The Sentinel - Issue 1 Volume 2 (September 2021 - July 2022)

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SENTINEL THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF BARAS - BARAS HIGH SCHOOL

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION BARAS - BARAS HIGH SCHOOL

Pivot VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2022

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EDITORIAL

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

FLEEING THE NEST a backtrack toward traditional learning Things have finally taken a pivotal turn after two years of waiting and staring aimlessly at our modules and phone screens. While it is an understatement to say how much adversity everyone has faced during the unprecedented era of ceaseless adjusting, the year 2022 is slowly pulling us back towards a grasp of reality on traditional learning, after being compelled to doubt the return-to-campus announcements due to many reneged dates on fully opening the schools across the nation. Alas, face-toface classes are back.

In her first order as the education secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte directed all public and private schools to transition to five days of face-to-face classes beginning November 2. According to The Department of Education (DepEd), all public and private schools should resume face-to-face classes for five days a week on that date. Albeit, private schools, and state universities can opt to start classes “not earlier than the first Monday of June and not later than the last day of August.

Furthermore, Blended learning and full distance learning will only be allowed until October 31.

Hence, the order for a fully operational face-toface class across the country. In that light, after establishing a “new normal’’ that has transpired in today’s education system, can we all stir back to one direction- the traditional way of learning without others still left in the nest?

With these current pivoting systems in our education, it’s important to acknowledge that some are still unable to cross the heights of face-to-face requirements, some are still on the high of virtual learning–and some just flew smoothly right back to traditional learning after months of being in alternative learning set up.

While many have already become accustomed to the transition, in recognizing the prolonged halt to a system we were used to, there will still be many students that are suspected to be left behind given their different accounts.

For one, we have all witnessed how everyone coped and sought survival with the sudden shift in our education. From students’ and educators’ academic resources and workload, having undergone a self-established learning space–it is indisputable that most of us experienced different paces of handling different scenarios in the different settings of at-home education. Be it having internet issues or gadget accessibility, a part-time job to help the family get by to the lifestyle that’s at stake or mental health concerns. Despite the “No student Left behind” slogan we have been hearing from authorities for the past years. It only became superficial when students have already shifted into different paths within those years, wherein they lacked the opportunity to follow through the flow of every transition in the system.

Student dropouts The dropout rate of students in community schools throughout the country is likely to rise soon due to a lack of inclusion and participation in the alternative education system.

With this, special treatments should be required for basic education students who missed one or two years of schooling to catch up with their classmates when they eventually return to in-person classes. Determining who missed the previous academic year and bringing them back in the upcoming school years should be given priority because years without education could distort their role in the country’s future economic fiber.

Accessibility According to the findings of a study on Education and the pandemic: Examining students’ remote learning experiences in the Philippines by Samortin et al. (2022), the undeniably observable roadblock phenomenon, specifically for less fortunate learners, is the lack of access to digital tools impedes them to learn

and to engage actively into this present educational context–in the blended learning or full on face-to-class class interactions. Therefore, the notion of inequity in digital technology must be properly addressed since technology in education is pivotal in enhancing 21st-century learning skills.

Pressure to adapt Moreover, in addition to its commonly cited academic pitfalls, given the adjustment students must undergo to get back to traditional learning. It’s crucial to prevent emotional distress that is similar to the infliction of distance learning on the student body.

Children are known to adapt better than adults. However, adaptive abilities are greatly affected when the demands become too overwhelming. This then affects the students’ academic performance. Per a research study done in 2000 on learning theories, stress can improve learning capacity, but too much of it can lead to physical and mental health issues and jeopardize a child’s academic success.

With all that said, restoring the traditional learning for the school year 2022-2023 should require the most effort and sensibility from students because it will act as a rehabilitating community to the generation of minds starving for familiarity yet quality learning. Some students are still running behind–and will be left behind if we cannot be discernible to their circumstances if we ignore the aftermath of distance learning modalities to the less fortunate learners who suffer from the lack of accessibility to learning tools. The Department of Education (DepEd) must come up with extraordinary measures to go after and bring back these children and young adults to a learning cycle that will help the student body to adjust fully and prevent any more distortions in their direction in education.

MARY RUTH M. ORENDAIN EDITOR IN CHIEF ANDREA S. CHUA MANAGING EDITOR LHAIDEL YRJE B. ANTENOR ASSOC. MANAGING EDITOR GRAPHICS AND LAYOUT ANGEL F. CHOGYOMON,ANDREW IAN L. SALVANA, APRIL LYN C. DOMINGO, RHAPSON H. ESPINOSA,JUSTIN ERROL G. DOMINGO CONTRIBUTORS SHAINNA JOSH B. MANALOTO,MARIA CAROLINA G. AGAD, NICOLE ANN T. MORALES,HANNA ROSE R. PASCUAL,LEEAN MARGARETTE U. MAGAT,MOISES B. PANGUELO,ANGELINE T. TABAQUERO, MERCY T. CABENTA,MARK JE-AR M. AGLIBO,ROBIN D. MAGAMPO,JOSEPH A. ESTILLORE,SHAYNE ALYSON D. BASILIO, CARMELA JOY S. SULPACIO,KRISTEL LORRAINE B. CASIMIRO,SHAYBIE S. CAJUGUIRAN,JASMINE CAMILLE IBANEZ,HARRY CARBONELL IAN CLAUI B. MACARO VANESA MEDINA ADVISER JON HENRY B. ORDONEZ SCHOOL HEAD DR. MAMERTO L. RAGEL, JR. BBHSSentinel

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bbhsthesentinel@gmail.com ILLUSTRATION BY: ANGEL F. CHOGYOMON

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

Casimiro bags 4th place in Sentinels gear up for compeDTI Tarlac’s virtual provincial tition; join DSJC lecture sesquiz bee sion

BULLETIN Mercy T. Cabenta elected as Supreme Student Government Federation President

The Sentinel campus journalists join in the four-part lecture session on advocacy journalism, journalism ethics, feature writing, and news writing on October 3, 2021 Mr. Jules Guiang, Atty. Ryan Balisacan, and Prof. Rachel Khan lead the talk in the morning session while Prof. Danilo Arao and Mr. Janvic Mateo took charge in the afternoon session.

Mr. Guiang, Rappler’s Head of Community began the talk by reminding the participants to be biased to the truth and to engage in advocacies that seek to spread the truth on prevalent issues.

Atty. Balisacan and Prof. Khan gave a refresher on the different techniques in editorial writing and feature writing respectively.

Prof. Arao entertained questions from the audience regarding journalism ethics and Mr. Mateo caps the session with tips on news writing.

Kristel Lorraine Casimiro of Grade 12 ABM Pacioli places 4th in the recently conducted Virtual Consumer Quiz Bee of the Department of Trade and Industry - Tarlac, on September 28, 2021. The Quiz Bee was participated by 15 schools from the entire Tarlac Province.

“I may have not claimed the victory in the competition, still, I consider it a good experience. All thanks to the mentors who’ve shared their burning effort in making me well-prepared before, and during the competition,” says Casimiro.

The Consumer Quiz Bee is part of DTI Tarlac’s Consumer Welfare Month Celebration.

BBHS bags awards in DTI digital consumer welfare competition

The lecture session is part of the Ditto Sarmiento Journalism Cup. The contest proper was held on October 9 - 10, 2021.

Sentinels join webinar on fact-checking The Sentinel tests their fact-checking prowess as they attend the fact-checking webinar and workshop on October 2, 2021 Prof. Yvonne Chua, Associate Professor from the UP Department of Journalism and Co-founder and Project Director of VERA Files lead the talk on the situation of the country in terms of the spread of misleading information.

She also provided techniques on fact-checking -- from identifying visual contexts to using reverse-image search via Google.

“This meeting has enriched my knowledge on misinformation and disinformation. It also helped me to locate false information and fact-check it properly,” Ms. Magat said.

The webinar is part of the lecture sessions for the Ditto Sarmiento Journalism Cup.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Tarlac Province awards Baras-Baras HS for bagging First Place in the Digital Consumer Welfare - Vlogging Contest on November 2, 202.

Team Sunshine composed of Ms. Mercy T. Cabenta, Ms. Angeline T. Tabaquero, and Mr. Moises B. Panguelo and Sir Carl Fulloso and Sir Francis Garcia as coach received a trophy and gift certificates.

The coaches of the spelling bee, Ms. Mylene Dupitas and poster making, Ms. Mafhel Serrano Pili also received gift certificates as consolation prize.

DTI - Region III awards Baras-Baras High School for bagging second place and most number of post impression award (Special Award) in the concluded Digital Consumer Welfare - Vlogging Contest last November 18, 2021.

BBHS-SSG showcase BBHSians’ art works

The art gallery, dubbed as, “Basta BBHSian, Talent ang Laban”, was organized by the SSG Officers last November 25, 2021. It aims to showcase the talents hidden inside the homes of every BBHS student. It desires to show that the pandemic is not a hindrance to exhibit the gifts given by the Almighty God.

Team Sunshine composed of (from left): Ms. Angeline T. Tabaquero, Mr. Moises B. Panguelo, and Ms. Mercy T. Cabenta

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BULLETIN

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

BBHS - SSG embarks to new horizons; conducts virtual leadership training Mary Ruth M. Orendain

BBHS-SSG used the Google Meet platform in organizing a leadership training for student officers

Baras-Baras High Schools’ student organizations and class officers partake in the virtual leadership training webinar organized by the Supreme Student Government (SSG) on November 19 via Google Meet.

Bearing the theme “Leadership Accountability of Youth for Altruistic Generation” (LAYAG), the event’s resource speakers, Mrs. Cathee Gomez, Mr. Mark Bustamante, and Ms. Lani Puri’s speeches, aim to empower young leaders to be goal-oriented, to conquer the challenges in facing the sudden shift of learning in the new normal, and also allow them to take accountability for their roles as leaders-- for the sake of the people they serve.

“Before you begin a journey, you need to establish a goal because that’s your direction, mahirap mag-travel -- lumayag -- papunta sa isang point kung hindi mo alam saan ka pupunta. Pero sometimes, masaya rin ‘yong unpredictable journey [...] but in leadership, we cannot afford to do that because trial and error is going to be detrimental to the lives of our

youth or yung mga sineserbisyuhan natin.” Ms. Lani Puri said.

The leadership training, LAYAG 2021, helped further hone the participants’ skills in fathoming their roles as current student leaders.

Thus, applying the lessons they have acquired, to the journeys, they would soon sail to in life.

“Leadership should involve a lot of planning. Sabi nga nung isang speaker [Ms. Lani Puri], we may be able to go on a road trip without planning because that would be fun and exciting. But in leadership, unclear future can cause a lot of problems, not only for the leaders but also for the people we are leading, which is a bad thing. Siguro ito yung isa sa mga tumatak talaga sa akin. This training also proved to me that leaders aren’t born -- they are made.

Made by the circumstances they faced in life, in their journey growing up.” SSG Public Information Officer, Leean Margarette Magat expressed.

BBHSians nakiisa sa Recycling Day; nagpakitang gilas sa lantern-making contest Nicole Ann T. Morales Ang Baras-Baras High School ay nag handa ng mga aktibidad para sa lahat ng estudyante upang maipakita ang mga natatagong talento ng mga mag-aaral sa sining nang paggawa ng parol. Ang proyektong ito ay bahagi ng National Recycling Day kung saan naka pa loob ang patimpalak sa paggawa ng parol. Nagsimula ang patimpalak na ito noong ika-labing walo ng Nobyembre.

Ika-dalawampu’t dalawa ng Nobyembre, 2021 nang itinanghal ang nagwagi sa isingawang patimpalak, kung saan nanguna sa pag-uwi ng parangal ang seksyon ng Grade 11 Babbage. Ang titulong 1st runner up ay ang seksyon ng Grade 12-Pacioli, sumunod ay ang Grade 12-Orwell na nagkamit ng 2nd runner up. Habang 3rd runner up naman ang Grade 12-Spencer, at ang huli ay ang seksyon Grade 9-Bhor, na nasungkit ang 4th Place.

Nauwi nila ang nasabing parangal sa pamamagitan ng kanilang talento sa sining na ginamit nila sa pagbuo ng makukulay at puno ng kahulugang parol para sa pagdidiriwang sa pasko. Sa nangunang seksyon -- Babbage, ang kanilang parol ay ginawa gamit ang materyales na alambre, tuyong dahon, at lumang pahina ng libro. Sa seksyon ng Pacioli, ang kanilang parol ay ginawa gamit ang materyales na lumang CD, papel, pintura, karton, at aray. Sa seksyon ng Orwell, ang kanilang parol ay ginawa gamit ang materyales na plastic na kutsara, pintura, at aray. Sa seksyon ng Spencer naman, ang kanilang parol ay ginawa gamit ang materyales na tansan, karton, pintura, dyaryo, magazines at brochure. At sa seksyon naman ng Bhor ang kanilang parol ay ginawa

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gamit ang materyales na kawayan. Sa pagdaos nito ay naipakita nila ang kanilang talento at ang tunay na diwa ng pasko.

Ayon kay Shayne Alyson D. Basilio ng 12 - Pacioli, “Challenung yung lantern-making contest. And makikita mo talaga yung competitiveness and creativity per section. As in patalbugan talaga ng ideas saka resources.

So yun, ang galing lang na umangat pa rin ung unity saka team work. Nagising yung effort saka willingness nila, natin as a student na medyo matagal-tagal na ring pinagdamutan ng chance ng pandemic.”

Ayon naman sa SSG Vice President ng BBHS, Moises B. Panguelo ng 12 - Spencer, “The SSG’s Project ‘Pwede Pa’ is a National Recycling Day activity, and the lantern-making contest is, I believe the traditional way for Filipino people to represent Christmas, and with that, all of the students showcase their skills in creating art from recycled materials. I’m glad that this contest was successful, and I can say that the skills of every student were overwhelming.

As in wow, ang gagaling talaga ng mga magaaral ng Baras - Baras High School.”

BBHS commemorates National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims Leean Margarette U. Magat Mercy Cabenta, BBHS – SSG President leads a virtual prayer event to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance for Road Victims on November 22. The commemoration started at 5:00 P.M. via Google Meet which was also broadcasted through Facebook live at the official page of SSG of BBHS, Dito Tayo Youth Foundation - Baras - Baras High School.

The highlight of the events were the prayers for the victims and families of the road crash and the candle lighting to commemorate the road accidents that have happened and their victims.

The event was started by a 10 - minute worship song and the opening prayer led by Ma’am Mylene Dupitas, ESP leader. Candle Lighting, closing remarks of Sir Carl Fulloso, the SSG Adviser, and photo opportunity remarked as the ending of the event.

BBHS teachers kickstart LAC on classpoint; eyes innovative assessment Baras - Baras High School teachers log in to MS Teams for their monthly Learning Action Cell (LAC). The topic is on Classpoint -- a third-party extension to Microsoft Powerpoint that enables the creation and running of interactive quizzes.

Mr. Francis G. Garcia, one of the school’s ICT coordinators gave his expertise on an alternative way of assessing students in real-time, via interactive quizzes offered by classpoint. Mr. Garcia also provided an engaging and interactive demonstration of the software which gave the teachers a first-hand experience on how the tool will be experienced by the learners.

Baras - Baras High School makes sure that its constituents are given opportunities for upskilling through monthly learning action cell sessions. Aside from technical skills, topics on mental health are also given to ensure holistic development of the staff.

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BBHSSentinel

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHS-SHS bags award in excellence in curriculum and instruction Dr. Mamerto L. Ragel, BBHS School Head receives the plaque and certificate of recognition for being awarded Third Place under Medium School Category - Grades 11 and 12 in the Search for the 2020-2021 Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Curriculum and Instruction.

BBHS language dept. holds virtual reading month celebration; calls for change in reading perspective Hanna Rose R. Pascual

month celebration. Entries will be accepted until November 29, 2021 Dr. Mamerto L. Ragel, Jr., BBHS Head capped the event with his conveyed gratitude and appreciation to everyone who participated in the culminating activity.

Ang pagbabasa ay siyang magdadala sa atin sa malayong lugar, siyang matuturo sa atin ng iba’t – ibang kultura, at ng mga iba’t – ibang mga kaalaman pa na hindi lang sa language kung hindi sa iba’t ibang larangan din (...) Sabi ko sainyo, maraming maidudulot sainyo ang pagkatuto at pagkaintindi sa pagbabasa, ito man ay sa kung anong lenguwahe, Filipino, English, local dialect, etc. Magbibigay ito satin ng talino, ng pagka-unawa at pagka-intindi sa maraming bagay-bagay.” he added.

BBHS receives school safety compliance certificate Reading Coordinator, Mr. Jon Henry B. Ordonez presents the different entries from the reading contests,

Baras-Baras High School’s Language Department held a virtual culminating activity of its reading month celebration last November 26, 2021 via Google Meet. This event took place in support of the Tarlac City Schools Division’s (TCSD) Project GOALS in Reading 2.0 which advocates a strong foundation of reading skills among TCSD students. With the theme, “READirecting Perspectives: Embracing the shift from every Flip.” The activity calls for a change on how teachers, students, and parents see reading – more so in the time of pandemic.

The event was hosted by Ma’am Maricris L. Daligdig who also shared her take on the importance of reading among students and the significance of this celebration amid the pandemic.

“The goal of reading month is to improve reading. Reading is an activity that has so many proven benefits. Reading month can help anyone develop better vocabulary, improve memory, expand knowledge, and lower stress. Reading is what we need right now. It’s our vaccine for ignorance and a doorway to a better tomorrow.”, she said.

Ma’am Lea Joy Tabaquero Espinosa, Filipino leader, gave the opening remarks to which she shared a quote from the author, Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

“Reading is fun ika nila, dahil dinadala ka ng mga bagay bagay sa iyong imahinasyon, nararamdaman mo rin ang emosyon sa iyong binabasang aklat, lalong lalo na may napupulot tayong bagong kaalaman na makakatulong sa pag-develop ng ating pagbabasa.”, she added.

Mr. Jon Henry Ordoñez, English Leader, kick starts the highlights of the event and presented some of the entries for the ongoing reading contests as part of the reading month celebration. There were also reading games to make the event more engaging to the students.

Mr. Ordoñez also explained how these games shows the different facets of reading that may have been already overlooked since the shift of the learning system.

“Hindi sapat na marunong ka lang magbasa […] what we see as reading may only be surface knowledge. To think that our students are in the high school level, there needs to be a means for us to see that they practice different facets of reading – reading beyond the lines, critical reading, dramatic reading are just some that may have been already overlooked as we all implement the continuity of learning in the middle of the pandemic.”

He also explained the guidelines and prizes for the culminating activities, from ReadOff, BaSandata, and Sabayang Pagbasa: Family Edition, as part of the school reading

PHOTOS FROM: MR. MAMERTO L. RAGEL, JR. AND THE SENTINEL FACEBOOK PAGE

School Head, Mr. Mamerto L. Ragel, Jr. (center) received the School Safety Assessment Tool Compliance certificate from Tarlac City School’s Division during the 3rd day of the 2022 School Head’s INSET. This confirmed Baras - Baras High School’s compliance to health and safety protocols and ensures its endorsement to operate and implement in-person classes.

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BULLETIN

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

Sentinel Journos fight vaccine misconceptions; attends FYT’s fact-checking initiative

The Sentinel campus journalists attend a free webinar on “Reporters from Home: Fighting Vaccine Misinformation.” Per DepEd Regional Memorandum 26, s. 2022, the webinar -- a two-day event, is a fact-checking initiative of the independent media outfit FYT supported by Google Philippines, which aims to address fears, myths, and misconceptions about vaccination that are spreading online and in the communities. This activity aims to equip student journalists with knowledge and tools as they can be reporters from home and be able to create content addressing the COVID-19 infodemic and vaccine hesitancy.

Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Chief of the Health Research Division in the Department of Health provided her insights on facts and myths of the COVID-19 vaccine. She also gave information on how vaccines help the body to produce antibodies. She discussed that vaccination is like a “practice” or “rehearsal” that prepares the body for the time that it encounters the virus. Dr. Ho also assured the audience that the vaccine were carefully studied on before it is administered to the population. Hence, it is wrong to say that the people are being experimented on.

In addition, she also mentioned that although the cases of COVID-19 continuous to rise due to the Omicron variant, the symptoms that are experienced by those vaccinated are mild — an implications of a good effect by the increasing number of vaccinated people.

With regards to the deaths due to COVID-19 vaccine, she said that those who died after receiving the vaccines are due to underlying conditions or sickness that they had prior to getting the vaccine.

A forum among Prof. Yvonne Chua, Associate Prof of Journalism in UP Diliman, Celeste Anna Formoso, Managing Editor of Palawan News, and Broadcast Journalist Atom Araullo followed after.

Prof Chua highlighted the political correctness of labeling disinformation and misinformation while Mr. Araullo and Ms. Formoso, their first-hand experience of the infodemic in their field of work.

“May mga bagay na you take for granted -- mga katotohanan na galing sa primary source o kaalaman na galing sa siyensya. Pero kapag ito na mismo ang kinukwestyon mismo ng tao, it is very challenging dahil iba ang dynamics sa social media -mapapaaway ka lang.” Atom said.

Atom also mentioned the challenge of how to tackle the issue in public health and science — not talking as if one is an expert on that field but not also shying away from making the public informed. He also introduced the expert fallacy that contributes to the spread of false information.

Prof. Chua emphasized how false information preys on emotions. One example is the use of fear or panic of the vaccine to spread misinformation and disinformation.

In addition, she also stressed how people should be wary of the source of the information they consume.

When asked of one word they can think of to combat the infodemic, Dr. Ho stressed the word, “malasakit” — to act with utmost concern because giving information can mean life or death.” As for Prof. Chua, it’s “mapagmatyag” — to be vigilant to the information encountered. Lastly, Mr. Araullo gave the word, “patience” — giving an emphasis on the engagements online. “Hinga nang malalim. ‘Wag magpapaoverwhelm. ‘Yan ang magiging wellspring ng ating malasakit at vigilance.”

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The Sentinel hosted a webinar and workshop on mobile video editing to provide upskilling among BBHS students

Seizing expediency amid distance learning; sentinel organizes mobile video editing workshop Mary Ruth M. Orendain The Sentinel organizes a workshop on mobile editing workshop – a first on its webinar series, Saturday, January 29 via Google Meet and streamed on The Sentinel Facebook page.

Ms. Keen Claire M. Avenue, the resource speaker, a student of BS Architecture in Tarlac State University helps BBHS students and teachers utilize their mobile phones in editing videos using an easy-to-use and free mobile application called CapCut. Ms. Avenue’s video tutorial exceedingly took full grasp of the various editing concepts such as cutting unwanted clips, adding transitions, B-rolls, filters, effects, and audio in the given app.

“When it comes to school projects, reporting, and presentation, this [Capcut] is really helpful talaga and it’s easy to do.” Ms. Avenue assured the audience. With this, the program also urged students to learn independence when it comes to video presentations rather than being accustiomed to relying on others.

Given the education system’s situation today, requirements are sent through digital platforms mandatorily. Video presentations and documentation multiplied even in the modular setup. Baras-Baras High school which also appends to this condition opened a door to those willing to learn on the system’s lack of

fully preparing teachers and students for video editing outputs, especially those who have no background in video editing. Although there have been webinars teaching the educators before the implementation of remote learning, the school publication believes it is crucial that the student body also learned about more accessible, quality, and free editing platforms rather than applications that demand highend hardware such as Adobe applications like Premiere Pro and After Effects and those more familiar like Filmora and Power Director.

Following the tutorial is the question-and-answer session where teachers and students ask about the applications other capabilities like motion graphics, and some concerns on the attributes of audio such as copyrighting of music.

The closing part of the program encouraged the participants to submit a 15-second video edited in CapCut with reference to what they’ve picked up in the tutorial. Wherein the winners would receive a prize from The Sentinel’s adviser, Mr. Jon Henry Ordonez.

The Sentinel aims to hold a series of webinars and workshops to promote skill-building among BBHSians and to establish a culture of learning beyond academic duties.

Salvana bags 1st place In UP Pataasandiwa digital poster making contest

Andrew Ian L. Salvana (left) of Grade 11 HUMSS Pandora puts the finishing touches for his entry (right) in the UP Pataasandiwa Digital Postermaking Contest.

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FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

BBHS prepares for face-toface classes; conducts parents’ orientation.

Baras - Baras High School, in pursuant of the declaration of the face-to-face class implementation holds an orientation at the Baras -Baras covered court on March 11.

This is after the announcement of the province of Tarlac being under alert level 1 by the Interagency Task Force (IATF) for infectious diseases.

Mr. Mamerto L. Ragel, Jr., School Head of BBHS once again, thanked the parents of the students who will be subject for the limited face-to-face classes on March 14. He also urged the parents to work with the school in the gradual return to regular class orientation of their students.

BBHS honors national symbol; conducts flag burning ceremony at SHS grounds As stipulated in Republic Act 8491 section 14, “ a flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse and or desecration.

The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.”

In line with this, Baras - Baras High School had a flag burning ceremony at the senior high school grounds. It was organized by the Araling Panlipunan department, headed by Ma’am.

Mafhel S. Pili.

Ma’am Mylene Dupitas narrated the evolution of the National Flag with the help of the BBHS Scouts and Ma’am Carolina Manaloto discussed its symbols.

BBHS students also took part in honoring one of our National Symbols. Ms. Kristel Casimiro recited the “Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas” and Mr. Moises Panguelo read a poem entitled, “Ang Aking Bandila” by Cirio H. Panganiban.

School Head, Mr. Mamerto L. Ragel, Jr. lead the burning of the flag followed by its burial by SSG President, Ms. Mercy T. Cabenta.

GPTA President Diosdado Cabenta also took part in the ceremony by setting up the marker of the burial site followed by the offering of flowers.

BBHS-SSG, YES-O, BKD advocate green revolution Sporting their placards and slogans, teachers and students of Baras - Baras High School raised awareness in protecting planet Earth by participating in the ”Green Parade” as part of the Green Revolution program of the BBHS-SSG, BKD, and YES- O headed by Ms. Mercy T. Cabenta, Mr. Jericho Sindao, and Ms. Kristel Lorraine Casimiro, respectively and through the guidance of Mr. Carl Fulloso, SSG Adviser, Ms. Mafhel S. Pili, BKD Adviser, and Ms. Edith Batu, YES-O Adviser.

After the ”Green Parade”, Baras - Baras High School students engaged in a mini concert — singing songs that uphold the protection of our planet.

YES-O adviser, Ma’am Edith Batu gives instructions on how to manage waste as Baras - Baras High School students participate in the clean up drive.

The clean up drive is part of the Green Revolution program of the SSG, BKD, and YES-O. Baras - Baras High School students participate in the cleaning of the school’s gulayan — as part of the Green Revolution program of the BBHS-SSG, BKD, and YES-O. The school’s gulayan is a project spearheaded by BBHS School Head, Mr. Mamerto L. Ragel, Jr. BBHS students sport their placards to advocate for planet conservation during their green parade -- as part of the Green Revolution.

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BULLETIN

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

NDEP virtual program sparks awareness and prevention among BBHS students Mark Je-ar M. Aglibo

John Lester Balut (2nd from the left) won this year’s Bayani-Look-Alike as part of the Independence Day celebration

Baras-Baras High School students attended a virtual program organized by the National Drug Education Program (NDEP) with the collaboration of Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD), “Ok sa DepEd Oplan Kalusugan” via Google Meet and Facebook Live on November 24. It is one of the school’s Learning Action Cells (LAC) and is headed by LAC Leader, Ma’am Jenalyn Pamintuan and Barkada Kontra Droga Focal Person Ma’am Mafhel Serrano Pili. The purpose of the webinar is to educate and spread awareness about the activities that may negatively affect the body. Teachers, students, and parents actively joined the said program.

The virtual program that NDEP organized provided pieces of information, such as preventing the use of drugs and tobacco abuse. They also talked about controlling HIV/ AIDS cases and their effects on the body. These were explained and elaborated upon by Mr. Dave Limuel A. Saavedra, the NDEP and Mental Health Division Focal Person.

The activity started to awaken the curiosity and thoughts of the students. According to Carlos James Edmalin from Grade 10-Alcala, “bilang isang magaaral ng grade 10, naiintindihan ko kung ano ang mga dapat gawin kapag nahawa o meron kang HIV at kung paano ito malalagpasan.”

Alexa Mae Tabag from grade 7 Quezon is against bullying and discrimination on those who are infected with HIV. “Don’t smoke and be careful all the time. Also, don’t bully someone who has HIV.” “Ang aking natuitunan sa program ay ang sanhi at epekto ng paninigarilyo sa tao, sa nakakalanghap ng usok nito ay may possibilidad na magkaroon ng epekto sa katawan.

Sa HIV naman ay mga sintomas at self-control bilang menor de edad na hindi dapat ito ginagawang gawin o hobbies.” Danica Sindao of grade 12 Orwell said.

Ma’am Carmela Huna ended the program with a statement, “huwag po manigarilyo, huwag po makikipagtalik, especially po sa mga students natin na menor de edad pa.

Ang pinaka maganda pong gawin ay huwag pong gumawa ng hindi po maganda sa para sa ating kalusugan.”

BBHS implements project ICE; conducts donation drive Harry Carbonel

Baras – Baras High School conducts a donation drive project for the elderly dubbed as Project ICE (I Care For the Elderly) which aims to help and show the schools’ gratitude to its senior citizen.

To kickstart the project, the teachers asked for donation from their students that will be given to the senior citizens. Students, in turn, participated by providing grocery items.

The BBHS teachers also did their part as the senior high school department prepared the accumulated grocery items for the gifting activity of Barangay Baras-Baras for the senior

08

BBHS commemorates independence day, gives recognition to student leaders Jasmine Camille Ibanez Baras – Baras High School celebrates the 124th year of Philippines’ independence through various activities in its commemoration with “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa hamon ng Panibagong Bukas”, as this year’s theme The celebration started with the offering of flowers to the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal. Ma’am Roussel P. Palmaria, Sir Gerald D. Bulusan, Ma’am Mafhel S. Pili, and School Head, Dr. Mamerto L. Ragel Jr., and all AP teachers led the offering.

It was followed by the parade of flags.

BBHS students displayed the evolution of the Philippine flag which was assigned to each grade level. A Philippine hero-look-alike competition was held afterward. The contest was conducted by the Araling Panlipunan Department.

While waiting for the contestants to prepare, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) held a mini concert featuring songs that exhibit freedom such as Liwanag sa Dilim. Jhon Lester Balut of the Senior High School department bagged 1st place with his Lapu-Lapu costume.

As part of the closing of the event, the student leaders were given recognition rewards for their commitment to their respective organizations. The SSG, Youth for Environment in School Organization (YES-O), and Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) officers received a certificate of recognition for leadership. These were awarded

by School Head, Dr. Ragel Jr. The respective organization advisers also took part in giving awards.

Moreover, Ms. Mercy T. Cabenta, SSG President, received the Leadership Awardee for the Academic Year 2021-2022,

Ms. Mercy T. Cabenta, SSG President receives the Leadership Award

School Head, Dr. Mamerto L. Ragel, Jr. (far right) leads the giving of the grocery items to Barangay Baras - Baras senior citizens

citizens. On the other hand, the junior high school department packed fresh vegetables for the said project.

The teachers performed a dance number and was followed by a mini concert by the Supreme Student Government (SSG) to entertain the seniors. SSG Public information officer (PIO) officer, Ms. Leean Margarette Magat gave a speech to the audience, also explaining what the objective of Project ICE. Following the warm speech, they finally gave the grocery items and the fresh vegetables to the elderly. Lastly, they also gave the seniors a fruit bearing tree in relation to the activity of SSG for Arbor day.

The senior citizens were also given fruit-bearing trees as part of the activities in Arbor day.

PHOTOS FROM: BBHS - SNAPSHOTS FACEBOOK PAGE

EDITOR’S NOTE

learning curves Looking back at my past experiences in leadership, I have never genuinely seen myself as a person assertive in a group because the people I used to handle only needed minimal guidance or basic instructions to provide some quality work. In my eyes, everyone was capable of the position I got, and I only saw myself as that one person they needed to handle the commitments at the moment, but not as the person fit for the job. I doubted myself for quite some time and perhaps it’s because I know that when I’m surrounded by the people in the room, my skills, especially in writing are mediocre.

I love writing. I loved every second of hearing my teacher read my overly-sharing essays in front of the class while I subtly hid in my chair–embarrassed. But passion will feel like an illusion and that spark will come and go once you let it die. For me, it went downhill when I saw how everyone is competitive in high school. When we didn’t cut the regionals, I started comparing my skills to everyone, I chose not to progress with my writing until it left me with no other than a person–opinionated yet with words of short-sighted ideas. An empty can, loud as it echoes the sound around its hollow rusty corners.

However, fast forward to today, the Sentinel compelled me to dig up some repressed trust in myself. Although it took me some time to finally accept that this role is mine. Holding a title feels surreal when you stop fighting for it. As your current Editor-in-Chief, I still have a long way to go, I still have so much to learn in guiding everyone to their roles while handling my turmoil. The Sentinel helped me realize that it’s okay to look back at a hundred drafts of paragraphs, only to read the same ideas within. But what matters is that you’re starting something and going somewhere.

To my fellow Sentinels, I love you all and I need you more than ever UwU. I hope we live up to seeing everyone nurturing their talents and ideas as we embark on a journey of shedding awareness and giving depth on the timely issues in our society. And to build a foundation yielded by trust in what you’re capable to display. We’re only in the beginning, let’s hold the fort at the forefront of critical thinking. Especially now when our generation is under serious threats of disinformation.

As to my fellow BBHSians, I deeply encourage you to join our organization. The Sentinel is not specifically searching for gifted individuals, we are looking for students who want to grow outside the four-walled classroom culture. We need students who can express their opinions based on truth. To join us and be the pillars of students who use their voices to enlighten and outspread information, inside and outside the campus. You have so much more to offer than chasing deadlines. Be a part of our growing family and let us help you water your abilities.

MARY RUTH M. ORENDAIN Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOS FROM: MR. JON HENRY B. ORDONEZ

09

CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

under STRANDing culture TRACK

*and other BBHS-SHS student shenanigans

Mary Ruth M. Orendain, Lhaidel Yrje B. Antenor, and Shaybie S. Cajuguiran

Since the start of the in-person classes, the BBHS-SHS student body encountered experiences unique to their own strand. Whether its classroom culture or subject-specific dreads, we’ve collated different experiences that set it apart from other strands. We hope this may also serve as guide for incoming BBHSian senior high school students who are undecided on the track and strand they will choose.

ABM

HUMSS

Note: may or may not be true to all -- especially if your presence is not felt this year brrrrr...

ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS, AND MANAGEMENT

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

“Plus, minus, and NC”

“Picturan mo na lang. Send mo sa gc”

“Essay nanaman”

FABM1, a major in ABM may seem easy since you just need to put plus(+), minus(-), and NC (no change) in the column of the asset, liability, and capital to the given situation but little do they know, it is hard to determine where is the right place for the given signs since you need to understand and analyze first the situation before putting the signs in the columns. It’s an arduous procedure.

ABM students chose to listen more than write while listening. It is hard for them to multitask if the lesson is hard, especially if it is their major subject.

If you’re a HUMSS student or are planning to take the strand, expect your tasks and outputs to be always in essay form. Because in this strand, your skills in writing and public speaking will be honed.

“Ano ulam nyo bukas?”

Even though the class is only half day, ABM students tend to pack a lunch for their recess time since they feel drained after taking their 2 major subjects consecutively.

“Gusto mo?”

In the class of ABM - Marx, every recess time they will offer their food to their classmates since they know some are too lazy to stand up from their chairs to buy their own food because they really feel drained after listening and seeing a lot of numbers.

“Nawalan ata ako ng kaluluwa”, “Sumabog utak ko roon ah”, and “Gets mo?”

“Walang pang kamatayang numbers amp.

Mamamatay na ako. Ang sakit sa ulo.”

This is what an ABM student will say whenever they’re doing their activities in their major subject, FABM1.

“Anong mali? Saan ako nagkulang?”

ABM students question their ‘pagkukulang’ whenever it is not balanced. (Reference is their FABM1 subject: balancing) “Tapos ka na?”

It is not hidden in our knowledge that whenever a student feel left behind doing their activities they will find a ‘karamay’ for them to feel better that they are not the only ones who is not finished with their tasks and this always happens in section Marx “Beh, paturo.”

It’s common for ABM - Marx to help and lift each other because they want success for everyone.

These are the famous lines you will hear in section Marx whenever they finish their major subjects since for them it is hard to understand a thing early in “Tapos ka na sa PE?” the morning. Lumulutang ang utak ko, ika nga nila.

PE subject is more on video activities and MARX“Sasapakin ko sino nagtago ng columnar ko” ABM wants more to do it together than individually.

FABM1 is one of the major subjects in the “Ma’am bigyan niyo pa kami 1 hour. Hindi pa po kami ABM strand and in this subject the columnar is the tapos eh.” most important since it contains the activities that you answered in hours even though the given situation to Since FABM1 is a major subject and is hard for an analyze and understand is only 6.

ABM student, it consumes a lot of time to finish the given activities. You will not finish on time even if there’s only “Behhhh....” one situation given in the activity.

In ABM, sending this phrase in their group “Dapat maganda pa rin kahit stress na” chat in the middle of the night is what we call, “the call of desperation” since you immediately knew they This is also one of the most famous lines in ABM needed help.

Marx’s class. Most of the girls in this section apply eyeliner whenever they want. Perhaps they feel more themselves when they draw at their eyelids–to give more depth to their beauty.

TVL

TECHNOLOGY-VOCATIONAL-LIVELIHOOD TRACK “Pahiram ako gunting”

“Sino na sa inyo ang nakatapos na sa pattern?”

If you’re a TVL student, expect your classmates to borrow scissors from you from time to time because for some reason they always forget their own.

Our TVL teacher always asks about the draft pattern of the t-shirt and shorts. In TVL, We need to create the draft pattern in Manila paper to make a guide in the fabric for the clothing. But a few students in TVL often forget to do the task in TVL class because our teacher gives us permission during his period to do the task in the other subjects.

“Nadala mo yung pinapadala ni sir? (Sewing kit)” Another scenario of “naghahanap ng karamay”.

In TVL, the class becomes problematic when the students forget their sewing kit because you can’t do the activities without it.

“Magrerecess ka?”

“Hindi. Tatapusin ko muna yung task sa tailoring.”’ “same.”

“May natapos na kayo sa PR1?”

Naghahanap ng karamay. Not a day will go by without the research leaders asking others about their progress so they would feel a little less worried about their incompetence.

“Samahan mo ‘ko mag paprint” In HUMSS, your allowance mostly goes to computer shops because most outputs are required to be printed.

“Palibre Fudgee bar” Because of all the printing requirements, by recess time, HUMMS students are broke and will ask others to buy snacks for them. *whispers to seatmate* “ GG sana ipatake home” When HUMSS students are assigned another writing prompt and they haven’t finished the maximum number of words required. You will hear synchronous murmurs from your classmates–almost sounding like a ritual, of them manifesting that the activity today can be a homework assignment.

“Pacheck ako mhie kung tama” Sadly, we do our best to proofread each other’s outputs before a submission.

“Ako mag log sheet sa boys, ikaw sa girls” Filling out the log sheets every day is crucial.

In this pandemic era in the education system, writing your name, temperature, and the time you went to class is the only evidence that you exist. However, most of the time, the class forgets, and it’s up to the last two students in the classroom to fill out for their classmates who are already on their way home.

“Ang hirap kasi” When the teacher tells us to group and circle around each other, it will most likely turn into an 80% support group and 20% of us–actually talking about the task. After brainstorming a little bit about the topic assigned, the group mates would talk about their personal life such as how hard it is to juggle work and school, the deadlines, the simultaneous performance tasks, and their girlfriends and boyfriends.

“The Bible said!”

During debates, There are 3 stages of being on the brink of irrationality. First, there’s yelling, 2nd, drowning the voice of the opposition while it’s still his/her time to speak, and lastly, just when your classmate is running out of basis on his/her stand on the issue, he/she would most likely resort to religious beliefs.

This conversation is always heard during recess time because other students in TVL forget to do the task. They skip recess and decide to only do the task at that time.

10

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBH-SAYS

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

We asked our schoolmates from the Junior High School Department re: the hobbied they have picked up during the school year and at the start of the school break. Here are some of their answers.

“Watching animes and reading mangas. Hmm kase dito ako masaya, I’ve learned new things.” “online games, dahil dun ako sumasaya at dun minsan nawawala mga problema ko.”

FROM

“Mag-calligraphy, mag design ng journal then mag drawing. Kasi yun ang passion ko.

Bata pa ako, ‘yan na ung ginagawa ko except dun sa pag calligraphy nung nag modular [learning] ko lang na discover.”

“Playing lawn tennis & ‘pag d-draw, I feel calm while doing these hobbies.”

“Mga hobbies ko ay manuod ng educational videos, mag basa at mag laro ng mga iba’t ibang games (mga educational games), una, naging hobby ko ang panonood ng mga videos dahil nakakakuha ka ng knowledge dito na maaring makatulong sa akin, ikalawa naman ang pag babasa, tulad nga ng sinabi ko, nahiligan kong mag-basa dahil makakakuha ka ng mga kaalaman na maaaring makatulong sa buhay at maaaring humubog sa akin pagdating ng panahon. Pangatlo, paglalaro ng mga games dahil nakakatulong Iio sa pag-solve ng mga bagay-bagay, at ma eenhance ang aking kaalaman.”

“I‘m expecting new circle of friends, new crush, new teachers, and new me. Siyempre new lessons and new kaii-stressan, excited ako at the same time hindi kasi (sana) ang next school year ay hindi tulad ng inaasahan ng lahat na laging nangyayari kada school year, let’s have some thrill -- yung tipong may makakakuha ng offer from Harvard HAHAHA ganorn.”

STUDIES

“Kumain at manood ng Tiktok masarap kasi kumain, tsaka nanonood ako ng TikTok para sumaya.”

“Listening to music,reading books, and knitting to relieve stress. It is a great way to ease anxiety.”

TO

HOBBIES

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL L E I S U R E AC T I V I T I E S

“Since the pandemic -- reading Wattpad because I’m always bored.”

“Panonood ng K-drama at C-drama, pag-papaint. Pampalipas oras tsaka para mawala boredom ko sa bahay. Yung sa calligraphy at pagpaint ay dahil na rin siguro sa laging pag papaactivity nito sa school.”

“Kumanta, sumayaw, magpaint.

Sa pagkanta kasi nalilibang ako. Sa pagsayaw naman, wala lang parang exercise ko na rin. Sa pagpaint naman nalilibang din ako.”

Jasmine Camille Ibanez, Harry Carbonell, Ian Claui Macaro, and Vanessa Medina

“Basketball and writing poems, yun yung nagpapasaya sakin tsaka hilig ko talaga.”

“Maglinis bwahahaha ay. Kase po nakakatulong na po ako sa pamilya ko, gumaganda pa ang aming bahay HAHAHA.”

EXPECTATIONS SCHOOL YEAR 2022 - 2023

“As always naman nakaka stress pa rin.”

omsim barabida “Marami pa ring kadayaang magaganap.”

Art of Angel

“I expect that F2F learning will be better and continue this coming school year, and I’m manifesting that I will be able to do my school works well.”

Anonymous

Vanybels

“Ang inaasahan ko sa susunod na pasukan ay ang mas maayos na patakaran ang gawin nila sa DepEd, dahil bago na ang namumuno dito na ngayon ay pinamumunuan ng bago nating vice president na si Sarah Duterte,na sana lahat ng kanyang ipapangako ay kanyang tuparin, dahil yun ay para sa kapakanan naming mga mag aaral. “

“Expectations ko sa next school year is mas magiging maayos na tsaka handled na ung time sa pagtuturo and more programs sana.”

kat oprah

“I think it’s going to be more hectic.

Academic workload would be doubled, and the school’s organization would be more active in competing.

Right now, the most obvious expectation I have is how I’m going to fight for next year’s academic survival.”

rawr

GRAPHICS FROM: FREEPIK

Shazam

“I think the things that we use to learn in school are gonna be different or difficult, and we students need to focus in studying.”

“I’m expecting that the next school year will be greater than before.”

“Back to normal, have a new program that will help the talents of the students .”

Lowella

adler

11

EDITORIAL

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

ACADEMIC BREAK A Manic System’s Fleeting Leisure

W

e spent these years living in confined spaces, locked in our bedrooms, locked in virtual meeting rooms –barricaded from the danger of the outside world yet unaware of the imminent threat that’ll jab us. Performing various roles that society expects us to meet.

Juggling school-related tasks while being a family member/employee/friend/classmate/ colleague, all under the same roof and timetable. The hectic routine that distance learning has established, has never been easy for students and educators. And It is dismaying, that up until now, we still cannot accept the fact that we will never get used to this type of environment. So, we dread the chance of academic breaks, just to grasp our breath in this contaminated air.

At least 260 higher education institutions have declared academic break amid the surge of COVID-19 cases. Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said regional directors and schools division superintendents were authorized to “decide on the specific dates and number of days of suspension for the suspension of classes as long as the period of class suspension does not exceed two weeks to avoid a prolonged disruption in the current school calendar.” In Manila City, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso declared a weeklong health break from Jan. 14 to Jan. 21 for private and public schools at all levels. “Parents have a high anxiety level for their children, and the anxiety level of teachers [is also the same],” he said, adding that infected students, parents, and teachers could use the one-week break to rest and recover. Meanwhile, here in Tarlac City, the Division Office announced a one-week suspension of classes from January 17-21, 2022 to all private and public schools due to the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases.

The uproar for an academic break, ever since remote learning was implemented is a cry, we all need to take a deeper looked at it. Because occasionally hearing the same request across the country is daunting and it shows that this kind of arrangement does not solve the underlying systematic problem in the education system.

But rather, act as a band-aid solution to this seemingly vast experiment of no in-person classes.

12

Although, with the implementation of an academic break, there will be more time for all of us to address personal concerns and encourage the students running behind to catch up.

Whether it’s those who are underprivileged by remote learning resources which caused them to run slower than others, or those who had lost the momentum and energy to just progress. But the thing is, this system won’t stop bustling its way to affect every educator and student’s performance. What we use to have in the pre-pandemic system is a type of deprivation in quality education we just tend to get used to over the past years. But because of the unprecedented era, we were forced to see an augmented problem in the system that lacks concern for educators and students’ varying socio-economic status amid the pandemic.

Undeniably, this era is exhausting and unfortunately, it’s not getting any better soon. When the omicron variant started another wave of panic and increase of COVID-19 cases, pilot face-to-face classes were delayed and we are back to putting up the same old puzzle pieces—the draining routine of finishing up school requirements, opening various textbooks for references, and back reading the messages of our co-workers or group mates threatening each other to cooperate to a certain task.

Because panic is what drives us to act in such situations -- but it could also stop us from doing anything, like how nearing deadlines and piling workloads boost us to complete the job. Meanwhile, trap us in a draining systemic life of home learning set-up because of the rising cases of infection. Combining both scenarios equals students and educators burning out. Hence, the

need for an academic break.

According to an article in TIME magazine -- on the Philippines not fully reopening its schools, it said that educators fear that prolonged exposure of students in this setup would cause a whole generation to forfeit. Thus, it has negative effects on students’ ability to learn, impacting their futures just a time when the country needs a young, well-educated workforce to resume the impressive economic growth it was enjoying before the pandemic hit. Moreover, given the fact that the Philippines have one of the world’s largest lockdowns, it has caused us to remain very reliant on distance learning.

Ostensibly, we could only break away from the draining pattern of the system if schools would reopen soon. Of course, this will have to take heavy precautionary measures, that school intuitions are now establishing to ensure everyone’s safety. But until then, let’s dwell on the reasons why students and educators are losing their momentum to create a bona fide-engaging-learning-environment, and why their only look at progress is coasting through due dates, and fulfilling ceaseless requirements.

Despite each of our diverse needs for remote learning, or our differing pace of progression to certify the success of self-learning setup. The one thing everyone needs to have all in common today—if not the opportunity for a quality education—then an academic break. To find one fleeting ease from the daggers of unseen efforts, cyclic demotivation, or the anxiety from forcing oneself to that idea that better time managing is the key to all misery.

Indeed, we are all humans who can have the last straw, and potentially break at a certain inconvenience. And at some point, we’d see ourselves recapping the year 2019 in our minds where we still walk on school hallways, with the zeal to learn and friends along the side. Because it wasn’t as draining before when we could have the school and our home to alter when one place got tortuous. That was essential, and losing all of that at once, made us realize that its effect on everyone is substantial.

ILLUSTRATION BY: ANDREW IAN L. SALVANA

PERSPECTIVES

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

IMPORTANSYA NG PAGBABASA SA BAGONG SISTEMA

LHAIDEL YRJE B. ANTENOR

I

sa ang COVID-19 sa malaking problema na ating kinaharap. Maraming bagay ang nagbago at maaaring patuloy magbago. Isa sa mga pinaka kilalang pagbabago na nangyari ay sa ating sistema ng pag-aaral. Tayo ay nakakaranas ng new normal o bagong paraan ng pagtuturo at pag-aaral, ang modular at online class. Nagiba man ang sistema, iisa parin ang mahalagang mandato -- kung nais ng isang bata na pumasok at maging matagumpay sa eskwela ito ay dapat marunong bumasa.

Ayon sa pahayag ni DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, Ginoong Diosdado San Antonio, “Ito ang pinakauna natin dapat gawin, kasi we can never pursue quality education if the kids do not know how to read.”

Kayaang pagbabasa ay isa sa mga importanteng papel upang maaabot ang tagumpay lalo na sa eskwelahan.

Ngayon na tayo’y nasa gitna pa rin ng pandemya – maaaring mas marami ang oras sa ating sarili dulot ng pananatili sa ating mga tahanan, madalas naghahanap ng mga gawain lalo na sa ating libreng oras, maaring ito ay ang pagbabasa. Sa tuwing tayo ay nagbabasa napapalawak natin ang ating bokabularyo dahil sa proseso ng pagbasa, marami tayong natutuklasang mga bagong salita. Sa tuwing tayo ay nakakatuklas ng salitang bago sa atin, ang ating pagintindi sa konteksto ng ating binabasa ay mas lumalawak. Kung tayo ay may malawak na bokabularyo, ang pakikinig, pakikipag-usap, at pagsusulat ay mas madali nang gawin. Sa pagbabasa, hinahasa rin natin ang ating reading comprehension o pag-unawa. Ayon rin ito sa mensahe ni Ginoong Ramil G. Ilustre, Region III Education Program Supervisor in English sa selebrasyon ng National Reading Month noong nakaraang taong 2021 na “if a child is a reader, they will become excellent also in different learning areas since reading is vital for them to learn other skills” (Kung ang bata ay mambabasa,sila ay magiging mahusay din sa iba’t ibang parte ng pag-aaral dahil ang pagbabasa ay mahalaga upang matuto pa sa ibang kasanayan).

PHOTOS FROM: MR. JON HENRY B. ORDONEZ

Ang pagbabasa rin ay nakakatulong upang malaman natin ang mga kaganapan sa ating kapaligiran -- hindi lamang sa ating bansa kundi pati na rin sa labas nito. Halimbawa nito ay pagbabasa ng mga artikulo, dyaryo o balita. Sa pamamagitan nito, tayo ay nanatiling may alam sa nangyayari tungkol sa ating paligid -- dahil ang pagbabasa ay pag-unawa.

Isa ang print media sa nakakatulong sa atin upang magkaroon tayo ng kaalaman sa ating

“

Ang pagpasa nila sa kanilang klase ay nakasalalay pa rin sa kanilang kakakayahang magbasa at umintindi. paligid. Sa pagkakaroon ng kaalaman ukol rito, natututo tayong gumawa ng plano patungkol sa ating nabasa, ito man ay maging balita, isyu tungkol sa ating kalusugan, sa kapaligiran, o sa politika. Ang pagbabasa ay nakatutulong upang maunawaan natin kung ano ang nangyayari, kung bakit ito nangyayari , at kung paano ito nangyari na maaaring makatulong sa atin na gumawa ng plano o gumawa ng aksyon sa kung ano ang dapat nating gawin patungkol sa ating binasa.

Bilang karagdagan, ang pagbabasa ay nakakababa ng stress level ng 68%. Ayon sa

pahayag ng isang cognitive neuropsychologist na si Dr. David Lewis, “it really doesn’t matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book, you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination” (Hindi mahalaga kung anong libro ang gusto mong basahin, sa pamamagitan ng pagkawala ng iyong sarili sa isang nakakaengganyong libro maaari kang makatakas mula sa aalalahin at stress na nararanasan sa pang-araw-araw at gumugol ng ilang sandali upang makapasok sa imahinasyon ng may-akda.).

Sa eskwelahan, ang bawat estudyante ay dapat matutong magbasa. Ang pagpasa nila sa kanilang klase ay nakasalalay pa rin sa kanilang kakakayahang magbasa at umintindi. Ngayon na nararanasan ng mga estudyante ang bagong paraan ng pag-aaral, ang husay sa pagbabasa ang kanilang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin dahil kailangan nilang magsumikap na turuan ang kanilang mga sarili, nang sa gayon ay maintindihan nila ang aralin sa bawat asignatura na ibinibigay ng eskwelahan, dahil hindi na ito katulad noon na mas natututukan sila ng kanilang mga guro sa bawat aralin. Kailangang basahin at intindihin muna nila ang kanilang mga aralin bago sila magsimulang sumagot sa kanilang mga modules o online forms. Gaya ng aking nabanggit, ang mga estudyante ay dapat maglaan ng oras sa pagbabasa upang mas mahasa pa nila ang kanilang pang-unawa at mas mapalawak pa nila ang kanilang bokabularyo. Iba pang benipisyo nito ay mahahasa ang memorya na mabuti para sa mga estudyante. Ang pagbabasa rin ay nakakatulong upang mailayo sila pansamantala, sa stress at makatakas sa kanilang reyalidad sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa ng mga istoryang may dyanrang katulad ng fantasy, fiction, o mga librong kanilang ikakawili.

13

OP-ED

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

CLICK FOR RIGHT

MARY RUTH M. ORENDAIN

I

n the uproar of social media interaction from living off in a virtual world, we cannot help but be a part of a comment section’s feud. Whether we are sitting comfortably in our pajamas, reading arguments between warring factions and partisans, writing serious statements on Facebook to prove our opinions, or simply pressing the reaction buttons. Performative activism in social media is manifested through our single tap on our screens or when we are establishing an argument that aids to sway society’s beliefs.

In the era of divided convictions and dissipation of misinformation and disinformation, most of us have tried to raise our voice in the seas of enemies, whose hearings are too blurry to accept any aspect aligning with the side of truth. Many have already put down their banners, while some – composedly showed their dexterity to battle against the attackers, with so much ad hominems and false news up to their sleeves – just preparing to strike and bring mockery to those standing justly.

To anyone whose controversial posts are still on their timelines, to anyone who is supporting social media figures that offer factual information – know that this pertains to activism, and with this, we are progressing to change the misconceptions of society’s crooked ideology.

The stakes are high to stay silenced. We may not be able to see the adversities it can bring or the consequences of being blindfolded by our invisible strings of privilege. Not being involved or interacting in social media conversations regarding certain issues we face as a community or as a nation is siding more with evil.

14

With this, we must do whatever we can to show support in building the foundations of our truth and justice. This will be our path to aid the voices that are left unheard. Ostensibly, the

“

The performance we create or engage in social media, regarding the issues of society, is reflected in how much we want to create a change – and fight the unjust – embodied through paid and dummy accounts. paragraphs of Facebook posts or such illustrations portray a crisis that is threatening the lives of many. Lift your finger and tap that like but-

ton or share that social media post. Do not be afraid to make a noise.

Furthermore, building our awareness towards the matter behind every performative activism is by simply reading the dividing opinions along with the evidence to support their claims which they brought along the argument.

Look for the ones that engage in a healthy conversation, and have popcorn to entertain yourself with the humorous, hence, educational content we can find just right there in our newsfeeds.

Social media platforms are the utmost dependable world we belong to. Where we can share ideas freely, our stance on such matters, and manifest our support towards the people we share our sympathy with or to those we cry with beside us now. Whatever we do to side with a clamor in which convictions are still measured to their moral virtues and correct history, is worthy of any form of activism. The performance we create or engage in social media, regarding the issues of society, is reflected in how much we want to create a change – and fight the unjust – embodied through paid and dummy accounts.

How we handle the spreading lies in our timelines and how we show negligence to certain controversies shows what we truly are behind our phone screen. Therefore, include yourself, if you desire a change in the patterned post containing false hope. Do not ignore to scroll and click like for right.

PERSPECTIVES

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

YOUNG MINDS LEFT UNFULFILLED

ANDREA S. CHUA

R

eading opens doors to the world and beyond. The younger the reader, the more doors can be opened. It allows us to learn a tremendous amount and get insight into a wide range of worlds, behaviors, and reasons. Being able to comprehend is a necessary life skill to be able to interpret written context. Consider all of the ways that reading comprehension capabilities are used in everyday life. These skills enable people to communicate clearly and turn words on a page.

Understanding effectively can help a person expand their vocabulary. It is critical for a child’s academic performance since it helps them to access the entire curriculum while also enhancing their communication and language skills.

WETA Public Broadcasting (2021) stated that most of the words cannot be comprehended by the reader unless they are familiar with the meanings of the majority of the words.

Children must acquire the meaning of the new terms that are not part of their speech vocabulary. However, with the beginning of community lockdown and the suspension of classes around the country, an increasing number of children have been compelled to stay at home, raising the number of pupils who are disengaged from or completely deprived of their education.

Undoubtedly, the health crisis and its outcomes have increased already-existing literacy issues, widening the gap between children who receive reading assistance and those who do not. Due to the disruption of schooling caused by the pandemic, early-grade reading fluency is expected to be around 30% lower than in prior years, and students from low-income schools may be falling further behind.

According to a poll conducted by global firm Desire, 2 Learn (D2L), more than half of the students in the Philippines are considering dropping out of school temporarily until COVID-19 is over, owing to limitations in technology access for remote learning, (Anago, 2021). Because of the outbreak, technology was employed for distance learning, which will aid in the learning of pupils and assist them in improving their reading and comprehension

PHOTOS FROM: MR. JON HENRY B. ORDONEZ

skills. However, students with poor access to technology were compelled to leave out of school, leaving their reading abilities unfulfilled due to a lack of support and assistance.

Domingue (2021) in an article, “Has the COVID-19 Crisis Affected Reading Development?” wrote that following the start of COVID-19 school closures in the spring of 2020,

“

The lack of communication between educators and students in the new learning system barred the doors of knowledge in communication and language skills which affects the reading and speaking fluency of many students that are still facing unprecedented years of learning. children exhibited no improvement in reading fluency over the next five months. Disruptions were inevitable given how abruptly schools were halted in March 2020, and educators had no time to prepare for remote teaching.

According to a study published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), One Year into COVID: Prioritizing Education Recovery to Avoid a Generational Catastrophe, the number of children who lacked basic reading skills was on the decline even before the pandemic. Instead of 460 million children having reading challenges in 2020, that number will have risen to 584 million. According to the agency, the increase

of more than 20% wiped out two decades of educational advances—worsening the already problematic population of young students with low reading comprehension.

With all of these data and studies collected, it is undeniable that COVID-19 had a severe impact on the reading comprehension abilities of children. It hindered their chance to quickly enhance their reading skills, particularly now that there are no face-to-face classes due to the pandemic. The poor access to technologies required for remote learning has left many young Filipinos compelled to, unfortunately, stop their education. The lack of communication between educators and students in the new learning system barred the doors of knowledge in communication and language skills which affects the reading and speaking fluency of many students that are still facing unprecedented years of learning.

To prevent the decrease in children’s reading comprehension capabilities, we must find a means to prevent COVID-19 from having such a negative impact on their reading abilities. Now that most of us are still preconditioned to follow these mandated learning, we must help each other fulfill our inadequate knowledge. Communicate with your schoolmates and mentors as much as you can because not all of us have the privileged to reach out to teachers or access information with one click.

Parents can also help their children read as a possible remedy to this problem. Nowadays, most parents are focused on their careers, they must have time to teach their children because there is a reinforced connection between them that can aid the lack of communication and reading skills they acquired from remote learning. They can begin teaching them to read with any reading materials they have available.

Teachers can also use social media to distribute reading resources to students or their parents or conduct a G-meet session where they can assist children with reading as a supplementary form of teaching outside the ordinary class discussions, for distance learning is the most efficient way for children to learn, now that the pandemic has struck.

15

NICOLE ANN T. MORALES WITH HONORS 2021 DIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: Correspondent -Ditto Sarmiento Journalism Cup CONTESTANT- News Writing, Feature Writing, Copy Editing and Headline Writing

ROBIN D.C. MAGAMPO WITH HONORS 2021 DIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: EDITORIAL CARTOONING DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT editorial cartooning

ANGELICA BLESS T. LAGRANA WITH HONORS DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT News Writing, Feature Writing, Copy Editing and Headline Writing 2020 UP PATAASANDIWA - SHORT FILM COMPETITION CONTESTANT

Congratulat B AT C H

SHAYNE ALYSON D. BASILIO

WITH HONORS 2021 DIDIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: News Writer 1st Place News Writing - Division level DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT- News Writing, Feature Writing, Copy editing and Headline writing, 2022 UP Sandiwa Pagsulat ng Sanaysay SHS level CONTESTAQNT

2

MARK JE-AR M. AGLIBO

WITH HONORS 2021 DIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: EDITORIAL CARTOONING DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT editorial cartooning 20212UP Sandiwa poster making 2022 SHS level CONTESTANT

ANGELINE T. TABAQUERO WITH HONORS DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT PHOTOJOURNALISM - 19TH PLACE DTI Vlogging Contest Provincial Champion DTI Vlogging Contest Regional First Place & Most number of post impressions

JOSEPH A. ESTILLORE

WITH HONORS 2021 DIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: SPORTS WRITER COMMUNICATIONS PERSONNEL IN THE 2021 BBHS E-SPORTS EVENT

CARMELA JOY S. SULPACIO

WITH HONORS DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT- News Writing, Feature Writing, Copy editing and Headline writing,

MESSAGE FOR BATCH 2022

HANNA ROSE R. PASCUAL

WITH HONORS DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT- News Writing, Feature Writing, Copy editing and Headline writing, + First of all thank you sa 2016 to 2022 na pag aaral ko sa Bbhs simula nung grade 7 hanggang ngayon, Thank you to all teachers and to all na naging

LEEAN MARGARETTE U MAGAT WITH HIGH HONORS 2021 DIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: FEATURE WRITING AND EDITORIAL WRITING DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT News Writing, Feature Writing, Copy Editing and Headline Writing 2021 UP Sandiwa essay writing SHS level contestant

tions

2022

KRISTEL LORRAINE B. CASIMIRO

MERCY T. CABENTA

WITH HIGH HONORS

WITH HIGH HONORS

DTI Quiz Bee - 4th Place Division Federation of YES-O - Vice President 2021 DIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: FEATURE WRITING AND EDITORIAL WRITING DITTO SARMIENTO JOURNALISM CUP CONTESTANT News Writing, Feature Writing, Copy Editing and Headline Writing 2O21 NSPC CAMPUS JOURNALISM VLOG CONTESTANT 2020 UP Sandiwa DAGLIANG TALUMPATI SHS level contestant

Division Federation of Supreme Student Government - President Regional Federation of Supreme Student Government - Board Member 2022 National Children’s Month Video Essay Division Project Game - Gulay Vlog - 2nd Place DTI Vlogging Contest Provincial Champion DTI Vlogging Contest Regional First Place & Most number of post impressions 2021 UP PATAASANDIWA EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH SHS LEVEL - CONTESTANT 2020 UP PATAASANDIWA EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH SHS LEVEL CONTESTANT luck for the future and have fun… + Basic lng yan promise, iwasan nyo lang research and concept paper - ;) + Maraming salamat sa mga memories at good luck satin sa college at sana matupad natin mga pangarap at maraming salamat sa mga teachers yun lang po salamat. + Hey, guys. 2 years ng modular, sino bang makakapaniwala na mag-gagraduate tayo face-toface? Mamimiss ko yung ingay ng mga classrooms sa taas, yung constant hi and hello with each other.

Chika chika and chismisan. Sana maabot niyo mga pangarap niyo sa buhay. + Ampogi mo parin mark. ‘Di kumukupas kagwapuhan mo. - Mark + God Bless Everyone - Shawny

MOISES B. PANGUELO

ANDREA S. CHUA WITH HONORS 2022 - WEBINAR ORGANIZER - THE SENTINEL’S MOBILE VIDEO EDITING WORKSHOP 2022 TERM MANAGING EDITOR classmate ko, Masaya ako na umaangat kayo at lalo na sa last batch ko family Pacioli, Thank you so much and sana makamit natin ang ating pangarap, God bless. + Akala ko sobrang mahihirapan ako isurvive last year ng high school life ko. Pero very thankful ako sa mga kaklase ko na sobrang babait. Tinulungan at hindi nila ako tinuring na iba sakanila. Sobrang memorable ng Grade 12 ko rito. Ang dami kong naging kaibigan. I’ll miss them so much. Para sa buong Grade 12 — mga kabatch ko, good luck sa bagong journey ng buhay nating lahat. Kaya natin ‘to. - May Jowa na + Our journey as senior high school students has not been easy. We have taken an uneven path through so many difficulties and obstacles but here we are facing another chapter of our lives to continue our story. Continue to write and fight because nothing is impossible to the person who believes. Good luck and Thanks for all the memories I will really cherish. -

WITH HIGH HONORS 2021 DIVISION DIGITIAL STUDENT PAPER Contest: LAYOUTING 2O21 NSPC CAMPUS JOURNALISM VLOG CONTESTANT DTI Vlogging Contest Provincial Champion DTI Vlogging Contest Regional First Place & Most number of post impressions Forbidden Writer

+ For Batch 2022, I’m so proud of all of you guiz kasi lumaban kayo at kinaya niyo, kahit gaano kahirap at kabigat yung mga kinaharap niyong pagsubok, hindi kayo nagpatalo, hindi kayo sumuko. Best wishes to you in all of your future endeavors! - Mela Thank you to all those people who helped and support me on my journey,especially to my friends and my classmate. I am very thankful dahil kayo yung naging kaklase ko for 2 years in senior high sana mas pagbutihin ninyo pa yung pag aaral ninyo para sa better outcome ng future ninyo Now, I know we’re all ready to explore more things in college! Congrats again sa lahat ng mga grumaduate and sa mga incoming shs students!! Goodluck, kaya n’yo yan!!

Fighting for our DREAMS!!! + Taena mamimiss ko batch namin - HAHAHA + Thank you for the memories we all created, good-

+ Thank you for everything ket di ko masyado na enjoy yung Senior High because of the pandemic.

Thankful pa rin ako dahil nakapagtapos kami dahil sayo mamimiss kita UwU - Mateo02 + The best sobrang saya kahit sa konting panahon na sama sama goodluck to next journey mamimiss ko kayo :(( - Hshaha + Unang una sa lahat binabati ko ang lahat ng mga nagtapos ngayon taong 2021-2022 ng isang maligayang pagtatapos sa SHS. Lahat tayo ay nakaraos sa dalawang taon na tila bakikibaka na din natin sa nagaganap na pandemya. Alam ko sa loob ng dalawang taon nating pagiging senior high student marami na din sa atin ang napaisip at nagbalak na huminto na muna sa pag aaral dahil hindi rin naman natin maitatangi kung paano tayo nahirapan at paano nating pinipilit na makasabay sa pagbabago sa set up ng ating pag aaral.

Ngunit, ako bilang isa ding estudyante nakita ko na hindi tayo nagpadaig sa anumang pagsubok bagkus lalo pa tayong nagpursige. July 6,2022.

Araw na sumukli sa ating pagpupuyat, pag iyak at pakagalit sa atin ng ating mga magulang ay atin ng natangap ‘diploma’. Muli binabati ko ang batch 2021-2022 ng isang maligayang pagtatapos sa ating lahat. At ang lagi lamang nating pakakatandaan na nandyan si God who always listen to all our prayers. - IamyourunknowncheerleaderHope + Basic lang yan - Mr.basic

FEATURES

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

THE RISE OF

SHAINNA JOSH B. MANALOTO

HIGHLIGHTS

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

H

ave you ever wondered what it would be like to have a school band? The Black Soil Band is made up of eight Grade 11 students.

Their journey to pursuing their dream of forming a band was not an easy one.

Everything began in the third quarter of this school year when Sir Jon discovered that some of his students could sing and play musical instruments. His students started wondering and constantly bringing up the idea of creating a band. They all started from scratch.

Before “black soil” became a real thing, the members and founder faced numerous challenges. They couldn’t just practice everywhere since they might cause a disturbance, so they are making use of any available space as an opportunity to practice. Even scarcities of instruments did not deter them; they alternated practicing with the instruments they had.

Some even do it over the phone, particularly the drummers. The obstacles that they overcome proved they’ve come far enough to make significant progress toward their goal.

Black Soil’s final practice took place on May 26. They may initially be mistaken for an ordinary group of students who enjoy jamming at first glance because they appear to be very chill and calm. You will, however, be able to tell that they are very serious and have a strong desire to deliver flawless performance on their scheduled date in the recording studio as you listen and observe them for a little longer.

Things still felt unreal when we arrived at the studio, especially for the band members. Their faces show tremendous nervousness and excitement as they begin to set their instruments.

As the band started to rehearse, everything began to take shape. Everyone was buzzing with vitality and warmth, indicating how proud

PHOTOS FROM: ANGEL CHOGYOMON AND SHAINNA JOSH B. MANALOTO

everyone in that studio was. The recording doesn’t go that smoothly. There were brief havoc scenes, but as they resumed playing, everyone was elated by the energetic vibe of the music and the band’s aura. After more than an hour of rehearsal, tiredness and dissatisfaction are seen on their faces, but who cares? Everyone is working hard to achieve the best possible results. Blacksoil members may become entangled with each other’s emotions as they continue to make mistakes, but that doesn’t make the recording any less fun; since everyone never fails to lift and cheer up each other.

After recording “Huling Sayaw,” which we thought was the last song they’d sing, Raphson, one of the members of BLACK SOIL, changed his guitar and began to sing his composed song, entitled “Love Story”. I think, most of us were perplexed and shocked upon hearing his song. We were left amazed because his song was excellent and catchy, and we were even more surprised when we learned the story behind it. As he records it for the second time, most of us are left puzzled about the girl who inspired him to write “Love Story”. Finally, the recording was wrapped up with a smile and satisfaction. The laughter, chaos, and memories we shared in that short period were too precious not to be treasured.

Black soil is about cultivating talents and learning to wait until they grow. It takes a lot of courage and sacrifices to make black soil possible, and as they continue to pursue this journey, hopefully, they’ll soon get the recognition they deserve.

19

MAGNUM OPUS

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

Rhythm of Truth Shayne Alyson D. Basilio

A beat that starts to mashup in my heart As you lay your hands and do an art All my thoughts and confusion starts a crime Your beats introduce a strange rhyme As you hit it and make a sound Also hit my heart and skips, how come?

It captivates me and cluelessly starts a battle A kind of feeling that I can’t really handle Even tho this bliss is a bit terrifying Your melody makes me ablaze A talent that is indeed mesmerizing Lead by rhythm, all vanish as I gaze At first, it was just an idolization Due to your effortless contrivance That slowly gives me a realization And now I feel a spark of admiration, hence...

Rhythm sometimes messes up And just like your drum sticks, we are apart Like unchanted instruments These need to stop before it starts

Madilim ang langit kapag wala ka Masaya ang bukas kapag nakikita Ang damdamin ay magaan sa tuwing ika’y nariyan Crush, baka gayuma na yan Mapansin mo sana ang munting tula Na sa’yo ay iaalay tulad ng pusong may galak Pagpalain sana ng may kapal At ‘wag makalimot ‘pag tumagal Dito ko na tatapusin ang tula Pinamagatang paghanga nang ‘di halata Kung ako man ay makilala mo Kahit kaunting kaway, sasaya na ako.

By: 143

Falling in love with you is so stupid Why do I stare at the moon and then think about you Why do I gamble my feelings on picking flower petals Asking myself if you love me or not Falling in love with you is so stupid You make me write foolish things like this, Or carve a heart on wooden desks With cupid’s arrow between our names Falling in love with you is so stupid, so insomniac, and ecstatic.

Because If you’re not in my dreams, Then I’m just up all night, picturing you smiling

By: *angry emoji*

20

Wr

SAY

VALENTINE’S DA

LITERATURE

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

Like the distance that brought fondness to our hearts, Our pride will forever keep us apart.

But I guess this will have to do, I’ll just love you from the other side of the moon.

You’re the only shoulder I cry on, My 911 call, The person who knows every inch of my soul, Warts and all.

Best friends forever, in denial till death, And though I know you may feel the same way, confessing is such a risky game A part of me believes, That whoever gets the courage to admit is bound to get hurt, I know it’s me.

By: Hehe

Walong Buwan Red Flag

Simula hulyo hanggang pebrero, At eto parin ako.

‘Di bali na, maghihintay ako kahit gaano katagal, Dahil ganun kita kamahal.

Hangga’t hindi nahuhulog ang mga tala, Patuloy akong aasa sa wala.

Malay mo, tayo talaga at natraffic lang ang tadhana.

Anong magagawa mo, eh nasa Pilipinas ka?

rite

Y IT

Kahit umabot ‘to ng dalawang dekada, Hindi kita titigilan.

Alam mo, Hindi ka naman mahiwaga pero pipiliin kita sa araw - araw.

Dahil simple lang naman ang aking pangarap.

Ang mamahinga ka sa higpit ng aking mga yakap, Sa ilalim ng mga asul na ulap.

Hahawakan ang iyong kamay, habang binibigkas ang mga pangakong panghabang buhay.

Mamahalin kita.

Araw - araw, hanggang sa mundo ay magunaw.

Asahan mong ako ay mananatili, Hanggang sa maubusan ng kulay ang bahaghari.

AY 2021 SPECIAL

Hinding hindi kita bibitawan, Kahit pa mawalan ng liwanag ag buwan.

Hanggang sa ang aking mga mata, Ay hindi na muling dumilat pa.

Makakaasa ka.

Iibigin kita.

Limang taon na ang nakakalipas, At wala ka pa ring pakielam.

Ang tagal ko nang nagpapapansin, Bulag kaba o sadyang ayaw mo talaga sa’kin?

han niyo, Para lang makita ko ang mga ngiti mo.

Grabe, Napakagwapo mo.

Minsan iniisip ko, Kilala kaya ako nito?

Kung hindi pa, Edi magpapakilala ‘ko.

Muli, ako nga pala si Hera, Na mahal na mahal ka.

Yung babaeng nahulog sa’yo nang sobra, Yung babaeng hindi ko alam kung may pagasa pa ba.

Kamusta, ako nga pala si Hera, Not Jungkook but I can be the cause of your euphoria.

Mahilig akong magsulat ng tula, Kaliwete pero hindi nangangaliwa..

By: Hera

Malabo ang mata, Kaya hindi lilingon sa iba.

‘Wag kang mag-alala, ‘di mo na kailangang magpakilala.

Limang taon na kitang gusto, Kaya kahit gupit ng buhok mo, alam ko.

Hindi naman ako stalker, Medyo lang.

Lagi akong bumibili ng kung ano-ano sa tinda-

ILLUSTRATION BY: RHAPSON H. ESPINOSA, ANGEL F. CHOGYOMON, AND JUSTIN ERROL DOMINGO

21

EDITORIAL

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

DEATHOFAWARENESS When we refuse to take sides, our awareness dies. When someone fails to get involved in a system that affects them every day, we are ignoring reality as it happens right in front of us.

It is every youth’s responsibility to formulate his/her values, and beliefs, and develop his/ her concern for the community. Politics affect everyone and every belief and statement we make can influence many. And yet, there seems to be a bothering pattern among people claiming to be apolitical, an entirely implausible conception in today’s sociopolitical climate. It might be tempting to shut off from the loud noise of the media and the harsh realities of the world, but to be non-political is evidence of invisible privilege that demands the death of one’s awareness.

But right in front of us is the most substantial tool that plays a massive role in shaping one’s political awareness. Every day, the internet offers gullible content that either feeds our pride for saying we’re right or drives us mad for being wrong. Countless misinformation congest our electronic screens, therefore, we have to be critical thinkers and measure every information’s credibility that is found online.

Young Filipinos are more prone to misinformation as they are more exposed to the social media environment that provides them with what they want to believe and disregard countervailing evidence, such as Tiktok’s content which information is driven by motivated reasoning and tribalistic thinking from random creators.

One of the alarming pieces of misinformation that are spreading across Tiktok is how they tell people that students’ textbooks are full of lies. Specifically, the distortion of historical accounts. What’s problematic about these video contents, is the fact that it discourages many young Filipinos to trust the most reliable sources—books. Repositories, like legitimate historical accounts, are in most instances written by

22

experts in the relevant field and are therefore considered reliable sources. Such books undergo a quality process at publishers where one or more editors manage the publication of the book and give recommendations on what can be improved.

Awareness dies when ego blocks the curiosity— when we deny the truth despite the presence of evidence, numbers, and people who came forward to account for their real experiences.

Thus, calling them “haters” to show opposition instead of laying out information to counter the person’s argument. When we settle for what we think is right and stop asking ‘why?’ then the side we choose is not leaning towards the truth anymore. It is not ideal to only base our opinions on the stories from our surroundings which opens a door that favors a gruesome history to be rewritten.

However, we are all entitled to our own opinions. We all have the right to choose which side we would root for. But to root for something that we know would put our whole country at risk—our opinions must undergo thorough research and should be impartial to our political idolatry. Our awareness thrives when we question our morality and when we open ourselves to new information. When we stay misinformed, egotistical—or neutral, we become enablers of all injustices. It might be alluring to not participate in this loud crowd of divided convictions, but to be silenced is the worst we can do today when we are at an age when awareness is within our grasps.

ILLUSTRATION FROM: FREEPIK

ADVISER’S NOTE

if looks could kill Beautiful things do not ask for attention -- but dare I say, that the most beautiful thing requires the most attention of all.

Freedom. The beaconing flight of a thousand words rustled in the silence of the mundane. Against all odds, and with limited manpower, the Sentinel proved that the loudest noise comes, not in numbers, but in the confines of conviction to make a stand -- to hold the line and believe in the vision of the freedom to think -- and to share it with others.

Though few, the student publication made a mark -- yet again, of not being limited by circumstances, but letting it define the kind of grit it can offer. The fatigue that dealt the recent change in the learning modality created a huge gap among priorities and to be honest, I have feared that I can no longer sustain myself in juggling different commitments.

Thankfully, and for what its worth, I believe that I have the best people in my roster.

The efforts -- though silent, could cut through thick layers of callus-like decision to throw in the towel. For the first time, and with even little to work with, the publication went out of its comfort zone of active social media engagements and made progress through organizing webinars - one of which was even acknowledged and participated in by students from other regions. It made efforts to reach out to the student body by actively engaging with them through virtual social events.

Let me take this opportunity to thank the backbones of our second term, Ms. Mary Ruth M. Orendain, Ms. Andrea S. Chua, and Ms. Lhaidel Yrje B. Antenor, to whom I have entrusted my worries and turned it into hope.

Freedom. It was hard at first, but letting go of a false-sense of ambition and looking through the eyes of my journalists, I have found that the greatest sense of freedom can be experienced from letting go of the familiar -- to take the unworn path and embrace the humility of being a beginner. I would like to believe that we are now reborn -- approaching transcendence from joining contests and chasing deadlines -- not knowing what it would have missed, and onward to the discovery what it can be.

JON HENRY B. ORDONEZ The Sentinel Adviser

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SCI-TECH

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

MEDICAL BIO-TECHNOLOGY COVID VARIANT TRACKING Through constant genetic surveillance, scientists were able to quickly identify and alert the public to new mutations including alpha, delta, and most recently omicron. The most drastic development to date is Omicron. The first warning flare was sent by a South African laboratory in November after its sequencers discovered a viral genome with more than 50 mutations. The data was quickly used by computers in Seattle, Boston, and London to make predictions: the mutant omicron was problematic and likely to avoid antibodies. The goal was to map the whole 30,000+ letter genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus again and see what had altered.

A PILL FOR COVID A brand-new medicine from Pfizer offers complete protection against the covid-19 virus, including the most recent variants. Similar drugs are now being developed by other businesses. These tablets, when combined with vaccinations, could offer a path for the globe to ultimately recover from the pandemic

CANCER-SNIFFING WORMS Researchers working with the National Research Foundation of Korea put the worms to work detecting cultured lung cancer cells. Their “worm-on-a-chip” technology is made out of a small, rectangular piece of elastomer with a chamber cut out in the center. The worms are positioned in the center and can go down one of two routes. There are healthy cells on one end and malignant cells on the other. According to the researchers, about 70% of the time, the worms were effective in moving toward the cancerous sample.

SCIEN BREAKTHR 2 0 2

MALARIA VACCINE Malaria kills more than 600,000 people a year, most of them children younger than five. Last October, after years of development, the World Health Organization approved a new malaria vaccine that could help save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. It’s also the world’s first vaccine for a parasitic infection to combat the airborne mosquito disease.

AI FOR PROTEIN FOLDING Your body uses proteins for almost all of its functions. Similarly, a protein’s activity is based on how it folds. However, determining the structure of proteins might take months. This age-old biological conundrum has now been resolved by an AI named AlphaFold2, which may enable fast medication development for a variety of diseases. AlphaFold is an AI system developed by DeepMind that predicts a protein’s 3D structure from its amino acid sequence. It regularly achieves accuracy competitive with experiments.

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PHOTOS FROM: GOOGLE IMAGES

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HIGHLIGHTS

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

ASTRONOMY MERCURY'S SURFACE IS COVERED IN DIAMOND DUST Recent simulations of Mercury’s surface and impact interactions over the last four billion years have shown that the planet’s surface may be covered with microscopic diamonds, as Kevin Cannon stated at the 53rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. These wouldn’t be the big, translucent jewels we’re used to seeing in jewelry, unlike diamonds on Earth. Instead, the surface would have been covered with tiny diamond dust. Future missions to the planet may provide us with further information on the surface’s makeup, but if these projections are accurate, Mercury may be home to a diamond trove that is sixteen times greater than Earth’s.

ASTEROID DISCOVERED TWO HOURS BEFORE IMPACT Speaking of asteroid impacts, one struck the Earth on March 11, 2022. Luckily for all of us, it wasn’t a planet-killing object the likes of which populate movie plots and murder dinosaurs. 2020 EB5 was only about 6.5 feet in diameter and burned up in the atmosphere off the coast of Greenland

NCE ROUGHS 2 2

ENVIRONMENTAL BIO-TECHNOLOGY A CARBON REMOVAL FACTORY Reducing emissions is a key step to mitigating climate change. But it’s not enough, according to the UN. To avoid catastrophic future warming, we must also remove carbon dioxide from the air. The world’s biggest carbon removal factory recently opened in Iceland to do just that.

TOMORROW'S FUEL FOR MARS IS ASTRONOUTS' TODAY'S WASTE The European Space Agency (ESA) is collaborating with the technological company Tekniker to create a unique reactor for converting astronaut waste products into fuel and generating methane and other hydrocarbons. The device would collect carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere and blend it with gray water, and astronaut waste.

Significantly, the device will also filter the water and provide it back to the astronauts, giving prospective space travelers a twofold biological return on their investment.

Any crew traveling to the red planet will need to send less water, and in exchange, they will receive additional fuel.

ILLUSTRATION FROM: FREEPIK

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TRAVELOGUE

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

R

ight after a hellish week of academic requirements, the staff of the editorial board sought a breath of fresh air in the city where you won’t get heat stroke by staying outside for 5 minutes, and where it’s colder outdoors than inside shopping malls.

We stayed in Baguio for two days and one night. And although we had a lot of listed places we wanted to visit, the weather didn’t agree with us. Our trip to the summer capital of the Philippines was de-stressing enough but a bit anticlimactic.

LO

AL

Our bus got there by lunchtime, and we first made a stop at 3BU Hotel. We put down our bags so we could finally wander in the city without any baggage. If you want to fully capture the relaxing forestry ambiance of Baguio, I recommend you stay in this hotel. The architecture and interior design are a mix of a modern-cultural heritage building that’s divided into three floors, where your bedroom is designed as a triangular hut which seems small on the outside but is very spacious if you see the inside. The lady’s bathroom is separated from the mens’, they have a common room where your peers or family can bond and have a meeting, they have board games, books, musical instruments, and a fridge where you can store your snacks for later.

TAB

After that long trip, we were all starving. For our first stroll, we went to SM Baguio. The smell of warm pastries greeted us, right as we entered the doors.

We had lunch at Cabalen, a buffet restaurant inside SM. Their Filipino desserts are exquisite. After filling our stomachs and getting on with the rest of the day, we first stayed a bit on the rooftop garden to take in the view, and of course, take some group pictures.

Following that, we walked to Burnham Park, where we had strawberry taho, and rode on those bicycles they have for rent–having fun while trying hard to not bump into any other bicycles. Although the route for cycling is cramped, it’s still manageable, and safely guided by park officers. There’s even somebody with a megaphone reminding everyone to put on their facemasks properly.

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Pines

LET’S A TRIP T CITY

PHOTOS FROM: MR. JON HENRY B. ORDONEZ

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HIGHLIGHTS

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

Whenever I’m walking in the hills of Baguio, I always forget how asthmatic I am because this city has hands down–the perfect streets to walk on aimlessly. But then again, the rain was a hindrance.

We got back to Hotel 3BU, took a shower, then around 8 in the evening, we went to the night market. The lights were pretty, but it was no fun to take a walk when it was very cramped. We held onto each other’s arms tightly when the crowd was getting rough, just so we would’ drift apart from each other. We did not buy any merchandise from the night, but we did have dinner from the stalls of Korean street foods and pares mami. Even the lines at the stalls were so long. That’s when you know the food is delicious yet affordable. The soup from the pares-mami compliments the cold moisty night on the soccer field where we sat and ate, along with the view of the SM Baguio lights in front of us.

We went back to the hotel after buying some midnight snacks on 7/11, and used the common room to do our acads and chikahan—“ is this what you call multi-tasking while de-stressing”. After that, we finally went to bed.

By tomorrow morning, we checked out of the hotel and then we escorted Lhaidel, the managing editor of the Sentinel, to the nearest Kapilya of Iglesia ni Kristo to fulfill her Sunday service.

While the rest of us had our breakfast at the same area near the Kapilya–at an eatery inside the terminal where taxi drivers pointed us at.

According to manong, this is where the drivers always have their lunch.

TAKE TO THE Y OF

On a two-day trip with an itinerary, one thing you’ll realize is that time is gold—and taxis too, because apparently, it is difficult to get one. By lunchtime, we went to the notorious strawberry farm, our last stop before heading back to Tarlac. It was still raining by then and we already had our bags so it was a real struggle to shop for pasalubong. We mostly splurged our money there on souvenirs, trinkets, and strawberries. I even got myself another strawberry taho, but this time I had it served on my twelve-inches tumbler because I could never get enough of that beauty.

Unfortunately, the trip ended there. Alas, we finally got back to the terminal and then waited an hour for our delayed bus. The sunset enticingly at our window panes, as we bid farewell in the mountains of Baguio.

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MAGNUM OPUS

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

Deep Enough to Scar Leean Margarette U. Magat

A tap in my skin always leaves the darkest memory, The voice that haunts me every day I live.

Wondering how it could be prevented, I hope for the time to stop--every moment this happens How unlucky of me to experience all of these, Frightening.

How do I ask for help when the trauma makes me stuck on my feet?

How will they know that it was a sexual assault?

Does it only count when they touched the very private part or when they violated my personal space?

Does it count when they only whispered in my ear or when they shouted malicious words to me?

I wonder if people will believe that I did my best

to avoid this scene again.

Not wearing skimpy clothes or showing seductive looks.

I was only walking when I heard someone whispered.

Is it still my fault when they considered I was “asking for it”?

The murderous thought that comes into my mind The shivers of my skin when I feel the fright.

They always come when I am outside-free to be harmed, assaulted by some I look into their eyes to see their soul, as there is a saying that eyes are a mirror to your thoughts But why do I only see happiness in their eyes when they feel superior, scarring the prey they set their eyes on?

My Three-leveled World Mary Ruth M. Orendain

They called it level 3, the most severe, People around me tend to get exhausted, It’s not their fault, it’s not mine also, It’s just the way I am built I get frustrated when they don’t understand How I may choose to be in my own little world— unable to say a word to a person that wants only a conversation With level 2 they say they have trouble organizing or planning things They always needs support, for their not good with doing thing alone too, they have repetitive behavior like mine, which some may find annoying It’s not their fault, it’s not ours also, It’s just the way we’re built

The mildest are those with level 1 diagnosis, They’re the “highest functioning”-- the most capable among the 3 levels of autism to speak in full sentences or communicate Although they also have trouble being independent, in trying new things or moving from one activity to another Autism is a disability, By which I meant that I see, speak, or do things differently But it does not mean that I’m not functional for society, I am still capable of many things I am worthy of patience and understanding

Educated: Wise and Hale Shayne Alyson D. Basilio

I am a student I do tasks I can learn fast I can be active in class

They say hardwork is the capital To achieve one’s dreams that all still seem far But I am still a student, stressed.

I think I also need a rest A person can multitask But am I still learning?

How’s my sleep, did you asked?

“I’d rather not answer that” Health is wealth is what they insist But students like me can’t do that well For us success is meeting deadlines ‘finish’!

I wish not to meet mine in this dwell

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I am still a rookie I need guidance Still a young dreamer I deserve patience I am still on the process Can you consider?

Multiple tasks makes me shiver I am a student, I also have other responsibilities I may be mad or oftentimes, feel idle It’s just that I also have limitations I can be sick from exhaustion

You see, I’m also afraid to fail But some of my abilities are still in jail Can you help me manage my scales?

Can you set that free while me as well becoming a hale?

ILLUSTRATION FROM FREEPIK

LITERATURE

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

BBHSSentinel

Kislap ng Asul Angel F. Chogyomon

Yamang hindi yaring tao Paraiso sa iba’t ibang ibayo Inaangkin ng halos Siglo siglo Narito’t kumikinang, sumisimbulo

Ang kislap nito’y sumasabay sa sikat ng araw Humahangin at ang ganda nito’y lumilitaw Wari ba’y ginagaya nito ang ulap sa langit Nag-iiba ng kulay saglit.

Ngunit ang paraisong ito’y nagpapamalas din ng galit Na kung hindi magiging maingat buhay mo ang kapalit Huwag malilingat nang saglit Dahil hindi lang Ganda nito ang laging binabangit Makakita ng Kaunti

Special Grandparents Jessica Marie L. Fabros

Grandma, you and Grandpa are special to me With grandparents like you guys, how lucky can I be?

A part of your family, I’m thankful I was born, I never had to worry about being forlorn.

You both provided love and so much care With you both, I was always happy and never scared The feeling of security and love For you both, I thank God above!

May the love of our family surround you both May you see us all mature with loving growth May the days be happy ones for you and plus You’re so special to us, we love you both

Classmate Mary Ruth M. Orendain

The serenity of such moments, Under the blazing sun Surrounded by indistinct chatters; Echoed gossips and laughter And the loud questions in our minds We can’t speak out

After putting on the blue robes After the shutter of this camera As a brand new dawn will rise And we’ll each have to go our own paths, A new phase in our lives We will have to face, More complicated than the year of being a slave to our grades, A new story we shall write together apart, --starting now.

Will we have time again to reunite Perhaps, just like the old times?

And maybe restore the bond that’ll be torn by of our distance Will it stay the same?

It won’t, won’t it?

Nonetheless, I’m grateful for all the moments we’ve shared face to face.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY: RHAPSON H. ESPINOSA, ANDREW IAN L. SALVANA, APRIL LYN DOMINGO, AND ANGEL F. CHOGYOMON

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SCOREBOARD

SEPTEMBER 2021 - JULY 2O22

MEDALS, FINANCE, AND BREAKING STEREOTYPES Mary Ruth M. Orendain

T

his year’s Olympics marked a momentous victory in the book of Philippine history, as three athletes consecutively clutched a medal at the Tokyo Olympic games 2021. Nesthy Petecio, the first Filipino female boxer to receive a medal in Olympics, and Carlos Yulo, a Filipino artistic gymnast, became world champions in women’s boxing and men’s gymnastics competitions respectively within the same 24 hours.

On the other hand, we’ve all pretty much witnessed the massive recognition of Hidilyn Diaz, a weightlifter who won the first ever Filipino gold medal in the Olympics. These are the people who are now commencing a game-changing movement in the country’s sports industry.

When these athletes bagged Olympian medals, not only did they bring glory to the Philippine flag, but they also smashed the gender gap in the sports culture in the country as they competed in male-dominated sports. Sweeping reactions have been heard as the popularity that only prevails in men, has also found its way to shift to women. It has also outweighed every misogynistic remark and sexist joke of the former Pres. Duterte in all his speeches.

Nevertheless, Yulo’s reign is a slap on the face of the prevalent toxic masculinity and sexism in the Philippines. Growing up in a time wherein young minds are commonly told–filled with toxic ideals such as doing splits and backbends was effeminate and how gymnastics is a sport only for girls. A woman lifting a127 kilograms barbell, and a Filipina boxer that’s a part of the LGBTQ+ community– reigning in both a male-dominated sport–let alone, a very flexible gymnast man. We owe huge gratitude to these athletes for breaking the barriers of gender stereotypes whilst lifting the spirit of every Filipino.

Call for Financial Support Despite the accolades, Filipino athletes have gained abroad, financial support for the arts, scienc-

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es, and sports is still a problem in the nation.

For one, Hidilyn Diaz, the weightlifting star who became the most vocal on the issue, massively struggled financially while she was on her way to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Is it okay to ask for sponsorship sa mga private companies towards Tokyo 2022? Hirap na hirap na ako, I need financial support,” she wrote in her Instagram story.

Recalling this issue of the government’s lack of financial support when it comes to sports development, Hidilyn had no other option but to reach out for help in the private sector, where she solicited enough money for her Olympic bid.

But after she voiced the extreme lack of support for athletes in the Philippines, Hidilyn was tagged as a coup plotter in the Duterte ouster matrix instead of simply providing her what she needed. At the same time, many Filipinos judged her for being “demanding” when clearly, athletes should not even beg for financial support in the first place. They deserved better treatment.

pinnacle, in the nation, to which she dedicated her life.

In light of this, Margielyn Didal, a professional street skateboarder who may not have won a medal the same as the aforementioned athletes, but surely won the hearts of many people through her golden personality and sportsmanship, also voiced the lack of support from the Philippine Government, way back in 2019.

“We need to wake up,” said the 2018 Asian Game Street skateboarding champion, “we still don’t have a skate park. Para magising po lahat na kailangan natin ng skatepark [for us to have] more medals to come.”

Hopefully, through these milestones of notable athletes, the problem will be addressed by the government and the masses, and be resolved shortly so no more athletes can go on the same road and distrust or contemplate their path to victory.

Carlo Yulo also faced the same crisis on 2020.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion admitted that Yulo’s training camp in Tokyo is on the brink of folding up as they were running out of funds to fuel his dream of clinching the country’s first gold medal in the Summer Games.

Carrion said they already received P800.000 from the MVP Sports Foundation, but they still need another P4 million to cover the payment for his training facility, board, lodging, allowance, studies, and other expenses in the next couple of months.

She added that they have already launched some belt-tightening measures to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, Nesthy, who lost at the 2016 Rio Olympics, faced depression and said she wanted to quit so badly to find other jobs. But she fought her way through poverty and persisted -- reaching a

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SPORTS NEWS

FOREFRONT OF CRITICAL THINKING

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Team Philippines makes waves; clutches more medals for the country

FENCING

Mary Ruth M. Orendain

On May 23, the country stayed in third place at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA) Games.

Historial wins were carved in the annual games as the country ranks in 4th place in the overall medal standings with 52 gold, 70 silver, and 104 bronze medals in Hanoi, Vietnam.

There are a total of 226 Filipino medalists in the 31st SEAGames. But the list of athletes here are those who maintained the country’s rank in 3rd place from May 16-18 until it bagged 4th place in the overall competition.

SWIMMING

Chloe Isleta’s victory in the women’s 200-meter backstroke broke a 29-year women’s swimming added to the nation’s historic victories when she broke a 29-year women’s swimming gold medal drought at the annual games. Chloe Isleta’s victory in the women’s 200-meter backstroke broke a 29-year women’s swimming added to the nation’s historic victories when she broke a 29-year women’s swimming gold medal drought at the annual games.

METERS

In the meantime, the national fencing teams of Christian Jhester Conception, Daniel Eunice Villanueva, John Paul Daryo, and Sandro Antonio Sia, as well as Anna Gabriella Guinto, Ivy Claire Dinoy, Wilhelmina Lozada, and Justin Gail Tino, added a pair of bronze medals for the men’s saber team event and the women’s epee team competition. Sam Catantan led the Philippine fencing team’s silver medal finish in the women’s team foil of the 31st Southeast Asian Games the next day.

DANCE SPORT Clinton Kingsley Bautista, a native of Tarlac, successfully defended his men’s 110-meter hurdles title at the 2019 Manila SEA Games with a timing of 13.78 seconds, beating his previous best of 13.97.

BOWLING

GYMNASTICS, POLE VAULT, AND SPRINT Since the 2019 Manila SEA Games, dancesport has proven again that it is one of the national sports that bring home medals.

Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla won the tango, five-dance, and Viennese waltz categories, while Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen won in the slow foxtrot, the same competition they won in the last SEA Games.

Alas, Gayon and Renigen settled in silver with the waltz and quick step Carlos Yulo became the first Filipino to win five gold medals in 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, as he displayed an exhilarating performance in the men’s vault and horizontal bar.

Carlos led the national artistic gymnastics team to a positive end of their SEA Games campaign.

BASKETBALL

Meanwhile, Merwin Tan ended the national bowling team’s 11-year losing streak, By winning the gold in the men’s singles, and Alexis Sy-Chua triumphed in the women’s singles to take home the silver.

TAEKWONDO

On the other hand, Filipino pole vaulting sensation EJ Obiena lived up to the expectations of the entire nation after clinching another gold medal in the 2022 Southeast Asian Games.

And Juanacho Miguel Besana won the bronze medal in the men’s vault final. In addition, pole vaulter Alyana Nicolas and Jelly Dianne Paragile added two bronze medals for the women’s pole vault and 100-meter hurdles event.

While Gilas Pilipinas started their campaign to protect their title after defeating Indonesia, 9377. The Filipina dribblers took a while to get their groove on but there was no stopping the reigning gold medalists when they did, pulling away in the third quarter to beat the bronze winners of the previous meet held in Manila.

VOLLEYBALL

BILLIARDS Aside from Bautista, taekwondo jin Jocel Lyn Ninobla also defended her crown in the women’s individual recognized poomsae event.

Filipino billiard legend Efren “Bata ” Reyes proved that age doesn’t matter as he secured a bronze medal and advanced to the semifinals of men’s billiards 1-carrom competition with a 65-68 win against Thailand.

ILLUSTRATION FROM: FREEPIK

Taekwondo jins Janna Olivia, Juvenile Cristosomo, and Justin Kobe Macario teamed to achieve silver for the country in mixed freestyle recognized poomsae, and Patrick King Perez, Raphael Enrico Mella, and Rodolfo Reyes Jr. earned silver in men’s team recognized poomsae.

After a dominant showing in the first set, the Filipinas continued their onslaught in the second set after dominating the previous one and jumped out to an early 8-1 lead.

Ces Molina and blocker Ria Meneses ultimately put the finishing touches on the win in the second set. In the third, the Philippines stepped up their game and easily defeated the Malaysians to clinch the sweep. The national women’s beach volleyball team defeated Malaysia, 2-0,

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