the celebration of the 53rd Foundation Day, October 7. -J. de Luna Photo: SSG
officers during their oath taking after the first Friday mass at the MSHS Amadome, July 1. -J. de Luna
Preparedness is key to survival. Students of Manila Science High School (MSHS) evacuated in only four minutes during the simultaneous
earthquake drill conducted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), June 22.-J. de Luna
in the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC), Mini Press Conference, and Grades 7-9 Citywide Journalism contests. After gaining first place in Editorial Writing in last year’s RSPC, Erika Deheart Tato, 10-Lawrence, advanced to the NSPC held in Koronadal last February 22-26, where The Nucleus bagged the sixth place for its Features page in the same event. MSHS’s Ang Ubod ranked eighth in the Top Ten Performing Schools in Filipino — ranking MSHS third in the overall top school publications in the City of Manila. -Julienne Ozaeta
Bantayog reps initiate ML forum... from page 1
Due to her continued participation in participating in activist groups, she was put to jail in Camp Lapu-Lapu in 1974 and in Camp Bagong Diwa in 1977. “In 1977, my husband and I were abducted and were put into solitary confinement and when I asked for a lawyer they laughed at me and said that I do not understand that in Martial Law, there are no lawyers for us,” she narrated. Moreover, Cheryl Prudente, alumna, also talked about her interactions with militants that started when she was in second year high school. “I had two forms of education, one in MaSci and one in the underground group I joined. It was then that I joined rallies wherein I had to run between bullets and witness one of my companions die,” she remembered. Expensive freedom In addition, some martyrs of the era who were tortured and murdered were enumerated namely: Lean Alejandro, Macliing Dulag, Dr. Bobby dela Paz, Crispin Beltran, Horacio Morales, Luis Manuel Mijanes and others while some Desaparecidos, those who just suddenly vanished without trail, were also mentioned like Toym Imao, Fr. Rudy Rommano and Hermon Lagman. Moreover, there were also MaScian martyrs namely: Arnulfo Reses, Rolando Alano, Emmanuel Obispo and Noel Merelos. “You must treasure the freedom that you
have now because that is expensive and was paid by the lives of these martyrs,” Isberto asserted. Netizens who proudly support Martial Law in social media were also emphasized. “Tweeting, texting and group bondings are not allowed in Martial Law,” Prudente said. Call for action Isberto also mentioned the reason why they were conducting these talks. “We are telling you this because recently, the Marcoses have returned to power. In 2022 it is in your hands if you are going to let them take over,” she said. Furthermore, they expressed their opinion on the unannounced burial of the late dictator at Libingan. “Now the whole world who admired our country in the peaceful 1986 EDSA Revolution laughs at us as we bury him with heroes,” Isberto added. Commemoration They introduced the Bantayog ng mga Bayani to the students, showing its museum, Heroes’ Monument and other parts of the foundation and asked for voluntary support from them. Such seminar is also conducted in other campuses all over the country like St. Scholastica’s College, Ateneo de Naga, Far eastern University and others. -Samantha Hermosa
Opinion
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
5
The Nucleus Online’s statement on the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling on late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.’s burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), November 14.
Pillars of Social Change
Letter to the Editor SSG Secretary
Hannah Miralles
Dear The Nucleus Editors,
With the recent post on our Supreme Student Government (SSG) Facebook page regarding the school-wide protest of Manila Science High School (MSHS) in response to the Marcos burial, I find that it is impossible to keep up with the online feud that has seemingly taken the MaScian community by storm. Every minute – and no, I am not exaggerating – someone replies to the post. The comments usually come from MaScians themselves, trying to reason with others who believe that the protest was wrong, that voicing out our opinions and fighting for justice was an act of foolishness. These MaScians are fighting for and defending our school’s name against people who fail to understand that the youth today are more powerful than it has ever been. What’s worse is that these people also throw insults at us, claiming that MaScians are not as bright as the country perceives them to be because apparently the youth should not be concerned for its nation’s problems. Is it not the youth’s obligation to be well-informed, to take a stand in societal issues that our country faces? When did becoming an informed member of our nation become something that only adults should do? I call out to MaScians who have already made their voices heard, and I call out to those who have not yet. Our country needs more brave members of the youth to exercise their rights to speak out. After all, we – the youth – are the future.
The Nucleus, Editor-in-chief
Erika Deheart Tato
Dear Hannah,
We at The Nucleus share the same sentiments. We were as dismayed and furious as you as we kept track of the comments section. Not only because we were also one of the student-institutions that spearheaded the event, but also because just like you, we believe that the youth is indeed still a part of society. It is for this reason that they should not be considered voiceless and ignorant. We firmly believe that social awareness should be taught in school because just like what you said, we—the youth—are the hope and future of this nation.
Erika Deheart Tato Jericho de Luna Editor-in-chief science editor LILAC FAMERONAG carl justine miranda ASSOCIATE EDITOR sports editor YASMIN RIANNE MISA Lilac Fameronag MANAGING EDITOR visual artist Vianne Redoblado Sofia Delos reyes NEWS EDITOR Sofia Delos reyes julienne ysabel ozaeta layout artists features EDITOR
T
aking a stand on national issues such as the Marcos burial is a right society cannot deprive from the youth. With the unannounced burial of deceased dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., MaScians commemorated the atrocities of the Martial Law Era through a candle-lighting ceremony and school-wide protest initiated by the Manila Science High School (MSHS) official publications, The Nucleus and Ang Ubod, together with the Supreme Student Government (SSG) on November 18. Pictures of the event went viral, garnering mixed responses from netizens. Mascians who participated in the event, however, remain firm in their stand to condemn the Marcos burial. The youth are this country’s next professionals and election voters. Therfore, they are allowed, if not obligated, to involve themselves on matters that affect the country’s welfare, future, and even history. Today’s issue on the Marcos burial is not an exception. When photos of the event went viral, several netizens denounced the students’ decision of voicing out their plight saying that the youth do not know anything, and that they should just study instead of involving themselves in such activities. MaScians do their
research , not only in the field of Science, but also in the country’s history. They know about the 70,000 people imprisoned, 34,000 tortured, and 3,240 killed during the Martial Law. This makes them not foolish enough not to piece together the idea that Marcos’ burial may be legal, but definitely not just. They will never settle with moving on and conceding to historical revisionism. Their everyday undertaking in school has taught them how to be critical of the
indulge themselves in opulent living. They are the fresh minds that will dictate the future of the nation. Their affirmations will soon be that of the Philippines’. It is then, only important, to allow the youth to speak up and be heard and corrected if there need be. Whatever happened to the quote “The youth is the hope of the nation.” that Filipinos used to believe? Let the students ask questions, research, and investigate. Allow them to think critically and, most of all, encourage them to engage in discourse, especially now more than ever. That is the only way for the country to progress — by molding citizens who know exactly what their country needs. S o c i a l awareness is the best lesson that can be taught to younger generations. This is the culture Philippine society did not have before which makes such youthinitiated protests difficult to accept. However, these protests just prove that culture is currently being corrected and changed. It is a symbol of hope. Let the youth of today be an example to the many other generations who will come next. Let the future of this country speak. Let them be a reminder of the youth’s true duty in society: to be pillars of social change.
MaScians do their research, not only in the field of Science but also in the country’s history.
OFFICE 401 MAIN Building Manila Science High School Taft Avenue cor. Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
f
/theNUKLE @thenucle
information laid before them by people. They are old enough to take a stand and to know what is right from wrong. It is an insult to every student who voiced out their plight to assume that their protests are ordered and required by authorities as it is like saying they are robots, unable to think on their own. It is also a matter of disgrace to perceive the youth as citizens whose only duty is to study hard so that one day they can attain high-paying jobs and
Reina florence alcaide allia ballaran earlynne castillo ms. abegail e. pariente raia joon catacutan adviser marianne faith hadap Ms. maria eva s. nacion samantha nicole hermosa principal althea lariosa mr. vicente victorio Mary yuko obayashi supervisor francine alaine soriano matthew keizo yuda Senior staffers
6 Opinion
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
Nucleus of the Matter
National
Is the Supreme Court’s decision to allow Marcos’ burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) justifiable? FA C T : By a vote of 9-5 from the Justices, the Supreme Court allowed the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), November 8.
Yes
33% “The Supreme Court has provided enough evidence for the burial to be legal.” – Trololol
“Because doing that won’t change anything that has happened in the past.” – ARM, 7-Armstrong
No
67%
“Some people declared missing during the Martial Law are still missing until today, and there is a vast number of deaths under Marcos’ regime.”- Anonymous, 10Moseley “We may not bring back the lives of those who died in the Martial Law but at least give those families justice.”- ANONYMOUS
VERDICT: Out of 462 respondents, 152 said yes and 310 said no. It still shows that there are more MaScians who are against the decision of the Supreme Court
Local
Is the 6:45 AM cut-off point an effective way to encourage MaScians to come to school on time? FA C T : Since the start of the school year, the administration imposed the 6:45 AM cut-off point to lessen the number of students who are late.
Yes
29%
”Discipline is always the key to change.”- regal, 8-Pauling
”It is a practice for MaScians to arrive at school on or before 6:45 AM.”pillow, 10-Einstein
No
71%
“Physical and mental health should come first before grades.”- bja, 7Armstrong “We should understand that there are many students who live outside Manila, and even though they leave their houses at an early time, there are still some instances wherein they can’t come to school ontime” -Anonymous, 8- Kepler
VERDICT: More than half of the MaScians surveyed think that the 6:45 AM cut-off point is not an effective way to solve the problems of tardiness in MaSci. It does not encourage them to come on school on time. Allia Ballaran Mary Yuko Obayashi
Excellence Funding C
e r t a i n l y , Mascian-contestants have the brains to win in competitions. What they lack are the means. In MaSci, we take great pride in our student-contestants. Great recognition is given to them once they win contests. Their names are announced during flag ceremonies and tarpaulins announcing their victory are hung in school. And if they are lucky enough, they are also personally congratulated by the principal or the department heads. The school recognizes the hard work, excellence, and sacrifices studentcontestants show to bring home the bacon. However, there are other hardships student-contestants face when it comes to joining competitions. An example is the budget which the school seldom or does not provide at all. Joining contests are usually costly. The common solution is to solicit from parents and other students or for contestants and their
E r i k a Ta t o
trainers to spend their own money. This should not be the case. Carrying the weight of the school on their shoulders is already enough of a burden for contestants. Teachers themselves should also not have
as topping the National Achievement Tests (NAT). It is the school’s way of sustaining the tradition of excellence and glory. Student-contestants risk their academics, while teachers exert effort and sacrifice their time. It would be best if there would be a separate budget for studentcontestants intended for transportation, contest fees, training materials, food, and other necessities. Subject departments do not have to work separately in collecting funds for their contests. Studentcontestants do not ask, nor need, a big budget. Everything can start small, just not from nothing. At least this way, contestants and teachers have less to worry about. Full support for MaScian contestants not only include recognizing and commending their hard work, rather, it also includes providing them with the means to win contests and bring glory to the school.
Carrying the weight of the school on their shoulders is already enough of aburden for contestants. Teachers themselves should also not have to worry. to worry. When it comes to the fees, the transportation, and the budget for materials, studentcontestants and their teachertrainers should not have to stress themselves. Granted, we study in a public school and the expenditures are limited. However, it is all a matter of prioritization. Through the years, there have been plenty of projects in MaSci that were made possible despite the lack of funds. “If there’s a will, there’s a way” applies greatly in this context, especially considering the fact that in MSHS, joining competitions are as important
Wasted Time I
Via Satellite Lilac Fameronag
t is not a significantly—should already and attitude towards their secret that one of the tell us that the system is not priorities. Consideration arguably most alarming as efficient as we had hoped it from other people will be problems plaguing would be. integral to this process. MaScians is tardiness. First, this scenario can Instead of holding I certainly have had only ever be detrimental to the tardy students and my fair share of experience the academics of the students, prohibiting them from when it comes to being late. what with all the lessons and going to their first class, it I had many excuses, and I do requirements that he/she would would be more effective if not deny that my tardiness miss. This, in itself, may seem we address why they’re late is completely my fault. I do like punishment, but in the long in the first place. Chances argue, however, that the way run, students will only get used are, their answers may not this issue is handled has not to not attending their first- be so different from those of been very effective. period class, instead of learning others. Currently, when Even better, we a student comes to school must begin talking to after 6:45 AM, he/she will Preventing latecomers from attending students who have been their first class and merely having late for three or more times be asked to just write his/ them write down their names as a to know why this happens. her name on a paper which consequence of their tardiness will These are students who the watchmen keep. They not solve this problem. will be ordered to sit down need guidance, persistent, and wait until the first encouragement, and period ends during which to come to school on time. It will reminders. If one morning the names on the list will be, if anything, become a routine we warn them about their be called out one by one, every morning. tardiness and the next we indicating that they can Making them miss do not, these students will leave the holding area. another class would only add feel that we are being lenient P r e v e n t i n g to the workload that they are towards them. latecomers from attending unable to properly finish on time, Consistency is, their first class and merely and the cycle, then, continues. therefore, the key; we must having them write down This, however, does not show that we truly care for their names as a consequence excuse students from trying their the welfare of our students, of their tardiness will not best to adhere to the school rules not just for upholding the solve this problem. and managing their time wisely. school rules. Then, and The sheer number If the reason why some only then, will the number of late students everyday— students are late is because of of people under the Science even the teachers-in-charge poor time management, then building, every morning, have admitted that this what they need to begin changing lessen in number. number does not decrease is, first of all, their behavior
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
In A Capsule K e i z o Yu d a
Greater Obstacles I
n a country where mental disorders are blatantly dismissed as jokes, it is no wonder why seven Filipinos commit suicide every day. The numbers are no joke. Though suicide rates in the Philippines are much lower compared to that of other Asian countries, the numbers are continuously on the rise. In reality, the Philippines is a country in total denial of such an issue. There must be, then, a societal initiative to inform people of mental health, and to provide the need for every member. Unfortunately, there is an uncertainty that lingers with every utter of the term “mental health.” This consequently leads to a social stigma targeted towards those suffering from mental illnesses. Stigma, in all its forms, not only deprives, but also robs those in need of guidance and the access to aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a “state of well-being” that allows
people to function well in their community. Without mental health, society may not function as a whole, or function properly for the good. C o n s e q u e n t l y , government officials must be the first body to pursue an initiative on mental health. Sadly, as of 2016, there is an absence of a mental health law in the Constitution. Such a law would
comprehensively into school curricula. Palawan public schools will test a mental health curriculum that puts topics such as sexuality, bullying, and life schools into discussion. Other areas have also begun mental health initiatives for students. For example, plans for a schoolwide mental health seminar in Manila Science High School (MSHS) by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) are underway. Such initiatives mean a lot of things. For Mrs. Hazel Forastero, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP) teacher, these initiatives show the people are beginning to shed light onto a “modern day disease that has penetrated the world with hopelessness.” Truly, there is hope in everything. However, in the modern day, resilience is not simply a physical capability. By shedding light on the need for mental health, the Filipino people will soon make it through not only against sticks and stones, but also the bigger obstacles in life.
Stigma, in all its forms, not only deprives, but also robs those in need of guidance and the access to aid. enhance mental health facilities, as well as provide rights to those mentally-ill. Legislations have been filed in the past, but all failed to pass. While all may seem lost in the Senate, other sectors are starting to acknowledge the problem at hand. The Department of Health (DOH) recently opened the “Hopeline Project” which aims to prevent suicide by a 24-7 counselling service. Meanwhile, the DOH, along with the Department of Education (DepEd), has begun integrating mental health more
Rookie In Blue Shea Anzures
‘Nilibing na si Marcos’ I
t was supposed to be a normal day. My friends and I were on our way to our next class when my attention was called by a friend from another section. She called out my name, and I, oblivious, greeted her like I usually do, with a smile and a simple “Hello!”. But the smile was wiped from my face as soon as she opened her mouth and spoke these words. “Nilibing na si Marcos.” And I was enraged. Until The Nucleus posted several notices that stated “Marcos has been buried. Injustice has been served.” A few of The Nucleus staffers went also to the Amadome where I was at the time and announced that there would be a candle-lighting ceremony held after classes in front of the Alzona bust. We weren’t required to, but I wanted to go. I wanted to mourn for and with my fellow Filipinos from both the past and the present. Fast-forward to the ceremony itself. I listened to the people who led the
mini-forum, held my head low by the time the candle-lighting commenced, and sent a silent and short prayer to anyone who was listening. We did what was expected of such a solemn ceremony. Most of the people who had spoken during the program had my respect even before the event. They were people
the risk of displeasing some others because they did not agree with you. I hope every MaScian can be as courageous as you all are. To the students who took the time to attend and say what they wanted, you have my respect. It is not a piece of cake to stand in front of a crowd and share your opinions, but you did it anyway. To all the people who came out of the event with a new mindset, you have my respect, for I know it is not easy to deal with having everything you know changed in a few moments. It is like having a rug swept from right underneath you, and I hope you can stand tall and firm from now. To The Nucleus, Ang Ubod, and the Supreme Student Government, thank you. Your efforts will be seen as something that will go down in MaScian history.
I have never been prouder to call myself a MaScian, to call these people my schoolmates. who were dignified and knew what they were fighting for. I have never been prouder to call myself a MaScian, to call these people my schoolmates. Adrian Gache - the previous editor-inchief of The Nucleus - even came by and said his own piece. I felt happy that there were people who thought like me, that there were people who were willing to fight the injustice this country keeps on suffering just to keep one family relevant when their name should have died down long ago. To the organizers of this spontaneous event, I know it was not easy, and that you took
Rookie in Blue is an open column for MaScians who wish to express their opinion in The Nucleus.
Opinion
7
LetternewTO THE PRESIDENT To the 16th president of the Philippines, I’ve heard of you long before the election campaigns even started. Your governance of Davao City, ranked 5th in the safest cities in the world in 2015, did not go unnoticed. To be recognized worldwide is a huge feat for any leader. But that didn’t mean I didn’t have my doubts about you, especially during the campaign period. I could go on for quite a long time about why I didn’t jump on the bandwagon of your supporters. Your promises and platforms were so easy in the ears, and I could not disagree when people say this place needs an iron fist to be run properly. But I saw holes in your campaign, in you. To put it simply, I didn’t trust you to run this country. I found you indecisive, like when you had announced to the media that you will not be running for president, only to take it back almost immediately when you found the leading candidate unfit. I found you crass and rude, with the way you dealt with the media and how you constantly stirred up controversy, with alarming and offending statements, the worst one being a tasteless joke that sent thousands of women in a rage and even fear. You treated a lot of things as a joke, even as something as pivotal as the Presidential Debates, which some people depend upon to decide who is fit to lead us. Some say that it’s just you being yourself, and that nothing is wrong with that, and I would have agreed if it were under different circumstances. The President is a mirror, the reflection of a country and its people. In my eyes, you weren’t the image I wanted for us internationally. But most of all, what terrified me the most was how much influence you had over our country’s citizens. Influence isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but the way your supporters react to people who state their opinions against you, which they were very much entitled to have,
was appalling. Death threats and other promises of violence flew around social media whenever someone decides to voice out their doubts. It ruined all kinds of relationships. It made me scared because the more I thought about it, the more I realized how your victory would influence the freedom of expression. If you win, I thought to myself, I would never be able to write exactly what I felt or thought, not without having the constant anxiety of your supporters’ approval hounding my every thought. You influenced your supporters with the thought that joking about rape is okay. You kept objectifying women, and soon your supporters followed. If you win, I would never be able to write anything close to my heart without asking myself a thousand times: What if they take it the wrong way? Would I ever feel safe? I’m young, but I’m not naïve. I’m writing this as a teenage girl who constantly worries about whether she can go out wearing and doing what she wants because the constant fear of being violated by the people you influenced keeps gnawing at her in the back of her mind. I’m writing as a student, and a child, thinking about what’s waiting for her in the future; whether she’ll still have any place left in society if she decides to step out of place. I’m not writing this just for me, but for everyone else who has ever felt this way and was told that they were wrong, and that their opinions were invalid. But now that you won, now that you are in-charge of running this country, I pray that all my worries were for nothing. They say that no one wants to be proven wrong, but right now, I pray that I am. I’m begging you, sir, make me regret ever opening my mouth to say anything against you. Because that’s all I can do at this point. And I hope that you do.
Sincerely,
Rae J. Doroteo 9-Hertz This piece won first place in The Nucleus’ contest Letter to the New President conducted last June 2016.
8 Features
To Write in the Service of Truth contest ISSUE CONTEST issue Vol. 53 no. 2
T hey say ‘get wrecked sa reqs’, we say ‘kapit lang bes.’ Every time we encounter another hell week, we are familiarized with these words. We, MaScians, have survived half of the school year already but there is still another half to endure. How will we survive if we do not know how to ‘kapit lang’? Here is a survival guide that will give us hope, to pass our acads and our life that seems to be dragged along with it.
Jot it Down Have a Time Plan FEED YOURSELF
One crucial thing in having lots of things to do is the tendency to forget some, if not all of them. It is best to stay organized to make sure that we will be able to accomplish everything we need to do. A simple notebook can come in very handy! We spend a big part of our everyday life inside school. Every single day, we are overwhelmed with tons of school-related stress: long tests that we expect daily, assignments, and deadlines of everything that we need to finish on time. Managing our time well will help us accomplish everything earlier and avoid procrastination.
Feeding yourself means loving yourself. When no one in the room understands how painful and destroyed we are because of our unfinished requirements, food will never let us down. Take a break, have some food and everything will be okay again.
Even if we struggle, we should always hang on so we can move forward. We should not back down from our requirements that seem to wreck us almost every day. We are no longer strangers to misery and always remember that if there’s a will, there’s a way.
NEVER SAY NEVER
This is something that could differ from person to person, whether it is stalking someone’s *ehem* crush *ehem* or just reading quotes that could lift our spirits a little. These things could really help especially during the times when all we could think of is giving up. A little bit of music can also keep us going and satisfied.
FEEL MOTIVATED pUT YOUR FEET UP HAVE YOUR CO-KAPIT FRIENDS WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
Everybody deserves a break after many months of waking up early, cramming daily requirements, and reviewing for exams. Let us not forget to recuperate and catch up with our bed from time to time. Find people who are in the same situation as you. Sometimes, we need someone who could relate to our desolation. We may need someone on the same level of misery with all the pile of tortures a.k.a. homework and other requirements. Remember that it is okay to play and let our hair down sometimes, but we should do it after work. Finishing what we want to be done deserves a celebration. We should not forget to reward ourselves and savor every Friday that we will meet!
As we reach half of this school year, we should have our best strategies to combat all our constant apprehensions brought by these school works. We should not forget to say it to ourselves, never lose hope and surely we can surpass it, “Kapit lang!” -Althea Lariosa, Yasmin Misa
t h g i E scian M a ps Tihow to
g n a L t i p Ka
On
#
TRUE HORROR STORIES:
The Excused Edition SOnecarier than the movies. does not need special equipment or a third-eye to
find out that there exists in MSHS the things of blockbuster horror films. MaScians carry a flair of the horrific, but only when they are not always around.
Clowns and the Craze Like clown sightings around the world, excusing students from their classes has become a vogue in MSHS. Many, if not most MaScians, are like the creepy clowns themselves. We love venturing into the unknown and away from the protection of our classrooms. This does not necessarily equate to less school work, though. Though the job demanded from those excused is no laughing matter, MaScians just love the thrill of it.
Walking Dead You start to lose your human-like characteristics the longer it gets. Being pulled out from class for a week is a humongous ordeal for amateurs, but more so for second-timers. The feeling is akin to a zombie bite, leaving you frantic and indisposed until the infection has taken over. That is when you realize you have missed quite a lot in class. But hey! All is worth it. You make up for missed school work because co-curricular activities do not leave you dead, rather, undead.
Life as a Ghost Unfortunately, the third time is not always the charm. Life as a veteran excused student is no school life at all. One becomes the ghost of the class or even the whole school. You feel distanced from everybody. Your physical inexistence transcends to mental oblivion. Your excuse letters become your tombstone, the only mark proving you once sat for a lesson and not for a review session. Only psychics, your closest friends, notice you. The rest begin to wonder if you truly exist.
There is a reality, then, that must be made known to every MaScian. First, the supernatural and the seemingly superficial do exist in MSHS. Clowns, zombies, and ghosts are all around us. And second, anybody can be one when it is his/ her time to be pulled out of class. However, while it seems like every horror story’s fate is darkly sealed, the ‘excused edition’ calls to be viewed from a different
light. After all, there certainly must be a reason why one gets pulled out of class. Perhaps it is to represent MSHS in a competition. Or it could be to prepare for a school ceremony. Either way, not everybody gets to be excused. Being unhuman is both a duty and a privilege, no matter how horrifying it gets. -Keizo Yuda
Features
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
clip it
d e k n i t Ge
Big bags sometimes cannot be avoided if all the things inside are badly needed. Zippers may get in the way and might even break in the process. In this case, one can use a paperclip as a zipper tab alternative and in short order, one is ready to go.
t es no en do p o n ’s f I e es on dry up. o g , S o m e t im n d d e c id e s t o w rro a ll a o u ld b o o t t o m c t a e n e o t a t cooper pen tha t the b t pen a h paper to a spare s in a o h p e ll a n o atc e b o n a s c r a ls o g e t r id b in g t h b le u b r ib r r o c f s pen can he pen to shoe or in g t h e k of your a h s in g t S . k bac t be cau t marker can h ig m t b r in g it a n b b le s t h ermane n t ip . o f a ir b u e s o lv e n t o f a p in g it o n t h e p e Th e ll b y u s dry up. in k a s w y r d e lv d is s o
rule(r) the school
D r a w in g ta b le s a n can be s d c h a r ts uch a bo th e r if o not have ne does a d o n ’t fr e n y r u le r a t h a n d. But t becaus e one c th e ir o w an use n ID a s a r u le r a n y ti m e .
markyour books
R may it eading is a be not must f es o own s tory b , reference b r every MaS ooks o ooks. the pa r even cian, But so ge on metim e left o n e ’s absenc es, fo i e of rgettin bookm s such a h bands g arks assle. in In t page, a stead, just st , one can retch t use ru he nd one he ban bber can co d a ntinue to read round the in no t ime.
MaScian Life Hacks
os e th r Th is is fo ow kn t do no w ho so m et im es te r at m No w he re to go . en be s ha ho w lo ng on e s et rg fo st ill st ud yi ng , on e re su e ak m hi s sc he du le s. To cl as sr oo m go t no on e do es on e ca n fin d th ei r cl as s, ho pp in g ju st to ei r lo ck th ei r sc he du le s as cl as s. se t a pi c of th xt fo rg et tin g hi s ne sc re en to av oi d
S
geton track
e is h cl as s do th es No t on ly in En gl , ds or w r in pl ac e. In ot he to sp ee ch es co m e ve ha ye ar , st ud en ts al m os t ev er y su bj ec t r ve te ha w s r cl as pe rf or m in th ei av oi d re ad in g in fr on t, it m ay be . W hi le h ap ov er e lin es or pa ra gr re ad in g th e sa m ea ch on e by hi gh lig ht in g an d ov er ag ai n on e ca n lo r. In th at w ay , w ith a di ffe re nt co ad in g. of w ha t s/ he is re ea si ly ke ep tr ac k
Althea Lariosa tress is one of the most common problems MaScians share alike. It keeps us in a mess but keeps us going at the same time. While it is true that, stress is something inevitable in a MaScian’s life, there are ways that one can follow to avoid mishaps and hair-pulling situations. Sometimes in the most difficult times, things that are not supposed to happen happen. These are the MaScian life hacks for every student sick and tired of being stressed out.
d i l So Research paper. Math homework. No problem! Every day homework and projects? MaScians are all used to it. In fact, we handle the schoolwork so well that we huddle up like compact molecules to finish the task. Much like the solid state, right? We become strong, firm and tough to face our everyday challenges, especially in our school where we are taught to skillfully accomplish many tasks in so little time. Let’s go multitasking!
9
avoid classroom hopping color your memory blue
Ever strugg led readin g notes? MaScia ns never skip a day withou t writing notes at least once. Writin g is not the only hard part, studyin g it as well is part of the list. If one wants to retain inform ation better, writing in blue ink can someh ow help , as studies show that doing so can increas e memor y capacit y by 50%. To take notes faster, go for the retract able pen and not the one with the cap.
d i u Liq
Love life? Class performance? Meh. But well, there are some exceptions wherein our solid states turn soft and melt into flowing liquids. Like that time when we saw our crush passing by? Or maybe that time when we completely forgot the line we were supposed to say in a class performance? There are times where things go simply unplanned, and we tend to go with the flow instead. Melting into the liquid state is not much of a bad idea. It helps us realize that we do not always need to keep our guard up, and that sometimes, we should just let the flow of the river take us to our destination.
S M c a e i h T States ofan Mind
Gas
2 A.M. Unfinished essay. Deadline: Tomorrow. Panic! When our multi-tasking powers fail us, we cling onto our procrastination powers — which, obviously, will sometimes fail us, too. We try to finish all the requirements in one night. Then, suddenly we wake up at 5 A.M., only to see that we have fallen asleep on our desks. Once we arrive in school, we are a big mess of disheveled hair, groggy eyes, and lightheaded brains. The Mascian gaseous state is evident in every one of us in at least one period (or more) in our lives, but hey, it’s good to be lutang every once in a while.
Julienne Ozaeta
S hape shifting powers, activate! One of the good things about being a MaScian is that we come in many
different forms depending on the situation we face, just as how matter can come in three different states: solid, liquid, and gas. With all of the things going about in this school year, it could be tricky to understand what phase we are right now. Are you resilient, like solid? Carefree, like liquid? Or maybe your head is above the clouds, like gas?
10 Features I Met The In Denial
Features
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
MarScial
g n i t a g o interr
millennial
aim s to be par t of the star You ng and naïv e, this Mar Scia l sect ion nex t yea r freq uen tly seen by the ‘Un der the Mom mie s’ who are wai ting she d of MSH S
ev er si nc e I en te re d ed zl az fr en be s ha “M y w or ld be lie ve it is not to e m d le k oc sh e ur M aS ci ! Th is cu lt ef ul , ti al La w ! It w as so pe ac ar M e th ng ri du is th lik e e w hat m y M om sa id !” lik st ju te ra e im cr ze ro
ck: fa c t c h eDur ing
inte nsif ied; Mar cos actu ally Mar tial Law , crim e in Man ila nclo the d mar sha ls’. The se wer e arm ed, plai ord ere d the dep loym ent of ‘sec ret bus es, and s ney to be pas sen ger s in jeep mil itar y age nts who pre ten ded inal s. crim e wer any bod y the y tho ugh t wit h ord ers to sho ot and kill
MarScial
e u l b / w o l l e y the blooded
Favo rite color is yello w and coin ciden tally , is also their batch color The resor t/ha ciend a of his or her pare nts is alwa ys the venu e for class outin gs Favo rite subje cts? Engl ish histo ry.
Is relat ed to or has a fami ly mem ber relat ed to the Coju angc os, Aqui nos or Enril es
“Anak, Marcos’ first term was very successful!” -Dad
Read y to hit the Cine mat heq ue Cen ter Man ila ever y Frid ay to catc h an indi e mov ie Has visit ed mor e than five mus eum s
MarScial
Love s to go to café s arou nd Vito Cruz and Espa ña just to talk abou t mor e arts and cult ure
“Marcos was the best president because according to my textbooks about studies on the Philippine economy, PHP and USD were actually equal that time! We have attained our golden age!”
fa ct c h e c k : Yes, the golden age… only second best to Japan! Our country was actually dubbed as the
at -d ep riv ed an d go od ho ol (M SH S) , sle ep Sc gh Hi ce . ien ly Sc ve de nt of M an ila es m isu se d im pu lsi (n .) A ty pi ca l stu ac e an d wi t, of te n tim gr th wi up t gh ou t br ar Sc ial s pr oc ra sti na tio n bu or ba tis ng di wa , M ss ne us : cio ce ns en co nt se of e ea m Sa m pl o de ca de s ba ck .” in g th ro ug h th e str tia l La w (M L) Er a tw ar “I f no t bu sy sw im m M e th on ts in po ad dr es s th eir vi ew us e th eir vo ice s to ni ed lum , it ca nn ot be de of th e K to 12 cu rri cu ol ho ica l sc th gh my hi t ye ior od jun g up to a go e Hi sto ry in in kin pp wa ili if Ph As . of l er va ev mo an lla r de bt mo re th W ith th e re r th e 30 bil lio n US do gis ts wi ll sk yr oc ke t fo olo g ap yin os pa rc ll Ma sti e of ar nt , we in ve sto rs th at th e po pu lat ion up to th is ve ry mo me fo re ign aid , pr iva te at y, th om ny on ma ec n to n ow r ow ou om ics mo rn in g, it is un kn s cla im ed to be fro m te pr of es so r of Ec on rti al La w, wh ich wa es K. Bo yc e, as so cia Ma e Jam th s Er a. to g g rco in rin Ma rd du co the ed ac in rn t ea po ve ris hm en ac co rd in g to s Im d wa an is th Th . ow es Gr nu of y ve on om an d go ve rn me nt re th e Ma rti al s bo ok Th e Po lit ica l Ec Ma ssa ch us et ts, in hi les ab ou t Ma rc os or of tic ar ty rsi no ive a, er Un e e th th at rin g ali ze d, th e ip wa s pr om in en t du tic les we re ve ry loc sh ar or e ns th l ce Al . ide or nw d tio bo d up da te s cle us -U Sin ce na ac co mp lis hm en ts an st iss ue s of Th e Nu pa as e ll th we in as en h nt itt wr mo cu lar r alm os t an La w ha ve be en ce leb ra te d in a pa rti we re no cla sse s fo e ns er sio th ca at oc th to ed ly ar on ws . On e th e alu mn a, sh to pic s lim ite d ce or br ea kin g cu rfe , MS HS Ba tch ‘86 len do ar vio rn of Be r fea na Ze in . s de nt ok , an d he r do ne on MS HS ra lli es an d ab se nt stu wa y to th eir ye ar bo s, its ge ke rra ba ma t ise no no did to pic tu re g ag e of 14 . en tir e ye ar du e ‘79 , sh ar ed th at he r ac tiv ist at th e yo un an tch Ba dy , ea te alr en s ud wa Pr e e ot he r ha nd , Ch r ide nt ity sin ce sh l in th e alt er ed to pr ot ec t he an d Ma rc os ’ bu ria na me ha d als o be en in rd Fe to s’ ‘ye as ne tiz en s es vo te d e th e in te rn et ou t of 15 jus tic ok br ne e ni ag n mp he ra W ev er Ag ain . Ta gu ig, fo rg ot ab ou t #N ya ni (LN MB ) in Ba o wh a Mg ne yo ng er n ev Lib in ga y fo r ab ou t th eir dis ma ra mp an tly sp ok e e to ta lk to th is ar tic le, fee l fre in ed rib sc de as l sta te me nt s: ce rta in Ma rS cia or ag re e wi th th eir t dic If yo u ha ve me t a ra nt co u yo re th eir in sig ht s be fo th em an d lis te n to
term does not equa te the entir ety of his rule. Arist otle, the whol e is grea ter than the sum of its parts .
“Apo , you know I idoliz e Marc os so much beca use he was a smar t man! He neve r used kodig os in his speec hes; he even toppe d his 1939 bar exam s!” -Lolo
fa ct c h e c k :
Nobo dy has to brag abou t mem oriza tion skills as if it were a supe rhum an abili ty. Lolo , did you know that he stud ied for thos e exam s in priso n? He was char ged a sente nce for assas sinat ing his fathe r’s polit ical rival Julio Nalu ndas an. This fact was not conc ealed as it is even writt en in his biog raph y at the offic ial webs ite of the Sena te of the Phili ppin es.
in hist ory . e all fail ed an imp orta nt test hav y the t tha is met e the Mar Scia ls we hav One thin g com mon abo ut all tial wit h the ir hist ory eve n if Mar get a goo d sco re at bein g one still can ng. ay etti tod forg of er th nev you to ’ The . ‘Yes test us vot e It is still pos sibl e to pas s this and we hav e tech nol ogy so let s d. fact e min hav the h we , wit ons in ussi beg disc uld in clas s elop men t tha t sho dev and wth gro for Law will be sha llow ly tack led m roo e to inn oce nce , it equ ates to mor Bein g you ng doe s not equ ate tyin g you r hea d y hav e on you sho uld star t emp the act imp The . cing ndu se-i B was allo wed . y unf org etta ble and disc our pas t the way Mar cos ’ bur ial in LNM the in h Mee ting the se Mar Scia ls was ver trut the y bur y trul med tha t one day , the nat ion will from bias ed opin ion s and be alar the vict ims ’. you th is as sign ific ant as the as role r You r. ove as the figh t is far from - Rai a Joo n Catacu tan Do not go on hiat us yet
in the Met ro
Usu ally abse nt… in the first peri od
ar Sc ial M /m ar -sh al/
e c k : The first fa ct c hAcco rding to
MarScial
Pres ent in ever y Cine mal aya scre enin g, a regu lar tamb ay of the Cult ural Cen ter of the Phil ippi nes even if ther e are no even ts, som etim es just to sit on the gras s or visit the mus eum s
the
GC (gra de- con scio us), but Dec lare s tha t he or she is not are high any way acti ons sho w oth erw ise and gra des
Subj ects disli ked? Arali ng Panl ipun an beca use…
THE LENIENT AND COOL
11
‘sick man’ of Asia. We lost two decades of developm ent. An archive that dates back to March 1987 by Thomas Netter confirms the existence of Swiss accounts under pseudony ms of Imelda and Ferdinan d Marcos. This was further elaborate d by journalis t Caroline Kennedy in her article The Marcoses and the Missing Filipino Millions. The country’s stock of debts grew immense ly in the late 1970s, yet this irrespons ible debt managem ent exploded into a full-blow n crisis by 1983.
“Martial Law taught everyone how to be disciplined. People were so obedient that in return they got rewarded through the improvement of the field of arts in our culture. What a great time for the film and music industry this was!”
e c k : It fa ct c hrights
is sad to know that your idea of disciplin e is manifest ed through human violation s, extrajudi cial killings, and 10P.M. curfews! If you were only born during that era, you probably would not be able to go to the events you plan now and may even be abducted by the military for not abiding! What you say can and will be held against you because national censorsh ip was present in the entirety of the country. There is no disciplin e in suppress ion of self-expr ession.
MarScial
D L O E TH BUT GOLD
s, he di d lots of “I f w e ch ec k th e fa ct y. He bu ilt A LO T th in gs fo r th e co un tr ild in gs , sc ho ol s, bu s, re tu uc tr as fr in of road s, po w er pl a— ” g, in us ho s, m da , ls ho sp ita
: wit h e c k He re we go aga in h c it wa s our mo ney , our t fa c go on and on with your list but a the Ma rco ses ’! Plu s, Im eld the bui ldi ngs . Yo u can
not tax es tha t wa s use d, and the com ple x’ as she rus hed e ific ‘ed an Ma rco s had 1. 198 Cen ter in No vem ber bui ldi ng of the Ma nil a Film l era sev ffo ldi ng col lap sed and Loo k at wh at hap pen ed, sca y! ged tra bur ied aliv e. It wa s a con str uct ion wo rke rs we re
AND THE D Y IN G COMMON, UN STATEMENT:
fa ct
h a rel ati ve or kno ws Ha s a rel ati ve or frie nd wit vic tim a frie nd wh o is a Ma rtia l Law hig h sch ool stu den ts, Th e eld est of the jun ior Ma rSc ials wh o hav e the y are the exp eri enc ed HS , mo stly tire d of end ure d fou r yea rs in MS hea rin g the fol low ing :
He is a en t of ou r co un tr y! id es pr st be e th as w “H e es a to save us . He de se rv h rt ea on n w do nt he ro se M ga Baya ni ” sp ot at th e Lib in ga n Ng r c kHo: nestly, supporting the former president just because you e h c a ng t bet we en bei fa c use . Th ere is a fin e lin e
fam ily doe s is not an exc you fee l the rea lly hea rin g you rse lf? Do you Are or. tat dic a and her o ion al her oes bab ly the bon es of our nat pro is at Th g? kin sha d gro un Ma rco s to be tim e you cit e rea son s for h eac ves gra ir the in g rol lin e to con duc t Tag uig . MS HS doe s not hav in ce pla l cia spe t tha in bur ied jou rna list or res ear ch or ask a cam pus you do t jus s, thi for ll a dri Ma rtia l Law . alr ead y aliv e dur ing the s wa o wh r che tea y ver you r
d go fo rg iv e, fo rg et an ld ou sh s al ni en ill m u “A ll of yo u not ev en bo rn in ! If yo e er w u yo a er e th m ov e on fr om t m e te ll yo u th at le g, in nn ru ng bo ng ” w er e af ra id of Bo er ar e not of th e so n. th fa e th of s ke ta is m th e y Fi lip in os
wi th ly on e of m an on e ar u yo se s co en ar th re e M te m en t th m ak e a to ta l of re e wi th th is sta ag to u n : yo re t ild If k ou ch ab c d sa y fe an c h e m en t ha s a lo t to Ju st let tin g hi s wi te . sta sia ne is th am t al be or ric pp ly su on hi sto y to an d de se rv e ca n wi th yo ur au da cit ‘h ea lin g’ yo u lo ve to da y. e Th ed en ga ge in po lit ics rn y. tr ou m un ll co sti n pa in th at is ow yo ur ow e kn th u e yo in ll rm we de un w ho at wi ll en ou gh re se ar ch th at ta in ed th ro ug h
12 Features
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
of a “A
One can observe that the victim’s hair is messy, as all hair strands are pointing towards different directions. Just like the victim’s hair, President Duterte’s war on drugs is unclean and disorganized. As the president even said, “If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful.” As a result, poor drug addicts who dwell in crowded urban areas often get targeted by the police. What about the rich and prosperous Filipinos who are funders and protectors of illegal drugs? Well, let us say that they are the lucky ones who are not victims of a socially clustered drug war.
ir Ha
natomy is to physiology as geography is to history; it describes the theater of events.” Jean Fernel, a French physician in the 15th century, once said in his book of physiology that anatomy does not simply show and teach people the body parts of living creatures. It could signify something deeper than the physical appearances— an underlying reflection of the society. In the Philippines, as of September 2016, 2,400 and more are being killed due to the present war on drugs under the administration of newly-elected President Rodrigo Duterte. The leaders, especially President Duterte, have taken pride in the huge amount of deaths of Filipinos, but what about the people? What has this to say to Filipinos? Let us take a look at the anatomy of a victim of summary executions.
CHEST
h t u o M
A s you can see, there are loose stitches on the victim’s mouth that are trying to cover its gaping wounds on the lips. Looking beyond the swelling mouth, Filipinos, drug addicts or not, do not have the chance to talk to policemen and defend their morality. These suspects do not also have the chance to prove themselves in a room where everyone is equal— a courtroom. If one looks and acts like a drug addict, then one is automatically a drug addict. No buts and no more questions.
Unfortunately, the human body is not bullet-proof. It is no wonder why the victim’s chest is covered with blood stains. Anybody can be a victim of President Duterte’s war on drugs because everybody is affected by the damage it does in the country. If a Filipino was shot because of an accusation, that person’s family also suffers because of the unjustified loss of their family member done by the killings.
ARMS
Black and blue patches cover the color of the victim’s arms. One may find these bruises too graphic to examine. It almost seems like these bruises were intentionally done and not obtained from an incident. The current administration has promoted the legality to kill to the point that we do not know any more if the people behind these killings are still the stalwarts of the drug campaign or merely vigilantes. Imagine the amount of people deprived of justice if this is true.
HA ND S
The victim’s hands are almost in the color of gray because of the multiple layers of dirt and soil enveloping it. What does this explain about the summary executions? While Filipinos were shouting or asking for help, nobody was there to hold their hands. No one was there to consider their reasons behind consuming fatal drugs in the first place. Nobody even tried to listen. Why? The fate of a drug addict has turned either black or white under the current administration.
The anatomy of the dead victim is not here to display gore and physical appearances, rather, to reflect what is happening in our country right now. Even though it seems dangerous to do so, do not be afraid to raise the discourse. Just being an attentive student can actually do a lot more than you think. -Sofia Delos Reyes
Features
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
ses 10 chphraMASCIANS t a C
2
E
10 “Pahingi.” 9
It is not new for MaScians to ask the scores of their classmates in their exams because it is one way of knowing and ensuring that you are not the only one who failed the test.
8
“In10s.”
The MaScian life is indeed intense in every manner because of long requirements that are due the next day and simultaneous tests that will happen later after.
“Susteyn!”
5
“Suspended na ba?”
1
Being known as the pilot science high school in the Philippines, MaSci is known for being a cradle of excellence. This became a catchphrase of students as MaSci has continued to sustain the tradition of excellence for 53 years now.
Class suspensions for MaScians are considered a blessing especially when they have an excessive need for sleep.
May it be food, paper, ballpen, answers or even money, MaScians use this catchphrase every day.
“Ilan ka?”
“MABUHAY PO!”
Greeting “Mabuhay po” when you come across a teacher or any employee in campus is a symbol of respect.
Know all too well
ngaging in conversations is one of the favorite daily sources of happiness for a MaScian, and the use of various catchphrases adds more sugar, spice, and everything nice to it. With that said, here is a roundup of ten terms and phrases that are frequently used by MaScians which you may have heard and have begun to use, too.
13
7
4
“KAPIT LANG.”
It serves as a reminder that there is still hope and you just need to hold on.
“Basic.”
6
When MaScians say basic, they are not referring to non-acidic substances. When they say ‘basic’, they mean ‘simple lang ‘yan, brod.’
“15 Minutes na.”
With an entire school day looming ahead, one couldn’t be happier that they will still be able to cram for their next subjects.
“It’s Nice to see you.”
3
After saying “Mabuhay po” when greeting a teacher or an employee, usually a formal “It’s nice to see you” comes after.
Through the years, the MaScian life has given us a fair share of catchphrases. These catchphrases will come along and will leave memories. Not everyone uses them and not everyone considers them pleasant, but some catchphrases are gems that people do not just forget. -Yasmin Misa
a feelin’ for the Circadian Rhythm:
W
hen your body clock does not sync with your alarm clock, disaster awaits. Any MaScian will be all too familiar with the morning rush that accompanies oversleeping. Admittedly, sometimes it is the student’s fault (hi, 2 A.M. bedtime!). However, there are clinical reasons to not being able to easily wake up in the morning. These are special cases that require not just an early time for shut-eye, but also some unusual tips and tricks that make use of the special properties of the body clock.
Reserve Excessive Light for Daytime
Although very science-y sounding, Chronotherapy is simply the act of continually adjusting one’s bedtime every day until the person is on a normal Put down that smartphone of yours at night. sleeping schedule. Here, big steps are Exposure to electronics, especially the so-called “blue unwelcome – one must go to sleep light” that these gadgets emit, can wreak havoc on our three hours after their bedtime sleeping schedules. Keep your bed an electronic-free the previous day until they have zone, and start with leaving your smartphone at reached an acceptable hour for the nightstand. bedtime. For example, a person The body uses exposure to light that initially slept at 2 AM will from both natural and artificial sources as sleep at 5 AM the next day, then a factor in determining when it is time to 8 AM, then 11 AM, then so on wake up. If people expose themselves until one reaches 11 PM. In to bright light at night, mixed these small increments, signals would be sent to the the body is not subjected body clock, thereby ruining any to sleep schedule shock. Have you ever wondered what ‘fast’ implies when you take hopes of a good night’s sleep. your breakfast? A minimum of 12 hours must be allotted for fasting, an activity that one must break by eating a large breakfast (such an appropriate word, isn’t it?). This works because one of the factors affecting our body clock is our eating pattern. Taking a big breakfast in the morning tells the body that that is the time to get up and find food.
PUTTING THE FAST in Breakfast
Lack of sleep is a problem most MaScians face currently. Starting with these steps, one could right themselves and be on the glorious path to healthy, fulfilling night-long dozes. -Jericho de Luna
14 Sports
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
the
Insufficient Support
tch e r t S h
B
sketc
eing famous and competitive in sports can be helpful even for our country’s economy. However, without adequate support from the government, this is not possible. Recently, Hidilyn Diaz won a silver medal in the weight-lifting competition at the Rio Olympics. It was the only medal won by the Philippine Team. While the victory should be celebrated, it should also be analyzed. There must be something wrong if we have not won a gold medal in our history of participation in the Olympics, why the number of Philippine delegates sent to international competitions is low and why few Filipino
m
S top! Drop that ball and stretch first.
“
Sure, sports can be recreational and help relieve stress. But before you actually play, prepare yourself first by sketching out your game plan. Sketching that stretching game plan may not be something you usually do, but you really should be doing it, though. While some think that sketching isn’t for them, you don’t need to have drawing skills in doing your stretch sketch. Remember, stretching is something that you should actually do regularly, not just when you have time or somebody tells you to. Like sketching, it should be out of your own volition. Stretching—a nd sketching—h as several stages that you cannot skip.
In defense, aside from having laws and other government institutions like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) which allocate parts from their income to support the athletes, the government asks help from private sectors to help fund national teams since our national budget cannot afford to allocate such funds that are focused on other matters. However, it is not the obligation of the private sectors to fund our athletes. It is a voluntary act for them which is why the government cannot afford to rely on them. Besides, the private sector mostly
NATIONA L
potential growing the Regarding of Filipino athletes, do you think that the government is giving enough support to them?
Hidilyn Diaz, one of the country’s representatives at Rio Olympics 2016, recently received an additional Php2-M from President Rodrigo Duterte when she won a weightlifting silver medal.
FAC T
yes 17% the dep th Ne xt, sha din g enh anc es loo ks rea lly fla t of a ske tch ; rea lly , a ske tch sur e, a gam e wo uld wit hou t sha din g. An d for s are not thi nki ng als o fal l fla t if the pla yer use d mi nd is vit al we ll. Ha vin g a cle ar and foc in pla yin g we ll in a gam e.
When done properly, stretching: • Lessens the chance of muscle strain • Improves flexibility • Decreases chances of getting injured • Increases blood flow and nutrients supply to muscles • Releases tension in the body, as well as calm the mind, in activities such as yoga and meditation • Improves game performance, for players who meditate and relax their mind before playing
In the instances that MaScians manage to squeeze in sports between academics, playing should not be rushed just as you would not rush drawing. So get out there and stretch before you play! -Francine Soriano
“They have scholarships.” – Grade11 “It’s the Filipino people who don’t give enough support and pride.” – Bobby “I believe that the government is doing their best to support the Filipino athletes / youth.” - Saoirse
NO 83% “Athletes were only given support after a win.” –Daga “We don’t even have a proper uniform at the Rio Olympics.” –Bolonias “It is other countries who see their potential.” –Oreo “The current government focuses all of its energy in the war on drugs.” -Mark “The Spark” “Most athletes have to train abroad in order to enhance their skills. Also, there aren’t even enough sports facilities to support their traning.” -XI-Leeuwenhoek “Some athletes have to pay for their international flights.” – Joshua Inopiquez “Lots of Manny Pacquiaos and Hidilyn Diazes are hiding their time in the shadows waiting for the proper support and encouragement from the government.” – Broken Bones “There are many student-athletes especially in remote areas who do not have the needed equipment to better themselves.” – Ink MC
VERDICT
Few MaScians believe that the Philippine government gives enough support to the Filipino athletes. However, most believe that the government fails to do so as it concentrates on other issues such as the war on drugs.
”
funds sports that are popular or athletes who show promise. Private sector support does not cover all fields. Furthermore, while it is true that there are laws for support like the RA 9064, which gives incentives and rewards to athletes after winning overseas or breaking records, it is still not enough. With all this, we should not be so hopeful for international winnings as it would only continue to be scarce. If we truly want to improve our capacity to have great athletes, then the government should pay more attention to them. The government should provide the athletes with everything they need may it be a higher allowance, up-to-date facilities and equipment, or publicity.
MA SC IAN S SPE AK up
Th en, lik e the out lin es of a ske tch , the bod y is the mo st im por tan t asp ect in spo rts . Ski lls are one thi ng, but not hin g can bea t a fit and hea lth y fig ure .
E D I T O R I A L
While it is true that there are laws for support like the RA 9064, which gives incentives and rewards to athletes after winning overseas or breaking records, it is still not enough.
athletes are able to excel in their respective fields. All of these could be rooted to the support of the government. One, it is rare for us to have athletes with many international victories. Before Diaz, our last Olympic medalist was Mansueto Velasco who won silver in boxing 20 years ago. We do not have the capacity to have athletes recognized at an international level since they also lack the opportunities to improve themselves in matching other athletes. We lack the facilities and equipment needed for their trainings, even forcing some of them (e.g. Michael Martinez) to travel to other countries just to train. Also, those who make it to the Philippine national team receive insufficient allowance as support.
aw ing , th e Jus t as yo u wo uld in dr str etc he d, bu t no t wh ole bo dy ne ed s to be . Dif fer en t mu scl es ev ery th ing all at on ce ha ve dif fer en t ne ed s.
S P O R T S
sp o r ts
- Yasmin Misa Earlynne Castillo
LOC AL
Are MaScians looking forward for improvements in MSHS sports facilities considering that the school now has better equipment such as the fiber glass board? Fiber glass board has replaced the plywood used for one of the basketball boards.
FAC T yes 84%
“I would like to see more improvement on the full court in playing basketball.” – Nathan Angelo Quesea “Sports is equally as important as academics.” – Pat P. “Not all MaScians love digging on books. Some like sports.” –Potatoto “MaScian = Sporty” – BoiiMalufet “Athletes are held back by the lack of equipment and facilities.” – Dutchmill “Because we deserve it.” – peridoritado 4
NO 16% “It’s hard to say that MSHS, being a science high school, will fully promote sports facilities over classrooms as the school still lacks other major facilities” – Punch all ur Puns “Acads first.” – Winner “For me, no, because I would rather increase my knowledge on things rather than increase my sports skills.” – EdricAto “I’m contented.” – sinayang
VERDICT
84% of the students that were surveyed answered yes. MSHS, considered as one of the home for intellectuals, focuses mainly on the students’ high quality academic performance. The gap between academics and sports may continuously grow apart, but little do we know this is against MaScians’ will.
Sports
To Write in the Service of Truth CONTEST ISSUE Vol. 53 no. 2
15
Carl Carl Justine Justine Miranda Miranda
D
espite the game being rowdy due to certain technicalities with the referee, FEC-SHS ballers broke loose and trailed past the JHS hoopers’ wind. With the match set only on a half court, the formidable Faculty and Employees Club (FEC) – Senior High School (SHS) ballers roared and nipped the Junior High School (JHS) hoopers with a 10-point lead, 79-69, in a basketball match in line with the World Teachers’ Day Celebration held at the Amadome, October 5. FEC-SHS bigman Eugene Dato scored a game high of 25 points while his teammates
Krisvin Briones and Mr. Rodel Opiana chipped in 17 points and 16 points respectively. Offense clearly became a factor in winning for the FEC-SHS ballers’ side particularly when two of the reliables of the JHS hoopers fouled out during the last minutes of
the overtime period. “Even though there was a lot of friction, the game was still fun,” Mr. Romer Abella said in an interview. On the other hand, Rexter Saquilayan and Jasper Placio both shouldered the JHS hoopers with 15 points and 14 points apiece which was further boosted by John Emmanuel Ignacio and Jimi Santiago’s 18-point combined aid. M o r e o v e r , everything was going smoothly for the JHS hoopers but the unpredictability of the match was evident especially when Saquilayan and Placio fouled out during the most crucial moments paving way to FEC-SHS ballers’ easy offensive run. “It was a tough yet fun match and we really lost our momentum when our best
teammates got fouled out,” Ignacio said in an interview. Neck and neck in the last minutes of the game, the FEC-SHS ballers dominated the court when Saquilayan and Placio fouled out with two minutes remaining in the overtime period, eventually pulling away with the offensive blade until claiming the game with a 10-point advantage. Dato and Opiana wreaked havoc down at the paint in the second half but was also contended by Placio and Stephen Barranda’s offensive plays for buckets. Both teams started off the first half of the match fiercely with Adrian Yambao and Jacob Taruc making it rain for the FECSHS ballers while Saquilayan, Ignacio, and Santiago forced in some effort to retaliate. With the match ending in a 10-point lead, the FECSHS ballers and JHS hoopers will improve more for future games. -Carl Justine Miranda
TRAIN OF EXCELLENCE
With no mercy. Pouring their hearts out into the game, the FEC and SHS and JHS students march the Amadome in a grueling halfcourt face-off for glory. - C. Miranda Photo: SSG
MSHS’S NAME IN SPORTS
W
Carl Justine Miranda ith the stereotype being that Manila Science High School (MSHS) is a rookie when it comes to the physical world of sports, it is most likely that not all MaScians know the true standing of MSHS in this field. The school, along with its student athletes has, in fact, made a name for itself in different contests of many different unfamiliar sports. In this Train of Excellence, we will dwell in the many achievements that MaScians made through the years in sports that you might not even believe that we made our name in.
cargo 1:
F E N C I N G her
Las t 200 5, Ch ris top a Pro Gil Puz on com pet ed in itio n pet Com Am ate ur Fen cin g Epe e n’s Me and wo n a gol d in the tot al a th Div isio n Con tes t. Wi pas t w fle he sco re of 15 poi nts , his in top his opp one nt up to the ! me eso aw ut thr ee bou ts. Tal k abo
cargo 2:
TA E K WO N D O
In Decem ber 2011, Avi Rivera won a gold in the Olymp ics Interna tional Level Finals in Korea. Howev er, keep in mind that is only one of the many achiev ements of MaScia ns in this field of sport.
cargo 3:
L I N G in B O W inte rna tion ally
Competing g, Ivan Dom inic Mal ig was Kon g Hon ter ann oun ced as the 3rd high est poin ling of the 13th Wo rld You th Bow l, Cha mpi ons hip s last 201 4. In tota 1, of rd he mad e an imp ress ive reco in 038 poin ts in sing les, 119 7 poin ts . team dou bles , and 1,08 67 poin ts in
cargo 4:
I C E S K AT I N G
Th is sp or t is ve ry un us ua l bu t as yo u ca n see MS HS sti ll ma de a ma rk wi th Gin a Fru nic a wi nn ing th ree go ld, on e sil ve r, an d th ree br on ze in th e 25 th Wo rld Re cre ati on al Te am Ch am pio ns hip s in Lo s An ge les las t 20 05 wh en sh e joi ne d th e Ph ilip pin e tea m.
W ho better to ask than the best? Many argue that we never have time for sports as we are already mentally exhausted from our
everyday activities. Adding physical exhaustion might just make us collapse. However, with proper advice, MaScians will feel the thrill with their favorite sports anime characters experience in a match without fainting from exhaustion, all without losing any more sleep. Let the interview begin!
vallie boll:
Remember to Scout for news!
hrow T ll: e on c i bha d s preju f your r bas u o ut o field! to y y o a w t a e e s ts, g run to thall wantsorut and r o p s sp Bh d be e an Mr. Barsspreferrecdan nevetor the m o h u cians n, go y yo pla MaS u ca just et that ts. If yo actice. r r g o p r fo in sp t and good or cour field
Swee Ming:
Do not forget to stretch and relay with friends!
Remember to stretch your muscles even if just in the morning, Swee Ming says. This is important as these simple exercises help shape your body for more strenuous sports activities. Also, studies have proven that a short simple exercise in the morning helps you be more ‘awake’ and active at school. Relays are for a group. We can, for once, start being a good influence to our friends by inviting them to play or practice with us. This is a good alternative for a gala which all are too broke to have.
Scouting=Watching. Along with actually playing, Vallie says that it is also important to be updated about your preferred sport. Take an hour or two away from anime and k-drama sites and watch a match. Even though you might not notice it, you will eventually start copying and adapting various styles and techniques beneficial to your mastery of the sport.
SPORTY pieces advice
of
Reina Alcaide
Admittedly, it would be difficult at first, but following these pieces of advice won’t make us just sporty, rather, also healthy. We should understand that physical fitness is just as important as intellectual fitness, the way sports is just as important as academics.
Bad
Minton
: Never your drive, lose smash eve ry o ne in your way!
Lo v e fo r sp o rt s sh o u ld w ay . fi n d a B ad M in to n fo cu fo r sp o rt s. se s o n o u r lo ti m e fo r it if Sh e sa y s w e sh o u ld m v e w W e ca n , fo r e ar e re al ly d et er m inak e d ay s aw ay anex am p le , fl ic k th o se laed . zy d p ra ct ic e.
bask and (et) ball:
Sports are to cool off and rebound, but cooperation is key!
By rebounds, the twins Bask and Ball mean we don’t have to focus all of our attention on sports and forget other matters, we can always go back again and again to play. Study all week if needed, but remove the stress and play on week-ends. They are also encouraging us to join a team, whether local like the MaSci varsity teams or not, to help improve our skills. Joining a team also promotes cooperation and widens your social circle which is good compared to our lonely MaScian life.
Manalo, NCR Archers sweep gold in Palarong Pambansa ut h e Se rv ic e of Tr To Wr it e in th .2 no 53 l. Vo UE CON TE ST ISS
ports SM
Like a child of Artemis. Piercing through the wind and faster than the blink of an eye, Manalo shows finesse in her craft, donning blue for the school she represents and gold underneath the blazing sun. - R. Catacutan Photo: Mr. Gavino Manalo, Jr.
B
ullseye! With the National Capital Region (NCR) being represented by four studentathletes including Erika Claude Manalo of Manila Science High School (MSHS), the NCR archers marked their conquest right in the eye of the board in the Team Olympics Round 60-meter distance of the 2016 Palarong Pambansa, scoring six points in total held at the open field of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Camalig, Albay, April 11-16. Samantha Manaloto of St. Scholastica, Manila, Jazent Tabañag of Integrated Montessori Center, Taguig, and Julia Ongchoco of Immaculate Conception Academy, San Juan, fought
valiantly in the Girls Team event and came through with the gold. Also, Manaloto dominated the individual 40-, 50-, and 60-meter distance with bronze scoring 310 points, bronze scoring 322 points, and gold scoring 314 points for NCR. All players poured their hearts out in shooting their arrows and brought back the legacy of NCR when it was the 2012 Palarong Pambansa champion in archery. “It was my first time competing with my fellow archers so, I was really nervous and at the same time thrilled,” Manalo said in an interview. “There are a lot of great
archers like Manaloto in the Philippines and someday I want to compete internationally,”she added. Meanwhile, MSHS’s very own Manalo first made her appearance in the Palarong Maynila last November 2015 where she bagged four awards, namely: bronze medals in the 30-meter Qualifying round and 50-meter Olympic round, a silver medal in the 50-meter Qualifying round, and another bronze medal in the Overall Standings. After competing in the Palarong Maynila, she then continued to make a name for herself with another archery tilt conquered in the
Blue Spikers wallops Yellow Aces in MaScilympics, 2-0 E rrors tipped down the set,” Peñaflor said in an interview. Yellows’ brigade. With not much unforced errors unlike their opponents, the steely Grade 10 Blue Spikers dominated the court yet again with another commanding two set victory this time, against the relentless Grade 8 Yellow Aces in an epic finals game of the MaScilympics volleyball matches held at the Amadome, October 6. Amounting only to 16 service errors, the Blue Spikers gripped the offensive blade when they regained composure midway in the first set and continued to wreak havoc until the end of the match.
On the other hand, Czar Kristian Barola scored six points while Nyah Cataquis scored six points and captain ball Mikaela Leviste scored five points. “We did our best despite losing and we’re happy with the things we’ve learned from this game,” Barola said in an interview. Nip and tuck affair ended in the second set when Alsulaiti, backed up by Peñaflor, pulled off three crucial points in breaking loose from their 8th grade opponents, eventually creating a grueling gap between the two teams.
7th Archery Tri-Meet of the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University. Here, Manalo took home a silver medal in the 30-meter Qualifying round and a bronze medal in the 30-meter Olympic round. Furthermore, Manalo trailed past the NCR Meet last February and came through with a resounding triumph of four medals. She prevailed with a gold medal in the 50-meter Girls Team event, silver medal in the 30 meters Qualifying round, and two bronze medals in the 40- and 60-meter Qualifying round. -Carl Justine Miranda
PHOTONEWS Carl Justine Miranda
Photo: Erika Tato
Swis hing in poin ts! Princ ess Ibasc o of the MSH S Tabl e Tenn is varsi ty team trail s down her oppo nent in the Distr ict Meet Tour nam ent, Sept embe r 5
Pho to: SSG Stil l at his prim e! Mr. Fer din and Car pio dom inat es the cou rt wit h his fury in the teac her s-pa ren t and 11th gra der s gam e in the MaS cily mpi cs Ope nin g Gam es Vol leyb all Mat ch, Oct obe r 6.
Phot o: Erika Tato
Meanwhile, despite playing a good game, the Yellow Aces were still unable to retaliate to their opponent’s flashes of brilliance in each set due to an insurmountable error of 21. Jarod Peñaflor and Hassan Alsulaiti both scored eight points, while Isac Mendoza backed them up with five points and Amiel Manresa and Francis de Leon scored two points apiece. “We lacked communication during that match, nevertheless we were still able to regain our cool as a team and managed to play well in each
With five consecutive service aces, Barola was unstoppable in the first set, further boosted by the dynamic competency of Leviste in setting plays. Both teams actually started off the match with a wobbly composure, but the Blue Spikers regained their footing as soon as the Yellow Aces’ composition collapsed, pulling away, 25 – 22. Furthermore, the two teams stated that they will practice more in their respective fields and will try to improve for future games. - Carl Justine Miranda
Dow n with their king ! MSH S Woo d Push ers pour their wits and clash with stron g desir es of a chec kmat e in the Distr ict Meet Tour nam ent, Sept embe r 5.
Ph ot o: SS G
Pou rin g the ir hea rts out . Reg ina Dia z set s the bal l for her two tea mm ate s in the Ma Sci lym pic s Op eni ng Gam es Vo lley bal l ma tch , Oct obe r 7.