BTTHS THE CLARION, VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO.2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF BACOLOD TAY TUNG HIGH SCHOOL, INC

XLIV ISSUE NO.2

OCT-DEC

P. HERNAEZ STREET, BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL PHILIPPINES 6100

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VACCINATION ROLL-OUT ON THE GO by : Jeremiah Barredo and Eurice Coyoca

Based on the gathered data, a total of 224 Tay Tungians got the shot to combat this pernicious COVID-19 virus we are still facing head-on.

“When the city government started to roll out the pediatric vaccination drive, we were thinking with the Alumni Association, why not do it in school for our students. It is a safer place, they are comfortable here, and they know each other. So that’s why we had it here today.” Mrs. Maria Leonila Ting said in an interview during the vaccination period.

Volunteers of the Bacolod City LGU preparing to administer the vaccine to the students of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

The BTTHS Alumni Association, headed

by Mrs. Maria Leonila Ting, the Alumni Association President, launched the first vaccine roll-out for the Tay Tungian community in partnership with the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Bacolod Tay Tung High Schol Student Council Organization on November 08, 2021.

The vaccine that was inoculated to the Tay Tungian students aged 12 to 17 was --

NEWS

A Magical Experience by : Arian Hope Sasi

FEATURE TayTungians’ OVERFLOWING

LOVE AND

GENEROSITY by : Trisha Ordas

SCAN

NOW TO SEE XLIV ISSUE NO.2

-- the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine, which was granted emergency authorization by the Philippine Drug Regulators along with the Moderna vaccine.

Over the past two weeks of November 2021, the BTTHS Student Council Organization, along with the BTTHS Alumni Association has taken data regarding the students who were interested in taking the jab.

With the Student Council’s helping hand, the response and announcement for the immunization were lightning speed, which lead us to a monumental stepping stone one step closer to victory, all thanks to the efforts of our dear alumni, student leaders, and advisers.

As the pandemic continues to occur, Bacolod Tay Tung High School remains concerned about the safety of every member of the Tay Tungian community.

Taytungian Journalists Join

PIA TRAINING by : Noelle Apuhin

A number of Bacolod Tay Tung High School’s The Clarion members along with other publications participated in the threeday course of PIA Training 2021 held online through Zoom Meetings last October 13 -15 to order to develop their journalism skills, deliver quality content, and to further excel in different categories even amidst the strict protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The student journalists who were chosen to represent the school’s publication during the respective days were: Noelle Apuhin, Khassandra Que, and Jeremiah Barredo for the 1st Day. Racz De Juan, Isabel Carnaje, and Julia Tiu for the 2nd day. Lastly, Gian Quimpo and Claire Visitacion for the last day.

Photoshoot with the various student journalists in the training seminar, hosted via a Zoom meeting.

The attendees were then tasked to create an article under their respective categories, promising student journalists and other awards were then posted on the College Press Conferences and Awards 2021 Official Facebook account.

Furthermore, the categories discussed during the three-day-long training were: News, Feature, Editorial, Science and Technology, Culture and Arts, Page Layout, Broadcasting, Sports, and Photojournalism.

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NEWS

VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

PILIPINO AKO:

Boses ng Kabataan by : Khassandra Que

What better way to tackle the insights and importance of the youth’s role in the nation today than through writing?

Pilipinas sa pandaigdigang problema sa Pandemya” for the Filipino category.

Although there was a time limit and everything shall be done on the spot, no one failed to complete their batch.

On October 15, 2021, the school’s Student Council Organization in partnership with The Clarion held an essay writing competition in relation to the school’s UN Celebration with a theme - “PILIPINO AKO: Boses ng Kabataan”.

Students from various levels in the Zoom call, eager and ready to write.

The writers made good use of their time, and the majority of them finished sooner than expected.

Each grade level from Junior and Senior High was represented by two student writers for the English and Filipino category.

- perspective word documents while being monitored by assigned members of the SCO and Clarion through Zoom.

The SCO President, Renz Ryan Sevilleno, also checked the program before it ended.

The twelve participants wrote their essays virtually for one and a half-hour in their -

Formulating an essay with 400-600 words seems hard, but the writers that competed say otherwise. Writers started to assemble in the given Zoom link as soon as the clock struck 8.

According to Carl Cedrick Sio, the essay writing contest was a big help for him, "I have once again seen the value of being able to express my thoughts freely and to give my perspective about the issues currently plaguing our country. By researching topics in preparation, I realized the extent of the underlying issues within society as a whole.” Carl added.

In the meeting were the ones who oversee the event – Hailey Rianne Tan and Beatrice Neriel Garinganao for the SCO, and Khassandra Lianne Que for the Clarion.

Volunteers from the school passing the buckets filled with the bundles of joy towards the center of the Gawad Kalinga community.

THE JOY OF

GIVING by : Jeremiah U. Barredo

On December 10, 2021, led by the community outreach head, Francis T. Espera, the Serviam, along with the faculty and staff of Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS), distributed fifty bundles of joy to the Gawad Kalinga, the adopted community of the institution.

Families of the Gawad Kalinga community also received lunch and food packs intended for their Christmas celebration. Several children also received gifts and toys given by the faculty and students of the BTTHS Kindergarten Department.

The bundles of joy consisted of various groceries and goods donated by students of the campus and were packed into pails and bags by the Student Council Organization earlier this month.

The contest proper started with opening remarks and reminders from Hailey, followed by a prayer led by Khassandra, and lastly the reading of the contest guidelines by Beatrice.

The topics were then given on the spot “Philippine solution and action towards the Global Pandemic problem” for the English category and “Solusyon at pagkilos ng

On October 29th, the results were announced online, with the 1st to 6th placers receiving a cash prize ranging from 400 to 150 pesos as well as a certificate.

The winners also garnered Taytungian Points for their respective batches for the Taytungian Cup.

ENGLISH CATEGORY

FILIPINO CATEGORY

First Place - Grade 12 “Facing the Global Pandemic as One Nation” Kenneth Ernest Delfin

First Place - Grade 11 “Pagkakaisa ang Minimithi ng Bawat-isa” Maria Kassandra Belle V. Demisana

Second Place - Grade 11 “Ourxx Country vs. The Pandemic” Ellice Samantha T. Salgado

Second Place - Grade 12 “Solusyon Ko Solusyon ng Ating Bansa” Nathan Gabriel Teovisio

Third Place - Grade 8 “Trifling Matters and How the Philippines Has Dealt With Them” Reeney Grace P. Napoles

Third Place - Grade 10 “Pag Asa sa Gitna ng Pandemya” Carl Cedrick S. Sio

Fourth Place - Grade 9 “COVID 19: And its Effects to Society” Sayana Leila N. Tabuga

Fourth Place - Grade 7 “Tugon at Solusyon ng Pilipinas sa Panahon ng Pandemya” Carlo James Matthew Mahilum

Fifth Place - Grade 10 “Random Thoughts” John Kevin L. Soliman

Fifth Place - Grade 9 “Bayani ng mamamayang Pilipino” Kysher Kate E. Cellona

Sixth Place - Grade 7 “The Solution” John Zachary Y. Tan

Sixth Place - Grade 8 “Pandemya sa Pilipinas” Reya Xyra L. Escodilla

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VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

NEWS

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UNITED NATIONS: Celebrating Cultural Diversity by : Erich Coyoca In celebration of the United Nations, the Student Council Organization held a program last October 10, 2021, the Models of UN 2021 showcasing the elegant, traditional or modern and fabulous attires from each nation.

The determining of winners was based on the appropriateness of the costume represented for 30 points, poise and bearing for 20 points, overall aesthetics for 25 points, and last but not the least, the explanation of the entry for 25 points.

The contest was exclusive to the elementary students and there was no limit to the number of students participating, the goal of the activity was to showcase their selected nation by wearing their unique costume in about their chosen nation.

Winners were announced last October 29, 2021, the top 3 candidates were presented after the introduction of participants, and for 3rd place is Sophia Margarette Villar in which she represented Korea, for the 2nd place is Zaijhielle Hipone as one of the candidates who represented the Philippines, and for the 1st place is the representative for Russia, Treshiajielle Hipone.

Participants of the said contest gave a three-word title of their portrait relating to their chosen nation, it also included a fivesentence explanation wherein they introduced the country and promoted that nation as they serve as an ambassador of the nation.

The contest had a total of 18 candidates and three candidates were chosen as the top 3 winners, the countries represented in the competition were Denmark, China, two candidates represented the Philippines, Egypt, United States, two candidates also represented Korea, Panama, Japan, Iceland, Greece, Russia, and Spain.

THE BATTLE OF THE ACES by : Erich Coyoca

In December, the BTTHS ESP Department, in collaboration with the Student Council Organization, brought to us the Christmas Concert 2021 “The Pandemic Holidays: Together Through Thick and Thin." where the different batches presented their Christmas carols.

As the competition from October to December had ended, the results for the Taytungian Cup were posted on the SCO's official Facebook page.

The current scoreboard of the TayTungian Cup Year 2 as of October 2021.

For the month of October in line with the United Nations celebration, the SCO in collaboration with The Clarion conducted the Essay Writing Contest with the theme 2021 PILIPINO AKO: Boses ng Kabataan, where the writing skills and insights of the students were put to the test.

IstOrya by : Joachim Chuatico

The Bacolod Tay Tung High School Student Council Organization has recently inaugurated a program called "ISTORYA". ISTORYA, as its name suggests, is a small webinar where they look for interesting individuals to interview and who can share their personal stories or Istorya.

In the most recent episode which aired last November 19th, SCO was able to invite and speak to Mr. Chris John S. Bedoria, RPm RGC. Mr. Bedoria is a BS Psychology graduate from Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod with a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos (UNOR).

TayTungian Cup:

The Student Council Organization conducted the Taytungian Cup Year 2, wherein the total amount of points each batch earns from batch competitions will result in their standings on the scoreboard.

The ISTORYA Symposium official poster that was posted on the official BTTHS Student Council Organization Facebook Page.

The current results of the Taytungian Cup scoreboard, with 3100 points, the Grade 11 batch came in top, followed by the Grade 12 batch with 3,000 points, the Grade 10 batch came in third with 1,900 points, the Grade 8 and 7 batches tied for fourth place with 1,600 points, and the Grade 9 batch came in fifth with 1,400 points.

Mr. Bedoria is also a licensed Psychometrician and Guidance Counselor, as well as a national lecturer for the Psychometrician Board and National Medical Admission Test (NMAT).

Currently, he is doing a dissertation for his Doctorate in Philosophy at UNOR while also being a part-time instructor for under and postgraduate studies on Psychology and Guidance.

Mr. Bedoria shared his insights on the stress and struggles that students are facing with the new normal.

The discussion mostly centered on surviving Online Classes and how to address academic burnout and how BTTHS, as a center of learning excellence, can help its students in this hurdle through various initiatives.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF BACOLOD TAY TUNG HIGH SCHOOL INC.

NEWS FEATURE

VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

A Magical Experience by : Arian Hope Sasi

The gate to the enchanted world has opened once again. Cosplays of famous book characters such as sorcerers, fairies, clowns, princes and princesses, villains and other characters in the literary world were seen as the students of Bacolod Tay Tung High School participated in this year’s English Month Celebration spearheaded by the English Department with this year’s theme, “Through the Looking Glass of Online Class”.

-- performers from various batches exhibited their ingenuity and showcased their talents as they engaged in portraying literary characters from legendary stories in Philippine, Afro-Asian, AngloAmerican, and World literatures. Selected students also participated in public speaking events and debate forums as part of the Senior High Department's effort to demonstrate the importance of language in the expression of ideas and perspectives.

Literature is a way for each writer to express what they feel.

Unquestionably, literature has a significant influence on modern civilization. Some novels help us better comprehend the world we live in by reflecting on our own experiences and the lives of others.

It is for these reasons that the English month is celebrated every year.

Despite the distance, Tay Tungians continue to participate in the annual and much-anticipated English Month Celebration. Dressed as their chosen literary character at the comfort of their own home, smiles and astonishment were plastered on their faces as they witnessed the performances produced by different batches. They were clearly enthralled by the fantasies and creations of the literary world. It was truly a magical experience.

Have you ever wondered why literature is important? According to research, literature can be a powerful stress reliever since it stimulates the imagination and helps students develop critical thinking abilities. Through literature, one may improve their ability to concentrate and focus, as well as keep the brain active and in excellent form. It can also help one improve their writing skills, broaden one's vocabulary and communicate more effectively.

Reading literature is one of the most effective ways for individuals to have a better understanding of the past.

Words, speeches, and performances are excellent instruments for expressing thoughts and creativity, which is why during this year's Pandemic Poetry and Group Tiktok Story, junior poets and --

Junior High School students from Grade 7 to 10 during the Zoom Call, cosplaying their chosen fictional character.

“Taytungians Giving A Helping Hand; Taytungian para sa mga Negrense” by : Kristin Samantha Sevilleno and Chanel Isabelle Chu

Last December 16, 2021 Typhoon Odette hit the central area of the Philippines inflicting danger to many citizens due to its strong winds causing damage to houses and electrical posts causing the affected areas to lose electricity, the duration varying on the locations.

With Odette devastating thousands of people in the Philippines, many were lost and because of that, the Student Council Organization made a program named “Taytungian Para sa Negrense” that was supplied by the Taytungian Community with two types of donations: in kind and in cash donations.

Mr. Angelo Cachero and Mr. Francis Espera representing Tay Tung as they turn over the donations from the TayTungian community.

Last December 20, 2021, the SCO launched on their Facebook page their plans of donating to fellow Negrenses, in partnership with the Negros Care group to donate in two types: cash donations, were through the organization’s adviser, Angelo Cachero, were given to donate the cash in, and for in kind donations, canned food, bottled water, hygiene kits/materials, pandemic essentials and clean clothes were accepted at the drop off point which was the school’s lobby.

On December 21, 2021 at 8 in the morning, Not even 24 hours after the SCO’s Facebook post, the council had tallied PHP 3,810.00 for cash in donations. Just hours later of the same day, the SCO had posted another update of donations which was about the in-kind donations that the council received after their first post about the donations.

As the SCO continued to update the students about their donations in their Facebook Page they have received massive amounts of donations both cash and in-kind in the span of 9 days, the program had tallied PHP 93,100.00 for the cash in donations as of December 28, 2021 and for in-kind donations, numerous needs and materials have been dropped off at the school’s lobby.

On January 2 of the following year, the SCO had made their final post of the program in which the organization was overwhelmed by the response of the students to helping out fellow Negrenses as the organization was informing them that their love-filled donations were to be turned over by January 6 of 2022 to partner organizations.

With all of the donations given by the generous students, it is obvious that the program has indeed helped the victims that have been affected by Typhoon Odette. The donation program was a success and was able to help a lot of people in need.

No matter how small we give, we are already heroes to the eyes of the people that we helped together.

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NEWS FEATURE

VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

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TEACHERS’ FOOD PREPARATION:

A MEMORY TO HOLD by : Bianka Sy

Amidst the pandemic, we've been doing everything online. From the way that we learn to how we interact with those around us.

On the 10th of December, 2021, however, teachers of the Bacolod Tay Tung High School used their day not to educate—but to wrapped a gift.

In the early morning, they'd rally and gear up to prepare meals and bundles of joy to be given and gifted to Gawad Kalinga community.

Usually, we would see our teachers as strict and very professional during class but during the food preparation, they were all carefree and involved wholeheartedly as they were divided into groups in charge of cleaning, washing, cooking, preparing ingredients and food packing, hearing laughter and delight filled the air.

We know that our teachers have the ability to discipline, teach, and educate us with lessons, but what we don't know is that they also have the ability to cook nutritious foods and meals such as chicken adobo, pancit bihon guisado and vegetable lumpias that could feed a whole community.

It must have been tiring preparing food packages the whole morning but all the exhaustion the teachers felt was paid off when the families of the Gawad Kalinga community received the cooked meals together with their bundle of joy and gifts with pure joy and smiles on their faces and surely the whole elementary and high school faculty must have been delighted to be part of this program and event.

Various Taytungian Teachers preparing Nutritious food to be gifted to the Gawad Kalinga community.

It’s one of these moments for the teachers to keep, with the catching up, the inside jokes, the random dance breaks in the middle of preparation, and the picture takings that will serve as a wonderful memorabilia that upholds a precious gathering, especially in the middle of a pandemic where we are facing such difficult situations to push through gatherings like this.

Hopefully, the school will have more programs like this once the COVID situation dies down, so we can create more memories like this because it’s such a diverting recollection to hold for both students and teachers but this activity dynamically showed that not only students can have fun and strengthen bonds, but their teachers as well, and this proved to us once more that these Tay Tungian events wouldn’t be complete without our faculty’s efforts.

The Pandemic Holidays:

Together Through Thick and Thin by : Noelle Apuhin

Bring out the lights and decorations, the holidays are coming! Carefully wrapped presents and sweet treats accompanied by the laughter of the family. The year wasn't easy, from the pandemic to the typhoon but we still stuck through it all together.

It is a tradition for our school to celebrate Christmas every year but this is yet another year of online celebrations for us, contrary to the years prior. COVID19 is still keeping us from having face-to-face gatherings and classes, saddening most of us as we stare at our photos back in the days when we could freely give gifts to our manitas and manitos. But alas, life will go on for us Taytungians.

At this time of year, how do we properly celebrate this joyful holiday while separated from one another?

The school faced towards the end of the year with yet another sentimental and fun-filled program, a Christmas concert called "The Pandemic Holidays: Together Through Thick and Thin" was livestreamed last December 20, 2021.

While of course, the high school students remain appealing, creative, and eminent. Showing friendly competitiveness and dedication in each of the entries from Grades 7-12, the Christmas spirit was truly shown.

Furthermore, both the Grades 5 and 6 students gave their heart into the entries of their sections. Hands tightly clasped together, everyone listened carefully to the announcement of winners, which goes: Grade 5 Dandelion and Grade 6 Daffodil tied for 4th runner up, 3rd runner up taken by Grade 6 Anthurium, Grade 6 Chrysanthemum as 2nd runner up, 1st runner up tied with Grade 5 Carnation and Grade 6 Marigold, finally crowning Grade 5 Peony as champion.

On a related note, the Junior and Senior High School department left us at the edge of our seats once again with how serious each batch was for this year-end competition. The built-up anticipation fading into an easy sense of relief during the announcement of winners that went: Grade 7 and 9 for 4th runner up, Grade 8 for 3rd runner up, 2nd runner up for Grade 12, Grade 11 for 1st runner up, and the Grade 10 reigns champion for this competition.

Fierce competitions aside, the livestream was jampacked with many videos that the BTTHS Student Council Organization couldn’t help but join in the fun and make their own too. Towards the end of the stream, the SCO proudly presented 2021’s Christmas Station ID with the song ‘Andito Tayo Para Sa Isa't Isa’. The Station ID shows how united the school is not just as a community, but as a family.

With the purpose to create joy and to connect with one another, each grade level from elementary to high school took part in this event by creating Christmas Carol music videos.

Charming, loveable and oh so adorable! Our jolly elementary students from all grades 1-6 were able to showcase their talents through the videos they have prepared with songs ranging from ‘Up on the Housetop’ to ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’.

A two-long hour livestream filled with memories, a rollercoaster of emotions for some. The stream closes with the familiar song of our Alma Mater. Hearts filled with warmth, the Taytungian community was successably able to deliver this Christmas Concert even in the comfort of everyone’s homes.

Bacolod Tay Tung High School never fails to end the year proud, ready to say hello to the future and what it brings.

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NEWS FEATURE Gifts Unwrapped:

Nanay’s Thankful Heart by : Eurice Coyoca

Here we go again! The clucks of the chickens, the golden rays of the sun illuminating the clouds and the morning breeze awaken the light of their home.

Ah, another December sunrise. 'Tis the season to be jolly, they say.

But, how does she put food on the table now that Christmas is on the horizon? Would her money be sufficient to buy gifts for her dear loved ones?

Distress upon distress, this COVID-19 Pandemic has stacked a slew of barriers in front of each individual, wreaking nothing but havoc. Saying goodbye to their jobs and having little to no income, countless families from Baranggay Gawad Kalinga, Cabug grasp at straws seeking sunshine through the clouds.

In the nick of time, the stars aligned for the families residing in GK, Cabug.

Spearheaded by the EsP Department and Community Involvement Officer together with the Serviam, SCO, Clarion, faculty and staff, the entire BTTHS community united as one and hand in hand distributed the bundles of joy and gifts for each family on Friday of December 10, 2021.

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VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

TayTungians’ OVERFLOWING

LOVE AND

GENEROSITY by : Trisha Ordas

In September 2021, Bacolod Tay Tung High School celebrated its 87th Founding Anniversary themed as Metamorphosis: Living the Tay Tung Spirit in the Digital Age and as part of the event, various students from grades 7-10 flaunted their astonishing talents as they joined The Battles 2021.

Talented students from different grade levels entertained the whole Tay Tung community with their Battles 2021 performances streamed via YouTube Live where they performed as various international artists such as Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Ben&Ben, Twice, and a lot more.

“Ako naga pasalamat ko pagsugod sang pag adopt sang Tay Tung diri sa amon. Dako gid ang nabulig nila sa amon asta subong, kalipay gid namon nga kadako nga mga gift nga gin hatag nila nga gin padala man guro ni Lord para sinyo kag sa amon", nanay Evelyn said as she was very overwhelmed receiving gifts from the school.

She continued narrating with tears in her eyes, "Salamat. First time nga, pati mga apo ko nalipay man, nga naka baton sila sang gift. Pagkabati namon nga makadto di ang Tay Tung, mas nalipay na gid kami kay tungod nga sa Christmas may ara man kami sang ihanda namun sa amun lamisa. Dako gd ang pasalamat namun sa mga pamilya sang mga taga Tay Tung nga estudyante kag mga maestra. Nalipay gid kami. Wala kami nag expect nga may amo ni ang Tay Tung kay tungod sang pandemic nga nag abot."

"Ang tanan nga taga Tay Tung gapaningwa gd nga makahatag sa amon. Happy gid kami tanan di. Pati mga kabataan indi na mapunggan ang kasadya. Salamat gid sa inyo.” Nanay Evelyn said, a resident in Gawad Kalinga, Cabug, living with her husband, two children, and two grandchildren.

The turn over of the reams of bond paper donated by Grade 10 batch with the help of their teachers.

As the contest was about to end, the judges then selected Top 3 finalists and had also chosen the champion for The Battles 2021.

The 3rd place was awarded to the Grade 10 Seniors who performed as Bita and the botflies, Twice and Conan Gray. 2nd place was awarded to the Grade 12 who showed their impressive talents as they performed as Doja Cat, IV of Spades, and ITZY. Last but definitely not the least, the Grade 11 who performed as Sarah Geronimo, Blackpink and One Direction were crowned as The Battles 2021 champions.

The spirit of giving and loving of the Taytungians really overflowed, they had put their winnings into good use as they donated to it different institutions – The Grade 10’s prizes were used in buying of bond papers for the students of A.L Jayme Elementary school to use for their modules, while the champions Grade 11, turned over groceries to St. Vincent Home for the Aged.

Nanay Evelyn's interview with some of the representatives from the Clarion together with the organization's Adviser.

With Bacolod Tay Tung High School's heart of service, Nanay was brimming with joy as she witnessed her grandchildren unbox their gifts under their little Christmas Tree.

Being able to see the families and children's priceless smiles, on cloud nine as their bundles and presents arrive, warmed everyone's hearts.

As long as we work together in solidarity, love, and unwavering perseverance, there will always be a gleam of light at the end of the tunnel.

A big salute and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to this mission of serving humanity throughout this time of darkness and uncertainty.

When asked why The Battles 2021 Champions had chosen to donate their winnings to the chosen charity, Mael Dawn Detablan, the Grade 11 Batch Governor said: “The Grade 11's prize money from the Battles 2021 was donated to St. Vincent's Home for the Aged in the form of Groceries and Essential Needs. We have chosen to share our winnings to this charity because we want to help our so-called grandparents. They are those people who - even if they want to work to find a living, they cannot anymore because of their age. Let us continue to support them so that they will have a comfortable and happy life.”

This shows how big the hearts of Taytungians really are. Despite the pandemic and everything that has been happening around us, the Taytungians never failed to extend their unwavering love and generosity to people.

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EDITORIAL

VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

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KILUSAN NG PILIPINAS LABAN

SA COVID - NO VAX, NO RIDE by : Khassanda Lianne A. Que Kasabay ng pagdami ng mga dumarating pang mga bakuna sa Pilipinas, ay ang pagdami rin ng mga umaapela upang hikayatin ang taong bayan na magpabakuna laban sa COVID-19 Virus na ngayon ay patuloy ang pagdami ng iba’t-ibang mga variant. Ang estado at mga kasapi nito ay nagpapatupad ng mga hakbang upang matiyak ang kaligtasan at mapabuti ang mamayanan, at kailangan ang pampublikong kooperasyon muna sa pamamagitan ng panghihikayat.

medikal na pumipigil sa kanila na mabakunahan; ang mga nakakakuha o naghahatid ng mga mahahalagang produkto at serbisyo; at, ang mga nagtungo sa mga inoculation site upang makatanggap ng bakuna. Inabisugan rin ng ahensya ang mag pribadong sektor na magtalagana ng ibang sasakyang gagamitin ng mga hindi pa bakunado upang mapadali rin ang transportasyon para sa kanila.

Sumalubong sa bagong taon ang nakakaaalarma at mabilisang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga nagpostibo sa iba't ibang baryant sa bansang Pilipinas. Humigit sa limang lalawigan at siyam na lungsod ang isinailalim sa mas mahigpit na Alert Level 3. Dahil dito ay nagpasya ang Department of Transportation o DOTr na magpataw ng polisiyang “No vaccination, No ride” na mabisa simula Enero 17 sa mga unvaccinated at pampublikong mga sasakyan. Bagamat may mga hindi sumangayon dito, lalo na ang mga hindi pa nagpapabakuna, patuloy ang paghatid ng mga impormasyon ng DOTr sa taong-bayan tungkol sa polisiyang ito.

Kapag inisip natin ang magkabilang panig, maiintindihan natin na ginagawa lamang ng DOTr ng solusyon ang suliranin sa lalong madaling panahon bago lumaki at mapunta ito sa isang krisis sa ekonomiya na magdudulot ng hirap at sakit sa taong sakop ng bansa.

Ang polisiya ay hiindi lamang para sa kapakanan ng mga bakunado ngunit para na rin sa kaligtasan ng mga may kondisyong medikal at hindi pa bakunado sapagkat walang antibodies ang katawan nila laban sa virus na kumakalat ngayon.

Ayon sa DOTr ay ginagawa nila ang lahat ng kanilang makakaya upang mapanatiling ligtas at tumatakbo ang ating mga pampublikong sasakyan. Magiging mas mabigat na pasanin para sa mga commuters kung makararanas tayo ng paulit-ulit na pagsasara ng pampublikong sasakyan. Tinanggi rin ng DOTr na ang “No vax, No ride” na polisiya ay isang paraan ng anti-poor o diskriminasyon matapos punahin ng iba’t ibang grupo at mambabatas ang hakbang na ito.

"Ang patakaran na nangangailangan ng buong pagbabakuna laban sa COVID-19 bago ang paggamit ng pampublikong sasakyan ay hindi diskriminasyon kundi isang paraan upang maprotektahan ang kalusugan ng publiko, nais din naming tiyakin sa publiko na ang pagpapatupad ng nasabing patakaran ay magiging parehong mapagparaya at matatag " sabi ng ahensya.

Kung hindi tayo kikilos ngayon lubhang lalaki ang mga kaso ng Covid-19 at kasunod na dito ang pagbawas sa ilang bahagi ng negosyo, pagputol sa ilang ng mga empleyado, o pagsara ng mga kumpanya upang mabawasan ang pagkalugi o magbayad ng mga utang. Sa huli, mababawasan ang pagkakataong gumaling ang ating bansa mula sa dulot na hirap ng Covid.

Ang pangunahin layunin ng polisiyang ito ay kapwa mabigyang proteksyon ang lahat ng tao laban sa kumakalat na virus; mapa bakunado o hindi ka man.

Pagsunod at pagkakaisa ng taong bayan ang lunas upang mapanalo ng Pilipinas ang laban nito kontra Covid.

Bilang isang mapagparayang polisiya, may mga iksemsyon na ipanatupad ang DOTr, tulad ng - mga pasaherong may kondisyong

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KHASSANDRA LIANNE A. QUE

2021 - 2022 Editorial Staff

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

JEREMIAH U. BARREDO

EURICE P. COYOCA

SECTION EDITORS

LITERARY WRITERS

NEWS WRITERS

CARTOONISTS

NEWS EDITOR NOELLE CASSANDRA L. APUHIN

ERICH KIRSTEN P. COYOCA BIANKA STELINE SY

FEATURE EDITOR JOACHIM ISAIAH CHUATICO

NOELLE MARGRETTE G. DUGAY KANISHA DUMLAO DANIELLE MAE T. GABIÑO ASHLEY NICOLE NUÑEZ

JUSTINE ERICC T. ANG ARIANA PATRICIA M. ANTAY RYCEL MAE J. BASINANG DAWN MARIE R. PUENTESPINA

LITERARY EDITOR MIGUEL LORENZO J. TABURA

JUNIOR WRITERS

SPORTS EDITOR GIAN ANGELO A. QUIMPO

GABRIELLE MAE BULLOS MARY GEANNA G. JUNG RHIANNA JADE I. TAN

FEATURE WRITERS CHANEL ISABELLE O. CHU RACZ EDWARD O. DE JUAN ANIKA CARINE ESMERALDA ANTOINNE IGNACIO R. MENDEZ TRISHA BEATRICE A. ORDAS ARIAN HOPE R. SASI KRISTIN SAMANTHA G. SEVILLENO CLAIRE C. VISITACION

LAYOUT ARTISTS ISABEL CARNAJE JULIA SAMANTHA TIU

ADVISER JHONA MAE CABASAN, MAED

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF BACOLOD TAY TUNG HIGH SCHOOL INC.

LITERARY

VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

THE WOMAN WITH A GLARE OF A THOUSAND NEEDLES. by : Danielle Mae T. Gabiño

Did you know that there’s a popular rumor running around the school? They say there’s a painting of a woman inside the Art Club’s classroom that becomes alive every night!

The woman in the Renaissance-esque painting was in her 20s. She had pale white skin, accompanied by her ruffled, long ash hair, and a glare of a thousand needles. They also added that she roams around the school campus as soon as the night strikes when we see the moon in its all!

Three friends dared to test their mettle as they delved into this rumor. Even if there’s threatening rain, they agreed to visit the school at night to confirm it.

And then, when the sun bids its farewell. The night coated the sky with a dark blue hue accompanied by a luminescent full moon. The three kept their promise.

While they were inside, they decided to split up. The two dispatched onto the corridor, while the other one went to the Art Club’s clubroom where the woman is believed to appear.

When night descends upon the campus of Tay Tung, the many rambling tones of students and teachers fade. But they are replaced by a silent, but rather an eerie feel.

It was dark, and the only thing that can be relied on was the lighting of the flashlight. The lone student nevertheless continued looking for the painting. As soon as he reached the classroom of the Art Club, it was locked. His flashlight weakened, but as he peered through the clubroom’s window, there stood the aforementioned painting. It stared back at him with a glare of a thousand needles.

As soon as their gazes met, the student wanted to run, but he couldn’t. He wanted to scream, but he can’t. Despite a damp flashlight being the only illumination, her piercing gaze alone was enough to petrify the boy. It was enough to cover him with nothing but fear.

She smiled. The woman greeted the petrified boy with a smile that sent chills down his spine. But before he could react, his flashlight suddenly dies out. His feet gave up on him as he sat there on the floor, leaning on what he presumes a wall.

It was dead silent, and darkness filled the surroundings. He could only hear his rampant heartbeats and his short but rapid breathing.

But what was this ominous presence nearing him?

He felt it. Slow and quiet footsteps were all over the place. He couldn’t make out where it was, but it was near.

The footsteps became louder with each steady step. *thud Thud THUD THUD* But the footsteps halted.

And it was silent once more.

He wanted to run, but he couldn’t He wanted to scream, but he couldn't It was the same feeling he remembered when he and the woman locked stares with each other. Helplessness.

But then... *click* His flashlight turned on without his anticipation.

And there reveals the silhouette of a woman, wearing a transparent yet bright white dress. Her bloodshot, disfigured eyes felt like gazing into the abyss. With the ruffled, long ash hair, and the gaze of a thousand needles.

He could only think of one answer to this unfamiliar yet notorious being: It was the woman in the painting.

She smiled at him once more, revealing a yellowed, scattered array of teeth of different measures. Her smile reached the ends of her face as if it had been cut.

Again and again.

He wanted to run, but he couldn’t.

He wanted to scream, but he can’t.

His instincts are SCREAMING at her to flee. But the feeling of helplessness deprived him of his will to do so. Because of one thing that took over his mind, body, and soul: FEAR. His trance was broken by a sonorous voice bellowed.

“Hey! What are you doing here this late at night?!” from the boy’s back, someone seems to be holding the flashlight. He turned in the flashlight’s direction, revealing a guard on his patrol.

On such a brief lapse in time, he mustered the courage and put all his trust on his legs as he bolted in the guard’s direction.

And as soon as he turned again to his front, the woman was nowhere to be seen.

“Boy, you and your two friends here are gonna be in a heap of trouble” And just like that, the boy was fortunate enough to live another day. His friends told him they hadn’t been able to encounter the woman on their watch. The boy, on the other hand, did not even produce at least a sound of his voice, never spilled any details, as if his mouth forbade him to do so.

6 years have passed, and the boy grew into a fine young man.

Under the strand of STEM, he had an outstanding performance on academics as a senior high school student. Setting MIT as his dream university, he wanted to become an esteemed architect when he graduates.

The painting had already been transferred into another location, as it fetched for a high price during an auction.

Because of his current school’s location, he had to live alone in a rented apartment away from his family. He rides a bike on his way home, dropping by a nearby convenience store to get a quick bite.

As he finishes his routine, he finally arrives at the welcome mat in his house. After reaching for his keys and unlocking his door, an unprecedented package greeted him.

It had no label or any shipping-related stuff. It was a plain carton box.

After several minutes of skepticism and trying to figure out where it was or who it was for, he ultimately opens the package. He could make out the smell of dried-out paint. Then he noticed an exact copy of his signature at the bottom of its frame. And after fully grasping it from the package, the young man was too stunned to speak.

All of his past fears rushed right back to him as it revealed the woman with the glare of a thousand needles.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF BACOLOD TAY TUNG HIGH SCHOOL INC.

VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

LITERARY

09

MY STUDENT'S LIFE by : Kanisha Dumlao

It beeped at exactly 5:00 AM. I can still feel the coldness left from last night's air conditioning run as I reach to turn the alarm off.

With a little stretching as I got up, I made my bed. The scent of a delicious breakfast prepared by my loving mother soon greeted me.

Afterwhich, a student's got to do what a student's got to do. I prepared for what I believe is one of the most joyous chapters of my youth: my student life.

A relentless repertoire, if I may say, it's been this way from first grade up to my twelfth: I wake up at dawn and I prepare for school. I attend all the classes as much as possible, and I maintain the goodie-two-shoes student attitude that I am. The list goes on!

Thankfully, I can say with ease that this cycle was manageable compared to the previous ones. Of course, the credit goes to my dear friends and teachers for help when I'm stuck on something.

Although now, I prepare to say goodbye to this said repertoire, as my school life at Bacolod Tay Tung High School, is nearing its end. After the scores from the exams are out, I have finally settled my worries from last night. I looked at all the scores on my subjects with beaming eyes. I passed all of them!

When you underestimate how fast can time fly, it comes back to you and hits you like a raging bull.

Here I am, with the fancy black gown and hood, and how could I forget the mortarboard which defines the meaning of graduation?

I looked around to see the hundreds of students sitting at our gymnasium, seeing some familiar faces along the way.

Millions of thoughts rushed into my head, and I can only sum them up into one phrase, "I'M GRADUATING!!"

And as I made a quick trip to memory lane, back to the chapter of my school life, the calling of my name suddenly interrupted my train of thought.

"Kanisha Dumlao!" he announced, followed by the claps from the audience; from my seat to the stage, I counted every step.

School

Routine by : Ashley Nicole Nuñez

Through my windowpane, the sunrise starts another day I had a sleep that I may say, A sleep as sweet as strawberry parfaits I bid farewell to my sleep as I clicked I clicked my clock after it ticked After my breakfast, I prepare, My school essentials and what to wear As I say all set and done, I look forward to another day in school and what's to come Classes drift by like leaves on a river flow Before I knew it, it was time to go

With my heart beating out of my chest and feelings I can not seem to describe, the principal smiled at me as he handed out my diploma. I stood there as I prepared for a picture, trying my best to suppress the tears, giving off the best genuine smile I could ever give.

After finishing my assignments, I arrange, A good night's rest to repair my drain

And as it was finished, tears ran down from my eyes without my permission. They came down without holding back. How immeasurably happy I was! How I'll miss these memories I made in school after these years.

Turned off my lamp and stars can be seen, Closing my eyes and ends my school routine

"So this is what moving on feels like. " Finally, I'm able to close this chapter of my student life and begin with courage and conviction on my new journey to be honed for the world's greater battles.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF BACOLOD TAY TUNG HIGH SCHOOL INC.

SPORTS

VOL. XLIV ISSUE NO. 2 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

GYMNASTICS WORLD COMPETITION

DOMINATED

BY TAY TUNGIAN GIRLS by : Gian Angelo P. Quimpo

Last October 9th, 2021, the Venturelli Aerobics World Competition was held and our very own TayTungian showed off their flexibility and absolutely crushed the competition with their graceful choreography.

The three students that participated in this world competition won glorious prizes of their own categories.

Matthea Given Efenio, grade 6, was awarded 1st place-gold in her category of individual:clubs while 2nd placesilver of the same category was given to Jilian Krishna de la Cruz, grade 6 and for Kian Marie Alagaban, she was awarded 1st place-gold in the category of individual:hoops.

VOLLEYBALL GIRLS

SHOWS THEIR WORTH IN VOLLEYPREP 2021 by : JMC The volleyball girls of BTTHS participated in the VolleyPrep Volleyball Club Championship 2021 held in Naga College Foundation last December 4 to 7, 2021.

Katherine Shaine Cortez, the team captain along with the 14 Junior volleyball players took the center court once again unleashing their talents and skills after months of intense training.

“I was so happy and excited after hearing that we will be competing again in the sport we love and miss. It was very overwhelming when we played inside the court after 2 years of not playing volleyball. Although there were many restrictions and rules to follow we still enjoyed the experience. Even though we lost the game we were given the chance to see our mistakes inside the court,“ said Cortez.

The determination and hard-work of the BTTHS volleyball girls eventually led them to secure the 5th place in VolleyPrep Volleyball Club Championship 2021.

Other teams like Tacloban City, Parañaque City, Baguio City and even from California Precision Sports participated in this year's VolleyPrep Volleyball Club Championship.