Official School Paper Publication of Culiat High School 2024

BREATHTAKING.

Jayhan

crowned

‘Mr. and Ms. Culiat 2024’

Jayhan Malao of Grade 12 TVL Mohan, and Pauleen Lumaoang of Grade 9 Diamond reigned as the ‘Mr. and Ms. Culiat 2024;’ in celebration of the 53rd Founding Anniversary of Culiat High School (CHS) on Wednesday, Mar. 6.

Chrysler Garcia, Josh Rubio, Renato Rarallo Jr., and Ejay Narzoles won the titles for runner-ups for Mr. Culiat, alongside Jacquelyn Pestaño, Kristel Bernardo, Jhaimielee Alberto, and Reana Rañola for the runner-up titles for Ms. Culiat.

Other contestants didn’t go home empty-handed, as they received special awards for

best attire, minor awards from judges, and special awards from various sponsorships.

The best attire winners were mainly Reana Rañola who hauled awards in Best in Evening Gown, Best in Casual Attire, Best in Fitness Wear, and Best in School Uniform; Josh Rubio for Best in Formal Attire, Best in Fitness Wear, People’s Choice Award, and Best in Festival Attire; Kyle Obierna for Best in Casual Attire; Ejay Narzoles for Best in School Uniform; Jacquelyn Pestaño for People’s Choice Award; while Kristel Bernardo for Best in Festival Attire.

The board of judges consisted of

notable alumni; Rommel Dela Vega, Racquel Rodriguez, Pamela Edangal, Niña Marie Ortiz, and Manuel Fernandez.

The grand winners of the pageant received a plaque, a sash, a crown, a wand, and a cash prize of P1,000.

It was a surreal moment to realize that my efforts and dedication had paid off, and I was overwhelmed with joy knowing that I made my school proud; the support and encouragement from my fellow students and teachers filled me with a profound sense of gratitude, as their faith in me fueled my determination throughout the competition," Malao expressed with mixed emotions after

by James Isaac Miguel B. Puerto

being crowned as ‘Mr. Culiat’.

Meanwhile, Lumaoang said, “I felt indescribable happiness after all the hard work and challenges I’ve gone through throughout the pageant; I felt overjoyed and relieved when my name got announced, but still nervous because now, as the newly crowned Ms. Culiat, there are still many duties and responsibilities I should follow.”

It was a tense competition among the 32 contestants striving for the crown after almost 12 years since the last ‘Mr. & Ms. Culiat.'

Ramos hailed 'Most

Outstanding Teacher’

by Pauleen Ysabel Lumaoang

r. Lito Ramos was declared the 'Most Outstanding Teacher' during the culmination of the 53rd Founding Anniversary on Friday, Mar. 8.

The announcement was held during the night of “Gawad Parangal” in recognition of the teachers’ years of service, graced by the presence of Quezon City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Carleen Sedilla and District VI Supervisor Dr. Leonilo B. Angeles.

After

the document assessment and demonstration teaching, Mr. Eulogio B. Pebres, the school principal, together with Barangay Captain Cristina “Nanay Bebang” V. Bernardino and Barangay Kagawad Alvi F. Bernardo, screened the candidates through a panel interview.

Grateful for the recognition, Ramos stated, "Isang karangalan na mahirang bilang 'Most Outstanding Teacher' at magiging inspirasyon ko ito sa aking mga nalalabi pang mga taon ng pagtuturo upang magsumikap at maging matatag sa mga hamon at pagsubok na haharapin pa ng isang guro.”

Ramos, a senior high school dressmaking teacher and the head of the Sastre de Makina, also added, "Patuloy pa sana tayong lumaban sa mga hamon ng buhay nang

may pananalig sa Diyos, kababaang loob, pagpapahalaga sa kapwa, at maging instrumento sana tayo ng kapayapaan.

The other aspiring candidates were Mary Ann B. Bigtas, Rosemarie S. Bueno, Clarita C. Cabanganan, Mylene S. Campos, Earl Carlo C. Cruz, Benjamin G. Fernandez Jr., Roda Jennely L. Francisco, Florlyn M. Gomba, Maria Paola Rose S. Lumaoig, Zandra O. Mangune, Jenneth Kristine Z. Mendiola, Karen Anne S. Redecio, Sander B. Sumaya, and Ma. Esperanza S. Ventura.

Malao and Pauleen Lumaoang crowned Mr. and Ms. CHS 2024, previous Ms. CHS 2012 Camille Basul beamed with triumph along with the principal Mr. Eulogio B. Pebres (right) and SDS Dr. Leonilo B. Angeles (left).

Photo credits: Kirvy Gian Perez

Photo

BORN TO MAKE HISTORY.

Mr.

CHS SETS HISTORY JOURNALISM ACADEMY

by Dastinne Angelu F. Fiedacan |

CSTAGGERING PERFORMANCE.

Grade

opens new horizons Sedilla urges CHS teachers to become nation builders

by Dastinne Angelu F. Fiedacan

QMs. Carleen S. Sedilla, Ceso V, prompted Culiat High School (CHS) teachers to be nation builders, in compliance with the MATATAG Curriculum during the closing program of the annually held In-Service Training (INSET) for teachers on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

With the theme:

“Strengthening the Modality of Professional Development Needs and Interventions

through MATATAG Education Curriculum”, Sedilla fortified the challenge of the BEDP Results Framework through her inspirational-led discussion.

Furthermore, she encourages teachers to use their fullest potential in addressing fundamental education services through access, equity, quality, resiliency, and enabling mechanisms for well-being and governance.

uliat High School (CHS) launched the first-ever Journalism Academy in District VI on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the CHS Audio-Visual Room.

The academy is an inclusive special field of training for all CHS students that would hone their journalistic skills such as writing, broadcasting, editorial cartooning, photojournalism, proofreading, and publishing.

“Napakaswerte ng CHS students dahil mayroon tayong programa na madedevelop ang

iyong kakayahang magsalita at magsulat (CHS students are blessed to have a program that will help to hone their skills in speaking and writing),” Dr. Angeles said.

Moreover, Angeles stressed the main concepts of the academy that can have a great impact on our school, which are historical distortion, misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.

The CHS Principal, Dr. Eulogio Pebres, claimed that,

“Malayo ang mararating ng Campus Journalism sa Culiat High School dahil bukas ito para sa lahat ng estudyanteng mahilig magsulat (The Campus Journalism will flourish in Culiat High School, as it is open to all students that are fond of writing).”

Mrs. Myrna Piedad wrapped up the launching with the saying, “Patuloy nawa tayo’y magsalita nang may kabuluhan (Let’s continue speaking up for the truth).”

Broadway Musical Exudes Studes’ Hidden Talents

Students from various grade levels exuded weeks of effort for the highlight of the English Month celebration ‘Broadway Musical’ with the theme “LET’S Read – Learning, Empowering, and Transforming Our Society through Reading” on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Grade 10 Rizal emerged as champions with their clean, wellsynchronized performance of ‘Grease’ while Grade 9 Diamond were victorious with their groundbreaking performance of ‘Cats’.

by Jasmine Kurt Condal | Photo by Joelle Marie R. Malabanan

“It took a month of preparation, planning, and a lot of sacrifice. We stumbled upon various challenges during the preparation, but it strengthened the bond of our section more,” said Churchyll Villanueva, one of the winners in the ‘Grease’ performance as Danny.

Furthermore, Avrille Cantiller of 10 - Rizal shined as the best female performer, while Janrick Morales of 10 - Bonifacio earned the best male performance award.

Alongside the Broadway Musical, promising participants in the ‘Inkheart Character Parade’, Grade 10 Reana Rañola and John Gabriel Tumolva were awarded as Mr. and Ms. Popular.

The English Club hosted numerous contests consisting

To resolve the incompetencies faced, Sedilla set the learning priorities to enrich the MATATAG curriculum, streamlining the basics for literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional values.

Concluding her inspirational lecture, she optimized the great value of an efficient delivery for the teachers to stay focused and motivated to achieve a safe, clean, and child-friendly school.

During the five-day long seminar, the teachers were given the chance to enhance their skills and enrich their knowledge in various subjects that have modernized and improved through the years of education.

MATATAG.

Ms. Carleen S. Sedilla, CESO VI emphasized in her speech during the In-Serviice Training (INSET) to use of the full potential of the teachers to address the learning needs of the students.

Photo by Lean Ollen D. Capulong

Photo Credits: Mr. Eulogio B. Pebres

uezon City (QC) Schools Division Superintendent,

awards at Lucresia R. Kasilang Senior High School on December 12, 2023.

Students partake in DEAR

by Tricia Mae Macaraeg

Students of Culiat High School participated in the nationwide ‘Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)’, also known as the ‘Catch-up Friday’ implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, Jan. 12, in all public schools.

All Fridays throughout this school year are now designated as ‘Catch-up Fridays’, based on a memorandum signed by DepEd Undersecretary, Gina Gonong on January 10; all public schools are required to participate in this activity, including CHS.

Phoebe Ngoho of 10-Agoncilio shared her thoughts about ‘DEAR Day’ saying, "Nakatutulong ang DEAR Day or Catch-up Friday sa akin kasi

Cdahil dito ay mas nabo-boost pa yung confidence ko sa pagbabasa at mas natututo ako sa tamang pagpronounce ng mga words (The DEAR Day or Catch-up Friday boosted my self-confidence in reading and taught me how to pronounce certain words).”

She added that DepEd’s newly implemented memorandum will be beneficial for all students who have difficulty teaching themselves how to pronounce certain words and encourage them to read more books.

However, DepEd says that students shouldn’t be wary of their grades, as ‘DEAR Day’ or ‘Catch-up Friday’ will not affect the student's grades because they will not be graded.

CHS Principal, SSLG ushered

DepEd’s Nat’l Tree Planting

Armed with a hand shovel and commitment to give a lifetime gift to the stake holders of our school, Mr. Eulogio B. Pebres and the Supreme Secondary Learner’s Government (SSLG) ushered in the tree planting activity on December 6, 2023, to commemorate the ‘National Tree Planting Day’ as part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) project entitled “A Christmas Project for the Children.”

Twenty students and ten members of the faculty participated in the event, who were divided into groups of three: one teacher and two students each who planted fruit-bearing trees such as guyabano, papaya, avocado, calamansi, and berry.

It is also titled ‘236K: A Christmas Gift for the Children’ (#depedxmastree) to show the value of every school’s giving to nature.

The tree-planting activity was done simultaneously nationwide.

the project was an initiative that aims to promote environmental preservationa and instill environmental responsibility among Filipino children.

according the Department of Education (DepEd) last December 2023, there were over 1.9 million trees were planted in the different parts of the country which serves as the agency's Christmas Gift for the children.

by Anaisha Ann Retodo

uliat High School teachers attain multiple achievements from the Festival of Innovation and Research in Education (FIRE) 2023 at the Performing Arts Theater, Lucresia R. Kasilag Senior High School, Bansalangin St. Veteran Village, Project 7, Quezon City.

Participants in this event are Sub-Divisional Officers (SDO) officials, 2023 FIRE semi-finalists, research journal writers, 2023 Basic Education Research Fund (BERF) grantees, the Technical Working Group (TWG), selected principals, and selected school research managers.

The participants are Mrs. Madonna B. Tabuzo, Ms. Zandra O. Mangune, Ms. Karen Anne S.

CHS Teachers attain achievementsmultiple from FIRE 2023

Redecio, and Mrs. Cristina Fatima F. Repuela.

Mrs. Tabuzo mentioned that the teachers were exposed to different kinds of research, along that their efforts for research were recognized and had given the chance to compete and showcase the knowledge they have.

They received multiple awards, of which Ms. Mangune received the best presenter award, including 2nd Place: Best in the Innovation Project with Ms. Karen Anne S. Redecio and Mrs. Repuela.

“It was an honor for us to have the chance to participate

in this kind of contest, which they had prepared for a specific amount of time,” Ms. Mangune said in an interview.

Culiat High School also won 2nd place in Best Poster Presentation, Finalist in Basic Research Project, and Finalist for Innovation Project.

Awards were also given to Ms. Roda Jenelyn S. Francisco for winning 5th place in Best Basic Research, Ms. Virgina B. Mahusay for Alab Research Journal Writer, and the Special Citation for Research award for Mrs. Madonna B. Tabuzo and Mr. Eulogio B. Pebres.

SILENT NO MORE.

Mr. Sean Sambire, speaker for the My Children’s House of Hope (Bahaybata127) launches an orientation in the CHS covered court on Wednesday, January 31.

Learn to say NO — Sambire

by Dastinne Angelu F. Fiedacan |

‘‘

Learn to say no, we should learn the importance of speaking up for ourselves because one word could change anything and prevent unwanted situations from happening that may lead to sexual harassment.

The orientation was conducted by My Children’s House of Hope (Bahaybata127) Inc., which upheld the Child Protection Awareness and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Orientation with the advocacy of ‘Ending Silence through Education’ held at Culiat High School (CHS) grounds on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Its objective is to protect Filipino children from any form of online or offline sexual abuse and exploitation.

Sean Sambire enlightens the students about the different approaches to child sexual abuse through online and physical interaction that we tend to overlook.

After observing the students’ reaction to the genitalia terminology, he pointed out, “Using such words as ‘breast’, ‘penis’, and ‘vagina’ has become a taboo in our country that leads us to have unclear communication when asking for help from our family, friends, and the local authorities; we should normalize using these

Tobey Neeruam T. Abitria

words because it is part of our body, and there is nothing we should be ashamed of about it.”

Additionally, Sambire presented a short film revealing the reality of sexual exploitation that children are facing online.

“Sometimes those who we trust the most are the ones who are most likely to put us in danger,” Sambire concluded.

The event was supported by the barangay council headed by the Barangay Chairman of Culiat, Cristina “Nanay Bebang” V. Bernardino, in collaboration with advocates from Virginia, United States of America.

SET ABLAZE.

CHS teachers exit Festival of Innovation and Research in Education (FIRE 2023) with twelve certificates and

Photo credits: Mr. Eulogio B. Pebres

Photo by:

Out of 187 students

81.8%

34 students AGREE 18.2%

153 students DISAGREE

With the raise of fare hike prices due to the oil price hike.

Gaza war won’t disrupt PH oil prices — DOE

According to the Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday, the ongoing Gaza war between Israel and Palestine won’t greatly disrupt the Philippines’ oil prices.

On Feb. 22, Brent crude futures settled higher, up 64 cents or 0.77% at $83.67 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled higher, up 70 cents or 0.9% at $78.61 a barrel.

Furthermore, disruptions in U.S. oil inventories due to the Gaza war have greatly rose due to refinery maintenance and outages, including diesel and heating oil.

In an interview in ‘Bangon Pilipinas’ on PTV, Oil Management Bureau Director Rino Abad assured, “Kung mayroon mang supply disruption sa Israel, hindi tayo affected,” (If there should be a supply disruption in Israel, we will not be affected.)

However, Abad stated that the Philippines’ oil prices will only be affected if its neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf that are also the major oil suppliers in the PH — such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iran. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar are inactive participants in the con-

by Dastinne Angelu F. Fiedacan

flict, but there might be a possible immediate spike in oil prices once Iran gets dragged into the conflict after reportedly being accused of having funded Hamas in the past which its Supreme Leader denied.

In a poll of 187 students, 34 agreed, while 153 disapproved the fare hike due to the current oil price hike.

Oil firms in the PH implemented pump prices rollback for the third consecutive week ever since the group Hamas started attacking Israel on Oct. 7.

CULIAT ANGAT

A glimpse of the School-Initiated Program

by Dr. Belen A. Ogatis | Photo courtesy: Macquel Dessa B. Salarda, Liezel T. Dela Cruz, & Lean Ollen D. Capulong

Projects, proposals, and activities of Culiat High School have various impacts on different stakeholders including students, teachers, parents, and the education system.

The school administrators reviewed and analyzed the different problems of the school from pertinent data. With the identified school’s goals and objectives, priority improvement areas, programs, strategies, and activities may help solve identified problems.

As shown in our collage, we have strong ties with our stakeholders. We have state-of-the-art laboratories that serve our students in their classes. The sinks and drinking fountains are utilized by our learners, too. We also have our projects under Reading and Numeracy, Socio-Emotional Enhancement Program, Journalism Academy, Gulayan at Palaisdaan, Online Access Catalogue, and Dressmaking Training Center.

FACED CHALLENGES

Engaging all significant stakeholders and getting their willingness can be challenging. Different stakeholders may have different preferences and concerns,

which can hamper the development of the project activity.

Meeting deadlines for the collection of data and establishing the timely completion of projects and activities can be challenging, especially if there are unexpected hindrances or blockages in the process.

Communication and coordination: Sustaining effective communication and coordination among team members and stakeholders can be a challenge, particularly in large complex projects or activities.

Assessing the success of projects, proposals, and activities can be challenging, especially if there are no clear and accessible evaluation tools.

Lastly, limited financial resources can restrict the ability to execute projects and activities as planned.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Educational projects can positively heighten the quality of instructions and ultimately improve student learning. The expansion of educational programs like our awe-inspiring Online Public Access

Catalogue is the school’s initiative, focused on increasing access to education, especially among undeserved or marginalized students. The school also implements alternative learning modalities for students who cannot attend physical school.

The school’s project entailed strengthened partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, government agencies, or private sectors. These collaborations created teamwork and resource-sharing. We are now utilizing the sponsored sinks, drinking fountains, newly painted court, and state-of-the-art laboratories that effectively implement educational narratives. Therefore, holding on to our ties will escalate the development of best practices and our projects.

Many projects and activities are designed to boost the quality of education and improve learning outcomes. This includes the implementation of new teaching pedagogies and the use of advanced educational technologies, where we planned on paying attention to automation.

opinion

from 12 seconds down to 8.25 seconds, less than the average goldfish at 9 seconds. This has already impacted students negatively. We must act promptly otherwise our future might be caught in a distraction.

A study conducted by Microsoft concluded that average human attention span has decreased by a third or 4 seconds since 2000 noting social media as one of its primary drivers. This is in line with

have slowly rewired our brains for the worse.

Furthermore, a survey conducted in the University of California reported that students are distracted 20% of the time on average. Even a little distraction can greatly affect a student’s learning and retention. Thus leading to deficiencies, especially in basic academic skills like reading.

Some learners coming from Grade 6 moved onto high school without learning how to read. Even worse

common throughout the country, further emphasizing the currently inadequate state of our education system and adapting to the aftermath of innovation.

On the other hand, we can’t just stop using our phones and computers, as our society has become overly dependent on them. They are how we communicate, access information, they can even be used for home security.

However, our entertainment has also

shifted from physical activities and social interactions to playing video games, scrolling through social media and watching movies and other videos online. Technology has only fed our obsession with the instantaneous, further contributing to the degradation of our patience and attention.

In light of all this, we must reduce our’s and our children’s over reliance to technology. One method is by engaging them in as much physical activities and social interactions as

EDITORIAL BOARD S.Y. 2023-2024

interactions to playing video games, scrolling through social media and watching movies and other videos online. Technology has only fed our obsession with the instantaneous, further contributing to the degradation of our patience and attention.

In light of all this, we must reduce our’s and our children’s over reliance to technology. One method

LIEZEL T. DELA CRUZ School Paper Adviser

AILEEN G. OBOD School Paper Co-Adviser

DR. BELEN A. OGATIS

Head Teacher III, English Department

MR. EULOGIO B. PEBRES Principal IV

MRS. MA. NIMFA R. GABERTAN Supervisor in English & Journalism

MS. CARLEEN S. SEDILLA, CESO V Supervisor in English & Journalism

JAN

Photojournalists

JOELLE MARIE R. MALABANAN Layout Artist

opinion

Are we Becoming Too Advanced?

by Tobey Neeruam T. Abitria | Cartooning by Churchyll F. Villanueva

has such a huge impact on people’s lives, so much so that it can change the lives of some people for the better and the lives of many people for the worse.

What started with the invention of the first computer has now evolved into something that can possibly make the computer itself in the future.

AI is arguably one of the most indispensable and helpful products that was born from years of technological advancements. It can be sent a prompt to write texts, books, and articles, make an artwork or generate a picture, or even make a code to make a game. However, it is a double-edged sword that can have a plethora of negative effects on people’s lives, which will change the way they live forever.

First, it can take the jobs of millions of people and render them “jobless and useless.”

According to a global survey, 35% of companies have already used and embraced the usage of AI in their workforce as it is faster, more cost-efficient, and can do what normal employees can do.

Additionally, from the same survey, it was stated that 85.1% of users had used AI to generate content like texts, visuals, and images, which spells the doom of many professionals, like writers, journalists, and authors who painstakingly mastered their craft to write stories, articles, books, and textbooks.

Furthermore, this same AI, when given a mechanical and functional body, will become robots, which can replace literally anyone who works in the service industry, such as waiters and waitresses, cashiers, factory workers, mechanics, store clerks, etc. This trend started years ago in Japan with their robotdriven restaurants and maid

SMARTPHONE USAGE DURING CLASS HOURS Commentary

Phones are a great tool used in school because of its versatility. Yet that versatility also puts the students’ education at risk. That is why we must take measures to fully harness the power of this technological marvel for our future.

cafes, robot companions for people who are suffering from loneliness and depression. Our country is also starting to catch on to this as well, like SAM, the country’s first ever mall smart robot launched in SM Megamall in April 2019, the robot nurse in Taguig, which helped both nurses and patients in mega quarantine centers in September 2020, and the automated mealserving “Jollibots” from Jollibee’s SM Seaside City Cebu branch in August 2022.

Robots are only capable of doing simple tasks, but with the steady increase in developments in AI, the limits that are holding robots back can be easily surpassed, effectively replacing the human workforce with robotic ones.

Aside from the loss of jobs, the rapid advancements and automation can make

properly without the use of it in the future. The best example of this is in schools. Because of the rising popularity of this technology, students are using it to make the completion of schoolwork faster and easier with minimal effort.

However, because of its versatility, it can easily be exploited by many people. Too lazy to write an essay, find an answer to a question, or make a script for a play? ChatGPT is there. Not sure about your grammar? Grammarly is your buddy. You need to copy your classmate’s answer, but you don’t want to make it look obvious? QuillBot has many paraphrasing tools to help you with that.

As a student, I’ll admit to using these programs myself, as they can provide me with references for questions that I don’t understand, help me

grammar by displaying what words I got wrong and how I can fix them.

It is good that we are making a lot of advancements in our technology, which can make our lives easier. Even so, it is quite saddening, as AI can evolve so much that its usage will be more viable than hiring humans for the jobs that they’re good at.

AI can do more harm than good. Even if it is helpful, we shouldn’t let it take over our lives completely. They might replace people and take their jobs, but they cannot mimic the passion, commitment, and dedication that people spent on their crafts. We must preserve these traits, as apart from biological differences, this is the only thing that can separate us from AI and robots, and just mindless zombies.

Oh wait, writer’s block.

Over 17,000 Grade 11 students will be displaced.

Not too long ago, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued a memorandum stating that state universities and colleges (SUCs), as well as local universities and colleges (LUCs), will no longer offer the senior high school program. This sparked shock and confusion as there was an absence of consultation with the public regarding the removal of the senior high school program in SUCs and LUCs. CHED claims that this discussion has been going on for three years, but considering the backlash it received from the public and lawmakers proves otherwise.

CHED should have discussed it with the public before

Hey ChatGPT, how do I end this article?

Displaced Dreams

by Khielle J. Timbal | Cartooning by Churchyll F. Villanueva

quickly issuing a memorandum. Students will now be forced to enroll in private universities, colleges, or public high schools offering the senior high school program. However, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that public schools are prepared to accommodate the thousands of displaced Grade 11 students. There have been concerns about whether public schools can really handle the influx of students. With public high schools already crowded with students, how could they handle cramming thousands more? 17,000 is no joke, and will these high schools be able to handle them, especially with the limited facilities?

As an incoming grade 11 student, it is quite disappointing to see that all of our hard work to be accepted into these universities are just wasted. We will lose our opportunity to attain a higher quality of education from these state universities and colleges and be forced to enroll in schools that might not have the same quality of education as SUCs and LUCs.

DepEd should ensure that schools are actually ready to accommodate before the start of the next school year, as this change will only result in overworked teachers, overflowing school populations, more dropouts due to financial issues, and a possible lack of proper education for these students.

Bconcrete jungle and urban sprawl that we live in, millions of trees have been cut down and destroyed.

In Philippines from 2001 to 2022, 89% of tree cover loss occurred in areas where the dominant drivers of loss resulted in deforestation. This has intensified the natural disasters and weather events in our country. More lives were lost, livelihoods were destroyed and our students education were greatly affected. That is

why planting trees en masse is a way of protecting our future.

DepEd Memorandum, No. 69 Series of 2023 was implemented by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte last December 2023, titled “DepEd’s 236,000 Trees: A Christmas Gift for the Children,” which aims to ensure that the environment is green and clean for the kids and future generations of Filipinos, as well as to project students’ agility in our environment.

A Thousand Trees for a Greener Future

The project aims to promote the environmental preservation and instill environmental responsibility in the the Filipino students. Duterte’s program is therefore a significant step in teaching pupils how to properly care for our natural environment.

Aside from its educational benefits and safer future, planting trees would contribute to the beautification of school grounds. Furthermore, it also has other mental and physical benefits for students. Trees

Letters to the Editor

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3

Dear Editor,

I would like to commend and thank our school for the provision of bookshelves where students can borrow books freely because it provides us with access to a variety of literature that encourages us to love reading.

I also appreciate the captivating mini museum in the school corridor showcasing our history that helps us acquire a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage.

While these measures are commendable, I would like to recommend the removal of unhealthy food options from the school’s canteen.

Kimberlyn K. Ong 8-Adelfa

The Fourth Coming

by Darren Thomas D. Castillo | Cartooning by Churchyll F. Villanueva

How long would we be playing in this game with trespassers, a game where only they are winning?

The tensions regarding the ownership of parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is a long-standing debate. However, this isn’t just between two countries; it is a discord for every country whose Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is occupied by China’s “Nine Dash Line,” an imaginary border that claims that everything that is included in it is theirs.

Even though China signed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they chose to disregard it and still push their claims that our EEZ is part of

their country, hence stripping us of our sovereign rights in the WPS. The Philippines chose to go to the international court to settle this and won, but to no avail, these invaders went back, further harassing Filipinos, especially our fishermen.

This must be stopped.

This has been going on for so long that we’re starting to lose our sovereignty. Not just that, but Filipino fishermen are also suffering because of the harassment and prohibitions, namely the water cannons, ship collisions, and other show

by Princess Rhoan M. Baay | Cartooning by Churchyll F. Vilanueva

can also help by improving the air quality. They can also reduce stress, making a calm place to comfort students from the overloading activities given to them, from pressure, and from other problems they have.

The tree planting project is a step into making a positive learning environment, in line with the DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda. We should support the creation of more projects like it. In this way, we can participate in improving our environment and making it

Dear Editor,

I would like to commend our school for installing a water refilling station because it provides the students with clean water, especially those who have no money to buy it.

However, I suggest that our school have a clear dress code posted in the hallways so that students would be guided to wear their proper uniform or white shirt instead of inappropriate attire.

Ryza M. Paliuanan 8-Adelfa

safer.

Our country has been suffering from air pollution caused by deforestation ever since the industrial revolution. However, it is time to make up our shortcomings. Planting trees not only benefits our students’ health, but also heals our mother nature.

Let’s start by planting trees.

Dear Editor,

I am concerned about our bleacher’s condition as it could collapse at any time, a potential risk to students. I hope there will be necessary maintenance of our bleachers to ensure the safety and comfort of the students when watching school activities.

Princess Shane Makabenta 8-Adelfa

of force tactics the prowlers employ to terrorize our nation.

Lastly, they are stealing from us right in our faces and selling what they stole from our waters to our countrymen.

Filipinos are known to be strong-willed and resilient, so why won’t we use that to push robbers out of our waters?

They are powerful, but we shouldn’t let them take us for granted. We should take our stand in this matter to reclaim what is ours and what we deserve. However, this doesn’t mean that we should go to war with them, as violence won’t

achieve anything but the loss of innocent lives.

Instead, we should keep fighting for our rights in the international court and try to form a treaty that states that unless the area is in between the Philippines and China’s EEZ, there should be no stealing, harassing, or claiming of land, water, or area. This would ensure that Filipino fishermen can keep fishing without the fear of being shot by water cannons, shone with military-grade lasers in their eyes, causing temporary

blindness, or colliding with an enormous ship during a normal day of fishing.

It is imperative that we stand our ground against the illegal occupation of our waters, and harassment of our countrymen, and fight for our sovereign rights over our rightful territory, because if we don’t, then who knows when all of our waters, islands, and sovereignty will be seized by the colonialist’s fourth coming? That’s right, no one will ever know.

Welcome to the New World of . . .

VIRTUALTAINMENT

by Eczeckiel Xerxes B. Rubantes

IThe rise of virtual reality (VR) gaming has completely revolutionized entertainment for the new generation, offering jaw-dropping and sensational experiences that redefine the very essence of fun and excitement. We’re living in an era where the latest and greatest technologies are at our fingertips, making every moment a heart-stopping adventure. It’s like having a front-row seat to an exciting tech spectacle, and the excitement of this time is

tangible. The accessibility of cutting-edge technology has truly turned our daily experiences into full-fledged, awesome adventures.

In this new generation, where virtual reality weaves its magic into our daily lives, it’s the wizard behind the curtain reshaping how we connect, share, and experience the world. New technology plays a starring role in this digital revolution, turning our lives into a virtual reality play where updates are our script, and connections are our plot twists.

Certainly, you’ve heard the buzz about streaming services, such as the largest movie producer of all time, Netflix, mobile games like Mobile

Legends, Minecraft, Cod, Genshin Impact, and the everpresent social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, X, and Instagram. They make our life a bit more fun and connected.

Let’s first talk about streaming services, like Netflix. They don’t just offer shows. They’ve changed how we watch TV. Now, we can binge-watch an entire series whenever we want. This shift turns us from passive viewers to active participants, especially with interactive storytelling becoming more common, making our entertainment more engaging.

Mobile games have also made a significant impact. From the adrenaline-fueled

battles of Mobile Legends and Call of Duty (Cod) to the creative wonders of Minecraft and the epic adventures of Genshin Impact, these games have changed how we spend our free time, bringing immersive graphics and interesting stories right to our fingertips.

Social media is a big part of our lives too. Facebook connects us with friends, YouTube introduces us to creators worldwide, Twitter keeps us updated in real time, and Instagram turns everyday moments into beautiful stories. They influence our preferences, shaping what we watch, and play, and how we connect with others. They’re our ride-or-die

companions in the daily quest for fun and connection. They keep us entertained, tag along on our escapades, and connect the dots in our globally linked world.

As we use these apps every day, they shape our experiences and connect us to a big digital world that constantly influences how we enjoy entertainment, socialize, and understand the world around us. Think of these as cool essential buddies in our daily routines.

They’re the cool companions that make life a bit more exciting and connected.

Who wouldn’t want that?

magine a simple switch transporting you from your current surroundings to soaring through the skies, riding cosmic waves, or diving into the ocean’s depths.

The Way Time Goes

As long as the clock keeps tocking and the world keeps revolving, we cannot interfere with its ways.

Growing up, we learn to observe. If we went back in time, a childhood would probably be filled with greenery. Running through fields of grass and picking wild flowers from bushes. You’d be playing outdoors with your friends, whether it be hide-and-seek or tag. In the end, you feel the warmth of home after a long day of fun

But if we venture a long day of fun in today’s terms, it would probably seem... superficial at best. A childhood where the only green seen in the eyes is the digital screen of a tablet, playing with friends and hearing their voice through loud speakers in your headphones. And after a long day of playing, you don’t have to run back home. Because you are already at home.

Yet does the excitement change? Not at all.

Because of upgraded technology, it also upgrades everything around it. Phones whose sole purpose was to dial and call people, can now be used for more purposes such as entertainment. Televisions that only had a limited number of channels to go through can

now be connected to streaming services, most notable are Netflix and Youtube.

And trust me, that's only few of the most helpful developments that advancement of technology has given.

Panic lingers in some minds though, as evident of the rapid growth of advancement bestowing on our society that nobody can comprehend. They frantically ask, "Is this the end of face-to-face interactions?" or "Will we be soon just mindless beings using computers and cellphones from now on?" and maybe even something like,

When will be the last time people will touch grass? ‘‘

Which is a concerning and realistic question, indeed.

Though, it's not as if times have changed doesn't mean you can't enjoy what activities

by Joelle Marie R. Malabanan

were done in the past. There are still plenty of those willing to play outdoors, you still have the freedom to walk outside, and you can still savor the feeling of reality outside of the roaring technological fun. It just means that there are more ways, conventional and accessible.

If all follows the method of learning proper balance in their lifestyles; balancing gadget usage and work-and-home life, then the abuse of using gadgets to too much extent can be avoided.

Progressing and straying away from the past isn't always a bad thing. In order to truly improve, we have to let go of our present and embrace whatever the future holds.

And even if we did move along too far, there will always be a trail of our progress and we can always come back and look back at what we've now become.

Alas, change is inevitable, so enjoy every piece of moment while we still can.

It's the way time goes, and we are nobody to stop its flow.

The Elephant in the room

by Joelle Marie R. Malabanan

Welcome to the internet!

Here we are in the place called social medias. It is comprised of famous applications such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and many more. In these apps, you can do anything and say anything. But in order to still maintain your peaceful life om reality while taking a break from this virtual society, you need to act exactly the way people want you to be.

So, without further ado, shall we get started on the unsaid do’s and dont’s in this realm?

One, no speaking slang or shortened words, that’s mocking black people, or African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). Two, don’t make any remarks about people’s weights, you’re being fatphobic and skinnyphobic. Three, don’t point out if people identify as inanimate objects, you’re slandering them. At least, that’s for starters. You’ll learn more once you experience actually being there.

‘‘

Ugh, why is this guy speaking slang? Are they mocking black people’s language?! Cancelled!

If people dislike a fictional character you like, it’s okay to wish for them to die. If a person is deemed ugly by online beauty standards, it’s alright to make fun of them until they wipe themselves from existence. If someone is living in a different way than you are, you have a free pass to ridicule them.

If you are to follow these guidelines, congratulations! No one will bat an eye... at least in the digital world. Yet if you were to do this in real-life, prepare to be thrown a rock to in the face, or even put to jail.

In the internet, it’s totally okay to do something and anything! But just remember to take precautions, because if not, Maybe your real-life location might get leaked, or your personal information will be exposed, and the people you’re connected to will get tormented due to a simple slip-up.

Truthfully, the internet is not as safely guarded as people may seem. With the power of doing and saying anything and nobody even knowing you, the possibilities of doing harming to yourself and to others is immeasurable.

That’s unfortunately how it is in this virtual world, just as self-damaging as it is in reality, yet no one dares to address the elephant in the room. It’s that anyone can do something so damaging to someone’s life, and yet people turn a blind eye.

In this new digital world where the fine line of oversensitivity and insensivitiy becomes even more smudged, it’s up to us to re-draw this line and be able to differentiate the wrongs from right.

...Says probably every one in every five chronically online teenager on the internet in some point of their life.

ONLINE

by Alta Keisha M. Fernandez

ependent, devoted, utterly devastated when without. A slave poetically, an addict theoretically, yet just another phone obsessed teen literally. Like a drug it starts out as something in your life barely noticeable, it’s there, it’s convenient and you can stop any time. What’s the big deal?

The ‘big deal’ is that it’s . It’s a strong word, but not an inaccurate one when describing the current relationship people have with their gadgets. Addiction is described as: feeling an intense need to engage in an activity or use a substance to the point where it could be harmful to your

wellbeing. That’s right, contrary to what most people believe, being addicted isn’t exclusive to substances and chemicals— it’s being dependent on something, and in this case that thing is gadgets.

Wait, the definition of addiction says that it’s harmful, how could something you stare at be dangerous? To answer this, it’s important to carefully consider the effects that digital dependency have on people. The harm might not be as obvious as most drugs but they are definitely still there. Did you know that sleep deprivation is actually a common symptom in addiction? For example, many

of us have traded off their sleep to get ‘one more minute’ of screen time. Those minutes quickly add up to hours, hours that should’ve been used to rest and recharge are spent endlessly scrolling though social media.

But wait there’s more, you see, physical harm comes in all shapes and forms. Although on the extreme side of things it’s not unheard of that it can induce things like weight loss/gain and also frequent sickness. These symptoms stem from when a person neglects themselves in favor for more screen time. Although these are not as common to

happen to everyone, it’s still important to for people to keep themselves in check to avoid this.

Also consider that harm isn’t only physical. Behavioral symptoms include: poor school performance due to the inability to complete assigned tasks, depleted self-worth and self-esteem due to comparisons between the self and those online, losing interests in hobbies or engaging in productive work and inability to focus for periods of time. Sound familiar? Maybe it’s time to cut back on something.

But like all addictions, the road to recovery is not an easy

walk. In a world where technology reigns over us how do you stop yourself from over indulging? As children we may have had our parents or elders to stop us from spending too much time in front a screen, but as we age we need to and have to rely less on others and practice self-restraint. This doesn’t mean that you need to get better alone though, it just means that you have to recognize that change should start with your actions. So put down that phone when you can, pick up some old hobbies.

Science Calcium Carbonate in a SEASHELL

It is quite mind-boggling to learn that the shell of one of the most common shellfish in our country contains a lot of benefits that are even comparable to the amount of nutrients that can be obtained in its flesh. This is Asian Green Mussels or “tahong”.

Usually, after these shellfish are cooked and their meat is eaten, their shells are thrown away. That’s because its shell is as hard as a rock and is not edible. However, this is packed with a chemical compound called calcium carbonate or CaCO3, which contributes up to 94% of its mass. Even though it’s not edible, it still plays an important part when it comes to strengthening concrete walls or neutralizing acidic soils.

According to a relevant

by Tobey Neeruam T. Abitria |

seen an increased number of its usage in the construction sector over the years because of its role in hardening concrete. When this is added to a concrete mixture, it increases the rate of hydration, which results in quicker hardening of concrete. On the other hand, this takes a toll on its strength as concrete with the compound is weaker than the one without it, but its strength is still fit for industrial use.

Aside from this, the compound is widely used in the agriculture sector as well. Since calcium carbonate is an alkaline material or a material that has a high pH level, it plays a role in the neutralization of acidic soils in the form of agricultural lime or “apog.” This is important since depending on what type of crop is planted, its growth can be influenced by the type and qualities of soil,

and the pH level is one of the most important of them all. For example, common crops that are planted in the Philippines like corn, sugar cane, garlic, and onion thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil. If the soil is too acidic, then the said crops won’t grow properly.

In general, calcium carbonate can be found in nature in the form of limestone, which is a fossil. However, mining is the only way to use this for the said applications above, which has negative impacts on our environment like land degradation, water contamination, and quarrying. To counter this, many people have tried to test the potential of eggshells and shellfish shells as being an alternative to this because like limestone, shells contain a high concentration of calcium carbonate it, and mussel shells

are no exception. Based on a recent study, when acidic soil was treated with commercial agricultural lime and powdered mussel shell, it was seen that both performed almost equally well in neutralizing the soil’s acidity.

This goes to show that even though mussel shells are commonly seen as “wastes” and should be thrown away, it has a ton of potential to be an alternative for limestone, which can prevent its detrimental effects from harming our environment, which can also lead our world to a safer, cleaner, and sustainable future.

... even though mussel shells are commonly seen as "wastes"... can prevent its detrimental it has a ton of potential to be an alternative for limestone, which effects from harming our harming our environment...

Photo credits: A-Plus Paints, Eater, & Wet Fish

NEVERENDING HEAT

NOAA records hottest January in 21st century

by Darren Thomas D. Castillo

On Feb. 8, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported January 2024 as the hottest January recorded in the 21st century.

Global surface temperatures reached a record high 1.27°C (2.29°F) above the 20th century average of 12.2°C (54.0°F).

2024 topped the January 2016 Record of 0.04°C (0.07°F).

It also marked the 48th consecutive January and since March 1979 that is above the 20th century average temperature.

IN THE PHILIPPINES

PAGASA stated that 2024 may be “one of the warmest years on record,” with temperatures reaching higher than 40°C in some areas of the Philippines with El Nino this March-May contributing to the rising temperatures.

‘‘ We are the crew not let is sink. of our ship, and we must

2024

had the hottest January being 1.27C above the 20th century average as recorded by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Due to this, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) has started melting at a faster rate. With the root cause being us, humans, what can we do but face the repercussions of our actions?

Our Boat is Sinking!

by Darren Thomas D. Castillo

Global Warming has been a constant issue ever since the industrial revolution. Countries have taken measures to combat it such as the Conference of the Parties, better known as COP and The Paris Agreement of 2015. However, we are still not out of the water.

The Philippines’ Green House Gas (GHG) emissions growth rate is 8.40%. The country is considered a net emitter of GHGs and ranks 6th in Southeast Asia. We are still considered a developing country, and we are at the stage where carbon emission peaks. However, if we do not start thinking about our future, it might become a shipwreck, unrecoverable.

In just three decades, a major part of the west coast of Metro Manila, home to approximately 9 million Filipinos will be below the average sea level as the water continue to encroach onto land. Even though our city itself will not be underwater, the shoreline will be much closer to our city, putting us

in greater risk of floods, and storm surges.

According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the ice shelves melting in Antarctica this 2023 – 2024 melting season is above average. Additionally, thermal expansion plays a big role in sea level rise accounting for 47%. Water expands when it is heated, and with the ocean absorbing 90% of the trapped heat in the atmosphere, we can see why thermal expansion plays such a huge part.

Our nation has committed itself to reduce carbon emissions by 75% by 2030, citing the possible increase in usage of renewable energy sources such as solar,

wind, and hydroelectric, and suggested the use of climate benign or climate friendly technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells. Even if it is a seemingly steep goal, we must do our best our country achieves this goal.

January is only the start of our year. Our days will get hotter and hotter and eventually melt all the ice in Greenland and the ice caps if we do not start acting to intervene today. Every little effort like favoring biking or walking, saving electricity in our homes, and supporting our government in environmental projects will help save us. We are the crew of our ship, and we must not let it sink.

Photo credits: GMA Network

by Fian Vixen P.

Wearable technology

started with the invention of eyeglasses in the thirteenth century. While there have been timepieces made since the fifteenth century, some of which were small enough to be worn, contemporary wearable technology did not emerge until the 1960s.

What is it?

Any electronic gadget intended for user wear is known as wearable technology or “wearables.” These gadgets can range from jewelry, accessories, medical equipment, clothing, or parts of clothing, among many other forms. These can be implanted in the body of the wearer, worn as an accessory, or even

The Future at the Wrist of your Arms

tattooed on the skin.

Some of the most advanced wearable technology examples are virtual reality (VR) headsets with holographic computers, Google Glass, Microsoft’s HoloLens, artificial intelligence (AI) hearing aids, and the most recent Apple Vision Pro.

Use in healthcare

The term “wearable healthcare technology” describes medical monitoring equipment that is worn on the body, such as a wristwatch, to help track the wearer’s health information. Another example of this is a skin patch that has sensors that can transfer patient data wirelessly to a control unit in a medical facility.

The challenge facing the medical field, policymakers, and industry is to collaborate to identify a low-cost, high-quality means of implementing solutions that will benefit and enhance medical care delivery and accessibility.

Our Unhealthy Affection forJunk Food

ver since the introduction of junk foods in people’s lives, it has been advertised everywhere from TV commercials to billboards on streets.

Its main appeal is mainly due to its eye-catching design of packaging, as well as taste that can only be classified as flavorful with a hint of artificial to boost.

It is popular among young people not just these days, but ever since their debut. But a thing that some may not know is if consumed too much or daily, it can lead to major physical and mental complications. Their IQ can drop as a result. A 1.67-point decline in IQ was shown to relate to each point rise in the 12-point unhealthy food score. The

by Lean Ollen F. Capulong & Joelle Marie R. Malabanan

brain’s memory core, the hippocampus, is affected negatively by junk food consumption, according to a conducted study.

Examples of these junk foods are French fries, burgers, potato chips, soft drinks, and artificially-sweetened beverages. They generally contain a significant number of sugar, salts and chemicals which can have an adverse effect on mental health.

In some schools, these harmful packaged goods are being sold inside campus in canteens and co-op stores. Even with the high and expensive pricing of these unhealthy foods, students still buy them due to their availability and their

uncontrollable impulse to eat something that brings their taste buds a sense of rush.

Because of this, students are being taught to practice bad habits such as relying on junk foods to accomplish their intake of their daily meals in replacement of healthy food. Which in turn, has adverse health effects for the students practicing it, naive to the dangers it will soon cause.

You can figure out whether the food you choose to eat is healthy by looking at the nutritional facts. It’s best to eat fruits and vegetables instead of items like this every day. Don’t cut your life short too soon.

It is truly fascinating to see how the simple concept of a “wearable magnifying glass” to help people read has led to the invention of a wide variety of products that can be used not only for medical and everyday uses like fitness tracking, performance monitoring, and navigation, but also for entertainment such as interactive gaming, which makes you feel that you are in the game that you are playing physically. These advancements can make our lives easier, more efficient, or simply more exciting, colorful, and entertaining.

3 out of 10 students consume junk food as an alternative to daily meals.

Cabote | Photo credits: Getty Images

Laro ng Lahi’s PRESENCE

by Jan Denver B. Briones | Photo

Jumping like a bunch of kangaroos, we raced to the finish line sweaty, panting, and filled with enjoyment as our friends cheered. I was deadlocked on winning the game when my left foot tripped on my right. Everyone around laughed out like crazy when I hit face straight on the muddy rice paddy and emerged like a “taong putik”. That was one of the best memories I had with Karera ng sako.

Luksong baka, Piko, Tumbang preso, Karera ng sako, and Hilahan ng lubid --- these traditional games usually enjoyed by kids in the streets that provided us with fond memories with our childhood friends are now finally in the Palarong Pambansa known as “Pinoy Laro ng Lahi,” where Filipino athletes show their strength and skills in a game they grew

RA Step in the Right Direction

by Jan Denver B. Briones

ising student-athletes of Culiat High School (CHS) showed their unwavering strength and skills during the 2024 Division Athletic Meet (DAM) held from February 7 to February 17. Win or lose, their performance is what mattered the most.

The student-athletes performed with integrity as they fought with their hearts and minds. They gave everything they could to try and win this multi-sport event. I can see in their faces that they excelled so much in a sport they love.

CHS Warriors, our school’s athletics team, with their coach, Mrs. Clarita Cabanganan, returned with awards from the 3000M Run, 100M Hurdles, 2000M Walk, Triple Jump, Shot Put, and Discus Throw. Alongside James Claude Gabriel A. Angara of 9-Beryl and Apryle Rose E. Billones of 11-HUMSS Aristotle, who qualified for the NCR Meet 2024. It is a proud moment for

F. Villanueva

the school to see them excel at such a competitive level.

Though other sports teams were unsuc cessful in striving for trophies, they thrived with their all to come back with wins. And they’ve only come back to the Division Meet after years. Experience matters more than winning. I find it an experience they can use to improve and keep training towards winning more competitions. Their performances bring glory to our school and inspire others to grind for greatness with maximum effort. They remind me of the importance of dedica tion, discipline, and teamwork in achieving success.

I am amazed, knowing how these stu dent-athletes succeed in participating in national competitions is surprising. Show ing us their superb talent is a step taken to their journey.

“Pinoy Laro ng Lahi,” or “Filipino Traditional Games,” represents a cultural heritage in the Philippines that has been passed down through generations. Most of these games have origins dating back to pre-colonial times, making them an essential part of the nation’s history.

Sadly, the growth of modern games made possible by technology and other sports played worldwide caused a gradual reduction in the popularity of these traditional games. Even so, as part of the country’s history and culture, we must preserve these games to connect young Filipinos to their roots and keep the traditional spirit essential to our hearts.

That’s why in 2019, The Department of Education first introduced the “Laro ng Lahi” at the 62nd Palarong Pambansa, where the Department’s officials and personnel participated in playing Kadang-kadang, Patintero, Hilahang-lubid and Karera ng Sako.

The inclusion of Larong Pinoy in the said multi-sport event aims to promote and preserve the country’s rich

culture and traditions and for the new generation to appreciate, experience, develop, and help revive traditional Filipino games.

“Para sa’kin, well appreciated yung mga games or sports originated from our country. Kasi more on foreign sports na yung tinatangkilik na’tin, why not pasikatin natin yung mga sports na tayo mismo nag imbento? Maganda yung ginawa nila na umabot na yung mga larong pinoy sa mga national competitions,” said Mr. Marcial E. Renacia Jr., MAPEH teacher and basketball coach.

With the promising addition of the traditional Filipino outdoor games, the world of sports in the Philippines will witness the revival of the old and have an epic comeback, colliding with the ‘new’. But with this new addition, we still have yet to know about whether this addition to the new generation will impact the competition inside the world of sports in our country.

Will the appearance of Filipino games in the Palarong Pambansa change the face of Philippine Sports? Who knows? Filipinos may excel again in traditional games.

credits: Flickr

|

Photo by Churchyll

RISING TENSION. Culiat High School Basketball Varsity members Charles Baldemoro, Jefferson Congreso, & John Leoriel Avanceña play against opponents of Melchora Aquino High School for their tuneup game on January 18.

CHS newbie shines in Badminton Women’s Singles Semis on Division Athletic Meet

by Tobey Neeruam T. Abitria

Culiat High School (CHS) newbie Raihana Macasasa defied expectations as she clinched 2nd place after competing against the top players in District 6 and conquering the semifinals in Badminton Women’s Singles during the Division Athletic Meet on February 14 at the Belarmino Sports Complex.

The first half of the semis started as a really close fight, but was led by Rhiana Velloces of Ismael Mathay Sr. High

School (IMSHS), 11-10.

However, Macasasa managed to turn the tide by abusing Velloces’ backcourt weakness with lifts and clear, ultimately wearing down the former’s morale and defense, 18-15.

Despite this, Velloces got up and tied the score with Macasasa’s consecutive errors, 18-18.

A grave error made by IMSHS at 19-20 gave the

opportunity for CHS to deliver the finishing blow with a kill, ending the barnburner game, 19-21.

This win served as her ticket to compete against the top players of the division.

In a statement with her coaches, both of them expressed their happiness and appreciation for Macasasa’s win.

“I am very happy kasi bago [pa lang] sya eh. I think

CHS reigns in Athletic Meet 2024

by Jofie Zaiysha Percil

C4 months pa lang sya magtitraining pero natalo niya ang mga player ng buong district six, so that’s really something, ‘di ba? (I am very happy since she’s still new [in competing]. I think it has just been 4 months after she started training but she managed to defeat the top players in the district six, so that’s really something, right?)” stated by her mentor, coach Marilyn Espedido.

“Happy and proud,” also stated by one of her mentors,

uliat High School’s (CHS) student athletes managed to show their talents in their respective sports during the 2024 Division Athletics Meet on February 15-16 at the Ultra Pasig Sports Complex.

coach Jamaica Jaquez.

When asked about what she needs to do to improve her play, Macasasa said that she needs to work on her footwork, smash, and serve.

After the finals game against another IMSHS competitor, Ayisha Bariso, it was determined that Macasasa placed 2nd among the dvision and would be playing in Bracket B of the upcoming matches against the top players in the division.

someday, when they graduate, they will have a better future out of playing,” she added.

She also told the athletes that they should just enjoy the game, since if they fail, there will always be a second chance.

Among the wide range of sports, students bagged trophies for the 3000M Run, 100M Hurdles, Triple Jump, 2000M Walk, Shot Put, Discus Throw, and Javelin Throw categories, with two students qualifying for the Regional Athletic (NCR) Meet.

“For the students who won, I feel proud (of them), and for the students who didn’t, I feel disappointed, but I always see the brightest side of it. Since we know our fault, next time, as much as possible, maybe we’ll train harder in order to not make the same mistake again,” said Coach Nylmarie Espedido.

“I hope that they work hard and give pride to the school, and

In an interview, 2000M walk first placer James Angara expressed his happiness and fulfillment as he won the gold medal in the said tilt.

“I felt so happy after the competition because all of my hard work and all of the time I spent on training have been paid for by a golden medal,” he stated.

He also said that his failure in the previous competition inspired him to strive in this event, but he also added that it was influenced mostly by the support his family and friends gave him.

CHS extends its gratitude to the athletes who exerted their effort, time, and talents to participate in this competition.

SET ON TARGET.

Raihana Macasasa prepares for a receive from an attack on her opponent during the Division Athletic Meet at the Belarmino Sports Complex on February 14.

Photo by: Tobey Neeruam T. Abitria

REAPING WHAT WAS SOWN.

(from left to right) CHS Warriors Aya D. Matikango, Jhay Mae R. Mungcal, James Claude Gabriel A. Angara, Apryl Rose E. Billones, John Paul C. Mangahas, Pearl Jhoana Heart R. Serios, & Emelyn Jane D. Dalinog cherish their medals after winning and participating in the Athletic Meet 2024.

Photo credits: Clarita C. Cabanganan

Official English Publication of Culiat High School Tandang Sora, Quezon City July 2023 - May 2024